Dave's Progress. Chapter 99: Now That It's All Over.

OK, so the title of this post may sound a little bit like a song title, and if it isn't one already, then it should be. But of course I refer to the recent debacle that was Christmas and the New Year. I hope yours went well, because, somewhat surprisingly, mine did. On Christmas day I visited my brother and also saw many of my cousins who I had not seen in quite a long time. It was nice to see them all, having grown now into mature adults, all doing their own thing and making their way in the world; some as teachers, some as burgeoning academics and others who were simply travelling the world and trying to see all they could before being bludgeoned back into their everyday lives.
And so it was that at the back of my mind my old friend "status anxiety" began to kick in. My cousins are all younger than me, but despite this seem to have achieved far greater things than I. One, in particular, has virtually travelled the world now, speaks two languages fluently, has written a book and will probably be involved in organising events throughout next year's Olympic Games when they arrive in jolly old Britain. I could not help but feel, then, a slight twinge of not just status anxiety, but the plain old green-eyed monster himself, jealousy.
But then, a feeling of unassailable hope overtook me. They had all grown into such nice people, and they all made me feel, despite knowing about my own troublesome and unhealthy past, welcome and indeed, somewhat pampered. It kind of warmed my cockles (ooh err, missus) to know that none of them even paid the slightest attention to what I have been diagnosed with, and I was to them just "David", a member of their extended family.
So, if any of them ever read this blog, may I wish Ruth, Beth, Peter and Tom all the very best for this year. And particularly to Tom, as he has had to put up with health problems of his own for the last few years. And to their parents also, who I have known since I was born, really, and have always been generous and supportive and who remind me often of years gone by when things seemed so much simpler and the older generation of our family was still around.
Basically, then, it's warm and fuzzies all round, and now that it's all over I think I'm feeling confident that 2011 will be a good year, despite, to end on a political note, the unnecessarily severe and stringent cuts being made by old Dave Cameron and his government. A friend of mine recently referred to the now incumbents as the "bankocracy" and feels that the cuts being made are not only unnecessary, but are a way of undermining the welfare state, a process which he refers to, in true Marxist fashion, as a process of "accumulation by dispossession". But let's not let that deter from the positivity I feel. After all, with students now enraged, who knows how many others will be, and as my friend said- "aux barricades"!
That's all for now from your normal, average paranoid and delusional man.           

Comments

klahanie said…
Dear David,
What a positive and upbeat posting. Just the tonic to start out the New Year with a sense of realistic optimism.
I'm glad you managed to work through those feelings of "status anxiety". I know all about feeling like that. Yet, the good news is that your cousins saw David, a thoroughly decent chap, rather than the diagnosis. Most encouraging and heart warming.
David, you've come a long way, and thus, give yourself a big pat on the back.
Let us hope that 2011 is a very good year. As for the coalition government, well hitting the vulnerable is grossly unfair.
Anyway, thanks for a very 'warm and fuzzy' posting.
All the best and talk to you soon.
Kind wishes and respect, plus 20% VAT, Gary.
Dixie@dcrelief said…
Hi David,
Good for you!
I can relate to the 'status anxiety', but I like me, so I no longer give it any energy.

You're so descriptive; such an excellent journalist/writer. You bring vitality to the written word.

I smiled the entire time I was reading your post. How happy I am for you and your holiday results.

As for the 'bankocracy', 'boo-hiss-sneer'. Thank you, David.

In peace, Dixie
David said…
Dear Gary,
Thanks for your positivity about my positive posting.
I am, indeed, confident that 2011 will be a good year, at least for me, as I seem to be getting only better. I hope that the same goes for you.
So, as I said in my post, it's "warm and fuzzies all round".
Very Best Wishes to you,
David.
David said…
Dear Dixie,
Thanks for your lovely, encouraging remarks.
As ever, you even make my head swell a little with your kind compliments.
Thanks again, and I hope 2011 brings with it many good times for you.
With Very Best Wishes,
David.
bazza said…
Hi David. Guess what? There is, a somg called 'Now that its all Over'! This was a lovely post because you really got across your conflicting feelings of 'warm fuzziness' versus your 'status anxiety'. You should only measure yourself against your former self.
I hope you have a wonderful year!
Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
David said…
Dear bazza,
Thanks for your warm and fuzzy comment and I'm not really surprised that there is a song called "Now that it's all over", it just sounds so much like a song about the end of an affair, or something.
Anyway, I hope your year goes swimmingly, too!
With All the Best,
David
Kate said…
I found you from To Discover Ice. I love your site. I’m going to poke around a little bit, but don’t worry I’ll put everything back where I found it!!
Anonymous said…
Hi there, I came by your blog via Garys, and am so pleased i did. Have just spent a good hour reading your posts and I really like the term 'status anxiety'.
I so identify with those feelings of 'less than' and whenever I get into comapring myself and my achievments with others, I always come out worse and hit myself with the baseball bat again! (well not literally!)
Have added on to your Google connect and look forward to catching up with your writing again soon.
As for the Cameron shower... don't get me started, how can a man who went to Eton and has such privelige ever identify and empathise with the disenfranchised and disempowered in our communities?
Smiles and blessings.
David said…
Dear Kate,
So glad that you dropped by. Feel free to "poke around", as it were.
Best Wishes,
David.
David said…
Dear Juliana,
I'm happy that you have enjoyed going through my posts and that you share my feelings over the "Cameron shower". Please feel free to drop by any time and/or comment.
And hopefully you can put down that baseball bat!
With Very Best Wishes,
David.
The Manic Chef said…
Greetings,

I'm the Manic Chef, I came across your blog by visiting another blog, Mattie, I do believe, yes, definitely Mattie, you were on her Blogs list. I have read a couple of your entries and can relate to them emphatically!
I am now a follower, and look forward to reading more of your postings, oh by the way I live in Montreal, Canada, Bonjour! Bonne Annee! I also notice we have mutual friends, Klahanie, that was a pleasant surprise. All the best,
Sincerely,
The Manic Chef
David said…
Dear Manic Chef,
Glad you enjoyed reading some of my posts. I hugely enjoy both Mattie's poetry blog and my friend klahanie's often very funny ramblings and I would thank them both for directing you and others to my site, particularly Gary.
Anyway, I hope you continue to enjoy reading.
With Very Best Wishes,
David.
And to me, you are 'David of prolific voice and unique spirit'.(smile) So happy you enjoyed time with your family. It was a pleasure reading this post, my friend.

May the new year be good to you!
Blessings always,
M.
David said…
Dear Mattie,
Thank you for your lovely comment. I hope that your own Christmas went as well as mine and the New Year treats you well too.
I look forward to reading more of your brilliant poems.
With Very Best Wishes,
David.

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