Writing this one up to New Year Eve so that we can start 2018 anew. What a truly terrible twelve months that has been, I mean don't misunderstand me it was all of my own making and even the start to New Year doesn't look that inspiring either but we are still here and breathing so small wonders I guess.
At least Christmas went off ok, I was home alone on the big day itself but that was fine and was expected, did a nice dinner, had a drink or two, listened to some music and watched a few films (after the Queen speech of course). Seen that all my family and many friends have had a great time and that's wonderful, I still don't feel great and unsure if I'll be around this time next year. Yeah I know I shouldn't say things like that but really thinking about life now and what is the point of me. Been out to meet up with my big Brother and had a few drinks in Twickenham, didn't have a lot to say but we are ok and that was nice to get out.
All said and done though I am glad that I got through this past year, and will continue to "try" and progress into 2018 too. Hope you have a good end to the year as well and let's see what happens in the next twelve months.
It's that last week before Christmas and are we ready? At least all the Christmas cards are sent out, we got a few last minute gifts to pick up (today) and then it's booze and food for the weekend. I think we'll be ok this year, it's not a big deal for me anymore. Did go out for an annual service of remembrance on Sunday at the local Catholic Church, despite the weather it was warm inside, friendly, bit of a sing too but the poor sod coughing behind me all the way through spoilt it a bit. Seriously if you are ill please stay at home.
The lead up to Xmas itself means two things, one we need to get in a load more food and drink than is usually required for a few days, and secondly we have ten days off till New Year and that will mean I will be bored by the Wednesday usually. but the set up to the week has been going well, we've done all the cards, been to the services, going to settle down to watch the Annual Carols from King's and playing some festive music too.
Work is ok, there's hardly anyone in the office this week and few more resigning too so 2018 going to be fun. I've survived a difficult December and been paid, all gifts done, got some booze and food in so we are ok. Plan will be to spend little in January, try and eat little less and save a little more.
Have a wonderful Christmas next week. I'm ok, in fact feeling a lot better than I thought I was going to not too long ago. Long may that continue.
Last few weeks till the end of another sad year for me, we enter the Christmas season in reasonably good heart after recent nights out with friends which really helped a lot. Made a big dent in the annual slog that is the Christmas card list and sent out a lot already which is nice. Though I send about 50 cards out I might only get about 12-15 back still it's not about the receiving it's all about the giving and the effort put into each card remembering friends even those I don't see for ages.
The cold and the snow arrived in parts of the country, and was enough to postpone our Football match this weekend with Bury unable to get the game on against Wimbledon so instead just watched some of the horse racing on ITV and then the snooker. Not an exciting weekend really, no money, writing cards, and just seeing out the next week or so. Have at least got most of my Xmas Presents sorted and will wrap up couple of things for me too. (they are from me but at least feels like I have something to open on the day, hey it's a small comfort and a means to help me get through it). All I really need now is a nice bottle of Whisky and last couple of items for Mrs Hughes but I can get them once paid.
Feeling the cold still, at least the symptoms of the recent head cold and flu I had are beginning to ease. The voice is slowly coming back and hopefully will be ok for next Sunday which is a remembrance service at a local church organised by the Lodge Bros funeral people. Always a moving day for me and the service is full of light and cheer as well.
At work things are busy, I've enjoyed having a few days off to shorten the weeks though and although I skipped the works Christmas party last week we are having a team lunch on Thursday so that will be nice and a change from the norm. We nearly there just few weeks to go, then we do it all again, but please please please make it better.
Recovering from Friday night out with the guys, not drunk, in fact hardly had anything to drink, but still full of cold and suffering. Had a bit of a lay in which was nice though I was up early enough to wave goodbye to Vince before he left, then watched the Rugby League World Cup final but England lost 0-6 to Australia.
Still full of cold, heard from Beatrix about meeting up on Sunday while she's staying over in East London near Tower Bridge, was a wee bit of a ride out across London but found the hotel ok and despite feeling rubbish I was really happy to go and see her again. We had a lovely evening enjoying the views of the river, the Tower of London and catching up, it had been about 20 years since we last met though she hasn't changed at all.
Hopefully will not be as long until the next time. Have a lovely week in England Bea xx and safe trip home to your family ... including the cats as I'm sure they will have missed you. I managed to catch the last train home on Sunday night and a long day ended for me about 1am. Glad I had Monday off to rest and catch up though I appear to have lost my voice.
Sunday was also FA Cup 2nd round action so it was good to follow AFC Wimbledon winning 3-1 against Charlton and make it into the draw for the 3rd round on Monday night. Where we get an attractive away tie against Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur so we are off to Wembley in January. Might also be a Live TV game but will have to wait and see what date and time, though overall that's good news for the club and few extra quid to help out won't do any harm.
The rest of the week just back to work, feeling rough but starting on the Xmas cards and be nice to survive a difficult week. Good to have got out and seen the guys though more of that would be great.
Got paid, spent it all already, somehow got to get through to Christmas. And blown a lot more which I have to pay off next month, really this is ridiculous now and my life is so shit.
Few days off and now looking ahead to Christmas, got loads of Christmas cards in and written those to send out to Sue, James and Hannah in Australia, then start on the list for this year. Plenty of stamps in too, and need to pick up some gifts for Jean as well soon but as I really have little to no money so have to be very careful.
Am also off each Friday and Monday for the next few weeks to use up the last of this years annual leave. Won't be going very far but at least this coming Friday (1st December) it's a gathering of the guys for an annual "Xmas" do. Will be in Twickenham for this meeting up with old school friends and seeing if I can find some cheer. Need cheering up as I really don't feel like going but know that I must make some effort. Go and meet Dave Mc first in the hotel bar, and then the other guys in Twickenham itself. No word from Beatrix about Sunday?? Which is sort of ok as I really don't have the means to take her out, and I'm now full of flu which isn't great.
Survive this week and maybe we'll soon feel a bit better, send some cards out in December and keep writing.
