Well I have to say that the last 36 hours have had so many laugh out loud moments this may or may not be the first in a series of posts. So let me begin. Yesterday started with my force field deflecting an engine part of a spinning BMW away from my the centre of my windscreen at about 70mph and negotiating round the path of the Merc who caught the full force and went backwards across the M5, flying gravel and other debris in the most torrential rain. I did stop, many didnt. Both drivers shaken but ok and called the traffic guys who were there within about 10 mins. So I resumed my journey which ended 4.5 hours later due to the closure of the M4 and a detour of my own devising, still in Punto sans sat nav, which saw me go north towards Letchlade then across to Wrantage and along the side of the Thames to Reading. Most pleasant although slightly frustrating and again many many calls done although I did have an hour of just being me. No music on and just pottering through villages remembering that this was a route I took about 6 weeks ago with Izzy.
I spent the afternoon existing, probably not what I am necessarily known for doing but had a few moments of laughter, as people began to get ready for the leaving do of one of my coachees and all round good guy who is off to pastures new. I was in a meeting in the afternoon when I had a text from a mighty fine individual. I excused myself, called and we spent a wee while on the phone discussing the consumption of an awesome meal amongst many other things. All of which, apart from the meal - described so much better here - I apparently need to take both the blame and full responsibility for! Really, I guess if it helps in some small way to alleviate the spinning of the mind whilst the spinning of pedals takes precedence then that shall be my role.
So to the leaving do. Ummm. Drinks in what seems to be one the preferred watering holes for leavers, some good conversations with people that I enjoy speaking to. Also a number of random conversations where other individuals seemed to be queuing up with relish to offer me advice on what Izzy might be thinking, doing or need to do, what I need to prepare myself for, age differences and then the fact that they knew exactly what she would be thinking and feeling towards me. Wow I am so pleased that my hand kept being filled with either London Pride or vodka & orange. It meant that I could take copious sips instead of letting forth the torrent of thoughts running through my mind. People eh!
And now to the 'truth serum' which I am alleged to carry with me so when people talk to me they feel the overwhelming desire to tell me many things, most of which is caveated with ' i have never spoken/told/opened up/shared/revealed this before'. Now I truly love this level of connectedness when it is between people I know and/or love deeply, respect greatly and/or where I have done this myself with them, recently alot. Or as a 'people person' that I am in my professional career (all of you who have just snorted, guffawed or laughed - shame on you) it is a useful, insightful and on occasion, powerful tool to have in ones kit bag.
However there is a time when I need a night off. Last night was supposed to have been it, but within 3 minutes of sitting down, in the same restaurant that Izzy and I went to for our first 'date/meeting/discussion/ assessment centre report review' dinner, I watched and listened whilst tears trickled down the face of the person seated to my left. Not related to anything of an onion variety, more an outpouring of heartfelt angst and desires (and not towards me). Now by this time I was a little tipsy la la it must be said and I cant quite remember the details so I hope that I didnt say we could talk about this again. This, of course, was not the end to the evening and a number of folks, different to the ones offering advice earlier, decided to approach to discuss various things going on in their lives. Which is ok normally believe me as I thorughly enjoy supporting others, but I felt like I was becoming a beacon of light for the disenchanted, confused and sad. Harsh of me probably but I just wanted a night to let my hair down (metaphorically speaking). It did remind me last night of a verse from 'Sit Down by James'
Those who feel the breath of sadness
Sit down next to me
Those who find they`re touched by madness
Sit down next to me
Those who find themselves ridiculous
Sit down next to me
I now know if I want a night off - table for one please....
The saviour of the evening was CK and yes we should have probably not stopped at the vodka bar, consumed apple and peach shots or had a del boy and a half (yep I did again Simon ;-)) on the way to the station, but I do now have a new neck chord for my work pass with ' I love Vodka' on it. The train ride back to somewhere was followed by an amusing discussion of chavtastic places to live in Hampshire with the taxi driver who talked knowledgeably of burnt out Cortinas and wondered if he needed to cruise up to traffic lights versus stopping to ensure when we pulled away it would be on 4 wheels.
Then I finally met a guy who has been described to me over the past 2 years, I have helped through CK in offering some advice on business start ups, and who I now understand a little more through the medium of an exceptionally delightful Bordeaux. CK and her partner are an awesome couple and it was an absolute pleasure to talk cooking, Friends, and the merits or not of prawn cocktail sauces all in a manly way of course, whilst watching and listening to rodrigo y gabriela and some of the best bits of King Kong til gone 2am this morning. It was as random as it was relaxing and I thank you both for your hospitality, thinking of me and extending friendships to Izzy.
 |
| It was so cold, snow looked like it could be on the way! |
I again realised the power of the written word yesterday. I know that when I write this blog, emails, facebook updates, letters (well word doc's as attachments) what I say in them can be read many ways. I know that some do read my blog because they know me, thought they knew me, wondered what I have been up to, want to stalk me, love me or just generally interested in the randomness of my mind. I know that for some they find comfort in what I write as it is just about an ordinary guy sharing what goes on in his extraordinary world. Living in the present makes it extraordinary not anything else. What I notice, comment on and write about is shaped into a headline and then I just let words pour forth. Sometimes I know probably too many. Approximtaley 6450 straight line miles away is a person who reads my ramblings and this prompts thoughts in her mind. The beauty of what we have is we can share them no matter what they are. I now know others experience the same or have, it is not something either of us are familiar with, however would not ever want to be without. Alongside this is the laughter that pours forth so contentedly when we speak. We laughed alot yesterday and that is how it is meant to be.
Imagine also what must have gone through the mind of my 9yr old young man who went to school on Friday with his dad, was picked up by his Grandma and Pops and walked back into the latest revision of his, i have to say, very cool bedroom. Thank you Jons, it is awesome and I know also that your kitchens, bathrooms and landscaping are as much sought after as your creative interior design skills and ability to knock up delicious 'specials' for dinner.
 |
| One very proud man in a very cool bedroom |
No comments:
Post a Comment