GeorgeVilla82

Which law firm Spoony? I'm senior commercial lawyer for the John Lewis Partnership, and we instruct loads of firms in London.

Yep, I've got an empty house in Sutton Coldfield that's up for sale. It don't qualify for any relief or discount whilst it's empty - I have to pay full council tax on it, despite not using any services in Sutton Coldfield (I live in Hertfordshire), So I asked them if it would be cheaper for me to say that I lived there on my own, which they agreed that it would, as I would qualify for 25% discount. Completely ridiculous.

We went to the eastern islands in August, and chose east over west for that reason. Weather was pretty good - in 10 days on Ko Samui and Ko Tao, I reckon we had one cloudy day, and rain showers most days but for no more than an hour a time.

It's been a while since I last went, but in the summer, I seem to remember that the better beach weather is in the eastern islands (Ko Samui, Ko Tao etc) rather than Phuket and those on the western side. We spent 3 days in Bangkok (just about long enough, although I wouldn't spend any less time there) and then flew down to Samui. Had 5 nights on Chaweng beach (too commercial for me, albeit a beautiful beach) and then caught a boat up to Ko Tao, which was amazing. Beautiful island, amazing beaches, much more relaxed atmosphere than Samui. We stayed in a place called Thipwimarn, up in the hills - each room was an individual villa for about £50 per night. Although I drank too much on the last day and then had to get the boat back to Samui Good diving in Ko Tao as well, if you're into that kind of thing.

Looking good Jenny!

So, kicked him out tonight - he's just left. I caught him lying about where he'd been (which just happened to be in the same area where this woman lives), so I'm done. You were all right - I gave him more than enough chances (stupidly, really) and he threw them back in my face. Very sad, but at least the tension has gone and I know where I stand. Just need to get on with the rest of my life now. Thanks for all your support amd comments (even those which said to DHUTWU) - much appreciated.

Well, he says that he still loves me, made a massive mistake etc etc etc, but he doesn't know whether he wants to get married and have kids (which is a prerequisite for me, especially after what happened). So he's going to move out by the end of this week for a month or so, to think about whether he can give me what I want. If he can, then I will think about whether I can move on from all of this and get back together - not sure I can, to be honest, but it's not easy walking away from a 15 year relationship. The comment I made last week about Baselayers is looking like a much more attractive prospect at the moment!

I'd have been gone from VT a long time ago if I was scared that easily!

Not quite so young Wainy316, but the rest is accurate, yes. However, I could never replace Baselayers. Hmm, she's had a rubbish time with men as well and I think she's about my age. Maybe we should just get together - probably would be easier than trying to find a decent man (no offence to you lovely people, of course).

Just added a profile pic, as the username does tend to lead to people thinking I'm a bloke! Thanks for all the advice - really appreciate it. Weird talking to a bunch of strangers about something so personal, but it's actually quite therapeutic. Think I just need to be brave and move on - can't imagine being single, but it can't be that bad...

Anyway, He's a prize prick! Get rid! Sorry, should have explained - the "George" is short for Georgina :-) Rodders - thanks, that all makes sense. Trial separation would be good, maybe that's what I'm trying to get at with asking him to move out. But you're right - I can't imagine trusting him again, TBH, so probably best to move on. If anyone knows any eligible bachelors in the London/ Hertfordshire area..... (joking!)

I don't often post on VT, but at times like this, talking to strangers on a forum seems like a good idea. So, I've just found out that my boyfriend of 15 years has been cheating on me since November with a colleague. I'd suspected that he was (he was being really quiet, always had his phone with him - even took it into the shower etc), but he denied it when I asked. Then I caught him on the phone to her tonight in the car outside our house - idiot had it through the car speakers and didn't realise I was standing on the pavement. I heard her declare her undying love for him. Trouble is, I'm 32 and don't really want to be starting again. We have a house, car, bank account etc together. When I confronted him, we had a long chat (all very civilised - no shouting) and he said that he doesn't know what to do. Things haven't been that exciting between us, but we have been together a long time. He is in love with the idea of this other woman (although she is married apparently - nice), and isn't sure if he wants to work through things with me. Writing this down, he comes across like a complete dick. Maybe that's why i thought posting here would be a good idea, to make me see sense. He says I deserve better. I'm not too bad looking, and have a good job in London. Thinking objectively, i should walk away. But it's hard to imagine being on my own after all this time - most of our friends are joint friends (we went to uni together), and I don't really want to have to move house. Equally, I'm not sure I could ever trust him. I've said that I think he should move out, as we need some space apart. There's no right or wrong answer I guess, but it's just all pretty shit. Sorry for the essay - just needed a place to get it all out (and not to friends who will just make me cry by being sympathetic etc). Any advice very welcome!

Had a really good meal at Cafe Murano (London) last week - great proper Italian food, good atmosphere, not ridiculously priced. Notable mentions also to Opera Tavern, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (although ££££) and the Polpo group of restaurants.

Sounds like you're doing a very similar trip to me. Going early April, 3 nights in KL (Traders Hotel) followed by 7 nights at the Shangri-La Rasa Ria, just outside Kota Kinabalu. Can't wait - hotels look great, and there's a sanctuary for young oragutans next to the Rasa Ria.

Have they not nicked the slogan on the scarf from our song that started at the Wigan away game end of last season, and has been sung at other game since? "I don't care about [Wigan], they don't care about me, all I care about, is AVFC..."

Caul. Absolute nightmare to find, none of my local butchers can get it for me. I live in St Albans but get it from Birmingham indoor markets when I'm up.

That trip sounds fantastic. Will definitely look at Pangkor Laut, it was on the radar already. We've both got our PADI certificates, and learnt to dive in the Maldvies where we saw a whale shark and manta rays - absolutely unforgettable, so would love to see them again. Xela - will pass on details of the Beach Club Cafe to the other half, as a reward for being dragged around street markets. The 'George' in 'GeorgeVilla82 is short for Georgina :-)

Fantastic, thanks all. Shillzz - good tips, definitely want to do some diving if we can. I'm really into good food and cooking, so will be eating a lot of street food. Also planning to see the Batu caves and Petronas Towers, as every visitor to KL does, I suppose. Flying with Malaysian Airlines on the new A380, which is also quite exciting (for me, anyway!) Tonyh - keep me posted after your trip with any recommendations.

I'm just about to book at trip to Malaysia for next Easter, 3 nights in KL and then flying to Borneo to spend some time with the orang-utans and a few days on the beach. Any recommendations about places to go, things to see/ do/ eat or general tips?

I live in St Albans (which is a great place to live IMO). Unfortunately, it's not far from either Luton or Watford, both of which are complete dives.

Caramel and pretzel chocolate clusters from M&S - absolutely addictive. Biscuity, salty, chocolatey goodness.

Made fresh pasta for the first time today, then rolled and formed it into ravioli with a ricotta, spinach and lemon filling. Kicking myself that I've left trying it for so long, as it was really easy (just eggs and 00 flour, mixed together, kneaded and rested). Used a pasta machine to roll out, stuck the two sides together with water around the filling and then cooked in boiling water for 2 minutes. Bit of black pepper, butter and Parmesan - absolutely delicious. Definitely going to try out different varieties now. Any suggestions?

I'd be surprised if Virgin don't sign up with BT Sport before the start of the season. They left it late with ESPN and the Sky F1 channel (presumably in an attempt to get a better deal with the broadcasters) but usually end up with the channels. Sky Atlantic is an exception - gutted about that. But I'd definitely recommend Virgin - broadband is really quick, reliable and TiVo is pretty awesome.

Being asked to correct your boss's work, then having to explain to them in Janet & John terms why you've made the various amendments. I'm a lawyer, and when your boss is getting the law wrong, it's pretty worrying.

Just watch out as there's usually engineering work over Easter on the West Coast mainline (used by Virgin and London Midland), which is the reason I'll be driving up for the Liverpool game rather than catching the train. Check the train times and journey durations, but you may be better on the Chiltern line.