G*Nice column: All that fan mail

First mention has to be to Neisha, who was so moved by my story of saving the baby bird from certain death by squashing, that she chose to share a "secret" story with me about her own act of helping out little creatures.

I think I should respect the G*Nice reader-confidentiality clause by not revealing too many of the details but suffice to say that whereas I stepped in to help something with two legs and wings, Neisha intervened for something that had eight legs ... and I'm not suggesting that she rescued two camels!

As well as congratulating me on my bravery (there's just not enough heroes in the world, huh?) it also seems that I inspired her to start writing again herself.

I gave her "a creative itch". I am happy to play any small part in your lives, so if I have to be the flea in the hair of your dormant creativity, then so be it!

Shandra got in touch about my thoughts on boys and football after I told you about my passion and indulgence in the beautiful game. Now Shandra blew the whistle on the picture I painted and challenged me on the subject thus: "Author Paulo Coelho has an interesting comment.

He says sport is more important for men than connecting with a woman." I e-mailed Shandra back saying that I saw many similarities between football and the interactions I have with girls... in both areas I find myself making bad passes, I always want hugs and congratulations if I score, and no matter what the result, I always walk away with bruises!

I heard from a lovely little flower called Daisy Da, who only recently stumbled across our little Friday get-togethers. (Don't worry, you haven't missed anything important!)

She provides another example of how my shambolic style provides an inspiration for others. I have lost count of all the lovely people out there who have expressed the thought that "if this guy can do it, then anybody can do it".

It's a kind of reverse flattery, but I take it as flattery nonetheless. Anyway, Ms DDV plans to set up a venture that "makes wishful thinking an absolute reality and to motivate, inform and educate people on passion and drive".

I might join up, you know... I don't know if I need the reality part of it, but I am the King of Wishful Thinking!

A big shoutout has to go out to all the Friday gang who have had their lives ruined of late by exams... either revising for them or sitting them. I feel your pain personally, mainly because the school I play football in twice a week was closed because the gym was full of desks!

I hated exams and I remember with dread the time when my teenage life was consumed with them. My big problem was that I could never focus... so the week prior to the tests I would diligently prepare revision timetables.

I would then spend the rest of my time revising the revision timetables as the days came and went in a blur of hanging out with my mates rather than learning about crop rotation in the 17th century. But hey, look where I am now... proof indeed that it's worth knuckling down and passing all your finals unless you want to be an idiot when you are older! The "G" in my name is actually representative of the grades I used to get!

Educationally challenged-ingly yours.