My mate Matt owes me £15. It's an ancient debt (probably going on about 12 years now), but a debt all the same. I can't remember how many times I've reminded him to cough up, but whenever we broach the subject, he is adamant that I in fact owe him the money.
About 12 years ago, on a distant and hazy stroll home from a bar, he wagered that I, using nothing more than a nearby shopping trolley, couldn't travel from the top of the flight of stairs outside Sainsbury's to the bottom - about 10-15 steps total. Naturally I should have agreed with him that no mere mortal could achieve such a feat and should have declined any involvement in the bet. Instead, I was still feeling pretty sour about being short-changed earlier at the bar by about a quid, and decided I could do with the money.
I'll spare you the details and simply confirm that I did travel from the top of the stairs to the bottom whilst mounted to the shopping trolley. Nothing was specified in the terms and conditions of the bet about the trolley needing to land upright, or that my face wasn't allowed to touch the pavement, and due to the omission of these technicalities, I successfully executed the task. Matt's account of the event expresses the contrary.
As I said, that was 12 years ago.
After inspecting my Post Tube this morning, I am finally happy to strike the debt from my blacklist as inside was a package from Matt with a note affixed to the side. It read:
"Dear Andi, I wanted to help you out with your project and shut you up about that £15 you think I owe you at the same time. I saw an offer on Play.com selling 10 random T-shirts for £15. Now were (sic) even. P.s. I haven't opened the parcel so I don't know what T-shirts are in there. Matt."
Simply incredible! Not only does my THREEHUNDREDANDSIXTEEFIVE challenge factor into the rest of the year's future, it's now also healing wounds of the past! And what a great twist - a Mystery Package that even Matt can't be sure of the contents. I've verified the offer on Play.com and they ARE currently selling bundles of "random band T-shirts" for exactly £15. The offer even expressly dictates that the tees are random (probably owing to a stock clearance) and that they will not be held accountable for what is sent out.
So Matt, I welcome your donation - thanks for that - you've helped strike 10 days off my challenge calendar and restore our friendship.
I've decided not to look through the Mystery Package and will simply plunge my hand in each morning before leaving the house and wear whatever comes out.
Justin Bieber isn't classed as a 'band' right?
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