its his birthday 2day.

i met chris in 1996. we worked at the same market research company. we had mutual friends, tristan & ed, who i had known since college. he worked there full-time, i was part-time while i was at university (english & philosophy, mature student). we worked 4 freelance research, in the clock tower in richmond high street. the 1st time i saw him, there was a twinkle in his eye. like he knew something.

we were friends 4 abt nine months. our most memorable date was in hammersmith. i ate a mango 4 dinner & he bought chips. he stole me a bunch of flowers from the 7-11. i cycled back 2 richmond & he got the bus home 2 acton.

we got 2gether on nye 1996. i had been 2 gilles peterson’s christmas party the night b4, at bar rumba. i was wearing orange platform trainers & an orange roll-neck & blue capri pants. i was still on a high from the night b4. we had an argument abt something silly & i was upset that i was arguing with my best friend on nye. then we made up. that’s how it began.

then comes a story which involves three children, a marriage, several different homes in richmond, a move 2 brighton, & a divorce. somewhere in all that chris went from being a vegetarian 2 being a raw fooder. from running someone elses market research business, 2 running his own market research business, 2 running raw living.

14 years since we 1st met, chris is still one of the most influential people in my life. i have 2 say, we make much better friends than we did spouses. the break-up & divorce were awful, one of the hardest things i’ve been through. but our friendship endures stronger than ever now, like a well-polished diamond.

i feel this is an opportune moment 2 praise chris’s incredible drive & determination. his relentless dedication 2 his family. his integrity & his authenticity. chris has an unwavering commitment 2 getting the job done which is rare 2 come across. his fierce loyalty 2 our children, & his great vision 4 our company, raw living, inspire me & keep me motivated daily.

thankU chris! i treasure ur presence in my life. the good times & the hard times we’ve had, they all make me who i am. i treasure ur ability 2 not take life 2 seriously, 2 remain humble, & best of all, 2 B so often ready with the jokes.

birthday blessings, chris!                                       <<< that’s a joke. 4 chris // ]