The Baggy Jumper Years
By![n712270562_235416_6531[1].jpg](http://pdberger.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/n712270562_235416_6531%5B1%5D.jpg)
Facebook can be a pain. But one of the highlights over the past few months has been the old photos that have popped up via friends. Hard to believe that lad in the baggy jumper in the background, sneaking a sly cigarette on Otley Chevin, is me.
I’m not one for keeping albums, but now I can see why people do it. I’d almost forgotten that this me, aged about 18, ever existed. Looking at the photo, I have a vague memory of the way he used to think. And I am amazed to consider how different his outlook was compared to the outlook I have now.
If you’d told baggy jumper boy that 13 years later he’d be writing this from an apartment in Brooklyn, New York, he’d have told you to bugger off. Then he would have jumped in his rusty green VW Polo (with a blue trunk) and asked if you could give the car a bit of a push.
16 Comments
August 15th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
I saw it on there as well, Pavlik – I remember a jumper (not sure if it was this one – Ted Baker, maybe). There is also a photo of me from at least 6 or 7 years ago (and 4 or 5 inches smaller round the waist) that has appeared on Facebook. I couldn’t imagine being 30 then, and I can’t imagine being 23 now.
August 16th, 2007 at 11:49 am
Are you sporting a cheeky earing in this picture Paul? If so, what was the thinking behind the “hoop earing/baggy jumper melange” and is it a style you plan to entertain in the future?
August 16th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
Do you still wear the earing?
August 16th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
Beau, the earring/baggy jumper mix was intended to symbolize the often contradictory nature of life.
The earring symbolizes rebellion, masochism, self-immolation.
The baggy jumper symbolizes warmth, sensitivity, tolerance.
I intend to return to this fashion theme later in life. Perhaps when I pass the age of 70, when people will take my unorthodox dress sense as a sign of dementia.
Ermiyas, No.
August 17th, 2007 at 4:12 am
well Paul it certainly is very nice. Did you find that the earing enhanced your hearing? I understand this is why the sailors used to wear them. And, did you meet any sailors whilst in this fine garb?
August 18th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Paul – is the jumper still alive?
August 20th, 2007 at 8:46 pm
If the jumper is alive, it’s living with an ex-girlfriend now…
August 22nd, 2007 at 8:13 am
That’s how you looked when I first met you. I’m having a Proustian moment. (And a fag.)
August 22nd, 2007 at 8:14 am
What query? It’s an effing comment.
August 23rd, 2007 at 11:29 am
Well don’t I feel really old now! That is exactly how I remember you! I also have very fond memories of that car. Sitting in it for hours smoking looking out onto Goldenacre Park in the pitch black.
August 24th, 2007 at 6:38 am
Beau
I remember Paul having brought back a Russian sailor’s uniform back with him after his gap year. Perhap’s this was to check out the acoustic-enhancing quality of his earring!
August 24th, 2007 at 8:35 am
I found the earing in the loft along with your naff cufflinks and more old photos of you and james! And I wear the stripe top from the actual sailors outfit you brought home with some skinny jeans and red pumps! If you leave stuff over here I wear it/use it/sell it!!
August 24th, 2007 at 11:21 am
How naff were his cuff links Judy? I can imagine they were quite awful. Did one have “salt” written on it and the other “pepper” Or did they have miniature watches on them? I bet they were from River Island. My cufflinks incidentally are from Vilnius in Lithuania, they are genuine amber set in solid silver, double sided. At home I have a collection of vintage links from the 1950′s mostly solid gold.
August 24th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Very impressive Beau,
What about the $8,000 watch you bought a couple of months ago? The one Sylvester Stallone loves:
“I immediately felt when I saw the watch that it had star power…Besides,
its perfect for people who are over 45 years old.”
I’m sure it looks great with your solid gold handcuffs.
August 24th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
What you are forgetting Paul (and don’t worry because a lot of people do) is that Stallone was brilliant in the film “Copland” with Bob de Niro. This film also has a cracking Bruce Springsteen soundtrack.
August 29th, 2007 at 11:18 am
I think that if you would have asked me 13 years ago, which one of my friends would be writing a blog from an appartment in Brooklyn in 13 years time, then I would have definately said you Paul.
You may think that back then your outlook was different to how it is now, but as one of your oldest friends, I can assure that it isnt that different.
You were always destined to live your life differently to your pals from the old days, ever since you ate grass in a field in siberia !