Brian’s Reflection: Monday, June 22, 2009

Always go to the bathroom when you have a chance.

- Britain’s King George V, who was crowned on this date,
1911, in Westminster Abbey


One problem with George V was that he wasn’t brought up to be King. He had an older brother, Albert Victor; he was groomed to be King. In preparation AV had become engaged to May, Princess of Teck. Alas, Albert died. Whereupon George proposed to May (to the enormous relief of May’s Mother, the Duchess of Teck, who was basically a spendthrift pauper), and he and Mary/May became King & Queen/Emperor & Empress.

Another problem with George was that he was a dunce. Never went to a proper school, served in the Navy. He once said, “My father was afraid of my mother, I was afraid of my Father, and I damn well will make sure that my children are afraid of me!” That tells you a lot, yes? The best thing that a biographer could say of him was that he was so common that he represented the idea of the majesty of the common person – or something like that.

Now however, after treatment for prostate cancer, I am grateful for His Britannic Majesty’s advice on going to the bathroom. Radiation fried a lot inside, so I have to be careful. Plan “pit stops”. (And carry a pee bottle in the car.) And NEVER pass up a bathroom! Never, never, never; disaster will unquestionably ensue.

Spiritual advice? :

Always thank or compliment someone when you have the chance.
Always go to see a sick (or well, for that matter) friend when you have the chance.
Always send birthday and anniversary greetings to someone when you have the chance.
Always be generous when you have the chance.
Always visit another country when you have the chance. (and learn at least 5 phrases in the language)
Always bring flowers to your SO at least once a week.
Etc: keep the List expanding! Do charming, thoughtful, gracious things AMAP (as much as possible), including to/for people you don’t know or don’t like.

And have no care about the recipients. It’s all about you becoming a superb YOU.

Brian+