Just when you thought there was light at the end of the tunnel with the pandemic; December looked like round 3 was about to kick in with threats of another lockdown looming.
Although, we know that there was no way that the government would do that. partly because of opposition from their own party, but mainly cause no one would do it after the ‘cheese & wine‘ scandal!
I for one would have refused. Instead, I would have used my common sense, like I have throughout, and continued on as normal.
However, the government went with Plan B, which I have no idea what it fully consists of, apart from advisory to work from home, wearing masks and covid passes.
However, this has had a drastic effect on businesses, especially hospitality.
My work cancelled our Xmas parties, which I wholeheartedly disagree with. Even though I wasn’t going to mine, the last-minute cancellation (that day) wasn’t fair on either the team members or the restaurant!
I know they didn’t make the decision lightly, but the implementation of Plan B didn’t help with the decision.
Good news though, the No.10 Xmas parties were also cancelled this year (if we are to believe), which is only fair since they had theirs last year.
So as time goes on, it’s clear that more shit will hit the fan. Poundland Trump will make sure his minions are hit with the crap before he is!
Monthly thought: No phone
While on holiday my phone was stolen.
As a self-confessed phone addict, and knowing I would have to wait weeks before I could get a replacement, how would I cope?
Would not having a phone be the end of having a life?
Fact is, no. Although, it does make life harder?
This month talking points
Birthday
If you’re a December baby, you may agree on how fucking annoying it is!
“We’re not gonna get you a birthday present. Instead, we’re gonna get you a big Xmas present.”
Fuck. Right. Off!
It annoys the fuck out of me that my birthday plays second fiddle to people. I get that it’s a busy month, and people have other plans such as work parties, but still!
This year, my friends wanted to make sure that my birthday wasn’t just a blip in December.
Instead, I got my birthday month, which has been branded Mikemas.
That banner stayed up and wasn’t allowed to be moved until December was over.
I also organised to have a boogie at Qwerk with all my friends to celebrate.
Unfortunately, Qwerk was cancelled due to power issues. So we ended up in Cockatoo Club, where I got drunk! So drunk, that when I got home I took myself to bed!
Sunday Service was also frequented that weekend. My intention was to get drunk. And drunk I did.
As I was walking home, I went to get a kebab, where I subsequently did an Only Fools & Horses and misjudged the shelf. As I went to lean on the shelf behind me, I went arse over tit and ended up flat on the floor!
I had a fantastic weekend, apart from the bust-up knee and shoulder.
Van Gogh Alive
As I kid, I used to get a fortnightly publication about art. I used to also get them about musicals and serial killers, so fuck knows what that says about my personality!
While I am not an avid fan of art, as well as a crap artist, I do have great admiration for it. And as a kid, I loved to read up on some of the classic artists. Even now, I love how modern art is fascinating to look at.
When I heard about the Van Gogh Alive Experience, I really wanted to go as his work is something I love. So the husby got me tickets for my birthday.
For those that don’t know, the alive experience is an immersive art installation, where music words and his art is projected around you.
It takes you through the life of Gogh, and how his experiences affected the way he approached his art. It’s really powerful and emotive and totally takes his art to a different level.
As you enter the space, along with the artist timeline, there is a replica of his ‘Bedroom in Arles’ which you can take pictures in.
Then, there is also a ‘shoebox room full of sunflowers, but with the magic of mirrors, it looks a lot bigger. If you want a picture you have to get it at the right time, otherwise, you really capture the conveyor belt of people.
I really enjoyed the experience and made me remember how much I really enjoyed and appreciated art. The last time I felt like that was part of one of my projects at uni.
So, I’m hoping to visit more museums and the like in the new year. I may need to find a replacement companion as it’s not 100% the husby’s cup of tea.
Xmas & New Year
As the year comes to a close, we have the compulsory xmas celebrations.
This year, we’ve made the decision we’d do the Xmas meal at home, just the two of us, like we did last year. It just felt more relaxing and we didn’t feel like we were rushing around.
We still had the in-laws round for the traditional Xmas-eve meal, which was great. The husby did good.
For Xmas day, we popped to my family for pressie swapping (especially for the wee ‘un, who wasn’t that bothered at the end of the day), and the traditional Xmas brekkie.
I also agreed to do the driving, so the husby could have a drink. Something that he doesn’t get to do. Let’s just say, he was very merry when I was driving home. TBF, he did drink a fair bit of Baileys!
The rest of Xmas day was a chilled day, just the two of us, and watching tv.
For Boxing day, we spent it with friends. Just having a good old catch up. Which was super nice and chilled.
New Year
When it comes to the new year, this is normally my time.
After missing a night out last year due to ‘rona, I was hoping that we wouldn’t this year.
Alas, that wasn’t meant to be.
Taking into account the current situ, and the fact that it would busier than normal, we decided to stay in. It was just a handful of us.
We had a good time, and that is all that matters.
However, I have explicitly stated that we are ‘out out’ for the next new year eve’s celebrations
‘Today is all about…’ photos
Discover more from Life of Mike
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
