Star Chart.

When we are younger, we are rewarded for our good manners, good deeds and good behaviour. The prospect of a treat had us remembering our please and thank yours and making our beds neatly.

But as you grow older, the mundane reality of having to be good and do good for little to no recognition sets in. So this year, I’ve introduced a little game which I am enjoying immensely. 

The concept of the Gold Star has been around for many years. At school my assignments were frequently adorned with a shiny gold star (yes, I was a teacher’s pet). So why not command the same with work assignments? If I have been super productive and produced excellent work in an efficient manner, well then damn it I deserve a Gold Star.

Likewise, If I’ve been working super hard to get into shape, denying myself all the delicious treats in life (oh wine, how I miss you), well then damn it I deserve a Gold Star.

Because let’s face it – life is to short and too much like hard work to not take pleasure in the little and silly things.

The Romance Deviation

I have a problem. A serious problem.

My love of romance is getting seriously out of hand.

Feeling the need to break away from the deliciousness of the regency romance novel, I recently started on the first of the James Bond books, Casino Royale, on recommendation by someone who’s judgement has so-far been quite good.

The first few chapters had me hopeful that I would enjoy something that doesn’t have heaving bosoms and tightening breaches adorning the pages.

Alas, half way in, all I can think about is when James is going to shag the bond girl and inevitably break her heart. Never mind the intrigue and action, just give me some stolen kisses and some thorough shagging.

This is a problem I have been dealing with all my life. During the 1990s, I was glued to The X-Files, not because of the supernatural themes or conspiracy theories (did we ever find out what happened to Mulder’s sister?), but to see when/how/if Mulder and Scully would declare their undying love for each other. I only like going to movies that I know will have the two leads live happily ever after.

Whilst some may find this slightly pathetic, I have decided that I don’t really care. I shall continue to live enjoying life's little happy endings. 

All by myself.. and loving it

I have a beautiful friend, who at the age of 22 has not once been to the movies by herself.

Slightly baffled I questioned her about this and she said it would just be weird. WHAT? Never! Going to the movies on your own is good for the soul and it troubles me that there are so many people who can’t go out in public to spend some quality time with just themselves.  

I love to go to the movies on my own, you have the freedom to see what you want, when you want (even if it is High School Musical 3 on a Friday night – don’t judge me), you can relax in your own thoughts and you don’t have to make any polite conversation.

And more importantly, when you end up in tears after a particularly happy ending to a particularly cheesy love story, you don’t have to pretend to “have allergies” to the person sitting next to you.  

So I set my young friend a challenge.. within the next three months she has to go to a movie on her own. A challenge which she has accepted, with many a woeful “I’ll be so embarrassed”.  Bless.