8. Good Shape.

I’m in good shape as Janet would say.

It means being on schedule. Or slightly ahead of the game. It means that even if disaster were to strike you could recover. If you were thinking of having a lazy one to celebrate your preparedness, now would be the time.

If you’re a keen student of anthropology as I am, you'll know that preparedness has a hierarchy. The American military Def Con system, measured in levels is an example - usually hovering around three or four when things are stable, but pretty much all over rover at Def Con one.

Janet has developed a similar practice. The unit of measurement in this instance is the ‘Right.'

A ‘right’ is a simple pronouncement. A one word sentence to announce impending movement. A ‘right’ is delivered when action or co-operation is required from others. Maybe you’re due at a reception. Or maybe guests are coming.

A ‘right' helps you understand what happens next. Comfort in an age when we have no idea what comes next. Importantly, they come in a sequence of threes. Always.

The first ‘right’ is sort of a note-to-self. It arrives at the ear slightly preoccupied. Betty barely flicks her tail. Billy turns the page. That sort of thing. A novice might look up, a real first timer might even stand - which is always fun to watch.

This is the time when you are most likely to be in good shape.

‘It’s only the first. We’ve got plenty of time’ says Billy idly turning the page.

There is now a 20 minute gap. This is when you think you can relax a bit. You take the eye off the ball. Maybe you have another lazy one.

Maybe you misheard. Mistaking the second right for the first right, gives a false sense of security that causes most fatal handling errors. It’s like falling asleep behind the wheel...