My A-Z of 2005
A is for Ashes, naturally. What can I say that I haven't already written? The two best cricket teams in the world lit up the summer with the greatest series of all time. There were some wonderful performances from both sides, whilst playing this most cerebral of games in the best spirit possible. Unsurprisingly the whole nation went cricket loopy and I wore my England shirt with pride. I wouldn't have missed it for the world and will never forget it.
B is for books. I've read some great ones this year. Not as many as I would have liked, or should have read - Stephen King's advice on becoming a writer is "read a lot, write a lot". Brand New Friend by Mike Gayle and Vince and Joy by Lisa Jewell were my joint favourite.
C is for cinema. I've seen some great movies in 2005. Sideways, Million Dollar Baby and, more recently, King Kong form the triumvirate of my favourite films of the year.
D is for Donna. She admits she hated my guts when she first met me (found my sense of humour a bit odd, apparently) but in time we became the best of mates. She, along with Helen, kept me sane on night shifts, encouraged me to keep on writing, and has kept in touch since leaving my company in September. Not many people do that.
E is for Eddie, my uncle, who I met for the first time in 2004. I visited him a few times this year in his South London flat, but to my shame admit I found his loneliness, depression and desperation too much to bear. He has since moved into sheltered accommodation. I hope he'll be a lot happier there.
F is for Flintoff. The man won us the Ashes with 24 wickets and 400 runs, and then went on a 24 hour drinking binge. A true sporting legend.
G is for Graeme. Probably my best friend, I have known him for about 16 years now. I don't see him as much as I'd like, but I know he is always there for me. Has been a great source of encouragement with regard to my writing, and was extremely gracious when I creamed him in the Swindon half marathon. So much so, he invited me round for dinner, allowed me to destroy his supplies of wine and I have no idea how I got home. Great night.
H is for half marathons. Before this year it was always my ambition to run one. Never seriously thought I'd ever manage it mind you. This year I managed not just one but two. Just goes to prove, never, ever doubt yourself.
I is for inspiration. Mine is my mummy, Jean Weedon. She's been gone for nine years now but I still think of her every day.
J is for job. At the start of the year I had one I hated and didn't know how long I was even going to have that one for. Now I have a much better one, doing something I always wanted to do, with hours that allow me to have a life. And as someone said, I don't have to work with muppets any more.
K is for Kriti. That's German for Crete (c was already taken). I love this island and enjoyed yet another wonderful holiday there this year, seeing some old friends, as well as enjoying some great food and wine, and reading some fab books. I haven't given up on my dream of moving there - but right now I have stuff to do here.
L is for London. I've had some wonderful days out there this year and never tire of the place. It'll take a lot more than a few terrorists to spoil this wonderful capital city of ours.
M is for mates. I'm lucky enough to have some really great ones - some I've known for years, some I've met this year, and the ones I'm going to meet in 2006.
N is for Nessa, my sister. Her blog inspired me to set up my own, and she has given me some great encouragement with my writing and running, and was effusive in her praise of my efforts in the Swindon half marathon - something most people struggle to do. And she gave me some great words of comfort and advice when I was shaken up by an accident outside my house. See you soon my dear, I hope.
O is for Oliver, Saint Jamie. My runner-up man of the year, second only to Flintoff. His school dinners programme was a revelation, and he single-handedly shamed the government into addressing the issue (not that they'll admit it). I love watching repeats of The Naked Chef on UKTV food, not for the cooking advice, but because I love his energy and enthusiasm. This year I also bought his series of Jamie's Kitchen on DVD and was amazed. I think he took on that project not just to give a handful of jobless Londoners a chance, but to send a message out to all of us - you can be anything you want if you want it badly enough. I’ve signed up for a trip to his restaurant, Fifteen, in March 2006. Wouldn’t it be something if I met Saint Jamie in person!
P is for Phoutsady, Anna, a.k.a. Spanner. A beautiful young Thai girl I used to work with in my old job. I told her often that she was the only girl I ever truly loved. Sadly she didn't seem to feel the same way. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that my declarations of love usually took the form of text messages, most of which were sent at about 2am on a Saturday morning.. If you’re reading Spanner – I love you!
Q is for quickly. This year has passed incredibly quickly. But they say time passes quicker as you get older so I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised. But hey, it’s been a fantastic year. Oh and I was also driving too quickly on my way to the Downton half marathon and got a speeding ticket - £60 plus three points on my licence. Not so fantastic.
R is for races. As well as two half marathons, I've also competed in four 10k races. Can't wait for the next race on 5th Feb. The best thing about this running malarkey is, I've found a hobby I love.
S is for Scarlett. The very pulchritudinous Ms Johansson is the new Monroe, and I have a feeling 2006 will be a great year for her. Can’t wait to see Match Point when it opens in cinemas on 6th Jan. Bit miffed she turned down a role in a West End musical, mind you. S is also for swearing - something I do too much, but not as much as Helen. You wouldn't believe what I have had to listen to this year!
T is for trainer. Yes it has been mainly down to my own determination that I have done as well as I have in my races this year, but it would never have been possible had it not been for Anthony, his guidance, encouragement and sage advice. He thinks I have the mental toughness to run a full marathon - one of the greatest compliments anyone has ever paid me. Make sure you have a few glasses of wine on me over Christmas, mate.
U is for unforgettable. There have been some unforgettable moments this year – such as the euphoria of finishing my first half marathon and the look of pride on Anthony’s face as I approached the finishing line. And of course, seeing Michael Vaughan lift that little urn. But there have also been some unforgettable parties this year – the two that spring to mind are a) the cocktail party at Fahim and Maxine’s house on the eve of my birthday and b) Funji’s birthday party where he amazed us with his magnificent cooking and the wine flowed freely all day long. Cheers guys – look forward to more great parties next year.
V is for vandalism. My car has been the victim of it twice this year, and it makes me sick. What is wrong with these sad people? If you're jealous of the things other people have worked for, it's down to you to earn them for yourself. I want a better house and a better car, and to be able to provide a good standard of living to the woman of my dreams, if she ever turns up. Which is why I'm working to make my dream of becoming a writer a reality.
W is for weight. Now that I'm running half marathons, and am eating and drinking less (due to my more regular lifestyle) it is starting to come off. This time next year you won't recognise me. Well, you probably will. I’ll be as irrepressible as ever.
X is for Xmas. It’s been a great year, so why does something always have to come along and spoil it? No I’m not a great fan of Christmas. I just feel it puts too much pressure on people, financially and socially. But I’m looking forward to a great day at Graeme’s, a drink with my friend and neighbour Anthony on Boxing Day, and a trip to the theatre in London to see Patrick Stewart in Scrooge. And a well-earned break – I’ve worked hard this year.Y is for young. Which I am not, let’s be honest. Even though me and Anthony do get cries of “Go on boys, you can do it!” from girls while we’re out running. But do you know what? I think life actually gets better as you get older. No, seriously. You know what you want, care less what other people think and generally don’t get hung up about stupid stuff. I’ll raise a glass to that over the festive season.
Z is for zzz... Now I don't work shifts any more I am enjoying my sleep like it's going out of fashion. And I feel so much better for it. A corollary of this is I am training harder and writing more. Things are at last starting to come together for me.
Copyright © Jonathan Weedon, December 2005.
B is for books. I've read some great ones this year. Not as many as I would have liked, or should have read - Stephen King's advice on becoming a writer is "read a lot, write a lot". Brand New Friend by Mike Gayle and Vince and Joy by Lisa Jewell were my joint favourite.
C is for cinema. I've seen some great movies in 2005. Sideways, Million Dollar Baby and, more recently, King Kong form the triumvirate of my favourite films of the year.
D is for Donna. She admits she hated my guts when she first met me (found my sense of humour a bit odd, apparently) but in time we became the best of mates. She, along with Helen, kept me sane on night shifts, encouraged me to keep on writing, and has kept in touch since leaving my company in September. Not many people do that.
E is for Eddie, my uncle, who I met for the first time in 2004. I visited him a few times this year in his South London flat, but to my shame admit I found his loneliness, depression and desperation too much to bear. He has since moved into sheltered accommodation. I hope he'll be a lot happier there.
F is for Flintoff. The man won us the Ashes with 24 wickets and 400 runs, and then went on a 24 hour drinking binge. A true sporting legend.
G is for Graeme. Probably my best friend, I have known him for about 16 years now. I don't see him as much as I'd like, but I know he is always there for me. Has been a great source of encouragement with regard to my writing, and was extremely gracious when I creamed him in the Swindon half marathon. So much so, he invited me round for dinner, allowed me to destroy his supplies of wine and I have no idea how I got home. Great night.
H is for half marathons. Before this year it was always my ambition to run one. Never seriously thought I'd ever manage it mind you. This year I managed not just one but two. Just goes to prove, never, ever doubt yourself.
I is for inspiration. Mine is my mummy, Jean Weedon. She's been gone for nine years now but I still think of her every day.
J is for job. At the start of the year I had one I hated and didn't know how long I was even going to have that one for. Now I have a much better one, doing something I always wanted to do, with hours that allow me to have a life. And as someone said, I don't have to work with muppets any more.
K is for Kriti. That's German for Crete (c was already taken). I love this island and enjoyed yet another wonderful holiday there this year, seeing some old friends, as well as enjoying some great food and wine, and reading some fab books. I haven't given up on my dream of moving there - but right now I have stuff to do here.
L is for London. I've had some wonderful days out there this year and never tire of the place. It'll take a lot more than a few terrorists to spoil this wonderful capital city of ours.
M is for mates. I'm lucky enough to have some really great ones - some I've known for years, some I've met this year, and the ones I'm going to meet in 2006.
N is for Nessa, my sister. Her blog inspired me to set up my own, and she has given me some great encouragement with my writing and running, and was effusive in her praise of my efforts in the Swindon half marathon - something most people struggle to do. And she gave me some great words of comfort and advice when I was shaken up by an accident outside my house. See you soon my dear, I hope.
O is for Oliver, Saint Jamie. My runner-up man of the year, second only to Flintoff. His school dinners programme was a revelation, and he single-handedly shamed the government into addressing the issue (not that they'll admit it). I love watching repeats of The Naked Chef on UKTV food, not for the cooking advice, but because I love his energy and enthusiasm. This year I also bought his series of Jamie's Kitchen on DVD and was amazed. I think he took on that project not just to give a handful of jobless Londoners a chance, but to send a message out to all of us - you can be anything you want if you want it badly enough. I’ve signed up for a trip to his restaurant, Fifteen, in March 2006. Wouldn’t it be something if I met Saint Jamie in person!
P is for Phoutsady, Anna, a.k.a. Spanner. A beautiful young Thai girl I used to work with in my old job. I told her often that she was the only girl I ever truly loved. Sadly she didn't seem to feel the same way. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that my declarations of love usually took the form of text messages, most of which were sent at about 2am on a Saturday morning.. If you’re reading Spanner – I love you!
Q is for quickly. This year has passed incredibly quickly. But they say time passes quicker as you get older so I guess I shouldn’t really be surprised. But hey, it’s been a fantastic year. Oh and I was also driving too quickly on my way to the Downton half marathon and got a speeding ticket - £60 plus three points on my licence. Not so fantastic.
R is for races. As well as two half marathons, I've also competed in four 10k races. Can't wait for the next race on 5th Feb. The best thing about this running malarkey is, I've found a hobby I love.
S is for Scarlett. The very pulchritudinous Ms Johansson is the new Monroe, and I have a feeling 2006 will be a great year for her. Can’t wait to see Match Point when it opens in cinemas on 6th Jan. Bit miffed she turned down a role in a West End musical, mind you. S is also for swearing - something I do too much, but not as much as Helen. You wouldn't believe what I have had to listen to this year!
T is for trainer. Yes it has been mainly down to my own determination that I have done as well as I have in my races this year, but it would never have been possible had it not been for Anthony, his guidance, encouragement and sage advice. He thinks I have the mental toughness to run a full marathon - one of the greatest compliments anyone has ever paid me. Make sure you have a few glasses of wine on me over Christmas, mate.
U is for unforgettable. There have been some unforgettable moments this year – such as the euphoria of finishing my first half marathon and the look of pride on Anthony’s face as I approached the finishing line. And of course, seeing Michael Vaughan lift that little urn. But there have also been some unforgettable parties this year – the two that spring to mind are a) the cocktail party at Fahim and Maxine’s house on the eve of my birthday and b) Funji’s birthday party where he amazed us with his magnificent cooking and the wine flowed freely all day long. Cheers guys – look forward to more great parties next year.
V is for vandalism. My car has been the victim of it twice this year, and it makes me sick. What is wrong with these sad people? If you're jealous of the things other people have worked for, it's down to you to earn them for yourself. I want a better house and a better car, and to be able to provide a good standard of living to the woman of my dreams, if she ever turns up. Which is why I'm working to make my dream of becoming a writer a reality.
W is for weight. Now that I'm running half marathons, and am eating and drinking less (due to my more regular lifestyle) it is starting to come off. This time next year you won't recognise me. Well, you probably will. I’ll be as irrepressible as ever.
X is for Xmas. It’s been a great year, so why does something always have to come along and spoil it? No I’m not a great fan of Christmas. I just feel it puts too much pressure on people, financially and socially. But I’m looking forward to a great day at Graeme’s, a drink with my friend and neighbour Anthony on Boxing Day, and a trip to the theatre in London to see Patrick Stewart in Scrooge. And a well-earned break – I’ve worked hard this year.Y is for young. Which I am not, let’s be honest. Even though me and Anthony do get cries of “Go on boys, you can do it!” from girls while we’re out running. But do you know what? I think life actually gets better as you get older. No, seriously. You know what you want, care less what other people think and generally don’t get hung up about stupid stuff. I’ll raise a glass to that over the festive season.
Z is for zzz... Now I don't work shifts any more I am enjoying my sleep like it's going out of fashion. And I feel so much better for it. A corollary of this is I am training harder and writing more. Things are at last starting to come together for me.
Copyright © Jonathan Weedon, December 2005.
posted by Jon | 10:13 pm
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