Wednesday was like no other day I've ever had in my life - and probably won't ever again.

How often do you put on your best clothes and head to Buckingham Palace for an appointment with the Queen?

There I was among a sea of celebrities - Jonny Wilkinson (rugby), Colin Jackson (sprint hurdler) and a host of other honorees. And me, Shaun Goater, collecting an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to football and the community.

It was truly amazing.

If you had seen me that morning, though, you would never have guessed I was preparing for a big event.

My house was absolutely chaotic. I was trying to get my twin daughters ready for the babysitter while getting dressed as well.

Only after I'd put on my morning suit did it really dawn on me that this was no ordinary day. I've got admit I felt pretty good, very stylish. You know, ready for it!

I do enjoy getting dressed up for the odd occasion and I rather liked being in my suit. I suppose it's because I don't do it too often that makes it special.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I wished I'd gone for the top hat like England's football captain David Beckham. That would have completed the image. Yeah, I should have gone the whole nine yards.

As we're only 40 minutes from London, I opted to drive in on the morning rather than stay in a hotel in the city overnight like many invitees to Buckingham do.

There were endless security checks before we got inside the Palace but once we were there I must say it blew me away - totally. The extravagance, the layout, everything was awesome.

My mum and wife were ushered off to where the guests would be while I was shown to another room for a short briefing on procedure and some light refreshments. Unfortunately, a last-minute touch of flu prevented Kyle Lightbourne from attending. It's a pity he missed out on a tremendous day.

You'll read more about my experience elsewhere but, as a footballer, it reminded me of when your team gets promoted. What do you do? You party. So that's just what Anita and I did that night - well sort of.

As luck would have it, Reading footballers and their wives were having their Christmas dinner that night and it was a fitting way to celebrate. To cap it all, my phone at home was constantly ringing with congratulations.

Now, I've come back down to earth and the focus is again on my right knee which is on the mend after last week's operation.

Things are progressing well. I had my first little jog yesterday and, though I still have a bit of swelling around the joint, I'm not worried. That's just fluid from the operation which will gradually decrease in the next week or so.

In the next few days, I'll begin doing little strides along with more jogging. I'm also doing some weight work to strengthen the knee.

While I continue my rehabilitation I'll be keeping a close watch on Reading and what my team-mates are up to.

Tomorrow, we play Stoke after a good 2-0 away win over Wigan last Saturday. Our striker Nicky Forster was back on target and that will boost his confidence no end.

At worst, we should be looking at a draw against Stoke. Don't get me wrong, they are a decent team and we shouldn't underestimate anybody but they have not been in the forefront this season and I don't see why we should lose.

It's a great opportunity to move further up the First Division standings before Christmas.

Speaking of another great opportunity, last week's League Cup clash against Premiership leaders Chelsea was huge for the club.

I was unable to attend as I was recovering from my operation but our 1-0 loss was no disgrace and, from what I'm told, our lads thoroughly enjoyed testing themselves against some big-name stars.

It was funny to hear how they were boasting about which Chelsea players' shirts they got after the match.

I'll be out of action on the field for a few more weeks but I've been invited to play a role in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Sky Sports have asked me to do match analysis for the Manchester United-Manchester City clash. It will be my second commentary stint following my first outing when Arsenal were away to City earlier this season.

However, this game is a whole different level. Everyone knows my connection with City and the massive rivalry between the clubs. No doubt being back in that atmosphere will evoke memories of the two goals I scored last season in a winning effort at home against United and then the headed equaliser with my first touch as a substitute in the return encounter.

I'm not sure United will be too happy to see an old City warrior like myself in their midst. It will definitely be interesting and there will be thousands of City fans watching who will probably be eager to hear my perspective.

I'll also be keen to see if my old team have improved. Can they beat United again and show last time wasn't a fluke?

In addition to the game itself, I'm looking forward to catching up with some of my old City mates and having a good chat.

All in all, it should be great.