James

Thank you very much - yes, I am a sucker for looking back and playing the "coulda woulda shoulda" routine, which doesn't achieve anything except for mental anguish. Right now I'm so shattered with it all, I need to work, live, etc - and I can't find the headspace for reinventing myself just yet.

I can relate - my son is just up the road, but he’s 19 now so I’m lucky if I see him once every 2 weeks.

Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful…

Not me obviously, it’s all about this hair-raising video I made.
See if it gels with you..

Very very tempted. Bloody cheap.

Thank you - your words really help.

Thanks Steve, right now I'm struggling to see it, but I am sure it's true. I feel like a totally fresh start somewhere else. Did you also feel like things wouldn't get better when you were in the thick of it?

Yes, I think I will eventually move - but when she announced it, I had to get out, find a safe space, and at that point 5 weeks before Christmas, I didnt want to leg it the UK and turn up at Heathrow with two bags to some Air BnB - I think that could have been even more depressing.

It's crushing me, every day. I am trying to adapt to these new reality, but my god it's so bloody hard. I miss her and my old life so much.

I think so - although lots of people have said, "Don't come back to the UK, it's not great, and Farage is lining up..."
It's not just that, it's the cost of living etc, but there is familiarity and language, and that means a lot.

He's 19, so he's moving on, but I couldn't just leg it back to the UK in November, I needed a calm and safe space - and quickly. Not the best neighbourhood, but it was a toxic atmosphere during the time we were together after she had told me.

Is it possible to start a new life in the same place full of a million memories, and just 10 minutes from where your ex lives?
I'm not so sure.
I don't want to run away, but I also don't want to try and build something here when the memories are so emotional.
Maybe that muddy water needs to settle.

Thanks Anna - it all feels quite strange

I keep being told this is the start of life 2.0, and how excited I should be to find myself, to do new things or get in touch with the things I used to enjoy. I've had so much advice - "now it's about you, James" and "just get out there, do this, do that..."
I feel utterly overwhelmed if I'm honest.

Hmm....can you remember the song?

YouTube video by Retro James Welcome to the world of Children's #BBC in the #1980s! #CBBC #ChildrensTv #80s #kidstv

Is it this one?
youtu.be/3049GVOZTYY

Retro James This is not a monetised channel. This is just for historical and entertainment purposes. The videos I make are only for fun. No infringement is intended. If you take issue with any content, please c...

Hi Sam, thanks a lot - is it the BBC one? Not sure if you've seen this link to my YouTube account?
www.youtube.com/@RetroJames7...

That is genius - like Guinness! Good call, Jon.

Great beat for editing - I'm still trying to make my videos interesting for you all, which isn't easy. I try to think what people might like. It's easy to (for eg) "90s drinks" or "90s transport" but I think people like quirky and fun.

Thank you, we had a lovely walk yesterday - he's with his girlfriend today and they'll go out for a meal. Seems like 2 years ago when lockdown was about to start and he'd just turned 13 in 2020. Crazy how it flies.

YouTube video by Itchy Boots … I did it anyway. Socotra 🇾🇪 | S8, EP56

Thank you very much, something to look forward to. Yes, I'd also like to visit - there's a wonderful documentary by the YouTube vlogger, Muddy Boots, starts here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FblT...

Oh yes - I remember now, no clue what it tasted like - did it have raisins?

I can’t promise you a miracle, but I share my video about a few forgotten UK brands from the 80s….

Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

Shaken, not stirred…

Here’s my Martini retro video.

When I find cool stuff, I share cool stuff.
This is VERY cool.

Choose a city, listen to local radio, and drive! (Well, you're in traffic and watching traffic)
How cool?
Very cool!
drivenlisten.com/city

Thanks, he went in 2012, but he was 5. last time I was there was 10 years ago tomorrow!

So so excited - he said "Can we get a big 4WD?"
Yes we can!

Son suggested a holiday for us both at the end of October. He wants to see Dubai (not my cuppa, but interesting for him), then we'll take the bus to the Oman border, hire a car, & explore Muscat and surrounding nature.
To say I can't wait is an understatement. Stunning land, even better company.

This is brilliant, thank you very much - these are really great conversations, I need them. Cheers Billy.