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My 13th Valentine’s Day with the same person? That must be some kind of world record. It’s definitely my PB. And due to exponential maths I owed my wife 2048 Ferrero Rochers. I hoped she would be distracted by the champagne and fancier chocolates (yes even fancier than an ambassador would give you), but I know she is disappointed in my lack of commitment.
I kept up the exercise regime and went for a swim this morning. As I prepared to enter the pool a man passed by on his way to the changing rooms and recognised me and exclaimed that he had just been listening to today’s podcast (see below). He shook my hand. I was standing there in trunks, my fat tummy on display to the world. It was an odd way to meet someone. He didn’t seem to notice my partial nudity though. I imagine most listeners picture me naked anyway.
Our Valentine’s treat was a takeaway curry, champagne (oh I am back baby) and a film. Which would have seemed a cop out Valentine’s Day twelve years ago, but was like an oasis of luxury now we’re haggard parents. We watched “Booksmartâ€. I know I am late to the booksmarty, but this is a really brilliant film, which beautifully captures the self-consciousness, exhilaration and crushing disappointments of being 18. And the intake of breath before that great leap from school to the real world.
It resonated with me as it was about swotty kids who had failed to party because they were concentrating on their studies. Oh man, all the stuff that my self-consciousness and over sensitivity stopped me experiencing. But maybe that was true for almost all of us.
But there’s lots of laughs to make up for the regrets and some brilliant performances and great direction from the wonderful Olivia Wilde. I’d happily watch a whole film of people having condoms full of water smash against their faces in slow motion, but it’s got that and much more.
RHLSTP with journeyman footballer Jon “The Beast†Parkin (don’t worry you don’t have to like football to enjoy this extraordinary podcast)
On audio
On video
I highly recommend Jon’s book - Don’t Feed The Beast
Exciting RHLSTP guest news, plus news on a special gig in March is up for Badgers in the members’ area at rhlstp.co.uk
Become a monthly badger to get all the news first, plus bonus interviews, ad-free podcasts, stand up shows, membership pack, entry into monthly draw and much more.
