Adrian Phelan

Post 7 (Definitely becoming a ‘thing’ now)

Unmissable afternoon nap | Job seeking stuff | The Northern Lights | My day with the doctor| This week’s film| So Long Michael D| Do Good Well| Rounding off

Welcome to this week’s blog. 

Zzzzz 

I’m in the new gig three weeks now and I think I’m adjusting quite well to the routine of five shirts, five shaves, no more Countdown etc. But the one thing that’s knocking me sideways is missing the afternoon nap. My goodness did that become a thing over the last four months. Everything revolved around it. It usually happened after lunch when for some reason even something as modest as a sandwich could put me into a coma. Or occasionally it could be in the morning when I was killing time before the library opened. Either way I think it’s the lack of it that has had me looking like something out of Shaun of the Dead since my 5-year contract began in 2020. You’ve got me going now. Look out for next week’s blog which will be a nap special, aimed at putting us all to sleep. Well, hopefully not.  

Glass half full  

My go-to expression when people have asked how things are going is that I’m ‘Keeping the glass half full.’ But I have to admit to the occasional wobble. I had one this week when I reflected on the length of time that has passed since I left the job and how quickly that time has gone. Like pretty much every week of my 40s it has flown by. However, I have some talented good friends in a similar situation to me and there really is safety in numbers. If sometimes I feel down, I certainly don’t feel alone. There have also been times where I’ve been able to use my situation to signpost people to places (like job agencies) that could help. So, when all is said and done, I’ll try and look back at the positives.  

Alas no Northern Lights for us  

The weather’s actually been nice and mild this week with the sun poking through occasionally. There’s still lots of blokes in shorts; some with obvious burns to their feet (winks) however just when we needed it to be clear, it was typically cloudy the night we might have seen the Northern Lights. But they did come out in Dublin, and you can see some pictures on the RTE website. I mention this because it was with absolute joy that I saw my first ones last year and I’m really hoping we’ll get to see them again.  

Putting my foot in it 

I am the most medically boring person you will ever meet, but for the first time since I was 11, I finally had to go to hospital to get something done. I had a steroid injection in my right ankle to fix a tendon issue. The procedure was guided by ultrasound so there was jelly involved. If the anaesthetic needle was a bit sharp the free foot massage more than made up for it. I went in hoping the procedure would be one-off, now I’m considering feigning injury to get the other foot done.  

The good thing though is that I can continue running, and I went out for a long one after work on Wednesday. Many of my deepest thoughts get processed when I’m out running so it’s very good for me. But sometimes 5k could pass by and I still can’t work out how dragons blow out candles or if there is a German word for ‘fluffy’. The natural endorphins are always a bonus though and I shall carry on. It has been the best addition to my life in 2025.  

Filim slot 

I went to see The Choral on Monday, and it was very good albeit I thought that Ralph Fiennes was too big for it. It was a very cute tail though, set poignantly in front of the harsh reality of war and the young men forced to go and fight in it. It was filmed in the beautiful Saltaire, a town I once worked in as a student. A fairly large local choir were in to watch on the night and the altos on more than one occasion had to be told to be quiet (Seriously). They’re a rowdy bunch those altos. But do check out the film if you get a chance.  

So long Michael D  

A few words on the outgoing Irish president. Ireland loved him. In 2022, one of his staff arranged for a nice official note to be sent to my parents for their 50th wedding anniversary. I don’t know how personally he got involved in such requests, but the fact that he rubber stamped them was special. The very best of luck to him and his wife Sabina.  

Do Good Well – World Diabetes Day 2025  

This week’s nod was a no-brainer as I worked for Diabetes UK for four years back in the noughties. Today (Friday 14 November) is World Diabetes Day. If you can afford to, please donate to Diabetes UK or Diabetes Ireland. Two very worthy causes.  

Bye, thanks get in touch  

As ever, thanks for getting this far with the blog. Do send feedback and more importantly, please share with your friends. Be it 2 or 2,000 readers, I will carry on.  

Adrian  

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk 

07974669338 

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