Rant number 366
Bloody hell. That was a long time coming. I've been thinking of and fantasising about writing those words for quite some time now and the stupid thing is now, that I almost feel a little sad to be writing the last one.
There has been plenty to write about in 2012, personally and in the media. To put it frankly - it was a bit of a annus horribilis.
This year I had many new experiences. I was burgled, had a small car accident (killing my first animal (a sheep) in the process) and lost my keys (a very costly error.) In the news, there was injustice and misery, green on blue attacks, massacres, perversity and many more bad things.
On the other hand, I had a great year of banding with some really brilliant friends, I spent some time with my friends, my wonderful wife and made new ones. I watched some great movies and some that sucked royally.
So if I look back on the optimism I felt at this time last year, I cannot either chastise or sympathise with the me then. I had a hard year in 2011 for different reasons and felt that 2012 was going to be my year. It wasn't though evidently.
On reflection, a year is just an arbitrary measure of the years cycle and there isn't any magic to it. This year wasn't mine - and doubtless next year will have its own moments of pain, anguish, joy, mirth and unadulterated fun.
I say fuck this year for its pain, but thank it for its joy. On balance, I will make my own luck, I expect nothing from 2013 but all it can throw at me.
To all of you have read a few, some, most or even all of our rants, I thank you for sharing this experience with me. I hope that I've amused you, entertained you and also - If you needed it, I've let you know you aren't alone in irritation, anger or hurt.
You will be glad to hear I'm going to carry on blogging - and rants will be included. They won't be the only attraction however, so I hope you enjoy what I have to say on other topics.
I think that about wraps it up then. Thanks again for reading.
And, if you will indulge me the slight bastardisation on this occasion.
Rants over.
Showing posts with label new year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new year. Show all posts
Monday, 31 December 2012
Monday, 2 January 2012
Rant 1 - 1/1/12 Subject: New years resolutions
And so it begins ladies and gentleman.
Rant number 1
I've chosen something topical to begin with, something close to everyones hearts, New Years bloody resolutions.
The idea of a resolution - a plan to make a change, a renaissance or to improve yourself - is always something that I salute. That side of it is just fine.
All of us can and most probably should improve ourselves in some way, whether its to eat a little less, get a little fitter or give something negative up like smoking or drinking.
My problem with the whole thing is the 'new year' part, which excuses us from taking action as and when the thought takes us!
This blog for instance, has been my intended new years resolution for no less than 3 consecutive years.
It is only this year however that I have got to this stage - actually putting pen to paper figuratively.
'So why didn't I do it before?' I hear you cry
Simple - I got to a couple of days past new year and thought 'I've left it a little late now haven't I, it would seem odd to start at this arbitrary day, I'll start again next year.'
For me that's fine, not writing this blog will not have any particular physical ill effects (other than the minor risk of anger overload by not venting these angry thoughts.) But for someone planning to make a genuine change to their lives, the result of procrastinating year on year, could be catastrophic.
The other thing that really gets my goat about these bloody resolutions is that barely any of us stick to them do we!?
As such, something that should be a positive and life affecting change, becomes a joke.
Gym memberships skyrocket at this time, and for 2, maybe 3 weeks - those who have purchased them diligently attend the gym, boasting to their friends, colleagues, neighbors and anyone who will listen about how 'fit and youthful' they feel as a result.
Then things begin to slip: 'I would go' thinks our example person, 'but that show I quite like is on this evening.' Or simply 'I've had a long day at work, I'll go tomorrow'
And tomorrow, as they say - never comes
The problem you see, is that there is no magic to new year. None at all. Its just another day (with the notable acceptation that we don't generally have to work on it, I will admit.)
As such, by waiting until the 1st of the year, you are merely practicing procrastination, and - as such merely increasing the chance that you will abandon your life affecting resolution, leaving it until another 'magic' 1st of the 1st comes along.
Those who give up cigarettes, booze, swearing or fried food should want to give it up and do it. The date is irrelevant.
And that my friends is why I do not approve of new years resolutions.
Rant over.
Rant number 1
I've chosen something topical to begin with, something close to everyones hearts, New Years bloody resolutions.
The idea of a resolution - a plan to make a change, a renaissance or to improve yourself - is always something that I salute. That side of it is just fine.
All of us can and most probably should improve ourselves in some way, whether its to eat a little less, get a little fitter or give something negative up like smoking or drinking.
My problem with the whole thing is the 'new year' part, which excuses us from taking action as and when the thought takes us!
This blog for instance, has been my intended new years resolution for no less than 3 consecutive years.
It is only this year however that I have got to this stage - actually putting pen to paper figuratively.
'So why didn't I do it before?' I hear you cry
Simple - I got to a couple of days past new year and thought 'I've left it a little late now haven't I, it would seem odd to start at this arbitrary day, I'll start again next year.'
For me that's fine, not writing this blog will not have any particular physical ill effects (other than the minor risk of anger overload by not venting these angry thoughts.) But for someone planning to make a genuine change to their lives, the result of procrastinating year on year, could be catastrophic.
The other thing that really gets my goat about these bloody resolutions is that barely any of us stick to them do we!?
As such, something that should be a positive and life affecting change, becomes a joke.
Gym memberships skyrocket at this time, and for 2, maybe 3 weeks - those who have purchased them diligently attend the gym, boasting to their friends, colleagues, neighbors and anyone who will listen about how 'fit and youthful' they feel as a result.
Then things begin to slip: 'I would go' thinks our example person, 'but that show I quite like is on this evening.' Or simply 'I've had a long day at work, I'll go tomorrow'
And tomorrow, as they say - never comes
The problem you see, is that there is no magic to new year. None at all. Its just another day (with the notable acceptation that we don't generally have to work on it, I will admit.)
As such, by waiting until the 1st of the year, you are merely practicing procrastination, and - as such merely increasing the chance that you will abandon your life affecting resolution, leaving it until another 'magic' 1st of the 1st comes along.
Those who give up cigarettes, booze, swearing or fried food should want to give it up and do it. The date is irrelevant.
And that my friends is why I do not approve of new years resolutions.
Rant over.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)