Each weekend I buy the Saturday Times newspaper and each Monday I pack The Times Magazine into my handbag to while away my trip to work.  Reading is one of the true joys of commuting (vs driving) for me and I tend to move from magazines to books and back again (alongside my daily topup of free news and views in the Metro) as the week progresses.  Anyway, sometimes I find some gems…and it wasn’t until last night’s journey home that I dug out last weekend’s magazine and read an extract from the book billed to be ‘the funniest of the year’, The Midlife Manual.

Having only just turned 41, I have not really considered myself to be mid-life (although in a purely literal and slightly morbid sense, 82 is not a bad innings).  And admittedly I didn’t say ‘Yes’ to many of the statements in the opening questionnaire although 14. (Tired. Just really, really tired.) and 16. (And angry. Christ, where does that anger come from? Why did no one prepare you for it.) struck a bit of a chord.  But it was turning the page and reading the following list that had me nodding in vigorous agreement:

Buggar me (in the Australian sense please!).  When did this happen?  And given I’ve ticked off most of these exciting things, I am now starting to wonder what’s left…so I’m off before stocks run out – you can buy The Midlife Manual on Amazon too if you want…but stand in line, ok?  I got here first!

Note to JF:  I think this will be the best use of birthday Amazon voucher!  Thanks mate x