For those who know me, you will know that the last few months have been proper hectic, and I would like to apologise for neglecting my blog so much. 

My aim is to blog on a regular basis but in the meantime I thought it might be with introducing myself and my site...

- See more at: http://www.coolmanchester.com/index.php/CM/introduce-yourself/welcome-back-to-coolmanchester-com#sthash.uIIMq12l.dpuf

Ive just joined coolmanchester.com and will hopefully be contributing some stuff to the site. Although I live in Preston, for me Manchester was the BIG city that, as a kid we were taken to for a treat! All the big fancy buildings and stores! Even now I associate Manchester as somewhere to go to do something special. Whether that is to see a concert at the MEN, going shopping in the Arndale, wandering around Afleks Palace or hunting for presents at the Christmas Markets!

Ive freaked out on the Big Wheel!, gone searching across the city on the Cow Parade and pretended to be a pop star in concert on the colored steps at The Triangle!

Leigh

Two years ago I was happy with 500 hits a day and now it gets over 10,000!

Because of the current success, I just want to say thank you to the guys that have helped make this site what it is. From my lovely partner Joe [the real brains of the site] to Andrew and his music reviews the website wouldn't be what it is today

People who know me though know that I don't like to let the grass grown for too long [metaphorically, no bitchy comments about my garden please!] and I am constantly looking at ways to improve the place.

What do you see this site as being about? Any feedback you have would be greatly appreciated.

I still want the site to be an open discussion forum where people can sign up and blog about anything they like, but at the same time I've noticed that the most popular pages are the reviews. Is this something that we should do more?

You can let me know you views by commenting at the bottom of this post. In addition to this we also have a Facebook page and can be found on Twitter [@cool_manchester].

You can also if you wish follow my own Twitter feed [@bluejovanka - blatant self promotion!]

Further to my previous blog about the Coalition For EQUAL Marriage, http://www.coolmanchester.com/index.php/CM/manchester-pride/coalition-for-equal-marriage-don

the government are carrying out an equal civil marriage consultation.

As quoted on the website, The key proposals of the consultation are:

to enable same-sex couples to have a civil marriage i.e. only civil ceremonies in a register office or approved premises (like a hotel)

to make no changes to religious marriages. This will continue to only be legally possible between a man and a woman

to retain civil partnerships for same-sex couples and allow couples already in a civil partnership to convert this into a marriage

civil partnership registrations on religious premises will continue as is currently possible i.e. on a voluntary basis for faith groups and with no religious content

individuals will, for the first time, be able legally to change their gender without having to end their marriage

Current legislation allows same-sex couples to enter into a civil partnership, but not civil marriage.

If you would like to participate in this consultation, the form can be found here:

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/consultations/equal-civil-marriage/

I have completed the form and it only takes a few minutes, I would strongly recommend that all same sex couples do the same thing and share this document everywhere, it's a very good way to show the current government how we feel.

I have never minded not being able to drive, however this Christmas I decided I would take a block of lessons using my Christmas Bonus from work and pass my test. I did, I managed to pass on March 1st 2011 with only 4 minors, it was great. The issue then arose when I was trying to get insured on our car.

Whilst I was learning, I attempted to be put on Matthew's insurance so I could drive as "extra credit", the insurance company wouldn't allow this as I didn't have a full license () - well no, I don't  - I'm learning idiots! Never mind, Mum tried to get me on hers to drive her car when I am in Bury (every two weeks), her insurance company doesn't insure anyone under the age of 30! So, when I passed my test, the first thing we did was call up Matthew's insurance company who said no, they don't insure anyone who hasn't had a full license for 2 years  (See how that changed from when I was learning), so the plan has been since then to change providers when the insurance renewal comes up so I can drive.

That happens on July 1st! In 4/5 days (depending on how you count days). From Friday July 1st I am legally allowed to drive the car. I am so looking forward to it! As a "new" driver, I don't have any restrictions, but I have got an extra excess on our policy for me only, for the first year of my license I have an additional £150 to pay if I am in an accident (total £400) - suffice to say I don't plan on being in any, but it will be very expensive if I do 

I always said when I learned to drive, I would pay the difference between the policy price of Matthew on his own and then adding me on the policy. This turned out to be £20 difference for the whole year - in my favour! The policy was actually cheaper with me on it!  So, I was generous and paid the deposit on the insurance instead.

I understand how insurance prices have increased over the years and some insurers are trying to cover their backs but how are people expected to learn to drive (lessons aren't cheap) and practice their driving if you won't insure learner drivers? I wouldn't have minded paying a little extra excess, or only being able to drive between certain hours, but an outright stop on them? That is ridiculous! And to not accept new licensees as additional drivers (again with restrictions or extra excesses) is a bit daft. How exactly am I mean't to improve my driving, if I can't drive?!

A lot of couples have "issues" when they can both drive (and only have one car) - who takes the car and when etc,. I am lucky as I work from home so I will have the car most days. I will be taking Matthew to the tram stop and he can go off from there. As for going out, I have said that I will drive *to* places and then Matthew can drive back. This might seem unfair to some people, but as Matthew doesn't drink... why waste a good night out!

Anyway, as I have said, from Friday I will be insured, I really am excited about it. Already planning on going to Bristol, although I am not sure if I will be driving there yet - we'll see. I hope I haven't bored you and you have enjoyed my post.

Joe