Slightly Over-Shaj'd

Often the hardest part is deciding what to order...

In NBTS, one of the most reliable ways of getting a good hot meal is to go to our only conventional restaurant - The Shaj. The excellent Bangladeshi cuisine offered here is coupled with friendly service and and ever-present "After-Eight" mint with the bill. Maybe they think it will sweeten the pill slightly. I really don't know. All I know is that it tastes nice, and fulfills my need to have "a sweet taste" in my mouth following a savoury meal.

But I digress - the real point of all of this is that it was Jason's Birthday meal tonight, and a goodly (although not necessarily Godly) number of us gathered to eat a lot of food in order to mark the event.

It's never possible to be completely sure that everyone had a good time, but I feel pretty convinced that most of us enjoyed ourselves in one way or another. If nothing else, the food was excellent. Unlike so many kitchens we observe receiving the thoughtful and tender ministrations of sliver-tongued Michelin starred chef Gordon Ramsey, this one was clearly able to produce the highest quality food in very reasonable time and to not only a full restaurant, but also a demanding take-away demand as well.

So, respect where it is due.

After this delightful experience, which left most of us full to bursting point, we were eagerly ushered back to Jason's house for generous dishes, brimful with steamed and suet puddings, all adorned with thick custard.

Maybe this is a trick the Shaj would do well to learn. After all, there's nothing the people of the north of England like more after their exotic main courses than traditional stodgy puddings covered in custard.

We need to remember that this all happened because it was Jason's birthday last Thursday - and we really do wish him well in the next year he lives - and well done for making it this far, it can't have been easy. I know that for him, birthdays are important, although I sense that age is becoming less so.

As we cheerfully collide with the mornings that rush up to greet us, it may be no bad thing to remember afresh that this is not a trial run - and each year is precious. Each day is precious. Each hour is significant. Birthdays always make me acutely aware that time will slip through our fingers unless we launch ourselves into life with a little more energy - especially when we least feel like it.

So, I guess that's my little challenge to you. At the very least, stop wishing time away. At best, grab hold of each and every drop of life as it attempts to slide by unnoticed. If, in the end, life turns out to be a game, I suspect this may be the way to win.

Comments

[Rebecca]

I don't think thats the most flattering photo of me, but I have seen a lot worse, so putting brave face on it and thankful that you caught me smiling.

Can I just wish away a couple of days please, just till I get my car?

No on reflection, rare day off tomorrow and neither Ian nor I will do anything that can wait until the next day.

Is that a definition of a day off?

[Tim the Enchanter]

It was good to see you Andy, and TL and Louise.

[fave sis michelle]

and it doesnt look like me and R were posing for that pic does it! nice to see all of you rowdy lot. c all soon