An interesting end to an interesting year

In retrospect (which is what today is all about), 2012 was an excellent year that ended really badly.

I have a lovely family, fabulous clients and voluntary projects on the go, good friends and a home that is heading towards gorgeous.

Without the car crash of 7 November, this would probably have gone down as one of my best ever years. However, as my glass is always half-full, the accident has taught me some important life lessons about what I value.

But I wish I didn't ache all over. And I cannot WAIT until I can stop taking tablets every four hours just to attempt to function as a nearly-normal human being. Ever determined to battle through, I am having a little snooze before briefly welcoming in 2013 with friends at a local pub.

My children are so fortunate

A girl plays in a skip in Honduras. Probably, someone could take a photo in every country of the world showing a child similarly lacking in fortune. Doing the right thing is hard sometimes, but - from time to time - we can ALL help someone lacking in basic human rights.

Started my tax return ...

Well, I managed to complete it up to the point I have to actually include numbers. Because that's where the hard work begins.

There are a number of things which haven't happened in November or December because of the accident. Completing my novel is one and getting my accounts up to date is the other. I'm sure there are more, but I can't remember what they are. So, clearly not that important.

Will the tax man give me a break because I wrote-off my car and nearly myself? Unlikely. Will my publisher issue the paltry wordcount I have managed so far on the fictional side? Ditto.

The accounts have to be completed before 31 January and it probably actually won't take that long. Then the novel can be attacked with a vengeance.

New Year's Resolutions?

I've just written this blog.

However, I'm planning to make 2013 count by giving it a bit of focus. This year managed to get a bit out of control. Literally, on 7 November, when I crashed my car and could have checked out permanently. Since then, I've definitely been able to do a lot less while recovering and it's given me a lot of time for thought.

So, I don't really need to lose weight, but will start going to the gym again when my back allows.

I can't give up smoking and don't drink heavily enough for that to be a resolution.

There's a very nice man hovering on the edges of my life who might just provide all I need in terms of romance, so no dating websites for me.

Oh, and my finances don't really need much attention, although a lottery win would always help!

So, a bit of focus is on the cards for 2013. I love the things I do and I just want to do them better.

Helping the homeless

I was facing most of Christmas Day alone until I remembered the homeless lunch at Christchurch, close to me. Off I went and spent a very pleasant few hours with other people, some of whom have had a much tougher life than I.

Then I realised that this had been posted today: Crisis helped by Royal Mail.

Another heart-warming Royal Mail story

I love writing stories like this.

I am very, very lucky.

My new car. It cost exactly the same as I was given by my insurance company for the written-off Corsa. Older but fewer miles on the clock and a bigger engine. Many people warned me off the rip-off of insurance companies and urged me to be combative with them in agreeing a payout, but my experience is actually pretty good.

Although I'm really not feeling like driving, it's good to have the option again.

A fabulous (rainy) day in Paris

The train ride was bearable and the lunch gorgeous. Company? Absolutely lovely. I am extraordinarily fortunate to work with people who know how to have fun.

Kings Cross finally getting there

After months of refurbishment and chaos for travellers, there are signs of improvement, as the 1960s-built monstrosity of a frontage is finally removed to reveal the original Victorian entrance.

It will be just beautiful and I can't wait. For now, progress only visible from the top deck of a bus.

Extraordinary - Another Love from Tom Odell

Just gorgeous singing and songwriting. Tom Odell has been longlisted for the BBC Sound of 2013. Well-deserved.

The only thing to do is light a fire

The temperature is definitely dropping and this was called for after managing my first swim since the accident. Shattered now, but enjoying this.

Silver Linings

Saw a film tonight all about silver linings.

It was actually a lovely film and I realised that sometimes - just sometimes - the silver lining is right under your nose. Just saying.

Moving on

A big decision: I'm moving on and can't face rehashing the accident again. At some point, I need to write down what happened. Right now, it's enough to know that I'm alive and the Police acknowledged that I could not have done anything different and was lucky to get out relatively unscathed. Shame my no-claims bonus is probably in bits.

(nearly) a whole day at my desk

I succeeded in catching up with clients and jobs today. Shattered at the end of it.

Eleven days of confusion and pain

I am finally beginning to feel a lot better now. I intend to back-track and add photos etc for the days that things actually happened. The car crash was on 7 November and I still have a sore right hand and left ribs, but I am alive. Despite several people telling me that people don't come out of crashes like that. No broken bones and everything else will heal in time.

Tomorrow will see me start at my desk, having been unable to write or focus for more than a week. We'll see how long I last and how much I achieve. What I AM grateful for is just being here.

Photos from the garage

When they came to take away my car, this is what the garage found.

As reported on The Comet online

This is the first several people knew about my accident.

Street art

Fantastic piece of work from Steve - commissioned by Southwark council right behind Tate Modern.

Three short plays at the Queen Mother Theatre

Big Spirit always puts on a good performance, and tonight was no exception. Three short plays featuring young people aged 15 to 19 showed acting and directing skills at their finest. Exceptionally well rehearsed and performed as usual.

Live music and a bit of history

Last night was a clash of musical loves.

I managed to get down to see a few bands at Club 85 - a great little venue in Hitchin. Bumped into a few friends, as well, which is always good.

However, whilst there, I suddenly received a deluge of texts and tweets about the Weller documentary being shown on BBC 4. Snippets of me from 1983 and 1984 showed just how appalling my 'dancing' was. A nice blast from the past, though.

Which all just serves to remind me that music is music, whether it's live, recorded or on TV. I'm so lucky to have had that experience of playing in The Style Council and thank PW for giving me that opportunity. Good times and some GREAT music.

November sunshine

One of the best things about working in AB's offices is the morning walk past Tate Modern. Tracing its changes over the last 12 months is amazing. Especially on a sunny November morning like this.

A new tool

Must take a photo. New wallpaper stripping device. Doesn't take much to make me happy.

November is never a good month for me

I love the run-up to Christmas, but November has never brought me good things. Maybe that's just my perception, but I've had several of my failed relationships that finally gave up the ghost in November. And jobs, too.

I wonder if it's just chance or if there's something going on?

Last year I attempted National Novelwriting Month and failed dismally. Don't even know where my pathetic attempts are.

This year is going to be different. I'm going to crack through the 50,000 words I need to finish my novel that has been going stale. Well, let's see how far I get ...

Feeling a little sad

I have just realised that my stint with The Iconics lasted almost exactly four months. Such a shame and it makes me sad.

Moving on. I'm sure there is something else on the horizon.

A very pleasant evening

I wish I wrote poetry.

My soul is bursting with words

Last night was sublime.

It was the night that

Defines the word 'sublime'.

Exhausted

Definitely over-did it yesterday. Mostly napping today. But then an interesting evening is a possibility.

Decorating

Wallpaper stripping and carpet throwing out. Feels very positive.

Perfect preparation presents poor performance

Had a very interesting interview today with a Swede. Followed by four hours hitting the keyboard and producing lots of articles. Not getting near the bottom of the 'To Do' list, but at least life is never dull.

I'm writing a sitcom!

This is quite an exciting development. I'm now working with a very good friend and we're well into the conception of a sitcom. It will probably take months to actually write and perfect, but it's a good project to be starting on.

Snapped!

Here, FINALLY, is my photo of James Berry, snapped this morning in Henley on Thames. It's going to make a great story and I've also got some pics from 1966 when he won the Blue Peter/GPO Christmas Stamp competition.

No classification for 'freelance writer' on Yell

I'm sure I'm not the only freelance writer in the world. Or even in Hitchin. Had an interesting discussion with a salesman from Yell who was trying to put me into all sorts of classifications that were frankly ridiculous. No, I won't be paying to advertise.

Hitchin Priory never used to be like this

My memories of Hitchin Priory range back over 40 years and it never looked like this when I first spent time there. One day, I'm going to sleep in the best bedroom as a guest and remember being on my first French exchange trip.

You ain't seen nothing yet!

A French film. Interesting and thought-provoking. Aren't they all? Nevertheless, some interesting questions posed about ageing and it's true - you ain't seen NOTHING yet!

My first Saturday for a long time without a gig

Feels very strange.

Hard at work

That is all.

Manchester is awesome!

What larks! Actually, a very interesting day at MediaCityUK with Florence and then a good night at the theatre.

The delights of Chelmsford

Interviewing men and women who keep our post offices running smoothly. Lovely job.

Stood up!

Haven't been stood up for years. That's the end of online dating for me!

It's a new day

'The Quartet' is a beautiful film and Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut. certainly one for an Oscar nomination, if nothing else. A lovely evening with a good friend and exactly what I needed. Even snapping Hoffman from six inches away made me feel like a lit bit of stardust fell onto my shoulders.

... which resulted in me leaving The Iconics

I'm not going to dwell on it, but there's a time and a place. There's also an opportunity for people to stand up and be counted against bullying they perceive of other people. May I never stand silent.

A somewhat upsetting day

It's never good to hear criticism and I now know what online bullying looks like.

Some good work done today

I interviewed people, wrote articles and created educational material about smell. Productive.

Just in time for a gig in Letchworth at the Two Chimneys with The Iconics.

An evening at BAFTA

This is a complete cheat. I've never met Tim McInerney, but tonight I was present when Paul Arnold (right) won a Jerusalem award for his Easter ad that was the reason for this photo being taken. Spurious link, I know, but a proud moment to be on the periphery of.

I have to confess ...

Jazz FM is doing it for me today. 'I get a kick out of you', the Jamie Cullum version. Lyrics absolutely spot on.

My story is much too sad to be told, But practically everything leaves me totally cold. The exception I know is the case When I'm out on a quiet spree, Fighting vainly the old ennui, And I suddenly turn and see your fabulous face. I get no kick from champagne. Mere alcohol doesn't thrill me at all. So tell me why should it be true That I get a kick out of you? Some, they may go for cocaine. I'm sure that if I took even one sniff It would bore me terrifically, too. Yet I get a kick out of you. I get a kick every time I see You standing there before me. I get a kick though it's clear to see You obviously do not adore me. I get no kick in a plane. Flying too high with some gal in the sky Is my idea of nothing to do. Yet I get a kick - um you give me a boot - I get a kick out of you.

Yesterday. Meeting Paolo ... again

Always a pleasure to meet up with Mr Hewitt. Especially when he has THREE books out.

The view from here

Amazing how quickly the landscape can change.

Lazy day

Actually, achieved very little. Perhaps we all need days like this.

Possibly the worst picture ever taken

I was looking good, too. Not that you'd know it.

A blast from the past in Ashford

Caught up with one of my biggest clients today and saw some familiar faces from the past. Very pleasant.

Plenty to do

Motivation is a tricky thing, when your mind is elsewhere.

Drive. Interview. Drive

Sheffield mail centre - full of good people.

'Never gonna happen'

Best line from a funny and touching film. Saw 'Hope Springs' with work this evening and loved it.

Researching is a tough job

Scoping out Murdock of London for Thursday's Royal Mail Movember job.

A pig of a drive home

Had a terrible night's sleep and then drove Florence to Bristol to catch her coach before heading home. Exhausted.

A lovely day

One of the most beautiful weddings and most enjoyable receptions I have ever been to. Congratulations to Russ and Lisa.

Building? What building?

A day trip to Kent

A swanky opening at the new Royal Mail mail centre today. Nice lunch too.

Emma Kennedy - celebrity masterchef and good egg

What a lovely woman. Funny, too. Sometimes, my job is just a joy.

Burrs really disappearing

A grey day in London town

A night with good friends

A really lovely evening yesterday. Seen here with Iain and his girlfriend Karlynn.

Not usually so girly, but loving my new dress.

An inspirational evening

Great party for Bax's 50th at the 100 Club in Oxford Street.

More importantly, I met Ian Snowball properly, having interviewed him a couple of weeks ago. Meeting him properly, I was totally inspired to get my novel finished and now have a target. On it!

A little bit of history going

The new view from my window. Wish they'd lose the Esso sign!

Nice guys. Surprisingly so

It's surprising how prejudiced you (I) can be without realising it. I was expecting second-hand car dealers but these guys are far from that. Impressive operation and a delightful interview.

A free haircut - sort of

Did some work today as a Secret Shopper. It was very strange. I felt as if I was lying to the poor girl who was cutting my hair. I had no intention of betraying my usual hairdresser, for whom I have a lot of loyalty. After all, he is fighting a tough battle every six weeks.

Should I worry that I'm liking Plan B?

I'm looking forward to seeing the new Sweeney movie. Here's my blog about Plan B. That's not really a non-sequitur.

Radio interview at stupid o'clock

I LOVED doing this interview. Iain Lee is so easy to talk to.

Listen at one hour, 22 minutes

... Which then brought me to this:

'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.'

Saw this and had to find out more

It's amazing the things you can see for the first time that are fascinating.

Reading more about this, I totally get it.

It's been too quiet ...

For a while, I've had plenty to say and no words to actually express it. My life is changing in strange ways and I'm enjoying it.

Sometimes it's amazing how much difference a change of attitude can make to life.

An amazing night

The Olympic Stadium is something to behold. Sat right behind the flame.

I still love Tate Modern

Sent Freddie off to Edinburgh this morning.

Bereft.

Great burrito before a great gig.

I wanted to post an actual picture of the actual burrito, but it smelled so good I couldn't wait to eat it. Sorry!

The lovely team at Hitchin delivery office say goodbye

A slow day

hmmm ....

A gorgeous day

Did I go too far?

A friend I saw last night was very critical of Rhythms of the World and I may have been rude to her. Whoops!

Busier and busier

So much happening. Need to back-track and play catch-up today.

I was surprised how much I enjoyed the Olympics closing ceremony. I wrote this review while it was happening.

An afternoon in Cheshunt with The Iconics

Barbecue and new friends

Spent the evening with Mike and Sarah and ended up at the Herm. Very pleasant.

AQA consider my marking 'sound and reliable'

No longer a teacher, but apparently still able to mark exam papers effectively.

Rhythms of the World debrief

I always panic that debriefs will result in me being roundly criticised, but the feedback on Rhythms of the World this year and my role in it was positive, so I'm happy.

Met a man. A nice man?

The jury is still out, but Dougie is cute and pleasant company. We'll see.

Another day at AB

My friends and colleagues at AB really are jolly nice people. I consider myself fortunate that they have continued to use my freelance services for nearly a year.

Just saying.

Old friends

This afternoon, I had a cuppa with a friend I've known for a very long time. Specifically, her mum taught me piano when I was 11. She was lovely and her daughter - Roz - is lovely now. Funnily enough, Roz's son Joe is one of Florence's best friends so it's only right that we should be friends.

'Outside Bet' - second viewing and it gets better

Such a lovely day in Brighton. Screening of 'Outside Bet', based on the book co-written by Mark Baxter (being cuddled here) and Paolo Hewitt, followed by drinks and then dinner with Amanda and Florence. All in all, a good day.

Interviews conducted for the purposes of blogging. More of which to follow.

Iain Farrington - straight man to Rowan Atkinson

This was a great blog to interview and write.

A productive day

My final job of this productive day was an interview with the very interesting Iain, a pianist who happens to live in Hitchin.

Tom Hardy transformed as Bane

There was something deeply disturbing about Tom Hardy's portrayal of villain Bane in 'The Dark Knight Rises', which I saw last night.

At one point, I was very close to getting up and walking out of the cinema.

I think it was the fact that his face was largely covered by a mask and his eyes seemed to contain no humanity. Of course, there's a point later in the film where his eyes convey everything. It was a deeply disturbing transformation of a very good looking young man into a demon. Great acting, too.

On-call and ready

First of the month - a few hours on call as a Community First Responder. Doing my bit.

Cutbacks reducing cut-backs

Presumably cutbacks are responsible for the trees and bushes obscuring the fairly important No Entry signs at the exit to the Queen Mother Theatre car park.

I've seen a couple of people drive in and narrowly escape accidents. Wonder how long it'll be before there's no escape.

I tweeted this picture to Herts Highways, but who knows if it'll make any difference. There's probably some silly problem like the road being owned by them and the car park by North Herts District Council and the trees growing one side but obscuring the other and neither one is taking responsibility. Heaven forbid that someone should just go out with a pair of loppers and tidy it up.

Beauty beneath Blackfriars Bridge

I love what you can see when you look up and around.

Someone has considered this view, as people walk along the South Bank between Tate Modern and the OXO building. It's quite, quite beautiful and I was so pleased that I'd taken the trouble to look upwards.

Cambridge Folk Festival - better than expected

Ruthie Foster, performing live on stage 1 at this weekend's Cambridge Folk Festival. She was certainly one of the highlights for me, although I also liked Joan Armatrading (what's not to like?)

Proud of my boy (but wish he wasn't a drummer!)

Freddie (centre, with the hat), playing drums at the final concert for his music camp. Cleo Laine was in the audience.

Another 'Rhythms of the World Presents' gigs