Friday 18 May 2007

The state of the nation

I'm in a reflective mood for a Friday.

Buoyed by the excellent round of golf I played yesterday (second best ever - I went in to thank the pro for his help afterwards as I know it was his advice that made a huge difference) I was on a bit of a high yesterday as I got home. Big mistake. Pride comes before a fall and boy did I fall a long way. I won't go into the details except to say that my reflection on it this morning has mellowed my reaction somewhat and I understand what happened. Suffice to say that my dream/ideal job that I mentioned yesterday turned out to be a giant bubble, burst with a very loud bang within an instant of starting to discuss it.

Every now and then I do a piece of reflection that I call 'the state of the nation' - named after the President of the US's speech he does every year, except my nation is the Moose nation. A birthday is as good a time as any to do this, although New Year also lends itself quite well. Basically I do a quick review of my life, the various roles I play (eg husband, father, work etc) and how I'm doing and feeling in each of them. I plan to do that today but I have a sense of foreboding that it ain't pretty. Nothing new comes up in the review, nothing that I don't know already, so the feeling in the pit of my stomach beforehand is quite a good prediction of the more formal review result still to come. There is of course the possibility that the blue mist has descended and that the gut feeling comes more from that than from the real objective assessment of my life. I'm going to keep holding out for that small shred of hope for as long as I can.

This will be my last post before I go over the hill. I hope to see you all safe and well on the other side, as what is hopefully the second half of my life begins on Sunday...I would like to invite you all to a virtual glass-raising at 8.30pm on Sunday evening with the beverage of your choice. The one area of my life that has improved dramatically during the 40th year of my life is that I have gained a group of friends that have become very important to me...cheers to all of you!

43 comments:

Jo said...

Moose - when you do you review please don't forget than you play a BIG role in our lives as Blogmeister, and from my point of view you always excel (other spreadsheet programmes that confuzzle people are available) at that role - I guess we are indebted to you too for providing a little haven far from the madding crowds where we can converse without fear of reprisal, so hats off to you Mr Moose - may your antlers grow long and be covered in the finest velvet, and may you not be too hard on yourself.

Love ya
:o) Jo

Anonymous said...

Moose, Can I say to you - in making your assessment - please be kind. I think sometimes you are very hard on yourself.

We can only do our best. I like to think I am a good wife and mother, but in the dark hour of 3am, if I start to analyse things, I see things about me I do not like at all.

Sorry the job possibility died a death. Easy for me to say, but these things happen, and it's the pits. You can only move on to the next thing, and all I will say is everything happens for a reason! (Will we ever find out what that reason is?!).

I will be there with you on Sunday at 8.30pm. Thank you for the invitation. Mr S may be puzzled as to why we are having champange while watching Heartbeat, but I'll put it down to my early menopause!

Moose, have a wonderful birthday, life really IS just beginning!

C xx

Anonymous said...

Moose - Thank you for the past few months of blogging and allowing all of our virtual friendships to continue. Without you this couldn't have happened.

We enjoy your company and so on your review please count us all as a huge thumbs up and do not be too hard on yourself.

I am 8 months into my 41st year and it's not half bad! I will be raising a cuppa to you at 8.30 on Sunday and wish you the best of best things for your 40th Birthday!

{{{{Moose}}}}

Love to y'all!

Amanda x

Anonymous said...

A last post for you Moose...

Day is done
Gone the sun
From the trees, from the hills, from the sky,
All is well
Safely rest
God is nigh

When I was in the Brownies, we used to sing this, all stood around a toadstool and saluting Brown Owl...

Anyhoo, on that note, if you were standing in front of me right now A, I think we'd both be rather surprised and B, I'd like to shake you A, by the hand and say a big thank you for the part of your 40th year which you have shared with me...for the insights, for the trials, the tribulations, the friendship etc etc etc anna, and B, by the throat and say LOOK AT ALL YOU HAVE ACHIEVED! You've written a book for crying out loud. I've barely written a shopping list. You've been a humorous, friendly, non-judging, heart-lifting, caring, sharing Moose...

I was going to list a few bits and pieces for you, but I'm sure you are more than capable of remembering everything you have done or overcome in the past few months, let alone the past year.

Now I am sounding like my mother again. In a minute I shall call upstairs, trying to beckon you with your FULL NAME AND TITLE, and you won't come out of your bedroom A, because you're pretending you can't hear and B, because you know you're about to be told off.

Love you Moose, Happy Birthday for Sunday, and I'll shall be having something strictly non-virtual at 8.30pm in a big CHEERS...

God bless you, and all who sail in you
love
hazel
x

Jo said...

Yeah - what she ^^^ said
:o) Jo

Moose said...

Thank you all for your input to my 'state of the nation' address. I will ensure that your feedback is included to provide a balanced view of things. I appreciate it.

And if anyone can help me to recover the last 30 minutes work on it that I've just lost, I'd really appreciate that too. Off to make a coffee and kick a dog...Bill Gates' dog if possible!

Anonymous said...

Moose - I agree with all of the above. We all enjoy sharing your corner of the web and wouldn't be here if we didn't. You're a grea host and we love you! Sometimes you do seem very hard on yourself - take it easy man and chill a bit.

Hitting 40 is a turning point, but it does't have to be a downwards turn. Admittedly dying my hair blonde on my 40th was a BIG mistake, but since then life's been good ...

Happy birthday & cheers to you!

PS It was so bad I dyed it back to normal the following day.

Jo said...

Analog - I died my hair purple aged 18 1/2 - I loved it, as did my mum, unfortunately I was a grumpy mare at that time so no photo's were ever taken.....When it started to fade a bit it was a rather delicate shade of Lilac, ace!

:o) Jo

Dr Joseph McCrumble said...

Cheers Moose!

Did you get the emai from my marketing manager?

J McC

Anonymous said...

Moose, have just found this, courtesy of J McC and Binty McShae

http://www.marriedtothesea.com/051507/take-a-closer-look.gif

love
hazel
x

Moose said...

State of the nation done. While the result may not be that great I have to thank you for helping me make sure it was balanced and not too negative. I leave the exercise really psyched up to get on with the plans I have come up with to build on or fix the areas that are bothering me.

And Hazel, thanks for the pic. Ultimately you hit the nail on the head, as you often do. It's OK.

Jo said...

I have just learnt a worthwhile lesson....

However hard you try there is NO dignified way to eat a Double Dip.

:o) Jo

PS Moose - This particular Moose has his balance just right in my opinion http://www.lindamoran.net/images/moose.jpg

Anonymous said...

Jo is that the moose equivalent of having a chip on each shoulder?

Jo said...

Try this one for a guilt trip!

http://ldc.upenn.edu/myl/llog/LolCatsEatedIt.jpg

Anonymous said...

I saw a Moose
Where?
There on the stairs
Where on the stairs?
Right there
A little Moose with hooves on
Well, I declare
going
clip-clippety-clop
on the stairs
Right there

Happy Birthday Moose
See you on the dark side
love
hazel
x

ps now all you have to work out is whether you can afford a bimbo AND a ferrari...

Anonymous said...

Moose

Firstly.

I've been wayward of late. I know that. The virtual police blocking me from here during the day (I think the 'muff' did it) was a real blow and my 'fragile' mental state has prevented me from mustering the energy to input anything meaningful here in the evenings.

I've remained loyal to CLP, but not the Moose.

And I offer my apologies.

Anyway.

Next week, ironically, I am in Cheshunt during the day (having another chip fitted). But, the Gatwick OAMC is on as far as I'm concerned. Keep us posted.

More importantly.

Have a fine birthday, my virtual friend.

You really have inspired me to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) and try to extract what I know is in there.

And I thank you for that.

I'll raise a glass on Sunday to you.

Best wishes

Matt.

PS I wish everyone a top weekend. At 9.00 tomorrow evening lets say a quiet 'cheers' to us, wherever we are.

Anonymous said...

Hello All,

Not been great lately - having a bit of a 'state of the nation' with myself - quietly, in a corner...

"Moose has been an inspritaional leader, who has enouraged me to be less introverted in the last few months and has been directly redsponsible for me writing again" - hope that helps with the review honey!

On a good note - a neighbour a few doors down came and did my garden today - he offered and didn't want paying afterwards! 1. How unusual. 2. How lovely?!!

Happy Birthday Moose - not sure I'll be darn sarf on Wednesday - but I'll certainly raise a glass to you an the other bloggers!

Righty, I'm orrfff, to do what, I'm not sure, but something....

S xx.

Anonymous said...

Hey Moose

I concur with all above

Happy Birthday for Sunday, I'll be raising a wee pint o baileys (other irish whiskey based cream liquers are available)at 8.30 pm on Sunday.

From 40 it does get better (honestly)

You can't imagine what this little group has done for me personally, and you, Moose, have been the catalyst as always, for this great gathering of virtual friends.
We may never meet in person, but without being stalkerish in any way, you are all in my heart.
Cheers Moose (et al)

Love
Caroline x

Anonymous said...

firstly, Sammie, are you drunk? Just wondered...it's Friday afer all!

I'm back from having a lovely evening with my friends, and the boy wasn't working tonight after all, and decided to wait up. The crazy fool!

A drink tomorrow...Saturday evening Matt? Can do. Will also do on Sunday at 8.30pm as per Moose instructions.

Anyhoo, MfR, good luck the reds and see you on Wednesday...
love
hazel
x

time for bed said zebedee
boing

Anonymous said...

Morning moose, I am sat here in my friends spare bed, in London, skiving off my lie in as the mum clock has kicked in and woken me up. The man cub and him in doors are at home and i am away for the weekend. all very strange...hence the 07.56am message!

Anyway, Moose - I know you have stated your ntaion but for what it is worth, i wanted to concur with the statements of my fellow blogging pals. As i have said before, and no doubt will again - Moose, I'm loving your work.

I will toast on Sunday, a very happy birthday to a very lovely moose.

xx

PS I believe that bill gate's dog has already been got by mr apple mac's. Because mr Mac's dog is so much 'arder than mr gates dog and he'd 'ave him any day...not to mention he is better looking...

lyndyloo said...

After a very quiet day of not blogging yesterday due to an afternoon in the company of a wonderful ex rugby ledgend ending up with him giving me a Tigers shirt which has been signed by all the players for me to wear on Sunday (God I love my job!). I find that I have something further to celebrate on Sunday. Moose I will raise a glass to you earlier rather than later as if (as I hope so very much they do) my Tigers boys win the Heinekin cup on Sunday afternoon I'm not sure that I'll be in a fit state to make it at the 9pm cheers but make sure you have a super day and know that as one of your virtual friends I'll be celebrating with you.

Luv
Lyndyloo
& the Bears
-x-x-x-

Moose said...

Excellent. Wednesday is ON. We have reached critical mass!!! Anna - tempted to stay down til then? Go on!

Matt - no need to apologise. There is no compunction here. New friends are welcome, regulars are welcome, infrequent friends are welcome, returning friends are welcome and lurkers are welcome. My confession is that my loyalty to CLP, even as a lurker and a listener has waned dramatically in the recent past. Oh well...

The mooselets colour fetish when it comes to sport has led to another split loyalty day in the Moose hoose today. #1 is a red fan and #2 a blue fan (both small letters not capitals but the result is loyalty to Red team and Blue team respectively). As for me I'm surprised to admit that I couldn't care less. I suppose vicarious loyalties would also be split between Dissing Dave and Hazel's boy. However, as a Rangers fan (QP not Glasgow) it is hard to support Chelsea, and as a non-Man Utd fan it's hard to support them.

Tomorrows rugby is slightly easier as vicariously only Leicester get a shout on here...although thinking about it Wasps do play in the Cornish black and gold hoops...and I seem to remember them playing at Loftus Road for a while???

No wonder I'm giving up being too bothered about sport - it's all just too hard.

Oh and talking of Wednesday, I looked up pubs and there is a landside pub in Gatwick's South terminal called the Village Inn. Unless there are any better suggestions, let's go for meeting there...

And Caroline...I seem to remember the promise of an end of July OAMC in St Ives...don't think you can get away with never meeting up!

Bimbo/Ferrari? Not sure I ever wanted either...but if I have to choose...do Ferrari make motorbikes?

Anonymous said...

Hey Moose,

Happy birthday for Sunday. I will really try to join in and raise a virtual glass with you and the bloggers.

I am pleased the golf is going well. I understand the frustrations of mastering the art! I have not played for a couple of years due to illness however I still fondly remember my best round ever far more vividly than my worst. I was once level par through the first 8 holes only to drop 7 shots before I headed for the 19th for a pint or two ;-)

Whilst I am on the subject of sport I feel this is a good time to mention where my allegiance lies of the football front as I am a delighted season ticket holder at Yeovil Town. I have just ordered my tickets for Wembley next Sunday.

I just watched the FA cup and was not impressed. I am not a fan of either team but I cannot help thinking they are paid an awful lot of money for not a lot of effort. I guess the best team won on the day.

I am sorry to say I am unable to make it on Wednesday. I am still having a bit of a hard time with the doctors and I am at the hospital again on Wednesday (not for the first time I hear you cry!).

This blog has been really important to me. Even whilst I am lurking the humour on this site has helped keep me going. I do wish I had the time and concentration to contribute as I used to. Moose you should be very proud of what you have brought together on your blog. You are all a very fine bunch of virtual friends I am honoured to be associated with.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Keith the BigUn
xx

Anonymous said...

Evening All,

HL - I wasn't drunk at the time, but I was later...

Back from a Greek night with ma, pa, sis, et al and had a thoroughly good time. Have had a taste of the fine stuff and debating whether or not to go buy some more!

Lindyloo - GO TIGERS!!!!

Keith - the FA Cup Final was booooooooooring to say the least today - I fell aslep after the first 30 mins and woke up for the last 20. Says a lot, don't you think?

Have a dilemma tonight about teenage boys and girls... some boys came to see my daughter (they have cars (BMW's no less!)and live 30+ miles away) and have been drinking. They want to stay the night here. Ho hum - don't expect I'll be sleeping much tonight then....

Sometimes, I don't want to be a mum - far better to be the nutty auntie...

Love all,

S xx.

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear moooose
Happy birthday to you
Hip hip hooray hip hip hooray hip hip hooray

Have a great birthday Moose
I will be there at 8.30.....

Keith - thinking of you, lots of love and positive thoughts for Wednesday. {{{{{{hugs}}}}}}

Mary xx

jollygit said...

Hip hip hooray
It's Moose's birthday!!!!

A very happy birthday to you Moose, my darling and I hope you have a wonderful day.

I now have access to a pooter at my temporary place of work so am in a position to bore you all rigid with what's been happening to me and mine, but today is your day, so I'll catch up with everyone tomorrow.

The sun is shining so polish your antlers Moose and enjoy YOUR day!!!!

Lots of love, jollygit xxxx

jollygit said...

I meant to add that I would like to thank you again for allowing this little community of ours to be able to let our thoughts and feelings roam free ...... it's a sort of care in the community service that you provide!

Many thanks from a grateful blogger and I will be raising a glass to you this evening!

jollygit xx

Anonymous said...

Moose - Happy Birthday.....

I feel guilty..........for I have been wayward too..........I have seen very little of my pc - but, occasionally, I have contributed to CE and not to Moose...........why? I remember MfR using the term 'blind loyalty' in a similar context. Maybe I feel that without CE, I wouldn't know you all. Maybe it is that too often I can't come on and 'tune-in' to you all - but somehow between the hours of 5pm and 7pm each day there will be at least a few minutes when I listen to CE - he does lift me -as you all do - but I just can't get on here that much.

Anyway the best news is that you weren't too hard on yourself in your assessment........I would love to know the secret : )

Anna - thanks for the mention next door - couldn't believe it when I saw my name!!! - those were the days when we all were permitted to mention each other!!!!

Footie - IMO, it was a goal (Giggsie) as there was no foul given against Petr Cech (sp?).

Loving all your work

Thanks for all the lovely memories Moose - would love to join in this evening. Will a letter re absence from Matron gain access?............

laters

Gaby

Anonymous said...

I just thought I would unscrew and un-cork to allow the wine to breathe.........

Gaby
x

Anonymous said...

oh no!!! el vino seems to be evaporating!!!


I blame the government.....

Gaby

Anonymous said...

Moose,

Happy, happy birthday!!

I've been thinking about you today and I hope you have had a great day.

Just settling down to watch Heartbeat (yes, I know, not everyone's cup of tea!) and will toast your birthday in half an hour.

Cheers!!

Cxx

Anonymous said...

Many happy wotsits Moosemeister!

May your glass never be emptied, and your bladder never need to be!

Gutted about the FArce Cup Final, but then once again the real Man U failed to turn up! Agree with Gaby about the Giggsy goal though.

Lyndyloo, I honestly don't know but how did the Tigers get on?

A new week coming, a short one in work days for me, but 7 days work to get into four. Ho hum, I fear the gym may be missed this week. Still I catch up with mi famillia next weekend, so all things rosy!!!

How many days to Christmas?

DD out

Anonymous said...

Oh dear, just Yahoo'd the Heineken Cup result, Sorry Lyndyloo!!!

DD out

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Moose

No baileys (finished that off yesterday night) So a pint of gin and tonic instead. I have just stopped off from ironing and awards show to raise my glass.
Mr C, with villinous laugh says Happy Birthday too, Ha Ha ha so i'm not drinking alone -
we're well up for St ives end july, so flattered you remembered.
Anyway, cheers Moose, and mmany happy returns virtual buddy.
Love Caroline

Anonymous said...

Here's a toast to the Moose Meister.......congratulations Moose - hope you have had a great day.

Cheers to one and cheers to all...

Gaby
xx

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!

I am raising a glass of red in your honour!

Keith the BIgUn.

Anonymous said...

Cheers Moose - hope you are have a great birthday :o)

Mary xx

Moose said...

Thanks all.

Have had a great day. A baptism at church this morning, then a quick slice of a delish Thorntons cake, a day out at the local country estate with a Redcoats re-enactment, and a meal out in Cambridge with Mrs Moose and the mooselets. I forgot all about calorie counting and enjoyed a good meal. Steak and chips for me please! And my favourite cheese and a double espresso to finish. I had a glass of red to wash it down and was planning to crack the champagne the Moose muvva provided this evening. But the belly is a little full so I think it will be a quick schnapps type short to aid the digestion instead. Just sat down after getting the mooselets to bed a little late for the second day on the trot. We were out at the seaside yesterday.

Sorry DD and Lyndyloo on the sporting results. And I'm afraid that I don't think it should have been given as a goal. Not only does the whole of the ball need to be over the line but the officials need to be able to see that it is and the benefit of the doubt needs to go to the defensive side.

In some ways nice to share the trophies around though - League to Man U, FA Cup to Chelsea, Champions League to AC Milan...

Thanks for the toast even though I'm not hungry.
Cheers, clink!

Anonymous said...

hope you had a good day yesterday Moose. Raised/rose/rais-ed a glass to you last night! x

Sadly the pull of my mancub was slightly stronger than that of the OAMC, tho it was a close call of course, and i came home, so cant do wednesday - other than in/with spirit!

Will also miss the st ives one as am there the month before, end of June/beg of july. Boo.

Saw Les Mis in LOndon on Saturday, blarted my eyes out. Brilliant.

Have a happy week all, and gaby - its nice to see you.

xx

PS boo to the rugby, two will have to do! May see you there next season Lyndyloo - him in doors is threatening a family season ticket. Well it would be rude not to!

lyndyloo said...

Morning all!

:(( Shame about my boys yesterday but the great thing about a day out to the Rugby is that the result can't actually spoil a great day out. We had an executive coach, lots of lovely food, plenty of champagne and a big Tualagi banner so we still had fun. My head's a bit sore this morning though. Will pop by later on....

HB for yesterday Moose, glad you had a fab day too.

Luv
Lyndyloo
-x-x-x-

Anonymous said...

Glad you had a spiffy weekend Moose!

I had a 'cocacola only' toast to you last eve, and for the life of me can't think why...spesh as at the moment, we do have a bottle of Mr Daniel's finest No7 stashed in the cupboard...

I also had a very strange dream about Cavaliers...during which I shouted something like 'CUMMMONNNNN EEEEEUUUUUUW CAVALEEEEEEEAHZAAAA!!!'. Again I have no idea. Perhaps you were there?

Anyhoo, tis a brand new clean shiny week, and the Village Inn is probably as good as any other. The closest town is Horley, and while there are a couple of half-decent pubs there, it's all six of one...

Later my honey chopped friends
love
hazel
x


Ps lyndyloo, I'm sorry the Tigers didn't win...I was looking for you in the crowd because I for some reason I even saw a bit of the match. Again, I have no idea why!

Anonymous said...

Moose,

How fantastic that so many of your blog friends made it, to wish you happy birthday!

Good to hear from MfR,MWK, Gaby, Sammie and Keith.

I'm so glad you had such a great birthday - you deserved to be spoiled a little!

Hope everyone is settling into Monday - very quiet so far today, most unusual!

Lyndyloo - It's great you still had such a good day regardless of the result. I'm really quite envious of you - what a fabulous job you have!

Sammie - I know you are struggling at the moment with all sorts of things. Thinking of you and we're here any time you need us.

Keith - will be thinking of you on Wednesday - can't believe I didn't include you in my "roll call" last week!

Be back later (of course!)

C xx

P.S. EG - hope you are o.k.
SusanS - ditto. xx

Moose said...

new post up!