scmorley

Fortune favours the brave

More travel chaos at London Bridge. For the umpteenth time in the last two months, there has been a fatality in the Norwood/Croydon area as someone was hit by a train. I will not rehash the old discussion about the selfishness of putting everyone else out because you’re miserable (perhaps not the first thing on your mind if you really are that miserable), or about the need to just scrape the remains off the line and crack on, but I will just add a quick triumphant note about my own experience.

Having arrived at the station to find the front doors closed to avoid overcrowding, I found a side entrance to slip through and got myself through to the platforms. Within 3 minutes, my train platform was announced, and sure enough in it came. As I write this, I am sitting in a half empty carriage a mere minute or two behind schedule on my way home. To give that context, at this time of night this train normally resembles the Calcutta Express, with people crammed into the aisles and wedged in the luggage rack. I can only assume that the missing two thirds of passenger did not have the quickness of mind to ignore instructions and find another route. But I’m not smug, obviously.

Money where my mouth is

I’ve just signed up for Fat Boy V, the fifth annual challenge at work for who can lose the most weight (by percentage) in two months.  £50 in, winner takes the pot.  I’ve set myself the lofty target of 10% loss in 2012, so this should provide some extra incentive.  I fear I’m actually going to have to start exercising on top of my planned reduced consumption.  I feel tired and hungry just thinking about it.

UPDATE: it turns out last years winner lost 11.07%.  I wish I’d asked that before signing up.  I’m fairly certain you can only lose that much by contracting a serious stomach bug.

Christmas catch-up

Playing catch-up a bit once again.  Am back at work reflecting on a successful, enjoyable and exhausting Christmas break.  We had ten solid days of family visits, starting with Nana and Sazza, followed by Granny Gillie and finishing with Grandpa Robin and Alison plus an encore from N&S on New Years Eve.  Much food was consumed, and a reasonable, responsible amount of drink.

Notable highlights include: Christmas Day morning with the boys as they realise Father Christmas had indeed been, as evidenced by the filled stockings, bulging under tree area and consumed carrot, minced pie and wine (Daddy was too tight to open a bottle of port or sherry); visiting Great Grandfather on his birthday, who seemed delighted to see his great grandchildren and was reportedly very happy with the photographic evidence; and the New Years Day walk around Buxted Park with Grandpa Robin and Alison that had to happen the following day due to weather conditions.

And so back to work for a well earned rest.  Happy New Year to all.

Treading the boards

William participated in his first ever Nativity play today.  Apparently he was quite insistent that he would play the Angel Gabriel, so he got to lead out his choir of Angels onto the stage, carrying a lantern and sporting the oversized wings Claire and I spent an evening making last week.  Although the narrative progressed a little fast for him to deliver his ”Do not be afraid!” line effectively (this is my proud father version of event and I’m sticking to it), he joined in enthusiastically with the singing.  He even manage to keep composure when the bells in front of his feet were stolen by the Angel next to him, deciding to waft his hand up and down in time to the music instead.