Thinkings

I'm a bit lonely this evening so am reaching out to my friends in blogland for a natter. Perhaps it just seems a bit quiet after all the excitement of my launch party last night - I didn't get to bed until 4am, I was too busy partying the night away with 'A List' friends and celebrities (all those hunks just wouldn't go home)! Today the sequins are safely behind doors, I'm back in jeans and t-shirt and wearing not one but two pairs of socks. December arrived with a snap this morning bringing a nippy little frost with it. Sitting working at my desk all day I discovered a mysterious draught wafting around my tootsies and now I'm a skint freelancer I'm too tight to put the central heating on until icicles form on the end of my nose. Plus I've discovered that Jimmy Choos* are actually only meant to be dangled on the end of your fingers by the skinny strap whilst ensuring everyone see the label, rather than actually walked in...

You may have spotted the word 'working' above. It seems as good a time as any to share some thoughts on my first few weeks as a freelancer. I'm rather enjoying it. OK, so I do get a bit lonely at times and have been talking to myself more than is usual, but I like this lifestyle. Something occurred to me today - as we went through another iteration of the same presentation because someone else wanted to add and change bits... I wasn't the slightest bit stressed about it. Now I just do what I'm told. I pull things together, jazz them up, add a bit of flair just as I always did, but somehow because I'm not actively involved it realeases a bit of the pressure. I can just get on with what I enjoy without worrying about sign off and internal politics. This is an entirely unexpected bonus.

Of course, now I've put thought to paper, no doubt I'll be tearing my hair out with stress this time tomorrow...

With the beginning of Advent today I am determined to be better organised this year and am busy making LISTS. My son is with his Dad on Christmas Day which I find tough but I had a special word with Father Christmas and he said he could pop round early to our house for an extra Christmas so that's OK.

Much excitement this morning as we got to open door number 1. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to Advent calendars. I prefer my doors to be on a nativity scene and open to reveal pretty pictures rather than confectionary. So, son got Mummy's choice, but Mummy's not daft. Oh no... Mummy thoughtfully bought a nice bag of choccies so he gets his sugar fix as well as the star shining over the stable.

To banish a little more commercialism, take a look at the link to the advent calendar in my sidebar. Daily reflections with quite an environmental theme urging us to slow down and consider our lifestyle. Today's message suggests that taking more time allows us to take in more around us.

I'm feeling a creative urge... Until next time readers...

*For the record, I don't actually own any of Jimmy's creations, but if anyone's offering...

PS Why does blogger sometimes repeatedly take out my carriage returns???

Big steps

Wishcasting Wednesday this week asks what us what step we wish to take. Well, readers, you know I have taken mine. Less than a month ago I quit my job. It was quite a moment I can tell you. I put myself out of work in the middle of a global recession. Sometimes I feel quite fearless. Yet, why should we be scared of following our hearts, for that after all is what I have done? After a long career of working for other people, I’m taking back a little more control. I’m bringing together all I’ve learned over the years and taking it out in the marketplace for others to have a bit of use of. I’m going freelance…

This week and next I’m working with a communications agency helping them with a project for a High Street bank. It’s literally throw yourself in at the deep end drama but it’s OK. I’ve had lots of practice at swimming and my little lifejacket of knowledge is keeping my head above water. In fact, I’m rather enjoying it. Naturally, the pressure is on and it really is a case of sink or swim – I’m rather expendable, not tied to any employer contract. One mistake and I could be out… but then I always did thrive under a bit of pressure, there’s nothing better to sharpen the focus than an impending deadline or that VIP to impress.

I’ve no doubt there’ll be moments of calm and catch up too when my focus will shift to marketing myself, networking and hunting out the elusive paying opportunities. Also expect to see some serious paint slopping about during these ‘stand down’ days.

There’s a down side naturally. I do get a bit lonely – I miss the colleague sitting beside me to bump ideas around with – it’s not quite the same when you have to call someone and the cats don’t have much of an opinion. It also gets a bit cold here in November and it seems an extravagance to heat the whole house when I’m spending all day sitting at a desk in one tiny (and very untidy) corner. Ah yes, untidiness. My natural predilection toward having all my work spread out around me in a seemingly chaotic mess has meant an even more untidy workspace than usual and I can’t just go home and leave it at the end of the day! My little Lottie cat is most upset at me sitting on her ‘bed’ all day and is getting quite vocal in her complaints. She exacts her revenge by leaving muddy paw prints all over my paperwork. Her brother just clambers onto a lap already laden with notebooks and scribbled reminders and makes himself comfy where he can.

Regrets? Not one. The little teaser on my blog earlier in the week is to tempt you toward my forthcoming Etsy shop. Keep stopping by here to pick up your invitation to the star-studded launch!

So, I’ve taken my step and I’m feeling good!