I had a bit of an accident on Friday. I fell up some steps in the pub and I wasn't even drunk. The result is that my right leg and foot (and knee) is painful and swollen and I can hardly walk. It is a bit of an inconvenience because I am installing those stone dogs on Tuesday and there is no way I can climb up ladders - or even onto the back of the delivery truck - but I have a cunning plan which involves standing on the ground and pointing my finger at a comparatively young man whilst telling him what to do. I intend to do that as much as possible in what remains of my working life.
I seem to be misunderstood a lot at the moment here in Blogland, but I suppose that is quite common for everyone at some point during their glittering careers. Maybe what I find funny is not to everyones' taste, and maybe people see personal attacks in what I see as light-hearted joshing.
Did you read the reactions to my comment over on John's about a postman sticking his arm through the cat-flap, knowing there to be about half a dozen dogs on the other side? Have you ever heard of, or can you ever imagine such a thing?? One follower suggested that I should not visit blogs if I am going to leave such negative comments, and John himself (reacting to my saying - jokingly- that I thought he was making it up) told me that it was not funny. Well I thought it was. I still do. Update - I have just been deleted. Hey ho...
I have lost my sense of humour quite badly recently, so I have been trying to refresh it in the last couple of days. I occasionally find myself turning into Lenny Bruce (but not as clever) in his latter days of stand-up, and I saw how that worked out for him. Colonel Blimp hasn't helped but he is easy to override - if not ignore - until he spouts dangerous rubbish about things which really matter to everyone but him.
So after Tuesday I am shutting the factory down and having a rest which I do not really deserve, and will spend more time with my family. Don't read anything sinister in that, please.
It is a tough time to be a human. I also recently had a comment taken not as I intended. Surprising how badly I felt about it. In any case, enjoy your time with family.
ReplyDeleteText has no nuance or facial expressions...
DeleteHope you heal quickly. Enjoy your blog break!
ReplyDeleteLeg break? Oh. I' not taking a break from blogging, just work. Thanks anyway.
DeleteOh dear, bad luck. Hopefully if nothing is broken your leg will be better soon.
ReplyDeleteI actually think a lot of people make things up in their blogs. And why not, who cares? It's entertainment, after all!
Taking offence has become a national pastime. Before long it may be offered as a degree course at one of the more radical universities!
This joke needs to be spoken, not read:
DeleteMy neighbour stole my garden gate last night.
Really? What did you say?
Nothing.
Why not?
Because he might take offence.
I believe that John left the comment himself when not being able to sign in on his Google account so he commented as Anonymous and then his name. I think the experience of not being able to sign in on certan phones or tablets is something that happens to many is it not?
ReplyDeleteYes, me.
DeleteI've been shocked at the level of defensiveness (and the rush to consider themselves offended) among bloggers just recently. Old friends presuming the worst of each other. Hurt feelings. Some are more understandable than others, though.
ReplyDeleteI read the cat flap comment and I can't imagine why it was taken in the manner that it was. And now you're deleted? Wtf... If anyone should be offended, it should be you. I'm almost offended for you. I'm sorry for the treatment you've gotten recently here in blogland.
Everyone is both spooked and bored.
DeleteYes spooked and bored but not deleted…your original catalpa comment is still there for you to see…..perhaps spooked is a good way of looking at it though I suspect Jacqueline has put her finger on it, lost in translation ….also the trolls who swoop gleefully in on any perceived negative in order to fulfil their personality disordered way of life , can reinforce such comments
DeleteI’m out of sorts, like you Tom I guess,
I’m feeling my age in a job that often does away with nurses half my age
I apologise if I didn’t accept that you explained that it was joke
I should know u better,
Well, we'll see.
DeleteJust as in The Archers, all disputes will be settled by December 23rd...
DeleteThank you Lillian
DeleteWell I enjoyed your last written joke and am pleased you will not be leaving blogland. My sense of humour probably leaves a lot to be desired = the Vicar of Dibley which still makes me laugh.
ReplyDeleteWell it is a long walk down Walcot Street to your pub, so hopefully your leg will heal at home in the bosom of your family. Also Christmas is around the corner could be why there are such a lot of defensive people around.
The foot is improving, thankfully.
DeleteUnderpants.
ReplyDeleteHow dare you?!
DeleteRest, heal and get well soon. Also, enjoy your family and friends. You've got a lot to celebrate with the new baby coming. Happy days. Blogland is fickle today. Choosing victim status is common. In my opinion, you can choose to be offended or not. I am rarely offended. That said, I am told I am thick skinned which serves me well. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSome people in this country (UK) opt for victim status too readily. It's all me, me, me.
DeleteI hope your leg soon gets better and your knee is alright.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It is improving now.
DeleteTelling someone younger how to do that is no bad thing!
ReplyDeleteHope the dogs get installed ok, and that you mend well yourself.
It is essential. Thanks for the hopes.
DeleteThis stinking time time difference really irritates me. What else can I say to add to the conversation. Not much. Hope you handle the young man well and get your dogs all properly installed. Actually, I thought that was done and all that remained to accomplish was the finishing.
ReplyDeleteThe finishing is the installation! This happen tomorrow, but my car broke down today (wouldn't you fucking know it...) and there re frantic plans for tomorrow using about 3 other people's vehicles. Then I can relax for Christmas whilst getting my car fixed...
DeleteJesus! Your life is starting to sound like almost every holiday season of my adult life. Just one fucking thing after another. Sorry about your car!
DeleteI might get another...
DeleteThe trouble with commenting on blogs is that much gets lost in translation. I always put laughing emojis etc. so that people know I don' mean it !!!! { and lots of exclamation marks as well for good measure } Wishing you a speedy recovery Tom. Rest that leg and drink wine ! XXXX
ReplyDeleteMy leg and foot are getting well now, thanks Jack@. I intend to spend more time with my family from now until 2024... or whatever the next year is. XXXX
DeleteDear Tom, I love your humour and your irony and always will.
ReplyDeleteIf people don't like or understand it it is their problem, not yours. It inspires me to write a line upon the Jungian Shadow (on my Happiness blog).
To fall UP some steps is only funny in literature - it hurts like the devil in real life. Knees in my experience take a long time to heel - that's why I admire your cunning plan! And wish you a good recovery, and a family - yours and us in blogland - which is emphatic, helpful - and hasn't lost it's humour.
In Germany we say of a grim person: "He goes into his cellar to laugh" - let those types stay there.
I hope that in some time I might stand with you again in that charming pub and say "Cheers!"
Yes, I look forward to that day.
DeleteI have also been misunderstood in the past re the written word.....as someone said, the facial expression/wink etc. can't be seen by those reading mere words! I have always found your posts and comments to others to be perfectly OK. Hope that your leg is soon back to letting you run about ( and get to the pub) and I wish you a lovely Christmas with your family. Hope that you will soon be back posting.
ReplyDeleteThey haven't always been ok, but usually go unoticed as malicious.
Delete