Highs and Lows of 2006
So here we are, 2007 is upon us. I enjoyed a very relaxing 10 days off over Christmas, and on some days did very little. In fact, probably the nicest day was Christmas Eve, where I sat in my armchair pretty much the whole day, drinking beer and listening to music. Bliss. On others, I managed to cram a few more things in, catching up with friends, clearing out the spare room, and actually managed to get some coursework done for my writing course. Let's hope I can keep that up in 2007.
I'm not going to write an A-Z of the year as I did for 2005, but I would like to highlight some of the things that brought me joy - or otherwise - in 2006.
Books
2006 was a poor year for reading for me. I think I spent so much time doing other things I neglected it, which is a shame considering it's my favourite hobby. The only time I managed to do some quality reading was on holiday, when I particularly enjoyed "Undomestic Goddess" by Sophie Kinsella (don't laugh) and was intrigued by Dawn Annandale's "Call Me Elizabeth". The latter was more interesting than enjoyable and it says something that a 17-year old told me it is on her A level English Lit reading list.
I look forward to a better year in 2007 with new releases from Mike Gayle and Lisa Jewell. Better start saving for that holiday now.
Cinema
Because I've done so many races this year, and because going to the cinema the Saturday before has become de rigueur for me, I've seen so many films it's hard to remember which were the outstanding ones. Undoubtedly my favourite was the excellent "Casino Royale", by far the best Bond film I've seen since I was little. Everything about it was so much more authentic, in particular the actor playing James Bond - Daniel Craig really looks like he could take you apart with his bare hands. Action packed from the beginning, the film is not without humour - in fact the best ever line in a Bond film comes during the infamous torture scene. And there's a love story thrown in to boot. What more could you want?
Other films I have enjoyed include obviously "Starter For Ten", "Mission Impossible 3", "Hard Candy", "Little Children" and the excellent "The Queen", for which Helen Mirren must stand a good chance of winning an oscar.
I'm very much looking forward to new releases in 2007 in particular "Rocky Balboa", which has received rave reviews in the US, and of course "Spider-Man 3".
Cricket
As I write England are on the brink of losing the Ashes series 5-0, which is of course a huge disappointment, to put it very lightly. And with the one-dayers to follow and then the world cup, it ain't going to get much better any time soon. Apart from a good series win against Pakistan it's been a pretty disappointing year all round for England supporters. Having said that, I did enjoy three wonderful days at Lords this year and a fabulous day at Bath. I just need to remember in future that I am not the man I was and can no longer drink beer all day long. Which is a good thing.
I've just posted my application for tickets at Lords in 2007 and hope the England team can bounce back against West Indies and India. We'll have to wait and see.
Holidays
I enjoyed my first ever two-week holiday this year, returning again to Gouves in Crete. It was well earned and I had a fabulous time, reflecting on what I had achieved shortly beforehand. I haven't really thought about what I'm going to do in 2007 - I need to strengthen my financial position first in any case - but I wouldn't be surprised if I went back to this fantastic island where I always have a great time.
My job
I changed jobs again this year, moving to parts pricing in early 2006. I think it's the best thing that has happened to me, career wise, for many years. I've learnt a hell of a lot and have a boss who clearly wants me to grow in the role and take on more and more responsibility, instead of holding me back. I look forward to more success in 2007.
My profile within the organisation has also been enhanced this year, thanks in some part to articles in the company magazine. I have also enjoyed some good social events, such as the mid-summer mingle, a trip to see "Guys and Dolls" and of course the Three Peaks Challenge. During that weekend I achieved a personal goal and made some new friends. A pity someone had to spoil it by boasting about her time on Snowdon, and a pity I won't be able to set the record straight in 2007 - my London Marathon sponsorhip appeal will be more important, so I'll be giving it a miss.
Music / Stage
I went to three concerts in 2006, all by artists I had seen perform live before: Sugababes, Girls Aloud and Christina Aguilera. Girls Aloud at Wembley was much the pick of the bunch and a fantastic evening’s entertainment. Apart from being very easy on the eye, the girls put a lot of energy into their performance and did some great covers as well as performing their own hits with panache. Sugababes were great too, but Christina’s show was a bit of a disappointment, mainly because she didn’t come on until nearly an hour after the support act had finished, leaving the crowd bored and restless, and several fans including myself had to leave before the concert finished to catch the last train home.
I didn’t go to the theatre as much as I would have like in 2006, partly because no longer working shifts means it is hard to have days off in the week when cheap tickets are up for grabs, and also because when I have been in London it has often been to go to the cricket or see a concert.
I did, however, get to see the lovely Jennifer Ellison return to the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago and managed to chat with her briefly after the show. Needless to say she is my calendar pin-up girl for 2007 as she was in 2006. And 2005 come to think of it. A charming and talented young lady, I wish her well.
My favourite play was the somewhat shocking yet superb "Blackbird", starrting Roger Allam and Jodhi May, which I saw twice. I shall be following the careers of these two excellent yet relatively unknown actors as they played their roles with aplomb in this impossible love story. “Amy’s View”, starring Felicity Kendal and still showing at the Garrick Theatre, was also excellent and I would urge any theatre lover to see it while they still can.
Running
I've really enjoyed my running this year, and taken part in some wonderful events - and some not so wonderful ones. At least I know which races to look forward to in 2007, and which to avoid.
The sad part was when Anthony Davis had to stop training me, as he had to move to Wales for family reasons. Training with him brought great results and was tremendous fun, so I don't mind saying I miss having him around. He's still in touch however, and I think I deserve a lot of credit for the way I responded to his departure -it would have been very easy for me to lose focus and become disheartened but if anything I went the other way - I kept the diet strict, put the mileage in, and on Sepember 17th got round 26.2 miles of the New Forest Marathon.
Whilst the last 6 miles was the most painful thing I have ever experienced, crossing the line was the best thing I have ever achieved. Remembering all those people cheering me on as I jogged those last few yards still brings me out in goose bumps.
Unfortunately after the marathon and my subsequent holiday my running went a bit downhill and my times in my last two races of 2006 were very disappointing - I couldn't even get under 2 hours at the Downton half marathon.
But I'm getting back into training now and am on the wagon after my Christmas binge, and am looking forward to improving my times in 2007. More than anything I'm focused on April 22nd - the Flora London Marathon. It's an honour to be taking part in the greatest race on earth and I plan to do it justice.
I must also mention Ali O'Hara, who has done my massages for me in 2006 (not a pleasant task!), whilst these have not exactly been enjoyable he has done an excellent job of soothing my tired muscles and getting rid of my aches and pains. I couldn't have done all that running without him.
Social / Other
Socially it’s been a good year too. I am blessed with some great friends, and have made some new ones this year, in particular a good bunch of lads from running. I intend to cultivate those friendships in 2007.
Highlights would include Graeme’s wedding in May, a wonderful, happy day with a lovely service and a lavish reception. My friend Suzie graced me with her company that day and her housewarming party a month later was a memorable event, probably more so for those who witnessed my incomparable ability to consume large amounts of alcohol and my actions thereafter!
Pete has been a great friend this year and we have regularly met up in Bath for a few beers and a curry. All credit to him as many newly married men neglect their friends. I always look forward to these evenings and hope for many more in 2007.
I have managed to find some good lodgers in 2006; in the summer I had a young man from Cambridge University, Jean Paul, who was good company and for 14 weeks had one of our interns, Stefan Schur, who was great fun and also made himself very poular in our department. I hope we will meet again one day. Now I have two great tenants, Darwin and Victoria. I hope they will stay with me for a while yet.
All in all, 2006 was a good year. But I plan to make 2007 an even better one.
Copyright © Jonathan Weedon, January 2007
I'm not going to write an A-Z of the year as I did for 2005, but I would like to highlight some of the things that brought me joy - or otherwise - in 2006.
Books
2006 was a poor year for reading for me. I think I spent so much time doing other things I neglected it, which is a shame considering it's my favourite hobby. The only time I managed to do some quality reading was on holiday, when I particularly enjoyed "Undomestic Goddess" by Sophie Kinsella (don't laugh) and was intrigued by Dawn Annandale's "Call Me Elizabeth". The latter was more interesting than enjoyable and it says something that a 17-year old told me it is on her A level English Lit reading list.
I look forward to a better year in 2007 with new releases from Mike Gayle and Lisa Jewell. Better start saving for that holiday now.
Cinema
Because I've done so many races this year, and because going to the cinema the Saturday before has become de rigueur for me, I've seen so many films it's hard to remember which were the outstanding ones. Undoubtedly my favourite was the excellent "Casino Royale", by far the best Bond film I've seen since I was little. Everything about it was so much more authentic, in particular the actor playing James Bond - Daniel Craig really looks like he could take you apart with his bare hands. Action packed from the beginning, the film is not without humour - in fact the best ever line in a Bond film comes during the infamous torture scene. And there's a love story thrown in to boot. What more could you want?
Other films I have enjoyed include obviously "Starter For Ten", "Mission Impossible 3", "Hard Candy", "Little Children" and the excellent "The Queen", for which Helen Mirren must stand a good chance of winning an oscar.
I'm very much looking forward to new releases in 2007 in particular "Rocky Balboa", which has received rave reviews in the US, and of course "Spider-Man 3".
Cricket
As I write England are on the brink of losing the Ashes series 5-0, which is of course a huge disappointment, to put it very lightly. And with the one-dayers to follow and then the world cup, it ain't going to get much better any time soon. Apart from a good series win against Pakistan it's been a pretty disappointing year all round for England supporters. Having said that, I did enjoy three wonderful days at Lords this year and a fabulous day at Bath. I just need to remember in future that I am not the man I was and can no longer drink beer all day long. Which is a good thing.
I've just posted my application for tickets at Lords in 2007 and hope the England team can bounce back against West Indies and India. We'll have to wait and see.
Holidays
I enjoyed my first ever two-week holiday this year, returning again to Gouves in Crete. It was well earned and I had a fabulous time, reflecting on what I had achieved shortly beforehand. I haven't really thought about what I'm going to do in 2007 - I need to strengthen my financial position first in any case - but I wouldn't be surprised if I went back to this fantastic island where I always have a great time.
My job
I changed jobs again this year, moving to parts pricing in early 2006. I think it's the best thing that has happened to me, career wise, for many years. I've learnt a hell of a lot and have a boss who clearly wants me to grow in the role and take on more and more responsibility, instead of holding me back. I look forward to more success in 2007.
My profile within the organisation has also been enhanced this year, thanks in some part to articles in the company magazine. I have also enjoyed some good social events, such as the mid-summer mingle, a trip to see "Guys and Dolls" and of course the Three Peaks Challenge. During that weekend I achieved a personal goal and made some new friends. A pity someone had to spoil it by boasting about her time on Snowdon, and a pity I won't be able to set the record straight in 2007 - my London Marathon sponsorhip appeal will be more important, so I'll be giving it a miss.
Music / Stage
I went to three concerts in 2006, all by artists I had seen perform live before: Sugababes, Girls Aloud and Christina Aguilera. Girls Aloud at Wembley was much the pick of the bunch and a fantastic evening’s entertainment. Apart from being very easy on the eye, the girls put a lot of energy into their performance and did some great covers as well as performing their own hits with panache. Sugababes were great too, but Christina’s show was a bit of a disappointment, mainly because she didn’t come on until nearly an hour after the support act had finished, leaving the crowd bored and restless, and several fans including myself had to leave before the concert finished to catch the last train home.
I didn’t go to the theatre as much as I would have like in 2006, partly because no longer working shifts means it is hard to have days off in the week when cheap tickets are up for grabs, and also because when I have been in London it has often been to go to the cricket or see a concert.
I did, however, get to see the lovely Jennifer Ellison return to the role of Roxie Hart in Chicago and managed to chat with her briefly after the show. Needless to say she is my calendar pin-up girl for 2007 as she was in 2006. And 2005 come to think of it. A charming and talented young lady, I wish her well.
My favourite play was the somewhat shocking yet superb "Blackbird", starrting Roger Allam and Jodhi May, which I saw twice. I shall be following the careers of these two excellent yet relatively unknown actors as they played their roles with aplomb in this impossible love story. “Amy’s View”, starring Felicity Kendal and still showing at the Garrick Theatre, was also excellent and I would urge any theatre lover to see it while they still can.
Running
I've really enjoyed my running this year, and taken part in some wonderful events - and some not so wonderful ones. At least I know which races to look forward to in 2007, and which to avoid.
The sad part was when Anthony Davis had to stop training me, as he had to move to Wales for family reasons. Training with him brought great results and was tremendous fun, so I don't mind saying I miss having him around. He's still in touch however, and I think I deserve a lot of credit for the way I responded to his departure -it would have been very easy for me to lose focus and become disheartened but if anything I went the other way - I kept the diet strict, put the mileage in, and on Sepember 17th got round 26.2 miles of the New Forest Marathon.
Whilst the last 6 miles was the most painful thing I have ever experienced, crossing the line was the best thing I have ever achieved. Remembering all those people cheering me on as I jogged those last few yards still brings me out in goose bumps.
Unfortunately after the marathon and my subsequent holiday my running went a bit downhill and my times in my last two races of 2006 were very disappointing - I couldn't even get under 2 hours at the Downton half marathon.
But I'm getting back into training now and am on the wagon after my Christmas binge, and am looking forward to improving my times in 2007. More than anything I'm focused on April 22nd - the Flora London Marathon. It's an honour to be taking part in the greatest race on earth and I plan to do it justice.
I must also mention Ali O'Hara, who has done my massages for me in 2006 (not a pleasant task!), whilst these have not exactly been enjoyable he has done an excellent job of soothing my tired muscles and getting rid of my aches and pains. I couldn't have done all that running without him.
Social / Other
Socially it’s been a good year too. I am blessed with some great friends, and have made some new ones this year, in particular a good bunch of lads from running. I intend to cultivate those friendships in 2007.
Highlights would include Graeme’s wedding in May, a wonderful, happy day with a lovely service and a lavish reception. My friend Suzie graced me with her company that day and her housewarming party a month later was a memorable event, probably more so for those who witnessed my incomparable ability to consume large amounts of alcohol and my actions thereafter!
Pete has been a great friend this year and we have regularly met up in Bath for a few beers and a curry. All credit to him as many newly married men neglect their friends. I always look forward to these evenings and hope for many more in 2007.
I have managed to find some good lodgers in 2006; in the summer I had a young man from Cambridge University, Jean Paul, who was good company and for 14 weeks had one of our interns, Stefan Schur, who was great fun and also made himself very poular in our department. I hope we will meet again one day. Now I have two great tenants, Darwin and Victoria. I hope they will stay with me for a while yet.
All in all, 2006 was a good year. But I plan to make 2007 an even better one.
Copyright © Jonathan Weedon, January 2007
posted by Jon | 9:22 pm
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