NORTHERN PLANNER

Thanks to the culmination of darkness, the weather and post Christmas comedown, today is supposed to be the most depressing of the year.

So, contrary so and so that I am, I’m rejecting the temptation to pull the duvet over my head and call in sick. Instead, I’m going to be annoyingly upbeat.

Reasons to be cheerful this morning:

1. The wind has abated for the first time in ages, and there’s a wonderfully crisp, clear blue sky out there.
2. It’s cold and frosty like winter is supposed to be. It may even snow.
3. Today is a day off from swimming, training and stuff. Right now my body has that lovely dull ache you get when you’ve pushed yourself.
4. I woke up this morning with the cat snuggled against my leg.
5. I’ve had a Yakult.
6. I don’t have to dread going to work, I mostly like my job.
7. Getting to work means 45 minutes to myself, with the Today Programme and my choice of music.
8. I’m looking forward to seeing that Mrs Potter film tonight.
9. I’m on my second cup of tea. Tea is the greatest invention known to man. As long as it’s made in the pot that is.
10. After the weather forced me to work late on Thursday, my desk is pristine.

So there you go, not too shabby for Andrew.