Now, I’ve got to say, you lot have done me proud this week. In an era when, as a humble salesperson, if you get a single response to an email you consider yourself hugely appreciated, this week I had 53 – you heard that read dudes 53 - replies to a request for feedback on my “Japan Matters” report. I care, but a jot, that some of you never want to receive it again; that some think it’s about Japan when it really is not; or that quite a lot of people are seemingly simply surprised that at least I am trying to come up with something a little bit different. No. 53 responses. Go me! I might even take an early bath tonight. Particularly as I am struggling to come up with anything even mildly entertaining this afternoon.
Truth is, the response to my email aside, I have had my self confidence somewhat rattled this week. One of my kinders sent me a link to a Bristol University “rag mag”. Read it Daddy….hilarious. Well perhaps it is. But sad though it is to admit it, although something about the article seemed vaguely familiar, I can hardly understand a word of it. Take a look if you have a moment and let me know what you think. For my part the idea that I could ever make a living in journalism….not a hope. It’s another world out there.
http://bristol.tab.co.uk/2014/10/07/so-youre-going-to-motion-for-the-first-time/
Talking of language and different worlds, I squeezed into my seat in the last row of an Easyjet flight to Edinburgh the other day. Sandwiched beside a policeman and a handcuffed convict, I was bemoaning to myself the extent to which my life had changed from the heady days, albeit many years ago, when I lived in Asia and spent my time jetting about in First or Business Class. How the mighty are fallen! I had to laugh though. Standing at the top of the steps waiting to get off the plane I heard the guy in the handcuffs say to his warder " Oh great, a'm gettin' a hur'l " as we looked out and saw a Black Maria on the runway waiting for him!
Whatever. All but three of you missed out on a terrific lunch on Wednesday. OK….I’ll be honest. The chickpea main course was a bit dry and, horror of horrors, the poppadoms were slightly leathery ( although this did not seem to deter one of my clients, who shall remain nameless, and had 7 of them….yes….I was counting ), but it was a great event and next time I invite you, please try and come. I had Alastair Newton as our presenter. The spymaster. He has danced with Kim Jong Un. Well, not quite, but the air is fresh in North Korea apparently. Anyway, we had a very good discussion and the following day he released an updated round up of various issues we had mulled over between attacking the pile of naans. Attached.
Another reason for the early bath, if I’m honest, is that the nights are drawing in. If I leave at the appointed hour it’ll be dark by the time I get halfway home. Hate that. Reminds me of a good story about Hen though. She and a friend were chugging along the train line between Cambridge and Newmarket coming home for supper after a busy afternoons shopping, looking out the window at the gathering gloom and bemoaning how quickly the nights were drawing in. “Just then”, her friend told us, tears rolling down her cheeks, “Hen exclaimed "OMG...did you see that?......see how quickly its gone dark?" “ "We’re in a tunnel Hen" her friend had explained. Kid you not. That’s what I have to deal with.
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