The Stratford Half Marathon

A wise man once said to me 'The measure of a man should not be taken in feet and inches, but in marathons and sweat'. Looking back to that day, a day that has stayed in my mind for three score and twenty years hence, it hit me that I had a responsibility. I had a responsibility to my wife. To my kids. To my friends, to my tortoise Allan..but most of all to myself. I had to run, and in doing so, realise who I was.

In other words, I've signed up to do a half marathon. The Stratford one as it happens, on the 25th April. Running isn't really my bag, in fact strenuous exercise in general gives me the willies. But I've got six months, which is long enough, to get fit enough, to run enough.

Besides..we've done it all before..

The Federals review..

By James Ashford

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Lessons I've Learnt At Work - A collection of the best advice I've recieved from the supervisors at Starbucks.

'That's what she said' is never an 'appropriate response' to a customers order.


When a customer asks what time Starbucks closes, it is 'irresponsible and childish' to reply 'hammer time'.


Singing 'stock my fridge up, smack my bitch up' within earshot of customers is 'never acceptable' in the workplace.


When a customer cannot decide between two beverages and asks for advice, looking them in the eye and saying 'What would Jesus do?' is not 'in fitting with Starbucks regulations'.



Singing along to Spandeau Ballet's 'True' does not make up for 'gross negligence' whilst mopping, whether the performance is complete with actions or not.


It is 'inappropriate use of equipment' to practice curling by launching a mop bucket down the disabled ramp, then rapidly scrubbing in front of it.




That's it so far. But I'm always working..