Not for the faint-hearted Off to the airport later for a long weekend back in Blighty. A combination of work, play and a joyous day out at The Valley! This is my first trip off island since I came back from the UK last time early August.

It got me thinking how much my life has changed since I lived in Chicago. For the same period last year I took eleven flights, was in 10 cities and also had visitors staying for a couple of weeks. Am I more relaxed? I think the fact that yesterday I played football, had a golf lesson, followed the Charlton game (best way I could) and was in bed last night to watch a Gavin & Stacey re-run on BBC America at 9.30pm shows my life has unquestionably slowed.

I'm looking forward to this weekend, seeing my son of course and also catching up with some mates and my Mum & Dad. The Valley on Saturday won't be for the faint-hearted. I've been there before, although I'm not sure what my son will think off it.

I fly back on election day, November 4th. God knows what will be on American television after the election but I do plan a bit of an all nighter glued to the box as hopefully the free world votes in real change and a president that the rest of the planet can relate too.  ¶ 14:33