On matters of the heart

In the arithmetic of love, one plus one equals everything, and two minus one equals nothing.

Mignon McLaughlin

The above quote is very apt. A good friend of mine is hurting pretty hard at the moment, he and the love of his life have got separate ways. He had it all, she had eased him out of his dark place, away from his demons and into a life of domestic bliss. All sunlight, good eating and weekends of civilised grace. It's all gone now. All he's left with is his thoughts, and I hope there are good people around to distract him.

We've all been through it. When someone broke my heart several years ago, I felt compelled to write about it. And looking back, the sentiment still rings pretty true. I guess it never changes.

Good cheerful stuff hey? But before you ask, its ok... you aren't intruding on any private grief or anything. Its just something I need to get out off my chest. Of course you've all been there before but here's my take on things. Will try to make it insightful and entertaining for you. Ok? Read on...

Life is like walking down the street. Watch out for the obstacles - cracks in the pavement, the women brandishing pushchairs like deadly weapons all that kind of thing. They'll leave you battered and bruised, and if you fall over head first... lacking a few teeth too! But when fate conspires against you there's no chance. One minute you're walking along minding your own business, next minute Fate appears from behind a bush to kick you in the groin very hard.

My kick was on 27th December, happy Christmas huh? My girl said it was over. She is travelling in Vietnam so I didnt really have the chance to persuade her otherwise. Damn..

Fate dealt me a good hard kick in the goolies there. Studded toecaps too for extra bruising - very nice! As I was lying on the ground in the foetal position, eyes watering slightly the sentiment struck home. 'Been feeling complacent and smug recently? Thought love would always be on the menu? Well it isnt! Here's a new recipe you'd best get used to: disillusionment, inadequacy, sprinkle with resent and allow to simmer for a while, then leave to fester. How do you like them apples?'. Fate did his job well, he left me prone at his feet, doffed his cap and wished me a cheery 'good day' before resuming on his way. Through my tears I heard his footsteps and merry whistling, on the way to change someone else's life.

And the lesson of this story is.... If someone wants to kick you in the balls, wear protection! It will lessen the blow a little!

Luck never gives; it only lends

Despite my new-found enlightenment I still lapse into the occasional bad practice.

Here is my football acca for the 2009-2010 football season:

Portsmouth to be relegated @ 6/4
West Brom to go up from the Championship @ 6/4
Notts County to win League 2 outright @ 7/4
Luton to win the Blue Square outright @2/1

Will keep you posted with my progress..


Alex

US, Guildford Tup, South Bank, Summer 2009

Oklahoma City Monument - created after bombing of Federal Building in 1995

Turner Falls - outdoor swimming area for Okies in the heat of Summer. After an upbringing of chlorinated and clear indoor pools, it was a real shock!

Painting on the side of a refreshment van in Austin, Texas. When its 106 degrees outside, the idea of HOT chocolate is pretty laughable though..

What was this Texan householder advertising?!

50 foot tall neon pop bottle outside restaurant called 'Pops', on Route 66. The Midwest sky has a vibrant blue hue unlike anything Ive seen at home

Enormous American flags everywhere - frankly, its quite unnerving..

(r to l) Cousin Angela, her four year old son Jason and myself. Jason is autistic so must be a handful, Im full of admiration for Angela's efforts at raising him. My incredible burnished mahogany tan is a constant source of wonder here.

Some sort of Art installation on the South Bank of the Thames in London. I love the contrast here, love it!

Simon; he took Ellen's online tour of the Shockingtube website with remarkable composure and good grace.. just

A brand name you won't forget in a hurry...

Rip it up and start again

My life is so much more worthwhile nowadays. Over the last year and a half I have shared it with two people who now I couldn't dream of living without. Here is the first installment of the tales of our life together.

X at Xmas. The look of total joy on his face in a wonder. I'd forgotten how good it could get for little people.

On the day before I was back to work, I strapped on my walking shoes and got striding...after 17 days of driving and American food I had to blow the cobwebs away. This little fellow joined my for part of my stroll.

We bought a dingy and took to the River Thames. Ellen took to the rowing with ease whilst I floundered about like a fool. Here X regards the bank side trees and shrubbery with some trepidation as we gingerly glide by.

Too late! X hits the deck and I get a branch in the gob for my troubles.

'Wheeeeeee!' Sundae at Clapham Common, July 2009