Routines.

Routines and rituals. 

At number 8 both Pia and I have a set of light hearted routines. 

No doubt these may seems bonkers to you but come with me on this.

I'm sure we all have them in some way or another.

If you don't….well this is going to make me look like an uber nut.

Mornings:

Prepare double espresso. 1 brown sugar lump.

Blow into toothpaste tube to fill it back up with air so it appears full and uniform.

Before going to work I must complete 3 tasks.

2 constant and 1 wild card.

1: Take 175mcg of thyroxine from correct slot in medi-dose box.

2: Thoroughly clean retainer 

3: The 'wild card' can be absolutely anything that I need to do. Brush cat, tidy up magazines so that covers and front pages are facing up, check that coat hangers are all facing the right way… that sort of thing!

The house must not be exited until these 3 criteria are met. Failure to do so may result in a bad day.

3 puffs of aftershave ; 1 below each ear and 1 smaller version over under chin. 

Avoid the aftershave touching the cotton to avoid risk of yellowing.

Whilst at desk early morning; 

Polish glasses and replace cleaning cloth folded neatly back into case.

Make sure shoe laces are both the same length and that bow is on the outer top of each shoe.

Polish iPhone screen with small black cloth.

Ensure that there are no red reminders anywhere on iphone - i.e unread emails, texts or updates.

Ensure note in wallet (Beams+) are folded neatly with all relevant queens heads lined up correctly.

Ensure any loose coins are stored in leather coin 'murse'.

Work bag with double zips: 

Zips must meet in the middle to avoid undue wear and tear on either particular zip.

Watch face must be clean with no blemishes.

Socks pulled up correctly - left sock must have 1 small 'turn down'  (possibly the oddest?)

Each night  8 - 8.30pm

Make coffee.

Pia has 5 minstrels only.

Watch 1 episode of Seinfeld.

Make sure that anything that has been watched on the Sky+ planner has been erased and that under no circumstances must 'free space' drop below 50%.

Prior to retiring slippers must be aligned correctly next to bed so that when feet are swung out in the morning they meet said footwear with minimal floor touch-age.

Reading glasses cleaned before every read and replace correctly in box prior to kipping.

Book mark placed correctly - must face page that is to be read next.

Fuss cat.

Say goodnight to both woman and cat.

To be continued….