What a busy week I’ve had. On Monday morning I had to go into Burton to change my name at the bank and it was the first time I’d been into town since lockdown was introduced seventeen centuries ago. Even though they’ve started to relax the rules a little bit it was still eerily silent, car parks that are usually rammed were full of empty spaces and shopping centres were open but deserted. There was only one person working behind the counter at the bank and only two people allowed in at any time which, even though this is the ‘new normal’ we should all be getting accustomed to, still felt very strange. Afterwards I popped for a leisurely stroll with Caitlin and that was cute, even though Mickleover is a shit hole. It’s still very weird being able to see people but not being allowed in their house or to give them a hug. I managed to have a lovely catch up with Caitlin from a safe distance and it was nice to finally see her again. 

Thirty two bloody miles I did on my bike on Tuesday morning. It honestly felt like my legs were going to fall off when I got home, two and a half hours it took me. I feel so much better for it though, I set myself another personal best and the weight is still dropping off slowly but surely, so progress is being made and I’m very happy about it. I needed the long bike ride to burn some calories as I attended the House of Gallagher on Tuesday evening for a barbecue and some drinkies. I vowed to myself that I wouldn’t get in as much of a state as I did last Wednesday yet I still ended up drinking two bottles of wine. I was on cooking duty and I was quite impressed with how my burgers turned out, although I was quite upset that I only had enough calories for one of them (wine is more important burgers). Lana and Elia were also in attendance and we had a good little gossip between the four of us, as well as some extremely unimpressive Dad dancing on my part – wine brings out the best or the worst in me, depending on your perspective. 

On Wednesday afternoon I played my first ever proper game of golf. I’ve been to the driving range countless times but I’ve never actually played a full game, so I was exceptionally proud of myself when I managed to achieve par on the first hole. It was just a shame that I did so woefully bad on the other eight holes and ended the game 38 over par. You know what they say, it’s the taking part that counts. Despite the fact I was crap, I really enjoyed it and I can instantly understand the attraction of golf – it’s essentially a few hours walking through the countryside with your friends talking shit and you occasionally have to hit a ball. At least I have a target to aim for now whenever I go to the range and I am hoping to get into it a bit more over summer, weather obliging. 

Thursday was a rather significant day in the grand scheme of things. First of all, I got my grade back for my dissertation and I managed to achieve a First, which I’m pissed off with if I’m being honest. I thought my diss was shit and, I realise how self-pitying this is going to sound so I ask for your forgiveness in advance, I do not think I deserved a first at all. Nevertheless, I got one and I’m not going to go on whining about it. I also quit my job at William Hill and accepted a job at Farmfoods, purely because the latter can offer me more hours and the money will come in handy. I will be genuinely sad to leave William Hill because I’ve been there for over two years and I have really enjoyed the job, but times change and needs must. I’m not sure if I’ve already mentioned this but I have decided to defer my masters for a year so I’m going to spend the next twelve months working and trying to figure out what I want to do for the next fifty years. If anyone needs any low quality frozen food, let me know, my staff discount will be a whopping 15%. 

I felt something on Saturday that I hadn’t felt for a very long time – a sense of freedom. For the first time in about three months I was able to completely forget about lockdown for the whole day and it was so nice to get some sense of normal life back. In the morning I did a twenty two mile bike ride and it was the first time in a few weeks that the weather was pleasant, which made the ride much more enjoyable but also reminded me what a huge impact the weather can actually have on my moods. In the afternoon, Adam, Sam and I played a round of golf at the course in Swadlincote and I somehow managed to do even worse than Wednesday, achieving 39 over par. We spent most of the game arguing, which won’t come as a surprise to those who know us, but it was surprisingly relaxing and jolly good fun. I then had everyone round to mine in the evening for a barbecue and a few drinks and even Brooks made an appearance. It was the first time I’d seen him since lockdown came in but it mattered little, the guy literally never changes; drinking, smoking & gambling. I managed not to pass out this time as well which was a lovely added bonus. All of these things together meant Saturday was the first time in a long time that I felt an atmosphere of normality return and it was a welcome relief. 

It took a lot of deliberation before I made the decision to publish the letter to my father but I’m glad I did as the reaction to it has reminded me of the reason I am able to get through life without him. I am indescribably grateful for the support and loyalty that my friends provide me with and it isn’t worth thinking about where I’d be without them, so thank you to everyone who read it and gave me their thoughts on it. If you haven’t read the piece, I recommend you do if you wish to gain a better understanding of me because I think it explains a lot about how I have ended up as the man I am today, regardless of whether you think that man is good or bad. Of the pieces I have published on this blog, this is the one I’m most proud of and it genuinely means a lot that so many of you took the time to read it and reflect on it. It’ll be interesting to see if Dave ever does end up reading it, although it seems doubtful considering his poor grasp of English. 

Anyone got any tips for Royal Ascot? Stay safe.