Run For The Hills

THE IDEAL MAN SPA

It's a bit of a generalisation to say that women like to be pampered more than men, but for me, the idea of a spa weekend is not something I'd ever do with a group of male friends. Not to say I don't like a massage or a Jacuzzi - it's just that men don't really know how to really look after themselves in that regard and if they ever do go to a spa - it's not really discussed with their mates. Again, I'm generalising. But....this weekend, I've realised what an ideal spa break for me is. A trip to the mountains for some life-threatening activities, followed by death-cheating celebratory drinking filled with many moments of laughter.

It's amazing how much clarity of thought you can get after really concentrating on not hurting yourself up a mountain - all other worries and concerns are pushed right out of the mind. It's the exhilaration and thrill of doing something potentially dangerous with your friends with a bit of competition thrown in and banter in the pub afterwards that make my man-spa weekends. And for a bit of conventional spa treatment - booking in at a spa hotel like the Grandes Rousses Hotel where we stayed, means theres even a jacuzzi to relax in too.

Shared Spaces

MAKING NEW AQUAINTENCES

I sat on a train opposite a stranger for 2 hours today. Usually, I'd put my headphones on and keep my head down, but I made a decision to be civil, friendly and see what would happen. 

When we go out of our way to avoid speaking with travel strangers, we could be missing out on some potential benefits. My chance encounter today rewarded me with an intellectual conversation with a very interesting scientist from New York. This man, who'd chosen to sit in 2nd class, was dressed in very ordinary clothes and seemed pretty down to earth on first impressions. The difference in demeanour to my other travel stranger was that he seemed more inclined to chat than the headphone wearing, sultry-faced girl was - and I'm glad we both made the effort. 

He'd worked for major companies like Coke, Nike and a number of massive manufacturing conglomerates. As a technologies director, his understanding of polymers, 3D printing and future advancements in mobile communications, energy systems and connectivity, means he works at the highest level in industry. These companies all need marketing and advertising specialists and now, through this connection made today, I intend to make the most off our brief friendship to further investigate these companies and potentially benefit from finding a new career avenue. 

Who knows what the person sitting opposite you on a train can teach you. By being civil and friendly, a chance encounter can at the least make your journey more pleasant and could lead to something great. So why not make a little effort instead of donning those ear cans...

Beer benefits

FUN WITH FRIENDS

If you consider that I've been focussing on ways to improve myself - this next statement may come as a surprise: I've just had a full day of drinking beer and I feel great! I've avoided alcohol since 1st Jan so I could make progress with my plans for self improvement. It's also been a sensible move to avoid alcohol so I can better manage a tricky period in my life. However, I've just had the best sleep in ages after a fun day of hanging with a great group of lads. 

My mind has been preoccupied with other serious matters over the last 4-6 months and in this time, it's clear to me now, that I'd completely lost my mojo. So, although the no drinking has really helped with my focus, this break away with friends has already been the best decision I could have made - and to think I very nearly cancelled this reunion gig. 

I look forward to spending a few more days away from my thoughts, just laughing, chatting and doing all the things a group of lads together on a break away enjoy doing together...like drinking loads of beer!