1112.28 EXCESS

Now that all that Christmas malarkey is over it's time to deal with the aftermath. Putting the decorations away is a mammoth undertaking that if not done right means more work and messing about come December when they emerge again.

Of course the bills have to be paid, a month or more of overspending needs to be addressed. Then there is the personal over indulgences, a few weeks of over eating and drinking can mean all sorts of issues if not sorted come January.

1112.25 CAPTAIN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Every year is a journey to this table, the Christmas dinner table. This year I'm thankful that we all, the 4 of us, made it. There were many times along the way when I thought we weren't going to make it through. 

There have been some real difficult times again this year, Morticia's condition doesn't get better but I do feel sometimes we are learning how to cope. Her disability was at last officially recognised which meant we could get a little help. 

Our eldest daughter has also been the cause of many sleepless nights. Getting her back in line has been a major priority this year. We still have a way to go but hopefully we are on the right track. 

Highlights include our holiday to Wales as usual. It never fails, the place is almost magical. I also got a new bike, after year of wanting and striving I made it happen.

Anyway, now is the time to be thankful for what we've got and to get on with enjoying the season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, FOLLOWERS, SUBSCRIBERS AND MINIONS.

1112.23 THE PUNCTURE FAIRY

Over the last few weeks I have been suffering from a large amount of punctures whilst cycling. I have become quite expert and fast at changing an inner tube and tube repairs. Quite a few have occurred during night time commutes in areas I'd rather not stop in. I'm putting it down to the weather + road conditions causing debris to stick to the road surface and them embed into my back tyre.

Well done to Mark Cavendish who won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2011. I'm a big fan and it was great to see his achievements and the sport honoured and recognised.  

1112.18 PROPER CHRIMBO

I'm just getting over my hangover from last night's festive night out with my bestest bud, Mr C.

Christmas 2011 is almost ready. Morticia has been stressing about being ready and this has meant extra pressure to make sure everything gets done as swiftly as possible. Although we are almost done, except for food and I have to sort out a few bits myself.

I have 4 days of work between now and the big day, but I'm on lates so that makes it difficult. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day, the plan is to go to Iceland, Morrisons and Tescos. Sounds like hell to me.

Why do we put ourselves through all this shit year in year out? It's stressful, unpleasant and in the end usually doesn't live up to expectations. I'd just do the basics, as long as you are with friends and family what else to you need? We are all searching for the perfect Christmas, but is there such a thing?