Work Christmas Memory and Wishes

So many memories spring to mind when reflecting on the last working day before Christmas.

My first “real” job was with the Commercial Bank of Australia* in their Melbourne Office.

The events in Melbourne with the rogue motorist mowing down a crowd of people had me thinking about this time in my life today.

Every work day for nearly 5 years I crossed at the intersection of Elizabeth and Flinders Street where the event occurred yesterday. I was one of many thousands following this daily routine and can only assume that 32 years later,  there are many thousands more doing the same each day. 

In my Melbourne Office days, the last work day before Christmas would start with a champagne breakfast on the banks of the Yarra River.

Two things come to mind about this event. The first is I have no recollection of there ever being any food as part of this breakfast and I can only remember drinking beer, usually a 6 pack of VB.

Our department was not one where Christmas Eve was quiet, at least not in the morning. We received and sent foreign currency payments and there was inevitably last-minute import/export payments to be made as well as transfers to those travelling overseas.

How we did what we did having consumed a heap of pre-work alcohol is a mystery.

Things usually calmed down about 3pm and drinks in the department from then on were relaxing, team building and fun.

It was a more relaxed time and most of these events would almost certainly be frowned upon today.

From there, we tended to disperse to our own events.

In my case, it was a train home, pick up my car, my girlfriend and a catch up with friends at the Palace Hotel.

Up to this pint, I can argue life was more simple and safe.

Having had a 6 pack before 8 am, drinks again from 3pm and then to the Hotel by car, there was no issue about further drinks and driving home. It was pre breath testing and enforcement of the 0.05% blood alcohol limit.

The dangers on the roads today are far less than they are today and while our roads are better and our cars are safer, the alcohol laws have also made a huge contribution.

Go safely this Christmas.

There are new projects and new subjects to address in the New Year.

There are new roads to ride and routes to run. 

New places to visit and experiences to behold. Most importantly, there is much more to see, do and learn, more to hear, read and share and more people to meet.

Thank you to everyone who has taken a moment to read my work these last 8 months. And extra thank you to those who have taken the time to provide comment, encouragement and suggestions.

Enjoy Christmas in whatever way is your custom. Above all, be happy.

I will be back on 31 December.



*Commercial Bank of Australia merged with The Bank of New South Wales in 1985 to form Westpac