S is for...Special Occasions

It’s that time of year. It either means a lot to you or it doesn’t, for whatever reason. I can tell you this year was the first Christmas Day I’ve spent with my Dad in something like 20 years. But, it’s not a competition, I don’t keep a tally. Genuinely, I haven’t got time for that shit. To quote RUN-DMC:

“It’s like that, and that’s the way it is. HUH!”

So, the day meant a lot to me, but at the same time, it’s just another day. If it was THAT big a deal to us, we would have done something about it. I mean 20 years is more than enough time to get your shot together, right? So, I know on a personally level, for me, I have it placed just about right on the ‘what it means to me spectrum’. Because when we started speaking about it, whilst yes I got a little bit emotional, I didn’t have a breakdown when we started talking about that fact. And there’s been plenty of times over the years when I’ve crumbled talking about stuff because it’s just overwhelmed me.

Remember, I used to work in a card and gift store as a kid. So, when it comes to special occasions I am all over that shit. In culture, we have got our own stereotypical special occasions; Christmas, Birthday, Anniversary, New Year, Wedding, Kick a pigeon day! Or you know, whatever your beliefs are, the special occasions that are linked to them.

But, as far as I’m concerned, that’s not where it’s at. They are the stereotypical special occasions, yeah they are cool but everyone does that shit. I’m pretty tight anyway, I mean you kind of have to be, but I also know that it’s the times where you don’t have to spend a great deal of money that are special. Here’s some cool moments I’ve shared with some of my family over the years.

*ahem*

Dad

Fixing my garden fence because the fucking weather over the last few weeks has absolutely bollocks it up. (That’s what we did yesterday.)

Mum

Speaking to her on Christmas Day asking her if she got the present from me. Which she smiled at, because I’m a little bit cheeky, but it’s because she knows I know her well and that means a lot to me.

It was this

My brothers

Chatting general bollocks to each other most days on What’s App. Which by the way, is such a fucking well named App. Easily a Top 10 named Apps of all time.

My step-dad

Talking to him about the books he writes.

Tracey

Living every day as a young couple in a fucking mad world!

Marley T

Well, that’s between me and Marley T isn’t it. This isn’t the fucking Truman Show.

So yeah, let’s not be dense, these special occasions are cool. But for some of us, they are shit. Like proper fucking shit. That’s not an over exaggeration, and definitely warrants the swearing. In fact, I don’t think I could swear enough to make my point.

Every day is special. Not just the usual shit. I used to love the old Royal Mail advert, ‘I saw this and thought of you’. The still do something similar now. But, that’s what it’s about to me, if you want to do something nice for someone, go and do it. Don’t wait for a ‘special occasion’, you tight bastard. Do it today! DO IT NOW!

Oh yeah, by process of elimination, we can safely assume that if I’ve never done anything nice for you, then I think you’re a nob.

Salut!

Something someone supposedly said

“I remember when I was in high school I didn't have a new dress for each special occasion. The girls would bring the fact to my attention, not always too delicately. The boys, however, never bothered with the subject. They were my friends, not because of the size of my wardrobe but because they liked me.” - Marilyn Monroe

Songs

Perfect Day - 1997 Children in Need