I have three plus two dinner suits.Quote:
Originally Posted by walpurgis
Printable View
I have three plus two dinner suits.Quote:
Originally Posted by walpurgis
I have a 'funeral kit', dark jacket, black trousers & tie. The rest of my stuff is 'smart casual' or teeshirt 'n jeans. Or indoors teeshirt 'n joggers. Can't be arsed to wear anything remotely uncomfortable if I don't have to.
You should get a tailor-made one done. A chap of your stature deserves it. Just pop along to Savile Row;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Barry
Marco.
Snap!:thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by walpurgis
Marco.
I know some very wealthy and influential people and they dress just like me. Absolutely not interested in 'making an impression'. They leave that to aspiring snobs or what used to be called yuppies :lol:.
Heh-heh... I know *exactly* what you mean! One of the things that financial security/wealth, and most importantly, breeding, buys you is SELF-CONFIDENCE. Essentially, you have nothing to prove.Quote:
Originally Posted by walpurgis
Therefore, you simply don't need to pretend to be something you're not, and therefore if need be, have the confidence to 'bum around like a tramp', without giving a flying fuck what any judgemental oiks (social-climbing aspiring middle-classes) in their suits think, as you *know* you could buy and sell them!;)
Marco.
So true - a customer I recently mentioned who sold his business for many millions and is now 'retired' (only in his early fifties) seems to have spent most of this summer in builders workboots, some old shorts that look like jogging pants with the legs cut off and a faded t shirt with the front covered with what look suspiciously like 'boulder burns'.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
And he was never too important to put the kettle on. :) As you say, nothing to prove.
That's essentially it: being 'comfortable in your own skin'!:)
I know exactly what you mean about the 'dress code' in question, as I have multi-millionaire customers, who own large haulage companies, hotel chains and such like, and outside of work, you'll never see them near a shirt or tie (although they may wear a nice watch and usually always a decent pair of shoes, depending on what they're doing, which signifies their 'class').
In fact, even the women tend to 'dress down', when it's unnecessary to do otherwise. One time I was delivering some framed pictures to the wife of such a client, and I was with Del. When we entered the house and went into the kitchen, which was where the images in question were going, there was a woman cleaning an Aga cooker, rather shabbily dressed, and with a headscarf on.
At the time, I hadn't met the lady of the house, as it were (and this was a sprawling country estate), and so didn't know what she looked like. And when I asked the woman, whom I presumed was a cleaner, where the lady of the house was, she turned and said: 'Well that's me, but I'm no lady!', whilst laughing out loud... Del and in were in stitches!
The same family go on holiday together in their horse truck, despite having access to a Bentley. It's like you say: they have nothing to 'prove'. But it's not just about money; it's about a mindset, which is born from education and breeding. It's that which gives you CLASS.
It's also mainly what provides one with the self-confidence not to care two hoots what anyone thinks. Those are things that your average Lottery winner or footballer's wife is unlikely to have, so for them, despite having wealth, it's all about appearances, as they still have much to prove!
And it's EXACTLY the same for the social-climbing, aspiring middle-classes;)
Marco.
although better than i was, im still not comfortable with delegation. was kinda brought up, if you want a job done right, do it yourself, alas.... it of course has helped put me where i am now.:doh:
Lol - I can get that. It was rather different for me growing up as an only child, especially in a doting Italian family, where I was used to being looked after and having everything done for me. Yes, I was spoiled.
I soon grew out of that though, and became rather more self-sufficient, when I moved out of the family home and Del and I bought our first house together!:)
Marco.
Who is joining in with the 'Go Sober for October' campaign?
I think I will. A month (or more) without a drink won't hurt and it won't cost money either.
Not me, it's just more puritanical shite as far as I'm concerned.Quote:
Originally Posted by walpurgis
Nor me, and I won't be growing a 'tash next month either. I might give up shopping during December though.
In a previous life I was a carpenter, doing commercial work. I had chance to work on several country clubs, golf courses. The first one was a membership club, anyone who could pop the monthly fee could be a member. And what a bunch of assholes they were! Self righteous, self important, mean spirited, “better than you”, types.
Later I worked at another country club, far fancier than the other. And you couldn’t just pay membership, you had to buy a $100,000 stock in the club to be a member, and there were a limited number of positions available. Exclusive, to say the least. And they were very nice people! Allowed us to eat in the restaurant, were always friendly, hired us to come work on their homes. Never condescending, and all seemed like happy people!
I guess that’s the difference between the wealthy and the wannabes? I had chance to work with a man who owned a stone and gravel company, paid himself a million dollars a week to be president of his own company. Nicest guy you’d ever want to meet, he and his wife live on the river, liked to canoe, seem like average folks. He had a private jet, and his own private runway! And a hot as fire secretary that traveled everywhere with him, who says money can’t buy happiness?
Russell
Never heard of it, mate - what's it about then, and who's idea was it?:)Quote:
Originally Posted by walpurgis
I certainly won't be bothering, as I'm never drunk!
Marco.
No, the "Go Sober" part of the title is only there because it rhymes with October. They were going to call it "Abstain from Alcohol for the Duration of October", but decided their target audience would be too pissed to remember that. The idea is to have no alcohol for a month, and see how much better you'll feel. I think some cancer charity might be behind it, but more than that I do not know.
No doubt it will show up a few of the "I only drink to be sociable, I can stop anytime I want" folks, who try it and fail.
The question is, who are "they"?:hmm:Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
Perhaps Geoff can answer that one.... Our alcohol consumption is low, especially out with of the summer months, when we're not having BBQ's, etc, al fresco. Del and I shared a bottle of red wine for lunch today, and there's still a quarter of it left, and that was our first drink all week, which isn't untypical.
During the week, I sometimes have the odd beer, and on Thursdays I meet my dad for lunch, where we usually share a bottle of wine with our meal. At the weekend, Del and I might share two bottles, one on Saturday and the other on Sunday, but more often than not, it's just on the Sunday [always with food].
That's pretty much the extent of our alcohol consumption, despite the house being FULL of booze, of all descriptions! We just like keeping stocks of things we like, in case we take the notion, plus also to be able to offer guests a good selection of tipples from our 'bar':)
Marco.
McMillan cancer support I think
Yes it is McMillan, the same folk who do the giant coffee mornings. A worthy cause I think.
Oh no, I've just seen the advert, it's gonna be "Stoptober" too! As if the smokers don't get nagged enough the rest of the year. :(
Cheers, mate. Good cause, but knew nothing about it. Was it advertised somewhere? Must be an English TV thing.Quote:
Originally Posted by struth
Marco.
Yes. That's what it was. I just thought no booze for a month isn't a bad idea anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by struth
no idea; i just heard it mentioned. i dont watch tv as such.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
We're the same with bog rolls.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
After a good meal me and Anita like to share a roll. We get through more at the weekends, and we always have some of quilted stuff for guests. Unless we don't like them - they get the Izal medicated shiny sheets stuff. :(
I’ve always heard that 3 beers a day, or two glasses of wine, are actually very good for you.
And why October? What with Octoberfest celebrations all around, especially in Germany, who wants to miss out on that? Perhaps February would be a better choice? Seeing it’s the shortest month. Of course, it’s hard to come up with a rhyme for Feb.
Russell
January/February are the most depressing months - Christmas is a distant memory, credit card bill's just arrived, and spring is ages away. I guess people would need alcohol to help them cope.Quote:
Originally Posted by alphaGT
Re. 3 beers a day good for you: that was last week - this week one pint will kill you. Try to keep up!
I guess it’s never a good time to quit drinking? Who wants to live forever if life is boring as hell?Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
I saw an interview with a woman who was 104 years old, and when they asked her what the secret to a long life was, she said a tall schnapps every day. I’ll trust her over some young know it all doctors!
Russell
The saying goes "We're here for a good time, not a long time". It'd be nice to have both.
Just so long as you don't outlive your kids. That would be terrible.
Lol... Then here's the easy solution:Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
Don't get into such debt, in the first place, by getting caught up in a superficial commercial bandwagon, buying piles overpriced shite for folk (especially kids), just because you feel that you *have* to, when ultimately they don't even appreciate it!
Simples:)
Marco [smiles as as much in January, as he does in April].
It has its upside. [emoji23]Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
Preaching to the choir mate, don't own a credit card, have no use for one. And I prefer to give relatively inexpensive but well considered gifts.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
Steve [smiles all year round, but usually it's just wind].
Yesh, a nice 'wee phut' does put a smirk on yer chops:eyebrows:
However, I wasn't referring to you, but rather the people you mentioned who may need alcohol to cope with their depression in January, because they've spent too much on their credit cards, buying the sort of shite I referred to before.
They need to stop being brainwashed by commercialism and victims of peer pressure, get a grip instead, and focus on the *most* important things [which isn't buying endless electronic gadgetry for their kids, and running up debts they can ill afford], and start living their lives in a less stressful/materialistic, and ultimately more productive way!
Marco.
Yes it's a sorry state of affairs, all the stress pre-Christmas, all the anxiety and depression post-Christmas. Meanwhile the retailers and the treasury are laughing all the way to the bank.
I could say that Christmas has become too commercial' but I bet my parents said the same, and their parents before them. For me, if you take out the adverts which run from October, the decorations which go up in November, the usual crap TV, all the pissed people, the getting together with people you spent all year avoiding and the little brats who are hopped up on selection box overdose and sulking because they didn't quite get everything they want, I think Christmas is a magical time!
My involvement with Christmas will be pretty minimal.
I shall stock up on anything I'm likely to need a week or two beforehand, that way I'll avoid the loony last minute shopping rush with all the overcrowded supermaket aisles and monster queues at the checkouts.
:lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigmy Pony
It is, if you're almost completely divorced from that PISH [I say almost completely, because I still have to suffer the TV adverts], and as practicing Catholics, love celebrating the *true* meaning of Christmas, and using the time to enjoy the company of much-loved friends and family [folks you get on well with], which you may not have during the rest of the year.
So, for us, it *is* a magical time, and the chance to make some nice (also precious) memories together, with which to look back on with fondness in future.
Plus, my wife absolutely ADORES Christmas, putting up the tree and all the decorations, the snow if it comes, and her birthday on the 13th December (plus our wedding anniversary on 22nd - this year will be our 27th), so I get great pleasure from making her happy, and spoiling her because she deserves it:)
Marco.
I must admit, I don't get the dry January thing. It's nothing to do with credit cards, it's just that I've invariably had a lovely Christmas and New Year with friends and family, but I'm back to work, the weather is crap and any holidays are still a long way off. I don't mind admitting, I hate January and I have no intention of EVER facing it sober!
Get to February, however, and I have the Tonbridge Audiojumble and the Bristol Hi-Fi SHow to look forward to, plus we usually do a spa weekend in Portugal with friends every year, which is usually sometime from mid February to mid-March, so plenty to look forward to. I cheer up then, as a result!
Lol... I get that. However, I enjoy what work I do, and being at home doing it in comfort, at my own leisure, often whilst listening to some choons, is certainly no hardship.Quote:
Originally Posted by Beobloke
Having had a great time, like you over Christmas, I actually quite enjoy when things get back to normal - especially when the chaos of the festive period is over, all the daftees are back at work, and once again I can go shopping when it's nice and quiet [10am weekday mornings, I usually find best], where I often get the shops virtually to myself:)
I certainly don't miss having to mingle with crowds of the 'great unwashed'...;)
Plus, there's usually some snow to look forward to in January and February, and I love that! I think it's good to derive enjoyment from all the different seasons, rather than dreading any. That's much better for the soul than moping:cool:
Marco.
Of course she deserves it! Looking at your "Brabster-blog" it looks like every day is Christmas Day for you :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Marco
Ha - well, if you can enjoy it, why not?
Don't think I just 'landed luckily' in this position, or was given it on a plate; I had to work damned hard (and also smart), for YEARS, to enjoy this lifestyle!:)
Marco.
I would have agreed with this back in January, but then I got rid of my Range Rover and bought a RWD ‘muggle’ car and now snow is nothing but a damn nuisance again!Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
Lol.... My car is worse that UTTER SHIT in the snow (high-powered, rear wheel-driven ones with fat tyres, always are), so it stays put then. When there's heavy snow on the ground, and the roads are unsafe, or simply too much of a bollox to use, I stay indoors:)
Fortunately Del only works in town, less than 10 mins from home, so when conditions are bad, she's not out in them for long. Plus, she pings me a text, just before leaving, so I know to put the kettle on, and get her hot-water bottle ready!! [She likes to snuggle it, even if the house is warm].
Marco.
Only thing i used to like about snow was i enjoyed shovelling it. Great satisfaction and used to do neighbours and even the roadway outside the house with my trusty long handled snow shovel..
I miss doing that.
I know what you mean; it's a rather satisfying process - and also helps keep you fit!Quote:
Originally Posted by struth
As for liking snow, I think a lot depends on whether or not you mind the cold, or enjoy its effect on the surrounding landscape. You've seen pics of my house and garden in the snow - don't you think the white stuff makes it looks pretty?:)
For example, for me, snow-capped hills and mountains, look far more picturesque (and dramatic) than when there's no snow. It's rather like taking pictures of landscapes in daylight, or at dusk or dawn, when the colours are so much more vibrant, varied and interesting - a good photographer can make so much more of those light conditions. And so it is with snow.
Do you see where I'm coming from, or perhaps you don't look at the world around you in that way?:cool:
Marco.
Doesn't bother me or didn't when fit. It's an issue now tho as I become trapped so it puts me off deep stuff. A sprinkling is nice if nice n cold tho as it's inclined to stay pretty
But mostly it quickly turns to slush and that's horrible stuff. I liked alpine snow Different animal
Yeah, that's a good point. Clearing your path of snow is something I'd gladly do for you, if I lived nearby. Does that younger neighbour of yours still help out (think he popped in briefly once when I was there)?Quote:
Originally Posted by struth
Marco.
He does my garden and a few other things when he has time. His wife helps me too. In fact without them I'd be goosed. He's not into snow clearing tbh but in emergencies will do a bit. Only neighbour who does tbh. the rest keep themselves to themselves nowadays. Not the place it was.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marco
Son in law did it once too, but they are so busy I dont really see them much these days; or anyone else for that matter..
Be as well dead; I'd get more visitors :D
I'd like to know which rotten bugger gave me the cold I woke up with this morning. Been sneezing and snuffling and head feels fuzzy (well, fuzzier than usual).
I'm just getting over it. First one I've had in over 3 years! Do you need the nurse over for a 'pick me up'?:eyebrows:
Marco.
My missus has stayed off work today due to having cold symptoms too and she never gets ill or misses work .Quote:
Originally Posted by walpurgis
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk