patentdragon | The Saturday Report

Is it my imagination, or was the actual day a whole heap less stressful than the anticipation? In the end, I've faced lots that was either more stressful (having an organ removed), or should have been tougher, but ended up far less stressful than I ever imagined (22nd May 1998, at Madison Square Gardens). Was it the potential to mess up someone else's big day that made it feel like more of an ordeal? When that "someone" is family, I think the answer is YES.

Entrenched at the hotel, out in the country, a lack of high tech toys was irrelevant compared to the lack of "quiet time", which is usually in plentiful supply. I'd hoped the situation would refresh my creative perspective, but I just didn't have the time - before I knew it, the day had arrived, and the hour was rapidly approaching...

Nerves were surprisingly in short supply - with one exception, whose identity shall remain known to only those who noticed - as the happy moment passed from anticipation to history. Events proceeded swiftly into the nightmare zone, and the speeches seemed to erode more and more of my material as they progressed... but I owe my success to the sense of superiority provided by the stairs and a smattering of Klingon (how often does a Star Trek fan get to use it?)!

The difficult part of the day over, I could sit back and appreciate that I had managed not to screw up. I welcome the congratulations, but no-one should forget who the stars were - the bride and groom: long may they shine.