Great Expectations

There's nothing quite as motivating as having something to look forward to, no matter how simple or how important; be it something new in your daily routine, such as an exotic food for dinner, or a more grandiose affair like a holiday or major life event. I daresay you will be familiar with the old countdown, the idea of 'this time next week, I'll be...' and so on. 
But even on a minute scale, the trifles that we are waiting for can sweeten the passage of time until their arrival. My direction, today, is therefore simple: count your blessings. Enjoy the flutters of anticipation, and savour the moment itself when it arrives, no matter how unimportant it may seem in the grand scheme of things. 
If you feel you haven't any meritable events on the horizon, then allow yourself to await smaller pleasures: a sweet treat, going to the cinema, trying a new look, taking the scenic route, seeing an old friend, spending some time in the sun, dining out instead of eating in... Whatever it may be, find something and let it brighten your day and increase your smile factor. 
There's really no point worrying over negative things either - if there is a solution, find it and amend the situation, if there isn't, then worrying will only make everything worse surely? So better to concentrate on the good, for being even just a little bit excited will make things that much more enjoyable. In the immortal words of one Mr. Bob Marley, therefore, "Don't worry. Be happy..." 

Bob.

At the request of a good friend, the name of this post is just that – a name. Perhaps an ostentatious title such as, say, ‘Sea Lord Lemuel Ferdinand of Pimm’ would have been better. Certainly seems like the name of some gregarious chap, I’d bet he wears a spiffing monocle and carries a cane... Anyway, it has a quaint charm, but that’s by that literary bye – which brings me to the crux of today’s ramble; the weird and wonderful wordery that is the English language. Other than being rather handily spoken in oh, let’s say, three out of the four corners of the globe, and probably that bit in the middle as well, English is a remarkable little series of signifiers and signifieds, sounds and meanings, rules and (more often than not) exceptions... It is delectable and marvellous and somehow utterly bewildering all at once. Think, if you will, about the following little morsels: 

• ‘I read a book.’ Did you imagine it to be present or past?  
• ‘I live here’ vs. ‘A live concert’ – same word, no?
• Though/thought – why does that ‘t’ change the way it’s said?
• Sunday morning/Sundae morning – or maybe both would be nice...
• They’re over there reading their books. – beware the Grammar Nazis should you muddle! 
• Scone – need I say more?! 

I was also flabbergasted (oh yes indeed) to learn of the magical word ‘ghoti’, to be pronounced either ‘fish’ using the gh in tough, o in women, ti in nation; or silently using the gh in although, o in people, t in ballet, and i in business. Such deceit! Such trickery! And yet it doth follow our very own rules – how are we to negate either form?! Such tomfoolery. 

Indeed, English oft seems to dance to its own tune. I’m not one to quibble it, it’s more fun to admit bemusement and marvel at its puzzles - but why there can’t be crannies without nooks I will never know. Next time you happen across an intriguing word or phrase, savour it like a boiled sweet rolling around your tongue - ‘discombobulated’ is a good one for size! 

I, on the other hand, shall just content myself with living for the day when I actually see someone waltz into a room...