;o)
Wednesday 31 December 2008
2008 - the highs and the lows
My poor blog, how I have neglected you these past few days. Thing is I’ve been pretty busy what with festive celebrations and all, but I’m back now.
Felt a little bit like a gypsy (or travelling person) recently, Went back to Essex for my Birthday, then back to London for work, then back to Essex again for Christmas, then on to Portsmouth for Tim’s sisters wedding (FYI winter weddings are so much better than summer weddings!) then back to London for work again and I’m now back in Essex again but have to get back to London Friday for work again. Wouldn’t it be good if you could get rail-miles? Can you?
I’m going to my mate Heather’s house tonight for New Years. I’ve decided that I don’t really like the big crazy nights out in London, you have to pay an entrance fee, you have to queue FOR EVER for a drink and when you get to the front of the bar you have to sell a kidney to afford a round of drinks, so this year opting for the more intimate house party setting. All I need to do is rock up with a bottle of something and partay!
Felt a little bit like a gypsy (or travelling person) recently, Went back to Essex for my Birthday, then back to London for work, then back to Essex again for Christmas, then on to Portsmouth for Tim’s sisters wedding (FYI winter weddings are so much better than summer weddings!) then back to London for work again and I’m now back in Essex again but have to get back to London Friday for work again. Wouldn’t it be good if you could get rail-miles? Can you?
I’m going to my mate Heather’s house tonight for New Years. I’ve decided that I don’t really like the big crazy nights out in London, you have to pay an entrance fee, you have to queue FOR EVER for a drink and when you get to the front of the bar you have to sell a kidney to afford a round of drinks, so this year opting for the more intimate house party setting. All I need to do is rock up with a bottle of something and partay!
We only have about 6 hours left of 2008 so I thought it a suitable time to follow the Queen's lead (jokes to a minimum please) and review the year...
January
Cocktail party at Emma's house - good start to the year - fun night, with lots of experimental drinks (I seem to remember chili vodka) Poor Tim was sick on the way back to the station it was my job to get him home...oh how we laughed ;o)
February
Tim and I celebrate our 2 years together.
March
Jo, Lori, Gemma, Tom and I go to the rather posh J.Sheekey restaurant for Lori's Birthday. It's a bit of a celeb haunt and therefore we weren't allowed mobile phones or cameras so no pics I'm afraid...but here...this is a picture of the restaurant.
Saw Kelly Clarkson at Hammersmith.
April
Martin, Rich and I go to Gran Canaria on holiday - first boys holiday away - messy, messy, messy! The apartment was nice except for the cockroaches and the carpark which doubled up as a night club for Spanish chavs every night...their favourite song? "Please don't stop the music" warbled by Rihanna.
May
Saw Girls Aloud in concert, the DVD is out now and supposedly you can see me and the girls/gays partying on down - oh how we outshone the girls.
Russia win the Eurovision Song Contest...
In my opinion the "Shady Lady" from the Ukraine should have won!
June
Moved out of Disco Towers ™ and into The Penthouse™. Jo and I waved farewell to our housemate Lori as she grew up and moved in with her boyfriend..to be honest, she moved one road down and we moved one road down from that so we're not really that separated.
July
Moved on to New Branded Menswear Department - various restructures meant that I moved from Private label Howick on to the branded buying team, I miss the Howick days but I'm more of a branded kinda guy.
Rich, Martin and I partake in a gay soho tour. There was us three, an American couple, (one of which had brought his two elderly parents) then an old Scottish guy who had to leave early to get a train back to Scotland or somewhere and then obviously the tour guide...I learnt a lot! Did you know that rumour has it that Isaac Newton was one of the gays! ;o)
How apt that my next entry is that I saw Kylie in Concert
I joined Fitness First.
Rich, Martin and I partake in a gay soho tour. There was us three, an American couple, (one of which had brought his two elderly parents) then an old Scottish guy who had to leave early to get a train back to Scotland or somewhere and then obviously the tour guide...I learnt a lot! Did you know that rumour has it that Isaac Newton was one of the gays! ;o)
How apt that my next entry is that I saw Kylie in Concert
I joined Fitness First.
August
Martin, Tim and I attend Brighton Pride.
Jo's birthday - Lori and I organise a day-long treasure hunt through London followed by a mini disco back here at the flat.
London's Soho Pride...absolutely trashed on a random Sunday afternoon! hurrah!
Tim and I go on a road trip (well rail-trip really) to the New Forest for a wedding.
September
Saw Madonna in Concert with Rich.
Gay-day at London Zoo.
Dad, Tim, Charlotte, Craig and I go to Devon for a week’s holiday.
October
Family trip to Alton Towers.
First work trip to Denmark for Jack and Jones
The birth of my blog - http://andalongcameme.blogspot.com previously http://paulboyinthecity.blogspot.com
November
First Christmas dinner of the year with Rich, Martin, Tim and Laura.
My little pet dog Cass died :(
December
I turned 25
Work Christmas Party and Menswear Christmas Party
Tim’s Sister’s Wedding
Wow! What an adventure! Not a bad year in general OK so I didn’t win the lottery, (in fact I don’t think I even played that much this year) but I’m young(ish), happy and healthy(ish) so bring on 2009!
Martin, Tim and I attend Brighton Pride.
Jo's birthday - Lori and I organise a day-long treasure hunt through London followed by a mini disco back here at the flat.
London's Soho Pride...absolutely trashed on a random Sunday afternoon! hurrah!
Tim and I go on a road trip (well rail-trip really) to the New Forest for a wedding.
September
Saw Madonna in Concert with Rich.
Gay-day at London Zoo.
Dad, Tim, Charlotte, Craig and I go to Devon for a week’s holiday.
October
Family trip to Alton Towers.
First work trip to Denmark for Jack and Jones
The birth of my blog - http://andalongcameme.blogspot.com previously http://paulboyinthecity.blogspot.com
November
First Christmas dinner of the year with Rich, Martin, Tim and Laura.
My little pet dog Cass died :(
December
I turned 25
Work Christmas Party and Menswear Christmas Party
Tim’s Sister’s Wedding
Wow! What an adventure! Not a bad year in general OK so I didn’t win the lottery, (in fact I don’t think I even played that much this year) but I’m young(ish), happy and healthy(ish) so bring on 2009!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Wednesday 24 December 2008
Starbucks Review No.4 : Wigmore Street
It's been a while since I've done a Starbucks review. I'd like to say that it's because I've been saving money and not visiting...but I'd be lying.
Bit of a mad dash down to House of Fraser on Oxford Street store at lunch today, needed to collect a present for my sister to give to me tomorrow (is it wrong that my sister will be giving me CK's?) anyway on the way back (and at this point I'm late) I stepped into Starbucks on Wigmore street and there was instantly a calmness, might have something to do with the fact that there were very few customers in there but what ever it was - ahhh refreshing.
I didn't have a coffee this time, instead I grabbed my all-time favourite panini - Emmental and Mushroom! so good!
I grabbed it "to go", but in my passing did notice that the place was spotless, really clean so thumbs up for that. As I was leaving the lovely man or "Barista" as they like to be called shouted "Merry Christmas" at me - so that earned them valuable points as well. Also let's not forget the name "Wigmore" haha oh you couldn't make it up - amazing!
I still think that the Starbucks on James Street is cuter but this one is a close contender for different reasons.
It's Christmas, I'm feeling festive and I'm in a good mood therefore I reward Wigmore street Starbucks 7 mochas out of 10. Good times!
On the subject of Starbucks, Simon from work got me a fantastic Birthday/Christmas present..wait for it..an official Starbucks Employee Polo Shirt...I have no idea how he got it nor do I think I should ask...but wow!! Here I am modelling it...
Right It's now getting late, it's Christmas eve and I still have to get back to Essex to be with my family at this time of Noel...Doubt Ill get to my blog tomorrow so HAPPY CHRISTMAS Everyone or if you don't celebrate it...erm...Have a good Thursday off? ;o)
Bit of a mad dash down to House of Fraser on Oxford Street store at lunch today, needed to collect a present for my sister to give to me tomorrow (is it wrong that my sister will be giving me CK's?) anyway on the way back (and at this point I'm late) I stepped into Starbucks on Wigmore street and there was instantly a calmness, might have something to do with the fact that there were very few customers in there but what ever it was - ahhh refreshing.
I didn't have a coffee this time, instead I grabbed my all-time favourite panini - Emmental and Mushroom! so good!
I grabbed it "to go", but in my passing did notice that the place was spotless, really clean so thumbs up for that. As I was leaving the lovely man or "Barista" as they like to be called shouted "Merry Christmas" at me - so that earned them valuable points as well. Also let's not forget the name "Wigmore" haha oh you couldn't make it up - amazing!
I still think that the Starbucks on James Street is cuter but this one is a close contender for different reasons.
It's Christmas, I'm feeling festive and I'm in a good mood therefore I reward Wigmore street Starbucks 7 mochas out of 10. Good times!
On the subject of Starbucks, Simon from work got me a fantastic Birthday/Christmas present..wait for it..an official Starbucks Employee Polo Shirt...I have no idea how he got it nor do I think I should ask...but wow!! Here I am modelling it...
Right It's now getting late, it's Christmas eve and I still have to get back to Essex to be with my family at this time of Noel...Doubt Ill get to my blog tomorrow so HAPPY CHRISTMAS Everyone or if you don't celebrate it...erm...Have a good Thursday off? ;o)
Should I be concerned?
Just got home from work..we were allowed out early, it being Christmas eve and all - YES! Christmas has officially begun! Just got in, just about to start my packing, thought I would fire up my laptop, looked at my desk and well....judge for yourself...
Is there such a thing as too much Zac Efron? hmmmm.
Is there such a thing as too much Zac Efron? hmmmm.
Monday 22 December 2008
Paul..aged 25 years, 1 day and approx. 2 hours.
Yesterday was the day that I turned the big 25, I must admit it doesn't feel that different today which I can only assume is a good thing?
I will no doubt spend the next couple of weeks accidentally saying 24 (that always happens) and there may be the odd few times where I have to go up a box on surveys and forms...
Age: 16 - 18 [ ] 19 - 24 [ ] 25 - ancient [ ]
But all in all I think I'll be OK.
I tried to spread the Birthday celebrations over 3 days. I had my meal on Friday night at Glo in West Hampstead..you know..the place I mentioned before right near my house? The meal and restaurant were both lovely. Tim was slightly put out by his margherita pizza which had pesto on (it was a fusion restaurant sweetie darling) but my Asian Pizza was lovely. I am not entirely sure why it was called an Asian pizza? It did have bean sprouts on and was reasonably spicy?
Lori, Jo, Owen, Tim, Martin and Rich at Glo.
Tim and I at Glo.
After Glo we went back to the penthouse (tm) where everyone "sang" Happy Birthday to me and I was presented with a calorific Thornton's chocolate birthday cake...yummm!....the girls didn't have candles so they improvised with glo-sticks - haha. We drank lots of fizzy wine until the early hours of the morning.
The Birthday cake
Saturday afternoon, Tim and I headed back to Essex. We went out for dinner with my college mates (yup...2 dinners in a row). Was great to see everyone, it's strange as a lot of the guys I only see at this annual dinner party which Amy organises so well, it was really nice to catch up. After the fab dinner we went on to a bar called "baroosh" where we continued drinking. I tried a shot called "Jammy Dodger"...It didn't taste like one.
Charlotte, Leanne, Amy, Hev, Ben, Tim, Emma and Jesse's arm at Strada, Chelmsford.
Sunday...the big day...Tim made me breakfast in bed and then for lunch we went to the Indian restaurant literally opposite the house, yet again another great meal..(God, I've eaten a lot over the last few days!) After the meal and complimentary brandy (note to self...you don't like brandy) we headed back to Mum's house for tea's, coffees and more birthday cake (High School Musical one this time).
Came back to the big smoke last night and here I am now, in bed, enjoying another day off.
I was a lucky boy on the presents front..I got a new ipod nano (I really needed it..I sat on my first one and then my second one you couldn't see unless you held the screen in), I got lots of money, Itunes voucher, Starbucks voucher, Absolut Vodka gift set, Same Difference Album - POP, Blackberry case and dock, massive piggy bank (I must save!), High School Musical fashion kit, Stress Paul (it's a stress ball in the shape of a man called Paul), Girls Aloud "Dreams that glitter" biography book, a Percy Pigs decorate your own mug, Tickets to see Girls Aloud next year and a posh Biotherm gift set...very lucky boy indeed!
I also got lots of lovely Birthday messages (thanks everyone), I must give a shout out to the following people who sent me rather special birthday wishes...
I will no doubt spend the next couple of weeks accidentally saying 24 (that always happens) and there may be the odd few times where I have to go up a box on surveys and forms...
Age: 16 - 18 [ ] 19 - 24 [ ] 25 - ancient [ ]
But all in all I think I'll be OK.
I tried to spread the Birthday celebrations over 3 days. I had my meal on Friday night at Glo in West Hampstead..you know..the place I mentioned before right near my house? The meal and restaurant were both lovely. Tim was slightly put out by his margherita pizza which had pesto on (it was a fusion restaurant sweetie darling) but my Asian Pizza was lovely. I am not entirely sure why it was called an Asian pizza? It did have bean sprouts on and was reasonably spicy?
Lori, Jo, Owen, Tim, Martin and Rich at Glo.
Tim and I at Glo.
After Glo we went back to the penthouse (tm) where everyone "sang" Happy Birthday to me and I was presented with a calorific Thornton's chocolate birthday cake...yummm!....the girls didn't have candles so they improvised with glo-sticks - haha. We drank lots of fizzy wine until the early hours of the morning.
The Birthday cake
Saturday afternoon, Tim and I headed back to Essex. We went out for dinner with my college mates (yup...2 dinners in a row). Was great to see everyone, it's strange as a lot of the guys I only see at this annual dinner party which Amy organises so well, it was really nice to catch up. After the fab dinner we went on to a bar called "baroosh" where we continued drinking. I tried a shot called "Jammy Dodger"...It didn't taste like one.
Charlotte, Leanne, Amy, Hev, Ben, Tim, Emma and Jesse's arm at Strada, Chelmsford.
Sunday...the big day...Tim made me breakfast in bed and then for lunch we went to the Indian restaurant literally opposite the house, yet again another great meal..(God, I've eaten a lot over the last few days!) After the meal and complimentary brandy (note to self...you don't like brandy) we headed back to Mum's house for tea's, coffees and more birthday cake (High School Musical one this time).
Came back to the big smoke last night and here I am now, in bed, enjoying another day off.
I was a lucky boy on the presents front..I got a new ipod nano (I really needed it..I sat on my first one and then my second one you couldn't see unless you held the screen in), I got lots of money, Itunes voucher, Starbucks voucher, Absolut Vodka gift set, Same Difference Album - POP, Blackberry case and dock, massive piggy bank (I must save!), High School Musical fashion kit, Stress Paul (it's a stress ball in the shape of a man called Paul), Girls Aloud "Dreams that glitter" biography book, a Percy Pigs decorate your own mug, Tickets to see Girls Aloud next year and a posh Biotherm gift set...very lucky boy indeed!
I also got lots of lovely Birthday messages (thanks everyone), I must give a shout out to the following people who sent me rather special birthday wishes...
- Girls Aloud - "Hope you have a lovely day from Girls Aloud xxx" - Thanks Girls, did you get my Christmas card?!
- Fitness First - "Happy Birthday from all the team at Fitness First! Thanks for being a member" - OK, OK, I've not visited in just over three weeks!! I've been busy at Birthday meals!
My birthday over with for another year, now on to someone else's Birthday..Jesus...Christmas is a mere 3 days away people - let the festivities commence!
Sunday 21 December 2008
Video WOW of the Week!
Found this beauty with Jo and Lori the other week....it's not even Britney this time..a Dannii Minogue video montage!
It inspired us to develop our new Dannii Minogue - the Musical...more to follow!
Put the lime in the coconut!
Friday 19 December 2008
I've still got it...I feel vile this morning!
I am happy to say that I might not be over the hill just yet! I've woken up this morning with a b1tch of a hangover! I've even been sick! (too much information?) Brilliant!
I am looking through the haze of just how wretched I feel and look as I'm seeing it as a sign of a good night! Let me explain..Last night was the menswear Christmas Wig party.
I hate fancy dress parties...absolutely hate them! "Yes I would love to come to your party...oh..it's fancy dress? I'm busy!".
There is always that person who thinks that fancy dress is going to make them look good? The girls who use it as an excuse to look well a little "slutty" or try to look glamorous (you're wearing polyester and nylon which hundreds of people have sweated in before you...good luck) The guys think that dressing up like a fireman is going to attract above girls and they'll score!...Wigs are different! No one looks good in a wig, do they? Everyone ends up looking a bit of an idiot and that's what's genius! The Menswear Party was no different! Take a peek...
Just like any other day in the office to be honest.
I opted for the boyband wig, you may have noticed my rather fetching "I am NOT a Moron" T-shirt? My team made it for me as part of my Birthday present...don't you just hate inside jokes!? ;o) On the back of the T-shirt is my blog address - genius!
Here I am with our "Gay-L-S" manager (see below).
I've said it before, I will say it again...who am I? Why am I here? Where did I put my drink? Why have I got two wigs on? Why do I have a wig on at all?
Even Diana Ross turned up sparking rumours of possible duet with "Gay-L-S".
There were various highlights to the evening...Keiran, Iseult, Laura and I formed new boyband "gay-L-S", watch this space! A strange German man (Michael I think?) latching on to us telling us that he owned China, hated House of Fraser, earns 5 million a year and that out of his ten assistants in the corner of the bar half of them were going to lose their jobs in the new year and they don't know it yet (yeah...nice guy!)...oh yeah musnt forget about my bags entire contents being spilled over the bar floor (cheers Dave!) I laughed until I realised it was mine, I grabbed everything, well except my door keys it would seem! Had to get my housemate up to let me in and now trying to track down spares so I can leave the house.
Good Times - Reminds me of my uni days! The panic is fading a little, I'm 25 in two days but not ready to hang my wig up quite yet.
I am looking through the haze of just how wretched I feel and look as I'm seeing it as a sign of a good night! Let me explain..Last night was the menswear Christmas Wig party.
I hate fancy dress parties...absolutely hate them! "Yes I would love to come to your party...oh..it's fancy dress? I'm busy!".
There is always that person who thinks that fancy dress is going to make them look good? The girls who use it as an excuse to look well a little "slutty" or try to look glamorous (you're wearing polyester and nylon which hundreds of people have sweated in before you...good luck) The guys think that dressing up like a fireman is going to attract above girls and they'll score!...Wigs are different! No one looks good in a wig, do they? Everyone ends up looking a bit of an idiot and that's what's genius! The Menswear Party was no different! Take a peek...
Just like any other day in the office to be honest.
I opted for the boyband wig, you may have noticed my rather fetching "I am NOT a Moron" T-shirt? My team made it for me as part of my Birthday present...don't you just hate inside jokes!? ;o) On the back of the T-shirt is my blog address - genius!
Here I am with our "Gay-L-S" manager (see below).
I've said it before, I will say it again...who am I? Why am I here? Where did I put my drink? Why have I got two wigs on? Why do I have a wig on at all?
Even Diana Ross turned up sparking rumours of possible duet with "Gay-L-S".
There were various highlights to the evening...Keiran, Iseult, Laura and I formed new boyband "gay-L-S", watch this space! A strange German man (Michael I think?) latching on to us telling us that he owned China, hated House of Fraser, earns 5 million a year and that out of his ten assistants in the corner of the bar half of them were going to lose their jobs in the new year and they don't know it yet (yeah...nice guy!)...oh yeah musnt forget about my bags entire contents being spilled over the bar floor (cheers Dave!) I laughed until I realised it was mine, I grabbed everything, well except my door keys it would seem! Had to get my housemate up to let me in and now trying to track down spares so I can leave the house.
Good Times - Reminds me of my uni days! The panic is fading a little, I'm 25 in two days but not ready to hang my wig up quite yet.
Wednesday 17 December 2008
Is it possible to wake up one morning and instantly feel like you are now officially old?
Yes! I’ve done it; I’ve managed to get a “Carrie Bradshaw” in my blog. You know in Sex and the City where every one of her columns starts with a question and she goes on to answer it? Well, I’ve done it and here goes…
Up until about 2 months ago, I wanted to go out all the time and to be honest, I pretty much did. I would go clubbing mid-week, wake up start the day, perhaps go for a drink after work – good times!
Recently though, If I’m completely honest, I don’t have the energy and I can’t muster up the effort. I’m sure it’s a just a rut, one which I will get out of and party once more but why now? The Christmas party season is well and truly upon us and it’s not too cool to wake up in the morning and already be looking forward to getting back into my sweat pants and climbing into bed. As you know I had my work Christmas party recently and I didn’t really want to go at first, however when I got there I loosened up and actually had a good night...this Thursday I have the menswear wig party (wear a wig or no entry!) I know it will be fun but at the moment all I can think of is getting my Christmas shopping done and again getting into bed with a nice warm brew – this panics me slightly…I’m still young, I should be going out, going crazy, letting my hair down…not only is it nearly Christmas but there is only 5 days until the event of the year…my 25th Birthday!
For this quarter of a century “celebration” (eeek!) a few friends and I are going out for a meal in West Hampstead which I’m really looking forward to. The restaurant was chosen because it looked nice, warm and cosey, we could have a nice sit down meal and it wouldn’t take too long to get home. The thought process of a 40 year old man I hear you say! I shouldn’t be thinking sensibly? I should be insisting that we go to some over-crowded bar, dance until the early hours of the morning and only consider it a good night if I feel like death the next day!
I always thought that I would be out on the party scene for ever, one of those cool guys who doesn’t age and goes out and has a good time (like George Clooney) a social butterfly…with the big 2…5….just around the corner, ”Will it get worse? Is 25 the new 40?” …I did it again! Consider yourself Carrie Bradshaw’d again!
I must think positively…I’ll get my party head back on soon enough, 25 is still young…I’ve only been out of uni 3 years for goodness sake! It’s not like I’m 30!
“Will I ever get out of the rut?” …“How will the sensible Birthday meal go?”…”should I be worried about the grey hair that Shiana found?” – Tune in next time!
Up until about 2 months ago, I wanted to go out all the time and to be honest, I pretty much did. I would go clubbing mid-week, wake up start the day, perhaps go for a drink after work – good times!
Recently though, If I’m completely honest, I don’t have the energy and I can’t muster up the effort. I’m sure it’s a just a rut, one which I will get out of and party once more but why now? The Christmas party season is well and truly upon us and it’s not too cool to wake up in the morning and already be looking forward to getting back into my sweat pants and climbing into bed. As you know I had my work Christmas party recently and I didn’t really want to go at first, however when I got there I loosened up and actually had a good night...this Thursday I have the menswear wig party (wear a wig or no entry!) I know it will be fun but at the moment all I can think of is getting my Christmas shopping done and again getting into bed with a nice warm brew – this panics me slightly…I’m still young, I should be going out, going crazy, letting my hair down…not only is it nearly Christmas but there is only 5 days until the event of the year…my 25th Birthday!
For this quarter of a century “celebration” (eeek!) a few friends and I are going out for a meal in West Hampstead which I’m really looking forward to. The restaurant was chosen because it looked nice, warm and cosey, we could have a nice sit down meal and it wouldn’t take too long to get home. The thought process of a 40 year old man I hear you say! I shouldn’t be thinking sensibly? I should be insisting that we go to some over-crowded bar, dance until the early hours of the morning and only consider it a good night if I feel like death the next day!
I always thought that I would be out on the party scene for ever, one of those cool guys who doesn’t age and goes out and has a good time (like George Clooney) a social butterfly…with the big 2…5….just around the corner, ”Will it get worse? Is 25 the new 40?” …I did it again! Consider yourself Carrie Bradshaw’d again!
I must think positively…I’ll get my party head back on soon enough, 25 is still young…I’ve only been out of uni 3 years for goodness sake! It’s not like I’m 30!
“Will I ever get out of the rut?” …“How will the sensible Birthday meal go?”…”should I be worried about the grey hair that Shiana found?” – Tune in next time!
Tuesday 16 December 2008
No longer available....
So logged on to my blog, imagine my dismay when I find out that yet another video that I've posted from youtube has been removed due to copyright reasons...blah blah blah.
First the Same difference video and now Britney Spears, Circus. When will this madness stop?
It stops me saying what I want to say (what about my freedom of speech and human rights!) and more importantly it makes my blog look messy - at this rate I may well revoke all future "Video Wows of the week"...I mean it!
First the Same difference video and now Britney Spears, Circus. When will this madness stop?
It stops me saying what I want to say (what about my freedom of speech and human rights!) and more importantly it makes my blog look messy - at this rate I may well revoke all future "Video Wows of the week"...I mean it!
Saturday 13 December 2008
Video WOW of the week!
Ok, another Britney vid..but this is also worthy!
This is Britney's next single "Circus" from her recently released album "Circus" - see what they did there!? It's brilliant!
Listen to the lyrics..."There's only two types of people in the world, the ones that entertain and the ones that observe" - deep!
Friday 12 December 2008
Temptation with every tipple
Last night was the House of Fraser Christmas Party. God don't I know it! I woke up this morning, thinking great...I'm OK, I've still got it, I'm not getting old! I was fine all morning, had a lovely lunch at Pizza Express for a work mates leaving do (Good Luck Georgie!)...3 o'clock came and I hit a wall...I couldn't concentrate, I was talking absolute rubbish (more than usual) and the afternoon dragged on more than I can try to explain.
The party was actually pretty good and you know how there is always that person who makes a complete t*t of themselves? In front of the whole office and people talk about it for weeks and weeks?..well, this year, it wasn't me! good times!
This could well be down to the guiding email that my merchandiser sent to me yesterday afternoon, just in time before the festivities began...let's see how I did:
Dos and Don'ts for the Office Christmas Party courtesy of Paul MacKenzie-Cummins for CareerBuilder.co.uk
-Do attend. Your office party is not an optional event. Even if you despise the thought of spending a whole evening with the people you work with every day, it’s a good idea to make an appearance. It shows that you are part of the team.
Well that's easy! I was there, I have photographic evidence, I bought my ticket, I don my wrist band and I was there. So far so good!
It was black tie and that's exactly what I wore. Last year I went for the jeans combo with suit jacket, it was frowned upon. This year I did as I was told. Following the advice I only undid one button and although my shirt was fitted, my muscles were not overly accentuated. (comments to a minimum please - not been to the gym in about 3 weeks!). Tick!
-Don’t make a move on a colleague. After a few hours and a few beers even Barbara from credit control can look like a goddess. A poll by Tickbox.net commissioned by Quatro Wilkjnson Sword revealed that 41% of workers admit to having a sexual liaison with a co-worker at an office party. But, before you make a bee-line for the person you’ve had your eye on all year, do yourself a favour, stay put and think, ‘Is this a good idea?’ ‘Probably not’, is the likely answer.
I was on my best behaviour! I have a boyfriend! Even if I didn't, Shiana wouldnt have let me talk to anyone else anyway - I was her personal photographer for the night! BIG ol' tick!
-Do watch your language. Remember the reason why you are at the Christmas party in the first place is because you have a job. Avoid saying things you wouldn’t say on a normal office day. A former (note use of the word ‘former’) colleague of mine told our CEO that his speech was “crap” and he could do his job blindfolded. Consequently, the Christmas card from the boss contained his P-45. And, for ****’s sake, don’t swear!
I don't think I said anything that I wouldnt normally say in the office and didnt use inappropriate language (well no more than usual)...the music was loud so even if I was yelling something at someone that wouldn't have heard what I was saying - put it this way, no one came up to me today and yelled and or/punched me so I don't think I upset anyone! Sixth tick in a row!
-Don’t leave too soon. Tequila slammers with the girls from HR may be more appealing than your department’s party. But, unless you have made a holy show of yourself, stay for at least a couple of hours even if it is the most boring party ever. After all, it’s your boss that you need to impress when it comes to getting a promotion.
We certainly didnt leave too soon, we turned up (fashionably) late and left when I thought neccesary...managed to get a black cab home pretty quickly and was in bed by half 1...slept on the sofa as I gave Shiana my bed. We slept right through and were back in the office this morning, a mere ten minutes late - 9.10am! Another pass!
-Above all, enjoy the party.
I certainly did...here are some piccies!
OK, so the pictures do make it look like there were just a few of us, almost as if Shiana and I had our own little party but I promise the whole of head office was actually there and some of the piccies were hillarious, I just didnt think it was the done thing to put pics up without model release forms.
So there we go....I passed the evening with flying colours, I attended, OK...drank probably a little bit more than I should have, smashing a few glasses by accident along the way (who doesnt!?) but overall I was on my best behaviour and stuck to "the rules" - promotion here I come! I'm thinking Chief Exec in the new year!? hmmmm.
The party was actually pretty good and you know how there is always that person who makes a complete t*t of themselves? In front of the whole office and people talk about it for weeks and weeks?..well, this year, it wasn't me! good times!
This could well be down to the guiding email that my merchandiser sent to me yesterday afternoon, just in time before the festivities began...let's see how I did:
Dos and Don'ts for the Office Christmas Party courtesy of Paul MacKenzie-Cummins for CareerBuilder.co.uk
-Do attend. Your office party is not an optional event. Even if you despise the thought of spending a whole evening with the people you work with every day, it’s a good idea to make an appearance. It shows that you are part of the team.
Well that's easy! I was there, I have photographic evidence, I bought my ticket, I don my wrist band and I was there. So far so good!
-Don’t dress inappropriately. And do dress professionally. The venue will determine the dress code so make sure you know what it is. “Women are advised to stay away from slinky dresses, low-plunging necklines, short-short skirts or tight-fitting trousers”, according to workplace etiquette expert Pamela Holland. And, men “should refrain from unbuttoning more than two buttons on their shirts and wearing overly fitted shirts that show off their muscles”.
It was black tie and that's exactly what I wore. Last year I went for the jeans combo with suit jacket, it was frowned upon. This year I did as I was told. Following the advice I only undid one button and although my shirt was fitted, my muscles were not overly accentuated. (comments to a minimum please - not been to the gym in about 3 weeks!). Tick!
-Do some schmoozing. This is a good time to talk to people you wouldn’t normally come across and, of course, the boss. This could help you in the long term in terms of forging alliances, helping to get things done or just raising your profile. But…Don’t talk shop. Do you want to be seen as the office bore? The office party gives you the chance to get to know people as people not just ‘Julie from accounts’.
Well, I was sat with my direct team and the category director, the big boss! Right Paul, don't say anything stupid, don't say anything stupid...but don't talk shop (literally in our case), don't talk shop" - "Did you know that the body is allergic to brussel sprouts and that's why it repels them?" - good one (!!?!) what was I thinking?! I blame the boyf, Tim told me that little gem the other day - I don't even know if it's true! My Director told me he didnt think it was. I kinda schmoozed - tick!
-Do drink in moderation. Excessive drinking is the number one cause of office party ‘incidents’. Remember, it is a marathon not a sprint and it is likely that you will have a long evening ahead of you. But, by the time you realise this you may have already consumed enough alcohol to sink a battleship and not quite be with it. Stick to your limit, drink slowly or alternate between alcohol and water and, if it’s too late for that, then switch to soft drinks and mince pies. And resist the temptation to indulge in tequila shots or flaming drambuie or you may end up losing more than your inhibitions!
This was going to be my toughest challenge definitely...I knew that from the very start! When I go out, well...I go out! The evening started off controlled (all be it completely chavvy) a bottle of WKD and a bottle of Smirnoff Ice shared between myself and work mate/ date for the evening, Shiana. This turned rather messy however and as the night went on, I'm not going to lie, I got absolutely trollied! it was a free bar!but...want to hear a good tip!? Surround yourself with people drunker than you! easy! Instant vision of sober-ness! tick! How good was I!?
-Don’t make a move on a colleague. After a few hours and a few beers even Barbara from credit control can look like a goddess. A poll by Tickbox.net commissioned by Quatro Wilkjnson Sword revealed that 41% of workers admit to having a sexual liaison with a co-worker at an office party. But, before you make a bee-line for the person you’ve had your eye on all year, do yourself a favour, stay put and think, ‘Is this a good idea?’ ‘Probably not’, is the likely answer.
I was on my best behaviour! I have a boyfriend! Even if I didn't, Shiana wouldnt have let me talk to anyone else anyway - I was her personal photographer for the night! BIG ol' tick!
-Do watch your language. Remember the reason why you are at the Christmas party in the first place is because you have a job. Avoid saying things you wouldn’t say on a normal office day. A former (note use of the word ‘former’) colleague of mine told our CEO that his speech was “crap” and he could do his job blindfolded. Consequently, the Christmas card from the boss contained his P-45. And, for ****’s sake, don’t swear!
I don't think I said anything that I wouldnt normally say in the office and didnt use inappropriate language (well no more than usual)...the music was loud so even if I was yelling something at someone that wouldn't have heard what I was saying - put it this way, no one came up to me today and yelled and or/punched me so I don't think I upset anyone! Sixth tick in a row!
-Don’t leave too soon. Tequila slammers with the girls from HR may be more appealing than your department’s party. But, unless you have made a holy show of yourself, stay for at least a couple of hours even if it is the most boring party ever. After all, it’s your boss that you need to impress when it comes to getting a promotion.
We certainly didnt leave too soon, we turned up (fashionably) late and left when I thought neccesary...managed to get a black cab home pretty quickly and was in bed by half 1...slept on the sofa as I gave Shiana my bed. We slept right through and were back in the office this morning, a mere ten minutes late - 9.10am! Another pass!
-Above all, enjoy the party.
I certainly did...here are some piccies!
This was at the beginning of the night.
Here is Suzy and I. This is my sophisticated look - "I only drink fine wines".
This is where things started to get a little messy.
This picture is thanks to Simon, if Im perfectly honest I don't even remember this picture being taken, I think my blank facial expression speaks a thousand words...who am I? Why am I here? Where did I put my drink?
...and here we are. Shiana and I strutting our stuff on the dance floor, this was sent to us first thing this morning by our PR Manager, Caroline, again can't really say I remember this being taken...glad to see we still managed to pose!
OK, so the pictures do make it look like there were just a few of us, almost as if Shiana and I had our own little party but I promise the whole of head office was actually there and some of the piccies were hillarious, I just didnt think it was the done thing to put pics up without model release forms.
So there we go....I passed the evening with flying colours, I attended, OK...drank probably a little bit more than I should have, smashing a few glasses by accident along the way (who doesnt!?) but overall I was on my best behaviour and stuck to "the rules" - promotion here I come! I'm thinking Chief Exec in the new year!? hmmmm.
Sunday 7 December 2008
When I grow up I want to be...
I remember when I was a young 18 years old, sat in college filling in those bloody UCAS personal statement forms for university applications; hours and hours I wasted trying to decide what I wanted to do with the rest of my life - that is a question that was just way too big to comprehend! I have luckily fell into a career that I love and am good at - but if I'm perfectly honest, it really was fluke.
I had various ideas what I wanted to do "when I grew up"...
Vet
I love animals, they're cute, they make good companions and so I decided I was going to be a vet and save the animal world one bunny at a time...I started to research into it (well as much as a ten year old could or knew how to) eventually I decided as I was vegetarian I really really wouldn't be able to cut open Rex the dog and play with his intestines to make him better...it was just way too gross! OK, OK, I wasn't going to eat Rex's intestines but the whole touching "meat" just wasn't going to work..I'm also really squeamish which wouldn't have helped, so unless my veterinary practice could involve me just meeting the pets, stroking them a little and sending them on their way...the dream was just that.
Chef
I don't even know how this idea came about, for those of you who know me, I am the laziest when it comes to food. Back in the day I guess I had a little more time on my hands and quite enjoyed making something from scratch...I would try new ingredients, listen hard in home economics, make all sorts of creations, but then...crap...I hit another obstacle! I was at a family friends house (they were both in the catering industry) and they told me that I would probably struggle being vegetarian and a chef as I wouldn't be able to taste the sauces and meats that I would be expected to prepare - vegetarian speciality chefs were few and far between (I think they still are) and so once again I was back to the drawing board.
Primary School Teacher
Thankfully, this was a fad! I don't like children and I am quite impatient so this was never going to be a match made in heaven. I was in two minds about telling you one of the real deciding factors as to why I decided against this career, we're all friends here right? so here goes. Imagine the scene, in the classroom on work experience (yes I was that serious about this!) sat in maths class, just had a P.E class which actually wasn't too bad, this is the job for me...I can do this! I'm going to give out little stickers and have a chart for good behaviour and I will organise the annual school play...it was all falling into place. I then got asked a question by the teacher..."So Paul, Jennifer here thinks that 7/12's is the biggest fraction written up on the blackboard, would you agree with her"...bitch! why would she do that!? put me on the spot like that?! I took a quick glance "Yes, I would agree with her definitely!" I smiled at Jennifer! She smiled back..."No, in fact 3/4 is the biggest fraction on the board"...everyone and I mean EVERYONE looked at me, I heard them whisper to each other..."Did you hear that? he got it wrong, I don't want him to help me" - I WANTED TO DIE!
Music Industry Management
It was when I got to secondary school that I discovered music, well when I say music I mean pop (which a lot of the haters out there wouldn't classify as music)..either way, I started going along to CD:UK (R.I.P), Top of the Pops (R.I.P) and other music events and really got into the lifestyle; this was it! this is what I wanted to do! - it was glamorous, there were parties galore, I would meet the stars. I sent excited letters to every major record label in London and got NO replies, not one!
Backing Dancer
So it was proving too difficult to get into artist management...no biggy! I would take my love of music and become a backing dancer instead! that would be far easier to get into (!?!??!?!?!?!?!) What was I thinking? I hadn't trained as a dancer, I didn't belong to an agency! Eventually I decided that I didn't have the determination to do it and after just a few dance classes the dream fizzled out. Saying that, very few people know that I did actually spend a summer, God it must be around 5 years ago now, doing a bit of backing dancing for a guy from my home town of Chelmsford, he was going to make it big (I don't think he ever did) it was fun whilst we did it, got to do a few gigs, travel around the country a little bit..as far as Leicester I'll have you know! haha Here's a pic of me doing my thang at popshowparty in London (this was my favourite "pegging out the washing" move)...good times!
Buyer
This brings me on to my latest and lengthiest (is that a word?) conquest - to become a fashion buyer! I fell into it by accident if I am perfectly honest, I did Fashion merchandising at Uni, I signed up for it thinking it was visual merchandising, I found out in my interview that it wasn't (how stupid did I feel!? eeek) some how I got a place and well...I loved it; the course, my fellow students..I got to live in New York for 6 months - amazing! I did a year long placement at House of Fraser and continued on there after I left uni and there I remain to this day. I've worked on the menswear private label team developing the product from scratch and more recently moved on to the lifestyle and casualwear team selecting branded menswear, which I enjoy even more! So yes happy where I've ended up, although was a journey!
I still have the fluttering dream of becoming a TV presenter one day; not entirely sure that I would be able to talk to the audience, read the auto-q and listen to someone in an ear piece though?...how would I even practice that?!
I had various ideas what I wanted to do "when I grew up"...
Vet
I love animals, they're cute, they make good companions and so I decided I was going to be a vet and save the animal world one bunny at a time...I started to research into it (well as much as a ten year old could or knew how to) eventually I decided as I was vegetarian I really really wouldn't be able to cut open Rex the dog and play with his intestines to make him better...it was just way too gross! OK, OK, I wasn't going to eat Rex's intestines but the whole touching "meat" just wasn't going to work..I'm also really squeamish which wouldn't have helped, so unless my veterinary practice could involve me just meeting the pets, stroking them a little and sending them on their way...the dream was just that.
Chef
I don't even know how this idea came about, for those of you who know me, I am the laziest when it comes to food. Back in the day I guess I had a little more time on my hands and quite enjoyed making something from scratch...I would try new ingredients, listen hard in home economics, make all sorts of creations, but then...crap...I hit another obstacle! I was at a family friends house (they were both in the catering industry) and they told me that I would probably struggle being vegetarian and a chef as I wouldn't be able to taste the sauces and meats that I would be expected to prepare - vegetarian speciality chefs were few and far between (I think they still are) and so once again I was back to the drawing board.
Primary School Teacher
Thankfully, this was a fad! I don't like children and I am quite impatient so this was never going to be a match made in heaven. I was in two minds about telling you one of the real deciding factors as to why I decided against this career, we're all friends here right? so here goes. Imagine the scene, in the classroom on work experience (yes I was that serious about this!) sat in maths class, just had a P.E class which actually wasn't too bad, this is the job for me...I can do this! I'm going to give out little stickers and have a chart for good behaviour and I will organise the annual school play...it was all falling into place. I then got asked a question by the teacher..."So Paul, Jennifer here thinks that 7/12's is the biggest fraction written up on the blackboard, would you agree with her"...bitch! why would she do that!? put me on the spot like that?! I took a quick glance "Yes, I would agree with her definitely!" I smiled at Jennifer! She smiled back..."No, in fact 3/4 is the biggest fraction on the board"...everyone and I mean EVERYONE looked at me, I heard them whisper to each other..."Did you hear that? he got it wrong, I don't want him to help me" - I WANTED TO DIE!
Music Industry Management
It was when I got to secondary school that I discovered music, well when I say music I mean pop (which a lot of the haters out there wouldn't classify as music)..either way, I started going along to CD:UK (R.I.P), Top of the Pops (R.I.P) and other music events and really got into the lifestyle; this was it! this is what I wanted to do! - it was glamorous, there were parties galore, I would meet the stars. I sent excited letters to every major record label in London and got NO replies, not one!
Backing Dancer
So it was proving too difficult to get into artist management...no biggy! I would take my love of music and become a backing dancer instead! that would be far easier to get into (!?!??!?!?!?!?!) What was I thinking? I hadn't trained as a dancer, I didn't belong to an agency! Eventually I decided that I didn't have the determination to do it and after just a few dance classes the dream fizzled out. Saying that, very few people know that I did actually spend a summer, God it must be around 5 years ago now, doing a bit of backing dancing for a guy from my home town of Chelmsford, he was going to make it big (I don't think he ever did) it was fun whilst we did it, got to do a few gigs, travel around the country a little bit..as far as Leicester I'll have you know! haha Here's a pic of me doing my thang at popshowparty in London (this was my favourite "pegging out the washing" move)...good times!
Buyer
This brings me on to my latest and lengthiest (is that a word?) conquest - to become a fashion buyer! I fell into it by accident if I am perfectly honest, I did Fashion merchandising at Uni, I signed up for it thinking it was visual merchandising, I found out in my interview that it wasn't (how stupid did I feel!? eeek) some how I got a place and well...I loved it; the course, my fellow students..I got to live in New York for 6 months - amazing! I did a year long placement at House of Fraser and continued on there after I left uni and there I remain to this day. I've worked on the menswear private label team developing the product from scratch and more recently moved on to the lifestyle and casualwear team selecting branded menswear, which I enjoy even more! So yes happy where I've ended up, although was a journey!
I still have the fluttering dream of becoming a TV presenter one day; not entirely sure that I would be able to talk to the audience, read the auto-q and listen to someone in an ear piece though?...how would I even practice that?!
...and along came me!
I have renamed my blog "...and along came me", my reason is three fold; firstly "Paul boy in the city" just didn't have a nice enough ring about it, secondly I'm not a boy (more of a young man) and finally I saw the new name on a t-shirt I bought some time ago and I liked it...it's quite fitting I think. It's mysterious, it makes one ponder the question, what if I handn't...(come along that is).
My Mum and Dad wouldn't be that (they would just be Sue and Brian), my grandparents likewise, my sister wouldn't be a sister, just a spoilt daughter...You get my drift?
Well it turns out that I did come along and here I am...hello!
My Mum and Dad wouldn't be that (they would just be Sue and Brian), my grandparents likewise, my sister wouldn't be a sister, just a spoilt daughter...You get my drift?
Well it turns out that I did come along and here I am...hello!
Tuesday 2 December 2008
Do you have this in a S-medium please?
It’s official! I am going to have to come to terms with the fact that I may no longer be a small size in clothing. I’ve not done that bad I guess, I’m 24 (going on 25) and I’ve been wearing the same size since college...well except a very short phase back in the day when I thought I was a medium (think I was in denial and trying to butch up...hmmm).
Anyway...the discovery dawned on me in the last couple of days. Last week I bought a shirt from one of my favourite brands, (Full circle if you’re interested) when I tried it on I looked like I had eaten all the pies and then some more and then squeezed into a wet suit that belonged to a younger sibling! Not hot! The panic started to kick in a little.
I went back yesterday to buy a shirt, I took 2 shirts from another brand in to the changing room, and I had the same issue! The small was just that and the medium hung off me and was proving difficult to tuck the excess into my trousers - not the look I was going for at all…it was a little bit like those kids you see on the tube, clearly on their way to work experience (God I’ve been there as well) wearing either one of their dads shirts or one of those shirts bought to last..."you’ll grow into it" haha - I put both of the shirts back.
I can tell you as someone who works in the industry that sizes are not universal and they differ from brand to brand so you have to shop around – Trousers tend to be a little easier to buy, after all 32 inches is 32 inches where ever you are right? (not really but this confuses me so I’m glossing over). Letter sizing is a very different thing...what is a small? It can in essence be anything that the brand want’s it to be! You have brands for the larger gentleman that might reduce their size scaling as it’s more favourable with their customer (sir, it appears that you are actually thinner than you thought, you should buy this, it looks great on you!) and then others that might increase theirs, Its more manly to be of larger build right? Don’t get me started on the gays – they are something different altogether! You get the idea; it’s a free for all.
All this said and done I managed to find a Kenneth Cole shirt that I loved and it fit (this time in a collar size) Hurrah…unfortunately I am also taking it back today, it was an impulse purchase and we’re in a recession (so I hear) - I've got Christmas presents to buy!!
Anyway...the discovery dawned on me in the last couple of days. Last week I bought a shirt from one of my favourite brands, (Full circle if you’re interested) when I tried it on I looked like I had eaten all the pies and then some more and then squeezed into a wet suit that belonged to a younger sibling! Not hot! The panic started to kick in a little.
I went back yesterday to buy a shirt, I took 2 shirts from another brand in to the changing room, and I had the same issue! The small was just that and the medium hung off me and was proving difficult to tuck the excess into my trousers - not the look I was going for at all…it was a little bit like those kids you see on the tube, clearly on their way to work experience (God I’ve been there as well) wearing either one of their dads shirts or one of those shirts bought to last..."you’ll grow into it" haha - I put both of the shirts back.
I can tell you as someone who works in the industry that sizes are not universal and they differ from brand to brand so you have to shop around – Trousers tend to be a little easier to buy, after all 32 inches is 32 inches where ever you are right? (not really but this confuses me so I’m glossing over). Letter sizing is a very different thing...what is a small? It can in essence be anything that the brand want’s it to be! You have brands for the larger gentleman that might reduce their size scaling as it’s more favourable with their customer (sir, it appears that you are actually thinner than you thought, you should buy this, it looks great on you!) and then others that might increase theirs, Its more manly to be of larger build right? Don’t get me started on the gays – they are something different altogether! You get the idea; it’s a free for all.
All this said and done I managed to find a Kenneth Cole shirt that I loved and it fit (this time in a collar size) Hurrah…unfortunately I am also taking it back today, it was an impulse purchase and we’re in a recession (so I hear) - I've got Christmas presents to buy!!
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