Do Your Job.

Many people cannot understand my passion for and love affair with American football. To some British people it pales in comparison to rugby. It is played by soft people as they are covered in pads. It is too slow, too confusing. There are too many players. And too many rules. Well having played-and loved-both American football and rugby I can tell you they are different but equally tough. What really attracts me is that the former is that it is the ultimate physical chess. Eveything is choreographed with 11 players on each side needed to act together. If not it all goes horribly wrong. It is a game of plan then counter plan, of adjustment, of physicality and skill. Above all each player needs to do his job. Often the commentators will say "do your job".

My days of player football are long gone. I will never go back. But that phrase do your job rings true often enough. Yesterday I left my office on the way to A&E at 5.15 pm and got home at 2.45 am. It was indeed a long day. I earned my money, felt humbled, ashamed but in the end I did my job. As I was teaching today I had to go in rather than take the day off. I dropped by my office to collect my car and tie up loose end. Then and only then did I go for lunch and a beer in the Three Horseshoes.

The post mortem will begin on Monday. And once again what my job is will come to the fore. In truth if I hadn't done it, delivered my special skills at that time of life threatening crisis, the outcome could have been worse. That is not to say that I am special it is just the experience I bring in what I have done in my so called career.

As this time of change plays out for me I think there will be much debate why I do that and should I do that. I will hold as firm as I can for that is what I do. Lots of people were worried but we made the calls, took the decisions and dealt with it. Let's hope it does not cause further discomfort in these uncertain times.

Another weekend is here though. If I can summon up the energy after only 4 hours sleep last night I might get the train to London, Chinatown, Foyles, The Porcupine and some gentle wanderings appeal if the rain stays off.

I Heard a Voice.