AWalser Business Consultant

Graduation Day for my students of Canterbury Christ Church University at Rochester Cathedral. Congratulations 🎊 to all of them and wishing them the very best for their future!

Had an awesome time this evening at Hammersmith Apollo (Odeon). Wonderful lineup of symphonic metal. Charlotte Wessels (ex-DELAIN) and The Obsession opened the evening. I had missed Delain two years ago due to my travels. Made up partially tonight.

Next on stage was AMARANTH. My 2nd time with them. As usual, they had the crowd singing along with them. Another fab performance.

Finally, the mighty EPICA. I think it's my 4th or 5th concert of theirs... I'm not keeping count! A powerful and blistering show.

January 2026 has been awesome month for music.....

Made an interesting decision last weekend. Have lived south of the river for nearly 13 years now. Decided to move back to the north of the Thames. More importantly, for the first time in my life, I am living in Central London. I've been told that it will do wonders for my social life. Only time will tell....

Tonight I started my musical journey for the year. Witnessed two German bands - SET YOUR SAILS & BEYOND THE BLACK. Excellent performances from both bands. Melodic metal. Looks like 2026 will be another great year for concerts avd live music!

The sun has set on the second day of the year, leaving me in a contemplative mood. I reflect on the previous year, 365 days just whizzed past. Like a blink of an eye. My mind wanders, traversing the corridors of the past.

I think about the things that I have done. It was a great year for music - witnessed 44 live performances of solo singers and bands. Some of them were the greatest artists in history - Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Sting, Iron Maiden, Guns N Roses, Toto, etc. Some of them were on my bucket list - Cyndi Lauper, King Diamond, Savatage, Dream Theatre, W.A.S.P., etc. Will I ever get to see so many performances in a single year again? I doubt it.

Travelled quite a bit. Made several (nearly 20, I think) overseas trips. Been to countries that I have visited before. But also got the opportunity to see two countries for the very first time - Romania and Bulgaria. Learnt more about culture and history, helped me to see things around me in a different light.

Made new friends. Renewed old associations. Maintained the vast majority of my current relationships. I don't think I lost any! My colleagues, friends and acquaintances have been a source of strength and support throughout the year.

Discovered a new church, just around the corner.... made some good friends there and also had the opportunity to engage in some charity work for homeless people. It was a humbling experience to see how people freely gave their time, money and energy to support the local community.

Learnt some new tools and technologies, leaning more towards AI (which I am NOT using to write this little post!). These aids are contributing to my work and refining my output. And I am quite proud of this, given my advancing years...

Work is still keeping me busy. But I feel that it is not stressing me out. Years of experience have created an environment that I am able to manage and manage quite well, if I might dare to state that! I had to take on more responsibilities. Change of boss took place, bringing in a new regime. I believe that I have rolled with the punches and I look forward to a future that looks like it will continue to grow.

Currently working on a project - it's been a dream for 38 years. I seem to be on the cusp of completion. Hopefully, will be able to report success when I review 2026. But only time will tell....

Financial challenges always seem to rear their ugly heads like the mythical Hydra. Will I be the Hercules that brings them down? So far, I have survived.... again, a response that only time can provide....

To sum up, it has been a real adventure of sorts. Just when I think I might trip up and fall flat, I have recovered every time. What does 2026 have in store for me? I know not. But I feel a sense of calm and mild expectations. I could get pushed to the wall, but I feel confident that I can bounce back. I am told that God never pushes one beyond the levels of endurance. If that is not true, I feel that HE will help me see things through. That is what makes me optimistic.

I have rambled on.... but with that sense of reassurance, I would like to wish you all a fantastic, memorable and happy 2026. I want to thank you all for being a part of my life. I raise a glass to the promise of continuing in the same vein. God bless you all.