Advice Part 66- Too much advice....

Aah, the amusement....I'm giving advice on how to avoid unwanted advice.

Anyway......

If you're anywhere near as clueless as I am, you probably rely on other people's advice A LOT. But my advice to young players is that whilst this can be helpful at times, there is such a thing as TOO MUCH advice. And knowing when to stop seeking alternative opinions is a VERY valuable trait.

How do I know this?

Read on.....

In the last month or so, I have been suffering from a crazy eczema outbreak. What makes this particularly intriguing is that I have NEVER had eczema before and it's only on my face.Weird.

So, eczema novice that I am, I decided to ask some knowledgeable people for a bit of advice on the subject. BAD MOVE. I soon realised that everyone seemed to have a different suggestion for what was causing my new blotchy face, and what to do about it.

Here's a small sample of the "potential culprits"....

• Washing my face too much in hot water (Colleague 1)
• Touching something that I'm allergic to, then rubbing my hands on my face (Colleague 2)
• Office air conditioning being too dry (Colleagues 1, 2, 3)
• Stress (Mum)
• Allowing my cat to sleep on my bed (Mum and Colleague 3)
• Allergy to make up or shampoo (Dentist- yes, even my DENTIST wanted to offer some advice on this!)
• "Just one of those things" (Doctor)

 

The proposed cures were equally varied, and included:

• Not washing my face (Colleague 1)
• Washing my face in cold water only (Colleague 3)
• Washing my face using a special cream (Colleague 2)
• Buying a humidifier for the office (Colleague 1)
• Tricking my cat into not sleeping on my bed (Mum and Colleague 3)
• Anti-histamines (Colleague 3)
• Changing my make up and shampoo (good old dentist again)
• Anything BUT hydrocortisol cream (Colleague 3's SON, who had popped into the office for a visit)
• ONLY hydrocortisol cream (Doctor)

What the HELL?! After this, I felt more confused that ever. And the advice just keeps on coming.....

I think I'll go and buy a big paper bag to wear over my head. That should solve all my issues.

Advice Part 1- Drinking

It will not come as a surprise to many, but in my 30 years of life, I have managed to gain ample experience in the consumption of alcoholic beverages. In the course of my indulgences, and after a few too many "what on EARTH happened last night?" moments, I have compiled the following pieces of drinking advice....

1. Do NOT, I repeat NOT, mix your drinks! This can only lead to disaster. Beer + wine + cocktails = massive mess. If drinking wine, do not mix red and white if possible.
2. Avoid cocktails. Especially if said cocktails are made by a friend with limited bar tending experience, and a liking for exotic ingredients.
3. If drinking cocktails, do not catch the bus home! Particularly if the bus route is long and windy and the driver is veering all over the road.
4. If drinking cocktails, and catching the bus home, make sure you have a bag handy in case you feel ill. Preferably NOT your handbag.
5. If drinking cocktails, and catching the bus home, and having had an accident with the handbag, do NOT put said hangbag and its contents (including mobile phone) in the washing machine.
6. If drinking cocktails, and catching the bus home, and having had an accident with the handbag and the washing machine, do not then take handbag to the dry cleaners. Or tell your mum what happened.