Adrian Phelan

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 15

Welcome to this week’s blog

Someone reading this post will be the 1000th visitor. I know it’s not an exact science, but I’ll take the milestone nonetheless. The regular audience is starting to settle in. There are 1,400 views for those 1,000 visits so some of you are viewing multiple times. It’s not a huge audience but it’s interested and I’m grateful for that so thank you. The rest of you now cross the street when you see me coming and that’s fine too. I owe most of you money. Either way, here’s to the next 1,000. The more the merrier and you’re all very welcome.

Job bit

It’s six months since my contract ended which is a milestone. I spent some of the holidays in the library on the hunt and have popped in after work a couple of times this week too. There’s been lots of students with their noses deep in course work; home for the holidays and escaping the house for a few hours no doubt. With unlimited free online access on your own device and two hours a day access to their PCs, the library really is a valuable asset. [That read like a cheesy advert which was unintended] It helps that some have toilets too. There is one I use that doesn’t and I have on occasion lost the feeling in my legs trying to keep them crossed.

I continue to seek more certainty with my future so will keep going until I get that. We’re all into a new quarter so as ever, keep me in mind. Here is my CV.

Mine’s a Bourbon

I weighed myself again this week. The brief mystery of how I’ve put so much weight on was solved by an audit of the Bourbon creams I’ve gotten through over the last month. They have to go. I’m also not off the mark yet with the Parkrun this year so I need to sort that out as well. There’s no time like the present. I’m not doing Dry January, but I have cut back on the booze so hopefully that will help with shedding some pounds as well. My new suit is crying for mercy. If you’re doing anything interesting health wise in January that you’d like to share, send me an email at adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

Film bit

I went to see Marty Supreme at the weekend. Just give Timothée Chalamet the Oscar now. I think he was in every scene and had to work hard in each of them. I’m starting to think he gets the roles now that Leonardo DiCaprio would get if he was 20 years younger. I’d describe the film as a working-class Bond-esque caper with a couple of random cameos by Gwyneth Paltrow. Catch it while it’s in the cinema. It wouldn’t be as good on d’telly.

I’m seeing Hamnet tonight. There are strong Irish connections with the writing and acting of course. I’m wishing Jessie Buckley every success with the forthcoming awards season. Paul Mescal as well but he is a bit further on with his success.

As a quick TV/film addendum, we got the 1% question on the 1% club on Monday. In fact, with the help of our passes we got through the whole game. The 1% question was easy however and all the contestants got it. I’ll post it at the bottom of this blog.

Physical jerks and dainty bowling

I went bowling last weekend and I was rubbish. I usually have quite a dainty approach to throwing a bowling ball (picture that) so I thought I’d try something new and whack it this time. I came last. I’ve come to the conclusion that I have a subconscious leaning to the left. It didn’t matter which way I threw the ball, the bloody thing went down the left gully. I did have a couple of good hits but alas no strikes or spares. I’m reverting to dainty next time. More suited to a beta male, I think.

I played badminton as well mid-week. If my bowling is dainty, my badminton is anything but. These days my body swivels uniformly around just one axis. I’m very rigid, where I used to be quite bendy. But we had the chance to shoot some hoops in the hall as well which was fun. Basketball was my main sport as a child. The club I played for, Tolka Rovers is fundraising so their teams can compete in a European league. If you think you can help them out, you can send money to their Revolut Account .

Ice, Ice, baby

Imagine an alliterative word before ‘freezing’ and that’s what it’s been over the last week. I took down the outside Christmas lights at the weekend, and my hands are still out there. It wasn’t a job you can do with gloves, so it was pure pain.

But on the flip side it has been nice and sunny this week, and the wolf super moon has been spectacular. I think the one on Tuesday was the biggest I’ve ever seen.

It’s Thursday now and I take everything back as I wade home through the rain. I hope it’s short-lived, although the phone App says different.

A couple of years ago I fell over spectacularly in the icy snow; legs akimbo. I banged my head, and some said I was never the same again. So I’m quite wary of walking in the snow and ice now. Despite being careful, I very nearly ended up on my arse again last week. I had to do some kind of mash potato-style dance move to steady myself. I didn’t break anything thankfully, but I was a bit red-faced.

Do Good Well

2026 is National Year of Reading which is a vital campaign to tackle the steep decline in children’s reading. One of the leading charities supporting this campaign is Schoolreaders whose goal is for all children, regardless of background, to leave primary school being able to read well so they can go on to access their secondary education fully and maximise their future life chances. You can read all about the campaign on their website and if you’re in a position to, find out how to donate. The main campaign website also has more on what’s happening throughout the year and how you can get involved.

Bye for now and thanks

As ever, thanks very much for reading, particularly if you got this far. We’re 15 in now which is phenomenal.

Let’s see where it takes us.

Adrian

07974669338

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

LinkedIn.com/adrianphelan

2 January

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2026/01/02/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-beta-male-6/

26 December

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/12/26/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-beta-male-5/

20 December

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/12/20/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-beta-male-4/

12 December

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/12/12/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-beta-male-3/

5 December

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/12/05/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-beta-male-2/

28 November

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/11/28/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-beta-male/

21 November

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/11/21/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker-8/

14 November

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/11/14/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker-7/

7 November

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/11/07/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker-6/

31 October

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/11/07/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker-6/

24 October

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/10/24/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker-4/

17 October

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/10/17/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker-3/

10 October

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/10/10/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker-2/

3 October

https://adrianphelan.wordpress.com/2025/10/03/adrians-all-fairy-tales-of-a-jobseeker/

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 14

Let’s hope it’s a good one

Happy New Year. It’s 2 January and there’s a grand stretch in the evenings. (Someone had to say it). We had a nice New Year’s Eve, attending two parties – including a 50th birthday -and treated our fuzzy heads to a walk to a nearby village on New Year’s Day.

I think I’m too old to mourn Christmas passing but if I could live a couple of the days again I would. We’ve had a nice time.

The half century beckons

Another year ending with a ‘6’ is here and I must face the inevitable. 29 September is the big day. I know plenty of water will pass under the bridge between now and then, but I’ll be gearing up for it. I have quite a few friends turning 50 before me so I promise to put a pound in the jar every time I say, ‘I’m still 49’, as it will get annoying.

I don’t have a long ‘to do’ list before the big day arrives. Securing my next substantial role continues to be top priority. That and an anchor tattoo for my upper left arm. Once again here’s a link to my CV. Do keep me in mind if any of your projects require extra capacity. I’m just an email or a phone call away and any tattoos or piercings can be discretely covered if required.

Movie bit

I saw Housemaid on Monday. The screening was full, and everyone was engrossed, so it was perfect. It’s difficult to describe without giving too much away but I can say it’s a horror with twists. Sydney Sweeney was the main star, but my hat goes off to Amanda Seyfried around whose character the story was woven. Quite a lot was asked to deliver in the role and deliver she certainly did.

Marty Supreme is next on the list and I’ll hopefully fill you in on that next Friday.

Off to work

I worked three days this week and you could hear a pin drop on the commute. There were very few people about hopefully meaning the world was taking a well-earned break. I had two consecutive three-day weeks which is luxury for a contractor, so I was happy. I sense things are slowly getting back to normal now as well and I can hear the clink of decorations going back into their boxes for another year.

Next question is ‘who will spot the first Easter egg?’

Incidentally, if you have dropped a pin, contact me, I have it for safe keeping.

Back to hospital

My Dad is in hospital again as complications with his cancer continue. I want to mention how impressed I am with the care he receives, in a setting that is just a twenty-minute walk from our house. He is looked after very well. I’m hoping his stay is short, and again, thanks to my siblings and my mother for stepping up where I can’t with looking after him.

Do Good Well

I researched awareness days to see what charity to choose this week and discovered that today is World Introvert Day. It was a new one on me and the website is worth a look.

As it’s not a big week for awareness campaigns for obvious reasons I’m just going to share links to the Irish Cancer Society and Cancer Research UK. Do donate where you can.

Bye for now and thanks

As ever, thanks for reading. Your feedback is always welcome so do share your thoughts with me.

As always, I am still looking for my next substantive post so do keep me in mind. Here is my CV.

Happy New Year

Adrian

07974669338

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

LinkedIn.com/adrianphelan

Previous posts

Scroll to read a previous issue. The first Adrian’s All was published on 3 October 2025.

26 December

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on December 26, 2025 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 13

Welcome to this week’s blog.

Happy St Stephen’s* Day. They say Good King Wenceslas looked out on it. And how did he like his pizzas? That’s right, deep pan, crisp and even. ba‑dum‑tish!

It’s like it’s rained Cadburys Heroes and Mars’ Celebrations wrappers in our house. Not one made the bin without prompt. I’m going to be finding them discarded behind soft furnishings for months.

I’m placating myself with The Snowman and The Snowdog however. It is one of my favourites.

Before I get into the blog a quick shout out to Zeroes Band who did a great gig last Sunday night. We sang the night away and it really added to the Christmas build-up. Look out for their gigs in 2026.

*Boxing Day to some

A few bits on Christmas

I’m writing this with It’s a Wonderful Life on d’ telly. If I have seen it before I don’t remember it, so curious to see what the fuss is about. So far, so good. I’m quite enjoying it. I’ve come back to this paragraph now the film’s over and I have to say it has made me think. I know we’re not quick to share our lows on social media and in places like this blog, but we all have them. My hope for everyone is that we would see the world as a place that is better with us in it. I certainly do 😊. If you need some re-affirming, maybe take a couple of hours out to watch the movie. You should have plenty of time during the Chrimbo limbo* where your brain is programmed to forget what day it is. Remember to double-check your bin schedule.

*27-30 December when not much happens

Road to Heaven

You might call It’s a Wonderful Life a Christmas institution. Sadly, the creator of another one, Chris Rea died on Monday. He joins George Michael, Shane MacGowan and Kirsty MacColl for the great posthumous Christmas singalong wherever they may be, if anywhere at all.

Chris Rea was more than just Driving Home for Christmas of course and I did read that his love of cars influenced his songwriting with Road to Hell being another one of his big hits. Nonetheless his passing is a sad loss, and it’s poignant that it would be at Christmas time.

I’m extending thoughts to those who are spending their first Christmas without loved ones who passed away during the year. Thinking of you most at this time and holding very dear another Christmas I get to spend with my own family, both here and down the WhatsApp line.

A toast to Christmases past

To be mildly self-indulgent for a few words I want to reminisce about an unusual couple of Christmases from when I was young. In the mid-eighties (I know I don’t look old enough) me and my siblings spent two consecutive Christmas mornings at RTE (Ireland’s BBC) when our choir was invited to sing on the TV mass. I remember those Christmases fondly, with the usual routine of going to the local church, broken up. With the buzz of Santa still fresh, going on a coach trip with a load of friends and then appearing on live TV was very exciting. I have no doubt the break our parents got was welcome too.

At the time, mass was a real inconvenience on Christmas Day, coming between you, your new toys, sweet treats and the telly. What did it have to do with Christmas anyway? On reflection of course that was what Christmas was all about. And in fairness to our local church, they did have quite a substantial crib that was a big part of making us feel Christmassy. This was doubled-down at home with our own make-shift crib and advent candles. As a non-believer now, I have cooled down on most things Christian, but I will still allow the memories to be fond.

Do Good Well – The Samaritans

I want to make this week’s charity The Samaritans. I don’t think they need any introduction but a reminder that they provide confidential, non‑judgemental emotional support to anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. If you think you need their help, do reach out.

Bye for now and thanks

A slightly shorter post this week. Once again, Happy St Stephen’s/Boxing Day. I do hope you’re having a cool Yule and that you get to enjoy some downtime during the Chrimbo Limbo.

As always, I am still looking for my next substantive post so do keep me in mind. Here is my CV.

Adrian

07974669338

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

LinkedIn.com/adrianphelan

Previous posts

Scroll to read a previous issue. The first Adrian’s All was published on 3 October 2025.

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on December 20, 2025 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 12

Welcome to this week’s blog.

We’re late for a very important date – Rocking the bingo

Apologies two people 😊 for being late this week. The rhythm of my seven days changed from a march to a waltz, so things are a bit out of time. The main distraction was a night of Christmas Musical Bingo with friends which was great fun. I got the first line and ended up in a sing off with someone from another table. I won, but that was mainly because I said I’d share out the prize, which was a case of Brixton Brewery Beer. It was very nice, and I don’t mind the cheeky plug because they laid on a great evening of live entertainment. The song was Last Christmas by Wham. I’ve never heard of it, but I improvised well.

Then on Friday we went to a cheese and wine party. I’m not known for my love of either, but our hosts do an amazing job every year and they have lovely friends. Five hours passed by like one and I was in a fit enough state in the morning to run back up for the car. So it was a win win, as I couldn’t make this week’s Parkrun.

Sticking with running, I found my son’s old head torch he was using for scouts, which has allowed me to go running the country spots in the dark. It’s a bit of a lifesaver because I’ve been tied to a desk for the last six weeks with runs going from routine to occasional. With a few days off coming up I’m hoping I get out a couple of times. One bit of feedback I’ll give you if you’re thinking about running is that some of the more enjoyable ones come when you think you don’t have the energy or will to do it. It really is worth getting out there, even if the conditions aren’t great.

He said there’d be light

We’re getting very close to the shortest day of the year which means we’ll soon be heading back in the right direction in terms of daylight thank goodness. Life has been a bit of a twilight zone these last six months so I’m hoping for a bit more light and shade in 2026. I can type 2026 but can’t say it out loud. Me and a load of my mates turn 50 during the year. I just know they’re coming for my prostate. I can sense it.

Talking about fingers, there was a great joke in our panto at the weekend. What do you call a judge with no thumbs? ‘Justice fingers’. I think I might have ruined that one by pre-empting it, but I’ve been laughing at it all week. The panto in general was great. It was Cinderella and both sisters shared the dame role which really worked. We laughed all the way through it. I don’t think you’re ever too young or old for a good panto.

The film bit

I saw Eternity last Friday which was good. I didn’t research it before I went so took a chance which paid off. It’s about a woman who has both of her husbands waiting for her when she dies and then has to decide between them. It’s an ideal date movie, if you’re looking for something to do with your other half. I had to make do with getting cosy with my salted popcorn and Pepsi Max but we had a lovely time. It has an Irish director in David Freyne and an Irish Cinematographer in Ruairi O’Brien for those who are interested. I’m going to try and see Avatar over the next few days. Let me know if you’ve seen either and what you thought.

Oh Carol

We went to see carols this week and although I don’t buy into the words, I don’t deny myself the melodies, the musical arrangements and the community spirit. Christian songs have some of the best tunes. They did a particularly good Hark the Herald Angels Sing to finish off. A great crescendo. One thing I’ve learned from being at English weddings is you love singing along to hymns regardless of your beliefs or lifestyles. You’d swear butter wouldn’t melt sometimes but you’re not fooling me.

Do Good Well – Trussell Trust

If you saw the blog Facebook post last week, you’ll have seen a request to feature the Trussell Trust in this week’s post. To quote their website, “We exist so everyone can be free from hunger. We’re an anti-poverty charity and community of food banks. We work together to ensure no one in the UK needs a food bank to survive, while providing food and practical support to people left without enough money to live on. Check out their website and do consider donating to them this Christmas. You can choose an amount you can afford.

Thank you

As ever, thank you for reading. I really do appreciate it. And do continue to keep me in mind if you think I could offer capacity to your company or organisation. Here is my CV.

Adrian

07974669338

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

LinkedIn.com/adrianphelan

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on December 12, 2025 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 11

Welcome to this week’s blog.

A second on the lips…

Having spent most of 2025 losing weight, I’ve now put on quite a bit since I’ve been sitting down seven hours a day. It’s bad timing in terms of work and exercise because of the long evenings and inclement weather. The ever-present box of Family Circle biscuits in my eyeline isn’t helping either. The fact that they’ve mainly gone soft isn’t putting me off. And I’m still going straight for the Jammy Dodgers and Bourbon Creams even though I can have them any time. God help me if someone brings in Pringles.

If it’s not eating food, it’s talking about food, and we had the Gregg’s conversation this week. When Irish people are asked what they did in London at the weekend the first thing they’ll say is ‘went to Greggs’ before telling you about Tower Bridge or Buckingham Palace. It’s a long way to come for a sausage roll but many would say worth it. I’m a fan of Gregg’s chicken and steak bakes myself [that’s two separate products not a mixture] which are both tasty and cheap as chips. And there’s a Gregg’s on every corner now. It’s an economical solution on a day out in Central London when there’s a few mouths to feed. I’m now thinking about their peperoni pizza slices, so I need to move on.

Work away

Work has been quite quiet this week, which is both nice and concerning as I’m hoping for an extension in January, so it keeps me going until I work substantially again. Former colleagues have learned this week if they are at risk of redundancy, so I am thinking of them as well. There’s many of us in the same boat and I sincerely hope we all find land soon. As ever, find me on LinkedIn and continue to keep me in mind.

Chris Cringle

I’m in the secret Santa at work. We filled in a questionnaire to help us choose our gifts, but my recipient gave very little away. My answers filled up three pages. I’ll have to default to the usual Bluetooth speaker (I’m rumbled if you read this) and perhaps some chocolate to make up the money. I almost always get beer as a gift. Even when I’ve gone on for weeks about being off the booze, they’ll get me beer. I’d be happy enough with beer this year mind so if you have me and you’re reading this, buy away.

It’s our work Christmas lunch today as well. We’re leaving the office early which would usually be the first ingredient in a recipe for disaster, but I think most people are driving home. They’ll just have to watch my solo slow decline. Imagine this blog after five pints. You wouldn’t read it.

Stoney miles

How I didn’t fall over at last Saturday’s Parkrun I’ll never know. The course was treacherous. But I’ve now done 30, all in 2025. I’m proud of that milestone, in the same week I got to ten of these blogs. I’m regularly guilty of not persevering with things I start; even those that bring me pleasure, so it’s great that both of these are still ongoing. I’ll need to seek out concrete Parkrun courses for the rest of the winter. Falling over [which I did spectacularly a few months ago] will be more amusing if I do that as well.

I do like to be beside the seaside

We made it to Dorset for the father-in-law’s 80^th and it was a lovely afternoon. Not in the sense that I brought my Speedos for a dip but there were relatives my wife hadn’t seen for years and others who got to meet cousins for the first time. The venue was The Cliff House which was in an idyllic location (if it were the summer and not blowing a gale). They’d erected a massive temporary alpine lodge for Christmas and it was brilliant. There was a festive party in full swing when we were leaving and it looked like everyone was having a great time. You could see the Isle of Wight from the front of the venue where we’ve holidayed three times. It was a bit surreal that in a couple of hours we’d be back in the bosom of our Hertfordshire home. It really is a small world.

Let’s see what’s in the prize pot

We’ve been following the 1% Club rollover programmes this week and I think they’ve been great fun. It totally baffles me when people get through questions of complex maths, English and logic and then go out because they don’t spot that the first letters in a sequence of words spell out ‘DOG’. You can totally cheat at the 1% Club when you’re at home as well. I’ve used my pass about 8 times already.

Do Good Well – Save the Christmas Jumper

As it was Christmas Jumper Day this week, let’s give a signpost to Save The Children. And a cheeky extra plug to a charity I support, Children With Cancer. These charities tackle heart-breaking situations for children so please support how you can, including raising awareness like I’ve done here.

If there is a charity you would like featured in a future post, let me know.

Thanks again

Thanks for getting this far. Carry on enjoying the run up to Christmas and I’ll be back with you again next Friday.

Adrian

07974669338

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

LinkedIn.com/adrianphelan

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on December 5, 2025 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 10

Welcome to this week’s blog.

Ten it is then

So we’ve reached the first big milestone on this yellow-bricked road and got to post number 10. I’m very grateful to you for forgiving me the weekly self-indulgence. To thank you I won’t post the quiz I’ve drafted based on posts 1-9. I tried the questions myself and got most of them wrong any way.

Looking at where people have been viewing from, naturally most are from the UK and Ireland but there are a few scattered around The US and other parts of the world. When trying to solve the mystery of my regular reader in Singapore an old school friend got in touch and said, “If you were hoping the mysterious Singapore reader was an exotic, Asian beauty beguiled by the chronicles of an Irish scribe, I hate to disappoint you.” Thanks Paul, I think you’re rather dashing yourself anyway. I’m guessing the reader in New Zealand is an old school friend as well. Greetings Gavin.

But to reflect for a moment, I set off on this journey not knowing how it might pan out and have been honouring the commitment I set myself to produce a post every week. Even when I thought content might be thin on the ground there’s been enough going on to get something out. At the time of writing, I’m in the Prae Wood Arms in St Albans and if you don’t mind, I’m going to raise a solo toast. I am driving mind so it’s a shandy as opposed to a glass of bubbles. I’ll maybe have one of those at the weekend.

The job bit – LinkedOut

I have rebranded the blog because job seeking is becoming a smaller percentage of the content, but it is still a big part of what I’m about. LinkedIn has become a funny one for me since I started this round of job hunting. I had always seen it solely as a job-hunting tool but now see it mainly as a platform for showcasing achievements and expressing professional views. I’m starting to think it flatters to deceive. It daily reminds me about how many profile views I’m getting and how many impressions my posts get but it hasn’t delivered one successful job lead to date. And the sheer volume of people who apply for every job I want within minutes of them being published is really off-putting. I paid for a subscription for a couple of months which seemed ok at the time but on reflection it just gave me more information about people who passed by quickly to take a look and then moved on. Check back in next week where I will be reporting on how great LinkedIn is after securing an interview for my ideal job.

Deck the halls

Our first couple of Christmas cards have arrived including one from an uncle in Ireland. If you’re like our house, you’ll have also opened your first five advent calendar windows. I don’t have an advent calendar this year so I’m just opening cupboard* doors and eating whatever’s in there. And I’m pleased to report the trees are up, but I’m a few days behind on the cards. If I say that again this time next week, judge me harshly.

*Press. You know I meant press.

Can’t buy me love or Friends

I’ve started watching the Beatles Anthology. I’d seen it the first time around but it’s still an enjoyable watch and of course has extra bits and a sprinkling of Peter Jackson magic. In other TV news I hear Friends is leaving Netflix at the end of the year. I’ve often said I make no apologies for being a big fan. I still dip into it from time to time as it can lift my mood, particularly before bed so I will miss having it on tap. Friends might not be your thing, but I do recommend having something you can watch that can cheer you up. It works for me anyway. Tell me what that might be in the comments and leave other recommendations as well.

Facing my mortality

I played badminton on Wednesday. Badminton is happy to regularly remind me I’m nearly 50. There are some shots I just won’t /can’t go for anymore and I look a bit like the tinman generally when I try sports like that. But I had fun and it topped up the run I’d done earlier that day. Suffice to say I slept well that night. Reminds me I’m still missing my afternoon naps. It’s hard being me these days. I don’t appear to have too many social engagements in the run up to Christmas so this year’s December indulgences should be in moderation.

The film bit

I finally got round to seeing Wicked for Good. The thing I was most curious about was how they treated the Wizard of Oz story we all know so well. My review is that it was a bit shoehorned in and relied a lot on poetic licence. But that was how they wanted to do it so if you are in any way curious do check it out. It was mainly filmed in Hertfordshire as well, so a local production and I love that. Some people at work are talking about the second Five Nights at Freddie’s which comes out today. There’s someone in my house would love to see it but alas they are a bit too young. I might go and report back.

Happy Birthday to fil

It’s my father-in-law’s 80th birthday celebration this Sunday. I’m looking forward to it. There are few enough occasions when families get together, so it will be nice to see some of his siblings and nieces and nephews again. When I met him, he was just 62 which puts time into perspective. I think of that as my own parents get older as well. One of my favourite lines from any song is in Spancil Hill and goes, “I called upon my neighbours to see what they might say. The old ones were all dead and gone, the young ones turning grey.” That’s often how I feel when I return to Dublin. My parents have always lived in the same house, so I’ve watched the area and the people age slowly to a point where literally the old ones are all dead and gone and the young ones turning grey. Some of the young ones turn grey too. I think I was 11 when I got my first few, but let’s leave that there.

Do Good Well

As I’ve reached post 10, a confession. I’ve nicked ‘Do Good Well’ as a title. It’s the name of an amazing charity founded by Lucy Macnamara that helps high-profile people be philanthropic. I love the title and the concept and have shamefully adopted it for this blog. So, my charity call to action this week is to check out Do Good Well and see if it’s something you can engage with.

Thank you and thank you again

We’ve got to ten. Thanks to everyone who has engaged. I really hope you’re getting something out of it. As I always say, be there 1 or 1,000 readers I will carry on regardless.

Catch you again next Friday.

Adrian

07974669338

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

LinkedIn: Adrian Phelan | LinkedIn

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on November 28, 2025 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 9

Welcome to this week’s blog.

Happy run-in

Less than a month to Christmas and I’ve nothing done. I was ahead with my cards last year and got them all sent in good time. I think I’ll look to buy them this weekend and send them out sooner rather than later. Then we’ll spend the rest of the month being reactive going ‘we weren’t expecting one from them, we better get them one back.’ You can’t do that in the last week though. Those ones must go unrequited and then you spend the next year avoiding the sender. I haven’t seen my parents for ages.

The decorations should also go up this weekend with a little help from some Sloe Gin (If there’s any left) and the Jim Carey animated version of Scrooge, which we’ll most likely watch for the first time this season. It’s very good if you haven’t seen it.

But we need more new Christmas songs. Little has stuck since Mariah Carey, so we’re on a twenty-year never-ending loop between that and Slade. The Elton John and Ed Sheeran one isn’t bad but that’s only because it would seem I have to mention Ed Sheeran every week in this blog.

A Netflix bit

To stick with Ed for a minute, I watched the one-shot thing he did for Netflix on Tuesday and despite the obvious staging being a bit cheesy it was very good. We had seen how some of the camera trickery was done in behind the scenes footage of Adolescence (same production team), so we didn’t have to guess about that but if he’s asked himself recently, ‘Where do I go next?’ this was the perfect answer. Well done on that one, it was a good call.

The job bit

I applied for an NHS job this week. Interestingly it was a couple of grades below where I’d left off but, in my opinion benchmarked too low. The money has moved quite well in the health service so I’d be happy from that perspective, and I do need to ask honest questions about where I should be pitching myself. It was good to get back into the swing of reflecting on my skills and experience. With working full time I need to apply time management skills to make sure I have capacity to consistently apply for suitable roles and that will be the challenge But it’s one I am ready to face head on. January marks the final quarter of this financial year so I’ll be monitoring what movement there is in the market. If you’re reading this and looking, remember to keep me in mind.

Faith of our fathers

I went to see my dad in hospital at the weekend. It wasn’t planned and I was very much in and out of Dublin so apologies to those I didn’t get to see, although some of you are thinking, ‘we dodged a bullet there.’ It was interesting to spend time in his hospital, which had a statue of Jesus or Mary at every turn, making it more difficult to find his room. I was even offered communion on one of the days, which I nearly took for a laugh, but decided that wasn’t in keeping with its true spirit. My Dad’s out of hospital now after an 11-day stay and hopefully enjoying his home comforts once again. One of which might be smoked cod and chips, which I use as a segway to the next section.

Who are you codding?

For the benefit of non-Irish readers, the go-to fish in Dublin is smoked cod. Now my local chipper in the UK does the best ‘fresh cod’, so the debate rages. Which is nicer? In recent years, fresh had been knocking smoked out of the park but my word, I had a delicious smoked cod on Friday (Macari’s, Glasnevin, check it out) and the game is on again. The chips weren’t bad either. While we’re in the area I heard the news that the owner of my childhood local pub – which is next to the chipper – died recently, and I send my condolences to his family.

There’s a new podcast in town

‘Food tastes better with wine’ is a new podcast hosted randomly by our old babysitter’s son Jamie, fellow school and soccer dad Dom and their friend Gemma, and it’s pretty cool. It complements a new wine club that has started up locally. If you follow the podcast, you’ll get details of that. I’m not known for my love of wine, but I will one day make the pilgrimage to the Bordeaux region of France to visit Chateau Phelan Segur, which is my birth right. I’ll post more about the podcast as it grows but wanted to mark it’s very first episode for posterity because I think it will go from strength to strength.

Do Good Well

Not a charity this week but shining a spotlight on International day for the abolition of slavery which aims to raise awareness about modern day slavery and its eradication. There’s an estimated 12.3 million people in slavery today forced to work for little or no pay. Find out a bit more by clicking the link.

Farewell and thanks

As ever, thanks for getting this far. Stay in touch and if you’re happy to, please share a link to the blog with your networks.

Adrian

07974669338

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

LinkedIn: Adrian Phelan | LinkedIn

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

Posted on November 21, 2025 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 8

Welcome to this week’s blog.

I’m in the mood

The blog week started on Saturday with a trip to Beeston near Nottingham for a surprise 60thbirthday party, and it was brilliant. There just aren’t enough opportunities to have a boogie these days and we danced the night away. I have a milestone birthday in 2026 myself and no one’s having buffet (vol-au-vents, chicken wings, quiche) until we’ve timed you dancing for at least half an hour. It’s just the tonic for life’s challenges. My feet are still going.

And it snowed on Wednesday. It was short-lived but for about ten minutes the place looked like a winter wonderland and there were fewer people in shorts and crocs (overkill on that one I know). Significantly I heard the last time it snowed in November there was a white Christmas so let’s wait and see.

Speaking the lingo

This week I started practising Irish on Duo Lingo and I’m surprised both at how much I’ve remembered and how much I’ve forgotten. What’s good about it is that it also teaches you how to learn. It does have to show me some words about 8 times before I remember them however and I have no doubt if it was human it would have thrown a blackboard duster at me by now. But I’m really enjoying it. (I hope there’s some reading this who don’t know what a blackboard duster is.)

How can I help you?

I’m deeper into my new temp job, and the comfort of the training days are long behind me. I’m chatting to lots of people on the phones now, hopefully sorting out some of their problems and suffice it to say that when 5pm comes each day I am knackered. And the work doesn’t stop there as the job searches need to take place into the evenings. I’m planning to cold approach people at companies I’d like to work for so brace yourselves, I’m coming for you. Nothing ventured…as they say. A reminder you can find me on LinkedIn at Adrian Phelan | LinkedIn

COVID-19 inquiry

If you have seen my LinkedIn profile, you’ll know I’ve spent the last five years promoting adult and childhood vaccinations. During the pandemic the focus was naturally COVID-19. It was a massively significant time for all of us, but I think even more so for the NHS staff who selflessly put themselves at risk caring for patients, day in and day out. So, I read with interest the inquiry’s findings into how the four governments did. I don’t think any of us would have taken their places but the idea that the lockdown(s) could have been avoided and 23,000 fewer lives lost is mind blowing. I’m going to leave that one there, but I hope we’ve learned lessons and are far-better prepared for any future pandemics that fingers crossed never happen.

Nizlopi SupportEd

I was delighted to see that Nizlopi, who featured in Blog post 3 will be supporting Ed Sheeran on his UK and Ireland dates in December. They have a long association so it’s great that the duo’s reunion is marked in this way. All the dates are sold out so to those of you who have tickets make sure you get down eary to check out Lemington’s finest. They really are very good.

Do Good Well

I’ve been avoiding the Prostate Cancer UK guy all week at the station. I support three charities already so can’t afford to add a 4^th but what we can do for free is raise awareness of their great work. What he was promoting was the “multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) scan which is a special type of scan that creates more detailed pictures of your prostate than a standard MRI scan. It does this by combining four different types of image.” These images give your doctor information about whether or not there is any cancer inside your prostate. Read more online and do consider a regular donation if you can.

What are you watching this week?

I haven’t been to the cinema this week but The Running Man and Wicked are on the list. If you see either of these, do share your reviews. I am nearly at the end of the Iris Affair mind and I’m enjoying that a lot. If you have Sky Atlantic, do consider watching.

So long and thanks

As ever, thanks for coming with me this far. Do get in touch for any or no reason. I’d love to help raise awareness of anything you’ve got going on so just ask.

This has been somewhat of a blogette this week, but it gets you back to your day quicker.

See you again next Friday.

Adrian

07974669338

adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a jobseeker

Posted on November 14, 2025 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 7 (Definitely becoming a ‘thing’ now)

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

(2) Adrian Phelan | LinkedIn