Milestones!

I had a big birthday recently. One of those with a zero on the end. And for the first time ever, the numbers actually meant something to me.

Usually I agree that age is just a number. And I've never before given a second though to my age. But the lead up to this one was a little odd. It just felt weird, like I was actually passing some invisible barrier which would change things.

A couple of weeks after the event, and I'm OK with it, but the lead up was ... unsettling, to say the least.

My brother and his wife came to visit, and it was fabulous to see them. I managed to show them around all the sights of Lincoln. My brother loves his history as much as I do, so it was great to see his appreciation of Castles and Cathedrals, Romans and Normans.

We had a small family get-together for my bif day, and right on cue the Red Arrows flew over. It was kinda nice. I received some lovely and thoughtful gifts, and have already spent the book vouchers which were included.

It was great seeing my brother and his wife. But it was wonderful chatting to my brother. He gets my sense of humour, and shares a history.

Thanks for making the trip, guys. Truly appreciated.

Positivity in a Weird World.

There's no doubt things are very strange at the moment. The world seems to have gone mad, people have gone mad, even the  birds have gone mad.

COVID 19 has changed the world in wasy we couldn't even imagine only a few short months ago. I rarely go out, don't have visitors, work from home, and try to imagine how things will be. The world seems quieter. There's less traffic, aclearer skies, and more birdsong. Are they just encroaching further into urban areas because there are fewer cars and less pollution?  I have no idea. I know I just enjoy hearing them more than usual.

I had a birthday last week. Some family visited, socially distanced of course, and we had a great time. Lindsey organised a barbeque and there was plenty of food, great laughs and I was honestly thrilled with the presents I received.

But it is draining, seeing all the negative news. It's tiring working from home. I long to socialise with my workmates, my friends, have a drink with them. And not sit at the computer all week. I honestly want a clear deliniation between work and home.

In the meantime I try to share positive things in social media. On Facebook I post things I like - daily. I started the say we started working from home, and I honestly had no idea I would still be going three months later. And now there's talk we might be here til the end of they year or beyond.

Be positive, be understanding, be kind to each other, and stay safe.

Twenty-Four Days And Counting.

It's about a month to my birthday.  I've been asked what I want, and I have a couple of ideas. Some Beatles, some Lennon, some Goodies, cake.

Cake is always good.

Going out for dinner is always an option - as is staying home and having something nice brought in. Might even get to spend some time with family.

I usually enjoy birthdays, but for some reason I'm really looking forward to this one. More than usual, anyway. I'm not sure why but I can't wait for it to arrive. I have to work that day, but that's not a big issue. I kind of like people in the office wishing me a happy birthday. And our office usually has cards and so on, and sometimes singing. Yeah, even that is good.

If you really want to send me a present I can make a few suggestions. I'm also open to surprises.

And if an editor wants to buy one of my stories to publish, that would be a great present too.

Can You See It?

The future is in the palms of your hands.  Success, happiness, long life, health, wealth.

Or is it?

I've just returned from a weekend away celebrating my birthday. Eight old friends in a holiday house on the peninsula with great food, wine and merriment.

Moments to reflect. A lot of laughter. Much discussion on the past, the present and the future.

Prophecies or wishful thinking?

A milestone or a millstone?

Last week a student asked me about my life, and which five years were the happiest.  A mature question from one so young.

My answer?  The past five years.

All is well, all is good. Life is fun. I feel like I'm having successes and doing what I'm meant to be doing.

Pushy Salesmen Without Manners.

It was my wife's birthday a couple of days ago, and so we went out last weekend to buy her present. A new  notebook PC.

I'd done my research, and knew what I would buy if it were for me - but personal preference comes into play with items like this, and so the best thing was for her to be with me when I bought it.

I went into one store where the salesman was so rude he lost a sale for his company. In fact, I won't be returning there.

He approached me and asked if he could assist me.  The conversation was like this.

"Is there anything I can help you with?"
"No, thanks, I'm just looking."

"What are you looking for?"
"I don't need any help. I'm simply looking, thanks."

"And I asked you what you're looking for."
"And I said I didn't need any help."

"And I asked you what you're looking for."
"And I said I didn't need any help. I'm fine, thank you."

He'd been moving gradually forward with each question, and at this point he invaded my personal space.

"I'm just trying to be polite. What are you looking for?"
"You're not being polite. I don't need your help. Leave me alone."

"Some people," he muttered. "What is it you're interested in?"

I have spent a number of years working with IT, including a couple of years programming before this salesman was even born. so I knew what I was looking for, and did not need or want his so-called 'help'. At this point I considered saying something obscure, such as "I'm interested in a new table tennis table, which is why I'm looking at these PCs."  But I was good, and restrained myself. Instead I flipped the top of a laptop down to see if the finish was glossy or matte.  He then told me off for touching it. Other staff, seemingly senior, stood idly by and watched this almost surreal exchange.

And that was when I left, vowing never to return to that store in Nunawading. Not only did they not get a sale from me then, they've lost all future sales due to a pushy, teenage idiot with no manners. I have bought from there before and had planned on returning there shortly as I will soon be in the market for a few electronic goods.

Yes, I was polite the entire time (my wife was there with me) and I did not even raise my voice.

And despite their catchy Beach Boys' style jingles, I won't be going there again.