That would be me then...numb or dumb? I am absolutely shattered. I have scrubbed, scraped, filed, painted and repaired and am not even half way there. I have contorted my body into places it had never visited before. My right hand is swollen, my right leg is numb and my back left the building yesterday. It is very difficult to walk without using your legs or spine...trust me I tried.
I was initially worried about going to Cyprus next week as it is an inconvenient time to be away. But, I have since changed my mind. The break will do me good and also stop me from trying to imitate the Energiser Bunny!
The frightening thing is I know I have probably forgot something and, bearing the infamous Sod's Law in mind, it will probably be something very important. I remembered to take a kettle, some coffee and a cup yesterday but when I came to make a brew I had no spoon. That's OK. I can live with that but whatever it is I have forgot won't be as innocuous. Therefore, today's itinerary is in my iPhone, Outlook, on paper and written on my hand. I'm trying..honest I am.
I mentally and physically numb.....time for a holiday I think.
Friday 4 December 2009
Sunday 29 November 2009
De Bono's Hats...of all the things to remember
It's funny how some things just stick in your mind. I can't remember my dentist's appointment or that there's something in the oven but, Edward De Bono is lurking in my grey matter and I didn't even know it.
De Bono and his Hats were first introduced to me during my Teacher Training. It was part of the Critical Incident criteria. I had to apply his Hats to an incident at college. So I did this, duly wrote it up and handed it in....The End... or so I thought.
I have not thought of De Bono in years until this week when a friend of mine brought me her homework that needed proof reading. She has returned to university to take Nursing. Potty, nickname only, had a new assignment and didn't understand what it was asking. Now as I write this I can't remember what the assignment was but I can remember that De Bono's Hats was a possible answer (I think it had something to do with social experiments). I introduced Potty to his hats and the meaning of the different colours. I was amazed at how I remembered it all. It flowed off my tongue as if I spoke on the subject everyday.
So here I am at an ungodly hour of the morning completing all sorts of mundane, but necessary, admin jobs for my new business. I am flicking between being in charge of accounts, marketing, sales, management and being a teacher and of course this once again put me in mind of De Bono's hats. I know it's not relevant but completing all these different tasks reminded me of the English idiom (I think it's an Idiom?) about wearing different hats for different roles. And, of course, there in lies the correlation my brain made to the infamous Hats.
I have to wonder at the workings of a brain that remembers one thing and disregards the rest. As a special needs teacher knowing how to crack this anomaly would be the answer to my, and my students', needs.
So, with my Blue Hat firmly in place, I shall continue to complete even more mundane admin jobs and see where my brain takes me next...somewhere warm I hope.........
De Bono and his Hats were first introduced to me during my Teacher Training. It was part of the Critical Incident criteria. I had to apply his Hats to an incident at college. So I did this, duly wrote it up and handed it in....The End... or so I thought.
I have not thought of De Bono in years until this week when a friend of mine brought me her homework that needed proof reading. She has returned to university to take Nursing. Potty, nickname only, had a new assignment and didn't understand what it was asking. Now as I write this I can't remember what the assignment was but I can remember that De Bono's Hats was a possible answer (I think it had something to do with social experiments). I introduced Potty to his hats and the meaning of the different colours. I was amazed at how I remembered it all. It flowed off my tongue as if I spoke on the subject everyday.
So here I am at an ungodly hour of the morning completing all sorts of mundane, but necessary, admin jobs for my new business. I am flicking between being in charge of accounts, marketing, sales, management and being a teacher and of course this once again put me in mind of De Bono's hats. I know it's not relevant but completing all these different tasks reminded me of the English idiom (I think it's an Idiom?) about wearing different hats for different roles. And, of course, there in lies the correlation my brain made to the infamous Hats.
I have to wonder at the workings of a brain that remembers one thing and disregards the rest. As a special needs teacher knowing how to crack this anomaly would be the answer to my, and my students', needs.
So, with my Blue Hat firmly in place, I shall continue to complete even more mundane admin jobs and see where my brain takes me next...somewhere warm I hope.........
Wednesday 25 November 2009
Cutting Costs or Cutting Corners?
Setting up a new business is quite costly. Adult Community Training has been, or is being, set up and funded by me. I think this is quite something considering I have no money! But, one thing a woman can do is 'make do'. So all purchases have been carefully researched for the best bargain....lets cut to the chase here....I mean the CHEAPEST.
Yes, I'm cheap but oh so cheerful and so will ACT. The furniture is second hand, so are the computers and resources. I suppose I'm second hand too! Unfortunately there are somethings that can't be had second hand e.g. solicitor's fees, websites, electricity, telephone, broadband and the list goes on.
While I'm, quite happily, scrubbing the second hand acquisitions and looking at the slightly knocked and banged up furniture I wonder how long they will last. Was it false economy buying used furniture? Will it fall to pieces in the first month and need replacing?
Only time will tell. So I will carry on scrubbing, polishing and, in some cases, repairing my treasured acquisitions, readying everything for a brand new opening.
Yes, I'm cheap but oh so cheerful and so will ACT. The furniture is second hand, so are the computers and resources. I suppose I'm second hand too! Unfortunately there are somethings that can't be had second hand e.g. solicitor's fees, websites, electricity, telephone, broadband and the list goes on.
While I'm, quite happily, scrubbing the second hand acquisitions and looking at the slightly knocked and banged up furniture I wonder how long they will last. Was it false economy buying used furniture? Will it fall to pieces in the first month and need replacing?
Only time will tell. So I will carry on scrubbing, polishing and, in some cases, repairing my treasured acquisitions, readying everything for a brand new opening.
Thursday 19 November 2009
Christmas...not this year
We are fast approaching the opening and I haven't been able to get in the premises yet! The solicitors are doing their bit...they better had be for the price. Why oh why did I not study law. I should get the keys on the 1st December. As I want to open on the first of January I have a hell of a lot to do through out December. So, with all this in mind, I have already bought & wrapped present and wrote all the cards.
I have never been this premature. In December I am also away for a week. It was probably not the best idea to book a holiday at such a busy time. But, I knew that once the business opens in January, I won't get a holiday next year. Ah... sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice...or is that martyr?
I have never been this premature. In December I am also away for a week. It was probably not the best idea to book a holiday at such a busy time. But, I knew that once the business opens in January, I won't get a holiday next year. Ah... sacrifice, sacrifice, sacrifice...or is that martyr?
Sunday 8 November 2009
Remembrance Sunday
A day of remembrance. It was very moving to watch the ceremonies on TV this morning. It hit me harder this year because my son has enlisted in the army. It is easy to forget the country is at war. Remembrance Sunday used to be just about World War 1 & 2.
My husband's mother was German so we remember both sides. His maternal grandfather was a prisoner of war in Stalingrad. I try to remind my son that their are 2 sides to any argument and 2 sides to any war. Any soldier is a son, brother, father or husband and there is grief felt for any death or injury.
I, however, am in a unique position that enables me to empathise with all sides in all wars. I am grateful for this insight which I believe makes me a better person than I was.
My husband's mother was German so we remember both sides. His maternal grandfather was a prisoner of war in Stalingrad. I try to remind my son that their are 2 sides to any argument and 2 sides to any war. Any soldier is a son, brother, father or husband and there is grief felt for any death or injury.
I, however, am in a unique position that enables me to empathise with all sides in all wars. I am grateful for this insight which I believe makes me a better person than I was.
Thursday 15 October 2009
I am an Idiot
It's official..I found the blog I lost...it's time for me to rest.... but not in peace!
Contrary Mary had a Canary.....
A childish rhyme that always stuck with me. If I was ever introduced to someone called Mary my mind automatically sang the little ditty....sad but true.
I still haven't had a Eureka moment. Everything is pointing towards me not working and staying at home being ill. Did I mention I was ill? Probably not knowing me. I don't feel ill but my body took the time to remind me it was feeling the strain. It manifested itself in a Saddle Pulmonary Embolism. Now that was a scary couple of days. Doctors look so much younger than they ever did. I know it's because I've got older but 21 year old is much too young to tell me I'm going to die! I expect someone with facial hair, wrinkles, glasses and at the very least experience!
As you can gathered I didn't die. But that's because I am a stubborn, contrary old moo. I always have been. If you say 'up' I'll always say 'down' and I'll find a way to prove it too. Some would say these are negative traits and I would probably agree but these traits kept me alive and developed the birth of ACT - Adult Community Training.
While I was off work sick I was too bored to be sick. I tried learning to crochet by following instructions on You Tube.... I kid you not...some people need to get a life. If I'm truthful a lot of the time I felt fine and everyone was trying to tell me I was sick and I had to rest. Rest..rest...stop swearing at me....being the contrary Mary that I am I had to prove I wasn't sick. I kept thinking of going back to work...if I can work I can't be ill..can I? I don't know where my work ethic came from but it's strong. If I could bottle it I would make a fortune and an entirely new country and parliament. But I do have a work ethic and I had to prove even though I was sick I could still do my 'bit'...whatever my 'bit' was going to be.
I wondered, I pondered, I slept on and chewed it over and over and over...and then decided....if I was going to die at work I wanted to die working for ME instead of working for someone who really doesn't give a toss and has 3 BMWs on the car park and a fat bank balance because of all my hard work. Cynical it may be but half the time it's true.
Reading back over this I realised ...there it is...my Eureka moment...or half of it anyway. I hadn't at this point decided what I was going to do...or maybe I had but my brain held back to let me think it was my idea!
And I'll leave It there for now because I've just reminded myself I need to rest....Contrary Mary had a Canary up the Leg of her Drawers.........
I still haven't had a Eureka moment. Everything is pointing towards me not working and staying at home being ill. Did I mention I was ill? Probably not knowing me. I don't feel ill but my body took the time to remind me it was feeling the strain. It manifested itself in a Saddle Pulmonary Embolism. Now that was a scary couple of days. Doctors look so much younger than they ever did. I know it's because I've got older but 21 year old is much too young to tell me I'm going to die! I expect someone with facial hair, wrinkles, glasses and at the very least experience!
As you can gathered I didn't die. But that's because I am a stubborn, contrary old moo. I always have been. If you say 'up' I'll always say 'down' and I'll find a way to prove it too. Some would say these are negative traits and I would probably agree but these traits kept me alive and developed the birth of ACT - Adult Community Training.
While I was off work sick I was too bored to be sick. I tried learning to crochet by following instructions on You Tube.... I kid you not...some people need to get a life. If I'm truthful a lot of the time I felt fine and everyone was trying to tell me I was sick and I had to rest. Rest..rest...stop swearing at me....being the contrary Mary that I am I had to prove I wasn't sick. I kept thinking of going back to work...if I can work I can't be ill..can I? I don't know where my work ethic came from but it's strong. If I could bottle it I would make a fortune and an entirely new country and parliament. But I do have a work ethic and I had to prove even though I was sick I could still do my 'bit'...whatever my 'bit' was going to be.
I wondered, I pondered, I slept on and chewed it over and over and over...and then decided....if I was going to die at work I wanted to die working for ME instead of working for someone who really doesn't give a toss and has 3 BMWs on the car park and a fat bank balance because of all my hard work. Cynical it may be but half the time it's true.
Reading back over this I realised ...there it is...my Eureka moment...or half of it anyway. I hadn't at this point decided what I was going to do...or maybe I had but my brain held back to let me think it was my idea!
And I'll leave It there for now because I've just reminded myself I need to rest....Contrary Mary had a Canary up the Leg of her Drawers.........
Monday 12 October 2009
Opening a Business in a Recession...is that wise??
This is the question asked to me by my 17 year old son who is wet behind the ears and still thinks he can budget his monthly wage on his own but, is always skint after the first week.
However, it's a bloody good question. Why am I..a 41 year old woman opening a new business in a recession?
I don't have the answer. Therefore, I am going to blog, not blag, my way through the preparations of opening the business in the hope that I will have a Eureka moment before I open the doors in January 2010.
My husband is a self employed market trader. I do his books and other stuff to do with his self employment...to be honest there isn't a lot of 'other stuff' to do for him and his stall.
But my new venture is completely different. I am planning to open an adult education and training centre in Rochdale. I've never done something on this scale before.
It has to be limited I'm told. It needs to be registered at Company's House I'm told. It needs to be VAT registered I'm told. It needs to have public and employer liability insurance I'm told. It needs to have professional indemnity insurance I'm told.
Are you getting the picture? Everybody I know, or meet, has something to tell me that is pivotal to setting up this venture and ensuring it is a success. People have had nothing but praise and think it's a wonderful idea..some have even enrolled on courses already...but I'm confused! Utterly and totally confused.
There seems to be a chicken and egg scenario. I want to lease a premises and the landlord wants a bank reference. OK no problem but I haven't got a bank account yet. I know I'll open a bank account. But, the name isn't registered with Company's House yet as a limited company and it needs to say LTD on the cheque book....everyone knows that...don't they?
Hmmm...I'll have to register the name with Company's House. Oh..but wait... I have no registered address to register at!....chicken and egg....
Am I any nearer to answer the question of why I am opening a business in a recession? I don't think so... in fact, reading back over what I have just written makes me think that child of mine has dried his ears recently.
Maybe the next blog, not blag, will bring me nearer to my Eureka moment.
However, it's a bloody good question. Why am I..a 41 year old woman opening a new business in a recession?
I don't have the answer. Therefore, I am going to blog, not blag, my way through the preparations of opening the business in the hope that I will have a Eureka moment before I open the doors in January 2010.
My husband is a self employed market trader. I do his books and other stuff to do with his self employment...to be honest there isn't a lot of 'other stuff' to do for him and his stall.
But my new venture is completely different. I am planning to open an adult education and training centre in Rochdale. I've never done something on this scale before.
It has to be limited I'm told. It needs to be registered at Company's House I'm told. It needs to be VAT registered I'm told. It needs to have public and employer liability insurance I'm told. It needs to have professional indemnity insurance I'm told.
Are you getting the picture? Everybody I know, or meet, has something to tell me that is pivotal to setting up this venture and ensuring it is a success. People have had nothing but praise and think it's a wonderful idea..some have even enrolled on courses already...but I'm confused! Utterly and totally confused.
There seems to be a chicken and egg scenario. I want to lease a premises and the landlord wants a bank reference. OK no problem but I haven't got a bank account yet. I know I'll open a bank account. But, the name isn't registered with Company's House yet as a limited company and it needs to say LTD on the cheque book....everyone knows that...don't they?
Hmmm...I'll have to register the name with Company's House. Oh..but wait... I have no registered address to register at!....chicken and egg....
Am I any nearer to answer the question of why I am opening a business in a recession? I don't think so... in fact, reading back over what I have just written makes me think that child of mine has dried his ears recently.
Maybe the next blog, not blag, will bring me nearer to my Eureka moment.
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