Last night I arrived back in Nottingham and had to get ready straight away to go out for my birthday dinner with Mandi, my dad and my last remaining grandparent, Nana Freda. I wasn't really in the mood for this especially when I noticed that Mandi had bought (no time to make) a cake and was planning that 'surprise' where the waiter brings a cake and everyone sings 'Happy Birthday'. Even when I haven't just buried a family member I fucking hate this false jollity and I am pretty sure I have told Mandi on more than one occasion that I hate surprises but I said I would play along on the condition that I am never put through this ordeal again. Also in my false jollity file are people in the workplace who try to coerce everyone to get involved in something to do with Children In Need and Red Nose Day, I'm not against the charity but I am not acting the cunt to save someone's life. Sit in a bath of beans if you think it will change the world but I tend to think that sending them the beans might be a better idea. The same goes for wearing a Christmas jumper at work on the last day before the holiday, keep me out of it.
Anyway, the meal was lovely but I found the whole thing hard work and my travel weariness teamed up with my feelings of grief and the Guinness I had drank and turned me into a bit of a grump as you can probably tell. Unfortunately I started snapping at Mandi for little things until eventually I broke down and started crying while holding the golf trophy. This is what I should have done before going out I suppose because it felt like a weight had been lifted and my mood lightened just in time to take Jack for his night walk. He's missed me according to Mandi so it is nice to be able to de-stress by taking him for a walk, I think he knows how much he helps my moods.
The Sunday Alternative #53 is available from here.
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August housekeeping
We are now in the eighth month of the year and at a standstill as far as work is concerned. In unrelated news, it is my birthday on the 27th of this month so a nice present would be a donation using the PayPal button. This would be spent on creating podcasts, documentaries, short films, comedy sketches and various other entertainments that I will make available to enjoy online for free.
The above t-shirt and bag is also available to buy, all the money goes to the same creative fund. They are on my shop page.
I'll play you a kazoo song request, find out how here.
Letter of complaint written for you for £2, here.
steveEoliver@gmail.com
