When things are bad they are awful. When times are good, everything just falls into place. Take this morning, as an example. I had so much planned for my day. Priority, to get my haircut first thing in the morning and then head into town to pick up a few things. Parking, I gave myself two hours to complete the job and get back to the car and head home. As I got into the car, I put my key in the ignition to check the time, it was 10:57, the time on my ticket read, yes, 10:57. I drove out of the car park with a grin on my face. Mission accomplished, on time but perhaps way over budget. Who’s counting? ‘Tis the season of goodwill to all men (and women?).

What has now become an annual tradition, I picked up my Christmas cards from Clintons this morning. Sorry, that gives the impression that I had preordered my cards. What I mean to say is I chose my cards this morning. Looking back at my archives, I always buy my cards between the 10th and 15th of the month. Although, I do get some funny looks in the queue, as I purchase individual cards for all of my family to hand to them on Christmas Day. It is the thought that counts at this time of year above anything else. Although last year I said I was moving away from using Excel to record my list and recalling names at the drop of a hat. I have to go back to using a spreadsheet, particular as I now have 35 people at work to write cards for. To my humiliation, my sister and even my Mother have received more Christmas cards than me so far. To date I have received none. So to change this sorry sorry state of affairs, I better get writing and posting.

As I was driving my Mum’s car into town, I was listening to KISS 100, no CDs available, unfortunately. On the return journey, the disc jockey was counting down some download chart, sponsored by a third-generation mobile network. While the artist was unfamiliar, the song became an instant hit to my ears. It must be the classic 1980s introduction or the cool, smooth, chilled RnB melody. In any case, I parked up and waited for the song to finish, yes it is that good! Been listening to it almost non-stop on my PC and it is growing on me. If this boy band (can I call them that?) continue this trend, I will be sure to listen out for the next single. Oh, you want to name of the artist? They are called, Pretty Ricky.

While most people would consider me the least competitive of people, I still have a deep inner hatred of losing. Though, in my personal accomplishments (or lack thereof) I have little to shout home about. It is only human nature, to associate ourselves with great success in response to some of our own failures or weaknesses. Some of you would say I’m looking too deep into this, but I beg to differ. It’s only a game. The reality, even if seasons come and go is that fans never let you forget those defeats and move on too soon, from the glowing successes. I suppose this is the time to be counted as a fan and show my true colours. After all, you may be singing when you are winning but when the chips are down, you just have to back the team, manager and backroom staff. Next stop at Highbury. Chelsea. Too early for defeatist talk, Daniel? Or maybe we should be posing some difficult questions to the Board!