tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29414988629529209522024-03-13T04:29:44.358-07:0010 Resolutions and Stories About LifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-12078467240589278982015-09-11T08:16:00.000-07:002015-09-11T08:16:19.263-07:00Chapter 26 - The Last Few Months (Part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
It's been over five months since we last spoke. And the worst thing is that I don't really know why. I guess part of it is that I've been adapting to a new way of living (Mon-Fri working for the first time EVER) but even as I write that, it doesn't well explain a 5 month absence. But anyway, I'm here now - and over the next few weeks I'll fill you in on everything that has been going on and everything that is coming up. I'll also be answering some of your questions (random and bizarre as some of them may well be).<br />
<br />
As an early heads up though - for a number of reasons these past 3 months have been really hard on both Cass and I. Now don't get me wrong here, it's not all been doom and gloom as there have been some brilliant moments in there as well (which I'll talk about) - but overall I think that this has been the hardest period of our lives since <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-9-story-about-sorrow-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: cyan;">chapter 9</span></a>. Hopefully though, we are beginning to come out the other side.<br />
<br />
In this post I'd like to look at two major things from the last few months.....<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">My Back</span></b><br />
To explain how I'm currently feeling (and for you to get the right context) I first need to explain about my back.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qgh3A9VW0-Y/VfLEz07QHtI/AAAAAAAABGA/1juJixQhG5Y/s1600/Painkillers%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qgh3A9VW0-Y/VfLEz07QHtI/AAAAAAAABGA/1juJixQhG5Y/s1600/Painkillers%2B3.jpg" /></a>Over a month ago now, I woke up in loads of pain around my Kidney which stretched around to my spine. Fast forward to today and it turns out that I have (somehow) torn a muscle in that area of my body. I'm currently in my 2nd week of physio (today is my 4th session overall, but it'll be my 2nd with a private physio and I've already had two with the NHS) and whilst I've got more movement than I had a month ago (good news), if I don't take my painkillers (that could probably tranquilise a large elephant and constantly leave me feeling nauseous, very drowsy or downright weird / a combination) I'm in no less pain than when I started.<br />
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I'm desperate to get back to work as I love my new job and my team, but I was foiled in my attempts to go back on Monday by the doctor and physio. I've been off work since this started and whilst being off for a week or something like that could be a novelty - it has long since worn off. And whilst the company and my boss have been nothing short of exceptional with their duty of care for me. I'm only on probation - and if I was in their shoes I would be looking at me as a big problem. I'm not really an anxious person, I don't really worry and it takes a fair amount to phase me, but in this instance I do worry a little bit about about my job (especially as I'm only 4 months in) but I also worry that I've been letting people down who have been forced to pick up my workload because of my absence and I also worry that I haven't been there for my team when they have needed me. And this has led to me yesterday being told by the physio that I've been pushing myself too hard to get back to work and being told (for the second time this week) that I have to learn to understand that if I go back before I'm ready that I could cause myself longer-term damage.<br />
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This week to get out of the house and to exercise my back into a kind of sitting up at a desk environment (the most painful position for me) I went to the cinema. But I lasted just over an hour before being in so much pain that I had to leave. It was at that moment that I felt the most down. I'm generally a positive person, but in that moment I could see just how much further I had to go - and it scared me. When I saw the physio yesterday I was told off for trying to push my exercises through the pain barrier. If I'm being completely honest about it - I'm also worried that she was hiding some information from me. That she knew something about my injury or my potential recovery time that I didn't. I'm hoping that it's just my mind over-thinking things - but she went completely out of her way half way through our appointment to go and see if my X ray results from the previous day had been processed yet (even though they should normally take a week).<br />
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But you get the general idea. I'm worried, I'm a bit scared, I'm frustrated with myself. I'm going stir- crazy and to be completely honest about it - I'm starting to feel a bit lonely.Yet at the same time I'm amazingly thankful to the company I work for and to my boss for being so patient with me and just for caring about my well being by looking at me as a person and not as a simple name on a spreadsheet. So that's kind of where I am at the moment - but that's definitely not all that has been happening over the last few months....and in comparison - it pales in significance with what Cass has been going through.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;"><b>Cass's Grandparents</b></span><br />
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Cass had always had a very close relationship with her grandparents (her mum's mum and her mum's mum's adopted brother) as all of her family had lived together (parents, grandparents and Cass) since Cass was very young. On the 31st May though Cass's adopted grandfather John died from a heart-attack and on the 16th July Cass's grandmother Gwen passed away following a week in hospital.<br />
<br />
Cass and her family have obviously been left heartbroken by these losses. Whilst we always thought that they would go at similar times, we never expected them to be so close together. And whilst the pain is still raw for all of us (and will be for a very long time), I find it hard to describe what Cass and her parents have gone through and what they are feeling at the moment - so I'm not going to try.<br />
I've spoken about loss in 10 Resolutions before and if I'm being honest about it - much more than I'd have liked to have done (to not have to speak about it at all would have been much more preferable) but instead of going over that stuff again I'd like to do something else.<br />
<br />
I was given the amazing honour of doing the eulogy's for both John and Gwen at their funerals and as a tribute to them and to help you understand a bit more about them, their amazing lives and the type of people they were I'd like to share them with you now.<br />
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When I first started this blog and you started following my misadventures and rants, I also promised that I would be honest about my feelings and that I wouldn't shy away from stuff that might be painful. These eulogy's were the hardest things I've ever had to write, but I hope that they paint you a picture of the amazing people that we have recently said goodbye to.<br />
<br />
<b><u>John Arthur Bradford (Brad)</u></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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Good afternoon everyone and
welcome to Gloucester crematorium. For those of you that don't know me, I'm not
a vicar and I don't work for the crematorium. But my name is Andi Foster and
the easiest way that I've worked out to explain what relation I was to John is
by saying that I was John's adopted grandson in law. This is probably the hardest
thing I've ever had to do, yet it's a complete honour to have been asked by the
family to lead this time with you all today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b><span style="color: cyan;">Matthew 5:4</span> Blessed are those
who mourn for they will be comforted</b></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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We are here today to
celebrate the life of John Bradford and to say goodbye to our dear friend. Over
the next 30 minutes or so, a couple of us will share a few memories and
thoughts about John and his life with us. Crucially though whilst this is a sad
occasion, John would not want it to be. So whilst saying goodbye is never easy
and while this may be hard, let's focus on the amazing man that John was, and
the memories that he has left us all with as we prepare to say goodbye to him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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John was dropped off with his
baby sister at Barnados at the age of 7 and never saw her again. After a decade
in the system, he joined the army aged 17 and was based in Palestine.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_VTT3VAx23E/VfLmdJegs-I/AAAAAAAABG8/V1mSNMGH61E/s1600/John%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_VTT3VAx23E/VfLmdJegs-I/AAAAAAAABG8/V1mSNMGH61E/s320/John%2B3.png" width="320" /></a>On leaving the army, John
went to look for his Dad in Grantham, where he met Doreen and her husband
Bernard and he stayed in flats owned by Doreen's sister Doll.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He then moved back to Gloucester with
Doreen and Bernard, and started living with Doreen's mum and has stayed with the
family ever since.<o:p></o:p></div>
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His first job in Gloucester
was as a bus conductor (as that's what he did in Grantham). He then went on to
work at the Fleece hotel as a hotel porter alongside Doreen and Bernard who both
also worked there (Doreen as a chamber maid and Bernard as a hotel porter).<o:p></o:p></div>
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At this time, Bernard and John
surprised Doreen by buying a house for them all together on Wellington Street
where they lived for 10 years (This was also where John started to learn the guitar
- taught by Bernard's brother) and John left the hotel to start working for
Permali welding before leaving to work for the gas board for 26 years. He later
had part time jobs working for NCP car parks and as a stage hand in the
evenings at the Regal theatre.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After Wellington Street -
Doreen, John and Bernard moved to King Edwards Avenue where Kim was born and
they lived there for 22 years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Following Bernard's death the
whole family moved in together At Fox Elms Road and have lived there ever
since.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It's quite hard summarising a
mans life into a few short paragraphs if I'm honest and I'm sure that at
whatever moment you met him, and at whatever stage of his journey you came
across him you would have a number of stories to tell about your time together.
About your memories of John. About how your lives crossed paths. And I'm sure
that as we all gather together later, these stories will be told. Some will be
stories that we reminisce about, tales that we have heard before and love, but
I'd imagine that there will also be brand new stories about John's life that
highlight what an amazing man he was and serve as an example to show just how
many lives one man can touch. Words won't and words cant do him justice, but
just over the next few moments - I'd like to try my hardest and share some of
my thoughts on a man that we all loved.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A number of years ago I
started pondering a number of life's big questions. I started off with the easy
stuff like would I rather watch XFACTOR or the Twilight Films, what would I do
with an extra day in the week or if I could only eat one sandwich for the rest
of my life what would it be? You know, the big stuff. But as I continued to
think, the questions became more challenging. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What would I actually say if
I came face to face with a celebrity that I look up to. You see most of us
would probably put on a front and become the sort of person that we think the
celebrity would want us to be. John wouldn't have been that person though. With
John, the person you saw was the person you got. And if he ever did come face
to face with one of his hero's you genuinely get the idea that John would end
up being the story teller of the two of them. John could tell some amazing
stories as I'm sure we could all agree.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The questions of life I was
thinking about then started to get harder. They became questions about my
character, a person's make up if that makes more sense and the person that I
wanted to become in the future. There are so many words or attributes that can
be used to describe someone. And I wonder how all of us would describe John. A
man who loved to laugh no doubt. A welcoming and friendly man. A man whose
first question to me on entering his house was if he could get me a beer. But
beyond that who was John? I'd say with little question that to me he was a man
of compassion who would help anyone he saw struggling and put his needs far
below others, a man of strength who would come out fighting in the hardest of
circumstances and a man of integrity who would follow his heart to make the
right decisions. He was a man of courage and one of the most honourable people
I've ever met.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The question that has been
hanging over me though is how I'd like people to remember me when I go. It's a
massive challenge for all of us. What is the legacy we leave amongst those that
are left. As I’ve been pondering this question over the last few weeks though
I've found the answer in John. John was an inspiration who touched so many of
us. But even more than that - John was a good man and when I get to the end I
would love nothing more than to be known for that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I probably didn't know John
as well as some of you or get to spend as much time with John as I'd have
liked. But John was a man that you could spend time with and in just a few
moments he could have had a massive impact on your life. He certainly did on
mine. It was an honour to have known him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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simply for knowing him I have become a better person. I'm sure that part of him
lives on in all of us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I don't know what you believe
or what John believed in his final moments, but after not being able to play
his beloved guitars for a number of years now - I like to think that he is now
looking down on us completely restored. Guitar in one hand and a whiskey and
lemonade in the other. Let's just close our eyes for a minute to pray.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;"><b>Lord, Thank you for John and Thank
you for the many lives he touched. Thank you that he made us laugh, made us
smile and told us stories that changed the way we saw the world around us. I
pray that you comfort his family and that you bring us all peace now that he
has left. I pray that you look after him as he watches over us. We commit him
to you now.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;"><b>Amen.</b></span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Goodbye John.</div>
<span style="font-size: 26pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><u>Gwendoline Doreen Cleobury</u></b></div>
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Friends,
family – good afternoon and welcome to Gloucester Crematorium as we come
together to say goodbye to someone that we all loved. We all knew her by
different names, Gwen, Gwendoline, Doreen (and probably some that I don’t know
about), but as I knew her as Gwen, that's what I'll be calling her today.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway,
For those of you who don't know me (or who weren't here 6 weeks ago), my name
is Andi Foster. Just to manage your expectations here, I’m not a Vicar or a
Pastor and I don't work for the Crematorium - but the easiest way of explaining
what relation I was to Gwen is by saying that I was her Grandson In Law. And as
hard as it may well be, it is an absolute honour to lead this service, this
tribute to Gwen and this celebration of her life. <span lang="EN-US">Let's focus on the amazing woman that Gwen was, and the
memories that she has left us all with as we prepare to say goodbye to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b><i><span style="color: cyan;">Matthew 5:4</span>
Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Gwen
was born in Gloucester to Elizabeth and Henry White. She was one of 6 children.
Her brothers were Ron, John and Bert, whilst her sisters were Doll and Pearl.
Growing up she went to Finlay school.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At 14
years old, Gwen started working at the Reservoir Army camp looking after the
German and Italian Prisoners of War with her best friend Dink who later became
her sister in law (Bert’s wife). One day an Italian Prisoner of War she was
looking after played a prank on her by jumping out and surprising her from
around a door. The prank backfired though as Gwen ended up cutting her nose.
However, recognising the spirit that the prank was meant in, Gwen refused to
report the Italian to the base officers who would have harshly punished him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gwen
then went on to work for Compton's (a shirt making company) before leaving to
start working at a toy factory with her sister Pearl. Gwen started working at
the factory so that Pearl wouldn't be starting alone, but once they were
separated to work in different parts of the factory production line, she found
that the role she was given (putting hundreds of each type of box together) was
too physically demanding and a while later left the factory. Gwen then went on
to work at the Plaza cinema with her older sister Doll. She lived at home with
her mum and dad and all of her brothers and sisters.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shortly
after, Gwen met her (future husband) Bernard who worked on the railway. They
married in Wales when she was 19.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gwen’s
sister Doll then moved to Grantham, but when Doll’s first husband died, Gwen
and Bernard moved up to Grantham to be with her. It was then that Gwen and
Bernard met John and he became part of the family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VqN6Bfpy4qg/VfLmi0Wkb4I/AAAAAAAABHw/8uwyyRbWmLM/s1600/Gwen%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VqN6Bfpy4qg/VfLmi0Wkb4I/AAAAAAAABHw/8uwyyRbWmLM/s320/Gwen%2B2.png" width="241" /></a>When
Doll then met and married her 2<sup>nd</sup> husband Charles, Gwen, Bernard and
John moved back to Gloucester and lived with Gwen's mum until whilst working in
the Fleece Hotel, Bernard and John surprised Gwen by buying a house for them to
share on Wellington Street. Gwen then became a mum to Kim at 34 years old and
decided to stay at home as a housewife.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The family
then moved to King Edwards Avenue, but after Bernard died in 1980, the whole
family (including Gwen, John, a now married Kim to Simon and their daughter
Cassandra) moved to Fox Elms Road in 1985.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gwen
had lots of friends and family over the years and was loved by them all. Sadly
though, many of them have passed away before now - but Gwen will be happy that
she is now together with them all again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I
didn't have the pleasure of knowing Gwen for as long as some of you did. I wish
I did. I wish I'd met her in her prime and had longer to ask her questions
about how she saw the world and about what was going on in her life. I hadn't
even met Gwen by the time she had pretty much lost her eyesight, so in her
later years I wonder how she imagined the world. I wonder how it looked to her
and if her senses were heightened like a superhero after losing her eyesight.
I'm also curious to know if she secretly turned her hearing aid off throughout
the X factor auditions. But I'm not going to be able to ask those questions
anymore though. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Looking
back at her life though can tell us a number of things about her character, so
whilst I may not have known her for as long as most of you I'd just like to
share a few thoughts with you over the next few moments. My words will never be
able to do her justice, but I'd like to try.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The
first thing to mention is that Gwen was a lady with a kind heart. It's an obvious
trait for us all to pick up on and something that we have all seen but it's
something vitally important to mention. From an early age Gwen showed kindness
to those around her. Whether it was to an Italian Prisoner of War or starting a
new job with her sister so she wouldn't be starting alone. Gwen has always had
a kind heart and that's something that was reflected in her later life as well.
She was always looking to help (I've lost track of the number of times she
helped Cass and I) and she always wanted to be there for those around her
(including always asking me if I wanted bacon). But Gwen’s kind and
compassionate heart also has a legacy as it is something that is now ingrained into
Kim who in turn has passed it on to Cass.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The next
thing I started to ponder was about Gwen giving up work at 34 years old when
she had Kim. I'm sure we can share some stories about this time in her life
when we gather together at the Robinswood Hill Club to raise a glass in her
honour later but she had certainly done a lot (and had more jobs than most
people have had in their lives). But I started to wonder if she had done
everything she had wanted to by that point in her life. If she had achieved and
accomplished everything that she had wanted to do. Obviously part of it came down
to the culture of Britain at the time, but the question for me remained. It was
an incredibly selfless and sacrificial act. The answer to this question for me though
was found in part of our time together in the hospital.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On
the first Wednesday night in the hospital we were told that there was a very
high chance that Gwen wouldn't survive the night (or her operation, or
generally her time in the hospital). As we were waiting for Simon and Kim to
get back from Benidorm, I went to the chapel about 9pm that evening and prayed
a very simple prayer. Please just let her hold on until Simon and Kim could see
her to say goodbye. Gwen had been asking for them that night whilst she had
been going downhill pretty quickly. Cass and I were anxiously awaiting the 3am
marker when they would arrive. Time quite literally stopped that evening but
after an unhealthy amount of Wimbledon highlights and late night TV it
eventually came, as did Simon, Kim and Denver - and with their arrival I was
silently overjoyed. We said goodnight to Gwen for what we thought would be the
last time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Except
that it wasn't. We arrived at the hospital the next day to see Gwen’s spirits
lifted and to see her chatting away to Simon and Kim like nothing had happened.
The change was astounding. She was talking more to us than she had done since
before John had died. Having her whole family around changed her. Love had saved
the day. Love had helped her to keep fighting a little bit longer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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You
see family was Gwen's future. Nothing was more important to her. When she gave
up work at 34 years old, she might not have done everything that she had wanted
to, but for her that paled in significance to the joy of her family and the
love that came from it. When Gwen had Kim, her world opened up, the next stage
of her life began. It didn't stop. It was simply the start. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At
the hospital, we also discovered that Gwen was a lady of incredible strength. Whilst
she had been brought in after a fall, it was quickly evident that something
else was wrong with her. Gwen had been poorly for a very long time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I was
told in the hospital that she was a lady of incredible strength and courage and
that they were amazingly surprised given how poorly she was that nothing had
previously happened. I was also told that even if she hadn't fallen, her
timescale would have been the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUjok0yoC4k/VfLmixQ45yI/AAAAAAAABHg/QAt77spSZS8/s1600/Gwen%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUjok0yoC4k/VfLmixQ45yI/AAAAAAAABHg/QAt77spSZS8/s320/Gwen%2B3.png" width="320" /></a>I've
wondered since then if she knew that something was wrong. It's another question
I'll never know the answer to. But if she did, she certainly didn't show it
until her final days. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It
would be easy to say that perhaps she was too proud to say that something was
wrong. But the doctor said that nothing could be done and because of that I'm
much more inclined to think that she was one step ahead of the game and that
she just wanted to be on her own terms as much possible. She just wanted to go on
surrounded by the ones that she loved and just gradually drift away. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Whilst
it seems strange talking about favourite moments in a hospital (and I promised
I wouldn't mention the story of Gwen hilariously high on Morphine) I'd just
like to tell you about my goodbye with Gwen. On the Monday morning I was
driving into work when I had a little prompting to turn around and go back to
the hospital. Cass and Kim hadn't arrived yet and in that hour I had the best
conversation with Gwen that I had ever had. She told me that she always asked
John about the Arsenal scores to speak about with me, that she prayed for us
all and she told me stories that I'd never heard or been told about her life.
That wasn't the last time I saw her, but that is the moment I have chosen to remember as the time I said
goodbye. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AO2rTRl3VpA/VfLmjyx-5lI/AAAAAAAABH0/1WPhzj21uQc/s1600/Gwen%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AO2rTRl3VpA/VfLmjyx-5lI/AAAAAAAABH0/1WPhzj21uQc/s320/Gwen%2B4.png" width="200" /></a>How
we choose to remember someone is up to us. No one can dictate that. Thankfully
we've all got some amazing memories of Gwen. When someone you love leaves you,
they never truly go. They stay in your heart. Their legacy stays with you. They
become part of you. And I can say without question that Gwen's kindness, her
courage, her strength and her love of those around her will stay with me
forever. I wonder what she has left everyone here with. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It's
never easy saying goodbye to someone that you love and it never should be. And
the longer you’ve known someone, the harder it becomes. Gwen had lost her
closest friend and someone she had spent a massive part of her life with. And
if I'm honest, I think the truth is that
no matter what was physically wrong with her, that Gwen died from a broken
heart. And as heartbreaking as that may seem to many of us now - think of the
party she is now having with John and Bernard and everyone else she has now
been reunited with.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: cyan;"><b><i>Lord.
Thank you for Gwen and for the impact that she had on all of our lives. Thank you
for the memories that she has left us all with and thank you that she is in no
pain and now at peace.</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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To
Gwen. May angels lead you in.<span style="font-size: 28pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ2s-FWBTXk/VfLqwPCf6yI/AAAAAAAABIA/zrfGWauOFDE/s1600/physio%2Bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ2s-FWBTXk/VfLqwPCf6yI/AAAAAAAABIA/zrfGWauOFDE/s1600/physio%2Bow.jpg" /></a>So hopefully now you've got a better idea of what has been going on with us over the last few months and a picture of the amazing people that have left us. It certainly hasn't been an easy time - but thank you for all of your messages of support along the way. I'll be back with Part 2 of this catch up next week, but in the mean time - if you want to send me a question to answer (and please think of some light - hearted ones as this has been pretty heavy) you can do that in the comments section below, on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" target="_blank"><span style="color: cyan;">Twitter</span></a> or through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/10Resolutions/" target="_blank"><span style="color: cyan;">Facebook</span></a>.</div>
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Right, I'm off to be attacked by the physio again. Wish me luck.</div>
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Keep Safe. God Bless</div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" style="background-color: cyan;" target="_blank">Andi</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-13837765479832248182015-03-30T05:06:00.000-07:002015-03-30T05:06:27.427-07:00NG: Thanks for the memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s been a great weekend. I went to the wedding of <a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=danny+clack"><span style="color: cyan;">Danny and Charmind</span></a> (and stayed in a beautiful..... yet interesting room), my future Godson Jacob </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(who I can't wait to meet)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> was born to</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=allen"><span style="color: cyan;">Mel</span></a> and <a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/chapter-19-part-1-story-about-deepend.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Tom</span></a>, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wMtL_wFYgVM/VRk4YvhQNjI/AAAAAAAABFk/BnnvJqNYCdg/s1600/13807_10152818402103105_5860813994605152789_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wMtL_wFYgVM/VRk4YvhQNjI/AAAAAAAABFk/BnnvJqNYCdg/s1600/13807_10152818402103105_5860813994605152789_n.jpg" height="200" width="110" /></a></div>
I spent some time with my beautiful nieces, had a great
Sunday morning at church and hung out with Wifey (whilst we were admittedly a
bit tired / mildly hanging after the wedding). </span></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But now my attention turns to
something that has been coming for a year – my final two days <a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/chapter-25-future-past.html"><span style="color: cyan;">working for National Grid</span></a>.</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If I’m completely honest, I’ve got real mixed emotions about
my last couple of days. I’m amazingly thankful that I’ve got a new job to go to
and that I’m excited about (did I mention I’ve got a job lined up now - I can't remember?) and I’m
pleased that this slow work death is going to be over with (a year is a long
time to be building to any event). But at the same time after pushing down my feelings
and powering through for the best part of a year, I’d be lying if I said
anything other than that I’m hurting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It’s not the leaving the job part that’s getting to me. I’ve
got to the stage now where I’m running on autopilot and I need a new challenge.
But the simple fact is that in two days’ time I’ll never be working with this
bunch of people again. I’ve spent 10 years working with these people. We’ve
laughed together. We’ve cried together. We’ve grown together. We’ve stumbled
together (mainly after pub time). We’ve grieved together and we have fought for
each other. Our office is a community. Our office is a family. And my
experience from other people leaving and reporting back is that our office is completely
unique and that no one has ever experienced anything similar again. It’s
something I’m immensely proud of. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before you say anything, Yes, I’ll go into my new job with
an open mind. I really am excited about starting something new and meeting
loads of new people. But I’m not ready to think about that yet. Until the 3rd
April (our final party), my mind is solely focused on making the most of the
time we have together. It’s easy to say that we will all stay in contact with
each other but the sad truth is that some will fall away. I understand that. I
accept that. I know that I won’t let myself be one of the ones that do drift
from our little family but for me that places even more importance on the time
that we do have left with each other. A new chapter is about to begin but there
are still a few pages left to be written in this one first. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So this post is dedicated to the people that I have had the
honour of working with for the last 10 years. My colleagues. My friends. And the
ones who have become so much more than that. The ones that I’ve grown so close
to that this simply can’t be the end. It’s just the start of another step on
our journey together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for the memories :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: cyan;"><b>Andi</b></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ll leave you with this song as the words, well….. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-19614771538375689962015-03-05T07:23:00.000-08:002015-03-05T07:23:30.191-08:00Chapter 25: Future / Past<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4uaaRK9sDI/VPhnEy-wVwI/AAAAAAAABEs/C3p7HBVXj2g/s1600/Future-Past.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h4uaaRK9sDI/VPhnEy-wVwI/AAAAAAAABEs/C3p7HBVXj2g/s1600/Future-Past.jpg" height="196" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been a while since we last spoke. My bad. I've been
wanting to write for a while but in honesty I've found myself too preoccupied
with something that I haven't done for over 10 years – looking for a <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/6-months-until-job-centre.html"><span style="color: magenta;">new job</span></a>.
But whilst I'd set aside today a while ago to write this chapter, up until
yesterday afternoon this post would have had a completely different feel to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s funny how one decision or one conversation can
completely change the outlook of something. And it's with that in mind that I
want to jump back to a question that challenged me when I was in the pub with
<a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/chapter-17-part-2-story-about.html"><span style="color: magenta;">Lania</span></a>, <a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html"><span style="color: magenta;">Howson</span></a>, <a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/chapter-22-story-about-courage-and_26.html"><span style="color: magenta;">Hayley</span></a> and <a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chapter-13-story-about-wigan-athletic.html"><span style="color: magenta;">Joe</span></a> a month or so ago (and first started writing
notes for this chapter). What I will say is that i certainly didn't expect to
discover how relevant those thoughts would be today as I sit here to write
this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's fair to say that I love spending time in the pub. It's
not just the beer aspect, but it's also the social part. Questions can be
asked. Questions can be answered. And you can generally find out more about someone
in an environment like that than you can in any other situation. But whilst
most conversations in the pub will dart around banter and questions that will
make everyone laugh, occasionally a question will be asked that really
challenges. And on a cold January night in one of Gloucester’s least attractive
(yet splendidly cheap) pubs that is exactly what happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Have you ever stopped
to think about the major turning points in your life and how they looked at the
time? Did they seem significant then?</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every single one of us will have had a number of moments
when things changed. These turning points might have been through our control
or not. They could have been through decisions we have made or because of
decisions forced upon us. But you should be able to look back and think of a
few moments when things have changed for you. I've got a fair few that spring
to mind. You’ll obviously have your own, but let me walk you through some of mine
in a vague timescale order and then you can start thinking more about yours.
What you’ll find as you start to go through them is how one outcome ripples and
influences the rest. So here we go…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="color: cyan;">1. Youth club</span></b>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">It’s
hard to describe how influential starting to go to youth club was in my life. Youth
Club has given me my oldest friends, my brothers and an amazing extended
family. Was also when music started being a major part of my life.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="color: cyan;"><i>2. </i>Secondary school decision</span></b>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which I wouldn't have met some amazing people but more
crucially I wouldn't have met the music teacher who not only inspired me but
encouraged me (and who I'm honoured to say is still my friend).</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><i style="color: cyan;">3. </i><span style="color: cyan;">Started to get heavily involved in </span><a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/chapter-18-story-about-new-wine-love.html"><span style="color: magenta;">New Wine</span></a></b>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which I certainly wouldn't have the
faith I have today (and everything that comes along with it), be involved in so
many amazing projects, have properly started leading worship or met some very
key people who are still part of my life now.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="color: cyan;"><i>4. </i>Went to MUSIC college after secondary school</span></b>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which I wouldn't have gotten a major
taste of the music industry, started promoting or joined a band (which whilst
occupying only a small portion of time in my life had a major impact on the
future).</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="color: cyan;"><i>5. </i>Moved to Cheltenham to begin the second stage of
my life</span></b>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which, well you’ll see –
but I wouldn't have made this move if it hadn't been through the people I met
at New Wine.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="color: cyan;"><i>6. </i>Started The Faction</span></b>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which I wouldn't have met some of my closest friends or even stayed
in Cheltenham. I couldn't have done this without the knowledge I gained at
college. As a side note, <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: magenta;">Dan and Christine</span></a> wouldn't be together and <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: magenta;">Amelia</span></a>
wouldn't be here if this hadn't happened.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="color: cyan;"><i>7. </i>Started working for The Quest</span></b>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which (very crucially here) I
WOULDN’T HAVE MET <a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html"><span style="color: magenta;">CASS</span></a>. But I couldn't have done this if I didn't have the
knowledge of promoting whilst working with the Faction.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: cyan;"><b><i>8. </i>Romance time</b></span>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Got together with <a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html"><span style="color: magenta;">Cass</span></a> and because of that decided to leave The Quest.
Without which, I wouldn't have started working for National Grid.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: cyan;"><b><i>9. </i>Started working for National Grid</b></span>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which I wouldn't have been lucky
enough to meet some of the most amazing people that it could ever be possible
to come across. A number of whom will be part of my life for years to come.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: cyan;"><b><i>10. </i>Got
Married</b></span>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which I wouldn't be the
man that I am today. It's very simple. But very true. Alongside my faith this
was the most important decision of my life.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="color: cyan;"><i>11. </i>Moved
to Gloucester</span></b>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which my
relationship with my friends from National Grid would be nowhere near as strong
as it is now (much less time together outside work). Would I even have stayed
with the company?</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: cyan;"><b><i>12. </i>Moved
to The Bridge Church</b></span>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which I
would not be the worship leader I am today or have met some really key people
in my life.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="color: cyan;"><i>13. </i>Started
1:27</span></b>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which I would not have the
contacts or experience that I have now. This stems back to a relationship that
was built through the Faction and my experiences through it.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: cyan;"><b><i>14. </i>Joined
Exalt</b></span>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which I wouldn't have
joined C3, started Seek, got involved with <a href="http://www.river-camp.co.uk/"><span style="color: magenta;">RIVERcamp</span></a>, met more amazing people and
probably wouldn't have the honour of travelling the country and leading
worship.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><i style="color: cyan;">15. </i><span style="color: cyan;">Started
writing for the </span><a href="http://www.dailycannon.com/"><span style="color: magenta;">Daily Cannon</span></a><span style="color: cyan;"> and started </span><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: magenta;">10 Resolutions</span></a></b>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which I wouldn't have the experience of writing as I do now,
understand my football club (or football) as well as I do and crucially
wouldn't have understood how important it would be for me to write down my
feelings over the next couple of years (and counting).</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><i style="color: cyan;">16. </i><a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html"><span style="color: magenta;">Charis,Joey</span></a><span style="color: cyan;"> (and a bit later) </span><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: magenta;">Amelia</span></a></b>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without
which I certainly wouldn't have the joy of seeing them grow up as I have in my
life now, but without them I also probably wouldn't have come out of the next
step as the man I am today.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><i style="color: cyan;">17. </i><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-9-story-about-sorrow-and.html"><span style="color: magenta;">Chapter 9</span></a></b>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html"><span style="color: magenta;">Cass</span></a> and my relationship
certainly wouldn't be as strong as it is now. But if I'm honest about it, I'm
still waiting to see the bigger side of this….</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="color: cyan;"><b><i>18. </i>RIVERcamp,
C3 and Seek</b></span>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which I wouldn't
have found the most amazing band, started my role for RIVERcamp or push in
worship as much as I do now. The most amazing part of this step though is that
there is so much more yet to come.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><i style="color: cyan;">19. </i><span style="color: cyan;">News
of </span><a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/6-months-until-job-centre.html"><span style="color: magenta;">redundancy</span></a></b>. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which, well……..I
probably wouldn't have forced myself into step 20.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><span style="color: cyan;"><i>20. </i>New
job (hopefully soon)</span></b>.. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Without which,
well…….</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So there you have it. The key moments from my life in a
nutshell. I'm sure that there are more that have escaped me. And there are also
probably some that I haven't yet seen the significance of or properly
understand yet. But as I've sat down to write down these steps I've realised how
something good has come from each of those life-changing moments. I’d encourage
you to do the same. We have all sat down and tried to think in the past about
how life would be different if we had made a different decision at a certain
point. But what doing this has done for me is to help me realise that I do have
hope for the future. If something good has come out of each step (even if I
can't see it or understand it yet) then how can I doubt that there will be something
good around the corner waiting for me (even if I can't grasp it yet).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the last 2 months, my daily life and routines have
changed significantly. No longer is the first website I check in the morning
the BBC Football gossip column. No, now my morning routine exists of checking
job alert emails, applying for any jobs that might have appeared since I
checked the night before (it won't surprise you to know that very little
changes overnight) and frantically hitting my email refresh button to see if
anyone wants me to do a job for them. I've also found that I've been checking
my phone unnaturally regularly to see if I've missed a call from anyone that
might want to employ me – despite my phone normally being on loud (for the
first time in as long as I can remember). Searching for a job is a frustrating
thing and the sad truth is that no amount of outsourcing (whilst helpful) or
people saying it will be ok (whilst lovely) can prepare you for the experience
or some of the setbacks that you may well encounter along the way. There are
close to 100 people in my office currently experiencing the same thing. At
times, the process is nothing short of heartbreaking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the tail end of January I applied for a couple of jobs that
I liked the look of and then in the days and weeks following I applied for many
many more as the type of job I wanted wasn't readily available (or wasn't advertised).
I started applying for roles in desperation as I hadn't heard back from a
number of the roles I did really like. It became a bit of an obsessive
addiction. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the second week of February though, (whilst at my lowest
point since I'd started looking) the situation started to change. I started to
get emails and calls asking me to interview for roles. A few were for roles I
really liked. Most however came from the roles I had applied for out of fear
for not getting anything else. Over the course of the next couple of weeks I
interviewed for a number of jobs, was on two occasions told I was overqualified
and also found myself withdrawing from some roles that simply didn't feel
right. But what about the roles that I like the look of? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One role had its job description changed so much between the
first and second interview that I withdrew my application. Another role had lovely
people interviewing me but I didn't feel that the role would challenge me
enough so I withdrew from that as well. I then lost out on one of the roles I
most liked the look of. I came 2<sup>nd</sup> out of 142 people but that was of
no comfort to me as I didn't get the job. I correctly guessed the person who
would get it if I didn't but then after going on LinkedIn to congratulate them,
I realised that the person who got the job had previously worked with the
advertising manager for 6 years and had been doing some extra copywriting work
for them (covering the role) anyway over the last few months. When I found out
that I didn't get the role I was gutted and I was hurt. But then the next day I
had another email.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the first roles I had applied for was with a company
that if you you had asked me at the start of all of this if I would like to
work for them I would have snapped your hand off in excitement. But I hadn't
heard anything. But last week I had an email from them asking if I would like
to interview for the role. The interview was on Monday. When walking through
the door I wanted to not like something about the company so it would make the
possible rejection after hurt less. Yet what I found that was with every
moment, I wanted to work for the company even more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's safe to say that I have never before walked out of an
interview less sure of how I had done. I'd either done really well or really
badly. There was no middle ground. And on the train on the way home my mind
started to drift to all of the things that I hadn't said. My mind was preparing
me for the inevitable. I was told that I would hear by Friday, but when I
missed a call from them yesterday I held off on listening to the voicemail
because of the finality to it. If I didn't listen to the voicemail then I would
still have a chance. I'd spent what seemed like so long waiting for the result
of the interview (even though I wasn't expecting the result until Friday) that
I didn't want my chance to be over. I wanted the job, I wanted to work for the
company. I wanted them to want me. I didn't want them to say no. I prayed for
them to changed their minds and to give me a shot. But with a feeling of
inevitable rejection I built up the courage to call the company back for my
feedback and for them to say no. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But that's not what happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It turned out that I had done well in the interview. Very
well in fact. So much so that they asked me to come in again and meet the
person that would be my future boss for an informal chat. They really liked me
and wanted me to meet the future boss to check that we clicked. This chat is
next Thursday (a week today) so please spare your thoughts and prayers for me
around 3pm that it all goes well. It's not done. It's not dusted. It's not final and it's a fair way off anything being signed. But it's a leap in the right direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wrote at the start of this chapter that the tone of this
post could well have been much different. And it could well have been. I don't
know what I would have done if I had been rejected. It wouldn't have been the
end of the world, I'm no fool I understand that. It would have been a setback. But
with nothing else on the horizon, a rejection would have without question
placed me at a new ‘lowest point’ since my search for a new role began. It
turns out though that yet again I am reminded that I do have a hope and that I
do have a future. I'm reminded again of what having faith actually is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't know where you are at in terms of faith or what you
believe in or what you don't. I can't answer questions on suffering, why it
happens or why certain things or events take place. But what I do know is that
looking back at my life I realise that there is no way that I could be where I
am today without my faith or be the man I am today without it. There are far
too many ‘coincidences’ across the course of my life to doubt that someone is
watching over me and my very simple prayer is that as you read this chapter
you'll go back over your life and look at some of your steps and see the bigger
picture and see how those steps have shaped you. I want you to be encouraged. You do have a hope. You do
have a future. And if you feel like you don't, just take a step back and look
at the steps that have got you to where you are now. We might not be able to
see the next step in our lives. We might not be able to grasp it yet. But it is
definitely there. Who knows, the next step may have started but you just might not have realised.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: cyan;">Jeremiah 29:11</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><b style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">"For I know the plans</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-19647A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"> I have for you,” declares the </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">, “plans to prosper </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-19647B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-19647B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have fun. God Bless. Speak soon (I promise).</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" style="background-color: magenta;">Andi</a></b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-23956899347876117702014-12-31T11:11:00.000-08:002014-12-31T11:11:48.577-08:00The 10 Resolutions Movie Awards 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4CAbUH8glh8/VKRAy29md8I/AAAAAAAABBg/TmBVmAwrbuU/s1600/10%2BResolutions%2Bmovies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4CAbUH8glh8/VKRAy29md8I/AAAAAAAABBg/TmBVmAwrbuU/s1600/10%2BResolutions%2Bmovies.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another year. Another Christmas gone – and hopefully you’ll
have had a great time eating, disposing of said food on the toilet, drinking,
playing games and being merry alongside friends and family. But now we move
into a time of reflection and looking back at the year gone by - as well as
looking at things that we would like to change moving forward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are in the bit of time where 10 Resolutions and Stories
about Life<span style="color: cyan;"> <a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html"><span style="color: cyan;">was birthed 2 years ago</span></a></span>. And as I’ve spent my toilet time over the
last few days reading back over my journey over the course of the last couple
of years I can see change in myself – both physically and mentally (a strong
example is that I’m 2 stone lighter than when I started). But that is something
I’ll come back to in my next post in a couple of weeks' time - as to be
truthful I've got some stuff to process for myself before then. But now (<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/what-would-you-do-with-your-last-50.html"><span style="color: cyan;">as
I mentioned in my last post</span></a>) it’s time to look at my movie awards for the
last year…. (A few TV, Game and Music highlights will also come around in the
next post). So sit back, relax and if you are on the toilet - make sure you've
got some toilet roll ready. It's time to strap in for some potentially
controversial decisions......<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The 10 Resolutions Movie Awards 2014</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ve got a Cineworld Unlimited card – so basically it’s
within my interests to watch as many films at the cinema as I can. This means
that I’ll quite often end up watching some films that I wouldn’t normally go
and see. Some of these films have been great. Others (as you can probably
imagine) – have not. I’ve seen 40 films at the cinema this year which when you
average a film at about 2.5 hours (including trailers) means that I’ve spent
over 4 entire days of my year at the cinema. Which seems a lot – but I love
films so it makes sense. I'll reveal my top 4 films of the year - as well as
giving out a few special awards along the way. Obviously I’m only going to
comment on the films I’ve seen - so here is the list:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Frozen,
Saving Mr Banks, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Anchorman 2, The Secret
Life Of Walter Mitty, American Hustle, Jack Ryan, The Lego Movie, Robocop, The
Wolf of Wall Street, 12 Years a Slave, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Captain
America: The Winter Soldier, Divergent, Noah, The Amazing Spiderman 2, X Men:
DOFP (x 2), Bad Neighbours, Godzilla, 22 Jump Street, Edge of Tomorrow, The
Fault in our Stars , Chef, Transformers: Age of Extinction, Begin Again, Dawn
of the Planet of the Apes, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Inbetweeners 2, Lets be
Cops, Sex Tape, The Giver<br />
What We Did on our Holiday, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters, Interstellar, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Black Sea, Bladerunner & The Hobbit:
The Battle of Five Armies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Best Sequels</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Dawn
of the Planet of the Apes, Captain America: The Winter Soldier</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYpAhWUP-iY/VKRB0IGNqrI/AAAAAAAABBo/_AsmYF2SehU/s1600/Dawn_of_the_Planet_of_the_Apes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYpAhWUP-iY/VKRB0IGNqrI/AAAAAAAABBo/_AsmYF2SehU/s1600/Dawn_of_the_Planet_of_the_Apes.jpg" height="200" width="134" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KL7Q2Apqhzs/VKRB6qag6EI/AAAAAAAABBw/vpJQkNhWBW0/s1600/Cap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KL7Q2Apqhzs/VKRB6qag6EI/AAAAAAAABBw/vpJQkNhWBW0/s1600/Cap.jpg" height="200" width="137" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dawn
of the Planet of the Apes completely blew me away. I really enjoyed the first
one but the 2<sup>nd</sup> one was amazing and was fully deserving of all of
the praise that it received (especially for the performance from Andy Serkis). It
was an amazingly powerful story. Meanwhile Captain America took the Marvel movie
universe and gave it a well needed shake up (something that was instantly
reflected on Agents of SHIELD) in the most political and darkest Marvel film
since Iron Man. The only thing missing in the Marvel cinematic universe now is
a death to show the stakes of being a superhero. Comic readers however will
know that following the path of the comics – the heart-breaking death of one of
the main Avengers is just around the corner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>Worst Sequels</b></span><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: lime;">The
Inbetweeners 2, Anchorman 2</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8v1j-Kn6FU/VKRCbhPXbYI/AAAAAAAABB8/p0QGeE0MkmA/s1600/anchorman%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8v1j-Kn6FU/VKRCbhPXbYI/AAAAAAAABB8/p0QGeE0MkmA/s1600/anchorman%2B2.jpg" height="200" width="134" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewWKWgoxMXk/VKRCixNT09I/AAAAAAAABCE/fze9k4NnczA/s1600/Inbetweeners_2_Movie_Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ewWKWgoxMXk/VKRCixNT09I/AAAAAAAABCE/fze9k4NnczA/s1600/Inbetweeners_2_Movie_Poster.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
found the Inbetweeners 2 to be quite stale after watching the TV show and
previous film.There were the obvious laugh out loud / cringy Inbetweeners
moments, but unlike previously the dialogue wasn’t anywhere near as snappy and
it missed the chuckle moments that led up to each major gag / set piece. It
could have been much more – but it should probably have spent more time in the
writer’s room. Anchorman 2 meanwhile just shouldn’t have been made (rather like
the Twilight films).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Funniest Movie Moment of the
Year</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: lime;">22
Jump Street</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJiMDS0GFtQ/VKRC5_yZXHI/AAAAAAAABCM/daDncWhxzHY/s1600/22j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJiMDS0GFtQ/VKRC5_yZXHI/AAAAAAAABCM/daDncWhxzHY/s1600/22j.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whilst
I loved the fact that 22 Jump Street mocked itself and it was pretty funny
throughout (despite not being a great film), there was one scene in the film
that had tears streaming down my face in laughter. It’s about halfway through
the film in Ice Cube’s office as he realises that Jonah Hill’s character has
been getting it on with his daughter. Absolute comedy gold – but the best thing
about the scene is actually taking place in the background as you see Channing
Tatum’s reaction….It’s a film worth watching for that alone. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><b>Worst Special Effects</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;"><b>The
Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bo3W9tPnPEc/VKRDMmCbrCI/AAAAAAAABCU/9iK7eX5vdzU/s1600/hobbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bo3W9tPnPEc/VKRDMmCbrCI/AAAAAAAABCU/9iK7eX5vdzU/s1600/hobbit.jpg" height="200" width="134" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How
a film can have such a high budget with such sketchy Special Effects in places
is completely beyond me (take the Legolas jumping rocks scene for instance).
There was just far too much CGI and far too much green screen throughout -
which is a real shame because generally I really enjoyed the film. The same
series of films that showed Gollum and won plaudits for its Special Effects
also created The Battle of Two Armies Sharknado quality Special Effects.
Perhaps the budget had run out by the third film.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Biggest Guilty Pleasure</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: lime;">TMNT</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: lime;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NlHmhQxO34/VKREqLbO0kI/AAAAAAAABCk/-zSpG0uwpYU/s1600/Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles_film_July_2014_poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NlHmhQxO34/VKREqLbO0kI/AAAAAAAABCk/-zSpG0uwpYU/s1600/Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles_film_July_2014_poster.jpg" height="200" width="134" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’d
read the reviews before seeing the film so I wasn’t expecting great things. But
perhaps that is why I enjoyed TMNT so much. Don’t get me wrong – it certainly
wasn’t a fantastic film by any stretch of the imagination, but it was funny,
heart-warming and really good fun. And the alternate take on Raphael (changing
from being a slight built ninja to a tank of a turtle) was really refreshing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Cardboard Performance</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: lime;">Anyone
in Divergent</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: lime;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2_MnxQEPdE/VKRE09uVRcI/AAAAAAAABCs/BmLVnbiXDT0/s1600/Divergent-movie-poster-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2_MnxQEPdE/VKRE09uVRcI/AAAAAAAABCs/BmLVnbiXDT0/s1600/Divergent-movie-poster-4.jpg" height="200" width="146" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’ll
put this out there straight away – I enjoyed Divergent much more than I thought
I would. You can’t move for Young Adult films at the moment but this concept at
least was interesting (despite bearing similarities to other YA novels /
films). And it’s a good job that the story is good here as the performances are
dull and the actors don’t really bring any form of emotion to the roles at all
(the males especially). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Epitome of Average</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;"><b>Black
Sea</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSaKo47AVeI/VKRFACwWCbI/AAAAAAAABC0/NKsGKQZ3eq4/s1600/Black%2BSea%2BPoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSaKo47AVeI/VKRFACwWCbI/AAAAAAAABC0/NKsGKQZ3eq4/s1600/Black%2BSea%2BPoster.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
liked the idea of a tense character driven submarine thriller and whilst Black
Sea does try it's hardest, I walked out of the cinema not feeling anything for
any of the characters who didn't make it through to the end. And considering
there are only a small number of characters - that isn't great at all. It wasn't
the worst film I've seen all year - but I won't be watching it again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Best Death (SPOILER ALERT)</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;"><b>Gwen
Stacey: The Amazing Spiderman 2</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--on3yvYR-GA/VKRFMsxFNsI/AAAAAAAABC8/R2rSwSs7qsY/s1600/the-amazing-spiderman-2-new-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--on3yvYR-GA/VKRFMsxFNsI/AAAAAAAABC8/R2rSwSs7qsY/s1600/the-amazing-spiderman-2-new-poster.jpg" height="200" width="143" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
didn't think they would do it. Honestly, I didn't think they would. But the
moment they started with the set piece at towards the end of the film I knew it
was coming - and it was done so well. The shot so you could see her falling was
so well done and a really good way to show it - and then you just saw the
slight bump of her head touching the floor. Heart-breaking - but I'm pleased
they did it. Very few people in the Marvel Universe stay dead though (another
spoiler alert) and Spiderman is in the much smaller Sony Marvel Universe - so
short of another reboot they'll run out of ideas pretty soon (and Spiderman
will join the wider Marvel Universe).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Unexpected Surprise</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;"><b>The
Grand Budapest Hotel</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzUtxBV1EVI/VKRFdPdjxDI/AAAAAAAABDE/R0QhJnz-1KU/s1600/The-Grand-Budapest-Hotel-Cast_thumb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dzUtxBV1EVI/VKRFdPdjxDI/AAAAAAAABDE/R0QhJnz-1KU/s1600/The-Grand-Budapest-Hotel-Cast_thumb3.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This
was a film that if I didn't have an Unlimited card I wouldn't have gone to
watch. But I am so pleased I did. I didn't laugh out loud, but I chuckled all
the way through. It looks beautiful and the characters are fantastic. Quirky is
the word I'd use - and I can't wait to watch it again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Cash grabber of the Year</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;"><b>The
Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bxQLiR4bgLU/VKRFrYNxU3I/AAAAAAAABDM/KQQTssO5Xk8/s1600/MockingjayPart1Poster3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bxQLiR4bgLU/VKRFrYNxU3I/AAAAAAAABDM/KQQTssO5Xk8/s1600/MockingjayPart1Poster3.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
can see why the studio decided to do it (release the final book in 2 parts) -
and whilst it wasn't anywhere near as pointless as splitting the last Twilight
film into 2, splitting the final Hunger Games book into 2 parts was nothing
more than a cash grab (very little happens whatsoever) - and it has damaged the reputation of the series as a
result. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">And in no order (bar first place)....the top 4</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;"><b>Interstellar,
the Lego Movie, Chef & Guardians of the Galaxy</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEugeE07f_Q/VKRGDtVhlQI/AAAAAAAABDY/CbnBaPvl-o4/s1600/interstellar-poster%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eEugeE07f_Q/VKRGDtVhlQI/AAAAAAAABDY/CbnBaPvl-o4/s1600/interstellar-poster%2B(1).jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Storyline wise Interstellar polarised viewers - but I
completely adored it. I'm really pleased they didn't go into much of the 'how
part' of the Earth getting like that - but more than anything else I loved how
it looked and I loved that it was like something I'd never seen before. I
watched it at the IMAX and I felt like I was in space. A good film should
transport you to a different place - and Interstellar did just that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ckuBUX9fh_A/VKRGTi1cDnI/AAAAAAAABDg/DWn5U3cO8dA/s1600/chef_poster_285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ckuBUX9fh_A/VKRGTi1cDnI/AAAAAAAABDg/DWn5U3cO8dA/s1600/chef_poster_285.jpg" height="200" width="141" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chef
meanwhile is a film that I thought I'd like - but I wasn't sure about how much
until I watched it - and the thing I loved most was that it was so happy. It
was such a simple story about a man rediscovering his passion and reconnecting
with his son and it was brilliant (although it made me very hungry!). Heart-warming,
funny, and really heartfelt - I really connected with it and it's perhaps the least
known choice in my top 4 - but It's something I'd recommend to everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu7xOt51CXY/VKRGbAcb5nI/AAAAAAAABDo/P6L9quu29hs/s1600/The-Lego-Movie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cu7xOt51CXY/VKRGbAcb5nI/AAAAAAAABDo/P6L9quu29hs/s1600/The-Lego-Movie.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What
to say about the Lego Movie? You'll either love it or hate it - but if you played
with Lego as a child (or like me - still do as an adult), you'll appreciate the
humour throughout the film and how it was written with such love for its
subject. As a bonus - the voice acting is great as well and I think I'm correct
in saying that it made Chris Pratt the most bankable male star in 2014. It's
not for everyone - but it was better than I ever imagined it would be...and
that twist....!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oX8iFIN1utM/VKRGtFIIrlI/AAAAAAAABDw/4ITr8e7F7ng/s1600/Guardians-of-the-Galaxy-2-1308x1940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oX8iFIN1utM/VKRGtFIIrlI/AAAAAAAABDw/4ITr8e7F7ng/s1600/Guardians-of-the-Galaxy-2-1308x1940.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guardians
of the Galaxy is the Marvel film to watch if you don't really want to watch any
others or haven't started yet and want to jump on board. It's the film that you
don't really need to know any Marvel backstory for. It's the film that takes a
lesser known gang of Marvel misfits and puts them together on a space ship. And
it is absolutely brilliant. It's also my favourite Marvel film and my film of the year. It's funny, dramatic,
perfectly cast and leaves you desperate for more. And my favourite moment of
the film is a 5 minute conversation between the cast which leads up to the
final battle (because it is that well written). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But
now I'll open it up to you. Do you agree with my choices? What should I have
watched? What have I missed? What films are you excited about in 2015? Let me know in the comments below, or by getting in touch via <a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com"><span style="color: cyan;">email</span></a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: cyan;">twitter</span></a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/10Resolutions"><span style="color: cyan;">Facebook</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4f6OXlE2Ms/VKRJ30ZA1hI/AAAAAAAABD8/d8T1V-uzx00/s1600/calistoga-romans-study.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T4f6OXlE2Ms/VKRJ30ZA1hI/AAAAAAAABD8/d8T1V-uzx00/s1600/calistoga-romans-study.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll
sign off for this year by leaving you with a few things. Firstly, my friend
Phil is a MUCH better movie critic than I am - so if you really want to know
what to watch - <a href="http://www.thefancarpet.com/NewsPage.aspx?preview=true&n_id=10469"><span style="color: cyan;">check
this out</span></a>. Secondly, I've been really challenged this week by the message
behind this post from my friend Si - so I'd really <a href="http://spadley.blog.com/2014/12/30/2014-15-a-new-chapter-a-new-challenge/"><span style="color: cyan;">you
to be challenged by it as well</span></a>. And finally I'd just like to say thank you.
Thank you for bearing with my slightly disjointed and random postings this
year. Thank you for challenging me. Thank you for your feedback. And thank you
for being there for me. I may not have loads of money. I may not have a massive
house. I may not have a great car. Yet I feel rich because of my friends and
family. Having you as part of my life and letting me be part of yours is a
blessing and honour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have
fun. Keep safe. God Bless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll
leave you with this (as it made me laugh). Happy New Year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Andi</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-82905264097458071572014-12-19T05:33:00.002-08:002014-12-19T05:33:59.595-08:00What would you do with your last £50?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-piIINyAsFdg/VJQdRCztpfI/AAAAAAAABAo/bM8lbLk4gDQ/s1600/%C2%A350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-piIINyAsFdg/VJQdRCztpfI/AAAAAAAABAo/bM8lbLk4gDQ/s1600/%C2%A350.jpg" height="196" width="400" /></a></div>
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As I
start to write this post, I'm on a catamaran floating around Tenerife watching
whales swim alongside the boat (glamorous I know). But as I sit here writing,
there's a question tapping at the back of my head that I can't seem to shake
(much to Cass's annoyance as we paid a fair amount for the trip). </div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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It's
not whether England will beat Scotland tonight (my allegiances
were split firmly between the two), it's not whether Arsenal will beat United
(they didn't) or whether Wycombe will beat Cheltenham (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrUI4Fp1EWk"><span style="color: cyan;">they smashed them</span></a>). No,
as I sit here I'm not even hung up on the idea of "have I made enough of
my life by my 31st birthday?" (A somewhat inevitable question for another
post). No - the question that I can't shake is how I would spend my last £50.<br />
<br />
The thought process for getting to this question was actually quite simple. No,
I'm not dying (good news) and I'm also not on my last £50 (which is also good
news). But as I sit here on this trip (which incidentally cost around £50 each)
watching whales dive in and out of the ocean (some so close that you can feel
the spray as the crash back into the water) it has dawned on me that whale
watching is on a lot of people's bucket lists (something that so many people
want to do / experience before they die). <o:p></o:p></div>
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I've
never put much thought into a bucket list before. I'd quite like to go into
space - but that seems a bit extreme and very unlikely to be affordable in my
lifetime. I'd love to para-glide and I'd love to skydive - but I don't feel like
I <i>have </i>to do them (if that makes
sense). And if I had one, whale watching (whilst being amazing) would also not
have made my bucket list in the first place (yet I'm grateful that I've been
able to do it). <o:p></o:p></div>
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The
same theory for me applies to travelling. There are places that I'd really like
to go to (to see the Northern Lights for instance) - but I've been lucky enough
to already go to some amazing places and see some fantastic things - so I don't
think I'd really regret not travelling more. There is something that I'd <i>like</i>
more than anything else in the world (I'll let you figure it out) but as it
isn't something that I could buy or pay for, it isn't (or couldn't be) my right
to have (and that's something else that I've been pondering recently) so in
terms of a bucket list - I'm out. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But
that still doesn't cover my £50 question. How would I spend it? What would I do
with it? <o:p></o:p></div>
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For
this to work there obviously have to be some form of rules - so we will keep it
simple and say that the money has to be spent by you. You can buy something <i>for</i> someone else, but you can't just
donate your money. You also can't invest it or gamble it to try and prolong your
time or borrow any extra money on top of your £50. If you choose to have other
people alongside you for your final endeavour (whatever it may be), your £50
does not need to cover them as well. They can finance themselves. The £50 is
yours (and travel to wherever you choose to be is on top of your £50 - so don't
worry about that).<o:p></o:p></div>
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So
what are you thinking? What will you do with your last £50?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Will
you do something big that you have always wanted to do (and perhaps have been
too scared)? Will you be selfless in your final act and buy someone something
they really need? Will you live out your days playing through the video game
you have been waiting for? Will you spend your £50 watching movies you've
always wanted to watch? Will you go and see the band that you have always
wanted to see live? Would you have a beautiful steak topped with a blue cheese
sauce? The list could go on - and I'm sure that everyone has a different
response. There are no right or wrong answers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But
how would I spend my last £50? Well even after thinking about this question for
the best part of a month my answer hasn't changed and if anything my feelings
behind my 'why' have been strengthened by a few things that have happened along
the way. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I'd love to say that I'd be selfless and buy something for someone
that they need - but if I'm being completely honest with you (and if I'm not
this is pointless) I wouldn't do that. I think video games are amazing - but
knowing my luck I'd pick a really bad game to buy and spend my last moments
playing. I've already seen all of the bands that I want to see live and as much
as I LOVE steak - I can think of a better way that I could spend my money.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMKETiyuN6U/VJQoUsrBJEI/AAAAAAAABBQ/bLyP57BuCe4/s1600/WEding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMKETiyuN6U/VJQoUsrBJEI/AAAAAAAABBQ/bLyP57BuCe4/s1600/WEding.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>I
think that if I thought through my life and thought of my top 10 highlights, 7
out of the 10 moments (so far) have been spent with my friends and family in
some kind of gathering (my wedding is at number 1). A number have been small affairs with just a few of us
whereas some of the others have been massive parties. </div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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So
how would I spend my last £50? Very simply - in the pub with my friends and
family. It's sounds like such a stupid thing (believe me I know) considering
how I could spend that crisp £50 note - but I love spending time with those
closest to me (especially in the pub) and I can quite honestly think of nothing that I would prefer to
do or anyone that I would prefer to spend my time with. I can't imagine life on
my own and in truth it's something that I find pretty scary. But I can't think
of a better way to spend my final moments than with those that I love. But even
thinking about that has challenged me to think about the people that I spend my
life with.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How
often do I say thank you for what they have done for me? How often do I say
that I really appreciate them? How often do I say that I'm grateful for having
them in my life and that I cherish them? The sad unfortunate truth is nowhere
near enough. So if you are reading this and you fall into that category - thank
you for sharing your life with me and for letting me be a part of it. It's an
honour. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It's
very rare that these posts have homework - but today I have a double lot for
you and it's really simple (please let me know via <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: cyan;">twitter</span></a>, <a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com"><span style="color: cyan;">email</span></a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/10Resolutions"><span style="color: cyan;">facebook</span></a> how you get on). One is
inspired from my response and one from whatever you chose. So here we go:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">1.
Take the time to tell someone how much you appreciate having them in your life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta;">2.
Have you been challenged in any way by how you would choose to spend your £50? How would you spend it?</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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So,
this is the final post before Christmas, but following on from a few
posts that could have been a bit merrier - I'll be coming back with my films,
games and albums highlights of the year (as well as highlighting some of the
shockers). I might also touch on some of my resolutions and how we are looking
going into 2015.....<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have
fun. Stay safe.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I'll leave you all with this:</div>
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God Bless</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" style="background-color: cyan;">Andi</a></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-29911545776251667052014-11-12T04:10:00.001-08:002014-11-12T04:30:29.321-08:00How do you cope with loss?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCrgroNC6uI/UQfjQ8RYYGI/AAAAAAAAAGc/04qmuWfWy34/s1600/10%2Bedit%2Bbig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCrgroNC6uI/UQfjQ8RYYGI/AAAAAAAAAGc/04qmuWfWy34/s320/10%2Bedit%2Bbig.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hi everyone!
It's been a fair few weeks since my last post and I've got a fair bit to report. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a7H5yW8fXLk/VGNCcPlPUQI/AAAAAAAAA_4/niiWnPA9jcA/s1600/AbbieChris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a7H5yW8fXLk/VGNCcPlPUQI/AAAAAAAAA_4/niiWnPA9jcA/s200/AbbieChris.jpg" width="199" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I
went to the beautiful wedding of Abbie and Chris (and actually stopped drinking
quite early into the evening so as far as I'm aware I've got no embarrassing
stories to tell), Arsenal are still rubbish and are lacking any form of
defence, I've spent time with <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Amelia</span></a> and the <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html"><span style="color: cyan;">twins</span></a> and may or may not have
taught (a now <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html"><span style="color: cyan;">nearly two year old</span></a>) Joey to stick her tongue out at me (much to
her mother's disapproval)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7mOlgQdOhCA/VGNDfLLH0vI/AAAAAAAABAA/t7EdsZOAbJs/s1600/Joey%2BTongue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7mOlgQdOhCA/VGNDfLLH0vI/AAAAAAAABAA/t7EdsZOAbJs/s200/Joey%2BTongue.jpg" width="112" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
and <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_05_01_archive.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Mel</span></a> and <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/chapter-19-part-1-story-about-deepend.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Tom</span></a> are going to have a son (I guessed
right - smug face) meaning that I will have a Godson to guide through the
journey of life (and I'm not sure who that scares more).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US">This last
week however I've</span> been occupied<span lang="EN-US"> with two things:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US"><b><span style="color: magenta;">1.</span></b> Being ill
(including any of the following symptoms </span>possibly combined <span lang="EN-US">at any given time): a blocked nose, </span>a
<span lang="EN-US">chesty cough, </span>a
<span lang="EN-US">headache</span>
(including that really annoying type right behind your eye)<span lang="EN-US">, vomiting, earache, sneezing, </span>a
sore throat, <span lang="EN-US">sneezing so
hard that my body has hurt</span>, unstoppable snot flurries, rapid fire toileting issues,
“corked up” toileting issues, changing from hot – cold (and back again) in
rapid time and those really weird dreams that you get when you are ill
(including a really trippy one about me being a red train in Thomas the Tank
Engine). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5mAhecyvjMg/UUCxI-_EWnI/AAAAAAAAASc/Z1l2AjoTQxg/s1600/manflu1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5mAhecyvjMg/UUCxI-_EWnI/AAAAAAAAASc/Z1l2AjoTQxg/s320/manflu1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, thanks partly to <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Andy Howson</span></a> I've had a combo of the deadly
disease known as man flu (you can read more about my <a href="http://www.andifoster.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/tacking-manflu.html"><span style="color: cyan;">past experience with it here</span></a>) and the virus that I once mocked <a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/chapter-15-story-about-sleep.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Hellie Brunt</span></a> for having in front of 700
teenagers (perhaps delayed payback?). And no, I'm not going to even suggest
that I've felt worse than ever before or a large number of female readers will
mock me (even if girl flu is MUCH worse) – but I've just felt pretty rough and
worn out.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">2.</span></b> The funeral of a friend. And with that in mind, Ive actually
changed what I was going to speak about in this post (although I'm sure it will
return at a later date).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">How do you cope
with loss?</span><o:p></o:p></b></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">From the very outset here, I have to make something very
clear (no rhyme intended) and that is that (similar to the rest of 10
Resolutions) I do not have all of this figured out. (As shown in <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-9-story-about-sorrow-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Chapter 9</span></a>). This
isn’t going to be a user guide to dealing with the loss of a loved one, because
I don’t think that anyone could ever write and do that justice. It's not a one
size fits all situation. Everyone grieves in different ways, so the only thing
that I can possibly do is to open up and to tell you how I cope – and the
honest truth (because if I wasn’t this would be pointless) is probably not very
well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m nearly 31, and I’m not sure about on average how many
funerals someone my age should have attended. I’m honoured to be well above the
average for weddings - but I’m not sure about funerals. But I think that how I
cope now can be traced back to the funeral of a dear friend from college (I
guess my first funeral as an adult) – Jim.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: yellow;">13 (ish) Years ago.......</span></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hadn’t known Jim for that long, but in a class of 15 or so
musicians you quickly get to know those around you. And being a couple of years
older than me, Jim was someone that I looked up to and loved spending time
with. I’d stay at his house once a week so that we could go to £1 a pint night
at Wetherspoons in Ruslip (and on reflection the fact that I used to regularly
go to another £1 a pint night in Amersham probably explains a fair amount now).
But you get the picture. Jim and I (and the rest of the college class) were
pretty close knit and that in itself was probably partly due to a serious car
accident a number of the class had been involved in the year before. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Early
(ish) in the 2<sup>nd</sup> year a few of us (Jim included) had been working on
an assignment together. On deadline day, Jim was coming in with the final part
of the assignment, but as he hadn’t arrived by the start of our session I
started to get angry (as he had a well known habit of oversleeping). 30
minutes of the session passed and I was getting angrier and angrier. 1 hour
passed (and you can imagine how I was feeling by then). And then around ten past 10, our
tutor came in and had us all sit down. Tragically, Jim had been walking along
the street the night before and his brain had just given up. He had died
there and then. There had been no warning. No warning signs that it could have happened
to him or that he was even ill in the first place. The chances of it ever
happening to anyone his age were slim (something that was of no comfort to any
of us) but Jim was gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next few days (/two weeks) are a bit of a blur. I was a
mess and (alongside the rest of my class) was on a 2 week bender to try and
numb the pain of loss and to try and stop the flow of tears. The only way for
someone to prepare you for something like that is just to be be blunt and say
that it will hurt - but everything had happened so quickly that no one had the
chance to explain, so I continued to fight through the hurting by drinking to
forget.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The day of the funeral arrived, and through some mysterious level
of good fortune I wasn’t hungover. I put on my suit, filled my hip flask and
went to meet everyone else. I’m fairly certain that the hour we all spent
together before the funeral that day was the quietest hour I’ve ever
experienced (and I dread to think how many cigarettes I got through). But how
do you prepare to say goodbye to a friend? There isn’t a good way. No one should
have to go through something like that so much that it becomes easy or second
nature. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And then with smoky breath, a (frustratingly) now-empty hip
flask and vodka tasting burps the funeral began. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like most of the others, I stood at the back of the building,
numb, as the service went along. I was holding back the tears desperate to be
one of the strong ones who wouldn’t break. For the first time since his death I
saw Jim’s parents and my mind starting drifting to how hard it must have been
to say goodbye to a 21 year old son – and how real strength and real courage
was being displayed by the pair of them as they held each other firmly in the
midst of such a painful moment. I looked around and saw the tens and tens of people
that had shown up to say goodbye to Jim and to show support to his family. And then
my head turned to the person next door to me who was sobbing - and with tears
in my eyes I put my arm around her as I started to remember all of the people
who had held me (/held me up quite literally in some cases) and helped me
through the previous weeks. I might not have been aware of what they were doing
at the time and I probably hadn’t said thankyou (or if I did it was probably
expressed with a slur or dribble) - but I had been supported by those around me.
And that revelation (that must seem so simple), was something I took away from
the day. There’s a beautiful Bible verse that reflects this in 1 John and it
says ‘<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+john+3%3A18&version=NLT"><span style="color: magenta;">let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by your actions</span></a>’ and over those weeks that love was something I’d experienced
beyond belief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the pub later we shared stories of Jim and our favourite
memories of him. We played his favourite songs on the jukebox and we raised a
glass (as I can’t remember getting home that night either there is a fair
possibility that it was more than one) in his honour. He would have wanted a
party not something depressing (and just fyi – just so it’s out there – when
its my time I do as well) and that evening he had a great send off. The events
of his death were heartbreaking and tragic and from time to time I still miss
him - especially when I use a song we wrote together in my set (when appropriate!). I wish that I’d
have spent more time with him and of course I’m sad that he’s gone. But at the same
time I’m thankful for the time I did get to spend with him - for simply knowing
him made me a better man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can’t and won’t pretend that I knew Sue Woolway (Auntie
Sue) as well as I knew Jim. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But what I will say is that she was a massive ray
of sunshine in our office and that she could (and would) always make me smile.
She always asked how I was and genuinely meant it. And if you needed someone to
talk to (even about something random) – she was there. Sue was gracious, cheeky,
caring and funny all rolled into one and was actually quite inspiring because
of it. I’m really sad that she’s not with us anymore but I’m confident that she
is somewhere watching down on us now, having a party and laughing at all of the
stupid stuff we do.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’m sure that Sue had her flaws, as did Jim, as do you or I
but I hope that when I go I am remembered for the best parts of me and that
people say I was a good man. And I hope that you find the best way to remember
those that you’ve lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">RIP Sue - Gone but not forgotten xx</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So – in answer to the question - <b><span style="color: magenta;">how do I cope with loss?</span></b>
Well, it’s more of a reminder list but:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">1. </span></b>Having strength doesn’t mean not showing emotion. Sometimes
real strength is the opposite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">2.</span></b> Grieve (however you do it), but make sure that you have
someone to talk to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>3. </b></span>Try and support and stand alongside those who might need
you (If you can).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>4.</b></span> Remember the best parts of the person that is gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">5. </span></b>Be thankful for the time that you did have with them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">6.</span></b> Hip flask.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ll be back in a couple of weeks after spending a week in
Tenerife and after celebrating turning older. But first I'm off to the doc's.</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/xFrGuyw1V8s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God Bless<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Andi</span></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-61272369268338525212014-09-30T22:05:00.001-07:002014-10-03T22:47:32.673-07:006 Months Until The Job Centre.......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ekpQgTd6Ryg/VCsjqmuyleI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/n3YAcfby2R4/s1600/6%2BMonths.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ekpQgTd6Ryg/VCsjqmuyleI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/n3YAcfby2R4/s1600/6%2BMonths.png" height="196" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So Scotland </span><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">said no (just)</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, the
North London derby was a dire affair, another Tory chap jumped over to UKIP, Blighty
is back to bombing Iraq and the </span><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2014/sep/22/the-lion-king-musical-breaks-global-box-office-record" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Lion
King has now overtaken the Phantom of the Opera</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> as the most successful
stage musical of all time (and has actually become the highest-grossing thing
in box office history). And that there ends your short and sharp weekly news
update from me (hire me BBC).</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0CJuNX2yYc/VCsky-AMutI/AAAAAAAAA_g/VOUv36Ti4S8/s1600/Bowling.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0CJuNX2yYc/VCsky-AMutI/AAAAAAAAA_g/VOUv36Ti4S8/s1600/Bowling.png" height="320" width="183" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In terms of news from me - I've started a new diploma (and
got 97% in the first assignment), I've started work on the second album (more on
that at a much later date), <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Matt's</span></a>
album has <a href="http://mattmortlock.co.uk/"><span style="color: cyan;">started to go live</span></a> (so check
it out) and I've discovered that I am frankly no good at skittles. But what I
really want to speak about in this post is something that I've mentioned (but
glossed over) in the last few posts - and that is my impending jobless state /
freedom (whichever way you choose to look at it).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: orange;">With 6 months to go until you are unemployed, how do you feel?</span></i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ok, I'll get to where I'm at right now, but I want to
quickly start by giving you a bit of context (and answering an inevitable
question) about the redundancy situation (because if I'm going to speak about
this whole thing I might as well paint the whole picture). So here we go:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There had been talk of our office closing for a number of
years, but on the 31st March I had a phone call saying that the plan was for
the office to close (on March 31st 2015) and for the work to go to our office
in Solihull (I've spoken more about what I was up to / got up to that day <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014_05_01_archive.html"><span style="color: cyan;">here</span></a>).
In very simple terms our current office has half of it free, and the building
in Solihull where the rest (of my part) of the company works currently has the
best part of a floor free. So the logic behind the plan is simple (and to
answer the inevitable question) - yes, I completely understand it and if I was
in the decision making shoes I would probably have made the same decision.
Following that, we were all given the option to go and work in Solihull, and in
the last month or so I (alongside loads of others) have decided that I won't be
taking up that option (I've been helped along the way by knowing that my job
doesn't exist in the new structure at Solihull and I would have to go for
something different). So anyway, that's the background with that - but now I
need to answer the real question. How do I feel?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How many truly life changing moments do you think you have
had in your life? How many moments have you experienced where your life has
taken a definite turn after a massive event (planned or unplanned)? The events
of <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-9-story-about-sorrow-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Chapter
9</span></a> last year were heart-breaking for Cass and I, and they were a landmark of our time
together, but as far as I can work out our lives haven't taken a change of
direction following that. But March 31st will be one of those change of
direction days for me (and that's not just me building it up). I've spent over
10 years of my life working for this company (which isn't bad considering that
I was only planning on a 6 month stint) and the very simple truth is that I
have no idea where life will take me following that day (apart from hopefully
on a big holiday!). I've got an idea about what I'd like to do, but that's not necessarily
what I'll end up doing (in fact I'm fairly confident that it won't be). But the
really bizarre thing for me is that despite the uncertainty over the future I
feel completely at peace (and I'm not just saying that either). I've been
reading back over past chapters over the last few weeks, and I've now started
to realise that I've been getting mentally prepared for this moment for a while
(see mentions of <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_09_01_archive.html"><span style="color: cyan;">crossroads
in previous chapters</span></a>). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, there you have it - the first part of my answer is that
I'm at peace with the decision I've made (not to push for a job in Solihull)
and I'm calm (and perhaps more worryingly a bit excited) about the future and
what it may hold (cue brief January mini-meltdown). But that is only half of
the 'how I'm feeling' part.......<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now I mentioned that I was only planning on doing a 6 month
stint, yet I've been working for the company for over 10 years and I've
(probably quite naturally) spent some time reflecting over the last few months
on why I didn't do a runner 6 months in and go back to working in music (aside
from the obvious answer that I don't think my liver could / would have coped).
Now don't get me wrong here I enjoy my job (most of the time) and I've been
lucky enough to have done a few different roles in my time with the company and
learnt a fair bit as well. But would my actual job have kept me in the company
for so long? Absolutely not. Next up is pay, and yes I'm paid quite well for
what I do, but those of you who know me know that money is not a major
motivation. What about facilities then? Well one of our toilets has been broken
for at least half of my time in the office (not by me), and whilst we do have a
lake (when it rains) in front of the office it isn't actually meant to be there
and when you couple that with the fact that part of the roof leaks when the AC
is on overdrive I think that facilities is definitely out (and I'm still bitter
about the Northampton office having the bar taken out before we started working
there!). Benefits? I've got a pension that I'm sure I'll be grateful for in
later life and if it hadn't been for the company it's very unlikely that I'd
have even started one by now. So that's all good - but it certainly hasn't kept
me here. Job satisfaction? I've had some good days where I've left and thought
'I'm really satisfied with what I've achieved today' but I've also had some
days (which I'm sure that you can all appreciate) where I've left the office
and have wanted nothing more than to have a meltdown in frustration (which we
would need to be followed by a beer). How about a lack of other options I hear
you say? It might surprise you to know that I actually have had other offers in
my 10 year stretch (and I've gone for other jobs but not got them as well) -
but crucially I haven't come back to my job disappointed from not being offered
something different, and if anything (bar an initial day of slumping) I've
ended up being more motivated. And I still (unless I've just got back from
holiday) don't get the 'bleurgh work tomorrow' feeling. SO WHAT IS IT? And the
answer is without any question - the people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html"><span style="color: cyan;">very
first cast list</span></a> in 10 Resolutions featured people that I work with and
throughout the course of the 18 or so months that I've been posting I've lost
track of the number of people from my office that have made the cast list. And
they aren't just random mentions either, these are people that mean so much to
me that they deserve mentioning in the cast lists as they are a major part of
my life. But this goes far beyond just me (although I'm probably the soppy one),
the difference between my office and 99% of the other offices in the country is
that we aren't just colleagues - we are friends. We stand up for one another.
We care for one another. We encourage each other. We have fun together. We
fight for one another and when one of us is hurting we stand alongside them to
help pull them through. We are a community and a family. And I could not be any
prouder to have been part of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It has been a blessing and a complete honour to be able to
work in a place with so many amazing people, and I'll be forever thankful that
I've had the chance to spend time with people that have graduated so far beyond
being my colleagues that they are now life-long friends (whether they like it
or not they are stuck with me now......). So this post is for all the people of
GCC, both past and present. Wherever I end up has an impossible act to follow
(and yes I'll inevitably be coming back and reminding myself of my very high
and unrealistic expectations for a new workplace on the 1st April). I have
faith though, after all I was only meant to be at GCC for 6 months and look
what happened. Who knows what could happen next.......<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="display: none; mso-hide: all;">HoweHoH</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So how
am I feeling about redundancy?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm at peace about the future, and want to make the most of
the next few months with my friends at GCC (and yes I could have just answered
that in a sentence - but where would the fun have been in that)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remember that you can keep in touch with 10 Resolutions on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: orange;">Twitter</span></a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/10resolutions"><span style="color: orange;">Facebook</span></a> - and please feel free to ask some questions that you'd like to know my thoughts on :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Speak Soon. Keep Safe. God Bless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Andi</span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">P.S Congratulations to Tommel (<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/chapter-19-part-1-story-about-deepend.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Tom</span></a>
and <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_05_01_archive.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Mel</span></a>)
who are now expecting their first little bot! Conversations to call it Andi
however have not started particularly well (I have patience).......<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">P.P.S Does anyone want to offer me a job? :)</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-84859631964292094942014-09-18T07:00:00.000-07:002014-09-18T07:00:39.524-07:00My thoughts on Scottish Independence<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vq4V89dzwV8/VBrW0-hGamI/AAAAAAAAA_A/z6rknB_G3r8/s1600/Scotland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vq4V89dzwV8/VBrW0-hGamI/AAAAAAAAA_A/z6rknB_G3r8/s1600/Scotland.jpg" height="195" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's been so long since we've last spoken that I can't
exactly remember everything that's been going on or everything that I've been
up to. So here is a brief update: I've lost a stone and a half, Arsenal won the
FA Cup (to put me finally out of my Arsenal slump), my dear friends </span><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/chapter-19-part-1-story-about-deepend.html"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Tom</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> and </span><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_05_01_archive.html"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Mel</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">
(Tommel) and </span><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/chapter-19-part-1-story-about-deepend.html"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Leon and Hiya</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> (Hion) got married, I had an amazing week in
Portugal with Wifey, the 30th birthday party run was completed with the twins
(</span><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_07_01_archive.html"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Lewis and Chris</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">), I became the Godfather to the </span><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">beautiful Amelia</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">, I've spend
time with loads of great people (so many in fact that I can't list them all), RIVERcamp
this year was phenomenal and it looks very much like I'll be being made
redundant at the end of March (a decision I'm at peace with). There is
obviously stuff I've missed out and stuff that I've forgotten about (that is
probably really important), but that pretty much is the recap. I've also
realised since we last spoke that I've got so far behind with 10 Resolutions
and what has been going on that any new chapter in it's entirety would be far
too long - so for the time being at least I'm going to focus on really short
rambles, perhaps covering one question per post, with maybe a short update about
life, the universe and everything in between thrown in for good measure. So not
one to shy away from the big questions, here we go:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><strong>What are your thoughts on Scottish Independence?</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ok, to tackle this question I first need to make something
very clear. I have no interest in politics. And before you start saying that I
should be (as politics affect everyone) I'll continue by saying that that I
have no interest in politics because of politicians. I'm not convinced that
there is any massive difference between any of the major 3 parties and the idea
of UKIP or the green ones coming into power scares me more than being stuck in
a room full of </span><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_07_01_archive.html"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Justin Bieber and his soon to be built clone army</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> (so I still
vote). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">But the main issue that I really struggle with is that I
can't relate to politicians. There is a general misconception that all
politicians have gone to private school (which isn't true) however a sizeable
number have gone to Oxford or Cambridge university or have been brought up in
the very wealthy top end of society. I wouldn't speak about what it is like to
be a millionaire as I've never been one (and probably never will be), so my
issue comes when politicians start to speak about the poverty line and issues
really affecting the working class (as the vast majority of politicians will
never have experienced the problems that a lot of the people in the country
face on a day to day basis). How can I relate to someone who has no idea about
my situation? Now please don't get me wrong here, I'm not saying that I've
experienced the problems that so many people in the country have, I've been so
lucky to end up where I have (and I'm not scared to say that) - but what I am
saying is that there is an ever increasing gap between the majority of people
and politicians and until that starts to change, the view of politicians in the
country for the most part will remain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">So politically, that's where I am. But what do I think about
Scotland leaving? Well, if I'm honest, if I was in Scotland I think I'd
probably just vote yes to cause a bit of chaos (as I'm convinced that some
will). But I'm not massively convinced that anyone has really explained to the
Scottish people what their vote really means (and I'm not entirely sure that
the 'Yes people' have really thought through what will happen if they actually
win and the consequences of that victory for both sides if they do). It's not
like the general election where no matter who you vote for you pretty much get
exactly the same moulded thing (No matter the brand, Corn flakes are in essence
Corn flakes it's just that the recipe may be slightly different for each brand).
This vote has consequences - and I'm not sure that enough people realise that
(in England or Scotland). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">My gut feeling is that the vote will go against the 'Yes'
this time around (probably as there are too many question marks over what
happens should Scotland gain independence). But I'd be very surprised if there
wasn't another situation like this in my lifetime. And with a more organised
approach it could well be that Scotland has a border control before too long. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the positive side though, imagine if Scotland gained
independence and it came to the general election campaign trail and our clown
of a PM was asked what he did in his time at the helm of our country......<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'll leave you with my favourite quote from the campaign:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2750393/What-going-invade-Salmond-accused-laughing-threats-Scotland-defaults-share-debt.html"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">When
asked about Scotland not paying it's debts, Mr Salmond replied</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">"What
are they going to do - invade?"<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">Speak soon<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;">God Bless<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: cyan;">Andi<o:p></o:p></span></a></span></span></span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-3059809437129823622014-05-12T03:41:00.001-07:002014-05-12T03:41:25.260-07:00Chapter 24 - A story about tattoos and Water Polo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdRmetx6r9Q/U3CR_zwMIOI/AAAAAAAAA8w/vMWdbfu1o4g/s1600/C24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdRmetx6r9Q/U3CR_zwMIOI/AAAAAAAAA8w/vMWdbfu1o4g/s1600/C24.jpg" height="196" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;">In the really annoying piece of time between Christmas and New Year 2012 - someone asked me the inevitable question about what my resolutions were going to be for the coming year. And my list of potential resolutions was a big list. A very big list. I made 10 resolutions and stuck to some of them whilst I learnt about myself along the way. Some resolutions have now finished, some have been rolled over and some new ones have been added to get me back to 10. And yes – I am going to tell you all what they are. But not just yet......</span><span style="background-color: #141414; color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 20.53333282470703px;"> </span> </span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Welcome Back</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wDIUzkQesxg/U3CUegjZqiI/AAAAAAAAA9E/zFr6vqNtYyY/s1600/Welcome+Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wDIUzkQesxg/U3CUegjZqiI/AAAAAAAAA9E/zFr6vqNtYyY/s1600/Welcome+Back.jpg" height="292" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Why hello there and welcome back! I don't really know why I've
chosen this moment to start season 2 (I think there has been a lot of
processing going on) - but for those of you confused we have had a 3 month time
gap between <a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/chapter-23-story-about-finales-and-new.html"><span style="color: cyan;">the end of season 1</span></a> and the start of season 2 (now). I only mention that to make context easier for you
– so with some stuff that was happening at the <a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/chapter-23-story-about-finales-and-new.html"><span style="color: cyan;">end of season 1</span></a> you might find that I’ve passed the decision point now and
we are now in the aftermath of that decision (that explanation makes sense in
my head). Or to put it another way - some of you may think that I occasionally
make quite rash decisions (and you'd be right)....but what you are likely to
see in this chapter is that if I was close to a decision on something in <a href="http://10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/chapter-23-story-about-finales-and-new.html"><span style="color: cyan;">season 1</span></a> - the likelihood is that you've missed the rash decision part and my ranting
about options....you just now get the part where I've settled into my decision
(and still rant about it). Still - the good news is that you have missed me
constantly ranting about Arsenal - and let's face it - if you follow me on
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: cyan;">twitter</span></a> you get enough of that anyway. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Normally I'd start a chapter with your questions - but this time
around I'm going to leave them for the next chapter as I'd like to tell you a
bit about what has been going and what I've been up to as the chances are that
some stuff that has happened (or that will happen soon) will have a strong
influence over the rest of the season. So here we go (and no this isn’t
everything that I’ve been up to…..)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">The 31<sup>st</sup> March</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On the 31<sup>st</sup> March we went to a funeral for a member of
Cass’s family. Funerals are always sad – but
what made the day even harder was that on the way out of the funeral I took a
phone call from <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/chapter-17-part-2-story-about.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Rebecca</span></a> at work (who never gets to make happy phone calls)
saying that our office was going to close and that the likelihood was (and is)
that our jobs would (will) be moving to Solihull. In honesty it’s
something that I’d been expecting for a while –
but even then something that you have been thinking about actually becoming a
reality is a strange feeling (especially when it isn’t a
good thing). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QCcq3HqFgvo/U3CaLme-IwI/AAAAAAAAA9c/9xkU16z-VMM/s1600/Change-education.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QCcq3HqFgvo/U3CaLme-IwI/AAAAAAAAA9c/9xkU16z-VMM/s1600/Change-education.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’ve said throughout 10 Resolutions that
I’m <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_12_01_archive.html"><span style="color: cyan;">honoured and blessed to work with an amazing bunch of people</span></a> and the moment I hung up the phone my reaction wasn’t
one of fear about what I was going to do or what option I’d
take – but actually more of sadness as I wouldn’t
be able to spend so much time with people that had become so dear to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MPXHcA60Cys/U3CZ7ygw5PI/AAAAAAAAA9U/1MlPQSi_eL0/s1600/Manzana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MPXHcA60Cys/U3CZ7ygw5PI/AAAAAAAAA9U/1MlPQSi_eL0/s1600/Manzana.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I then spent that afternoon in the pub with <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Naomi and Andy</span></a> as we
spoke about our likely options and reflected (don’t overthink that word –
it’s just a better way of saying drank cider and laughed about /
laughed at each other) on some of the moments we had spent together. Whatever
happens with work now I know that at some point I’ve got a massive decision to make -
and that within the next year I’m going to have a major change in my
life because of the choice that I’ve made. New challenges usually excite
me – but I’m nowhere close to being able look
forward to that part yet. Does that make sense? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">My Arm</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Late last year I bought a Groupon to get a tattoo (and one for
<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Dan</span></a> as well) and a couple of months ago we went to get them done. It’s
hard to describe the pain of getting a tattoo – but what I will say is that they
hurt. Without any question – they hurt (and anyone that says
otherwise is very simply not telling the truth). I don’t have
a particularly high tolerance for pain anyway – but at one point I felt like I was
about to projectile puke over <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Dan</span></a>, the tattoo man and all of the other people
in the place. But I guess you want to know what my tattoo is?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Obpt26hIZho/U3CaYj7eI_I/AAAAAAAAA9k/QIEgLfKgCos/s1600/Tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Obpt26hIZho/U3CaYj7eI_I/AAAAAAAAA9k/QIEgLfKgCos/s1600/Tattoo.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In case you can’t read it – it
says ‘fight the good fight’ and it’s taken from a Bible verse –
1 Timothy 6:12. The verse isn’t about physically fighting, but the
good fight is living as a person chasing after God and about being a good
Christian (and whatever that may entail). I fail so often at both of those
things – but now I have a constant reminder on my arm to always try
and be a better person. I won’t always succeed (I know that) –
but I can try. I wanted a tattoo that wouldn’t become dated and something that I
could always reflect on and that would always mean something to me. Every time
I look at my arm now I’m both encouraged and challenged to be
a better man – and that is pretty special. Something
else that is true though is that once you have one – you
want another…… (And I’m not ruling it out) –
I can safely reveal though that whilst it was being done I definitely wasn’t
thinking like that!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">The Film Count</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/StTqXEQ2l-Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have a Cineworld Unlimited card and because of that I need to
try and watch as many films as possible in the space of a year to get the most
value out of it. This therefore means watching all manner of films whether you
would normally pay to go and see them or not. Some of the ‘extra’
films you go and see may be wonderful surprises (Saving Mr Banks and The Grand
Budapest Hotel are two examples of this for me) whereas some films may actually
be big bundles of donkey excrement (See Robocop and Anchorman 2 - which I
unfortunately watched on the same day). Anyway – the challenge is on. I’ve
watched 16 at the cinema so far and I’d like to hit somewhere between 40-45
by the end of the year. Favourites so far are the Lego Movie and the Winter
Soldier whereas the <i>best</i> film I’ve
seen is probably 12 years a slave (which is a prime example of a film that you <i>know </i>is brilliant yet is anything but
enjoyable to watch)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Phil</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">’s Birthday</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T000af6bCWw/U3Cbfmao1iI/AAAAAAAAA9w/QhsDBywV0ng/s1600/Andi+and+Phil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T000af6bCWw/U3Cbfmao1iI/AAAAAAAAA9w/QhsDBywV0ng/s1600/Andi+and+Phil.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(I obviously looked happier than this on Phil's birthday!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A couple of months ago I headed down to the Homelands to take one
of my closest friends <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Phil Slatter</span></a> out for his 30<sup>th</sup> Birthday. A
group of us made an agreement at the start of this (school) year that we would
all go to each other’s 30<sup>th</sup> Birthday’s
and <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Phil’s</span></a> is one of the final ones. <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Phil</span></a> is someone really important
in my life as he was the first person I met in the Homelands. From the moment we
connected we have been friends (even after I set fire to his wheelie bin) –
and it was an absolute honour to be able to take him out for his birthday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In truth – I’ve really loved having so many chances
to spend time with people that I love – and the more I think about it –
the more I hate the fact that we almost need to find excuses to spend time with
each other. Everyday life gets in the way – and it shouldn’t be
like that at all. Part of me knows that it’s natural to see each other less –
that is life and people say that that is what happens. But I don’t
want to accept that. I want to spend more time with everyone –
not less. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SmTbVnr46w0/U3CdZisltpI/AAAAAAAAA98/Ida_8kAPIiE/s1600/home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SmTbVnr46w0/U3CdZisltpI/AAAAAAAAA98/Ida_8kAPIiE/s1600/home.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In a strange way I think for a while I almost felt like I (for
want of a better word here) abandoned my friends from the Homelands earlier on
in life – and I felt guilty for a while because of that. I moved away
when I was 18 meaning that we only saw each other on occasion –
and because of that I missed a major part of us properly growing up together
and I’ll never know what it would have been like to have spent
those years causing chaos (although I can probably imagine). I’ll
never be able to regain those years that I missed with my friends from moving
away – but at the same time I know that it was without question
the right thing to do (and that I’d make the same choice over and over
again) - so I don’t dwell on those thoughts any more. I
am forever grateful for the life that I have now and for the people that I have
alongside me – and I know that moving was part of <i>my </i>journey. The years I missed with that
group of friends were not ‘lost’ (as I once thought) - as they helped
me become the man that I am today. My friends showed grace and forgave me for
any feelings of letting them down by leaving them (if they ever even felt that way)
as our friendships are now growing to become stronger than ever before and
moving forward I’m going to make every effort I can to keep
spending time with all of them (whether they like it or not). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><u><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Wedding Anniversary</span></u></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Tm117fX1HI/U3Cdyjwe7fI/AAAAAAAAA-E/-i2YkPV7TSI/s1600/dustbuster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Tm117fX1HI/U3Cdyjwe7fI/AAAAAAAAA-E/-i2YkPV7TSI/s1600/dustbuster.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The day after I took <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Phil</span></a> out, <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Wifey</span></a> and I left the Homelands to
go and see my parental units in their new house in deepest darkest Norfolk for
a few days to get away for our wedding anniversary. We’ve now
been married for 8 years – and whilst it sounds like a complete
cliché – I love her more than ever before. But
please don’t believe anyone that says that marriage is easy though –
very simply because they aren’t telling the truth. Marriage can be
hard at times but I can say without hesitation that it is fantastic –
but you have to work to get it that way. It’s also important to have a sense of
humour – something that (perhaps unsurprisingly) departed <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Cass</span></a> when
I got her a dustbuster for Valentine’s Day and a new Iron for our
anniversary…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The good news though (and in news that will probably reassure you
that I don</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">’</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">t have a death wish) is that I did get her other lovely
presents as well</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">…</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">..Surprisingly though - I was amazed
that a hoover didn</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">’</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">t go down well either</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">……</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(joke
</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">–</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> I really don</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">’</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">t have a death wish).</span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Wifey</span></a> – thank you for putting up with me for
so long. I love you and can’t wait for so many more years
together. And I’m still sorry for not saying how
AMAZING you looked on our wedding day (note to Grooms out there….NEVER
forget)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Writer</span></u></b><b><u><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">’s Block</span><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Sc_9fQnTco/U3CeX-_jhEI/AAAAAAAAA-M/oqlggScB9X4/s1600/writers_block_400.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Sc_9fQnTco/U3CeX-_jhEI/AAAAAAAAA-M/oqlggScB9X4/s1600/writers_block_400.gif" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I write this, I’ve got a track overdue for <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Matt’s</span></a>
album (which is starting to sound great by the way) – and I’m
probably two tracks behind where I should be in writing my new album (Some more
details about that will emerge at some point). I don’t want
to rush anything (I think you can always tell songs that have been rushed) but
at the same time it’s getting quite frustrating. Music
seems to be coming quite freely – but lyrics just seem to be a garbled
mess (if I could have a spell the other way round then at least it would match
up). In the midst of it - I’m getting an increasing feeling that I
just have to get back to basics and write for me again (rather than writing
from other situations or for others). I honestly think that I’ve
got a few great songs just waiting to come out but I think that I just need to
take the time to step back into my heart (excuse the vile phrase). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In a strange twist though – I’ve had a couple of really good ideas
for novels so the ideas are flowing really freely on that side. One of them especially
I would love to properly write – and who knows – it
may one day see the light of day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">A New Church, Seek and
Priorities</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In late 2013 – I moved Churches to C3 in Cheltenham.
The hardest thing about the change though was that because of work and being
away for quite a few weekends I hardly got to go until early this year. But it’s
been an amazing change and I’ve started to feel at home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePGK9R_Suiw/U3Ce2Aax3vI/AAAAAAAAA-U/piWhD2DfODg/s1600/ghandi-action-expresses-priorities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePGK9R_Suiw/U3Ce2Aax3vI/AAAAAAAAA-U/piWhD2DfODg/s1600/ghandi-action-expresses-priorities.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Good Friday service especially was great but immensely
challenging for me as it also set in motion an on-going question about
priorities in my life and with my time (and reminded me of how often I get them
wrong). I quite often (and I’ve mentioned this before) take the
easy options with my time by doing things like spending too much time on the PlayStation
or by watching too much TV. I honestly wonder how I could be spending that time
better or how I could better focus on things. For a start I know that I don’t
spend nearly enough time working on and building my faith or by perfecting my
musical craft – and the honest truth is that I need
to go through a real period of realigning what I’m doing. I’m
excited about the end result and how it (and I) could look at the end –
but it isn’t going to be a quick process. But it’s the
right time to get started. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Seek His Face meanwhile is growing and is becoming really
exciting. Every month we are seeing new people join our ragtag congregation of
worshippers and every month I’m blown away that people from so many
different Churches come together to worship in such a way. It’s
inspiring to be part of – and I don’t
think it is done in many other places because of the simple (somewhat
depressing) fact that Churches in general don’t work together. It’s
a blessing and honour to lead but I’m still not sure how it ended up with
me. Don’t get me wrong though – it’s an amazing privilege.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Holiday</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7D9PlfDgGw/U3CfFPfAkfI/AAAAAAAAA-c/8BWD33-Qbsg/s1600/Portugal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7D9PlfDgGw/U3CfFPfAkfI/AAAAAAAAA-c/8BWD33-Qbsg/s1600/Portugal.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last month, <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Wifey</span></a> and I jetted off to Portugal for a week for a
well deserved (I think at least) all inclusive holiday. It was amazing. The
food was lovely (I lost track of the number of times I got the meat sweats),
the drinks were lovely, the weather was hot, we met some lovely people and I
even discovered that I have a love of beach volleyball - a love that may or may
not (I’m guessing the former) have taken a dramatic increase due to
the fact that there were beer taps available at about 50 places around the
hotel. The most important thing however was the fact that we relaxed. Holidays
are great and as 99% of people will say – you don’t want to come home once you’ve
been away. I will however leave this chapter with one of my highlights from the
holiday:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZYDuIXsyo4/U3CfMsgqG0I/AAAAAAAAA-k/78XAA2XCTT8/s1600/Husband+Creche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZYDuIXsyo4/U3CfMsgqG0I/AAAAAAAAA-k/78XAA2XCTT8/s1600/Husband+Creche.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Picture a group of 4 people in their early 20’s.
Most of them are sporty (/preppy) and nice enough people but increasingly
throughout the week they’ve been getting a bit smug (one of
them especially) because they’ve won every sporting activity known
in a holiday resort. Rifle Shooting, Volleyball (probably not helped by me
being on the opposite team), Tennis, Boules, Bingo, Darts….They’d
won everything – but on the last day came the holiday
favourite – Water Polo. At this point I should point out that on the
last day of any holiday I try and get as much value as possible. I will do
every activity, eat in both restaurants, take part in the evening’s
‘entertainment’, ‘borrow’ every toiletry item that I can get my
hands on and try as many drinks as possible (the majority of which I have to
leave due to them being vile). And by the time Water Polo came around –
it’s quite possible that I had worked my way a third of the way
around the bar. It also turns out that I wasn’t the only one with that plan (and in comparison I was the best for wear by a long way out of all of us). And
remarkably the entertainment team decided that it would be a great idea to put
all of those in the same situation as me together <i>against</i> the team of #championsofeverythingelse. But victory was not
to be straight forward. We fought with every ounce of energy we had. We were
like the Mighty Ducks against the other ones. We were the underdogs –
and we started to gain a crowd watching us (and shockingly kind of cheering us
on). We were putting up a real fight (despite not properly being able to see in
a straight line- me due to a lack of glasses before you take that to mean anything else....). And then it happened. The smuggest one of them all broke free
and was clear through on our goal. Two of us started chasing back but the smug
one even had a chance to turn around and say something mocking towards us
before we could catch up. He pulled his arm back to shoot and both of us dived
to block the ball. I (perhaps unsurprisingly) missed the ball but my team mate
got close – very close in fact. He got so close to the ball that in his
Superman kind of dive for the ball he flew past the ball…….and
his fist connected (with a crunch) into smug man’s nose. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weHmmFneyvk/U3CgeGK-3xI/AAAAAAAAA-0/FaQjSWQpEtI/s1600/water+polo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weHmmFneyvk/U3CgeGK-3xI/AAAAAAAAA-0/FaQjSWQpEtI/s1600/water+polo.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was a complete accident and
something that he couldn’t have done again if he had tried a
1000 times – the timing was that perfect. Obviously for smug man the
timing wasn’t perfect (and it might have put a small dampener on his
last day) and we all helped him out of the pool before HIS lovely team mates
decided that they wanted to play on. Anyway – it just goes to show that it’s
important to stay safe on holiday (I struggled to get a moral out of that). Oh –
and in case you were wondering – my team ended up winning……(but
the entertainment team decided not to give us certificates –
probably due to the manner of our victory I’d imagine).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hopefully this chapter has given you a bit of insight into what I’ve
been up to and kind of ‘where I am’ at
the moment. I’ve got loads coming up as well –
so I should have some interesting updates for you in the next few weeks /
months. I’m also really sorry if this chapter has seemed a bit
disjointed – it’s really just been a collection of a
few thoughts and ramblings that have been written over the course of a few weeks. There has been mention of a couple of new
resolutions though (thankfully none involving Water Polo) so start keeping
notes. As ever – send me your questions and thoughts
via <a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com"><span style="color: cyan;">email</span></a>, <span style="color: cyan;"><u>Twitter</u></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/10Resolutions"><span style="color: cyan;">Facebook</span></a></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> - and I’ll start answering them in the next
chapter. Right – I’m off to do some song writing –
and to work out what level of chilli powder is acceptable to put in chilli for a wedding
reception (without leaving the congregation with toileting issues for the
remainder of the evening)....I'll let you know how that goes....</span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’ll leave you with this completely
inspiring video.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EGDMXvdwN5c?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God Bless. Keep Safe. Speak Soon.</span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" style="background-color: cyan;">Andi x</a></b></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
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<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-70365982260148393312014-01-30T07:51:00.001-08:002014-01-30T07:51:34.201-08:00Chapter 23 - A story about finales and new beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0-MyuE0cFI/UuplAfyNGMI/AAAAAAAAA6w/iMPOR6GFboU/s1600/C23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0-MyuE0cFI/UuplAfyNGMI/AAAAAAAAA6w/iMPOR6GFboU/s1600/C23.jpg" height="196" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="DE">So </span><span lang="EN-US">here we are at the season finale of
10 Resolutions. The end of S01 as it were. But do not worry, for 10 Resolutions
has been renewed for a 2</span><sup><span lang="NL">nd</span></sup><span lang="EN-US"> season. But we</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ve got a lot to get through before we get to some revelations</span><span lang="NL">…</span>. (And I promise I won’t
moan about me being side-lined with tonsillitis for the best part of the last
two weeks).<span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Christmas Meat Sweats</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Walg_MfksRw/UQ_eeQhIoGI/AAAAAAAAAIk/MSgE8Kx28QQ/s1600/D+and+C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Walg_MfksRw/UQ_eeQhIoGI/AAAAAAAAAIk/MSgE8Kx28QQ/s1600/D+and+C.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Saturday before Christmas
- <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Dan,
Christine, baby Amelia</span></a>, <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Wifey</span></a> and I had family Christmas together. With <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Dan</span></a>
and I miles away from our original families - it was really nice to be able to
spend the day all together and just have loads of fun. I cooked the meat (and
we all survived)! </span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next day <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Wifey</span></a> and I headed back to the homelands for the
<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">twins
1st birthday</span></a>.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAD75d3F2V0/UPZ5J2xQT8I/AAAAAAAAAC4/5KswiYtvwdE/s1600/C+and+J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bAD75d3F2V0/UPZ5J2xQT8I/AAAAAAAAAC4/5KswiYtvwdE/s1600/C+and+J.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> And when I think back to the massive range of emotions I felt
back then and everything that has happened since - it seems like an age ago
that they joined the world (and <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">10
Resolutions began</span></a>) but something that I'll never forget and will always
remember is how thankful I am that they are here with us. I certainly can't imagine life without them.<span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="Body">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KCA9yLXMakI/UupueD6OVBI/AAAAAAAAA7I/0NNgwErLVxY/s1600/Meat+Sweats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KCA9yLXMakI/UupueD6OVBI/AAAAAAAAA7I/0NNgwErLVxY/s1600/Meat+Sweats.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FK_4_0rvB9c/Uupt6XuJLRI/AAAAAAAAA7A/sR_AI0KDywU/s1600/Twins+Now.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FK_4_0rvB9c/Uupt6XuJLRI/AAAAAAAAA7A/sR_AI0KDywU/s1600/Twins+Now.jpeg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christmas Day saw me
finishing a night shift early in the morning before heading to the in laws once
I'd woken up. A tactical dump was needed halfway through the meal - but we had a
great day (even if I did have the meat sweats until halfway through the night).
I really wouldn't mind if I never ate turkey again though (which was something
I repeated saying pretty much every day for the next week). After a lie in on
Boxing Day - <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Wifey</span></a> dragged me shopping - In a fair agreement though, she let me
watch the football later in the day. Rubbish TV I think was probably the order
of the day in most households around the country and in the evening it was no
different for us. At this point I have to say though - Christmas specials do
not seem right AFTER Christmas. <span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oUiJw6ZF0ts/Uupu6Sfi7_I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/IYTrF-bN2Wk/s1600/2014-01-01+01.24.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oUiJw6ZF0ts/Uupu6Sfi7_I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/IYTrF-bN2Wk/s1600/2014-01-01+01.24.18.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the 27th <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Wifey</span></a> and I
returned to the Homelands for a family get together with my <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/chapter-10-story-about-family-spoilers.html"><span style="color: lime;">Dad's
side of the family</span></a>. Amazing food, loads of beer and it was followed by a
quick drop in to see <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Phil</span></a>
and <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_07_01_archive.html"><span style="color: lime;">Rach
(and Caitlin)</span></a> as well as <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_11_01_archive.html"><span style="color: lime;">Nigel
and Carole</span></a>. I have no idea what time that party carried on till - but it
looked like it was going to be a late one! <span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And after a few days it was
time for New Year - Party time spent with <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Wifey</span></a>, the in-laws, <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chapter-13-story-about-wigan-athletic.html"><span style="color: lime;">Joe</span></a>,
<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html"><span style="color: lime;">Howson</span></a>, <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/a-story-about-ice-and-gas-called.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Apryle</span></a>, <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/a-story-about-ice-and-gas-called.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Wayne</span></a>, more meat sweats, cigars and karaoke (including some questionable song choices
and a massive hidden talent from someone....<span style="color: lime;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html"><span style="color: lime;">Howson</span></a> </span>-<span style="color: lime;"> </span>and yes there is video footage)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vXqSz4t8QaQ/UupwKATZiwI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/qSb-VtErgIo/s1600/pix-winstons-funny20drunk20lady_zps10a78a6c.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vXqSz4t8QaQ/UupwKATZiwI/AAAAAAAAA7Y/qSb-VtErgIo/s1600/pix-winstons-funny20drunk20lady_zps10a78a6c.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few days later I jumped
on a train to the roundabout haven of Swindon where I stopped in for a few
drinks and laughs with <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-5-story-about-foreign-call.html"><span style="color: lime;">Kate</span></a>
before she headed off to Africa to save the universe. Despite <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-5-story-about-foreign-call.html"><span style="color: lime;">Kate</span></a>
attracting the attention of a slightly worse for wear older lady (who took quite
a shine to her) we had a great time. I found it strange though that <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-5-story-about-foreign-call.html"><span style="color: lime;">Kate</span></a>
didn't take my fashion advice seriously for her trip though. Who wouldn't want
bright pink Nike trainers or the world's least flattering poo coloured jacket?<span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8tqbkN7qbk/UupwcjkokyI/AAAAAAAAA7g/hcaudUgTcj0/s1600/main_share.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8tqbkN7qbk/UupwcjkokyI/AAAAAAAAA7g/hcaudUgTcj0/s1600/main_share.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the next few days I
spent a lot of time in the cinema...meaning that my film count for the year is
already high. Saving Mr Banks though I have to say was a complete surprise.
Unexpected and powerful - I thought it was fantastic. I also loved the Hobbit -
although like most other people I'm sure the ending frustrated you all as well. <span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Rachel's 30th</b></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Lisa Denmark</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(*Typical season finale introduction of character
for season 2 tease*) </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mG5iIvna1o/UupwxvbtBlI/AAAAAAAAA7o/OS4rk88EJ0Q/s1600/Lisa+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9mG5iIvna1o/UupwxvbtBlI/AAAAAAAAA7o/OS4rk88EJ0Q/s1600/Lisa+D.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">I met Lisa at <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Dan
and Christine<span lang="FR">’</span>s</span></a> wedding
last year and she is very much <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_12_01_archive.html"><span style="color: lime;">Kraig<span lang="FR">’</span>s</span></a> better half. She is smart
and funny whilst having a lovely feisty edge and she is more than able to hold
her own in banter with the guys of our crowd. One of the other things that I
love about Lisa is that she has a bit of a hedgehog personality. When I first met her she had quite a </span><span lang="NL">“hard” </span><span lang="EN-US">exterior
but after breaking that down (probably through annoying her and her just giving
up) I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ve found that she really does have a
heart of gold </span><span lang="NL">– </span><span lang="EN-US">and that</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s amazing. In another turn of events
</span><span lang="NL">– I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ve also just nominated her to become
our leader (because we really need someone to organise us) and because she has
experience in the fact that she is a Police Lady (is that politically correct?)
Police Officer? I just know that I can</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t call her a
Police Bird</span><span lang="NL">………..<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="NL"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="DE">So <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_07_01_archive.html"><span style="color: lime;">Rachel<span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="NL">s</span></span></a></span><span lang="NL"> 30</span><sup><span lang="EN-US">th</span></sup><span lang="EN-US"> Birthday party was a couple of weeks ago and
it was a great night. Everyone was there bar a couple of poorly people (one
being my <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">wife </span></a>sick with Tonsillitis - no spoiler alert needed for where I got it) and we had a great night. Knowing in
advance how expensive drinks would be in Marlow however </span><span lang="NL">– </span><span lang="EN-US">I decided to think ahead and left a
number of pre-bought drinks in the back of <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Dan<span lang="FR">’</span>s</span></a> car. The plan worked a treat
and I had a never- ending pint glass. Whenever I needed a drink I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">d take <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Dan<span lang="FR">’</span>s</span></a> keys and go and get one from
the boot. As you can imagine </span><span lang="NL">– </span><span lang="EN-US">a completely foolproof (or remarkably hard to
break) plan </span><span lang="NL">– </span><span lang="EN-US">and I even had a working system when getting drinks:</span><span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Open boot<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Place car keys in pocket<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Pour drink into wonderfully never-ending pint glass<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Remove drink (and can) from boot<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Lock car<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Place car keys back in pocket<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span lang="EN-US">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--></i><span lang="EN-US"><i>Put rubbish in bin</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3RldfdHQce8/UupySQSLH-I/AAAAAAAAA8I/0a6Al557txM/s1600/keys.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3RldfdHQce8/UupySQSLH-I/AAAAAAAAA8I/0a6Al557txM/s1600/keys.png" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">What I hadn</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t quite looked act in the grand scheme of my plan however was the variables
(I knew I should have paid more attention in science) as up until my last trip
to the car, I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">d gone alone </span><span lang="NL">– </span><span lang="EN-US">so could completely concentrate on
my system. But on the last run I went with <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_07_01_archive.html"><span style="color: lime;">Lewis</span></a>
and we got into a big conversation </span><span lang="NL">– </span><span lang="EN-US">which slightly distracted me from
what I was doing. I shut the boot complete with can (to put in the bin) in hand
and walked away. But as I started to make my way in, something started to dawn
on me. And as I started to check my jacket (slowly at first then more frantically
like someone who is searching for a spider on their body) I realised that I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">d left the keys in the boot of the car. Which wouldn</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t have been a problem if the boot were still unlocked. But as I ran back
to check I realised that the moment the boot shut it became locked. Which meant
that my fool proof plan had spectacularly failed </span><span lang="NL">– </span><span lang="EN-US">and now I had to go and fix my
somewhat epic balls up. </span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know how I
would have reacted if the situation was reversed. I would have gone nuts and
been completely furious. But in the moment I told <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Dan</span></a>
- I experienced two amazing things. Grace and forgiveness. I booked the car to
stay in the car park until the Monday morning and called a taxi to get us all. <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Dan
and Christine</span></a> arranged for <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Christine<span lang="FR">’</span>s</span></a> parents to drop the spare
keys off the next day and then <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Dan</span></a>
said </span><span lang="NL" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">well at least I can have a drink now</span><span lang="NL" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.
In different circumstances things wouldn</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t have worked out so well and if the situation was flipped the other way
around, well </span><span lang="NL" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">– </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">this would be a much different story. But thankfully it wasn</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t. <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Dan</span></a>
knew that I was hurting and beating myself up from what I</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">d done (and don</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t get me wrong here </span><span lang="NL" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">– </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">absolutely
rightly so) </span><span lang="NL" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">–</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">so he left me to punish myself. I</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ll tell you one
thing though </span><span lang="NL" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">– </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">fixing my balls up ended up costing me much more than paying the extra </span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">£’</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">s for drinks ever would have done</span><span lang="NL" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">…..</span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TVOl87uMeZM/Uupx8JLQU2I/AAAAAAAAA8A/4zGPJXte6_I/s1600/3632.cricket-lead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TVOl87uMeZM/Uupx8JLQU2I/AAAAAAAAA8A/4zGPJXte6_I/s1600/3632.cricket-lead.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So there you have it - and
as the last two weeks have been taken up with tonsillitis and me going slightly
stir crazy that pretty much brings you up to date. Not having anything to do
for that period does strange things to a man though and I have now reached a
number of conclusions: Daytime TV is awful (as it the Riddick trilogy), Sky
Sports News is VERY repetitive when watched for long periods of time, the
English cricket team are rubbish (and cricket should probably just be stopped
for boredom purposes) and a number of charities have self-defeating tactics
when it comes to door to door sales (by calling multiple times in the same
week). On top of that I have also learnt that anaesthetic spray has a very
weird effect when sprayed on the tongue instead of tonsils....<span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But that's enough of my
rambling - and the time has come for some revelations (after all - that is what
season finales are about).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Resolution Revelations</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ok – so let’s start with
what we already know (Resolutions in no particular order here):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="NL">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Release Album </b>(<span lang="NL"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/chapter-15-story-about-sleep.html"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: lime;">Officially revealed in Chapter 15</span></span></a></span>)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr2PXhxB-Ps/UgTd_0DwzbI/AAAAAAAAApE/_8_GbysZf80/s1600/Album_iTunes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr2PXhxB-Ps/UgTd_0DwzbI/AAAAAAAAApE/_8_GbysZf80/s1600/Album_iTunes.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was one of the
resolutions that I touched most upon so it would have been hard to miss it. In
pretty much every chapter leading up to the not really very big reveal (as it
was really obvious) I touched on it. Album released – if you bought a copy then
you’ll already know what another resolution is (see number 6), if you haven’t
yet, you can buy it from <a href="http://quenchshops.com/products/no-more-chains-cd-0632930332953"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a>
or <a href="http://quenchshops.com/products/no-more-chains-cd-0632930332953"><span style="color: lime;">Amazon</span></a>
or the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-more-chains/id783598148"><span style="color: lime;">ITunes</span></a>.
The good news here is that this resolution is officially cleared.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="NL">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="NL">At Home - Focus On Music </span></b><span lang="NL">(<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" style="color: lime;">First
mentioned in Chapter 2</a> yet <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chapter-14-story-about-zombies-and.html" style="color: lime;">revealed
in Chapter 14</a>)</span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zgeMoEEUNI/UupxdNLLoyI/AAAAAAAAA74/O0ynFcyD5Kk/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zgeMoEEUNI/UupxdNLLoyI/AAAAAAAAA74/O0ynFcyD5Kk/s1600/download.jpg" /></a><span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It sounds like a really simple thing – but I get
really easily distracted at home. This is something I touched on more <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-8-story-about-weetabix-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">in
chapter 8</span></a>. But at the start of the year I desperately needed to focus on
finishing the last couple of tracks for the album but I was struggling as I’d
always find something else to do. By making this a resolution though and by
making myself accountable to you all - I not only finished the tracks on the
album – but I’ve also continued in that mindset of writing throughout the year.
I still do have Playstation time – but I’ve also finished writing the next EP
along the way. And that friends is something I could never have done without
making it into a resolution. (It took me 5 years to write the album). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9zbGGTGkPQ/Uupy3SJlY2I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/wO0LJITmkPU/s1600/Weight-Loss-Funny-Cartoon-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9zbGGTGkPQ/Uupy3SJlY2I/AAAAAAAAA8Q/wO0LJITmkPU/s1600/Weight-Loss-Funny-Cartoon-3.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="NL">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="NL">Lose 2 Stone </span></b><span lang="NL">(<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chapter-14-story-about-zombies-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Officially
revealed in Chapter 14</span></a>)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Does half a stone count? No – I don't think it
should either. In honesty I haven’t tried nearly hard enough to do this I
should (and will) as the year progresses, but in earnest I probably only really
started trying this year. So 2013 for this was a start - but overall a BIG fail
for this one. So this is a rollover....<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="NL">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="NL">“Build” Seek His Face</span></b><span lang="NL"> (<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html"><span style="color: lime;">First
mentioned in Chapter 2</span></a>)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bIYL4-EfSvA/UupxLQWO3qI/AAAAAAAAA7w/sGr51M_8VtI/s1600/Seek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bIYL4-EfSvA/UupxLQWO3qI/AAAAAAAAA7w/sGr51M_8VtI/s1600/Seek.jpg" height="166" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seek His Face, is an event run by <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html"><span style="color: lime;">Padley</span></a> and me in
Cheltenham that connects people from different Churches (something that I’m really
passionate about) <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/chapter-16-part-2-story-about-holidays.html"><span style="color: lime;">and
I touched on it more in chapter 16</span></a>. Seek has grown in the last year yes,
but I don't think it is anywhere near (yet) what it could become. In honesty, I’ve
probably not done as much as I could to help it along it’s way though which is
why it needs to roll over. I want it to grow through reputation – but for that
to happen more people need to know about it in the first place – and that’s
where I’ve let myself down here. Still – I’m excited to see what happens.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="NL">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="NL">Keep Up With Bible Plans And Spend More Time With God </span></b><span lang="NL">(<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/chapter-16-part-2-story-about-holidays.html"><span style="color: lime;">First
mentioned *I think* in Chapter 16</span></a>)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOAWHzDONlE/Ud05x0JxbSI/AAAAAAAAAlU/Ko-d34umBCM/s1600/Esther.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tOAWHzDONlE/Ud05x0JxbSI/AAAAAAAAAlU/Ko-d34umBCM/s1600/Esther.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It sounds like such an easy thing – but making time
to learn more about my faith is something that in the past I have been rubbish
at (hence making it a resolution). My faith this year has grown though as has my
knowledge and whilst I’m fully aware that I can grow more – I’m on a much
better track than I was and I now set myself some time each day just to have
some quiet time (and I don't mean quiet time with a ps4). Having this as one of
my resolutions has really helped and doing it daily has kind of embedded in me
now. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="NL">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="NL">Honour, Encourage & Thank My Friends And Family </span></b><span lang="NL">(<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/chapter-16-part-2-story-about-holidays.html"><span style="color: lime;">First
mentioned in Chapter 1</span></a>)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7bPja9Fy4k/UgTi1goQ_6I/AAAAAAAAApc/ILSfC0_h18E/s1600/Encourage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E7bPja9Fy4k/UgTi1goQ_6I/AAAAAAAAApc/ILSfC0_h18E/s1600/Encourage+2.jpg" height="320" width="272" /></a><span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s 10:10 in the morning and as I write this I
have tears building up in my eyes after re-reading the notes in the album cover
and after reading the (close to) 85,000 words of 10 Resolutions so far. I am so
incredibly lucky to have so many amazing people in my life and in almost every
chapter I’m reminded of that through the example’s people around me set. If I
knew I was blessed in regards to this before 10 Resolutions started I have now
been blown away. I wanted to encourage people through 10 Resolutions and to let
people close to me know simply how much they mean to me and how amazing they
are. Hopefully, I’ve done that along the way. The world in general can be a
negative place at times – and If I’ve managed to build someone up through doing
this then that’s fantastic. Thank you all. The honest truth is that without you
I really don't know where I would be. A
friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you – and I
experience that grace being afforded to me constantly – so thank you. Oh, and I’ve
obviously missed some people along the way (I’m sorry) – but please don't think
that I don't value you or love you – but if I mentioned everyone in season 1,
who could I talk about in season 2? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="NL">7. Remind Cass
That You Love Her Every Day </span></b><span lang="NL">(<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-6-story-about-changing-world.html"><span style="color: lime;">First
mentioned in Chapter 6</span></a>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7LfSxBI8dw/UrwV1V0B8PI/AAAAAAAAA5U/j8f9lqhGZBg/s1600/Wifey+Lush.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7LfSxBI8dw/UrwV1V0B8PI/AAAAAAAAA5U/j8f9lqhGZBg/s1600/Wifey+Lush.jpeg" height="320" width="213" /></a><span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This resolution sounds like the simplest thing in
the world, but when I wrote it – I didn't just mean telling <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">her</span></a>. No, the
resolution involved showing <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">her</span></a> as well (as I’ve been rubbish at doing it in
the past). And no I don't mean in the crudest sense by her walking in from work
and me standing there with a rose in my mouth completely naked ready to “show
her”. What I mean is that I’d cook for her after a hard day’s work, I’d make
more time for us, I’d buy <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">her</span></a> little presents...you get the idea. In the past I’ve
been rubbish and I’ve been working harder all year (despite embarrassing <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">her</span></a> on
a number of occasions) to try and get better at it. Love should be limitless
for those you adore - and because of that, this resolution has to roll over –
because I could always do better (and <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Wifey</span></a> now knows about it). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="NL">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="NL">Become More Open with My Feelings </span></b><span lang="NL">(<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-9-story-about-sorrow-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">See
Chapter 9</span></a>)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ljOqMNe-YZs/UupzOQ1YUkI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/cENKhKpeObQ/s1600/funny-spock-has-no-feelings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ljOqMNe-YZs/UupzOQ1YUkI/AAAAAAAAA8Y/cENKhKpeObQ/s1600/funny-spock-has-no-feelings.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a><span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Men get a bad rap a lot of the time for either not
being emotional enough or for being over emotional. My problem however is that
unless you really know me, I tend to hide my feelings behind a front (or facade
as it were). And I think the chapter that broke through this barrier for me was
<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-9-story-about-sorrow-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">chapter
9</span></a>. I said from the start that I was going to be honest on this journey but
I had no idea that I was going to have to cover ground like that. But writing
through it really helped me – and I’m forever grateful to <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Cass</span></a> for letting me
do it and for telling the universe about what was going on. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: 0cm;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="NL">9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="NL">Become a Better Man </span></b><span lang="NL">(See every chapter)<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBsOIw5MZYw/Uupzd18dcMI/AAAAAAAAA8g/R6T47Ij9N6c/s1600/better+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LBsOIw5MZYw/Uupzd18dcMI/AAAAAAAAA8g/R6T47Ij9N6c/s1600/better+man.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You could see this as a general resolution if you
want, but it really goes hand in hand with number 6. You see I’ve done stuff
that I’m not proud of in the past (haven’t we all). And I’ve let other people
and myself down. At the start of 2013 I made a resolution to be there for
people as much as they had been there for me – and then that resolution kind of
evolved into this. I want to be the best friend, husband, brother and son that
I could possibly be – and that takes time. I’m certainly not there yet but I’m
on my way. If someone else wrote my cast list entry – I always wonder about
what it would say. But above all else - I would just love for it to say that I’m
a good man. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="NL"><b>10.</b><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><b> </b>
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="NL">???</span></b><span lang="NL"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a way, resolution 10 was a massive success – but
it’s resolution caused me more pain than I could ever have imagined due to the
way it resolved. By this point you’ll either know what it is – or you’ll be
lost. But that doesn't really matter as this is a roll over – and I have faith.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So there you have it. The end of season 1. It
really has been emotional. If I’ve done my job right, you’ll have laughed with
me (and at me), you’ll have felt pain alongside me, you’ll have been encouraged
(and challenged) and you’ll still have questions. Which really leaves just one
question to answer before the start of season 2 (in the near future):<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<b><span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">What is the
best Season Finale of all time?</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can’t comment on all time – but I’ll let you in
on a secret for one of the ones I enjoyed the most....<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/fGvBl_N3xD0/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/fGvBl_N3xD0&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/fGvBl_N3xD0&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nM7tOiUo4HI/UfaT3lq89lI/AAAAAAAAAnM/3JjtogHm3gM/s1600/chav2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nM7tOiUo4HI/UfaT3lq89lI/AAAAAAAAAnM/3JjtogHm3gM/s1600/chav2.jpg" height="200" width="176" /></a><span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once again – thank you for reading and sharing this
journey with me. As ever, please feel free to ask questions on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/10resolutions" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook</span></a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: lime;">Twitter</span></a> and <a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com?subject=Question"><span style="color: lime;">email</span></a> (and
please do). And as a final request...can someone PLEASE do something about the walking train wreck that is Bieber.....<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Speak soon and God Bless</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="NL" style="font-size: 72.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster#" target="_blank">Andi</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Body">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">In the
really annoying piece of time between Christmas and New Year 2012 - someone
asked me the inevitable question about what my resolutions were going to be for
the coming year. And my list of potential resolutions was a big list. A very
big list. I made 10 resolutions and stuck to some of them whilst I learnt about
myself along the way. Some resolutions have now finished, some have been rolled
over and some new ones have been added to get me back to hav 10. And yes – I am going to tell you all
what they are. But not just yet...... </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A new day is
coming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-84235657426570464692013-12-26T04:02:00.000-08:002013-12-26T04:02:26.506-08:00Chapter 22 - A story about courage (and Christmas ramblings)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJZ5CTuyJgw/UrwDqBCaq9I/AAAAAAAAA2c/nle1axBl1g8/s1600/C22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hJZ5CTuyJgw/UrwDqBCaq9I/AAAAAAAAA2c/nle1axBl1g8/s400/C22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">I want to start the penultimate chapter of </span>10 resolutions<span lang="EN-US"> 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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pg1J5S77D_s/UrwHqz0h7JI/AAAAAAAAA2o/4Z8vnrpLnxk/s1600/Help+for+Heroes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pg1J5S77D_s/UrwHqz0h7JI/AAAAAAAAA2o/4Z8vnrpLnxk/s320/Help+for+Heroes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: magenta;">“What dya fink you is doing mate? Where is your
f*****g zimma frame”</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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 ‘</span><span lang="ES-TRAD">respect</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zn7ZmaThR8k/UrwIlLX50CI/AAAAAAAAA2w/mxItP0WTq0M/s1600/a+team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zn7ZmaThR8k/UrwIlLX50CI/AAAAAAAAA2w/mxItP0WTq0M/s320/a+team.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">And with that – the group of teenagers started
laughing at the mouthy teenager and I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">m sure that I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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'</span><span lang="FR">t</span><span lang="EN-US"> much in me that is
convinced that the same kind of feelings wouldn'</span><span lang="FR">t</span><span lang="EN-US"> flood over me again.
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4fQlNazIJcM/UrwJJhJnQYI/AAAAAAAAA24/aUJ3G2niQ50/s1600/courage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4fQlNazIJcM/UrwJJhJnQYI/AAAAAAAAA24/aUJ3G2niQ50/s1600/courage.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Courage to be able to take a step like that is something I really need to pray
for. If it was just a couple of them or an individual then I wouldn'<span lang="FR">t</span><span lang="EN-US"> have a problem –
but then again I could do that in my strength. I need to have courage to act in
faith. And with that (somewhat overly heavy) opening – let</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s move on shall we……<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">In case you hadn'</span><span lang="FR">t </span><span lang="EN-US">heard, it</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s Christmas time –
and the even more crazy thing about that little reveal is that it is nearly a
year <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html"><span class="Hyperlink0"><span style="color: lime;">since 10 Resolutions began</span></span></a>. 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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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 <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/chapter-21-story-about-bruges-and-guy.html"><span class="Hyperlink0"><span lang="NL"><span style="color: lime;">chapter 21</span></span></span></a>?
And who have I met along the way?</span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Parties Parties Parties (and a trip to the
hospital)</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TB0RH5n8W8/UrwKfQ6MKXI/AAAAAAAAA3E/A1d5TqQ_4GQ/s1600/grey+hair.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_TB0RH5n8W8/UrwKfQ6MKXI/AAAAAAAAA3E/A1d5TqQ_4GQ/s320/grey+hair.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="PT">As I</span><span lang="FR">’ve</span><span lang="EN-US"> probably
mentioned once or twice (joke) – <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/chapter-21-story-about-bruges-and-guy.html"><span class="Hyperlink0"><span style="color: lime;">I’ve been hurtling towards 30 for the best part of a year</span></span></a>
- and at the end of November (in a joint party with <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span class="Hyperlink0"><span style="color: lime;">Dan</span></span></a>) I finally crossed over into brand new
territory and into a new decade of life. You</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ll be pleased to know
that it doesn</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t feel much different (yet) from my 20</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s - however I do now have
a somewhat ridiculous amount of grey hair developing. Thankfully though that
doesn</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t bother me (we</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ve just got a problem if I start balding!). But anyway, my birthday
was the first of four parties that I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ve attended in the last few weeks……..<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>The Birthday Bash</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3SzQgaiJY4/UrwMUPysLXI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/LyOdsalN3eI/s1600/Party+Aftermath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3SzQgaiJY4/UrwMUPysLXI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/LyOdsalN3eI/s200/Party+Aftermath.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Day After (Yes...that is a onesie)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUKQWdckgBU/UrwMKfHm2KI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/borAdTcfgPM/s1600/Party.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aUKQWdckgBU/UrwMKfHm2KI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/borAdTcfgPM/s200/Party.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Dan and I had been planning our birthday for
months and it went off without a hitch (so</span> thank you<span lang="EN-US"> to everyone that helped out). The
room looked beautiful, the bar was cheap and I felt completely blessed and</span> honoured<span lang="EN-US"> 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</span> hadn<span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="PT"><span style="color: cyan;">Kraig Dixon</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Di22hXbi7jg/UrwNXf9pHyI/AAAAAAAAA3k/pzj_GXcbsEc/s1600/Kraig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Di22hXbi7jg/UrwNXf9pHyI/AAAAAAAAA3k/pzj_GXcbsEc/s320/Kraig.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">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 do</span><span lang="FR">s</span><span lang="EN-US"> – as was evident
on Dan</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s Stag-do last year….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span class="Hyperlink0"><span style="color: lime;">Phil</span></span></a> to Kraig (After having spent the majority of
the day playing paintball which Kraig missed due to our previous heavy night):</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: magenta;">“Kraig, have you been in bed all day”?</span></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Kraig then replies:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: magenta;">“</span><span lang="PT" style="color: magenta;">No </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span class="Hyperlink0"><span style="color: lime;">Phil</span></span></a><span style="color: magenta;">, I</span></span><span lang="FR" style="color: magenta;">’</span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: magenta;">ve only been in bed until this point”</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was an absolutely priceless moment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">If you are feeling down, Kraig will cheer you up
and he has a completely infectious personality. He is one of my</span> favourite<span lang="EN-US"> people to
spend time with – I just wish that he didn’t live so far away!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Craig Simmons</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ga2Rx3gqky8/UrwPe4nYi1I/AAAAAAAAA3w/bZ1QhYfjKO0/s1600/Craig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ga2Rx3gqky8/UrwPe4nYi1I/AAAAAAAAA3w/bZ1QhYfjKO0/s200/Craig.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="NL">I met Craig (</span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/a-story-about-ice-and-gas-called.html"><span class="Hyperlink0"><span style="color: lime;">along with loads of other people</span></span></a>) as part of the
Faction about 10 years ago now and he has now become one of my closest friends.
I don</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s) and I always know that if I need him he</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ll be there for
me. He</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s a great friend and I am</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span>enormously proud of the man that he has become.<b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Ally Winter</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-moiUdold9tc/UrwPz5XKPnI/AAAAAAAAA34/ZND3wsrrMH0/s1600/Ally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-moiUdold9tc/UrwPz5XKPnI/AAAAAAAAA34/ZND3wsrrMH0/s200/Ally.jpg" width="187" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ve known Ally for pretty much exactly the same
amount of time that I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ve known Cass (and that</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><span lang="EN-US">Kirstie</span><span lang="FR">’</span></b></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>s Birthday</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Kirstie</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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 <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/chapter-17-part-2-story-about.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">back in chapter 17</span></a> 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....<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Kirstie Chidlow</span> <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBiHbVxR_eA/UrwRHEU5_8I/AAAAAAAAA4E/KnPnnS7pm0k/s1600/Kirstie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBiHbVxR_eA/UrwRHEU5_8I/AAAAAAAAA4E/KnPnnS7pm0k/s200/Kirstie.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t quite figured out her fondness for drinking JD). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span lang="FR"><span style="color: cyan;">Claire Barsellotti</span></span></b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: cyan;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nz6Aha1yTQ/UrwRbDdqwbI/AAAAAAAAA4M/87SU0MFZWKI/s1600/Slotty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nz6Aha1yTQ/UrwRbDdqwbI/AAAAAAAAA4M/87SU0MFZWKI/s200/Slotty.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t realise how
much I missed having her around. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The trip to the hospital.....</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Monday after Kirstie's birthday I ended up in London hanging out with <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/chapter-19-part-2-story-about-birthdays.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Simon</span></a> 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......<span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Lu Leach</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LwIDKRnYs_k/UrwSb_S3MBI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/HkViQ-m7VWs/s1600/Lu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LwIDKRnYs_k/UrwSb_S3MBI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/HkViQ-m7VWs/s320/Lu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Lu (<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-6-story-about-changing-world.html"><span class="Hyperlink0"><span style="color: lime;">wife to Terry</span></span></a>) is very simply one of the strongest people that I have ever met. Since I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s a pillar of strength and hope combined with a beautiful heart – and she is quite simply amazing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US"><b>Windsor Antics</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Un3uK6yj8V4/UrwTZeFYkII/AAAAAAAAA4g/uuoI5uaI9eY/s1600/Cocktail+Jug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Un3uK6yj8V4/UrwTZeFYkII/AAAAAAAAA4g/uuoI5uaI9eY/s200/Cocktail+Jug.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-saIpZpgNxhs/UrwTh0RxlWI/AAAAAAAAA4o/sebg-QVHP-A/s1600/The+Happy+Couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-saIpZpgNxhs/UrwTh0RxlWI/AAAAAAAAA4o/sebg-QVHP-A/s200/The+Happy+Couple.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The following Saturday was <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/chapter-17-part-1-story-about-tube-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Lucy's </span></a>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<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/chapter-17-part-1-story-about-tube-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Lewis, Chris, Phil, Rach, Sophia and Bradley</span></a></span> 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.....)</span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Christmas Party Time</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">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)</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Jamie Wilkins</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1n9bNNJ4zT4/UrwUS6__7qI/AAAAAAAAA4w/bLg9JsP_bPI/s1600/Jamie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1n9bNNJ4zT4/UrwUS6__7qI/AAAAAAAAA4w/bLg9JsP_bPI/s320/Jamie.jpg" width="213" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">He is an avid (yet normally realistic) Liverpool
fan (who actually knows about football), he</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t have him any
other way because as sad as it may well sound – I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Howie Jackson</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jtqm89Pp_vA/UrwUw-ONn-I/AAAAAAAAA44/u1M8TVriaXQ/s1600/Howie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jtqm89Pp_vA/UrwUw-ONn-I/AAAAAAAAA44/u1M8TVriaXQ/s320/Howie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’s loud, he’</span><span lang="EN-US">s a joker, he</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s snapchat</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s biggest user
and he</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s a great friend – just never expect him to be on time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="SV"><span style="color: cyan;">Jo Pockett</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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. <span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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).</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZQaEE79ueM/UrwVHi_ZLJI/AAAAAAAAA5A/MLupx6gtFOU/s1600/Jo+and+vKerr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZQaEE79ueM/UrwVHi_ZLJI/AAAAAAAAA5A/MLupx6gtFOU/s400/Jo+and+vKerr.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jo (left) Kerri-Anne (Right)</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="NL"><span style="color: cyan;">Kerri-Anne Wood</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Always giggling there is no question that
Kerri-Anne </span>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.<span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Hayley Drake</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hl0NjRIcx2U/UrwVcggoQZI/AAAAAAAAA5I/INUFtGHXyJ0/s1600/Hayley.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hl0NjRIcx2U/UrwVcggoQZI/AAAAAAAAA5I/INUFtGHXyJ0/s320/Hayley.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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). <span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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. <span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Wifey's Birthday......</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7LfSxBI8dw/UrwV1V0B8PI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/MSk_twEDBiY/s1600/Wifey+Lush.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b7LfSxBI8dw/UrwV1V0B8PI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/MSk_twEDBiY/s200/Wifey+Lush.jpeg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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....<span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Christmas Questions.....</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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.....</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">What do you like most about Christmas?</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xpoochHTyC4/UrwWuS-0XNI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/4_mvhu8WknE/s1600/cmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xpoochHTyC4/UrwWuS-0XNI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/4_mvhu8WknE/s1600/cmas.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t able to do that). Obviously with working shifts
though I don</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t get to do as much of it as I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">d like and it can get me a bit down. Sometimes it
works out really well with shifts (like this year I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">m off on Christmas Day
and Boxing Day and seeing people on the 22<sup>nd</sup> and 23<sup>rd</sup>)
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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ve got a lot to
be thankful for though, and Christmas is a really good time to reflect and to
realise that. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">m also not very good If (I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s really bad – but I am working on it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="FR"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">What don’</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">t you like about Christmas?</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">I have two (quite massive) pet hates about
Christmas – and I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">ll explain why for both (although one should be blindingly obvious):<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: cyan;">Christmas Carols</span></span></b><span lang="EN-US">. 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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">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 – <b><span style="color: cyan;">Shopping</span>. </b>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.</span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">What is your favourite Christmas film?</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WP_8psLgCWQ/UrwYllbTeMI/AAAAAAAAA6U/efj8E-cGT8s/s1600/Gremlin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WP_8psLgCWQ/UrwYllbTeMI/AAAAAAAAA6U/efj8E-cGT8s/s320/Gremlin.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">As a confession – I didn</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">t think that I liked many
Christmas films. As it turns out though, I do actually like quite a few. I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">m not as sold on
Elf as wifey is, but it</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s certainly a film that is growing on me (and that</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s probably lucky
as I</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">s
a wonderful life and are films that aren</span><span lang="FR">’</span><span lang="EN-US">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…… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">When did you first
discover that Santa wasn't real?</span></b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbGFfo7eDv4/UrwY9kOKx_I/AAAAAAAAA6c/CLtsyhNiAg4/s1600/socks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JbGFfo7eDv4/UrwY9kOKx_I/AAAAAAAAA6c/CLtsyhNiAg4/s320/socks.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">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.<b><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9jyCfRHumHU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">10 resolutions will
return soon so please subscribe using the white box above, keep up to date
via <a href="http://www.facebook.com/10resolutions" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook</span></a> or the <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">twitter</span></a>. <span lang="EN-US">Merry Christmas and a
happy new year. And happy birthday JC - for without you Christmas wouldn't even
happen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God bless</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Andi</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-1316315250635064672013-11-22T08:48:00.000-08:002013-11-22T08:48:33.011-08:00Chapter 21 - A story about Bruges and a guy called Patrick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edems9-TExo/Uo9THrssgrI/AAAAAAAAAz8/gOut4xoGpa0/s1600/C21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-edems9-TExo/Uo9THrssgrI/AAAAAAAAAz8/gOut4xoGpa0/s400/C21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5obT_mVfsk/Uo9Tgl705uI/AAAAAAAAA0E/Kw1qVAbeCXo/s1600/stick-or-twist2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5obT_mVfsk/Uo9Tgl705uI/AAAAAAAAA0E/Kw1qVAbeCXo/s320/stick-or-twist2.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It’s been a month since the last chapter and as you can probably imagine from the
size of the gap – there has been a lot going on (a few things of which I’ll
obviously tell you about as the chapter progresses) – but my overriding feeling
at the moment comes down to one simple phrase – “stick or twist”. I mentioned a
few chapters ago that I felt I was at a crossroads but I just didn’t know what
the options actually were to take. Well the update now is that I’m fairly sure
I do know what the options are and they are quite simple – “stick or twist”. You’ll
be pleased to know however (sarcasm) that the big “reveal” moment of these
options has probably left me more confused than ever before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHHAjvOHqP4/USOsHUV069I/AAAAAAAAAMY/Imj1tIsTWHY/s1600/life-begins-at-30-birthday-t-shirt_design.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHHAjvOHqP4/USOsHUV069I/AAAAAAAAAMY/Imj1tIsTWHY/s1600/life-begins-at-30-birthday-t-shirt_design.png" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">On top of
that - this is the last chapter I’ll write before I turn 30 – and whilst that
doesn’t phase me, the idea of turning 30 is really beginning to get to me. I
know that I won’t feel any different – I’m not scared of that – but what I’m
realising is that when I was younger I had a massive list of stuff to do before
I was 30 and there is very little stuff on that list that crossed off
(admittedly one of those things was becoming a member of Bon Jovi). Don’t get
me wrong – I’ve been lucky enough to do loads of other stuff instead, but I
guess what I’m getting at is that I’m realising that time really is short and I
don’t want to waste it. Perhaps that was a subconscious reason to start writing
10 Resolutions in the first place and for me to keep on writing it. Who knows?
But what I do know is that you needn’t worry about making inevitable jokes
about my hair going gray – because it already is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vffV-1kpG2o/Uo9UMFHh7bI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/YCWYRsz3IeA/s1600/OPen+UP.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vffV-1kpG2o/Uo9UMFHh7bI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/YCWYRsz3IeA/s320/OPen+UP.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I finished <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/chapter-20-story-about-port-and-ruggers.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Chapter 20</span></a></span> by speaking about Detoxtober
and Flik mentioning to me that an awful lot of my stories involve booze (which
was a fair point). To balance the scales I promised to tell you a story from my
younger-person past that isn’t widely known about me (which we will get to in a
minute). Before we get there though - I should mention that thinking about this
has actually given me the realisation that I find it easy to talk about stuff
that should be embarrassing (and there are 100’s of stories left to tell) - yet
really hard to talk about stuff like my fears and things like that. When I
spoke about <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/chapter-20-story-about-port-and-ruggers.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Ed in</span> <span style="color: cyan;">Chapter 20</span></a>
- the thing that I didn’t say when I said that he broke me down was the fact
that he actually had me in tears (on a stag do – luckily there were very few
people around at the time….). Again – he certainly didn’t mean to do it – but
he could see through my “front” and I guess that he could see that something
was hurting me and he called me on it. I honestly can’t remember what it was –
but I find messing around and joking really easy. I don’t find it so easy
talking about stuff that is close to and on my heart. Hopefully over the course
of 10 Resolutions so far you’ll have seen me open up a bit more and my heart change.
I’m still a long way away from where I’d like to be though - which is why
opening up to tell you the story I’m about to tell and how I remember it (bearing in mind it was a long time ago) could be quite important…….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I was 6 years
old and I lived on the Isle of Man. We had a <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl"><span style="color: cyan;">lovely
house on a quiet road</span></a> </span>and we were a stones throw away from
the beach and from a wood. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4fdf0Jk6Hs/Uo9UbEP0k9I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/XDHNS7vvzho/s1600/isle-of-man-flag.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4fdf0Jk6Hs/Uo9UbEP0k9I/AAAAAAAAA0Y/XDHNS7vvzho/s320/isle-of-man-flag.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a friend called Patrick and we would spend a
lot of time with each other and I’m fairly sure that it was at his house that I
first tried the wonderful thing that is pizza. Anyway, one day I was at his
house and he suggested that we went to play in the woods. Now, my parents had
let me go round to Patrick’s house to play - but they wouldn’t have let me go
to the woods without some form of supervision / nagging – so I saw a chance for
an early shot at rebellion. So with my parents thinking that I was still at his
house, Patrick and I went to the woods. Games were played, a fort was built and
we had a fantastic time hitting each other with sticks and pretending that they
were guns (as every boy does).</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqSpfzaS4uE/Uo9U53E2rtI/AAAAAAAAA0g/WqooCHgFCRE/s1600/sticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqSpfzaS4uE/Uo9U53E2rtI/AAAAAAAAA0g/WqooCHgFCRE/s1600/sticks.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We then decided to head down through the woods
and onto the beach. The way that I remember it was that there was a path
through the woods that maybe followed a stream that went into the sea and that
there was a small walkway for maybe 100m along the coast before hitting the
beach. What we didn’t realise though was that whilst we had been playing in the
woods (and being sheltered) we hadn’t realised the extent of the weather -
because by the time we reached the seafront the wind was fierce, the rain was
relentless and the tide was rising rapidly. Stupidly (although I cant remember
if there was another reason why we couldn’t or didn’t) we didn’t turn back and
go back home through the woods – we instead started to walk along this
unsheltered single file path (more like a ledge) along the coast that led to
the beach. We gradually moved slowly forwards - and then the waves started.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tkk2_6CHPaU/Uo9VYzJ41yI/AAAAAAAAA0o/CSoXPUnxb3g/s1600/RisingTide2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tkk2_6CHPaU/Uo9VYzJ41yI/AAAAAAAAA0o/CSoXPUnxb3g/s320/RisingTide2.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There have
been very few times in my life where I have been genuinely terrified – but this
remains to this day one of my strongest memories of fear. The waves started pounding the
path behind us and on reflection now the easiest way to help you visualise what
it was like for me would be running along a road with the road falling away
behind you. We couldn’t turn around because we would be hit by the waves. Our
path behind was blocked off and we could only move forward along the inclining
but continuingly narrowing path. The problem wasn’t that the drop was great -
but that the waves were smashing against the path and if either of us fell in
there was every chance that the waves could push us into the rocks. A few
moments later – Patrick’s foot slipped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In moments
like that, time really does start working in slow motion. I don’t know why
that’s the case but it’s probably something to do with adrenaline and the way
our minds are wired around fear and stuff.
It felt like I was moving in bullet time in this moment (years before
the Matrix invented it and then ruined it with the sequels that will not be
mentioned) as I reached out and grabbed Patrick's arm. I held on to Patrick with
all my might as he tried to regain his balance on the edge - but he was bigger
than me and my feet started to slip as well. And at that moment a giant wave hit
Patrick and I lost my grip of him.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vFkouDwTAUQ/Uo9V691cOWI/AAAAAAAAA0w/wwQerTUqnu4/s1600/Time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vFkouDwTAUQ/Uo9V691cOWI/AAAAAAAAA0w/wwQerTUqnu4/s1600/Time.jpg" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The wave hit
Patrick first and then I caught the after-effects of it as it pushed me into
the wall. Thankfully, rather than dragging Patrick down, the wave actually
pushed him into the wall as well. Not wanting to hang around or to contemplate
what could have happened we started to move towards the beach again. The waves
kept coming as the path continued, but by this point we had started to properly
look out for each other and to time our movements in relation to the bigger
waves. Eventually though, a completely drenched, relieved and terrified pair of
friends made it to the beach and walked home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I can’t
remember ever seeing Patrick again after that (or if we did we certainly didn’t
talk about the day again) or what I told my parents to explain how wet I was
(there is wet - and then there is walking around with 20 melted ice caps worth
of water on your person). It was probably a version of the truth (like going to
the beach) but I certainly didn’t tell them everything because I’d have been in
even more trouble and they’d have worried about me and grounded me until my 18<sup>th</sup>
birthday. The truth though is that I honestly wish I did tell them everything
because I can’t tell you how many times in my life my mind has drifted to those
moments and thought of different outcomes. I guess in a way I’ve been haunted
by it (or at least I was for a while). And that might not have happened if I’d
have had the guts to tell someone about it straight away and to talk it through.
It’s a memory that I’ve kept to myself for far too long and despite it being a
long time ago – it was without question one of the scariest moments of my life.
Don’t get me wrong here – I’ve made peace with it (if that makes sense) but hopefully by
telling you all about it it’ll become a conquered memory – and that can only be
a good thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">But now- time
to move on and come back to the present.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There are two
things in particular I’d like to tell you about from the last month. Two really
exciting things – so let’s start with the 19<sup>th</sup> and 20<sup>th</sup>
October. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Back to
the Homelands<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The 19<sup>th</sup>
October saw Wifey and I heading to Wycombe. But this time not to see the twins
(as they were on a holiday of their own). No this time we headed to Wycombe as
I had a couple of sessions to lead on the Sunday. But that also gave us an
amazing opportunity to catch up with <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Phil</span></a></span>, <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/chapter-17-part-1-story-about-tube-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Rach</span></a></span> and baby Caitlin on the Saturday
evening.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rV_k--C73j4/UTYqqANgWSI/AAAAAAAAAQo/rv2TgsoeQEI/s1600/phil+and+rach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rV_k--C73j4/UTYqqANgWSI/AAAAAAAAAQo/rv2TgsoeQEI/s320/phil+and+rach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><o:p></o:p>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Whilst it was
my decision to move away at 18 - I ended up sacrificing the next stage of
adulthood with my oldest friends. Obviously I still see everyone, and will see
them again this weekend (at Dan’s and my 30<sup>th</sup> party) – but I missed
the majority of “20’s” moments with most of them. I was around for weddings and
birthdays and things, but I wasn’t around for the everyday stuff – like going
round for dinner one night, watching relationships develop (/ fall apart) or
just going to the pub to watch the football. I missed the little things. By
moving away – I sacrificed them. And I think it was <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/chapter-17-part-1-story-about-tube-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Chris and Sam’s wedding</span></a></span> that ultimately
reminded me of that. I don’t regret moving – I’ve met some amazing people (one
of whom I’m married to) - but I’m now more determined than ever before to share
life with these people (as hippy / smiley Christian as that may sound). And
that was why it was so amazing to have dinner with Phil and Rach that evening.
It felt normal. It felt great and we had a fantastic time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’ve
mentioned a Church called Elim Micklefield before. It’s the Church where <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/chapter-19-part-1-story-about-deepend.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Becky Turner</span></a></span>’s parents are pastors. I’ve
been there with the band before, but I’ve also been a couple of times without
everyone as well – and on the Sunday morning I went along with <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Padley</span></a></span> who gave an amazing message on the
boy from five loaves and two small fish whilst I led worship with my old friend
Ben Boughton.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ben
Boughton<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPF11BSp7A8/Uo9XR3gKxwI/AAAAAAAAA08/hwracB1s5CM/s1600/Ben+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aPF11BSp7A8/Uo9XR3gKxwI/AAAAAAAAA08/hwracB1s5CM/s320/Ben+B.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ben was one
of the first people to encourage me to lead worship – but even before that I’d
been around a band with Ben as I’d either drummed or played keys (something we
now laugh about). Ben is an amazing man, a humble man, a fantastic musician and
father and has been a constant stream of encouragement to me for a ridiculous
number of years now (I’m also fairly sure that I didn’t realise that until
recently which also means that I’d taken advantage of it for ages). I think
that one of my favourite things about Ben is the way that he challenges me
(without knowing) – and he has taught me so much about leadership through his
actions than he will ever really know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That
afternoon the band arrived and we headed to a Church called <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.csk.org.uk/home.htm"><span style="color: cyan;">Christ the Servant King</span></a></span> – a Church which
has a very special place in my heart as one of the churches that turned into it
was the church I grew up in and where I met <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Dan</span></a></span>, <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Phil</span></a></span>, <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/chapter-17-part-1-story-about-tube-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Lewis and Chris</span></a></span> as well as countless
others. CSK now has a beautiful new building in the heart of the community –
and I was completely honoured to be asked to go back and to lead worship for an
evening (in an event not unlike Seek His Face). And continuing the tradition of
cast lists – there are few people that attended that I’d really like to
introduce you to now:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Mike
Bratby<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--PikWjjd9Yg/Uo9Xsu_wEMI/AAAAAAAAA1E/d-yTM2wzkkI/s1600/Mike+B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--PikWjjd9Yg/Uo9Xsu_wEMI/AAAAAAAAA1E/d-yTM2wzkkI/s320/Mike+B.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Mike, like
Ben was one of the first people who encouraged me to lead worship. But before
then he was also instrumental in pushing for letting a young teenager play drums
in Church. I’ve known Mike for most of my life now and one thing that I
completely love about him is how much he respects others – especially young
people – and that is something that is genuinely surprising considering how
much grief Dan and I must have given him over the course of our teenage years.
For years he was my leader and now I’m honoured to be able to call him my
friend. An amazing man. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Nigel
& Carole Flynn</span></b><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JpEaI6cWHK4/Uo9X9G3BIHI/AAAAAAAAA1M/9iQgvmQjjQY/s1600/Nige+and+Carole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JpEaI6cWHK4/Uo9X9G3BIHI/AAAAAAAAA1M/9iQgvmQjjQY/s320/Nige+and+Carole.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Nigel and
Carole are <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/chapter-17-part-1-story-about-tube-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Dan’s</span></a></span> parents – but they are also so much
more than that - because with the exception of <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chapter-14-story-about-zombies-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">my parents</span></a></span> they are without question the
two people who had the biggest impact on my life when I was growing up (and
especially throughout teenage-dom). They took me in (FYI - I use the term ‘took
me in’ loosely here as one day I just didn’t leave….), let me become part of
their family (something which ultimately meant that I had the amazing blessing
of having two families watch over me at a time when I needed it most) and
alongside my parents encouraged me to become the man that I am today. I could
say so much about them but I don’t really think I could do them justice so I’ll
just say this. Words cannot describe how thankful I am to have them in my life
- and the love and care they have shown me over the years is only seconded to
my parents. They truly are amazing people and my life would have been so much
less without them in it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The evening
itself was amazing. It was a tremendous privilege to be asked and the band (I
think at least) were tighter than ever before (which was helpful as I <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-6-story-about-changing-world.html"><span style="color: cyan;">kept nowhere close to the set list</span></a></span>). The
band is growing in confidence, and through relationship we are growing
together. I also had the complete joy of having <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chapter-13-story-about-wigan-athletic.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Jo</span></a></span> play keys with me. I can’t wait for us
all to play together again and I can’t wait to go back!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt;">Boats,
rings and beer……<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ur9MmBgSPQ/Uo9Y9vrde8I/AAAAAAAAA1U/t8KjuH1heTc/s1600/Hiya+Bruges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Ur9MmBgSPQ/Uo9Y9vrde8I/AAAAAAAAA1U/t8KjuH1heTc/s200/Hiya+Bruges.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The weekend
after the Homelands - Wifey and I jumped on a boat with <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/chapter-19-part-1-story-about-deepend.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Leon and Hiya</span></a></span> for a 2 night mini cruise to
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Bruges</st1:city></st1:place> and
back. Cue beer, food, chocolate, biscuits, sea sickness, more beer, bingo, a
casino and the small matter of LEON PROPOSING TO HIYA. Now I knew that it was
coming because I had conspired with <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Leon</st1:place></st1:country-region> to make it happen, but it was
still a completely amazing and beautiful moment to be part of – and I loved
being a conspirator! Incidentally, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bruges</st1:place></st1:city>
is a beautiful city and I can’t wait to go back – so who fancies going on a
mini cruise? (We don’t even have to go to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bruges</st1:place></st1:city>….anywhere
will do!) </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-drDSNeJksfE/Uo9Y_S0zyDI/AAAAAAAAA1g/ygJQyxjeyfc/s1600/Fosters+Bruges.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHxLQ-_vaXA/Uo9ZGDXs3nI/AAAAAAAAA10/7zgbPFiOLDM/s1600/HiyaLeon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHxLQ-_vaXA/Uo9ZGDXs3nI/AAAAAAAAA10/7zgbPFiOLDM/s200/HiyaLeon.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-drDSNeJksfE/Uo9Y_S0zyDI/AAAAAAAAA1g/ygJQyxjeyfc/s200/Fosters+Bruges.jpg" width="150" /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro-p7-BaNIU/Uo9ZDqFaIKI/AAAAAAAAA1s/-PuYWibmy_Y/s1600/Hiya+Giant+Beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro-p7-BaNIU/Uo9ZDqFaIKI/AAAAAAAAA1s/-PuYWibmy_Y/s320/Hiya+Giant+Beer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PagU4NDvvAg/Uo9ZGt23pSI/AAAAAAAAA14/uAJcyMCX_eY/s1600/Wifey+the+boat+driver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PagU4NDvvAg/Uo9ZGt23pSI/AAAAAAAAA14/uAJcyMCX_eY/s320/Wifey+the+boat+driver.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">After
arriving back at port Wifey and I said goodbye to the newly engaged ones and
drove off to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Norwich</st1:city></st1:place>
to spend the next few days with my <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chapter-14-story-about-zombies-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">parental units</span></a></span>. It was great to chill out
and I even got to drive a boat (and then fall asleep on said boat)! Andi the
boat driver! I also bought some toys – FOR ME to play with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In other news
- <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/seekhisface/"><span style="color: cyan;">Seek
His Face</span></a></span> is growing each month (I definitely get no credit
for that), I’ve started my move to a <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.ccccheltenham.org.uk/"><span style="color: cyan;">new Church</span></a></span>
(more on that at a later date), I’m now on the executive board of <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rivercamp"><span style="color: cyan;">RIVERcamp</span></a></span> looking at marketing and
communication (honoured and terrified at the same time), I helped run an Autumn
Fete for the <a href="http://www.nfauk.org/"><span style="color: cyan;">Neuro
Foundation </span></a>(which raised over £350), I’ve done a couple of shifts at
a Barnardo’s charity shop in Gloucester, <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Matt</span></a></span> and I have started working on his EP
and Arsenal are top of the league (which is unexpected to say the least)!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Because this
chapter has covered a massive period, there are obviously some things that I
haven’t spoken about or I’ve simply glossed over – but don’t worry there are
some things and some people that I will definitely be coming back to. I know
there are gaps – and I’ve still got lots of questions to answer (both from you
and that I’ve posed to myself). But I also get the feeling that this chapter could
have been a bit of a dull read and more for me than for you - and for that I’m really sorry. I really get the
feeling that stuff is brewing (that could also tie in to stick or twist) so the
next few weeks could well be quite exciting. I’ll keep you in the loop. Oh - resolution count in here is 2..... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’ll just
leave you with this video. It’s fair to say that I had completely welled up by
the end of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JeM4J3zpM1s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Please feel
free to keep in touch or send in questions via the <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rivercamp#!/10Resolutions"><span style="color: cyan;">Facebook Page</span></a></span>, <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: cyan;">twitter</span></a></span>
or <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com?subject=Hey%20Andi"><span style="color: cyan;">email</span></a></span> – and please subscribe using the big
white box at the top. Oh and in a few shameless plugs please check out: 1. <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://www.andifoster.bandcamp.com/"><span style="color: cyan;">My Album</span></a></span> 2. <span style="color: cyan;">My
friend</span> <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="http://thetimberwolf.bandcamp.com/"><span style="color: cyan;">Matt’s new
album</span></a> </span>3. <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rivercamp#!/oathuk?fref=ts"><span style="color: cyan;">Oath Clothing</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Have fun, God
bless and we will speak soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 72.0pt;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: cyan;">Andi</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-20723047175369777582013-10-18T08:17:00.000-07:002013-10-18T08:17:04.358-07:00Chapter 20 - A story about Port and Ruggers with the chaps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVYBbdN5qcY/UmFHyrihjII/AAAAAAAAAxY/ujmtQaCxB_c/s1600/C20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVYBbdN5qcY/UmFHyrihjII/AAAAAAAAAxY/ujmtQaCxB_c/s400/C20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvcToA6ATU8/UmFIUykh45I/AAAAAAAAAxg/zf6AN3rK07c/s1600/funny-lemon-big-weird-shape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MvcToA6ATU8/UmFIUykh45I/AAAAAAAAAxg/zf6AN3rK07c/s320/funny-lemon-big-weird-shape.jpg" width="224" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/chapter-19-part-2-story-about-birthdays.html"><span style="color: #70ad47;">said last week that I may have forgotten something</span></a></span>
and it turns out that (in my “eagerness” to start ironing) I actually forgot a
rather massive (and crucial) plot point. I walked home from Si’s birthday party
that night (distances don’t seem to matter after having a drink) and had a
lovely time on my slow (thanks to being inable to walk in a straight line) walk
home. It was my thinking time. It was a chance for me to ponder life’s big
questions (like who decided that blue and black were the appropriate coloured
office pens and why are yellow high – Vis jackets more widely used than say
orange) and to provide Wifey regular updates as to when I’d be home (as she was
waiting up to let me in). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">On my
(somewhat flukey) arrival at my sister’s and brother in law’s house I rang
Wifey to let me in. There was no answer. I text her (admittedly something
probably looking like “whake yp. I’n hear xx”) – but there was no response.
People walked passed the house and chuckled at the sight of a suited up man
pressing his face into the window (there may or may not have been a window kiss
attempted – but no mooning) to try and get his wife’s attention. But all to no
avail. My Wife had fallen asleep – and friends once that has happened, waking
her up is a real issue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ScZJV-jgqXI/UmFJQkaBXtI/AAAAAAAAAxo/TpLtFSWrPa8/s1600/beer-bear.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ScZJV-jgqXI/UmFJQkaBXtI/AAAAAAAAAxo/TpLtFSWrPa8/s320/beer-bear.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">But I was
stuck for options. With the twins asleep, I couldn’t attempt my normal tactic
of making as much noise as humanly possible. There was no dog to wake up to
make noise either. I kept trying to contact Wifey (I dread to think how many
texts she woke up to) but after 45 minutes passed I started to plan the most
comfortable position to sleep outside the front door. Just before I settled
down though, I made a quick call to my Brother In Law – Sam. Amazingly, he
picked up and sheepishly came downstairs to let me in. “I didn’t hear my phone”
said Cass in a kind of stating the obvious moment. “It’s ok” I said, as I half
took off my clothes before passing out………..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So anyway.
Here we are and friends - I’ve had a good week. I’m ten days into Detoxtober
(at the time of writing) and I’ve gone one step further than just “No Booze” in
the fact that I have also ditched all caffeine and fizzy drinks (bar sparkling
water). Do I feel better? No. But I didn’t feel bad in the first place if I’m
honest – I just thought it would be a good idea to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo-AOzg29rI/UmFJtPVd2rI/AAAAAAAAAxw/eM1I-aPEDzo/s1600/STOPTOBER_Logo_Aqua-Bkg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fo-AOzg29rI/UmFJtPVd2rI/AAAAAAAAAxw/eM1I-aPEDzo/s320/STOPTOBER_Logo_Aqua-Bkg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The last time
I gave up booze for a substantial period of time was when I was 19. I did it
for a month and actually found it quite refreshing (towards the end), so we
will see at the end of my 25 day stint this time (we’re going away on the 25<sup>th</sup>)
how I feel (Wifey has forgotten that I’m detoxing and has just text me saying
that she has got me a bottle of my favourite wine – but I WILL be strong!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">But for all
of you doing Stoptober this month (<span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: #70ad47;">Dan</span></a></span> & <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/chapter-17-part-2-story-about.html"><span style="color: #70ad47;">Silky</span></a></span> for example) I wish you all the
best. I know how hard it is (and I’m sure that the story behind that will come
up at some point). But incidentally dear readers - if you do know someone doing
Stoptober this month – support them and love them through it. Don’t be on their
case if they fail – and above all else - do not try and pretend that you know
what they are going through if you don’t understand it – for as much as your
heart might be in the right place……it just isn’t very helpful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">But what else
has been going on since the Birthday Party? Here are a few highlights for you……<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YvUwHFxVrWs/UmFKT4yXK3I/AAAAAAAAAx4/3NTHKNsv1Fg/s1600/Twins+Oct.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YvUwHFxVrWs/UmFKT4yXK3I/AAAAAAAAAx4/3NTHKNsv1Fg/s320/Twins+Oct.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I spent a
fantastic afternoon with Christine and <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: #70ad47;">baby Ameila</span></a></span>, I’ve spent some time with <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html"><span style="color: #70ad47;">the twins</span></a></span>, Marlow Wolves won the
Britbowl, Sp*rs lost to West Ham and I’ve probably done loads of other stuff as
well – but something that I did want to mention was an afternoon that I hung
out with my friend <span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Neil Fix</span>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZcwr6zoEmU/UmFKmT1gGtI/AAAAAAAAAyA/XRKnVY6fThQ/s1600/Neil+Fix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZcwr6zoEmU/UmFKmT1gGtI/AAAAAAAAAyA/XRKnVY6fThQ/s200/Neil+Fix.jpg" width="149" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Neil is a
vegetarian. Not that being a vegetarian defines a person. But he is. He is also
one of the most thoughtful and caring people ever. He is calm and takes time to
process things whilst he also has a habit of saying profoundly accurate things
(and normally in a way which catches you completely off guard). Neil <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://imagodeity.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: #70ad47;">writes a great blog</span></a></span> and you can check
out the great facebook <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/seekhisface/members/#!/BrilliantBlogs"><span style="color: #70ad47;">page he started here</span></a></span> (featuring loads
of amazing blogs).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A couple of
weeks ago I met up with Neil to look at the future of Seek His Face and to see
how he could get involved further. What followed though was just a few hours of
chatting, laughing and him mocking me over some of the events of 10 Resolutions
so far. Obviously we spoke about Seek, but we also spoke about so many other
things. It was just really good fun and yet another example of someone that I
really enjoy just spending time with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The weekend
after meeting up with Neil, I found my suit, prepared the duct tape, brushed up
on the rules of Ruggers and packed the cigars – all for <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span style="color: #70ad47;">Chris Banwell’s stag do</span></a></span>. And this my
friends I’m pleased to say was a stag do of epic discoveries…….. (Albeit very
simple ones)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmFyRRU0HKc/UmFNsWxy8pI/AAAAAAAAAyw/iJ4ccpvT1oo/s1600/2013-09-21+18.35.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmFyRRU0HKc/UmFNsWxy8pI/AAAAAAAAAyw/iJ4ccpvT1oo/s200/2013-09-21+18.35.38.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_ziEBo1YXQ/UmFNshma-vI/AAAAAAAAAyo/tt4dcrAxG4U/s1600/2013-09-21+16.56.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_ziEBo1YXQ/UmFNshma-vI/AAAAAAAAAyo/tt4dcrAxG4U/s200/2013-09-21+16.56.02.jpg" width="150" /></a>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The combination of Beer and Cider
(and then red wine) might well taste nice during consumption but the
results and after effects are questionable.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Initially I thought that I didn’t
understand Ruggers but it turns out that I do understand <st1:place w:st="on">Rugby</st1:place>,
I just don’t enjoy it. At all. I love the atmosphere and I can even see
why some people like it….but I’ll stick to football thankyou very much.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Even after a “small” amount of
booze – I can still shoot an air rifle (somewhat worrying although FYI
- not quite as worrying as being
allowed to shoot live ammunition from AK’s in Latvia after one or two
beers beforehand). <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Ed Smith</span> is one of the most
amazing people I have ever spent time with.</span></li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwUU7K6WtNw/UmFLplwZLdI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/CzqVrEU96Jw/s1600/Ed+Smith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwUU7K6WtNw/UmFLplwZLdI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/CzqVrEU96Jw/s320/Ed+Smith.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I met Ed
Smith at <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/chapter-18-story-about-new-wine-love.html"><span style="color: #70ad47;">New Wine</span></a></span> a number of years ago and he
is someone that (in my head) I’ve always associated with <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span style="color: #70ad47;">Chris Banwell</span></a></span>. Every single time I
speak to Ed I learn something new. Sometimes about me, sometimes about the
world around me or my faith – but when I say this – you need to understand that
I really am speaking here about every single time. Not occasionally. And by
saying this I don’t mean that Ed spouts of hundreds of useless facts at me (FYI
did you know that the average handbag has more bacteria contained in it than a
toilet?). Ed has an amazing ability to “observe and report”. To see you, or to
look at something and to see how it works. What this basically means is that it
is useless trying to put on a “front” around Ed because he will break you down
(without even intending to) in a matter of seconds (as he did to me without
realising on the night of the stag do). He is an amazing man who will go out of
his way to support and encourage you – and I’m honoured to be able to call him
my friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vy6V7DK_ejY/UmFMaGoh9cI/AAAAAAAAAyY/OuRsJaxB9Tw/s1600/Wifi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vy6V7DK_ejY/UmFMaGoh9cI/AAAAAAAAAyY/OuRsJaxB9Tw/s320/Wifi.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I finished
the night by requisitioning a bottle of Port. Now I’d like to say that I drank
it the next night, or even that evening - but in fact I didn’t. I brought it
for breakfast for all of the Groomsmen and Chris’s family on the wedding day
the week after……With a cheeky smile I tried to convince everyone that Port with
Breakfast was a natural thing for weddings. Bizarrely enough, no one went along
with my plan…….The wedding however was an amazing and beautiful day. But we
will get to that in a minute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c6hTYXSDf6s/UmFNv3MM5nI/AAAAAAAAAzM/j9Da-NiNA4I/s1600/2013-09-29+11.38.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c6hTYXSDf6s/UmFNv3MM5nI/AAAAAAAAAzM/j9Da-NiNA4I/s320/2013-09-29+11.38.10.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The night
before the wedding, Cass and I hightailed it down to the <st1:placetype w:st="on">land</st1:placetype>
of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Cornwall</st1:placename></st1:city>
(I even did a bit of driving!) from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Gloucester</st1:city></st1:place>
via a couple of service stations and what felt like the longest straight road
ever. We had treated ourselves to (what we hoped) was a beautiful hotel on the
coast but unfortunately by the time we actually got there it was to dark to see
anything (my “minor” SatNav error didn’t help either). But the next day we woke
up to some amazing views and a stunning breakfast. After breathing a sigh of
relief (and then panicking due to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cornwall</st1:place></st1:city>’s
lack of network coverage), we left to find the Church (which unsurprisingly was
not where SatNav said it should be). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I love
weddings. That should be blindingly obvious by now – and this wedding was no
exception. It was absolutely amazing (bar the weather). The service was beautiful,
the food was stunning, the people made me smile and I don’t think that there
was a dry eye in the venue when Danutia gave her speech. Captivating, engaging
and heart wrenching – I think I’ve been privileged enough to go to about 150
weddings in my life and I can safely say that Danutia’s was one of the best
speeches. It was an honour to be part of it and Cass and I both had an amazing
time (as everyone else probably did - until I started Djing…..)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">But let me
introduce you to some people:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-quy8paseViw/UmFO5404ZCI/AAAAAAAAAzU/sLf9wE87Wmc/s1600/Barnetts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-quy8paseViw/UmFO5404ZCI/AAAAAAAAAzU/sLf9wE87Wmc/s200/Barnetts.jpg" width="150" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Sophie and Jamie Barnett</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Sophie and
Jamie are both members <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span style="color: #70ad47;">of the Fal-Collective</span></a></span> and were also
part of my band <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/chapter-19-part-1-story-about-deepend.html"><span style="color: #70ad47;">for Rivercamp</span></a></span>. They are recently
married and I don’t think they would moan at me too much for saying that they
are both a bit quirky (which definitely isn’t a bad thing). They are both astoundingly
good musicians and both possess amazing servant hearts (to the level of
forgetting about their own preservation at times!). Jamie has the ability to
just bring warmth into a conversation (despite having a pet snake) and Sophie
encourages those around her to push forward. They are great to spend time with
– and you can see more of them (and please do) by checking out their <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tupx31Msonc"><span style="color: #70ad47;">brand spanking new VLOG</span></a></span> (and no, I
didn’t know what one was before now either).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tupx31Msonc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Jamie Martin</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FR-viP3EjN8/UmFNv-vCcHI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/C0L-EP-gLkw/s1600/2013-09-28+18.59.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FR-viP3EjN8/UmFNv-vCcHI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/C0L-EP-gLkw/s200/2013-09-28+18.59.51.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Let’s get
this out of the way first - Jamie is an amazing guitarist. I’m lucky to play
with a few of them, and he is definitely a great addition to the fold. But he
is also so much more than that. Jamie is funny, occasionally completely
oblivious to the world around him, a man of great faith, a joker and a great
friend. He is also a massive fan of Bacon (and let’s face it, apart from
Veggie people - who isn’t!?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">James Moffitt</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GFPr-5DSYMg/UmFPQWq4ugI/AAAAAAAAAzc/kwW0stfgZpo/s1600/Moffitt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GFPr-5DSYMg/UmFPQWq4ugI/AAAAAAAAAzc/kwW0stfgZpo/s320/Moffitt.jpg" width="308" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">James is yet
another fantastic musician (as part of the Fal Collective) but is he also a
brilliant artist and did the Graphic Novel part of the artwork for the album.
He’s got a great personality and cares deeply for those around him. He also
made me cry a few weeks ago when I received in the post all of his artwork
sketches for the album and lots more besides. It was an amazing gesture (and
something that I would never think of) – and certainly not one that I’ll be
forgetting in a while as it was so thoughtful. James is also in possession of
the strangest accent in the world. A mix of Northern and Cornish….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Ben Jenkin</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj1vN3uN4yE/UmFNs-Z1N4I/AAAAAAAAAy4/MKHJMR__Bck/s1600/2013-09-28+13.02.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Aj1vN3uN4yE/UmFNs-Z1N4I/AAAAAAAAAy4/MKHJMR__Bck/s200/2013-09-28+13.02.43.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Once upon a
time Ben was in my youth group at Trinity in Cheltenham. He won’t mind me
saying that he was an absolute nightmare. And because of that - It’s also fair
to say that I saw an awful lot of myself in him. But when I left Trinity, we
lost touch - so imagine my surprise when I came across Ben again in Falmouth.
Ben is smart, caring, funny, an instigator of mischief and has a personality
that allows others to relax around him. He is also (and I’m not sure if he has
realised this yet) a leader and someone who can get things done. I’m really
looking forward to spending more time with Ben – and getting to know him
(again).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Anna Mason</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QeTNudPAyx8/UmFPbNMXobI/AAAAAAAAAzk/0KP_1GJ3CTk/s1600/2013-09-28+17.23.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QeTNudPAyx8/UmFPbNMXobI/AAAAAAAAAzk/0KP_1GJ3CTk/s200/2013-09-28+17.23.20.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Anna is one
of my favourite people to hang out with in the whole world. It’s quite simple.
She makes me laugh (and can laugh at herself), she’s completely mischievous,
she thinks externally, she genuinely cares about others and is probably too
hard on herself at times. For some reason - she also occasionally comes to me
for advice about men - which is scary (especially considering how <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/chapter-19-part-2-story-about-birthdays.html"><span style="color: #70ad47;">some of my relationships</span></a></span> before Cass
ended). I find hanging out with Anna to be really refreshing, so I was really
happy that she was on our table at the wedding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Ruth Duckworth</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbZY0qeKTfI/UmFPpRQuFKI/AAAAAAAAAzs/dyzYHc_RgFw/s1600/Duckworth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbZY0qeKTfI/UmFPpRQuFKI/AAAAAAAAAzs/dyzYHc_RgFw/s200/Duckworth.jpg" width="181" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">You would be
hard pushed to find anyone that cares more for those around her than Ruth. Her
heart is simply massive and it constantly astounds me how much she cares or how
compassionate she is. But alongside that, she is also a massive encourager and
even in the hardest moments of writing 10 Resolutions she has been there
alongside me, encouraging me to push forward. She’s an amazing woman and I know
that I am a better person from knowing her and seeing the example that she
sets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So there you
have it – and you are pretty much up to date. We had an amazing Seek the other
night, I’m just about to start working on Matt’s EP, I’m off to lead in Wycombe
at the weekend and I’m 6 anxious weeks away from being 30. I still have the
feeling that something exciting is brewing, it’s just that I don’t know what
that is yet. Hopefully it will come into sight soon though…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I did want to
finish just by mentioning one other conversation that I’ve had this week – <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-6-story-about-changing-world.html"><span style="color: #70ad47;">and that was with Flik</span></a></span> who brought it
to my attention (albeit through laughing at me extensively) that an awful lot
of my stories involve booze. Which on reflection – is a completely fair point
(just see the start of this chapter), and something that I hadn’t really
thought about (although maybe subconsciously I had – hence Detoxtober) until
now. So I’m sorry everyone (I think?) and to make up for it – let’s have a
party! (Joke). I’ll balance you out in the next chapter with a story that VERY
few people know from my childhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Please send
in any questions you may have via the <span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/10Resolutions"><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Facebook page</span></a></span>,
the comments section, <span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">Twitter</span></a></span> or <span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;"><a href="mailto:10%20resolutionsblog@gmail.com?subject=I've%20got%20a%20question!"><span style="color: #70ad47; mso-themecolor: accent6;">email</span></a></span> and please
remember to subscribe via the big white box at the top……<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Oh – and I’ve
only got a tiny number of limited edition albums left <span style="color: #70ad47;"><a href="http://www.andifoster.bandcamp.com/"><span style="color: #70ad47;">so
please get yourself a copy</span></a> </span>(if you get one now you’ll get a
special present)<span style="color: #70ad47;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Have fun,
keep safe and God Bless. Until next time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #70ad47; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 72.0pt;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: #70ad47;">Andi</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-17473435811880196022013-09-27T07:22:00.000-07:002013-09-27T07:22:36.957-07:00Chapter 19 (Part 2) - A story about birthdays and the pitfalls of voicemail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-VcFu3k3TY/UkWJQx2y72I/AAAAAAAAAvk/QuyB9ZMlsLs/s1600/C19B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K-VcFu3k3TY/UkWJQx2y72I/AAAAAAAAAvk/QuyB9ZMlsLs/s400/C19B.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here we are. It's been a week
since <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/chapter-19-part-1-story-about-deepend.html"><span style="color: lime;">the
first part of this chapter</span></a> and my crossroads has taken an interesting turn
- in the fact that my initial excitement has now changed a bit into fear (maybe
perhaps because I really don't know what's going on).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9kW4qpjM3E/UkWJl8NstdI/AAAAAAAAAvs/TEKR5QXEiGk/s1600/crossroads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B9kW4qpjM3E/UkWJl8NstdI/AAAAAAAAAvs/TEKR5QXEiGk/s1600/crossroads.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I'm completely honest
about it - it's worrying me slightly - because I feel like I'm at this
crossroads but each path and each route is blind and there are no obvious
choices that I can think of or see that would turn me in a certain direction
(aside from really obvious things like egging the cast of Twilight) - so I'm in
a very very interesting place and I'm just waiting really.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other thing that I'm kind of
experiencing at the moment is the need for "a win". Let me just
explain that slightly as this is the first time that I'm actually really processing it.
In my day to day life I'm lucky to say that I have lots of little wins and
things that I love doing and people that I love seeing and spending time with -
and don't get me wrong - that's great and I'm completely blessed to have what I
have in this regards so please think that
I'm not grateful! But it's been a while since my <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-9-story-about-sorrow-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Feb
14th big win</span></a> (and despite of how it turned out - it definitely felt like a
big win at the time) and I think that I'm probably due another one (I should
probably point out that there are about 5 things on the list at the
moment...not just "that" one). Maybe that's what the crossroads is
all about. Or maybe it's about realising that what I thought (and think) are
big "wins" really aren't at all. So maybe I'm being refocused? I
don't know - as I said - I'm just processing all of this now and you dear
people are the ones that I'm talking it through with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another way of putting it is that I'm
getting excited about lots of little things - but I'd love for something
massive and exciting to happen for me to get excited about. Or maybe it is
already happening and I haven't realised. Or maybe something amazing has already
happened without me realising at all or I perhaps haven't realised the weight
that something has carried? It's fair to say that this is making my head
hurt....and I didn't mean to start this half of the chapter by rambling like a
crazy person so I'm sorry...and shall we move on? How are you anyway? (He says
with a not so subtle change of direction)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">What
has been your favourite holiday?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m lucky enough to have gone to some
amazing places, been on loads of great holidays and met some fantastic people
along the way, but my top 3 holidays of all time (and in no particular order)
are probably:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">The
Cayman Islands</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgRRJORkrCE/UkWLZNDe7dI/AAAAAAAAAv4/n9daP-Bh4Zk/s1600/248116_10151023654700309_1940973488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sgRRJORkrCE/UkWLZNDe7dI/AAAAAAAAAv4/n9daP-Bh4Zk/s200/248116_10151023654700309_1940973488_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our friends <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/search?updated-max=2013-02-12T06:42:00-08:00&max-results=1"><span style="color: lime;">Dave
and Vicky</span></a> lived in the Cayman Islands for a while so we decided to go out
and see them for 10 days. And we had an amazing time. Snorkling, constant BBQ’s,
cocktails, wine, sandy beaches, brunch, amazing blue seas, swimming with fish
(and having them eat food off my back). It was beautiful, relaxing and stunning
– and it was all with great company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wH9cZvipVg8/UkWMlXfIvaI/AAAAAAAAAwI/gxdb8Mca1uY/s1600/Finland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wH9cZvipVg8/UkWMlXfIvaI/AAAAAAAAAwI/gxdb8Mca1uY/s200/Finland.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: cyan;">Finland</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Any one of our trips to Finland to see
Liam and Hanski (more on them at a later date) could be a highlight as we have
always had an amazing time. But I think my favourite trip over was our most
recent one where we also spent a night in Estonia (and nearly missed the ferry).
I’ve got so many great memories of Finland (and some stories involving
Strawberry wine) - It’s such a beautiful country with loads of nice people, and
if I bought a holiday home – it would be there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idOAIM1Ksxo/UkWMUBPDhWI/AAAAAAAAAwA/VVswu2O2_Sk/s1600/Homemade+Wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idOAIM1Ksxo/UkWMUBPDhWI/AAAAAAAAAwA/VVswu2O2_Sk/s200/Homemade+Wine.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Germany
& Lithuania</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhEzO1Tr_OE/UkWNrHXOyYI/AAAAAAAAAwU/uEu3NwnCzsc/s1600/Andi+and+CM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhEzO1Tr_OE/UkWNrHXOyYI/AAAAAAAAAwU/uEu3NwnCzsc/s200/Andi+and+CM.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who is this man????</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last year <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chapter-14-story-about-zombies-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">my
Dad</span></a> and I went away for a week on a bit of an adventure. We got the train
to Berlin (where I’d also wanted to go) and then got the ferry from Germany to
Lithuania (I’d already been to Latvia and Estonia so wanted to cross off the
Baltics).It was a fantastic trip – and think we did more bonding in that trip
than we had done in years previously and it was a great experience to do so.. I
also met a celebrity (more on that story at another point) and had an allergic
reaction to nuts (followed by various toileting and vomiting issues……)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Have
you ever split up with someone by text message?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Absolutely. I’m not proud of it. I
might have even had a message template saved at one point (<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/chapter-18-story-about-new-wine-love.html"><span style="color: lime;">is
that worse than the song?</span><span style="color: windowtext;">)</span></a>. I’d love
to say that ‘that’ was it though and that text message was the full extent of my
previous crimes against commitment - but I would unfortunately be lying. I’ve
changed my phone number, I’ve plainly ignored someone and I’m fairly sure that<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">I’ve
got Dan involved</span></a></span> to help me get rid of someone as well. Yes – I was an
asshat. But stop groaning (especially female readers) for it gets worse than
that……<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLmuojB8tsk/UkWOaNqDyRI/AAAAAAAAAwc/ATocsij3ga8/s1600/Text+Dump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLmuojB8tsk/UkWOaNqDyRI/AAAAAAAAAwc/ATocsij3ga8/s320/Text+Dump.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">FYI - mine were better than this......</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About the age of 15 there was a girl
that I had been with for about 2 months. We’d gotten to the point (as far as I
was concerned at least) that we weren’t going anywhere. It wasn’t even fun
anymore. So I tried to split up with her (but for a number of reasons it didn’t
work). What could I do? All of my normal methods of “ending” had failed so I
started to think out of the box and I came up with a plan. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OC40oKh0Mrk/UkWOqESjt5I/AAAAAAAAAwk/0AL39AEYK78/s1600/Pizza+Break+UP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OC40oKh0Mrk/UkWOqESjt5I/AAAAAAAAAwk/0AL39AEYK78/s200/Pizza+Break+UP.jpg" width="158" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know on your voicemail you can
change your message to say anything? Well I changed mine to <span style="color: #b4a7d6;">“<i>Hi it’s Andi. Sorry I can’t take your call
at the moment so please leave your message after the beep. Oh – and if it’s
*****, I don’t think we should be together anymore so it’s over. Bye!</i>”</span> So
message recorded. Next up…get her to hear it. So I called her and said <span style="color: #b4a7d6;">“<i>Hi *****, my phone is running out of credit,
so can you call me back please?</i>” </span>As soon as I hung up, I turned my phone
off happy with the knowledge that ***** would call me back and go through to
voicemail. A couple of hours later, I turned my phone back on and a text from
her simply saying “ok”. What a result! No screaming voicemail either. I did
however also have to explain to my Nan why I’d split up with a girl over
voicemail and she properly put me in my place! From that point on – I stuck
solely to face to face (and a few impromptu) break ups. On reflection (and I do
seem to say this a fair bit…..) – not my finest hour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Catching
up with the past</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve mentioned before that this is the
year that loads of my friends and I all turn 30. Well the first one (in my
school year) to do so was Simon Hall (more on him in a minute) and on the 7<sup>th</sup>
September - Dan and I returned to the Homelands (with wives and baby Amelia in
tow) to attend Si’s black tie birthday bash. I’d moved away the week after I
finished college (when I was 18) – so this was a really good chance to catch up
with people that I hadn’t seen in ages and to see what everyone had been up to.
It was also a chance to see Si have
loads of fun as (in the not so distant past) he had been quite ill and (despite
our best efforts) he didn’t want to do anything too crazy on Dan’s stag do last
year. This time however...he had an accident (that I had nothing to do with)......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2EW7_jS4gKE/UkWP3qEFVeI/AAAAAAAAAww/aeCDlBdOyvY/s1600/Si+injury.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2EW7_jS4gKE/UkWP3qEFVeI/AAAAAAAAAww/aeCDlBdOyvY/s400/Si+injury.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Simon
Hall</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWI380Y38q8/UkWQK60aFVI/AAAAAAAAAw4/HUUBtiFODGo/s1600/Si.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LWI380Y38q8/UkWQK60aFVI/AAAAAAAAAw4/HUUBtiFODGo/s320/Si.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the moment I met Si (we were 12)
we have been friends. We sat together on the coach to school, lived 11 doors
away from each other, played football and hockey together, we were in the same
form as each other, we swapped SNES (and then playstation) games and then when
we grew up (slightly)…went for beer. As you can probably tell - we spent loads
of time together growing up and over the years he has become a really close
friend. I’ve seen his confidence grow substantially and I am so proud of the
person that he has become. He’s loyal, friendly and 99% of the time up for a
laugh (I don’t say 100% because no one really is are they….). But most
importantly on the other side of that lies someone that you can really open up
to (as long as you laugh at his jokes). Si is a great friend and has been a
real blessing to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Steve
Dobson</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZrskD4FrJc/UkWQqkhzi5I/AAAAAAAAAxA/zb_-qP-ePBM/s1600/Dobson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZrskD4FrJc/UkWQqkhzi5I/AAAAAAAAAxA/zb_-qP-ePBM/s320/Dobson.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ahhhh. The illusive Steve Dobson. This
is one of two men who are “ushers that got away”. People who I lost contact
with before we got married (to be fair, Steve has had about 9000 numbers since
we left school) that I would have loved to have had as part of our wedding.
Still, no matter – for at Si’s birthday I met Steve again – and it was brilliant!
A leader in every sense of the word, Steve is one of the rare people who
bridged the sport / academic line at school by being good at both. He supports
Arsenal, we’ve always got on well and I’ve got a great memory of sneaking into the
girl’s dorm with him whilst on a Ski trip to Austria to see our ladies (whilst
our headteacher was mindbendingly drunk downstairs). Steve is also very softly
spoken - in the sense that he doesn’t need to speak loudly for people to pay
attention and he also comes across as a man of integrity and heart. I’ve genuinely
missed having him around – and hopefully I’ll see him again soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: cyan;">George
Taylor</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqjlAmAGQ3s/UkWQ8WBKkmI/AAAAAAAAAxI/Nv4yMPRbFIc/s1600/George.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqjlAmAGQ3s/UkWQ8WBKkmI/AAAAAAAAAxI/Nv4yMPRbFIc/s200/George.jpg" width="165" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">George is the person who I ask if I
ever want to know “what happened to…..” He is also I think one of the only
people I know that can get on with anyone and overall is one of the friendliest
people I have ever come across. George can be a joker yet can also flip and
have an (actually quite refreshing) honest sincerity about him. Confident but
not cocky and calm unless he is on a football pitch – George did an amazing job
of sorting <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Phil’s
stag do in Latvia</span></a> (despite me ending up alone the back of a taxi down a
dark alley one night – but that again is another story).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honourable mentions here as well here
for Mel, Alex, Will P, Will N (and his AMAZING stag do story), Rich, Kev, Dan, Dave,
Christian, Dru G…….(and I’ve probably forgotten others as well). But thankyou
for a great evening and hopefully see you a bit sooner than the last gap? Whose
birthday is next?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now because I know how big Chapter 20
is going to be, and because I’ve got to learn how to iron and because I’ve been left in
charge of packing for our weekend away (and I don't even know where the washbags are) – I’ll leave you there. There is
probably much more to speak about…but I’m going to process lots of things first.
In other brief news very quickly though: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CHVRCHES"><span style="color: lime;">Chvrches album is brilliant</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. After “liberating” a bottle of Port
from Banwell’s stag do last weekend (more to follow), I’ve reached the
conclusion that I’ll be doing a Stoptober booze detox until the 25<sup>th</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Please check out this video:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/QrMIGpVuevE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<a href="http://bursarycompetition.students.hsbc.co.uk/_competition/video/show/my-hsbc-bursary-competition-submission-2013" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">and vote for it to win here</span></a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Catch you soon and God Bless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" style="background-color: #9fc5e8;" target="_blank">Andi </a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">10 resolutionsblog@gmail.com</span></a>)</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-44910194787624524822013-09-18T03:38:00.000-07:002013-09-18T03:38:13.917-07:00Chapter 19 (Part 1) - A story about Deepend and the pitfalls of Strepsils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxsQXsGAFdE/UjlsB251T7I/AAAAAAAAAtY/-I-fwFWYRtk/s1600/C19A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxsQXsGAFdE/UjlsB251T7I/AAAAAAAAAtY/-I-fwFWYRtk/s400/C19A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sYimtve4wQ/UjlvBu4AMbI/AAAAAAAAAts/fk-dDFvecsA/s1600/cocktail_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sYimtve4wQ/UjlvBu4AMbI/AAAAAAAAAts/fk-dDFvecsA/s200/cocktail_03.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B0uXCuGSUE0/UjluO-tkn_I/AAAAAAAAAtk/gSCQE6yxVGA/s1600/crossroads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B0uXCuGSUE0/UjluO-tkn_I/AAAAAAAAAtk/gSCQE6yxVGA/s200/crossroads.jpg" width="196" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ok,
so it’s been close to a<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="color: lime;">month
since Chapter 18</span></a></span>. But what a few weeks it has been. The album has now been released (<a href="http://www.andifoster.bandcamp.com/"><span style="color: lime;">please buy it</span></a> – and
as a little incentive – if you buy it from the link on this page you’ll get
something else as well), I’ve had an amazing week with my band at Deepend, I’ve
taken a massive step towards completing one of the 10 Resolutions and we’ve
made a decision that could potentially have a rather large impact on my life
(and in turn Cass’s). I’ve experienced a pure cocktail of emotions (and not all
good ones) – and if I’m being completely honest about it, the one which I’m
kind of lingering on at the moment is overwhelmed. That’s not a bad thing – I
just have times when I process an awful lot of stuff at once and this is one of
those times. They are generally quite exciting periods though – so I’m looking forward
to seeing what happens – whatever it may be! I get the idea that this is a new
season of life (and that’s not just me panicking because I’m about to hit 20
{+10} years old). It feels like I’m at a bit of crossroads, but I also feel
pretty blind going into it – because I don’t really have any idea what lies in
each direction. It’s scary – but exciting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But
after a long gap since the last chapter, quite a few questions have been
building up, so I thought I’d tackle a couple of them now, and then take on a
couple more in the 2<sup>nd</sup> half of this chapter next week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTWWhNzPa40/UjlvvQnvnlI/AAAAAAAAAt0/hm_oxbfw3Xc/s1600/Cheetara-Cartoon_1297275176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTWWhNzPa40/UjlvvQnvnlI/AAAAAAAAAt0/hm_oxbfw3Xc/s320/Cheetara-Cartoon_1297275176.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Q.
What was your favourite cartoon when you were growing up?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
folks might remember something different – but probably Thundercats. I loved
Thundercats – and was gutted when the new version was cancelled (as it was
actually quite good). From memory – I used to thing that Cheetara was quite hot
as well….. I also loved He-Man, and even the later version of He-Man when he
was in the future and there were spaceships and stuff. Ooohhh and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1c1G24GWDg" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors</span></a>. and MASK and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaMo4k7iG7s" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Bravestarr</span></a>. I loved cartoons. The truth is that
I still do (I love Transformers Prime).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: cyan;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Q.
What is the worst film that you have ever seen at the cinema?</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPAmCJNoXAg/Ujlyd3_BIHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/vzuWOuQv6sQ/s1600/Acorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bPAmCJNoXAg/Ujlyd3_BIHI/AAAAAAAAAuI/vzuWOuQv6sQ/s320/Acorn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6QJhNSsFClQ/UjlyBdu-PgI/AAAAAAAAAuA/FqkrJ-BOJwI/s1600/Twilight-Funny-D-twilight-series-9910058-800-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6QJhNSsFClQ/UjlyBdu-PgI/AAAAAAAAAuA/FqkrJ-BOJwI/s320/Twilight-Funny-D-twilight-series-9910058-800-600.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’ll
be honest here and say that I’ve seen loads of bad films at the cinema. I’ve
made some bad choices. At the time, I really liked the Phantom Menace – but
then I watched it again and it was so bad that it made me want to projectile
vomit over George Lucas’s face (how can 1 film made so long after the previous
ones look so much worse?). Ja Ja Binks is one of the most annoying characters that
has ever been committed to film. But that wasn’t the worst film that I’ve seen.
Oh no. Ghost rider: Spirit of Vengeance must be up there…but I’m fairly sure
that the worst film (or series of films) that I have ever seen at the cinema
was the girly arse that was Twilight. Awfully acted, cardboard script, special
effects that could have been created on an Acorn Electron and the least
believable love story (between the characters and actors) that I have ever come
across (something that is even more ironic knowing that two of them were
together in real life for the majority of films). An absolute heap of arse.
Forget Team Jacob, or Team Bella or Team sparkly man (that for some reason no
one AT A SCHOOL realises that he is glistening like a diamond). I was in Team I
want them all to die – and briefly in the last film I thought I had my wish.
But ohhhhh no. Awful awful awful. That probably isn’t the worst – but it’s just
sprung into my mind because all of the film companies are looking for the new
Twilight series and the latest is the critically panned Mortal Instruments
(which I actually thought was substantially better than Twilight). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">The night of (not)
bowling and fried goods</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sophie Spiers (Hiya) </span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn29_e8pkI4/Ujly9LRqH1I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/XXbHRJF1G-U/s1600/Sophie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn29_e8pkI4/Ujly9LRqH1I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/XXbHRJF1G-U/s200/Sophie.jpg" width="191" /></a></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sophie’s
nickname is Hiya for a very good and very simple reason. The first time I met
her – the only thing that she would say to me was “Hiya”. So that then became
her name. Sophie has a bouncy personality and at times it can seem like someone
has given her far too many cans of Red Bull (that she has then directly inhaled
into her bloodstream). I have never met anyone with so much energy and I have
never met anyone who is as capable of making anyone smile as Hiya. Bright,
bouncy, compassionate and in possession of a lovely personality (that isn’t
dissimilar to a human version of Tigger); Hiya has the amazing ability to light
up a room through simply being around (despite being one of the smallest people
I have ever met). Good things come in small packages they say – and never has
this been more true than in the case of Hiya (Just tell her to be ½ an hour
earlier than the time she actually needs to be somewhere).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Leon Rook<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5qER4eYakOo/UjlzLSevcxI/AAAAAAAAAuY/s3071-i-U7Q/s1600/Leon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5qER4eYakOo/UjlzLSevcxI/AAAAAAAAAuY/s3071-i-U7Q/s200/Leon.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Already doing the press shots for his TV show...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Leon</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> is Hiya’s bloke and
I met him a couple of years ago at my birthday party. He’s from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manchester</st1:place></st1:city> but is an
Arsenal fan and is also an amazing chef (Michelin star here we come kind of
level). He is also someone who loves to
laugh and is one of the most instantly likeable people that I have ever come
across. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Leon</st1:country-region></st1:place>
wears his heart on his sleeve (- whether he wants to or not is a different
matter) and I love that about him. I love hanging out with Leon (and Hiya) and
he is just one of those people that you relax and be yourself around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xc9ev7pCDwE/UjlzqZp5-fI/AAAAAAAAAug/Sd0AKIDWSOw/s1600/Fried+goods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xc9ev7pCDwE/UjlzqZp5-fI/AAAAAAAAAug/Sd0AKIDWSOw/s200/Fried+goods.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
day before my band arrived for practises and hanging out time before Rivercamp
(or GODCAMP as it’s referred to by some colleagues) Wifey and I went bowling
(or at least to the place where bowling takes place) with Leon and Hiya – and
just spent some time playing Pool, laughing at my feet in clown shoes, drinking
beer and eating a platter of fried goods (some of which may or may not have
been horse and some of which may or may not have given Hiya food poisoning).
The evening ended a bit abruptly as Hiya started feeling sick – but it didn’t
stop me from realising that the line of Pool playing potential being at its
best when drinking is a very thin and narrow line. I went from world class (in
my mind obviously) to a complete reject in the space of about half a pint. It
doesn’t matter though, because we still got to hang out with two amazing people
(and I could speak to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Leon</st1:country-region></st1:place>
for ages about Arsenal!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">And off we
go….camping for Jesus (yes – I cringed at this title as well)</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Jason Smith<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAe9aOvrVyI/Ujl0mQqvcQI/AAAAAAAAAuo/q-cUgPvE-fs/s1600/JAson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OAe9aOvrVyI/Ujl0mQqvcQI/AAAAAAAAAuo/q-cUgPvE-fs/s200/JAson.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’ve
known Jason now for 6 or 7 years, and he was partly (yet indirectly)
responsible for<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/chapter-16-part-2-story-about-holidays.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Danny falling off his bike into a bush</span></a></span> and me falling off my
chair on the night of our house warming a number of years ago. Joking aside
though, I am so proud to be able to call Jason a friend. He’s loyal,
supportive, funny (or thinks he is) and will go completely and utterly beyond
the call of duty each and every time to help you out. He’s an amazing guy and I
genuinely feel privileged to have him as part of my band.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thomas Glasson (Tom Tom)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHofJV1LRls/Ujl1WfMtRdI/AAAAAAAAAuw/ViyUC6FRjUU/s1600/Tom+Tom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHofJV1LRls/Ujl1WfMtRdI/AAAAAAAAAuw/ViyUC6FRjUU/s200/Tom+Tom.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Fiancé
to the<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_05_01_archive.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;"> lovely Mel</span></a>, a fantastic musician and an amazing ability to fall asleep
just about anywhere; Tom may well be quiet for the majority of the time that
he spends in groups, but in my experience that simply means he is preparing to
say something incredibly wise (or quite random). He also has a brilliantly dry
sense of humour and a heart that shows massive integrity. But most importantly
I think for me is the fact that Tom has an ability to break me down and to just
speak into my life. Those of you who know me well will know that I can be quite
guarded and it can be quite hard to get through my initial layer. Tom does it
effortlessly and can break me down and speak truth to me in a matter moments.
Tom is someone that I both listen to and respect – and he is going to make an
amazing husband for someone that means an awful lot to me (and that I’m
ridiculously protective of) in Mel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Nick Moore<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwFjlCyDbuA/Ujl2MU7ixMI/AAAAAAAAAu4/VSK-BLsK1kY/s1600/Nick+Moore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iwFjlCyDbuA/Ujl2MU7ixMI/AAAAAAAAAu4/VSK-BLsK1kY/s400/Nick+Moore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
the grand scheme of things I’ve only just met Nick. Well, sort of. We know
loads of people in common and when I was looking for a drummer this year – I
spoke to some people who knew drummers and asked who they recommended. Nick
came very highly rated. So we’ve been speaking all year – and when I asked him
about coming to drum for me at Rivercamp he was in, straight away. And that for
me was a massive encouragement. But what can I tell you about Nick? Well
obviously he is an amazing drummer and can put up tents - but for reasons that
I won’t go into he is also one of the strongest people that I have ever met
(and I don’t mean physically). He’s passionate, a bit of a joker, a fighter
(although not literally) and I can say without hesitation that I have become a
better man because of spending time with Nick. I went looking for a drummer and
found a friend as well. And that my friends - is pretty cool. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Kev Wakefield<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWFRDvtuxmw/Ujl2ipUISdI/AAAAAAAAAvA/sO8u4yVDIDc/s1600/Kev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWFRDvtuxmw/Ujl2ipUISdI/AAAAAAAAAvA/sO8u4yVDIDc/s320/Kev.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Kev
is the “most capped” member of my current band and I consider it a massive
honour to have him as part of it. More than anyone else - I have seen Kev grow
this year. It sounds like an odd thing to say but it’s a bit like someone has
laid down the gauntlet to him and said “I dare you” – and then Kev has taken
that dare and run with it. His heart has changed, his faith has grown, his
humility has increased and he has become even more of an amazing man. And along
the way, he has also become a really good friend (just don’t get in the way of
him and coffee). Kev is an amazingly gifted guitar player - but there is a
difference between being an amazing guitar player and being someone who is not
only talented, but also inspires others – and Kev is without any question the
latter. Kev inspires through the way
that he plays – and that is a gift in itself. He’s a lovely guy and on
reflection I probably don’t tell him that enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Rebecca Turner (BT)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xWqZ3sceds/Ujl2yyviyfI/AAAAAAAAAvI/M_VqMCSwkmI/s1600/BT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5xWqZ3sceds/Ujl2yyviyfI/AAAAAAAAAvI/M_VqMCSwkmI/s200/BT.jpg" width="128" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Rebecca
Turner is the “smiliest” person I have ever met. She is always smiling, always
laughing and is a complete and utter bundle of joy – and is just the sort of
person that you want to have around. If you are ever in need of a cheering up,
BT is the person to see as she will have you smiling in seconds. She is also
incredibly wise for someone so young and quite possibly the friendliest and
most upbeat person ever (and I mean ever).But the thing I love most about BT is
the fact that she is an encourager - and she doesn’t do it because she has to,
she does it because she wants to. Oh – and did I mention that she also has a
fantastic voice? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b>Amy Lewis</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jzifH9z7nHc/Ujl6Z5sO5mI/AAAAAAAAAvU/uCja69D_G40/s1600/Amy+Lewis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jzifH9z7nHc/Ujl6Z5sO5mI/AAAAAAAAAvU/uCja69D_G40/s320/Amy+Lewis.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Amy Lewis is in possession of the most beautiful, caring heart that I have ever come across. That sounds like a really bold statement - but as I know Amy, it really isn't - as it is completely true. Amy will laugh with you and she will cry alongside you. She has the ability to feel the emotions that you are feeling and it's only as I'm writing this that I realise how hard that must be for her at times. By looking at Amy you would think that she could be fragile (not physically), but inside her is a warrior that is amazingly passionate about those around her. Amy sets an amazing example with the way that she loves others and she does this despite having been hurt in the past. She is completely selfless and as you can probably tell - I'm so proud of her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now,
these aren’t the only people to mention (or that I’d like to introduce you to
from Rivercamp) – but they will all emerge at other points in the futures – so
you’ll meet them soon….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">But
anyway - after months of preparation, mocking me over set lists, three days
worth of practises / leading and arranging the logistics (and adapting them) of
getting 10 people to a conference centre in the deepest, darkest countryside -
Rivercamp began. To explain a bit about Rivercamp I’ll talk you through my
first day at the conference four years ago. <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html"><span style="color: lime;">Simon
Padley</span></a> asked me to come and lead worship at Rivercamp in a venue called
Deepend. I turned up on the Wednesday morning and went to the venue – only to
discover that it was in the process of being rebuilt AFTER BLOWING AWAY (no
joke) the night before. To top it off, shortly after discovering that the
marquee venue was actually just a marquee – the heavens opened with apocalyptic
rain (which didn’t stop for two days and actually broke my tent). Despite all
of this though – I fell in love with Rivercamp and even more so with Deepend.
The team were amazing, as were the guys in the venue. And four years later, I
still feel really privileged and massively honoured to be part of it – and I
was so proud of all of the team and blown away by some of the stuff that
happened in the venue. I saw people for the first time realise that they are
loved, I saw people healed from addictions and physical problems, I saw the
pain from broken lives and broken hearts disappear and I saw a group of people
(and leaders) discover that breakthroughs are completely possible and that we
are only limited by our own expectations. Some of this might sound impossible
to some of you I know – but it isn’t – believe me. It was an amazing week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/aiK7I6kf3S0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">At
this point, I realise that once again I haven’t really spoken about the stuff
that I started this chapter with – like how I’ve reached a crossroads, or which
resolution I’ve come close to crossing off. I haven’t even mentioned the
football or what the decision is that we have made. But at this point it
doesn’t matter – for this is just the first half of chapter 19 and the 2<sup>nd</sup>
half has the potential to be quite revealing (and no, I’m not going to start
twerking). So keep smiling, keep your head up and as we approach
winter…remember that health and safety (ESPECIALLY with Gas / students involved)
is important…… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Oh - I have just realised thought that I haven't explained why Strepsils are in the title. Well, at Deepend, I sing and use my voice a lot. Because of this, Strepsils come in handy. But have you ever noticed that one doesn't seem to have that much impact? Well Amy Lewis brought me some Strepsils for my sore throat and despite her advice I decided that more Strepsils at once would be more productive than just one. The packet said that there could be side effects...but well, who cares. All was going well and my voice was improving. Until I started to need the toilet. I can now safely reveal that the reason Strepsils shouldn't be overused is because your stomach turns into a machine gun and this is then replicated in your bowel movements. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">10 Resolutions - conducting the experiments that you really wanted to know about........</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Please keep your questions coming in via the<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/10Resolutions" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">facebook page</span></a></span>, over <a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">email</span></a> and via the <span style="color: lime;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">twitter</span></a> </span>and I'll try and answer some of them in the next few weeks......</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Until next time</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">God
Bless<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" style="background-color: #9fc5e8;" target="_blank">Andi</a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-72740071072180000922013-08-17T01:15:00.000-07:002013-08-17T01:15:40.437-07:00Chapter 18 - A story about New Wine, love songs and tactical dumps<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JK6WRGlQCh0/Ug8o6xRLRYI/AAAAAAAAArg/cyBU0k3UQFY/s1600/C18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JK6WRGlQCh0/Ug8o6xRLRYI/AAAAAAAAArg/cyBU0k3UQFY/s400/C18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1Wgr897ThU/Ug8pdLWFzMI/AAAAAAAAAro/YAgHTjFDdTk/s1600/Red+Bull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1Wgr897ThU/Ug8pdLWFzMI/AAAAAAAAAro/YAgHTjFDdTk/s320/Red+Bull.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well check me out! This is quick succession! And there is a
very good reason for that – and the very good reason for that is that I’m going
to be coming across so many people in the next few weeks that I can’t (and
don’t want to) have a massive backlog. So if anything – it’s pushing me forward
with turbo writing figures. Or perhaps fingers laced with Red Bull. Anyway -
I’m really excited about introducing you to a few people in this chapter but I
will get to that in a bit. First up though……..</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Album Update</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJlkqV8xo8Q/Ug8p16GrWzI/AAAAAAAAArw/z9rwHheeIT0/s1600/Album_iTunes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gJlkqV8xo8Q/Ug8p16GrWzI/AAAAAAAAArw/z9rwHheeIT0/s320/Album_iTunes.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Basically as I said in the last chapter - IT’S COMING! But
what I can now reveal is that the album will be released on the 26<sup>th</sup>
August – and shortly after the album is launched you’ll start to see a few
cosmetic changes to the 10 Resolutions website to reflect that (lyric and chord
sheets etc). There will also be a bit of a live album night at some point as
well…and I’m sure more details will emerge about that shortly. But please (if
you haven’t already and erm - obviously if you want to…..) - pre-order the
album. It’s available<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://www.andifoster.bandcamp.com/"><span style="color: lime;">from my
BandCamp site</span></a></span>. And as an extra little incentive (as I’d love you to use BandCamp
rather than iTunes or Amazon to get the album) – if you use the code
“BYHISSTRIPES535” at the checkout – you’ll get 25% off. But this code runs out
on the 25<sup>th</sup> August……</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">What did you want
to do when you grew up? </span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m sure like many people I had a number of different dreams
for what I wanted to be when I grew up (as I’m sure my mum would tell you). But
there were a few stand out ones………</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfy8n_fjTtU/Ug8qYeXQj1I/AAAAAAAAAr4/0dCM3PLSUSA/s1600/Growing+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cfy8n_fjTtU/Ug8qYeXQj1I/AAAAAAAAAr4/0dCM3PLSUSA/s1600/Growing+Up.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My earliest memory of “what I wanted to become” was an
astronaut because, well let’s face it – it’s probably very high on a lot of
people’s lists. Space is cool. Rockets are cool. Why wouldn’t you want to be an
astronaut…? (Bar the idea of having a reactor’s worth of fuel directly beneath
your arse (what could possibly go wrong?). But you don’t think of things like
that at a young age…. I loved Star Wars and Star Trek and erm Buck Rogers…. –
and the closest real thing to those shows was to be an astronaut. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44UzeT17sxw/Ug8qzsOKAsI/AAAAAAAAAsA/Vjrm8zuqBj4/s1600/Pugwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44UzeT17sxw/Ug8qzsOKAsI/AAAAAAAAAsA/Vjrm8zuqBj4/s1600/Pugwall.jpg" /></a><o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fireman / Paramedic – Quickly ruled out due to hating the
heat and being remarkably squeamish (I still am and was asked to leave a class
at school for being sick IN CLASS).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Architect / Builder – I briefly tried the second option here
and those of you that know me well will probably agree that I shouldn’t be
anywhere near DIY or construction (unless it’s with Lego)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lead Guitarist – A dream dreamt up after watching far too
much California Dreams and Pugwall (remember those shows?) and listening to far
too much Bon Jovi. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that actually leads me onto a question that I’ve been
sitting on for a few weeks....</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Did being a
musician help with the ladies?</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The short answer is yes. And I used it to my advantage.
Obviously I was a charming, handsome rogue anyway - but being a musician
definitely helped along the way. I don’t know what it is about being a musician
– but there is definitely something in it (I’ve probably now inspired a
truckload of young people to become musicians for completely the wrong
reasons...........oops).</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzNs7xXEfN4/Ug8rNm0KSaI/AAAAAAAAAsI/DRR27IHTVxc/s1600/confession-pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QzNs7xXEfN4/Ug8rNm0KSaI/AAAAAAAAAsI/DRR27IHTVxc/s320/confession-pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also have a small confession regarding this whole musician
thing (that I’ve been sitting on for a while). I worked out very early on that
girls liked having songs written about them. Unfortunately writing a different
song about a lot of different ladies within a short period of time gave me a
bit of writer’s block and a bit of a headache. But luckily I had a brainwave.
My ex’s didn’t know each other and I very rarely split up with anyone on good terms
(act surprised) so my mind started formulating a plan. I crafted a song which
although sounding personal was actually quite general. I left a space in the
song to insert a girl’s name. And hey presto...each girl from that moment on
had their own song. There were some exceptions as a few did genuinely get their
own songs (not necessarily a good thing as a couple of songs were about me hurting
– and yes I probably did deserve it)....but as a general rule...it worked a
treat. Until I got confused in one set and said the wrong name. It’s fair to
say that the game at that point was up.....(If I was still in touch with any of
the ex’s or girls that I used this on then I’d apologise - but I’m not. But if
by chance you were one of these girls and have now stumbled upon this blog and
you now want to kill me – Please know that I’m sorry.......)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that’s not to say that I didn’t learn other things along
the way. An example of which is DO NOT get into a relationship with someone
that you have asked to sing with you at a week-long conference. Wait until
after, or if you get together beforehand – change the plans for the conference.
Because after a set one morning – this is the conversation that I had:</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TlCoYPW1pM/Ug8sArJd_4I/AAAAAAAAAsU/B8IV6i3h0h4/s1600/pitfall-300x271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TlCoYPW1pM/Ug8sArJd_4I/AAAAAAAAAsU/B8IV6i3h0h4/s1600/pitfall-300x271.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Andi (Addressing whole band)</i>:</b> “Well done guys, that was a
really great set. You all played really well!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Band:</b></i> “Thanks Andi” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Bla Bla conversation continues for a bit and comes round to
plans for the evening set)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Andi (Addressing whole band)</i></b>: “I’m going to give a few
people a break this evening to keep you fresh for the rest of the week. So
*Bassist*, *Guitarist* and *Girlfriend singer* I’d like you just to sit out
this evening as I’ll need you even more that the end of the week”. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Girlfriend addressing Andi</b>: IS IT BECAUSE YOU DONT LOVE
ME??????!!!!!!!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Girlfriend storms off)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So yes, being a musician did help with the ladies. But I
wish someone had told me about the pitfalls!</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>And moving swiftly on (sortof)...</u></b></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As this chapter moves on though – I’d like to go
back and talk a bit about the actual conference that I was part of in that
story. It’s something that I’ve been involved with for close to 20 years (in
various different roles) and it’s called <a href="http://www.new-wine.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">New Wine</span></a>. Every year around 25,000
Christians over the course of two weeks gather together on a showground in
Somerset for teaching, to worship together, to build relationships with those
around them and to generally do life together. I love it (obviously or I
wouldn’t have been part of it for so long) and over the years I have learnt so
much about myself and experienced so much in those small periods every year that
it’s quite hard to describe. At some point in the future I’m sure that I’ll
jump into more detail about some of that stuff and those moments (some good
stuff, some bad stuff, some great moments, some funny moments, some awkward
moments and some completely life changing ones as well) - but in this chapter
I’d really like to focus on a few people that I caught up with last week at New
Wine - people who at some point have had a massive impact on my life (whether
they realise it or not).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You’ve already met some people from New Wine (and mainly a
youth venue at New Wine called Club 1) that have become amazing friends (in
<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/chapter-15-story-about-sleep.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Hellie</span></a>, <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-5-story-about-foreign-call.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Kate</span></a>, <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Varley</span></a> and probably loads of others) but I’d like to take the
time now to introduce you to a few more:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Russ Fletcher<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3RSb5-v7tD4/Ug8tuz7DfuI/AAAAAAAAAsg/alhmUvAq4-8/s1600/Russ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3RSb5-v7tD4/Ug8tuz7DfuI/AAAAAAAAAsg/alhmUvAq4-8/s200/Russ.jpg" width="132" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Strong, dependable, faithful, wise, trustworthy and
(occasionally) mildly inappropriate are just a few of the character traits that
I would use to describe Russ - someone who has become a complete rock in my
life over the last 13 years. We clicked straight away and our friendship grew
really quickly. After our first New Wine together we promised to stay in touch
- and we did. I visited Russ a lot down in Weston, spending a Christmas there
one year and just generally going to see Russ to get away for little breaks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve got some amazing memories of times we’ve spent together
and I’ve also got some memories of Russ powerfully speaking directly (and
bluntly) into my life (especially at one point where I was scared and trying to
run away from something). Russ is
someone who can break down my barriers within seconds of spending time together
and I am genuinely proud to call him my friend. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dan Graham, Tim
Keenan & Megan Rowland (soon to be Keenan)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes. You are correct. There has never been a 3 in my cast
list before....but don’t forget that I make the rules. And (for the time being
at least) – Dan, Tim and Megan very much come as a 3. Dan and Tim have known
each other for years and one Club 1 I stitched Megan and Tim up together at New
Wine and now they are getting hitched! (Woohoo!) And that isn’t even the first
Club 1 wedding! But anyway....<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WbzqSrXvtz8/Ug8t1HBLBqI/AAAAAAAAAso/XF-o5-nGpU0/s1600/DMT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WbzqSrXvtz8/Ug8t1HBLBqI/AAAAAAAAAso/XF-o5-nGpU0/s200/DMT.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim, Megan & Dan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love all 3 of them so much for so many reasons and despite
not seeing any of them as much as I’d like anymore (although I do get to spend
the whole week with Dan next week) they have all become massive sources of
encouragement in my life. I’ve watched them grow into completely amazing people
and I’m convinced that none of them realise the people that they have become
and are blissfully unaware of the cool stuff that is brewing for each of them
just around the corner (and no jokers – the answer is not a big dump – funny as
that may be........)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chris Lang<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_6xlAdXVmWM/Ug8uvNLLBGI/AAAAAAAAAsw/zeOIN5iJu2A/s1600/chris+lang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_6xlAdXVmWM/Ug8uvNLLBGI/AAAAAAAAAsw/zeOIN5iJu2A/s200/chris+lang.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I met Chris about 10 years ago in Club 1 and he has become
someone that I have an awful lot of time for and really enjoy spending time
with. He’s an amazing musician, a great friend and he doesn’t mind doing the
jobs that others want to do. One of the things I love about Chris is the fact
that he doesn’t take himself too seriously – and the fact that I don’t either
means that our relationship has grown through mocking ourselves, spending time
together and spending one Wednesday lunchtime every year showing Pizza Hut in
Bath what the phrase all you can eat really entails) along with the rest of the
Club 1 leaders)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a “here’s one I made earlier” kind of thing - the video
below should explain more about the Wednesday lunchtime. And yes, TD = Tactical
dump (All will be revealed)</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EFPGixJMlXw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tom Johnson<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3GwljEmQNE/Ug8wEYeDwfI/AAAAAAAAAs8/BRf5C3wKyuQ/s1600/tomjohnson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3GwljEmQNE/Ug8wEYeDwfI/AAAAAAAAAs8/BRf5C3wKyuQ/s200/tomjohnson.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the first moment I met Tom, I got on with him. He makes
me laugh constantly but has an amazing ability to switch from messing around to
saying something completely profound and potentially life changing in a matter
of seconds. One of my favourite things about Tom though is his ability to look
passed people’s flaws and to see the best in them. He’s completely expiring and
sets an amazing example like that. He’s also a great musician (and has played
on the album) </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle Garland<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NnS4pCkMEk0/Ug8wNLIOtlI/AAAAAAAAAtE/5VhsQy949OA/s1600/michelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NnS4pCkMEk0/Ug8wNLIOtlI/AAAAAAAAAtE/5VhsQy949OA/s200/michelle.jpg" width="152" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Compared to other people that I write about in my cast list I
haven’t known Michelle for that long. But through her support and encouragement
she has had a massive impact on my life in a really short space of time – and the
latest example of this came last Saturday at New Wine when in the period of
about 5 minutes she took something that I had started to question and changed
the way that I looked at it and through it encouraged me beyond belief. I also
find myself confiding in Michelle (and sometimes without realising). She’s a
great friend and a lovely person and I’m really thankful to be able to call her
my friend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In one day last week I saw all of these people (and load’s
more). I’m fully aware that I’m a lucky man to have these people and everyone
else in my life – and if truth be told I probably don’t say that enough – so thank
you. And it’s with another couple of people in mind that I’ll conclude this
chapter:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-9-story-about-sorrow-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">events
of Chapter 9</span></a> were without question the hardest thing that I’ve ever had to
write about. And I can think of no harder situation that I’ve ever had to
experience. And whilst Wifey and I have (for the most part) got over the pain
now, the memory is still there. It still hurts at times. You can probably
understand that. At least I hope you can. It never will be an easy thing to get
over and I imagine that it is something that will linger for a while. There is
absolutely no point in me putting a tough guy act on when the absolute truth is
that we are still healing and at times we still feel the pain. Something that I
said at the time (and still completely agree with) is that I wouldn’t wish what
we went through on anyone. I wouldn’t want anyone to have to experience the
heartbreak or pain of what we went through….Which is why my heart wept a few
nights ago as I was told of two amazing friends who have just gone through the
same thing.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These friends selflessly stood by us when we needed them
most and they were willing (and wanting) to do anything within their power to
help us as they set an amazing example of both friendship and love. Now I’m not
going to pretend to understand the reasons as to why this has happened to such
fantastic people. But what I will say is this:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We love you both. And from the bottom of our hearts we will
do anything that we can to help support and love you through this. You have our
thoughts, our prayers and our love. My heart is broken for you both of you -
and if there is anyway whatsoever that we can help to ease your pain - then we
will do. It is a complete honour to call you our friends - and now is the time
for us to show that more than ever before.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And with that message, I’m going to leave this chapter.
Please continue to ask questions via email, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: lime;">twitter</span></a>, or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/10resolutions"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook</span></a> or in the comments
section below. You can also subscribe to 10 Resolutions by filling in the massive
white box at the top of this. If you’re around tomorrow night (Sunday) – feel free
to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/362988340470206/"><span style="color: lime;">come along to
Seek His Face</span></a> in Cheltenham and as a final plug....<a href="http://www.andifoster.bandcamp.com/"><span style="color: lime;">don’t forget the album</span></a> (last
hint...this chapter). Right – I’m off to take a TD before my band arrives (but
more on them very soon).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God Bless</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: cyan; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Andi</span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-31102498837620199722013-08-09T06:15:00.000-07:002013-08-09T06:15:53.042-07:00Chapter 17 (Part 2) - A story about encouragements, births and office family outings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvBE50BeMkU/UgTdWx5pIuI/AAAAAAAAAo4/xRBjYnRv4jE/s1600/C17B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qvBE50BeMkU/UgTdWx5pIuI/AAAAAAAAAo4/xRBjYnRv4jE/s400/C17B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6-1Y21strc/UgTiShmqtgI/AAAAAAAAApQ/t17qcPBYM3g/s1600/Dictate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l6-1Y21strc/UgTiShmqtgI/AAAAAAAAApQ/t17qcPBYM3g/s1600/Dictate.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">After
17 chapters – I still haven’t realised how long it takes me to physically write
a chapter. I probably should have learnt by now and the information probably
should have hit home - but unfortunately it hasn’t. Not that I’m complaining –
because I know exactly what I want to say – but it just takes a while to type
it up. I even tried using a dictation app to try and make the whole process
less typey this week…but that failed as the app failed to understand my
mockneyshire accent and I spent longer re-punctuating and amending everything
than it would have taken me to write anything in my finest handwriting in the
first place. So I gave up doing that after a paragraph and here we are - back
to normal.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7bPja9Fy4k/UgTi1goQ_6I/AAAAAAAAApY/olBqKNCeQ2Y/s1600/Encourage+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7bPja9Fy4k/UgTi1goQ_6I/AAAAAAAAApY/olBqKNCeQ2Y/s320/Encourage+2.jpg" width="272" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hOeRc3IxAI/UgTi_B8BO4I/AAAAAAAAApg/lLIGAa1eGBk/s1600/Encourage+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7hOeRc3IxAI/UgTi_B8BO4I/AAAAAAAAApg/lLIGAa1eGBk/s1600/Encourage+1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And
after that ramble – welcome to the 2<sup>nd</sup> half of Chapter 17 (<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/chapter-17-part-1-story-about-tube-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">The
first half is here</span></a>). And I’d like to
properly kick off this half of the chapter by continuing from something that I
started speaking about at the start of part 1 - A simple message of
encouragement from a friend. Have you ever noticed that something really simple
can make or break a day for you? Well last Monday - a message I received set me
up for not only the day but the week that followed. And I wish that I still had
the message on my phone to show you – but unfortunately thanks to a “minor”
accident at the wedding the day before my phone needed to be replaced. But very
simply the message went along the lines of “Thankyou so much for writing your
stories and thankyou for being in my life”. In my half hungover and probably
over emotional state of last Monday the message bought a tear to my eye - because
despite having an amazing weekend – I just needed that little push. I went back
to that message later in the day after recovering from my stealth hangover* and
was hit with a somewhat overwhelming wave of thanks for the timing of that
message and replied again to the sender explaining how much the message meant
to me. Big gestures are great but little ones can be just as powerful - which
(as you can now probably imagine) is why I was pretty much ripped to pieces
after all of the amazing messages and great bits of feedback from you all after
Part 1. Which leads me onto saying (in the least soppy way possible) – thank you
all for supporting 10 Resolutions, thank you for reading these stories and
thank you for being part of my life. I hope that in some way you find little
sparks of encouragement within these words and that when you need it most - a
friend will help pick you up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>*Stealth
Hangover</i>. This is something that I should probably explain. But I’ll give you
some context first. You’ve been at a wedding and you’ve been drinking beer and
wine. It’s a lovely combination – but a combination that (you know from
experience) will come back to haunt you the next morning. The thought jumps
into your head “I could stop now and then I might be ok?” but then in 99% of
cases that thought is instantly dismissed by a new thought “I’m too far gone
now anyway so I’ll just keep going / slow down”. Most of us will be able to
relate to that situation. The drinks I’ve selected for my example don’t make
that much difference (replace them with your normal options) but you just need
to understand the context. Anyway – the next day comes and you are fine. There
is no rational explanation. Your head should theoretically have a tribe of
African drummers constantly beating away – but they aren’t there. You feel
great! You smugly smile – convinced that you have beaten the hangover and you
start getting on with whatever it is that you need to get on with. Then 4 hours
later (and out of nowhere) it happens. BANG! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQ_6eif0aPw/UgTjXbYblII/AAAAAAAAApo/hW-6CNVWh1Y/s1600/hangover-cure.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQ_6eif0aPw/UgTjXbYblII/AAAAAAAAApo/hW-6CNVWh1Y/s320/hangover-cure.png" width="193" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Forget
the tribe of African drummers. This is something different entirely. This isn’t
a tribe of African drummers. This is every single drummer in the known universe
each playing a different rhythm at once in your head combined with a selection
of the loudest car stereos in Blighty each playing their loudest most
unimaginative tune whilst part of your brain is in front of each speaker. Now
you want the next few minutes to pass quickly – but it’s a bit like your
hangover hasn’t got the memo. You move into action. You find the strongest
painkillers that you can and combine them with your soft drink of choice (sparkling
water or Coke Zero are normally mine). You agonizingly wait for the painkillers
to kick in and at some point in the course of this you utter a very well known
phrase “I’m never drinking again”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And
that my friends – is the stealth hangover.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’m
going to carry on bringing you up to date and introducing you to people in the
same way as I did in Part 1. I’ve got a few great things to tell you
about – as well as a preview of something JUST FOR YOU. So here we go….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">My night in the big
smoke</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
night before the epic Chris and Sam wedding event I left Wifey with Naomi, Sam
and the Twins and headed into <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city>
to catch up with John Zwanzig over a few beers and a meal…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">John Zwanzig</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ppORZ7LIFu0/UgTmBkp2f8I/AAAAAAAAAqA/c7S0xxpZABI/s1600/John+Zwanzig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ppORZ7LIFu0/UgTmBkp2f8I/AAAAAAAAAqA/c7S0xxpZABI/s320/John+Zwanzig.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">John
was my music teacher in secondary school and is someone that I can safely say
has had a massive impact on my life. Most of us have a teacher or a couple of
teachers that we will always remember from time at school. Who are yours? John
Zwanzig was one of mine. He was a great teacher. He completely inspired me and
was willing to let me develop my skills at my own pace and adapted the way he
taught to the way that I learnt and took in information. He also occasionally
helped me get out of double Science – and that is something that I’ll be
forever grateful for! (Incidentally and perhaps controversially – I think that
Science should only be a core subject until the end of Year 9 – but that’s a
conversation for another day). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Anyway
– fast forward a few years and through the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">land</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Bookface John</st1:placename></st1:place>
and I got back in touch and have met up a few times over the last few years.
Now I can’t really describe the moment when you first meet an old teacher –
because for a few moments it’s just a bit odd and you feel like you might be
back at school. But after that? John has now become a really good friend and
it’s lovely to be able to spend a bit of time with him when we both have the
chance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">After
saying goodbye to John, I popped in to a gig venue briefly to say hi to another
friend – who it just so happened was playing that night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Tom Lynam</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’ve
known Tom for a number of years now as I first met him in <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/a-story-about-ice-and-gas-called.html"><span style="color: lime;">the
Faction years</span></a>. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7lhAoYWwk4/UgTlPur5h8I/AAAAAAAAAp4/dUG4F70ehmA/s1600/Tom+Lynam+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7lhAoYWwk4/UgTlPur5h8I/AAAAAAAAAp4/dUG4F70ehmA/s320/Tom+Lynam+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And despite him being one of the busiest men on the planet –
we’ve kept in touch along the way. Tom is without question one of the most
talented musicians and songwriters I’ve ever come across and is also one of the
friendliest people you could ever meet. I’ve sat down for loads of beers with
him over the years and I think the overriding feeling that I’ve walked away
with is that he is just a lovely guy. He also has a lot more depth to his
character than he will initially let you see in person or until you get to know
him. The place where Tom bears his soul though is on stage and as a little plug
– <a href="http://riotsmusic.bandcamp.com/"><span style="color: lime;">why don’t you check out his EP as
it’s awesome</span></a>! He’s a cheeky little scamp – but you love him for it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/VesE3b8MfnI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Bowling the night
away (Office Family Outing)</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xt6t8txjVa8/UgTm0uBhKWI/AAAAAAAAAqU/CSG671mqrOM/s1600/Naomi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xt6t8txjVa8/UgTm0uBhKWI/AAAAAAAAAqU/CSG671mqrOM/s200/Naomi.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’ve
said before that I’m extremely blessed to work with an amazing bunch of people
and to celebrate 8 of them being given permanent jobs – loads of us went
bowling (on half price everything night). Perhaps surprisingly – it wasn’t that
messy (for most of us) but as I keep talking about these amazing people – I
thought I’d introduce you to some more of them (aside from the ones that you’ve
already met like <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chapter-13-story-about-wigan-athletic.html"><span style="color: lime;">Joe</span></a>,
<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/a-story-about-ice-and-gas-called.html"><span style="color: lime;">Naomi
& Andy</span></a>). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Lania Rokodravu</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73a-ml-jzzc/UgTma5Evh9I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/iwlPUltTSaM/s1600/Lania%252C+Anthony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-73a-ml-jzzc/UgTma5Evh9I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/iwlPUltTSaM/s320/Lania%252C+Anthony.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naomi, Anthony & Lania</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When
Lania laughs – you can hear her from the other side of the office. But that
isn’t a bad thing because Lania will never fail to make you smile thanks to her
completely infectious personality. She might come across as noisy and a bit of
a joker but when you get to know her you realise that there is so much more to
her personality than that. She’s strong (physically and mentally), funny, kind
and basically amazing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Anthony Rose</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Despite
being a Manchester United fan - I really like spending time with Anthony and
I’m really proud of him because of the man that he has become. Like Lania,
Anthony has a bit of an infectious personality and is a bit of a scallywag (I’m
working on bringing that word back). Anthony is fun, confident, subtle as a
brick and kind-hearted. He is also a bit of a mischief instigator. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Steve “Grandad”
Silcox</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Q_RhyxVn-g/UgTnJuvHASI/AAAAAAAAAqc/rya9TgVRR4g/s1600/2013-07-23+22.33.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Q_RhyxVn-g/UgTnJuvHASI/AAAAAAAAAqc/rya9TgVRR4g/s200/2013-07-23+22.33.13.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Steve
is called “Grandad” because he is one of the “elders” of the office (despite
acting a lot of the time like he is still about 25!) Have you ever thought to
yourself after seeing someone “Wow – If I’m still like that at their age then
I’ll be happy……”? Well Steve for me is one of the people that I base that
theory on for myself. Humble, friendly, selfless, reliable, trustworthy and
blunt – Steve is well loved - and deservedly so because he will go out of his
way to help anyone. Just don’t ever try and get hold of him on his mobile…….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Becky Lane</span></span></u></b></st1:address></st1:street><b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If
I’m in a bad mood, Becky is one of the people that can without fail cheer me
up. She can make me smile, she can make me laugh and at any given moment she
can catch me off guard by throwing a curveball in there to make me think. Becky
is really outgoing and fun on one hand whilst possessing amazing levels of
compassion and kindness on the other. One of my memories of Becky is that she wrote
us a completely beautiful email<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-9-story-about-sorrow-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">after
the events of chapter 9</span></a></span> that actually brought me to tears. I’ll never
forget that email as it was written from a place of such caring and empathy
that it just took me apart. Without any question - Becky is one of the people
that I most look forward to seeing when I walk into the office. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jy6tP2BLTXc/UgTnh_p8wkI/AAAAAAAAAqk/ZacV8zN8LGM/s1600/Becky+L+and+Amba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jy6tP2BLTXc/UgTnh_p8wkI/AAAAAAAAAqk/ZacV8zN8LGM/s320/Becky+L+and+Amba.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Becky Lane and Amba</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Amba Parker</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Amba
is very simply one of the nicest people that you could ever meet. She has a
complete heart of gold and will always put your needs above hers. You can’t
help but smile when you are around her (unless she trys to poison you with nuts
– in which case you can help but smile because in my case I was throwing up)
and she has one of those personalities that you just find yourself opening up
to. Amba is absolutely lovely and is a regular winner of our “Little Bit of
Sunshine” award. Oh – and if you ever need her to be somewhere on time – give
her a time which is 30 minutes before you actually need her there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-8-story-about-weetabix-and.html"><span style="color: cyan;">Bex Metcalfe</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0WiahSuv6I/UgTobjISMZI/AAAAAAAAAqw/THEVhbsaAMg/s1600/Metcalfe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0WiahSuv6I/UgTobjISMZI/AAAAAAAAAqw/THEVhbsaAMg/s320/Metcalfe.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Some of my favourite moments in the office (and on work “family outings” have come courtesy of Bex (as have quite a few of the questions that I’ve answered so far in 10 Resolutions). Bex is one of those people that can’t help but care for others and because of that – if there is anything everything ever wrong with her or if someone has hurt her you will become instantly protective of her (not that she needs protecting though). Bex is funny, absolutely amazeballs (a popular Bex phrase), sarcastic, (occasionally) ditzy, cheeky and can banter with the best of them. She also has a contagious happy mood and a “mild” case of OCD whilst being (I’m pretty sure) allergic to the cold. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now obviously that isnt everyone that I work with....but if I introduce you to everyone now,,,what would we do going forward! </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Babies, babies
everywhere…….</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ViUQ6Deqmqc/UgTqXWMVNZI/AAAAAAAAArI/60bHbfcHos4/s1600/Dan+and+Christine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ViUQ6Deqmqc/UgTqXWMVNZI/AAAAAAAAArI/60bHbfcHos4/s200/Dan+and+Christine.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Just
before I started writing 10 Resolutions - we had a stage where loads of couples
got pregnant - and now we are in the stage of the babies being born…and I love
it! <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Dan
and Christine</span></a> have just had a beautiful baby girl called Amelia (Dan and I
had a cheeky cigar together the day after she was born) and my friends Rich
(who I saw on the night of the baby being born) and Julie have also just had a
baby called James. Congratulations!!!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan;">Richard Dunne</span><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1rOm7_FpSk/UgTpaLbpTGI/AAAAAAAAAq8/1UXgG-itm7M/s1600/Andi+and+Rich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1rOm7_FpSk/UgTpaLbpTGI/AAAAAAAAAq8/1UXgG-itm7M/s200/Andi+and+Rich.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
met Rich (through<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html"><span style="color: lime;">Andy
Howson</span></a></span>) a few years ago before he started working in our office and he is
the person that has probably grown up more since I’ve known him than anyone
else in the same period of time. He is loyal, patient, funny, and has an
amazing ability to see the best in people and to believe in them. He also
listened to 12 different mixes of one of my songs to try and help me work out
which one was the best (something for which I’ll be forever grateful)! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9zzJ8ka3-1I/UgTqhYJxlUI/AAAAAAAAArQ/hX1xJT55rLs/s1600/Milo+Blankets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9zzJ8ka3-1I/UgTqhYJxlUI/AAAAAAAAArQ/hX1xJT55rLs/s320/Milo+Blankets.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So
there you have it – you are very nearly up to date. I could carry on and ramble
for ages about the return of football, my preparations for Rivercamp and about
the fact that I walked in the other day to discover that Milo the destroyer had
arranged a number of covers into a girlfriend shape (in a hint to Wifey and I
that he wants a girlfriend?) – but I’m not going to. Mainly because it’s
important that what comes next is the start of a new chapter (that might seem
cryptic...but it’s not....) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Please
feel free to ask loads of questions about life, the universe, or everything in
between on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: lime;">Twitter</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/10Resolutions"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook</span></a> or in the comments
section below. I’m off to investigate some luncheon and to try and work out
where on earth the TV remote has disappeared to!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">God
Bless<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" style="background-color: cyan;" target="_blank">Andi</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">P.S
– I promised you a preview of something...so before anyone else sees it – here is
the album cover.....Ohhh. And if you'd like to pre-order the album - <a href="http://andifoster.bandcamp.com/album/no-more-chains" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">you can do by following this link</span></a> (Please do. Pretty please)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-55528543978604239432013-07-29T10:01:00.000-07:002013-07-29T10:01:07.666-07:00Chapter 17 (Part 1) - A story about the Tube and catching up with friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcX7FKnPdPg/UfaLfo8J7dI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/lwFWboamzj4/s1600/Chapter+17+(A).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IcX7FKnPdPg/UfaLfo8J7dI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/lwFWboamzj4/s400/Chapter+17+(A).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Lbg2eC2isc/UfaOAtmdx2I/AAAAAAAAAmg/t8QpNVSsgkw/s1600/Despicable-Me-2-Poster-HD-Minion-Wallpaper_Vvallpaper.Net_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Lbg2eC2isc/UfaOAtmdx2I/AAAAAAAAAmg/t8QpNVSsgkw/s200/Despicable-Me-2-Poster-HD-Minion-Wallpaper_Vvallpaper.Net_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5vY8o9_jGdc/UfaOd5gF10I/AAAAAAAAAmo/snPXDbou1iM/s1600/The-Wolverine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5vY8o9_jGdc/UfaOd5gF10I/AAAAAAAAAmo/snPXDbou1iM/s200/The-Wolverine.jpg" width="135" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Welcome
to the first half of Chapter 17 everyone (see a theme developing with split
chapters here?). I’m going to start by pre-empting a somewhat
inevitable question by continuing on from a theme in the <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/chapter-16-part-1-story-about-epic.html"><span style="color: lime;">first
part of chapter 16</span></a> about films and what I’ve seen since then. So –
Despicable Me 2 was thoroughly enjoyable (my favourite scene is the one with
the fire alarm). The World’s End had very funny moments but unfortunately was a
long way off the standard of the other films in the Cornetto Trilogy (Shaun of
the Dead and Hot Fuzz) and Pacific Rim was, well it was <st1:place w:st="on">Pacific
Rim</st1:place> - possibly one of the best looking films of all time with some
very average acting thrown in for good measure. I wasn’t expecting that much of
Wolverine – but if I’m honest I was pleasantly surprised (I was also very happy
that they didn’t make a complete balls up of the source material)<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Anyway
- I want to paint you a little picture. So start imagining being on the tube at
11pm on a Saturday night. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PT-j6SoEJHk/UfaSLGyyZ4I/AAAAAAAAAm4/kd9GET95h3U/s1600/fun-london-underground-map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PT-j6SoEJHk/UfaSLGyyZ4I/AAAAAAAAAm4/kd9GET95h3U/s320/fun-london-underground-map.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The hustle, the bustle and the poker moments of
working out whether someone is simply just looking at you awkwardly, or looking
at you awkwardly because you are their vomiting target. Last Saturday night –
the person being looked at was me. Now if anything I find the tube funniest in
the evening (because you see a set of completely different characters than in
the rush hour) and this was completely confirmed for me in a single moment when
the train pulled into a station and a bunch of teenage ragamuffins jumped on.
You’ll be able to picture them in your head as they are in every city (with
just different accents). They come in all shapes and sizes, they have their
joggers tucked into socks (still don’t understand that), they speak a language
that only they can understand (which sounds suspiciously like it is just made
up of noises), they wear some form of Nike Air MaxX 598 Max Maxes that are
spotlessly clean (and look like they have been cleaned as some form of ritual)
and a baseball cap that still (for some bizarre reason) has it’s sticker on and
looks far too big for the little scallywags head. Can you picture them? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nM7tOiUo4HI/UfaT3lq89lI/AAAAAAAAAnI/IhicGlzazI0/s1600/chav2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nM7tOiUo4HI/UfaT3lq89lI/AAAAAAAAAnI/IhicGlzazI0/s200/chav2.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
Well –
last Saturday night - 5 of them got on the train. And all was fine until the next
stop.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
train pulled in (to one of the busiest stations in Central London) and one of
the group jumped off the train and stood in front of the doors like a starfish
with the intention of blocking people off from getting on (and just generally
being a bit of an asshat). One of the group shouted at him to stop doing it
(fair play to that one) – but he kept on going and the rest of the group just
kept on laughing whilst the general public started dropping F-Bombs, and
getting into the other doors. This teenager was making a bit of a nuisance of
himself - but he had not managed to stop anyone getting on the train. People
had got annoyed yes (especially a really small man who looked like he could be
a Geography teacher), but everyone had got on ok. The next few seconds flew by
– but what I witnessed was absolutely priceless.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gQ3nszUTRc/UfaUVjD1gUI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/tDZ9dGVs528/s1600/geography-teacher01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gQ3nszUTRc/UfaUVjD1gUI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/tDZ9dGVs528/s320/geography-teacher01.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
group started shouting at their “fearless leader” to get on the train.
Meanwhile the chief scallywag either ignores their bleats - or has become so caught
up in his own wonderfulness that he hasn’t been listening. The doors slam shut
and the teenager turns around looking exceptionally gormlessly at the train.
The only person he has stopped getting on is himself. Which in itself is an exceptional
feat considering that he was on it in the first place. As the train pulled away
from the teenager, his friends starting pointing and laughing at him (a
brilliant turn around of events). But the best thing? The geography teacher man
had placed himself into a starfish shape for the teenager to see as the train
left the station. Payback complete.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ok so In warning this is going to be a bit of a different chapter. I’ve done a lot of
stuff over the last couple of weeks and I’ve come into contact with loads of
people (some of whom I haven’t seen in ages). So what that actually means in
context is that I’m going to mix this chapter up a bit - and my cast list is
going to be the basis of the chapter and I’ll fill in some extra details about
my activities along the way. It will make sense….I promise. (but that should also explain why the chapter is split). Anyway....<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">The Dedication</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Nearly
7 months have now passed since the <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html"><span style="color: lime;">first
chapter of 10 Resolutions</span></a> and that means that my gorgeous nieces have now
reached 7 months of age. It’s completely amazing (especially considering their
journey into the world) and the best thing is that against all odds Charis and
Joey are fine. You might be able to tell that I’m very proud of both of the
little girls and their parents - but I also had no idea of simply how much I
would fall in love with them. Yes that’s right people. I’ve become soppy (or
soppier). But that’s all good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amUyTjsPk74/UfaVaBofzZI/AAAAAAAAAng/LVQNOP0MIKM/s1600/Dedication+CAke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amUyTjsPk74/UfaVaBofzZI/AAAAAAAAAng/LVQNOP0MIKM/s320/Dedication+CAke.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
couple of weeks ago we went to <a href="http://theminster.org/"><span style="color: lime;">Naomi and Sam’s
church</span></a> to see the twins get dedicated. Now before you ask what a dedication
is compared to a christening – the very simple answer is that it’s quite hard
to explain…..so I’ll duck out and suggest that you <a href="http://www.babiesandbrides.com/FYI.Differences%20-%20Baptisms%20Christenings%20and%20Dedications.asp"><span style="color: lime;">check
this link out to explain it</span></a> instead. But the service was great and I found
that throughout the course of it I found myself being increasingly thankful
about how everything with the twins had worked out. Personally - I find that
it’s quite easy to forget the other routes that a situation could have taken
once it has been resolved (by perhaps even convincing me that the alternatives
were very unlikely). But the truth in this situation is that it could have
worked out very differently – and I think that I almost needed to be reminded
of that. I know that it sounds odd – but sometimes when you do look back and
see some of the (sometimes desperate) situations (that we’ve all been in at some
point) it’s amazing to see how they have worked out now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Oh – and at this
service it was also a really nice surprise to catch up with someone who always
has some amazing stories and testimonies to tell – <a href="http://simonguillebaud.com/"><span style="color: lime;">Simon Guillebaud</span></a> who is a missionary in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Burundi</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Apryle’s Birthday</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
couple of weeks ago we went to<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/a-story-about-ice-and-gas-called.html"><span style="color: lime;">Apryle’s</span></a></span>
Birthday party. We had a great night and spent the evening listening to loads
of old cheesy music, hanging out with <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/a-story-about-ice-and-gas-called.html"><span style="color: lime;">Apryle,
Wayne</span></a> and the kids, drinking random drinks and spending some time with
Apryle’s brother Dean and his wife Louise (as well as having magic tricks
performed to us – but more on that at a later date……..). Anyway….<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Dean Newbery</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_n3tpypm70/UfaYmCpsalI/AAAAAAAAAnw/cXqSQn1TI-A/s1600/Louise+and+Dean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3_n3tpypm70/UfaYmCpsalI/AAAAAAAAAnw/cXqSQn1TI-A/s320/Louise+and+Dean.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I
met Dean on exactly the same day that <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_07_01_archive.html"><span style="color: lime;">I
met Danny Clack</span></a> many years ago - and he has known Cass for the vast
majority of his life. There are a number of amusing stories about Dean drinking
and it going wrong - but as I haven’t been present on any of those occasions* I
feel it would be rude to tell those stories… (*as a small confession – I have
been present at <b>the start</b> of one of
those nights - and there is a small possibility that I could have assisted in
the end result……) but what I will say is that I have never met anyone so
powered by tea. It’s completely astounding. Anyway though – I’m digressing. I
love spending time with Dean. He is blunt, funny, kind, caring, and is really
protective about those he loves. And in my view – they are great qualities for
a friend.</span></div>
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<i><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Louise Newbery</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now
it’s fair to say that I don’t know Louise that well yet and that is something
that I hold myself accountable for. Apryle’s birthday was the first time (I
think) that we have had a proper conversation - and it was lovely. If I’m being
honest - It’s funny how you can build up ideas about what someone is like
before you spend proper time with them and Louise is someone that I had done
that with (I’ll clear that up a bit as it sounds bad). The traits that I had
tagged to Louise in my head weren’t bad ones (they were actually pretty good)
by any stretch of the imagination – but they were nowhere near as prominent in
her personality as I was expecting them to be and different aspects of her
personality (that I wasn’t expecting) kept appearing to catch me even further
by surprise. We all had a great night that night – but one of my highlights was
definitely properly meeting Louise for the first time – and I hope that we can
all hang out together again very soon.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Chris and Sam’s
wedding</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now
I’m sure that I have said this before - but there are very few things that I
enjoy more than weddings. I love them. And I love them even more if there is a
chance of reconnecting with people that I might not have seen in a while (<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Phil
and Rachel</span></a> for instance). Last Sunday was the wedding day of one of my
childhood friends – Chris Cox – and he got married to the lovely Sam. The day
was brilliant and I was uncontrollably pleased (and possibly a bit smug) that I
was wearing a short sleeved shirt considering that is was one of the hottest
days of the year (and let’s be honest here – the sight of someone’s pits
soaking through their shirt is not a nice image.) But without any further ado…
let me introduce to some of the people that we came across.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Chris & Sam Cox</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vysDAweYu8A/UfaaMayxLUI/AAAAAAAAAoA/-MUiMwOxWHE/s1600/Chris+and+Sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vysDAweYu8A/UfaaMayxLUI/AAAAAAAAAoA/-MUiMwOxWHE/s400/Chris+and+Sam.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So…..I’ve
known Chris for years and I met him <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">through
Dan</span></a> who not only went to school with but also lived on the same road as
Chris and his twin brother Lewis (more on him in a minute). For years and years
we were really close and we would do so much together - but then I moved away -
and me not pushing hard enough for our friendship to carry on at the same level
is still a big regret of mine. If I’m honest - I don’t think that I valued our
friendship enough at the time. We kind of lost touch and in a lot of ways I
guess kind of drifted away from one another. We would still see each other when
I came back or for friend’s birthdays and stuff like that and when that
happened it was great to see each other again – but it wasn’t really the same.
Now don’t get me wrong here – I know that if I wanted to talk to someone or if
I needed help with something that he would be there for me – but the everyday
“click” had gone (probably because we didn’t see each other every day). But
when Dan moved up here a few years ago I started to see more of Chris again –
and gradually I think that our relationship (after playing some Call of Duty)
is growing again. It’ll be different this time around obviously (for starters
we are both now married) – but we’ve got a lot of time to make up for and I’m
really up for it. I’ve been realising how much I’ve missed having him as part
of my life and I’m looking forward to him (and Sam) playing a major part in
both mine (and Cass’s) lives in the future. <i><u><o:p></o:p></u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’ve
only known Sam for a couple of years (is that right? I might have messed that up?)
and even though I don’t know her that well (yet) – I can see the massive impact
that she has had on Chris’s life and that they have developed an amazing
partnership between them. Relationship part aside though - I’d just like to
mention a few of my observations about Sam……<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">She
has a great, strong, selfless and quite cheeky character, immense inner
strength and on first meeting her you can tell that very simply – she cares –
and that it isn’t because she feels forced to. She doesn’t mock people when
they gain wine moustaches (or at least she doesn’t to their faces – thankyou!)
and she just seems to have an ability to make people smile and laugh when they
are around her. I think she is great – and I can’t wait to get to know her
more.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Lewis Cox & Lucy
Bartholomew</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></i></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-RCFsUdTtQ/UfabXcHOpBI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/ueA1CyayGFA/s1600/Lewis+and+Lucy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p-RCFsUdTtQ/UfabXcHOpBI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/ueA1CyayGFA/s200/Lewis+and+Lucy.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lewis
is the twin brother of Chris - but I didn’t see as much of Lewis when we were
younger. Obviously we were friends and stuff but I think that my friendship
with Lewis probably started kicking in properly when we were about 15 - and
believe me when I say that we have had some great times along the way (and I’m
sure that we will continue to do so)…….Lewis is a man of integrity, he’s loyal,
a fantastic friend and a great father to Skye. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’ve
known Lucy now for years - because in honesty I can’t really remember Lewis and
Lucy not being together! Lucy is great. She’s funny, friendly, genuine and
caring – and on top of that she is also a great mum to Skye. We love Lewis and
Lucy (and Skye) to bits.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Rachel Slatter</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_5x8vvel8c/UfacvhbKsII/AAAAAAAAAog/N59F7HJ0wHM/s1600/Rachel+SLatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_5x8vvel8c/UfacvhbKsII/AAAAAAAAAog/N59F7HJ0wHM/s200/Rachel+SLatter.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Way
way back (many centuries ago…..) in <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html"><span style="color: lime;">Chapter
7</span></a> – I said that I would tell you more about Rachel Slatter (Phil’s wife).
As it turns out – I forgot (Sorry Rachel – my bad). But in a better late than
never theory here we go….Rachel is without question one of the most supportive
people I’ve ever come across. She will do whatever she can to help you and she will always try and push you forward. She’s always been great to Cass and I - and
she never fails to make me laugh when I see her. Family means the world to
Rachel and you can tell that in her actions. She’s a great friend and we love
having her, Phil and Caitlin (their daughter) as part of our lives.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">And Introducing……Paul
Bradley & Sophia Drury</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></u></i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8HP0CfAymCA/UfadcdXLhFI/AAAAAAAAAoo/6sx55f6K0E4/s1600/Paul+and+Sophia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8HP0CfAymCA/UfadcdXLhFI/AAAAAAAAAoo/6sx55f6K0E4/s320/Paul+and+Sophia.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Now
normally I wouldn’t mention people that I’ve just met in my cast list. That is
very much true. My cast list is generally for people that have been in or
around my life for a while or have recently announced themselves with flashing
lights and explosions. But the reason I’m bending my own rule is because I’ve
just met Paul Bradley for the 2<sup>nd</sup> time in my life. After the first
time we met - we spent quite a lot of time together alongside Chris, Lewis,
Dan, Phil and a ginger chap called Rob and I always got on well with Paul – so
I’m now really looking forward to getting to know him again (and his good lady -
Sophia). We had such a good time with them at the wedding – and I’m really
looking forward to spending some time with them. I’m obviously not going to be
able to go into a massive describing session about what they are like and stuff
– so I’ll give you an initial word for each of them….I’ll let you know how
accurate they turn out to be! Paul = Honourable, Sophia = Joy. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Last
Monday morning started for me with a very simple prayer and that prayer was
“Thankyou for placing so many amazing people in my life”. You see prayers don’t
have to be about asking for things. I had spent Sunday at a wedding with some
fantastic friends – and then first thing on Monday morning I received a message
from someone with a simple encouragement. But it was an encouragement that was
so timely that it brought a tear to my eye. Timing is everything. But I’m sure
that there will be more on that timing in the 2<sup>nd</sup> half of this
chapter – and why it was so relevant……<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
2<sup>nd</sup> part of this chapter will probably emerge around the weekend and
it will be featuring one of my old teachers, some colleagues (who are also friends),
and news on a massive birth….(that isn’t Prince George) but for the time being
can I just sat that I’ve actually run out now of your questions for me to
answer about life, the universe and everything inbetween – so please feel free
to ask away on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Twitter</span></a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/10resolutions" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook</span></a>, <a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">over email</span></a> or by commenting on this chapter.
You can also subscribe to 10 Resolutions by putting your email address into the
massive white box at the top of the chapter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Thanks
for reading. God Bless.<span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" style="background-color: lime;" target="_blank">Andi</a></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">P.S - Only </span><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Andy Howson</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> would celebrate passing his drugs and alcohol test - by drinking </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cider</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">......</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-64214355228422706662013-07-10T04:03:00.000-07:002013-07-10T04:03:11.156-07:00Chapter 16 (Part 2) - A story about holidays, summer and tennis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk6UkkpnjTw/Ud0rhKVGdvI/AAAAAAAAAis/0rAUw9IQ1NU/s1600/Chapter+16+(B).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk6UkkpnjTw/Ud0rhKVGdvI/AAAAAAAAAis/0rAUw9IQ1NU/s400/Chapter+16+(B).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-Ou6O2kkJw/Ud0t8SChgfI/AAAAAAAAAjE/LEev3QCJZPE/s1600/Bad+Date+Twitter.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D-Ou6O2kkJw/Ud0t8SChgfI/AAAAAAAAAjE/LEev3QCJZPE/s320/Bad+Date+Twitter.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">So – as
promised - here is the 2<sup>nd</sup> half of chapter 16....... </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcgrnpGiLWE/Ud0twoEDtnI/AAAAAAAAAi8/YEq7HGvwU6I/s1600/Cookie+Monster+on+Bad+Date.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zcgrnpGiLWE/Ud0twoEDtnI/AAAAAAAAAi8/YEq7HGvwU6I/s200/Cookie+Monster+on+Bad+Date.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Let me start by
saying though that I’ve been pleasantly surprised that some of you have had
much worse date experiences than me (obviously because I find some form of
pleasure in your pain). Please continue to let me know yours though as they
make me chuckle – especially the story about fake tan (you know who you are).
And for those of you who asked what happened when I saw her again – I’m sure
that story will emerge at some point as well…. If you have no idea what I’m
talking about – <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/chapter-16-part-1-story-about-epic.html"><span style="color: lime;">check
out the first part of chapter 16</span></a>. But anyway - I thought I’d start off by painting
you picture.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-phEsv1fu2gw/Ud0up-pmq0I/AAAAAAAAAjM/ZTNgljOSN7M/s1600/Storytime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-phEsv1fu2gw/Ud0up-pmq0I/AAAAAAAAAjM/ZTNgljOSN7M/s320/Storytime.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3qvJJzxnIE/Ud0vL0N6ZbI/AAAAAAAAAjU/4D7XH6g5r6A/s1600/ZombieDaveTraveler.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o3qvJJzxnIE/Ud0vL0N6ZbI/AAAAAAAAAjU/4D7XH6g5r6A/s200/ZombieDaveTraveler.gif" width="151" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Your alarm
goes off. It’s early and it’s the end of the week. You fight the urge to press
snooze as you have changed your alarm to the latest time that you can possibly
get up anyway without being late for work. You know the situation. You have
planned it precisely. You can get up, be showered and be vaguely alive and out
of the house in the space of 23 minutes. On Friday morning – this person was
me. It would be fair to say that I resembled more of a zombie than a normal
person. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I struggled
out of bed by rolling over Wifey in some form of half-arsed army man attempt
and landed firmly on my feet (which in itself was a bit of a surprise given
that my balance at any time is not great). I left the bedroom without turning
any lights on as I didn’t want to wake Cass (I used my hands to guide me – and
on reflection probably looked increasingly like a zombie) and got to the
bathroom. I turned the light switch on (and suddenly wished I hadn’t as I imagine that I looked like a vampire coming to terms with the light). My hand reached inside the
shower and I turned the shower on (whilst still blinded). I got undressed
(Waheh!!!) and stepped into the shower. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I don’t know
at what stage it was that my zombievampireness disappeared and a large number
of expletives emerged from my mouth as replacement thoughts. It felt like a
very slow motion process – like everything was moving at ¼ pace – and that my
mind was slowly changing. But it didn’t matter because my skin was burning, the
heat was rising up – and in all honesty my body was probably hotter than the
sun. I had turned the shower onto the full heat setting and like at the end of
Raiders of the Lost Ark – I felt like my body was melting away. So how did I
escape this situation you may ask? How did I ensure that my near death
experience didn’t become something worse? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A normal
person would escape this situation by turning the temperature down – and in
hindsight that seems completely logical. I however chose to panic. I spun round
and tried to jump out of the shower – completely forgetting in my haste that
the shower door was shut. So not only was my body experiencing heat similar to
being placed in an oven – but I now had a bump to rival a small mountain
emerging on my forehead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iqHGSCIpmN0/Ud0xfCujBBI/AAAAAAAAAj0/aou4DwTTvXE/s1600/sign21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iqHGSCIpmN0/Ud0xfCujBBI/AAAAAAAAAj0/aou4DwTTvXE/s1600/sign21.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I turned the
temperature down to very much lukewarm and started to cool down. I started to
relax and started to wash. I clearly wasn’t concentrating after my ordeal
however as I had started to wash with Cass’s girly shampoo instead of my shower
gel. Fearing that I could now potentially smell like a flower whilst looking like
some form burnt monster I decided to step out of the shower and give up on
making myself look pretty. But just to top it all off, I’d left my belt on the
floor and without looking where I was going trod on the spiky bit of the
buckle. My leg jumped up in reaction and my knee caught the underside of the
sink catching right on the bone. Luckily the rest of the day went much better –
but this just goes to show that Friday mornings are dangerous and working on
them probably should be banned. I’m all
for a four day week – and I’m pretty sure that someone could work something
with health and safety as a reason not to work…Is that person you? If it
is….please make it happen! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">The Cast List</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Danny Clack</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’ve known
Danny for about 10 years now but Cass has known Danny for the majority of her
life and he has been amazing friend (and housemate) to the pair of us. He’s a
joker with an “eclectic” taste in music. He’s a chef that is not good in the
mornings (or at least he wasn’t when he lived with us) and he is one of the
most faithful and loyal people that you could ever meet. He’s also bagged
himself a top lass in Charlotte (or Charmind to me) who has done an amazing job
of calming down Danny’s lifestyle (he was a bit of a ragamuffin) and generally
pushed him forward. She’s ace. He’s ace – and combined they are both ace. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8xUhyseE-Sc/Ud0yE5Ip0OI/AAAAAAAAAj8/VGft3igUSng/s1600/Danny+and+Char.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8xUhyseE-Sc/Ud0yE5Ip0OI/AAAAAAAAAj8/VGft3igUSng/s320/Danny+and+Char.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I have so
many brilliant memories of spending time with Danny including playing Rock Band,
evacuating on Code 9 alerts, wandering around the countryside looking for a cash
point (only to discover after walking for 8 miles that the VERY FIRST shop that
we stopped in did cash back), enjoying the snow / sun in Finland and so many
more......But when you can tag so many fond memories to one person you realise
that those are memories that will stay with you forever. It’s great to have
shared those memories with Danny and to a larger extent with Cass and Char as well)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b>Nick Hunt</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQcP-AtUNlo/Ud0ykNqxq5I/AAAAAAAAAkI/KEMk6xnOwOo/s1600/Nick+Hunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQcP-AtUNlo/Ud0ykNqxq5I/AAAAAAAAAkI/KEMk6xnOwOo/s200/Nick+Hunt.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Nick is a
legend. He makes me laugh, he’s a great friend and he will always be there for
you if you need him. He also has a wonderful quiet wisdom about him where he
takes time to think things through. Unfortunately though – he is a Sp*rs fan. I
try not to hold that against him and I look past it (because I’m kind, caring
and sharing obviously) most of the time unless it’s North London Derby Day
(when the banter between us will start very early on.........). Nick has
recently started a little business as a gardener – and he has just finished our
garden. It looks amazing! – But more on that to follow….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So – without
further ado…let’s get started!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Holibobs!</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Wifey and I went
on holiday down to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cornwall</st1:place></st1:city>
earlier this month. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9RSEGKIR6jM/Ud0zqNFuAbI/AAAAAAAAAkY/93uvYGlyTJs/s1600/2013-06-21+15.19.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9RSEGKIR6jM/Ud0zqNFuAbI/AAAAAAAAAkY/93uvYGlyTJs/s200/2013-06-21+15.19.45.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
I’d already been invited back to do another event in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Falmouth</st1:place></st1:city> (thanks <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-7-story-about-falmouth-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Banwell and Danutia</span></a>) so we thought that it would be a really nice idea to take a week
out and to make a holiday of it. So off we went down to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cornwall</st1:place></st1:city> for a week. We had loads of time
together , ate a fair bit of steak, stayed in some amazing B&B’s and
apartments, went to one of the most beautiful places that I’d ever been to
(Sennen Cove), discovered Lands End, hung out with friends (including the
amazing Fal Collective), drank some Cornish Ale, met some Penguins, got
completely drenched and had one of the greatest cheeseboards EVER. I also
returned with a new guitar. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s8-wrqDAycw/Ud00pR0OvrI/AAAAAAAAAko/3eSrf1ZvTCU/s1600/2013-06-24+10.46.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s8-wrqDAycw/Ud00pR0OvrI/AAAAAAAAAko/3eSrf1ZvTCU/s200/2013-06-24+10.46.25.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZB_euNynfU/Ud00VM4DlnI/AAAAAAAAAkg/kFbOlieOQmA/s1600/2013-06-23+18.34.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZB_euNynfU/Ud00VM4DlnI/AAAAAAAAAkg/kFbOlieOQmA/s200/2013-06-23+18.34.43.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Oh and I knew
that there was some gorgeous scenery located somewhere in this country (probably
in the location furthest away from Slough) – and the <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Atlantic Highway</st1:address></st1:street> (between Minehead and <st1:place w:st="on">Land’s End</st1:place>) is a great example of exactly that. It rivals
anything that I’ve ever seen in another country. It was absolutely stunning
(something that can’t be said about Newquay).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Who have I been hanging out with?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’ve had a
few weeks of realising (yet again) that I am blessed beyond belief to have so
many great people in my life. I could list everyone that I’ve hung out with
over the last few weeks – but the list would be really long...so I’ll tell you
about a few highlights. Charmind’s birthday saw us not only having a great time
catching up with Danny and Charlotte – but loads of other people that we haven’t
seen in ages as well. It was a really fun night and it was great to see
everyone again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’ve also
seen <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-4-story-about-breakthroughs-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Christine</span></a> a couple of times over the last month as she gets ready to
explode from babyness. We’ve been playing some Rayman – as well as finding
excuses to go for some pub lunches.... (Something that I don’t normally need an
excuse to do). But as I have a fair bit of time off in the week – it’s great to
be able to catch up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Last Friday
we went over to <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chapter-13-story-about-wigan-athletic.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Toby and Vicky’s</span></a> new gaff. A house in the ‘burbs of Cheltenham –
that might as well be in a tiny village. It’s a beautiful cottage with no
network coverage. Thankfully though – my favourite Curry place in all of
Gloucestershire does deliver there...and we got a free bottle of wine! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hs9VF93sQ1A/Ud03HAt3XhI/AAAAAAAAAk4/sTj7LowoNn4/s1600/Summer+Red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hs9VF93sQ1A/Ud03HAt3XhI/AAAAAAAAAk4/sTj7LowoNn4/s1600/Summer+Red.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We invited
<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/a-story-about-ice-and-gas-called.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Apryle and Wayne</span></a> (and all of the kids) round on Sunday for a BBQ in our new
garden...a BBQ that ended up being combined with watching the tennis final (the
point at which I realised I had been converted), a debate about religion, some
COLD red wine and some cider. A beautiful day with some great company - What more
could you ask for? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Last week – I
met up with someone called Bean Baker. I’d never met Bean before – but it is
almost surprising that our paths have never crossed before – especially given
that we know so many people in common (and that a number of them didn’t put together
that we both lived in Gloucester). Bean’s a singer songwriter as well as a
worship leader for a local church. He lives on a boat and all in all is a
pretty nice guy to spend a few hours with in the pub!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And finally –
<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Matt</span></a>. I have spent so much time with Matt over the last few years that a lot of
moments have blurred into one. But I have so many happy memories – and with us
spending an increasing amount of time in the studio in the run up to launch
time...I’m sure that there will be many more to come!.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Weddings</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4URxFdui4c/Ud03VjIZF9I/AAAAAAAAAlA/Efzf3Xcdthg/s1600/2013-06-29+21.14.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J4URxFdui4c/Ud03VjIZF9I/AAAAAAAAAlA/Efzf3Xcdthg/s320/2013-06-29+21.14.08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There are a
number of people in the office who can’t believe how many weddings we are
invited to. Not because we are horrible people or anything like that (or at
least I don’t think so) but simply because of the sheer number of weddings that
we are invited to. It’s an absolutely massive honour to share in a couple’s
special day and in the last 4 weeks we have been to two weddings (with another
4 to follow in the next 3 months). I LOVE weddings. I love loads of people
coming together to celebrate and party. I love the atmosphere. I love meeting
new people. You get the idea. It’s just a real privilege. (Ironically enough –
I can’t remember that much about my own wedding – but the thing I’ll never
forget will be standing at the front of the Church looking down the aisle at
Cass). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Holy Stuff</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tOAWHzDONlE/Ud05x0JxbSI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/Uqfb4fx6tR4/s1600/Esther.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tOAWHzDONlE/Ud05x0JxbSI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/Uqfb4fx6tR4/s320/Esther.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">With
weddings, work and being on holiday I haven’t been able to go to Church much on
a Sunday morning recently. But that’s not to say that I haven’t been involved.
Seek His Face – a cross Church monthly service that a few of us set up is
growing (incidentally if you are around on Sunday – <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/495262657209550/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">why don’t you come along</span></a>?)
and I had a great night leading with the Fal-Collective guys in Falmouth. I was
also completely honoured to be asked to cover <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-2-story-about-cereal-run-dmc.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Padley</span></a> on Sunday at Cheltenham
Elim. It’s not only a really good experience to do something different – but
it’s fantastic to be alongside a different group of people on a Sunday. In
other news on this front I’ve been working through a Bible plan called “The
Fire Within” which is really cool and I’ve been reading through the book of
Esther again and again. It’s such an amazing story of courage – and highly
recommended! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">The Garden / Jungle</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Mvi4bHUVsY/Ud06HryyRuI/AAAAAAAAAlY/-BM2Q-7mpH0/s1600/Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Mvi4bHUVsY/Ud06HryyRuI/AAAAAAAAAlY/-BM2Q-7mpH0/s320/Garden.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">About a month
ago our garden was a jungle. As evidenced by this rather unflattering picture
of me. For so long we had intended to do something about it but for whatever reason
(in fact there are numerous reasons….one being that I’m not allowed anywhere
near any form of garden appliance) we hadn’t gotten around to it. So imagine my
joy when on checking the bookface one day I discovered that one of my friends
(Nick Hunt) has recently started a gardening business! Great Success! Fast
forward to today and the garden looks amazing and my secret plan to install a
bar in our garden is now progressing quickly! (Although it’s not exactly a
secret plan anymore…..) Still. If you fancy a bbq…or just to hang out…Come on
round!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Tennis</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gsWhA_tais/Ud06tqAczqI/AAAAAAAAAlg/HFBGCDjHsRU/s1600/Tennis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0gsWhA_tais/Ud06tqAczqI/AAAAAAAAAlg/HFBGCDjHsRU/s1600/Tennis.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A piece of knowledge
that is widely known about me is the fact that I hate tennis. But it isn’t because
I don’t like the sport. Not at all in fact. The sad truth is that I hate tennis
because Wimbledon always used to cut
into CBBC – and that memory has stayed with me for all of these years. I didn’t
care about who was beating who or how epic matches were – I JUST WANTED TO
WATCH THUNDERCATS! Well this week - I forgave tennis and in the same vein as a
number of Man United fans....became a bit of a glory supporter as I got caught
up with the Murrayness and thoroughly enjoyed it (even if I did feel like I was
playing tennis on the Playstation). So tennis. You win. I’m in and I forgive you.
If however you start to interfere with any other programmes that I enjoy
watching....you might well find that we end up in this situation again......<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Work</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A few weeks
ago I had an interview for one of two jobs at work. I didn’t get either – but I’m
really happy for the people that did as they had already been doing the jobs on
development roles for 4 years! The right people got the jobs - and I can say
that with no hesitation – and mean it as well. In a massive morale boost for
our office as well.....8 members of staff have just been made permanent (<a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">including these two</span></a>) – and that
is great news – especially considering the clouded future that our office had
previously been approaching. Congratulations to them!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">Summer Is Here</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rc8fKFFMs6o/Ud08vuks2hI/AAAAAAAAAlw/XARrqTqTGXU/s1600/Summer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rc8fKFFMs6o/Ud08vuks2hI/AAAAAAAAAlw/XARrqTqTGXU/s320/Summer.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I love the
cold. One of my favourite times of year is when the temperature has a bit of a
bite – yet the sky is bright blue and the sun is blazing down. That is without
question my favourite type of weather. I have however discovered that I have a
high tolerance for cold temperatures (not cold water though!) and that I am
fairly unsympathetic to those that don’t. This however works both ways as I’m
not a massive fan of the heat and have found on countless occasions that some
people who crave the heat don’t really care / think about or understand the people
who like the cold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In glorious
weather like we are having at the moment I love sitting outside in the shade. I
love the weather – just not the temperature. I can completely understand the
people however that bask in the sun (Cass is one of them) and get as many rays
as possible. You must know people like that as well? Well next time those people
inevitably moan that we never have a summer in Britain – remind them of this
weather we are having now! I for one though hope that we have a lovely extended
summer of weather like this....especially now that we have a garden (complete
with umbrella for me) to enjoy it in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: x-large;">The Album IS coming</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Of4O2_ZMOcI/Ud0-C7-jOOI/AAAAAAAAAmA/Hm7jyNmPWRg/s1600/No+More+Chains+Sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Of4O2_ZMOcI/Ud0-C7-jOOI/AAAAAAAAAmA/Hm7jyNmPWRg/s320/No+More+Chains+Sketch.jpg" width="306" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So would have thought it. Crowd funding works! And on the 14th July – my album will have officially been funded. Over the next two evenings Matt and I are finishing off the tracks before they head into the next phase of being mixed and mastered. The artwork is nearly done as well...so all in all...It’s coming together! Two massive ways that you can help me though are by:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andifoster/no-more-chains-andi-foster-album?ref=live" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Backing the album on Kickstarter</span></a> </span>(and telling others about it) Yes the album is already funded – but the more backers I get – the more the album can be promoted and the further it can go at this early stage. So please – if you haven’t done it already or got round to it or whatever....would you consider backing the album?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Voting for my song<a href="http://www.weareworship.com/song-contest/entry/116/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;"> “Fall on Me”</span></a>. So – I’ve entered a song writing competition – I’d really appreciate it if you could vote for me....</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As soon as I know the official release date for the album though – I’ll let you all know as well!</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Right – I do
believe that concludes our catch up. I’ve probably forgotten a lot of
things...but they might come back at a later date. The next chapter will emerge
in about 10 days – with hopefully a massive album update, some (probably) embarrassing
stories from weddings, a report on my nieces dedication, and the next stage of
the bar in my garden complete (The next part of which is quite literally knocking
on my front door as we speak). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Can I just
say at this point though – thank you all so much for your support, your
prayers, your suggestions and your questions. Please keep them all coming via
<a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">email</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/10Resolutions" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook</span></a> and the <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">twitter</span></a>. I’m off now to look at instructions and to
pretend that I can do DIY (before leaving it for Wifey to sort whilst I’m in
the studio later). I’ve also got to carry on taking the house apart looking for
something for someone this week...If only I could remember the safe place that
I put it in........Oh...and for those on resolution count...I’ve mentioned two
(that you didn’t already know about). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">God Bless<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cfe2f3; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Andi</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-46707801723932446972013-07-01T03:14:00.000-07:002013-07-01T03:14:08.308-07:00Chapter 16 (Part 1) - A story about epic films and an album to avoid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qxUde_3Wbk/UdFKTE4mG8I/AAAAAAAAAiE/knKfIiawcfY/s1364/Chapter+16+%2528A%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qxUde_3Wbk/UdFKTE4mG8I/AAAAAAAAAiE/knKfIiawcfY/s400/Chapter+16+%2528A%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello friends! And welcome to the first part of Chapter 16!
You might ask why this chapter is split into halves (and that would be a very
good question) and I’ll get to the answer…. But let me start by apologising to
you all - because I have no idea why I said at the end of the last chapter that
I would be back in a week. I clearly wasn’t thinking as I knew full well that
the weeks in-between these chapters would be fairly mental. But what have I
been so busy doing you may ask? What have I been doing that has meant that I
haven’t been able to ramble for the best part of 3 weeks? Well the answer is
loads! And that explains why the chapter is split. I want to tell you about
everything and to bring you up to date – but I don’t want to write something
that will take you ages and ages to read…so I’m tackling your questions in this
part and in the next part I’ll tell you all about our holiday, weddings,
birthdays, gardens, suits and tactical dumps (or TD’s) So…here we go….</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">What has been your favourite blockbuster so far this year?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6O8UzOf0k9E/UdFIETkMuEI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/3VTS8qTvRV0/s1280/After-Earth-Movie-Trailer-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6O8UzOf0k9E/UdFIETkMuEI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/3VTS8qTvRV0/s320/After-Earth-Movie-Trailer-photo.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m guessing that After Earth will soon be propping up a
number of “worst film of the year” awards, and normally I don’t pay that much
attention to reviews – but this time around I did and avoided After Earth like
I would normally avoid salad (by running the other way…very quickly). From
speaking to people that have watched it – I consider it a bullet dodged. But
the question was about the best blockbuster so far. And I think that to date
that I’ve seen 4 - and in viewing order they are:</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Iron Man 3<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Star Trek: Into
Darkness<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fast and Furious 6<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Man of Steel</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9wxmeQJ3v8/UdFIQyk8Z0I/AAAAAAAAAhY/XD-O7I4CsK4/s1280/iron-man-3-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9wxmeQJ3v8/UdFIQyk8Z0I/AAAAAAAAAhY/XD-O7I4CsK4/s320/iron-man-3-poster.jpg" width="216" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first thing to say – is that unlike other summers loaded
with blockbusters (and their inevitable disappointments) to some degree I have
enjoyed all 4 films. I love comic books anyway and whilst Iron Man and Superman
are two of my least favourite comic book characters – I have to say that both
roles (and films overall) are superbly cast. Iron Man 3 was funny, loaded with
action and pumped full of references to other characters and to the Avengers.
Whilst it didn’t stick that closely to the storyline of the graphic novel
(Extremis – possibly the greatest Iron Man story), its storyline was still
great and it was a really enjoyable film – especially when you see Iron Man and
Tony Stark at their most vulnerable. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uAZZf9Q158/UdFIvSzJbOI/AAAAAAAAAhg/oszN75bXzEo/s1600/Man-of-Steel_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9uAZZf9Q158/UdFIvSzJbOI/AAAAAAAAAhg/oszN75bXzEo/s320/Man-of-Steel_01.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Man of Steel on the other was simply epic in it’s
storytelling and a complete contrast to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Iron</st1:city>
<st1:state w:st="on">Man.</st1:state></st1:place> Iron Man has countless
moments of humour, whereas Man of Steel at times had moments of real darkness
closely followed by flickers of hope. It’s certainly not a flawless film –
there is a start and an end but only about 10 minutes in the middle which means
that unfortunately character development suffers – and this is most evident in
the later scenes between Superman and Lois where relationship stages seem to
have jumped. It looks amazing but more than anything else my favourite thing
about the film was the way that the origin story flicked between early life and
present day. There are films that simply have to be seen at the cinema to help
you grasp the scale of them. Man of Steel is one of those films.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H76i9k78xik/UdFJHYp61WI/AAAAAAAAAhs/FFlTLTqR_HU/s284/ff6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H76i9k78xik/UdFJHYp61WI/AAAAAAAAAhs/FFlTLTqR_HU/s284/ff6.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make no mistake about it, on watching the first Fast and
Furious film if you had told me that there was going to be 6 (the 7<sup>th</sup>
is already in development) I’d have been shocked to say the least (I would
probably have laughed in your face). But Fast and Furious 6 is really good fun.
It will not win any Oscars (or any other serious film award) and the amount of
times Paul Walker says “Yeah!” gets frustrating but on the whole Fast and
Furious 6 is just great entertainment – and let’s be honest – you go to the
cinema to be entertained. And it did just that. I wasn’t expecting it – but I
really enjoyed it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Star Trek: Into Darkness could well have suffered from 2<sup>nd</sup>
film syndrome (there are a number of examples that buck the trend…but in
general 2<sup>nd</sup> films are worse than the originals). The original
rebooted film did so well and to such wide acclaim that JJ Abrams took on an
almighty task when he made the sequel. But what a film he created. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePEUHpBt31g/UdFJuLX0wiI/AAAAAAAAAh0/3ToV02Odqj4/s1600/star-trek-into-darkness-poster-benedict-cumberbatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ePEUHpBt31g/UdFJuLX0wiI/AAAAAAAAAh0/3ToV02Odqj4/s320/star-trek-into-darkness-poster-benedict-cumberbatch.jpg" width="216" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cumberbatch
is phenomenal as a character that until the last few minutes you cannot tell
whether he is right or wrong or if he is good or bad or even if you like him or
not. And the rest of the cast are great as well (even if a scene from Alice Eve
is a bit pointless). It looks great, makes you laugh at points, entertains and
doesn’t feel as long as it is. One of the only criticisms I have though is that
the twist at the end is very predictable – but by that point you are so drawn
into the story that it doesn’t make that much difference. It will be interesting to see though how the films continue without Abrams at the helm (he's in charge of Star Wars now). But anyway...in order: </span><br />
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<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Star Trek: Into Darkness<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fast & Furious 6 (Yeah – I know)<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Iron Man 3<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Man of Steel</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">What albums have you
been listening to?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bastille – <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Blood/dp/B00AKSN2UC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372613857&sr=8-1&keywords=bastille"><span style="color: lime;">Bad
Blood</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kodaline – <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/In-A-Perfect-World/dp/B00D1DMASS/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372614388&sr=301-1"><span style="color: lime;">In
a Perfect World</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PYpRPnaxqHI/UdFLV7lq36I/AAAAAAAAAiM/9ihZv2lyj6s/s500/rend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PYpRPnaxqHI/UdFLV7lq36I/AAAAAAAAAiM/9ihZv2lyj6s/s320/rend.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imagine Dragons – <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Night-Visions/dp/B00B40C7D8/ref=sr_shvl_album_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1372613937&sr=301-2"><span style="color: lime;">Night
Visions</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mumford & Sons – <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Babel/dp/B0098YZ2DY/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372613991&sr=301-1"><span style="color: lime;">Babel</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking Back Sunday – <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Taking-Back-Sunday/dp/B00577572M/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372614046&sr=301-1"><span style="color: lime;">Taking
Back Sunday</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rend Collective Experiment – <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Campfire/dp/B00B1O9W8A/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372614093&sr=301-1"><span style="color: lime;">Campfire</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hillsong United – <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zion/dp/B00BA0ATSC/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372614140&sr=301-1"><span style="color: lime;">Zion</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Worship Central – <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Let-It-Be-Known-Live/dp/B00BLEIAVK/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372614221&sr=301-1"><span style="color: lime;">Let
It Be Known</span></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the award for the most uninspiring album of the last few
months goes to:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paramore - <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Paramore/dp/B00C3E84MW/ref=sr_shvl_album_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372614437&sr=301-1"><span style="color: red;">Paramore</span></a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's bland, lacks any of the depth of previous releases and is actually quite unoriginal. Very disappointing.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Incidentally – if you are on the lookout for some new music…<span style="color: lime;"><a href="http://www.riotsmusic.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">check this out from my pal Tom Lynam</span></a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is the worst date you have been on?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There could be any number of events to choose from here - but the one I'll tell you about took place 14 years ago (I was 15). There was a girl that I had been wanting to go out with for ages. The feeling was mutual (you'll be pleased to know) but thanks to secondary school two-week long relationships (you all must remember them), neither of us had been single at the same time...until a day in March 1999. I asked her out. She said yes. I set up the master date plan. It was going to be an amazing evening and she would think that I was amazing and fall instantly in love with me and we would live happily ever after and I would fulfil my (then dream) of becoming the new Jon Bon Jovi. Unfortunately though.........all did not go according to plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took her to the cinema and that part went well (you'll be pleased to know). I even did the really unsubtle yawning / moving arm around her thing. The film finished (it was rubbish but that didn't matter) and we left the cinema to go on to the next part of the date. I was taking her to TGI Friday's - which (and I'm sure that you'll agree with me here)....for a 15 ear old boy was pretty classy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So picture the scene. We left the cinema together. It was dusk. The weather was perfect. TGI's was just a few moments walk away but i wanted to make those precious moments count. So i took her hand in mine and did the looking into her eyes thing that all women like as we were walking along. Unfortunately i probably should have paid a little bit more attention to where i was going as i walked (at full pelt) straight into a lamppost.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3ZiuxE0F4k/UdFU2TuzSiI/AAAAAAAAAic/alJIrRySXmo/s425/bang.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3ZiuxE0F4k/UdFU2TuzSiI/AAAAAAAAAic/alJIrRySXmo/s200/bang.gif" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BANG!!! (went my head on collision). And for a moment...it all went dark.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A minute or so later I came around. I was on the floor and a few people had assembled around me. Missing though from this group of people however was my date. As i started to look around though I saw her in the distance....walking away. And that was the last time I saw her until.........well that's another story. And no...I won t be revealing who the person is.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10 Resolutions will be back later this week with the 2nd part of Chapter 16. If you want to ask a question though please do so in the comments below, <a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">by email</span></a> or by utilising the <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">twitter</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God Bless</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">Andi</span></a></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-54136815737795406042013-06-07T08:12:00.000-07:002013-06-07T08:12:31.435-07:00Chapter 15 - A story about sleep deprivation and the 3rd resolution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utOadcTh9zQ/UbHkjd92vgI/AAAAAAAAAe4/7rN436UX8mA/s1600/Chapter+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utOadcTh9zQ/UbHkjd92vgI/AAAAAAAAAe4/7rN436UX8mA/s400/Chapter+15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was on nights last night and as I write this its 10:30am. And
no – before you ask - I don’t have some form of amazing sleep system. Since
going to sleep at 6.30 I’ve been woken up by:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twhQ8VudTGo/UbHnJfPTHFI/AAAAAAAAAfI/b0TyOECTbHg/s1600/Neighbours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-twhQ8VudTGo/UbHnJfPTHFI/AAAAAAAAAfI/b0TyOECTbHg/s1600/Neighbours.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The people opposite working on their roof (and
seemingly breaking more tiles than they have actually replaced)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
neighbours apparently becoming deaf and needing to watch their TV at volumes that
would enable a cinema’s worth of people to be able to hear perfectly.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bin
men deciding that they need to communicate with each other using megaphone like
volume</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">The any old iron people returning with vengeance
after a low flying seagull bombed (hilariously) one of them earlier in the week
(and no unfortunately I haven’t developed a telepathic link to control where
they dump)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">All of these things sending Milo the destroyer
completely loopy</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh – and even after 8 years of working shifts –
I still haven’t learnt when to stop drinking liquid overnight – meaning that I
always wake up in the middle of my post nightshift slumber needing the toilet.
I always try and fight getting out of bed and kind of cross my legs leaving me in
a position that must look very odd – but this tactic has never been victorious
and I always end up needing to get out of bed. </span></span></li>
<li><div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cK6u-CD-EJY/UbHnXm8QmPI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/xMQwtv4cmYA/s1600/funny-pictures-cat-will-nap-here.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cK6u-CD-EJY/UbHnXm8QmPI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/xMQwtv4cmYA/s400/funny-pictures-cat-will-nap-here.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</span></li>
</ol>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So no – I haven’t slept
well (something that you might have noticed is reflected in my mood). But that doesn’t
matter my friends. My rant has finished. For in this short chapter I would like
to reveal to you all some exciting news.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/chapter-14-story-about-zombies-and.html"><span style="color: lime;"> Last week I revealed two of my resolutions to
you all</span></a> – and this week I’m going to reveal another. The difference being
that the resolution that I’m going to reveal to you this week is an appallingly
kept secret – and something that I have not been subtle about since the
beginning of 10 resolutions. This – more than any other resolution is something
that you can help me along the way with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: cyan; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Resolution 3 – Release Album</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the last couple of weeks it has really dawned on me how
close the album is to being completed. </span></div>
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</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2CssLigRlA/UbHpY5Yb6uI/AAAAAAAAAf8/0GF3xAt48zk/s1600/geek-nerdSM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r2CssLigRlA/UbHpY5Yb6uI/AAAAAAAAAf8/0GF3xAt48zk/s200/geek-nerdSM.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nSwrRX1Jr-A/UbHpMJqsLxI/AAAAAAAAAfg/WiuxrL5gnLE/s1600/Flik+Studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nSwrRX1Jr-A/UbHpMJqsLxI/AAAAAAAAAfg/WiuxrL5gnLE/s200/Flik+Studio.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This week Flik came into the studio and
put down some amazing vocals – vocals that blew both Matt and I away (I was
also at one point amazed to discover that I am potentially the least geeky of
the 3 of us!). The point though is this – its getting really close. The drums
are being done next week – and then we really are on the home stretch of the
project. It’s going to be an amazing achievement when it’s done and I can’t
wait for you all to hear it. But this is where you can jump in to help.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D967kt9c65w/UbHpNQ_CwPI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Wby1eWkiwPU/s1600/Matt+Studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D967kt9c65w/UbHpNQ_CwPI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Wby1eWkiwPU/s200/Matt+Studio.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rather than financing the release myself and fronting all of
the costs – I’ve put the album out for something called “crowd funding”<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andifoster/no-more-chains-andi-foster-album?ref=live"><span style="color: lime;">through
a website called Kickstarter</span></a></span>. Basically this means that people pledge to
help fund a project in return for rewards. In my case – the rewards that I’m
offering (aside from my eternal
gratitude)are album pre-orders, EP’s, artwork, lyric sheets – and there could also
be the possibility of some very much limited edition T shirts (you’ll be pleased
to know that won’t be featuring my face – but hopefully more on them to follow).
So anyway – if you were already planning on getting a copy of my album (and let’s
be honest – you are going to aren’t you?) then please<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andifoster/no-more-chains-andi-foster-album?ref=live"><span style="color: lime;">pre-order
a copy through Kickstarter</span></a></span>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WhFF8UjYp5o/UbHqRYiImsI/AAAAAAAAAgM/99wOR0KZi5U/s1600/No+More+Chains+Sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WhFF8UjYp5o/UbHqRYiImsI/AAAAAAAAAgM/99wOR0KZi5U/s200/No+More+Chains+Sketch.jpg" width="191" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I write this – I’m halfway towards my target
goal. It would be amazing (and I would be completely honoured) if you could
help me hit my target or even go beyond it. You won’t be charged for your
pledge unless I hit my target. The deadline for pledges is the 14<sup>th</sup>
July – but please don’t wait until then to pledge (if nothing else than just
for the sake of my sanity). Pledges start from £2. Thanks (begging over) :) And a massive thanks to those of you that have already pledged - I've been amazed by your generosity over the last week.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BtBp0WE0es&feature=youtu.be" style="background-color: lime;" target="_blank">The video below should explain more.....</a></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1BtBp0WE0es?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I said that this was going to be a short chapter – and comparatively
it is. But before I sign off – I want to introduce you to a member of my cast
list. Historically – I’ve only mentioned people that I’ve SEEN across the
course of that chapter – but this week I want to speak about someone that I’ve
spoken to this week – but haven’t actually seen in ages.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hellie Brunt (HMS
Bruntship)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NWDxV0VoVng/UbHtEbwUMeI/AAAAAAAAAgc/LFFNvC2ZY7o/s1600/Brunt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NWDxV0VoVng/UbHtEbwUMeI/AAAAAAAAAgc/LFFNvC2ZY7o/s320/Brunt.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve worked with and known Hellie for years now and in some
ways we have developed a sibling kind of relationship I think. We tease each
other and constantly mess around but what I’ve discovered on countless occasions
is that when I really need someone to talk to - she is always there for me. She
was one of the first people I told<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_03_01_archive.html"><span style="color: lime;">about
the events of chapter 9</span></a> </span>– and I could feel her wanting to share the pain of
what we had gone through. Knowing that she is always there for me to speak to
is amazing – but what completely astounds me is her humility. She has no idea
of what an amazing person she has become – or simply how many people she has a
positive impact on through just being her. She is wise, always supportive and
has the ability to gently speak truth. When others leave your side – Hellie will
stand beside you fighting – she isn’t just there in the times when it is easy
to be a friend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Hellie comes across
on first glance as someone who may have consumed far too many cans of Red Bull –
but once you get to know her and start stripping away the layers of her
personality you start to realise that there is so much more to her than the
bouncy ball outward persona. And on top of all of that – she is one of the most
gifted speakers I have ever come across with the extremely rare ability to explain
hard concepts in way that anyone can understand. Hellie is ace – and it’s an
honour to be able to call her my friend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I want to leave you with this week is a little
revelation. With the album stuff going on (and whilst I was thinking about it)
I started to write the inlay notes for the CD and the paragraph thanking people
in my life. One paragraph became two. Two paragraphs became three. And
somewhere in writing the notes I realised (once again) that I am so blessed to
have so many amazing people in my life. So thank you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right – I’m off to try and go back to sleep now that I’ve
found some earplugs. 10 Resolutions will return as normal next week – so please
send in some questions via <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: lime;">twitter</span></a>,
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/10resolutions"><span style="color: lime;">the Facebook page</span></a> or <a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">email</span></a>.
Remember that you can also subscribe to
10 Resolutions using the hefty big white box at the top. Oh – and remember to
pledge if you can (hint).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God Bless</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Andi</span></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-23374465768860488932013-05-31T07:30:00.000-07:002013-05-31T08:30:54.731-07:00Chapter 14 - A story about zombies and resolution revelations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NuADAJuqQys/UaiqFplQzCI/AAAAAAAAAcw/8EJTy8kGkEU/s1600/C14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NuADAJuqQys/UaiqFplQzCI/AAAAAAAAAcw/8EJTy8kGkEU/s400/C14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_BsL4_nvB8/Uaiqiv3pgHI/AAAAAAAAAc4/M8dbH3EO2AY/s1600/Daft-Punk-SNL-Ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_BsL4_nvB8/Uaiqiv3pgHI/AAAAAAAAAc4/M8dbH3EO2AY/s320/Daft-Punk-SNL-Ad.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So here we
are. The football season is over and <st1:place w:st="on">Wigan</st1:place>
have been relegated. Arsenal beat Sp*rs to 4<sup>th</sup> place and my dislike
of Stoke City FC can happily continue as they have now appointed Mark Hughes as "manager" / chief waster of money. In other news – the new Daft Punk album has been released (and is
pretty awesome) - and I spent 2 ½ hours frantically searching for my wedding
ring earlier in the week only to find it in my pocket. Anyway – here we
go…Chapter 14 is here. So let's get started.......<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">What would you do in the event of a
zombie apocalypse?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMw5QxChlfA/UairltyHTqI/AAAAAAAAAdI/6afHKG5Uf2k/s1600/Warm_Bodies_Theatrical_Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CMw5QxChlfA/UairltyHTqI/AAAAAAAAAdI/6afHKG5Uf2k/s1600/Warm_Bodies_Theatrical_Poster.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">In the pub
the other night with Mel and <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-5-story-about-foreign-call.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Kate</span></a> – the question was raised What i would do in
the event of a zombie apocalypse? Would I survive? Or would I falter quickly?
Would I be one of the first wave that became a zombie? And do zombies actually
have feelings? Do they retain memories like in Warm Bodies? As you can probably
imagine – my mind started drifting, My conclusion is that I would probably aim
to get somewhere like the <st1:place w:st="on">Isle of Man</st1:place> pretty
quickly. The problem is though is that if the virus is airborne the likelihood
would be that we would all have it anyway and…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Anyway – as
you can see – I thought far too much about it. But do not worry…for in a clever
link I’d thought about this question before…and may I present to you all now<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://prezi.com/pl0aubuzjtnh/what-to-do-in-the-event-of-a-zombie-apocalypse/"><span style="color: lime;">“What to do in the event of a zombie apocalypse”</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">O</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">dd
question – but what are you excited about at the moment? </span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’m really
lucky at the moment in the fact that I have a lot to look forward to at the
moment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We go on holiday next month to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Cornwall</st1:place></st1:city> and that means hanging out
Wifey for a week and then towards the end of the week we get to hang out
with the Fal Collective. I’ll also get to see Lands End for the first time
(am I building that up too much?). <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: lime;"><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andifoster/no-more-chains-andi-foster-album" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">The album being launched into the big wide world</span></a> </span>–
but as i said – there will be more on that next week. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I started getting my band and everyone ready for
<a href="http://river-camp.co.uk/12/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Rivercamp</span></a> this week and the banter has already started. I’m really looking
forward to us all being together again!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Something that has really got me excited though is
that my musical writers block has gone. I can’t describe at what moment it
changed....but suddenly I’m having a constant stream of ideas flowing again.
Its a relief – and I’m finding that some of the ideas that are flowing are
very strongly indeed – I can’t wait to see what happens with them! What I
can say though – is that there is a very odd version of a new song called
“not alone” I was working on with Mel with me basically going Da Da
Daaaaaa for the whole verse as i have the melody – but not the lyrics.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Have I mentioned that Josh Mckee and I are now the
proud owners of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ByHisStripesRecords?ref=hl" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">By His Stripes Records</span></a>?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGrIOlamT7g/UaisqkNQ3UI/AAAAAAAAAdY/pd72Hry1pMw/s1600/2012-12-09+12.35.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGrIOlamT7g/UaisqkNQ3UI/AAAAAAAAAdY/pd72Hry1pMw/s320/2012-12-09+12.35.07.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Probably loads of other stuff that will hit me as
soon as I’ve published this chapter!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;">Ok – It’s been 5 months and it’s time
for a reveal. Tell us a couple of your resolutions....</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ok ok. I’ve
been really resolution light over the last few chapters – perhaps because I’m
ashamed to say that I’ve drifted away from a couple (although I’m beginning to
get back on track). But as I said all the way back at the start – my 10
resolutions were guidelines anyway (enough with the excuses Andi....I know
that’s what you’re thinking). But ok – two resolutions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Prioritise music at home over tv, games
and movies etc.<o:p></o:p></span></b></li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTCtip932BQ/UaitpLRKlgI/AAAAAAAAAdk/YvDk_t3BtQM/s1600/weapons-of-mass-distraction.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTCtip932BQ/UaitpLRKlgI/AAAAAAAAAdk/YvDk_t3BtQM/s320/weapons-of-mass-distraction.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This was the
first resolution that was worked out (I think credit goes to <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/chapter-5-story-about-foreign-call.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Adam Legge</span></a> who got
it) – and it was something that I had touched heavily upon before <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013_03_01_archive.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">chapter 9</span></a>. It
is also one of the things that I am currently coming back to. I drifted away
from it for a number of reasons I think – but it is no surprise (on reflection)
that my musical writers block was combined with a time of not practising my
craft. In fact – it just makes me look stupid that it hadn’t dawned on me
before......But in honesty – I’ve probably needed the distraction. That’s
changing now though. There are songs and da da daaaa’s brewing again....and I
need to spend time investing in them. Don’t get me wrong though – sometimes it
is helpful to have distractions!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Lose 2 stone</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zs4VVmwDuqY/UaivxA5PiTI/AAAAAAAAAd0/_6eEXc6n_KU/s1600/brussels+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zs4VVmwDuqY/UaivxA5PiTI/AAAAAAAAAd0/_6eEXc6n_KU/s320/brussels+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Now this
unsurprisingly is probably the resolution that I am failing at most. I’m no
fool – and I completely realise that years of eating food that isn’t good for
me (why does bad food always taste good?) and drinking an awful lot of beer
hasn’t done me any favours- and I’ve already taken a few steps to counteract
that trend (and lost just under ½ stone since New Year). I have no desire to
turn into a fitness freak or calorie counting to the point of needing a
calculator – but I’m fully aware that I need to lose some weight. I’ve touched
on this across the journey so far – but I haven’t really gone too much into it
because as confident as I am (or at least as confident as I might come across)
I find speaking about it really hard. Which is why I’ve decided to walk the
plank and rather just hint about it – I thought I’d mention it so you all know.
Now what this means is that I don’t want disapproving looks when I’m eating
something junky and I don’t really want to talk about it. But what I really
need help with is finding some ways of getting more exercise. I hate doing
stuff alone – so this is going to involve some others. I don’t mind going to
the gym – but again – I don’t want to do it on my own (because I’ll be there for
about 5 minutes and leave). So please – I’m open to options, suggestions or
offers for me to come along and do stuff.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFmZb9QYxeo/Uaiv3up6xYI/AAAAAAAAAd8/BIKe6Zxt-Fg/s1600/what+you+eat.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFmZb9QYxeo/Uaiv3up6xYI/AAAAAAAAAd8/BIKe6Zxt-Fg/s320/what+you+eat.png" width="320" /></a></div>
If anyone has an exercise bike that
I can borrow – I really wouldn’t mind that (because then I can multitask by
riding and watching something – or listening to something) or If anyone has a
bike that I can use – that would be amazing. Announcing this resolution has
also come partly because of Matt Mortlock who has been completely inspiring in
his weight loss (although he has gone a bit more hardcore about it than I’ll be
going......). Matt is also going to be raising money for a charity doing an 88
mile canoe ride. I’ve sponsored him. <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/ASETCanoeChallenge" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Will you as well?</span></a><o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">The Cast List</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnZwQzLE7Z4/UaiwOKkYZ2I/AAAAAAAAAeE/Xv7jJmhVNcE/s1600/386-3903795A72UC615016M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MnZwQzLE7Z4/UaiwOKkYZ2I/AAAAAAAAAeE/Xv7jJmhVNcE/s1600/386-3903795A72UC615016M.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Interestingly,
I don’t really have much to say about what I’ve been up to – because I’ve
actually had a really relaxed couple of weeks (whereas the next few weeks will
be hectic). But in the midst of everything – I’ve had a great time with my
parents and Mel coming to stay. The album has taken another step closer to
completion and I spent a great evening in the pub with Kate, Mel, Hannah and
Adam talking about all forms of completely random stuff (as you saw earlier). I’ve
also discovered a new amazing game! So what I’m saying is that I don’t have a
breakdown of everything that I’ve been up to – as you’ve just read it…..but I
do have a cast list….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mel Allen (Mel Bear)</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lh_1marUGIE/Uaiwatd3U3I/AAAAAAAAAeM/khQP7BvJrIk/s1600/2013-05-23+20.51.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lh_1marUGIE/Uaiwatd3U3I/AAAAAAAAAeM/khQP7BvJrIk/s200/2013-05-23+20.51.04.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Mel is one
the strongest people I’ve ever met. I know very few people who have gone
through as much as she has anyway – but to come through everything as strong as
she has and by demonstrating such faith at every turn is completely inspiring.
Mel is quite a shy character – at least initially. But once she has spent some
time with you another side to her will emerge. A side that loves to laugh, a
side that is thoughtful beyond her years and a side that could quite happily
banter away with the best of them. Mel is ace – and to top it all off she also
has an amazing voice…….(she WILL be on my album…more on that to follow in the
next chapter)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><b><span style="font-size: large;">My Parents</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r4GHuEr6MK0/Uaiw255OC_I/AAAAAAAAAeY/tEhTsRgtQ-I/s1600/Ma+and+Pa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r4GHuEr6MK0/Uaiw255OC_I/AAAAAAAAAeY/tEhTsRgtQ-I/s200/Ma+and+Pa.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’d imagine
that 99% of people would say that their parents are amazing. And I am lucky to say that I am one of the 99%.
I was certainly not the easiest child to manage whilst growing up
(understatement) – and the rumours that you hear about Vicar’s sons are true (I’m
proud to say that BOTH of my parental units now have REV in front of their
name). In complete honesty though – I don’t think I appreciated them enough
until I moved away from home – and it was at that point I think I realised just
how much they had done for me and exactly how much along the way that they had
given up for me. It’s also not lost on me how much my Mum and Dad try and
understand me and different things in my life (like comics). Even after so long
they still want to try and understand even more about their son and will go
(sometimes literally) miles out of their way to help that happen. I think the best way to describe
it is that I’m humbled by them. Having them around and in my life is an honour –
and I realise and appreciate that more with each day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My Dad Dave
is an avid Wigan fan and we spent a week last year travelling around the
Baltics (if you ever get the chance – head to Lithuania for a weekend). He
plays more instruments than me (and I can play a lot) and he can speak more
languages than are used on the entirety of Barton Street (the road of many
nations near my house). To my complete joy and utter amusement my Dad has also
been recently getting into video games. It’s fantastic! Above all else though –
I know that he is there for me – and he will always be looking out for me,
constantly caring. The difference now is that we can have a beer together
whilst sorting through my problems!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHf9IWrFt3Q/Uaixt3onciI/AAAAAAAAAeo/wruws90fsw8/s1600/Mum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RHf9IWrFt3Q/Uaixt3onciI/AAAAAAAAAeo/wruws90fsw8/s320/Mum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My mum is the
most caring person I have ever come across. Selfless and compassionate – I sometimes
worry that she worries and cares about others too much – and not enough about
herself. As you can probably tell – I’m hugely protective of both my mum (and
my sister) and they know that as well (hurt them at your peril). My mum is a fighter although not in the
literal sense – and she will fight for justice when others will give up. She
sounds like a superhero – and to me she is. She also has an amazing sense of humour and
will happily tease me if given the chance (I love it). She also is the baker of
goods that are so nice that I am convinced they are laced with some form of
drug (they are so addictive!) – but Mum if you are reading this....this is not
an excuse to stop making them.....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">There are
loads of stories I could tell about my parents (I’m sure I’ll tell you some
along the way) – but this is the one I’ve decided on for today.....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Last year –
around the time that is mentioned in <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/chapter-1-story-about-twins-and-clown.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Chapter 1</span></a>, my Mum, Dad and I went on a
short car journey to see my Gran in hospital (after coming away from seeing my
sister). It turned out to be one of the most revealing trips I had ever taken –
and learnt more from my parents about me and my relationship with them than I
had ever learnt before. It was one of my highlights of the last few years without
any question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And that is
actually where I’m going to leave 10 resolutions this week. Please remember to subscribe
using the white box above and to ask any questions on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Twitter</span></a>, <a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">email</span></a>, or the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/10resolutions" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook page</span></a>. I’ll be back next week with news of a <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andifoster/no-more-chains-andi-foster-album"><span style="color: lime;">really
exciting project (something that you can help with</span>)</a>. Right – I’m off to
watch Fast and Furious 6 and to pretend that Paul Walker has learnt to act.
Just before I go though – a massive congratulations to Andy Hunter and Sophie
Woodbridge who are getting married at the weekend........Sophie is one of the first members of my youth group in Cheltenham - and somehow despite all of my best efforts she turned out ok. I'm amazingly proud. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">God Bless<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Andi</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-59072272670357461172013-05-17T01:35:00.000-07:002013-05-17T01:35:21.038-07:00Chapter 13 - A story about Wigan Athletic and a band called Shockabuku<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-57rNbzJ89co/UZXU3ejEMwI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/qDxvwnE7umY/s1600/Chapter+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-57rNbzJ89co/UZXU3ejEMwI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/qDxvwnE7umY/s400/Chapter+13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6kdU02gpwZY/UZXWUQ90uBI/AAAAAAAAAaI/ietB7r_vqUc/s1600/nobieber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6kdU02gpwZY/UZXWUQ90uBI/AAAAAAAAAaI/ietB7r_vqUc/s200/nobieber.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So here we
are again! In this chapter I’m going to try and fill in the last couple of
weeks and hopefully write my first “normal” entry <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-9-story-about-sorrow-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">since before chapter 9</span></a>. I’m
even going to fill in the gap of what I was doing the weekend before that
chapter. I also promise that as I said in my<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/a-bieber-free-zone.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Bieber interlude / rant last week</span></a></span>
– there will be no further mentions of Bieber. So without further ado – let’s
get started…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: large;">The Cast List</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Toby and Vicky Cowe<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-krtTIrlml1A/UZXXHo53tRI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/9eU1O5reFaA/s1600/Toby+and+Vicky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-krtTIrlml1A/UZXXHo53tRI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/9eU1O5reFaA/s320/Toby+and+Vicky.jpg" width="236" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The first
couple to leave me responsible for their wedding reception entertainment – I’ve
known Toby and Vicky now for a number of years. Toby spent a lot of time
growing up in the same place as me – but I never came across him (I don’t
think) at that stage in my life. No - I met Toby on one of my first visits to <st1:place w:st="on">Cheltenham</st1:place> at a gig for his brother’s band Shockabuku
(more of them to follow at some point I’m sure). Many years (and a worrying
number of games of drinking Scrabble later) Toby is one of my closest and
faithful friends. He is also a genius that is paid to invent stuff for a
living. I still remember the first time that Toby told about this amazing girl that
he had met – Vicky. As he spoke about her – even in those first moments – you
could tell that in a way she had captured him. And I’m so pleased that she did
– because Vicky is so much fun to be around. She’s blunt, funny, an amazing
mum, compassionate and a great friend to both Cass and I.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Matt Chandler<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Matt is
another ex member of <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Shockabuku" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Shockabuku</span></a> as well as being an ex housemate to both me and
Toby (at different points). Matt now lives in the “hippy” part of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Bristol</st1:city></st1:place> and is engaged to
Josie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGO_vQAVuUo/UZXYCEybAWI/AAAAAAAAAac/rotJzMHHzSY/s1600/Matt+Chandler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qGO_vQAVuUo/UZXYCEybAWI/AAAAAAAAAac/rotJzMHHzSY/s200/Matt+Chandler.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">No matter
what is going on in my life – it’s always great to know that I can always call
or go and see Matt. He is a music snob (and he wont mind me saying that) but I
give him a bit of grace with that as he is a really talented musician (<a href="http://thetimberwolf.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">and in a very clever link you can check out his stuff here</span></a>). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’ve known
Matt now for about 10 years and in that time I think he has made me laugh
(whether meaning to or not) more than anyone else. He’s a great friend and I’m
really lucky to have him as part of my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Joe Newlan<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBv9HfvxuHY/UZXcxEQFyYI/AAAAAAAAAa0/pTUZ_p9nygY/s1600/NewlanWifeyHowson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MBv9HfvxuHY/UZXcxEQFyYI/AAAAAAAAAa0/pTUZ_p9nygY/s200/NewlanWifeyHowson.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3Xlhqj2ZlY/UZXcpUqUREI/AAAAAAAAAas/Wj1AfkgUFk0/s1600/Newlan+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3Xlhqj2ZlY/UZXcpUqUREI/AAAAAAAAAas/Wj1AfkgUFk0/s200/Newlan+1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I’ve known
Joe for about 5 years (since he started working in my office at the age of 16)
and it’s fair to say that I am immensely proud of the man that he has become. However,
whilst Joe is a wise head on young shoulders – he also has a habit of being a
cheeky little scamp and when mischief happens – Joe will be in very close
vicinity. Above all that though Joe is great to have around and he has a heart
of gold (he also looks suspiciously like Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory).
He’s kind and selfless and cares so much about others that you wonder how
someone so young has grown up to have such a big heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Jo and James Montague<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Jo and James
are also both now part of the “Andi has known me for more than 10 years” club (they have also had the added "benefit" of having had me as a youth leader). Jo plans weddings for a living and James works on a “helpdesk”
(apparently IT helpdesks are not like the IT crowd? – or at least so James
says…..). James is a man of great integrity and Jo has such kindness in her
heart that it is completely inspiring. She also has an infectious laugh – as
well as a beautiful voice. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1L-9p3TT7fE/UZXeS9Z0asI/AAAAAAAAAbE/_80QENJEO4U/s1600/James+and+Jo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1L-9p3TT7fE/UZXeS9Z0asI/AAAAAAAAAbE/_80QENJEO4U/s320/James+and+Jo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">At my sisters
wedding a number of years ago, Wifey and I were on the same table as Jo and
James. After a few alcoholic beverages over the course of the meal I bet James
£5 that he couldn’t eat 4 portions of Crème Brulee. I lost the bet that evening
but losing £5 was worth it because of the reaction that James had to such an
obscene amount of sugar. His pupils became tiny and his face went white – but
he kept going because he was committed and determined. I have never seen anyone
look so ill in my entire life – but then with his winnings he bought me a beer!
What a <st1:place w:st="on">Gent</st1:place>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The weekend before Chapter 9……<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o8VebmKKJVc/UZXh1ME8q1I/AAAAAAAAAbc/GTFP7X3zYUo/s1600/siemens-connex-train-cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The Saturday <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/chapter-9-story-about-sorrow-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">before chapter 9</span></a> I jumped on a train with Toby and headed down to see Matt
Chandler in very soggy Brizzle. After getting off the train at the right place
– we then asked someone which platform our next train was going to be on. We
went to that platform and got on the first train that came along (which
time-wise was correct with what we already knew about the train times). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o8VebmKKJVc/UZXh1ME8q1I/AAAAAAAAAbc/GTFP7X3zYUo/s1600/siemens-connex-train-cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o8VebmKKJVc/UZXh1ME8q1I/AAAAAAAAAbc/GTFP7X3zYUo/s200/siemens-connex-train-cartoon.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
What we
didn’t know however was at that moment local <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bristol</st1:place></st1:city> trains were delayed - and we ended up
jumping on a train back to the station that we had previously passed.
(Sidenote…Dear National Rail – would it really be so much hassle for you to
install screens at stations telling people where trains are going or if trains
are delayed?) We got off the train and decided to walk as Toby was convinced
that a taxi would drive past and we could flag it down (I just wanted to call a
taxi….) <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wsbn90xX3d8/UZXhQmrHzdI/AAAAAAAAAbU/M521ZAjeo30/s1600/how-to-flag-cab-nyc-taxi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wsbn90xX3d8/UZXhQmrHzdI/AAAAAAAAAbU/M521ZAjeo30/s320/how-to-flag-cab-nyc-taxi.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Needless to say that an uncomfortable hour’s walk later (uncomfortable
because A] I was wearing a Bristol City scarf and walking through Bristol
Rovers territory at stadium kicking out time and B] I had eaten chilli beans on
toast and the after effects were beginning to take hold) we arrived at Matt’s
house (actually in good spirits despite the sogginess). In answer to your
inevitable question…yes taxi’s had passed us on our epic journey however Toby
wasn’t quite as good at flagging them down as he thought…….<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">That evening
Matt, Toby and I ventured into the hippyland that is near Matt’s house for a
curry and a few beers. We then went round to a couple’s house to play some
poker. At this point I should point out that I am an immensely frustrating
poker player. Toby does not like playing with me because after playing for a
while – I’ll just start making silly bets. Do I have a poker face? Probably not
– but because the bets I make are so stupid - people back off for a while….or
at least they do for a while before they start calling my bluff (at which point
I obviously start losing). That evening was no different. In something that
should be no great surprise to anyone…..I lost.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xiC9EfImQFs/UZXjsOXkl4I/AAAAAAAAAbs/tRF1ZFBjy0g/s1600/zzzz-celebrity-pictures-darth-vader-poker-face1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xiC9EfImQFs/UZXjsOXkl4I/AAAAAAAAAbs/tRF1ZFBjy0g/s320/zzzz-celebrity-pictures-darth-vader-poker-face1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It was a
really surprising night because it wasn’t at all what I expected. I remember
thinking back to all of the crazy nights that the 3 of us had together and some
part of me was expecting something along those lines (although I don’t know how
any of us would have coped with one of those hangovers with our increased age).
But the night that we had together was perfect – and it actually ended up
giving us a much better chance to catch up than sitting in a loud pub not being
able to hear each other (Please note that for the record I’m not at the age yet
where there is anything wrong with a loud pub – but for this night it wouldn’t
have been right….). It was one of those random nights that just turned out to
be great. It also proved to me the theory that doing stuff is so much better
with friends around. I had such a great time! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">When the
events of Chapter 9 started two days later – I spoke to Matt and Toby very
early on because they were still very much in my mind from the weekend. I knew
that they were thinking about Wifey and me and that they would be there for us
throughout what we were going through (along with so many others). I’ve said it
before – but one of the signs of a good friend is that they have your back when
times are hard – they aren’t just there when it’s an easy ride. Toby and Matt
are great friends. And it was great (and very timely) to have a reminder of
that just before I needed them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Friday 3<sup>rd</sup> May – Tuesday 7<sup>th</sup>
May<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">We’d been
looking forward to bank holiday weekend for a while as it was a great chance to
catch up with some friends and family. Friday saw us having a takeaway with the
Chatfields and the Cowes and guiding a takeaway driver to the Cowes new house
(no mean feat when you realise that the Cowes have moved into a beautiful yet
un-satnavable new pad). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfm5bJKCY8U/UZXkVV9LM-I/AAAAAAAAAb0/cjm3G8YB-sw/s1600/461251_10151396256772666_1542148807_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lfm5bJKCY8U/UZXkVV9LM-I/AAAAAAAAAb0/cjm3G8YB-sw/s200/461251_10151396256772666_1542148807_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">On the
Saturday (aside from all of the May the fourth be with you Facebook messages)
we journeyed down to <st1:place w:st="on">High Wycombe</st1:place> to spend the
weekend with my sister, her husband and the twins. We even took the twins out
for their first trip shopping! On the Sunday morning, I was invited back to the
Church where I’d been a few weeks ago – Micklefield Elim – and once again I
received such a lovely welcome and had a great time. On the Sunday afternoon I
popped next door to the pub to watch the Arsenal game whilst the girls watched
some form of girly entertainment. We scored in the first minute. And after that
the colour I would use to describe the game would be beige….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XRySkEuVUng/UZXmYAMDvuI/AAAAAAAAAcE/SceWP34wqLA/s1600/Fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XRySkEuVUng/UZXmYAMDvuI/AAAAAAAAAcE/SceWP34wqLA/s320/Fire.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The next day
we went over to Aylesbury to hang out with my cousin, his wife and their
littlebots. We had a picnic – which was fantastic even though I realised on the
way over that I actually don’t like picnics. In truth – I don’t even like
eating outside – so why I suggested having a picnic is a bit confusing…but
anyway…It was really nice - especially after spending time with them before so
recently. On the Tuesday night, Joe and Howson came round for a BBQ on THE
night of British summer. I made fire. I burnt stuff and grew mesmerised as per
usual by the growing flames…. We played cards and I had my first cider day of
the year (normally happens around the first day that it is acceptable to be in
a beer garden….). All in all – it was a great end to a long and fantastic weekend.
Oh and to the driver who went into the back of us on the Headington roundabout
and then drove off without even saying sorry or checking that we were ok (we
are fine and very grateful that is the case)….I forgive you and Jesus loves
you. But you are an asshat. That is all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The Next Weekend….<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5oKTGDZa-w/UZXneRWQqcI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/NwrPhLwOn_s/s1600/Karaoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z5oKTGDZa-w/UZXneRWQqcI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/NwrPhLwOn_s/s320/Karaoke.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OgH2YumkKZ8/UZXn39VbtkI/AAAAAAAAAcY/08syoMZoaT8/s1600/D12FAC1_343802k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OgH2YumkKZ8/UZXn39VbtkI/AAAAAAAAAcY/08syoMZoaT8/s320/D12FAC1_343802k.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The next
weekend (or last weekend for those on date watch) was a weekend spent in the
shire. I went to the Holy House on Friday night for a karaoke party (yes – us
Smileys can also have fun) and then had a great day the next day with Wifey
just chilling out together and celebrating Wigan’s FA Cup win over (soon to be
doomed through financial fair play) Man Citeh. I spent the majority of Sunday
at church with a break for lunch with Wifey (and with Jo and James as they had
come up to play Seek His Face with me in the evening). Yet again I was amazed
at people coming together from different churches. I know that I shouldn’t be
surprised – but there seems to be more politics between churches in our area
than in the actual government – so I’m happy to see that in our generation
those walls are beginning to be broken down. It was another amazing weekend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Tuesday 14<sup>th</sup> May<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Arsenal won
(good news), but it condemned Wigan to relegation meaning that Wigan fans (like
my dad) had experienced the complete roller coaster ride of emotions in the
last week. Don’t get me wrong – it was great that Arsenal won. But it was quite
bittersweet as I wish it had condemned someone else (like Stoke) to relegation
instead. Let’s face it. There is the beautiful game and at the other end of the
spectrum there is Stoke. I can think of no better advert for the Premier League
than sending the team who play the worst and least attractive form of football
through the Premier League trapdoor. Maybe it would be better if every football
fan could just vote Stoke out of the league instead…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And that my
friends…pretty much brings you up to date with what I’ve been up to. I’ve got
something else to mention next week that I’ve missed out along the way but bar
that I think we are there. I’ve caught up. Admittedly it has been at the
expense of telling you about my resolutions – but I figure that I’m actually
going to tell you about two of them next week (and that means that I’m ACTUALLY
going to tell what two of them are……) What I do want to leave you with though
is this. Imagine if we <a href="http://news.sky.com/story/1087001/palestinian-tv-show-to-find-would-be-president" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">decided on our Prime Minister like this……</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">10
Resolutions will return next week with a selection of your questions and a run
down and my thoughts on what I’ve been watching at the big screen. I’ll also be
taking recommendations for what to do with my time after the football season
has finished….If you’ve got a question that you’d like to ask – please ask away
on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/10Resolutions" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook page</span></a>, or over <a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">email</span></a>. It can be about anything that you could
ever imagine so please feel free to be random if you want. Finally – can I just
say thank you all so much for your support for 10 Resolutions and please keep
on sharing it around and getting others involved. I’d also like to do a guest
spot in a few weeks about other people’s new years resolutions…so if you’d like
to get involved…please give me a shout! Right – I’m off to watch some 8 out of
10 cats with Howson and to dispose of the beans on toast I consumed earlier.
Until next time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">God Bless<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" style="background-color: cyan;" target="_blank">Andi</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-63956758227817061862013-05-10T08:59:00.002-07:002013-05-10T08:59:30.737-07:00A Bieber Free Zone<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPBzqgeXNAM/UY0ViRlPqcI/AAAAAAAAAZY/I1ZQp3BGb1o/s1600/nobieber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPBzqgeXNAM/UY0ViRlPqcI/AAAAAAAAAZY/I1ZQp3BGb1o/s320/nobieber.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">There
was outrage in March when </span><a href="http://news.sky.com/story/1060142/justin-bieber-late-arrival-at-o2-angers-fans" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: lime;">Justin
Bieber started his performance two hours late at the 02 in London</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">. Scenes
of children crying and angry parents threatening to kidnap Bieber and strand
him in </span><st1:place style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;" w:st="on">Slough</st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> dominated the news the next day (Unfortunately
media outlets decided that this was a much better story to lead with than
something like famine…….).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">In
response to all of the negative press Bieber <a href="http://news.sky.com/story/1060333/justin-bieber-no-repeat-performance-of-delay"><span style="color: lime;">decided
to apologise</span></a> stating that his performance was delayed due to “technical
issues” (something which would be understandable if the 02 hadn’t already said
in response to complaints the night before that “Justin will come out when he
is ready”). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Bieber’s
next few nights at the 02 <a href="http://news.sky.com/story/1061779/justin-bieber-video-shows-singer-struggling"><span style="color: lime;">happened
without a hitch</span></a> but a quick glance across the news pages suggests that the
rest of his world tour has been similarly uneventful……(stories involving Anne
Frank, topless airport trips, monkeys, drugs, paparazzi and stun guns are
mentioned repeatedly). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_PpTsbXork/UY0WJ3esbtI/AAAAAAAAAZg/5upndy48kIc/s1600/Bieber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j_PpTsbXork/UY0WJ3esbtI/AAAAAAAAAZg/5upndy48kIc/s640/Bieber.jpg" width="528" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">2
months later – and this week Bieber has again found himself at the end of fan
hatred after<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://news.sky.com/story/1086988/on-his-way-bieber-keeps-fans-waiting-again"><span style="color: lime;">starting
a performance in Dubai</span></a></span> (where the cheapest ticket was £100) over 2 hours
late. The following night perhaps in a response to this (or in response simply to
the fact that it was Justin Bieber) he was attacked on stage by some form of
incredible hulk who managed to overturn a grand piano in his desperation to
become the bestest Belieber of them all. The media exploded into a flurry of
activity and quickly pictures of his Biebership were all over the news – AGAIN.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Now
it shouldn’t take genius to work out that I am not Biebers biggest fan. And
actually when I say that – what I really mean is that I am not a fan at all. I have
no understanding of how people managed to watch that “Baby” video so many times
that it broke some form of the internet. I have no idea who actually likes Justin
Bieber. Apparently the younger folk like him – but none of the younger folk
that I have spoken to can stick his music – and especially not that “Baby”
song.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ytX7-X4vcEs/UY0WxKZjyUI/AAAAAAAAAZo/ZMccpve5Ans/s1600/11-24-12-Bearman-Cartoon-Justin-Bieber-Gangnam-Style.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ytX7-X4vcEs/UY0WxKZjyUI/AAAAAAAAAZo/ZMccpve5Ans/s320/11-24-12-Bearman-Cartoon-Justin-Bieber-Gangnam-Style.png" width="213" /></a></div>
So – I’m very confused. What I will say though – is that there is clearly
something not entirely ship shape going on with him at the moment. Maybe it’s
the pressures of fame or the stuff that comes along with it? Maybe it’s the
pressures of trying to write a follow up to a song which constantly repeats the
same 4 words in a chorus or trying to face off in a music market with a chap called
Psy. So if there is something wrong with him – I do hope that he realises and
recovers. I don’t want any harm to come to him – whether through illness or
that he has brought upon himself (if he happens to recover without the ability
to record any more music EVER though – that would be a bonus and could possibly
help in some way refocus the world on things we should be worrying about). If
however he is just being a brat and not appearing on stage because he can’t be
arsed – and acting like a diva because he thinks he is better than everyone
else – then any form of sympathy I have for him has gone. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Despite
everything else – it shows a massive disrespect for the fans (and don’t get me
started on punctuality.............)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">HOWEVER
– Parents, much as I sympathise with the ordeal that you must have gone through
– waiting for him to turn up and then being delayed (I’d imagine it would end
up like just wanting to rip a plaster off) and them him not turning up till
much later meaning that your sproglets were going to be tired for school the
next day or that you were all going to miss the last train home.....As much as
I do sympathise with that (and as much as I understand that you want to treat
your children to stuff) – I feel that
that I need to ask what you were expecting given his reputation? I’m also
intrigued to know how you think he sets a good example to your little bots? (but
I guess that’s a question for another day....) I’m also thinking that perhaps
this is good opportunity for you to jump on their Bieber disappointment and to
introduce them to some good music along the way......<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Parents
however – please don’t feel bad – because there is a group of people that I haven’t
addressed in this rant. And they are the 15 – ** year olds that went to see
Biebersaurus because of his “excellent” music or because “he’s so pretty”. They
went to see him out of choice. If you are a member of this group then you need
to take a long hard look at what you are doing to this world. Just think – if you
stopped buying his music and his merch and his concert tickets – then you would
be saving him from the pressures of fame. Wouldn’t you like to be the one that
saved the Bieberface? If you are in this group and you did miss your train
after the concert – I hope you used the time to reflect on your behaviour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Anyway...I
shall leave you with this from the Last Leg....just about sums up everything
really..... - oh and Terry has told me to say hi to you all...</span></div>
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/a5RxNzeJn_s/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/a5RxNzeJn_s&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/a5RxNzeJn_s&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">10
Resolutions will return with a full chapter next week so please send your
questions in about life, the universe (but not his Bieberness) and everything
in between in via the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/10Resolutions" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;"> facebook page</span></a>, via<span style="color: lime;"> <a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">twitter</span></a></span>, by emailing <a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com"><span style="color: lime;">10resolutionsblog@gmail.com</span></a> or through
prophetic dance. Right – I’m off to prep for some karaoke....and I’m willing to
bet that on reading this someone rather unfunny is going to request THAT song.
I’ll let you know my reaction next week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">God
Bless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" target="_blank">Andi</a></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12592979873559566310noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2941498862952920952.post-53053699030738587352013-05-01T00:50:00.000-07:002013-05-31T08:31:20.351-07:00Chapter 12 - A story about earplugs and the Kardashian family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZQEW36v5gw/UYC_gk3QlJI/AAAAAAAAAX0/N5qYCKWN3mQ/s1600/C12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZQEW36v5gw/UYC_gk3QlJI/AAAAAAAAAX0/N5qYCKWN3mQ/s400/C12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiWZNiV-gKk/UYDAX-ufkYI/AAAAAAAAAX8/xajDdOhtlcg/s1600/hammer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiWZNiV-gKk/UYDAX-ufkYI/AAAAAAAAAX8/xajDdOhtlcg/s200/hammer.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">My neighbours
are doing work on their house (again). The people across the road are having
work done on their loft. The “annnyyyy ollllddddd irrrrooonnnnn” people still
haven’t learnt that perhaps driving up and down the same street every day is
not the best use of their time (it’s also really annoying) and for some bizarre
reason - ice cream vans come down our road no matter what the weather may be
doing (and before any of you mention them selling drugs – the ice cream van is
from the family run chain up the road and I’d be very surprised if they had
anything to do with selling illegal narcotics to the wide range of OAP’s
residing on our street). Oh – and our other next door neighbour has had her son
and daughter in law to stay this week which I’m sure has been lovely for her –
unfortunately the daughter in law is inhumanly loud (I’ll let you linger on
what I could mean by that).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What I’m
trying to get at – is that at the moment our road is very noisy. Which is why
after finishing a night shift this week (and in a desperate attempt to ensure
that I slept well) I resorted to putting in ear plugs when I got in from work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sU1dXFUO1sA/UYDBAoQ-FvI/AAAAAAAAAYI/prl6637lVXc/s1600/sleeping-during-meetings.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sU1dXFUO1sA/UYDBAoQ-FvI/AAAAAAAAAYI/prl6637lVXc/s320/sleeping-during-meetings.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I had an
amazing morning’s worth of sleep and awoke feeling refreshed and rested (very
rare for sleep after a nightshift). But as I started to stretch and wake up I
realised that I couldn’t hear properly. My hearing was muffled and I started to
panic. Now – a normal person would touch their ears – or remember that they had
ear plugs in. But no – I am not one of those people. I instantly started looking
on the internet at causes for hearing becoming muffled after sleep. I started
looking at hearing loss and imagining the rest of my life with damaged hearing.
A few minutes after this information had started to sink in I went to have a
shower and stuff – in the hope that something would miraculously fix my damaged
ears. I looked in the mirror and sticking out of an ear I saw something orange.
At that point I remembered. I took out my earplugs and started to chuckle with
relief and complete disbelief that my after waking dopiness had reached this
brand new level. The next moment had me wishing that I’d kept my earplugs in
though……”Annnyyyyyyy olllldddddd irrrrronnnnnn”…………Grrrrrr.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">So here we
are – and welcome to chapter 12 of 10 resolutions. In this chapter – I’m just
going to be answering some of your questions. But I’ll start by coming back to
the <a href="http://www.10resolutionsblog.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/chapter-10-story-about-family-spoilers.html"><span style="color: lime;">second
half of the question from chapter 10…</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Apart from the obvious distinction
that family are related through blood and marriage – <span style="color: #00ccff;">when
and how do friends become family</span>? And how and when do family become friends?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This question
has taken me ages to actually develop an answer for – and even then I don’t
have a definitive sentence long answer. But I’ve written some statements – that
kind of summarise my feelings on it. My guess is that if you can align 3 out of
4 statements to one person then you will probably already consider that person
to be more like family than anything else.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYM-OOCynUs/UYDBcWQTzHI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/rT9URdZHNA0/s1600/friends-are-the-family-we-choose-for-ourselves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYM-OOCynUs/UYDBcWQTzHI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/rT9URdZHNA0/s320/friends-are-the-family-we-choose-for-ourselves.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Anyway - friends
become family when you have been together for so long that you can’t really
remember a time without them. Friends become family when you have as many
memories of being with them / spending time with them as you do with your
actual family. Friends become family when in the aftermath of an argument you
cannot walk away from the other person – when you know that there cannot be
years of silence between you – when your tie is too strong to be broken.
Friends become family when you know that if your friend is in a time of pain
you would be willing to take their place. So there you have it (albeit in a
soppier and perhaps slightly more depressing way than initially imagined).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Why
shouldn’t two people (that want to be together more than anything), not be
together because one person doesn’t like it?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">At this point I have to make a
confession. When starting 10 Resolutions – I had no idea that through asking
for questions I would end up as an agony aunt. On reflection – It’s a piece of
strangely predictable evolution and actually quite cool! So anyway – here we
go….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This question has three vastly
different possible answers depending on who the one person that doesn’t like it
is. If for example that person is a husband or wife / equivalent - then the
answer is take a good long look at what you are doing. The answer to your “why”
should be fairly obvious.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GabnjVx4GWE/UYDCUAyNnOI/AAAAAAAAAYg/manVsNa_HAs/s1600/funny-picture-nicki-minaj-being-a-judge-on-american-idol-is-like-taylor-swift-giving-relationship-advice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GabnjVx4GWE/UYDCUAyNnOI/AAAAAAAAAYg/manVsNa_HAs/s320/funny-picture-nicki-minaj-being-a-judge-on-american-idol-is-like-taylor-swift-giving-relationship-advice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">On the other hand – if the person
getting in the way is a friend of either of yours – then you need to be asking
why they are getting in the way. Have you thought that quite often friends can
see things in situations that you can’t see? You need to make sure that the
reason why isn’t actually staring you in the face. Have you been sucked into becoming a person
convinced that TOWIE actually represents real life? Or that Cricket is actually
an entertaining sport? Friends could well be standing in the way to stop you
making a huge mistake. They might have seen the effect that this person has
started to have on you and want to protect you from harm. Friends shouldn’t
want to do anything to hurt you – if they are standing in your way – the
chances are that there is a good reason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">With all that said – if the person
getting in the way is not a friend or a spouse or someone with an obvious
reason to be hurt by your shenanigans – I would suggest that there is no reason
for you not to be together and there should be a way that you can work it out.
I would however advise caution on the person in the way though…..many horror
and thriller films have been made with this scenario……<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How
are the Kardashians famous?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLyV9kwRwAs/UYDEBCSwYdI/AAAAAAAAAYw/ntxv-yWhXYw/s1600/MjAxMy0wZjViYTNjZmY0Y2Y0NzY2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLyV9kwRwAs/UYDEBCSwYdI/AAAAAAAAAYw/ntxv-yWhXYw/s320/MjAxMy0wZjViYTNjZmY0Y2Y0NzY2.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Very simply – Daddy Kardashian
defended OJ Simpson putting him (and the family into the media spotlight). Daddy
and Mummy Kardashian then got divorced. Mummy Kardashian got remarried to ex
Olympic Champion. Kardashian sprogs become fashion stylists and start own range
of stores whilst getting involved in some celebrity “relationships” / publicity
stunts along the way. Sproglet Kim films naughty video with boyfriend who then
sells video. Sproglet Kim gets grumpy about this and sues naughty company who
then pay her $5m as a thank you. Reality garbage Kardashian show is quickly commissioned and starts a few
months later (anyone sense conspiracy) and the circus still continues to grow….In summary though - the Kardashians are famous for being famous. Reality TV fans take a pat on the back - it's your fault. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hi Andi. Do you have any advice to
give?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyNqSmxl1rY/UYDFp2h4SwI/AAAAAAAAAY8/VEqDrDzh75k/s1600/Rottenecards_5028895_kyw98dq32h.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RyNqSmxl1rY/UYDFp2h4SwI/AAAAAAAAAY8/VEqDrDzh75k/s320/Rottenecards_5028895_kyw98dq32h.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">HA! I’ve got
loads – but very little that could be useful at the moment. Here is this nugget
of wonderfullness though - Before going to church - check that your flies are
done up to avoid any embarrassing moments (like Sunday for me). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Anyway - this is actually going to be the shortest chapter yet as I've had a migraine for two days now - and it's showing no sign of letting up (It feels like I have an amplified marching band marching constantly in my head). I need to go and see the doctor (not the ice-cream man) who can hopefully provide me with some drugs (to fix the pain). So 10 Resolutions will return as normal (with a cast list and everything) next week - but until then - please feel free to ask any questions by emailing <span style="color: lime;"><a href="mailto:10resolutionsblog@gmail.com"><span style="color: lime;">10resolutionsblog@gmail.com</span></a> </span>or by visiting the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/10resolutions" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">facebook page</span> </a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">God Bless</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/andifoster" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;">Andi</span></a></span></div>
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