You could have predicted it months ago. My employers are big cricket fans, and the Ashes means a lot to them, but having an Aussie start work in the office at the begining of the series just made it all the more important.
So today, the last day of the summer’s games, meant they would be down the pub. I’m surprised they made it to noon to be honest. A quick break for a meeting, then back to the pub. After a full working (ha!) day, we joined them as the match came to an end. A couple of beers later and the day out of the office came and bit them on the ass. Bad moods, awkward phone-calls, threats of heading home.
Excuses made, we left them to drown their sorrows. And after an ‘on-plan’ goats cheese and asparagus sarnie at Charing Cross, the chip shop called. The Chicken and Mushroom Pukka Pie was unecessary, but the chips were just what the doctor ordered.
Only Monday, you say?
September 12th, 2005
I’ve discovered recently that one of the ways old age makes its presence felt is in the way that you choose to celebrate good news or special occasions. I’ve never been one for all night benders or even nightclubs in general, much preferring to be sat in a crusty old pub with a pint of ale and a bag of nuts.
Even in my student days the only nightclub I regularly frequented was the Mayfair in Newcastle. A rock club in a glamourous ballroom (carpet, polished dancefloor, balcony), full of people in combat shorts and stripy tights headbanging to Machine Head (the band, not the album) and Pantera. Beer was the only stimulant consumed and everyone took their own empties back to the bar. The ‘Boat’ was my worst nightmare, and I only went once during my last few days as a student.
As far as I can remember, the last time I went to a nightclub was on my friend Nick’s stag doo. In September 2003! I distinctly remember not enjoying it. A major factor is that I don’t enjoy dancing. And a growing dislike for the company of strangers is another factor. It sounds horribly antisocial, but I think turning 30 has made me realise that I don’t have time for unnecessary hassle or small talk.
So, Jess’ first taste of teaching employment will be celebrated by watching the England v Wales match in our living room, with a beer in hand, followed by the last BBQ of the summer in the garden. This in turn will be followed by drinking as long as we can bear the increasingly dark and cold evening air, or until we fall asleep.
Maybe this has always been my preferred way to spend my time, but it’s only now that marriage and middle-age are close at hand that I feel in a position to ignore the usual trappings and pressures of youth, and embrace the quiet existence I crave.
P.S. Moved desks after only 4 months in my current job! My new vista:
September 2nd, 2005
