Happy Christmas 2007

Happy Christmas to one and all.

A short confession.  And a resolution!

When I was very young, I used to drink.

Sometimes, I would come to hung over from last nights beer, and find myself safe at home in my bed.  You know it's not wise to move too much - just keep very still until you've worked out what's going on.  Everything seems fine.  You look around and recognise your surroundings .  There are your clothes in a heap on the floor.  There is the HiFi. There are the records and books.  The familiar bedroom furniture.  

And you feel safe. 

As your mind begins to clear, you start to think.  A small question of doubt starts to gnaw at you.

You can remember being in the Pub about seven.   There was you.  And you can remember some of the other people.  But who else was with you?  And you don't seem to be able to remember much past nine?  Who were you with later on?  How did you get home? 

I can remember nothing.  I concentrate - but no - there really is nothing there.  A complete blank.

Did you say something you shouldn't?  Will anyone tell you or will you have to guess from the way they look at you?

I thought that those days were gone.  Drink is now a sensible activity with little danger of misuse(!) Alcohol is never taken when in danger of having to do any work and when it is taken there is no real threat of memory loss.

And then, a  few months ago, I came to one morning sober from several days abstinence,  and found myself safe in my chair in the Office.  You know its not wise to move too much - just keep very still until you've worked out what's going on.    Everything seems fine.  You look around and recognise your surroundings .  There is your coat neatly hung up.  There is your computer.  There is the phone and the calculator.  There the folders and files carefully stacked.  The familiar office furniture.

And you feel safe. 

As your mind begins to clear,  you start to think.  A small question of doubt starts to gnaw at you.

You can remember there was a meeting a week ago.  You think you can remember who was there at eleven.  There was you.  And you can remember who was invited.  But who else came?  And, you don't seem to be able to remember much past the opening comments?

What exactly did you talk about?  Did you agree to do something for someone?  When did you agree to do it by and why aren't there any minutes - were you supposed to write them?  Are they all waiting for you?

I can remember nothing.  I concentrate - but no - there really is nothing there.  A complete blank.

And, did you say something you shouldn't?  Will anyone tell you, or will you have to guess from the way they look at you? 

I seem to have a history of forgetting things but perhaps for the wrong reasons?  I think I should drink more.  In 2008 my resolution will be - to drink more.  I don't need to drink to forget as it appears I can forget without drinking anything in the first place.  Excellent.  Then I won't care what I forget.

Speaking of drinking - have a look at Julie Atkinsons 1980 Pub Crawl - if you were in Salisbury in 1980, you would have been in one of these Pubs and paying those prices.

Before  I forget - Happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

Mac

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