I want to start the penultimate chapter of 10 resolutions by
telling you about one of the funniest things that I've seen in recent years,
and mainly because of the urban justice of it.
At a supermarket (that will remain nameless) in
Gloucester last week there was a group of people collecting for Help the
Heroes. One of these people was probably close to my age and clearly had part
of his face and leg damaged in service (confirmed by a conversation later). He
was also in uniform and in a wheelchair. People walked passed and put money in
their buckets (as I did when I walked into the store) - but 20 minutes later I
came out to see something completely vile.
A group of 6 or 7 older teenagers (15-18 year
olds at a guess) had assembled in a group close to the collectors and they were
all laughing at the serviceman. He ignored them and carried on collecting and
speaking to people that walked past. As the group’s laughing and insults
continued to get louder though an older man with a walking stick started
walking towards the group of teenagers. Initially, the group thought nothing of
the older man coming towards them but as he got closer, a member of the group
started focusing his attention on the man (as it was clear he was coming over
to speak to them). As the man arrived to speak to the teenagers, the one who
had been mocking him shouted out (in an accent that can only be described as
west-country gone wrong chavette)
“What dya fink you is doing mate? Where is your
f*****g zimma frame”
And then, in a moment of sheer courage and
priceless timing it happened…..The older man stood as straight as he could and
in one swift motion and with all of his strength he swung his walking stick
straight into the teenager’s groin. As the teenager keeled over in pain, the rest of the group
fell silent and almost instantly stood back. Then the older man bent over and
said something to the teenager that the few people around couldn’t hear (but
the one obvious word that I could pick out was ‘respect’).
And with that – the group of teenagers started
laughing at the mouthy teenager and I’m sure that I’m not the only one that
wanted to run over and high-five the older man. I also wish that I had the
courage of the older man to do what he did. To go and speak to the teenagers – and
it’s
really easy to look at something like that in hindsight, to say, “yeah, if it
happened again….” (You know what I mean). But there isn't much in me that is
convinced that the same kind of feelings wouldn't flood over me again.
In case you hadn't heard, it’s Christmas time –
and the even more crazy thing about that little reveal is that it is nearly a
year since 10 Resolutions began. But chapter 23 will be
the sentimental one with revelations and stuff – this chapter will mainly be focused
on the fact that I am now old and my thoughts / ramblings about the festive
period. To keep things in a vague kind of logical order though, I’m going to flip
the normal order of a chapter around and lead up to some festive questions /
rambles at the end rather than starting with them. So what has been happening
since chapter 21?
And who have I met along the way?
Parties Parties Parties (and a trip to the
hospital)
As I’ve probably
mentioned once or twice (joke) – I’ve been hurtling towards 30 for the best part of a year
- and at the end of November (in a joint party with Dan) I finally crossed over into brand new
territory and into a new decade of life. You’ll be pleased to know
that it doesn’t feel much different (yet) from my 20’s - however I do now have
a somewhat ridiculous amount of grey hair developing. Thankfully though that
doesn’t bother me (we’ve just got a problem if I start balding!). But anyway, my birthday
was the first of four parties that I’ve attended in the last few weeks……..
The Birthday Bash
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| The Day After (Yes...that is a onesie) |
Dan and I had been planning our birthday for
months and it went off without a hitch (so thank you to everyone that helped out). The
room looked beautiful, the bar was cheap and I felt completely blessed and honoured to have so
many people from so many different moments in my life come along. I even lost
track of the amount of times on the night that I felt completely overwhelmed
with joy to see different people (some of whom I hadn’t seen in ages). If you made an effort to come up for the night – then
thank you - as it meant the absolute world to Dan and I – and it was an evening
that we will never forget.
Kraig Dixon
Kraig is someone that I met through someone else
(I've now pretty much lost touch with the someone else) – but Kraig has now been part of
my life for somewhere close to 15 years – and no one person has made me laugh
as much along the way as Kraig either through his actions or his words. He
never takes himself too seriously (despite supporting Chel$ki) and beneath the
outward projection of Kraig lies at his heart a man who simply cares for those
he loves. And what an amazing thing to have at your core that is. Kraig
however, is not particularly good in the mornings ESPECIALLY on stag dos – as was evident
on Dan’s Stag-do last year….
Phil to Kraig (After having spent the majority of
the day playing paintball which Kraig missed due to our previous heavy night):
“Kraig, have you been in bed all day”?
Kraig then replies:
“No Phil, I’ve only been in bed until this point”
It was an absolutely priceless moment.
If you are feeling down, Kraig will cheer you up
and he has a completely infectious personality. He is one of my favourite people to
spend time with – I just wish that he didn’t live so far away!
Craig Simmons
I met Craig (along with loads of other people) as part of the
Faction about 10 years ago now and he has now become one of my closest friends.
I don’t see him very often (as he is a “little bit” of a jet-setter with
his job) but when I do we always have loads of fun - and perhaps most
importantly I feel that I can open up to him. He makes me smile despite him
being a grumpy old man (in his late 20’s) and I always know that if I need him he’ll be there for
me. He’s a great friend and I am enormously proud of the man that he has become.
Ally Winter
I’ve known Ally for pretty much exactly the same
amount of time that I’ve known Cass (and that’s because they used to work together) and from the
first moment we got on really well. Ally loves to laugh (including at herself)
and she is able just to pick out really funny things in the world. Aside from
that though – Ally is one of the most supportive people I’ve ever met and I can
think of so many times when she has been there for Cass (and me) in recent
years (including being a bridesmaid). She always makes an effort for her friends and I always look forward to
seeing her when she is around. Ally is completely larger than life and if I
described her in one word it would be FUN. Simply put – Ally is a legend.
Kirstie’s Birthday
Kirstie’s birthday was the Friday after my Birthday and
the evening started with a trip to my favourite pub in Gloucester - before
ending up in the best night place in the shire (Café Rene)…….And as back in chapter 17 I said that I'd introduce you to some more of my colleagues and friends from work (who I actually spend a fair bit of time with outside work as well) - spread across this chapter seems to be a good time....
Kirstie Chidlow
I’ve worked with Kirstie now for about 7 years and I
have watched her grow into an amazing person. She is funny, smart, friendly,
trustworthy and probably in loads of ways knows me better than I know myself.
She is also one of those people that just when you think you have her figured
out you’ll see a completely different side of her or discover something
about her that is completely fresh and adds to her overall jigsaw. I love
spending time with Kirstie and actually find her really refreshing (even though
I haven’t quite figured out her fondness for drinking JD).
Claire Barsellotti
I’m lucky enough to know loads of compassionate
people and Claire is without question one of them. She is also one of those
amazing people that just manages to make people smile wherever she goes and she
can light up a room with her personality. She’s bubbly and bouncy yet completely sincere and empathetic whilst possessing real grace. Claire has
recently come back to work in our office and I honestly didn’t realise how
much I missed having her around.
The trip to the hospital.....
The Monday after Kirstie's birthday I ended up in London hanging out with Simon for the evening and having a few beers (whilst he mocked me for not drinking ale) - but the aim of hanging around Big Smoke for the night was so that I could go and see my friend Lu in Charing Cross hospital the next day......
Lu Leach
Lu (wife to Terry) is very simply one of the strongest people that I have ever met. Since I’ve known her, I have lost track of the number of times that she has been in hospital due to her condition but she has never given up hope and she is a true inspiration to me and so many others around her. She is blunt (something I love about her) and will put me in my place if I’m being out of line. But on the flip side of that she is also amazingly caring and has rescued me in so many ways more times than I care to imagine. She’s a pillar of strength and hope combined with a beautiful heart – and she is quite simply amazing.
Windsor Antics
The following Saturday was Lucy's birthday night out in Windsor. Despite living near Windsor growing up, I'd never been there for a drink before (and after experiencing the drinks prices...it was fairly evident as to why!) Obviously I found a bargain though....and that bargain happened to be buckets of sharing cocktails for a tenner which were LUSH (so nice in fact that I didn't share.....) It was also great to catch up with Lewis, Chris, Phil, Rach, Sophia and Bradley again on the night....ooohhh and congratulations to Lewis and Lucy on since becoming engaged (a decision that I should point out was NOT made under the influence that night.....)
Christmas Party Time
Friday 13th was my work Christmas party which saw us invading other Christmas parties and initial 'fury' over no wine being on the tables. With that part being over though...a massive contingent of us descended into Gloucester City Centre for what was my 4th great party night in as many weeks. No stories to tell here - just a fantastic night (and I got in about 5am....AGAIN)
Jamie Wilkins
I met Jamie a few years ago in a pub whilst
watching the football (as a side note - I wonder how many friendships have been
formed in Blighty in that very same way). Jamie was friends with someone I was
working with at the time (who was there as well) and then as the year passed on
I saw him quite a bit at different matches in the pub and other social things.
I eventually lost touch with the person that I met Jamie through - but that
summer Jamie started working in the same office as me and we started spending
more time together.
He is an avid (yet normally realistic) Liverpool
fan (who actually knows about football), he’s not afraid to speak his
mind (or to stand up for those around him), he is always looking to have fun
(including at his own expense) and he has absolutely no understanding of those
that are awake and bouncy in the mornings (as he is not). And I wouldn’t have him any
other way because as sad as it may well sound – I’ve really loved getting
to know Jamie over the last few years (despite his occasional Liverpool
delusions) and I feel really blessed to be able to call him my friend.
Howie Jackson
DJ Howie “Action” Jackson is probably the person
who knows more people than anyone else I have ever met and if you walk into a
pub with him he WILL know someone (and quite often the person that you least
expect). He will make an effort to get on with anyone and everyone - and it
always amazes me just how humble Howie is. He’s loud, he’s a joker, he’s snapchat’s biggest user
and he’s a great friend – just never expect him to be on time.
Jo Pockett
Jo Pockett is the only
person i know who would pre-work out dance moves with a broken foot for the
Christmas party (after breaking her foot the week before). Jo is determined,
selfless, friendly, a great mum and really easy to get along with.
Last month Jo arranged a
fund raising day for the Neuro Foundation (which was a success). And I don't
think I've ever seen someone act with such drive to make something happen (as
it nearly fell apart a number of times in the build up). On the flip side
though...She also eats a worrying amount of rabbit food (the thought of which
terrifies me).
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| Jo (left) Kerri-Anne (Right) |
Kerri-Anne Wood
Always giggling there is no question that
Kerri-Anne likes to laugh. But
even beyond that I think it's fair to say that Kerri-Anne is one of the nicest
people I have ever met. She also has an amazing ability to speak with authority
without raising her voice (her words carry real weight). Kerri - Anne lifts the
spirits of people when she is around and that sounds like such a simple thing
but it is so important. She's great to be around, a fantastic mum and I'm
really looking forward to spending more time with her - as well as watching her
become the person that she has started to become.
Hayley Drake
I don't think that I have
watched anyone grow and develop as much as Hayley has in the time that I have
known her (7 or so years). Hayley has become outwardly more confident whilst
developing a playful feistiness about her (which she uses on a near daily basis
thanks to the antics of the rest of her team).
Hayley is a geek (self
confessed) but she is also friendly, an individual, supportive, loves arty
stuff (I will be abused for that comment) and also has a fantastic taste in
music. Underneath all of that she also has an amazing, caring heart which at
times she might try and hide - but in fact with every moment becomes more
evident.
Wifey's Birthday......
For a brief 4 weeks in the
year, Cass and I are only a year apart in age. But on December 15th that
changes as the gap again grows to 2 years. I took Cass out to her favourite
restaurant on the 14th (after recovering from the Christmas party the night
before) before taking her shopping the next day. So Happy Birthday wifey....and
more on shopping in a bit....
Christmas Questions.....
I'll speak about what I've been up to over Christmas in Chapter 23 - but I just wanted to answer now some Christmas questions that have been asked.....
What do you like most about Christmas?
Christmas is one of my favourite times of year -
because spending time with friends and family is one of my favourite things
(and my heart breaks for those that aren’t able to do that). Obviously with working shifts
though I don’t get to do as much of it as I’d like and it can get me a bit down. Sometimes it
works out really well with shifts (like this year I’m off on Christmas Day
and Boxing Day and seeing people on the 22nd and 23rd)
but at other times it works out really badly (I worked Christmas morning last
year and virtually every other day in the Crimbo period). I’ve got a lot to
be thankful for though, and Christmas is a really good time to reflect and to
realise that.
I’m also not very good If (I’m being really honest
about it) with remembering the real meaning of Christmas and the “why” part at
Christmas time. I (like so many others) tend to get so drawn into everything
else around Christmas that I end up forgetting about the background. I lose
track of the “about” section – and coming from someone who believes what I
believe that’s really bad – but I am working on it.
The other thing I love is a very simple thing – and
that is at Christmas time you generally see the best in people. You see people
going out of their way to help others and it can be amazing to watch and be a
part of. Kindness is everywhere on a daily basis anyway (unlike what the Daily
Mail would have you believe), but at Christmas time – it’s just more obvious. So a
challenge for you (and me) this year is to go out of your way to help someone
this Christmas time that you know needs support in one way or another. It could be
that they’ve had a hard year and they just need someone to talk to, or it
could be that you know someone that is going to be alone on over the period. Be
the person that stands by their side this Christmas and helps them through.
What don’t you like about Christmas?
I have two (quite massive) pet hates about
Christmas – and I’ll explain why for both (although one should be blindingly obvious):
1.
Christmas Carols. No – I am not Scrooge. I do not walk around saying “Humbug”. When
I was growing up however, my Dad was a Team Vicar. And what this meant was that
at Christmas time I would more often than not have to go to 4 or 5 Christmas
services over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (think how late presents must
have been in the day!). I don’t know how
long it takes you before one song starts to grate a little bit at your soul…but
I can honestly say that if I never hear “away in a manger” again it will be too
soon. I completely understand that carols can have a massive impact and even on
those that don’t go to Church (and that is fantastic) – but for the most part I
will go out of my way to avoid them (which on reflection probably ties in with
how I find myself lost in Christmas and forgetting the meaning …. And yep
that’s a revelation for me right there). Still, one carol I will never tire of
(if it’s done correctly and not done with a choir of screechers) is Silent
Night. Absolutely beautiful.
2.
On the Facebook page last
week – I mentioned that I might say something controversial. And it’s about the
other thing I don’t like about Christmas – Shopping. Now for the vast
majority of things, I now do my shopping online. Let’s face it, it’s much
easier. You might enjoy wading through tides of dawdly people in town. But I
don’t. Dawdly people frustrate me, and I hate crowds of people – so Christmas
shopping isn’t for me. But as I started wandering through Merry Hill shopping
arcade last week for Wifey’s birthday something started occurring to me and I
started developing a plan for how to fix Christmas shopping. Now let’s face it
– weekend Christmas shopping is absolutely vile – but when I was doing in this
shopping centre last week something that really started to dawn on me was the
sheer number of people that didn’t need to be there. For instance, people that are
retired have no need to go shopping at the weekends (unless they need someone
to go with them). So why do they choose to go when it is much busier?
Similarly, people that don’t work for whatever reason (I’ll leave that to cover
a wide range of groups) have no need to go at the weekends either – and taking
the majority of those two sets of people out of weekend shopping would make a
massive difference and with less people crammed in at weekends and more spread
out in the weeks leading up to Crimbo then the high street actually might have
people like me return to it rather than doing everything online. So there it
is…it’s not a finished idea and it might come across as selfish - but it also
might stop some dawdling and stop the violence amongst people fighting in Asda
for the last pack of pigs in blankets.
What is your favourite Christmas film?
As a confession – I didn’t think that I liked many
Christmas films. As it turns out though, I do actually like quite a few. I’m not as sold on
Elf as wifey is, but it’s certainly a film that is growing on me (and that’s probably lucky
as I’m
forced to watch it every year) but the Muppet Christmas Carol is a film that I
adore and it has me in stiches of laughter every time I watch it. I also love
It’s
a wonderful life and are films that aren’t really Christmas films but are set at Christmas
allowed to count? Because if they are then things like Gremlins and the grossly
underrated Just friends also come into play. Oohhhh and that also means Die
Hard comes into play. Yippee Ki-yay……
When did you first
discover that Santa wasn't real?
Say what????? What are you saying here???
Seriously though - when you start to get socks in your stocking it's a sign
that the game could well be up.
So there you have it. The last chapter for the
year. The final chapter (or season finale) will emerge in the first week or so
of January and I'll be taking you through a number of resolutions...and showing
you where I've dropped a few hints about what they could be. For the time being
though, let me just finish by saying that I consider myself to be honoured and
completely blessed to have so many amazing people in my life. Christmas is a
time for reflection, and writing this chapter has really reminded me how lucky
I am. So thank you for being part of my life. I'll leave you all with this
video.
10 resolutions will
return soon so please subscribe using the white box above, keep up to date
via Facebook or the twitter. Merry Christmas and a
happy new year. And happy birthday JC - for without you Christmas wouldn't even
happen.
God bless
Andi
