So here we are [again!] on the brink of another '365 day shift' and with it all that brings.
The 'scars' of the ''Stupid Season'' will begin to fade and heal, all that 'Festive' 'cr*p', to be replaced by the harsh, unforgiving 'dawn' of starting that trek through another year.... this one 2008. It's obvious from the 'media' that this is going to be a 'rough ride' and that 2008 is already being 'dubbed' the ''pivotal'' Year of this Decade. Yes, it's going to get tough in every sense. And yes the obvious can be said what difference does it make? What difference can we make? Believe me i have no sense of 'ego' when i write this column and what i write will not make one jot of difference to anyone or anything. A 'blog' isn't worth the [electronic medium] it's 'written on'....
 
The future? Is it 'Now'? You tell me....
 
2008: If You consider one issue and the impact this may have on You and indeed your
'chosen' lifestyle is the following:- 'Buy cheap, buy twice'. Yes i know that ''mantra'' of mine again....shoes, clothes, 'kit'. A customer expressed surprise when i [as a ''man''?] washed and took care of my clothes to the level i do. [Tissue paper around merino wool sweaters, shirts 'pressed & ironed' and then stored on shaped, wooden coat hangers, shoes with shoe trees and shoe bags etc etc.] Don't ask about the yogurts in the 'fridge facing all the same way or indeed washing hands 15 times a day! Did someone mention Stevie Gerrard?....

However those John Smedley merinos have lasted me 'for years'; the Prada loafers are 6 years old and [still] like new. [re-soled etc] Not 'destined' for the landfill and certainly not manufactured in some 'sweatshop' in the Far East. Yes i had to 'save up' and buy when i could afford but now i 'treasure' each item and as [they] get older they simply get better with age.
 
It is actually quite 'green' in some many senses, work out the cost 'per wear' and the overall impact on the environment and indeed 'your bank balance'. So start buying with thought and vision. Buy the right kit, don't 'skimp' to save a few 'short-sighted', ill-advised pounds, it simply isn't worth it! Add up all the costs, think of the logic, start having a connection with your clothes and kit.

.....you know it makes sense, even if the world doesn't.......