It's a start

Is it weird to peg a few 'resolutions' before the new year even begins? Fortunately, I think the beginning of anything is when we start it, rather than when it is more formally recognised. And if my year needs to start right here and now, then so be it.

A few things about resolutions. Firstly, I think most are too wordy, contain too many guidelines and instructions, and imply weakness if they are not fulfilled to the max. Secondly, that they are generally stated while under the influence - of alcohol, fireworks, guilt, or other people under the influence - significantly ramps up the "ain't gonna happen" likelihood. Thirdly, the word itself feels shallow, short term, and giddy - perhaps the result of too many frivolous references to it.

With all that in mind, I'm going to go for 'philosophies' that set me in good stead for the rest of my days, rather than 'resolutions' that may fade before they even get started.

And so, for what it's worth - and I doubt it's worth anything to anyone other than me - here goes ...

Work philosophy - honesty
Health philosophy - balance
Psychical philosophy - contentment
Life philosophy - joy

If that doesn't paint a strong enough picture for you, check out your thesaurus where all will be revealed.

Nothing earth shattering, but it's a start. Happy new year, everyone!

Oh, Mr Burton!

I have marvelled at your handiwork for years, always willing to be immersed in worlds I could only imagine - although clearly not as well as you do! I have gleefully followed your journey from Edward to Sweeney to Alice and James, I've seen things look Batty, go Fishy and get Sleepy, I've watched unearthly Brides, factored in some Chocolate, AND counted all the way to 9. What an extraordinary ride! What a taste for the wonderful!

Now, at the risk of appearing starstruck or perhaps even slightly insane and stalky, let me just say, YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I accept your offer to appear in your next film. I will also say that the only thing standing between me and success in this matter is you. And the actual invitation.

Just so you know, my schedule for the next few years is wide open, my passport is in order, I'm not picky about co-stars or genre, and I'm never late for tea!

Let's talk soon, Mr Burton. Oh, the possibilities ...

The fact of the matter

What to do when there simply aren't enough hours in the day? What to do when you have ideas, concerns and principles, but no time to share, express or further them? What to do when you feel the pressure to step up, but circumstances intervene? What to do when other things have to get done, but you'd rather write ... about something, anything? What to do when despite your best efforts, you can't seem to fit yourself into the equation?

What to do? Nothing. Life happens. Duty calls. That's it.

For now ...

And the other reason I don't cook ...

... is that apparently real cooks don't like anyone mucking around in their kitchen. Fine with me because yesterday's ribs? Disaster!

On the plus side, we had dessert for dinner instead. Chocolate marquis. Now that's a meal I could really get my teeth into.

The reason I don't cook

Got lamb ribs out for dinner.
Decide to surprise my guy and have it all ready by the time he gets home.
Oops – no white wine. Decide to substitute orange juice. Okay.
Drat – no soy sauce. Don’t think Teriyaki will do. Decide to leave it out.
Duh – can’t find the cinnamon. Got something that may be it, but not labelled, so not sure. Better leave it out.
Um – no fresh lemon juice, just the “in a plastic squeeze bottle” variety. Too bad. It’s going in.
Open up the ribs – packet seems to be mislabelled and is really a rack of lamb. Guess that will work.
Recipe calls for 3½ pounds, only have 1½ pounds.
Have to halve everything.
Math not my strong point.
Mix the marinade and pour it over the lamb in a plastic bag. Try to suck out the air. Blah! Sucked up some marinade.
Seal it all off, then place it in a dish before putting in the fridge.
Hey, what’s all that liquid?
Bugger! There’s a hole in the bag!!!!!!!!!!
Pour the whole bloody lot into the dish, can’t find the lid, so cover with plastic wrap, put in fridge and close the door.
Just don’t look and it will be okay ... at least until the real cook gets home!

And so it begins ...

What better way to sign off from November than with a personal and professional commitment to make December all it can be for me. Perhaps a bit selfish, but with good reason. A mere 31 days to pull together solid progress on the books and speeches I have been chipping away at for the past few months. Time to crank up the volume and crack the proverbial whip. Time to make myself accountable to me and to anyone who wants to follow along and keep me in check. Twitter, Facebook and this blog - all vehicles for charting a course toward January, at which point the next phase will be revealed. Interesting, huh? Wish me luck!