All Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

"Things come wrapped up in time, like the past in a present, or the perfect line in a song.
 They take their time, and when they're gone, they take their time with them.
 And you can't have them back, because the time for them has gone,
 And their time has gone with them..."

With a weekend break in Ireland to look forward to in a few days time, the title and picture associated with this blog seem entirely appropriate. But there is another analogy to the 'All Good Things Come To Those Who Wait' reference...other than the anticipation of a decent pint of guinness!
Additionally, the opening lyrics taken from a song called 'Wrapped Up In Time' are also relevant when you consider what I wrote in my last blog, 'Silent Reflection':

"...I believe I've finally gained closure on my past with regards to matters of the heart, and although it hurts I know that I can at last move on with my life..."

Well, life does indeed move on...

After hopefully enjoying some wonderful Irish hospitality in Co.Laois courtesy of Ruth, Glenn, and 'Rose, I will return to these shores fully refreshed and raring to go as I plan the next phase of my life.
I had originally hoped to come back with some rather exciting personal news of a romantic nature to share with you all, but alas this isn't the case...it was just another false dawn I'm afraid to say.
Yet I remain an eternal optimist, and a hopeless romantic...so my time will come one day, of that I'm sure.
I retain the belief that good things happen to good people, and everybody gets what they deserve in the end, be it good, bad or indifferent. I like to think of myself as a good person, with a kind soul and a big heart, so once again I believe my time will come...eventually!

It also now looks very likely that my intended birthday celebrations in New Zealand in October aren't going to happen either, due to my current financial situation making it near impossible.
But I do have alternative plans for these two weeks in October in place, which could prove quite exciting from a personal point of view...so watch this space, as I'll reveal all next time!

And finally...

A Tale of Two Angela's
Firstly, to Ange in NZ: sorry for letting you down, TWL♥ ...but I'm with you in spirit always!
And secondly, to Ange in the UK: thanks for your recent kind & supportive words♥

Ramblin' Steve

Silent Reflection

"(the) silence was so profound that I could hear my heart beat. Such silence is a remarkable thing. It drives you inside your brain. You're not on acquaintance with your brain a lot of the time because you're so distracted by everything around you. You don't think about who you are and your place in life or where you fit. In silence and aloneness like that you're driven to think about yourself and it is no bad thing..."

~ Billy Connolly, extract taken from the book 'Journey to the Edge of the World'.

It's only actually been a week of 'silence' since my last blog, which was appropriately enough entitled, 'Shot To Pieces!' I thought I needed a longer break, but suprisingly I now feel totally refreshed and rejuvenated. After completing the long charity walk I was indeed completely and utterly drained emotionally.
All the personal reasons why I undertook such an event suddenly caught up with me, and I was totally running on empty for quite a long time. Fortunately, I now feel that I've finally come to terms with the whole campaign, as over the past week I've reflected in silence on my life and where it's going. I believe I've finally gained closure on my past with regards to matters of the heart, and although it hurts I know that I can at last move on with my life.
So rather than dwelling on any heartbreak I'd rather concentrate on the present and on the future.
After all, I'm a pretty luck fella with minimal aspirations in life...I just need the love of a good woman to make me complete! Believe me, I'm working on it...so watch this space!

"But there's a fighter in my heart and my body's tough,
 The years may have been unkind, but they've been kind enough..."

Capturing the mood of my silent reflection, the photo featured with this blog is taken from inside the tranquil and peaceful Church of the Good Shepherd on New Zealand's South Island.
The Church sits on the shores of Lake Tekapo and was built in 1935 as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. The Church offers awe inspiring views of Lake Tekapo and mountains through the alter window and has been host to thousands of weddings since its dedication.

Next Friday is the long awaited May payday, and it can't arrive soon enough believe me, so hopefully many happy times will then ensue.
I'm out for a celebration with the lads & ladies from Mercer on June 1st, although nothing too heavy as the following day I have to be up early, as I'm venturing over to Dublin via the joys of Ryanair from Gatwick Airport. From there I'll travel down to County Laois and catch up with all my Irish friends and 'family'...and no doubt I'll enjoy the craik and have some fun!
Then my next 'awayday' treat occurs exactly one month later on July 2nd, when I'll be catching the train up to Berkshire to visit my dear friend Elona, to share a lovely pub lunch in the pretty little village of Theale, followed by a spot of retail therapy in nearby Reading. I'm hoping to purchase a new slim-fit black suit at some stage, as well as a new pair of funky glasses if possible ~ a fresh start requires a new wardrobe and a new image I reckon...although I may need the guidance of my style guru, Giverny!
Thereafter, there remains the possibility of a holiday in New Zealand in October, although nothing is definite just yet. It'll be great to catch up with friends in Christchurch, such as the TWL, but if it's not to be just yet then I'm a patient man, and I'll wait a few years before returning as originally planned.

Following on from the concept of 'less is more', I'll be posting my blogs less frequently than in the past, probably once a month...I wouldn't want to bore my avid readers with any ramblings not worthy of their time or attention!
In all seriousness, the blogger interface and browser that I use has recently been upgraded (again), but one interesting feature now available to me is that I can see how many readers actually view my blogs.
I can confirm that prior to this one I've written 23 blogs in 2012 so far, and the total number of views this year is around the 700 mark, with an average per blog of 30 ~ so many thanks for your continual support and interest, which is very much appreciated.

Incidentally, the peak figure reached was 50 viewings for my blog entitled, 'Easter: Tough Love & The Harsh Truth'...which just goes to prove that you must all be interested in my love life after all? Lol ♥

Take care, be happy, stay safe & have fun!

Ramblin' Steve

Shot To Pieces!

A whole week has now passed since completing the charity walk along The South Downs Way in aid of Cancer Research UK, and I remain shot to pieces!
Most of the physical aliments have now recovered, but mentally I am completely drained and exhausted.
I think it's the culmination of all the planning and organising over the past nine months, in addition to probably being a little overwhelmed with the emotions of it all, when you take into consideration the reasons why I chose to do the event in the first place.
I did try to make contact with Lou recently, but to no avail so I am finally accepting the fact that I must move on...I know I've said it before, but this time I really must do it. She's made it quite clear to me how she feels, so I must respect her wishes and leave her to live her life, however short that may be...it's sad but there isn't anything else that I can do. At least I hope she's proud of what we've achieved and I know that all the pain we experienced proved worthwhile in the end, although I know this pales into insignificance when compared to what she's going through.

So far we've raised £3,237 when everything is factored in, and I must confess to being totally in awe of that figure, as I only expected to raise a few quid when I originally schemed up the idea. As ever a big thank you goes out to you all...your kind donations have been very much appreciated.
For any further donations please see the link to my 'Just Giving' page below, although I don't intend to push it much more as I feel the campaign is now slowly winding up ~ the only other possible activity may evolve around some local press coverage and a feature in our company magazine.

http://www.justgiving.com/SteveMuskett27010

Due to my current fatigued state, and the continual battle between my complex state of mind and desire for a simplistic way of life, I have decided to take a break from writing and blogging for a while...but I will return soon, no doubt.
May I thank you all for your unbelievable support and may I also apologise for any recipients of recent soppy or sentimental text or facebook messages...I guess I'm just a silly, old hopeless romantic!
I'd like to especially thank Elona (pictured) once again for being my 'rock' as a true friend, as well as all my supportive work colleagues throughout the charity campaign.

Next up for me hopefully is a visit to see Elona, followed by a weekend break in June to nip over the water to catch up with friends and 'family' in Ireland. Then if I'm lucky and the opportunity remains, I will turn my attentions to planning a trip to New Zealand to see my great friend Ange...fingers crossed!

Until next time (whenever that may be), I wish you all well & take care.

Ramblin' Steve