WHEN IT'S GOOD TO BE NERVOUS.
So nervous today, so tense and here's why...
...passed pilot's licence, you know. Never flown since. Did today, oh my goodness.
I thought I was nervous on test day - nothing compared to today.
You arrive at the flight school and you're on your own.
"Morning,"
"Morning, you flying today ?"
"Er... yes, yes I suppose I am."
No longer a student, the aircraft is outside and it's where do you want to go then ?
I decided to go to Dunsfold, only twenty minutes away and I know the area. It's all about take off and landing and prep so why burden myself with a difficult nav. as well.
So I booked in with the nice man, a pilot and radio operator called Larry, top bloke as it turned out, and off I went.
Two minutes into the flight and I began to feel a little light headed and then a little dizzy, carbon monoxide warning light ? - out. I don't suffer from panic attacks, so it couldn't be that. What on earth was going on ? And then all of a sudden this huge expiration of air came out of my mouth like a hurricane. I had been so tense I had neglected to breathe... I have forgotten many things in the past but this was the first time I'd forgotten to breathe. What a relief, I was alive, I was balanced, I could hear again !
After that it was pretty much plain sailing, thanks that is, to all the helpful people both on the ground and in the air who obviously realised I was a rookie.
Note to self for rest of life.
Must remeber to breathe, failure to do so - not good.
CLP.
2008.
X.
P.S. Let's not forget the first ALL REQUEST FRIDAY SONG THIS WEEK. We all did last week. It has to be amazing or forget it.
Comments
nerves give you that extra 10% in exams - so they are OK!
Regards
Gary
Good luck Chris.
Don't forget breathe as I have heard that this will help you in life.
Speak to you soon.
Chris,
Very funny blog. Yep, it's always a good idea to breathe!
This has happened to me on a couple of occasions but the one I really remember was when my husband-to-be walked into the pub I was working in and I saw him for the first time. I swear I could not breathe, I fancied him so much.
Slushy, but there you have it!
C xx
P.S. RosieRoo, have a lovely birthday!
Indeed Christoff breathing is important.
Well of course it is, stupid woman. I remember my old Granny telling my Granddad off for breathing heavily.
"I'm only breathin'," he protested, feebly.
"Well stop it." Says she.
Talk about the surrendered wife.
Anyway you know what I mean. And I'd like to share summat with yous out there about the breathing.
For many years I have suffered with migraines. I used to be crippled with them; they're nasty things that disable you, render you speechless, sick and with tunnel vision and with a headache that's like your eyeballs are being put through the mangle.
Then I discovered breathing exercises. Thiis is where the Yoga comes in, because essential to Yoga is the breathing.
Now, when I become aware of that peculiar sensation of being confused and my sight goes slightly askew, wherever I am I simply breathe deeply, and it passes. No drugs necessary. Even if I'm driving, I can always pull over and take a few minutes to relax and breathe. In fact if I'm driving I have to stop anyway as it's not safe when I don't have full vision.
I'm telling you this diatribe because before I discovered this technique, I used to panic at the onset of a migraine and hurriedly get some pills down me neck. This is completely wrong and counter-productive as when you're in panic mode you're holding your breath and not getting oxygen as you should.
So try it. Anybody who suffers from this horrible affliction, go on. Get the Yoga lessons going. Sure, it can't hurt and it's better than the drugs.
OK lecture over.
Big breaths, Bertha.
(Yeth, and I'm only thixteen..)
Clodagh.xx
Hi CLP
Congrats on your first flight after your test. I know it's not the same, but do you remember when you first got in a car by yourself after your test. What a buzz eh? Flying though.... you've got that extra dimension to deal with - you know, up and down! Fantastic Chris. I'm happily jealous of you!
Yeah, that breathing thing... good isn't it?
My wife helps people to overcome stress in their lives and it's surprising how many people she has to remind to breathe.
Are you still taking ARF suggestions from the blog?
If so, how about...
Love in an Elevator - Aerosmith
Don't know where that came from but hey, it's a goodun
Cheerie Bye
PeeBee
Now I know why I read your blog - what a life saving tip you've given us today!! Don't bother with the NHS just give Chris a call! Thank goodness you landed safe and sound - think of how many lives you still have to save.
CLP for PM
Lynne
xx
Note to Chris:
when you are told " you've got to (x,y,z)......." the reply is simple.... "I haven't got to do anything, .... except breathe!"
Leb x
Chris Evans forgetting to breathe reminds me of the story about David Beckham at the barbers. He's wearing earphones which he tells the barber he can't take off otherwise he will die. Anyway, half way through the hair cut the barber thinks 'to hell with this' - I can't cut properly with these in the way, so he takes them off and Becks promptly drops dead. Puzzled, the barber puts the head phones to his ears, only to hear Posh's voice intoning 'breathe in, breathe out, breathe in.....
Nice one Chris, as a fellow flyer i'll see you at EGKA one day, i'm sure i'll recognise your voice on the airwaves.
So long as you learn from all the mistakes you will make you'll be fine.
Mr Fixed Wing
not sure how to do this.............
want to vote for the ALL REQUEST FRIDAY SONG.
He's in town, he's amazing, he's a legend, it has to be NEIL YOUNG, "I Believe In You".
With my name I thought I ought to respond as no other blogs. UMMMM!?
Well done!! Especially brave of you to venture into the air given the comments about navigating on the ground.
Kate
Chris,
Well done on going solo.
ARF: "Sweet Child of Mine" by Guns N Roses.
For my eldest Mooselet who will be 7 at the weekend. For those in the know, they'll recognise the name he shares with one of the members of the band...although how Mrs Moose ever let me call him Slash I'll never know...
And he is...oh oh oh oh sweet child of mine. And what a guitar solo. Come on Chris, do it for me!!!!!!!!!!
I will be in the air myself for the first song and not able to be listening but I have my spies and they will let me know...
Chris, I hope the 'night before' wasn't the night you decided not to go dry :-)
a sharp intake of breath...and away we go...are you sure your up to transportation these days old chap...
this reminded me of a 'funny' entitled: zen judaism.
breathe in. breathe out.
breathe in. breathe out.
forget this and attaining Enlightenment will be the least of your problems.
also pleased to see that i'm not the only person who can't remember how to spell 'remember' when typing.
What a day one and all
Whatever, anyway Mr Chris I think you are very brave to fly yourself.
Happy Birthday Rosie. Mine is tomorrow the 7th. Up to Londres where my daughter meets me for my surprise.
I guess my choice for ARF if could choose would be one of my favs The Beach Boys and God Only knows.
It's not the flying bit, it's the 'I might crash' bit that puts me off taking lessons. Well to be specific, I'm more afraid of the resultant investigation being down to 'pilot error'. How humiliating; not only have I died but I've got to live with the consequences so to speak.
Planes just look complicated and so my admiration to anyone who undertakes flying them. One day...one day...
Ayup Chris
Congratulations to Warrington's favourite son, takes a lot of guts to fly. I remember it took me ages to pass my driving test and I shit myself when I drove my car for the first time on my own!
So how about Nina Simone's "Feeling Good" as the opening song for Friday? Seen as it's "A new dawn, a new day, a new life and your feeling good" lol!
Ian from Chesterfield
Hey Mr Evans, cool about the flying, not so cool about the breathing!! but what about the blinking!!! when i concentrate i forget to blink, ended up having to go to the optician, oop's, all sorted now!! doh. and to open the ARF, it has to be, just has to be Levellers, what a beautiful day, cos, well, it will be. catch it at 5, ta ra........
"WATERFRONT - SIMPLE MINDS"
This week's all request Friday song
How about a sing-a-long
SIMPLE MINDS' WATERFRONT is ace
Will give each of your listeners a smiley face
How about it CLP
Especially for Sylvia B
Thanks Chris!
Hey MrEvans, cool about the flying, not so cool about the breathing!!!!!But, what about the BLINKING!! when i have to concentrate really hard i forget to blink, even ended up in the optician!!!!all sorted now! doh. And for the ARF starter song, it has to be, just has to be Levellers, what a beautiful day, cos, well, it will be,catch it at 5. ta ra.........
FOOTLOOSE PLEASE. VERY LOUD.
I tap dance... very badly. And this is this sessions "dancing display" song. Yes, 16 women and 1 man, of varying ages between 15, and 70 crashing and banging over the floor to Kenny Loggins.
We aint brilliant, but my gawd we have fun!
People in Ayrshire.... watch out for cars winding across the road to the song......
dwnb
Happy Birthday Rosie, and Prof for tomorrow x x
Morning all, will this get through, last couple haven't???
I love the feeling of nervous excitement, it really helps me to perform that little extra I need, when I need it. Can't say I've ever been left in charge of an aircraft though!!!
The weekend looms, not a huge amount planned, dads bday tomorrow so will go see him at some point.
Went to watch daughter #1 play netball last night, tried so hard not to shout too much from the sideline but I did the embarrassing "dad-with-camera" routine....tehe
Oh, they lost 4-1.
Rosie, thought Spurs were poor last night, like a team who think they've cracked it (which we definately haven't)
Anyhoo, much love to all, gonna call Badger rescue later for any sightings of our Hazel???
Bonnet de douche
KWx
Christoff,
Good to hear you made it through your first solo flight.
Never flown (other than as a passenger) but on my first solo drive having passed my test earlier that day I promptly reversed into a lamp-post, can't remember whether I was breathing or not!!!!
Anyway with the flying connection how about opening tonights ARF with "Nothing But Blue Skies" by the brilliant Jackie Wilson?
Looking forward to the show, as usual for most of the time I'll be walking my dog Salvador and trying to get through for a request on ARF!
Salvador's still traumatised cos he didn't make it into Rex Factor - ruffff!
Congratulations Chris on your first flight.
How about "In the air tonight" by Genesis.
Have a great weekend
Morning all
Well done CLP, I think you are very brave!
Chris for ARF could you play 'I Want to Break Free' by Queen as the first song pretty please? I saw a great Freddie tribute act last week, very entertaining and he had the overbite thing going on too!
Hope everyone is keeping well.
Love
Debbie x x
Happy Birthday Rosie and PP for tomorrow x
The lady with the tap dancing was very funny to listen to last night.
Congrats on the first flight after passing your test and the breathe in breathe out exercise is best kept well maintained.
Enjoy the weekend you've deserved it. My thanks to the drivetime crew which make my drive home a pleasure.
Can I have Dario G's sunchymes please for ARF
Phoenix
Morning all
Well done CLP, I think you are very brave!
Chris for ARF could you play 'I Want to Break Free' by Queen as the first song pretty please? I saw a great Freddie tribute act last week, very entertaining and he had the overbite thing going on too!
Hope everyone is keeping well.
Love
Debbie x x
Happy Birthday Rosie and PP for tomorrow x
Alright Christoph!
Well i'm flying tonight, but in the comfort of a BA 747 all the way to Hong Kong (or HKG if you like) then on from there to AKL. Horaah! Two weeks in New Zealand here we come!
Glad you got to take ZOOT out for a spin, as for the all request friday song, hmmm:
Madonna: "Holiday"
;-)
TTFN all.
Prof Plum: Happy Birthday!! Hope you have a lovely day with your daughter.
I agree with you - God Only Knows for ARF - what a fantastic, fantastic song!!
C xx
ARF...
'Disco Inferno' please
KWx
Bingo Star ere,
Sorry not been able ter blog but ave goot meself arreasted in London.
Am only allowed thirty words on the met's net & these are them!!!!
Chow!
PS Prof Plum - Can I just wish you a "VERY BIG 'APPY........ 'old on.... the copper ere is sayin' only thirty words Mr Star.
Prof Plum - "VERY BIG 'APPY BIRTHDEE GREETINGS"!!!!!
'old on this damn copper.... look ave goot every right ter send Prof Plum birthdee greetings ere for termoz...... am damn teellin' yer.....
wooooooowwwww....... wooooowwwww...............
...... am getting cuffed ere....... yer can't cuff me........ am getting cuffed......................
________~~~~~~___~~______________________
_______________________ >>>No sarg!!!!!___
........... ahhhh CLICK.....................
First song? Come on people!!!!
The Holllies!!! All I need is the air that I breathe... I'll be driving at 5 and that's a corker of a sing-a-long in the car song....
chris my reqest is .....take my breath away geddit....forgot who its by
ARF...
'Disco Inferno' please
KWx
CLP
ARF:
Bad Medicine - Bon Jovi
Have a great weekend
Peace & love
MfR
Chris
ARF:
Bad Medicine - Bon Jovi.
A rocking way to start the weekend!
Peace & love
MfR
......... ARF....... get off me....... ___________
Queen........ I want me shrink..... a mean me lawyer........
Queen... 'eadlong............ ARF............
............................................
Hi all
My arf suggestion is 'Sitting on the Dock of A Bay' - perhaps not zazzy enough but ab fab
Have a great weekend.
jen ewan
xx
PS Love the snow
Love the fog
Christoph - well done on passing your flying test! How about 'Breathe Again' by Toni Braxton for ARF tonight?
Gingembre - Hazel's pooter is very sick and isn't allowing her to do the important stuff, such as blogging, but we are in email contact with each other and she says hi.
Prof P - have a lovely birthday tomorrow and we look forward to hearing about your surprise.
Rosie - I spent 3 weeks in AKL (well, in Devonport actually which is a 10-min ferry ride away from Auckland) with my brother and family in January - have a fantastic time!
jillygoat x
"WATERFRONT - SIMPLE MINDS"
This week's all request Friday song
Choose this Chris and you can't go wrong!
SIMPLE MINDS' WATERFRONT is ace
Will give each of your listeners a smiley face
How about it CLP?
Especially for Sylvia B
Thanks Chris!
Hey what about Led Zepplins 'Nobody's Fault' for the first song on all request Friday. 'Its 'nobody's fault' but your own that you fogot to breath duh! I've never been a Zep fan but I got the new comp and wow this track 'rawks'. Plus I think we should ressurect your 'Honk the Horn' feature from your Radio 1 days (that was just very funny) just for this song and we can all merrily honk our horns in the quiet bits. Go on Chris - have a listen this salvo and see what you think. Its one hell of an opener. Plus the fact everytime I drive home now and listen you speaking to ladies about their underpants - whats going on here. I think you need to gravitate towards your male side this evening, put on the Zep and rawk!
I've sent you an official request as well!
How can it not be "DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY" by The Mavericks?
That's what I'm going to do anyway!!! Weeeeeee!
Hi all
My arf suggestion is 'Sitting on the Dock of A Bay' - perhaps not zazzy enough but ab fab
Have a great weekend.
jen ewan
xx
PS Love the snow
Love the fog
Clodagh, I'm sure I saw a post from you earlier but it's gone! Or did I imagine it? Strange.
Can't believe it's only 2.30pm I can't wait for 5pm I want to go home!!!
Love
Debbie x
PS. Bingo you are bonkers but brilliant, your posts crack me up x
Please can we have Wake Up Boo by the Boo Radleys?
It's so bright and sunny here in York that it feels like the first day of summer (well, spring at least) and this song epitomises that feeling.
Thanks!
KT x
Hi new to this blog thing, been listening to the show for about 18 months - think it's great and as a "blog virgin" how about
Nik Kershaw Wouldn't it be good
for ARF opener
Mange tout
Hi Chris
Is this where we ask for 'All request Friday' First song? Hope so, otherwise I've just crashed a very funny blog entry with my off-topicness and I apologise if that's the case!
I'd like to request THIN LIZZY'S "THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN". It's a rockin good way to start a Friday night anyway, but tonight rock fans the length and breadth of Clydebank and beyond can celebrate because an 80s/90s favourite local band PETER GOES TO PARTICK are back.... Unfortunately, not back as a band but they ARE now on the web, with their very own web archive. Definitely worth celebrating if you're a fan.
Love the show, love the blog. Glad you're back in our lives!
:o)
Oooh Debbie you're right!
Crikey I've bin Smited, Vaporised, oh NO.
Right. Well I can take a hint. I'm off for a sulk and to eat worms.
Meanwhile, The Beatles' Back in the USSR for ARF?
Clodagh.xx
Chris its probablt too late now but how about Le Zeps 'Nobodys fault' for the opener tonight. It rawks.
Plus the fact if you foget to breath Chris, its nobody's fault but your own. Also I think we should resurant 'Honk Yer Horn' during the quiet moments on this song. Go on Chris play a bit of Zep and find yer inner rawk god.
Oh Dear Oh Dear
Bingo is innocent !!!!!
All agree ???
Chris,
don't know about the first all request friday song, but I have been listening to Kate Rusby's new album Awkward Annie, and there is a song on it called John Barbury. It makes me cry every time, have a listen if you get the chance. All the best mate - Dave.
chris..in this world of celebrity culture wouldn't it be a good time to bring back 'personality or person' from your glr days? even 'z' graders like chanelle wotserface probably doesn't know stuff like cost of a sliced loaf etc? also, my lovely wife jojo will have been mine for 2 years tomorrow (11th) so could you please tell her she's still a gorgeous cutie and makes me howl at the moon. DFYT was ground breaking stuff. That guys up his own NIMBY. Thanks alot, Digs.