The Christmas "run in"....

[MrBen]

Help-Ma-Boab says that the great merry-making run in is better than Christmas Day itself.

Me - I like the chance to catch up with people I've not seen for a whole year but thanks to work I usually don't want another drink (or big lunch) by about the 15th. In many ways the excess peaks early.

What about you lot?

[Help-Ma-Boab]

Out the traps in the great Xmas run in last Friday. Lots to look forward to till flight home on Xmas eve to meet for the traditional Xmas eve pint with the boys "that never leave"

Xmas day is a bit respite and seeing the family for a couple of hours. Just feels like it's all over by 3pm on Xmas day... The build up for me is better. Then of course it's the big Hogmanay "run in". Tis the season of run ins.

Another weekend of Xmas build up is amongst us....Lasers set tae Malky......CHARGE!

[????]

When i was a pro, I loathed the massed ranks of vomiting esseex and kent girl and boy amatuers clogging up the West End and nicking all the taxis.

Now it's just the kids.

Brilliant (non-ironic) but did have some right old laughs back in the day.

[Mick Mac]

I'm pretty much sorted from now to Christmas. Not sure I'd want more than I have already committed to but will love every minute of it. Currently in Sainsburys stocking up for the few nights in :)

[????]

I have missed all my work dos as they are on Friday's/Thursday's in Ireland and can't say I am bothered at all. I used to go out every night but now once every 2 weeks is absolutely fine for me. Sad old git me.

[Otta]

This is what I miss about my brief (couple of years after uni) in the private sector. Awesome office parties with free bars an bad behaviour.

You don't get that working for Newham Council :(

[????]

I used to love them but honestly completley indifferent to them now, my dept in Ireland did have a poker freeroll tournament with a 500 euro jackpot put up by the company though, missed that bit :)

[El Pibe]

I'm planning on going to help-ma-boab's house to discuss sorting algorithms.

[????]

i've heard HMB has a splendid roof terrace for cataloguing lichen

[????]

...on a side note, this almost feels like the Friday Night Dad's Club :)

[Mick Mac]

Yes it does! The good old days.

Sips Glenlivet...

[Help-Ma-Boab]

A good day to continue the "run in". LL should be bustling, pubs busy for a lunch time pint and mulled wine, trees getting carted home etc. From now onwards it's pretty much the best time for me. TV adverts getting Christmassy, work not so busy, Carol singers out and about. Wee bit snow next week, shaping up nicely.

EP: all algorithmitical assistance gratefully accepted, Quids, my roof (terrace) is indeed a thing of wonder which took the labours of a miss spent to access!

[uncleglen]

In Newham Council,when I worked there Otta the staff were having shenanigans all year round. Several times I walked into my manager's office and the woman (married -but not to him) was flustered and red -faced and far too close!

[Jeremy]

Not a great lover a company work dos. Too much schmoozing.

Although there was a funny incident a few years ago, when someone went back to the office and took a shit in reception.

[maxxi]

Worst are the 'Damn-we've-left-it-too-late-now-where-shall-we-have-it?' work dos where you end up in a strange pub with an uncertain amount stuck behind the bar and still trying to decide whether you should all go Indian or Chinese later.

The LL run-in however is proceeding nicely, starting slowly with a medicinal Ginger Wine and fond memories of youthful Whisky-Macs and savouring the smell of hot sausage rolls....

[MrBen]

Always surprised at how much London empties the weekend before Christmas, especially in places like Clapham, ED etc. In Scotland this year Friday 21st will be a big night out but down here pubs can be like a morgue.

[Help-Ma-Boab]

Loved today's build up...that is all.

[maxxi]

This evening's build up - having run smoothly along the beer and brandy line (with the inclusion of festive Quavers and peanuts) - is now being heavily augmented by an evening of Slade on BBC4. "Baby Baby Baaabyyyyy!"

[MrBen]

My stomach lining finally gave way on Wednesday after 3 weeks of unit busting excess and a particularly weirdy night in a casino on Edgware Road. So I came home early tonight, had some fresh lemon tea, a bath, put some tunes on and read some Hemmingway.

Beat that Help-Ma!

[Help-Ma-Boab]

Love it. Barry build up. Scotland the morra, wan mair peeve, then wee bit Turkey, scrap wi the brothers then back doon here! Happy Xmas.