The eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed that this blog has changed again.
I'd tired of the old design, which was intended to resemble a notebook full of doodles, and a revamp of my website this week led me to redo the blog too.
The aim was simple, to tie up the various parts of my writing media strategy (website, blog and Twitter) as closely as possible in design concept and colour. Now I'm no web designer, so I know it's far from perfect, but I'm quite pleased with the result using standard templates and just tweaking the colour schemes.
What do you all think?
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work. Show all posts
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Changes
It's been a strange week so far.
A meeting on Monday signalled the beginning of the end of something I've been involved with for 10 years, something I've worked at for love rather than money. I'm afraid I can't be more specific, but while I know that what is happening is for the best and was partially my own idea, the change inevitably brings sadness.
Added to that I have been hit hard with the realisation that I need to try to make a little money from my writing. Up to now I have only submitted very selectively on an occasional basis and mostly to non-paying markets, but once my novel editing is complete I really need to start trying to write for paying markets. In our current position every little bit of extra cash would help.
Just to add further to the joy I am suddenly feeling very fatigued today. Now this probably has something to do with the fact that Son 2 has got me out of bed between 5 and 6am every morning since Christmas, as some of my Twitter friends may have noticed. But severe fatigue is also a symptom of MS, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's just something an early night might help, rather than another new symptom to add to the leg spasms.
I'm just hoping that Friday won't bring any further changes...
A meeting on Monday signalled the beginning of the end of something I've been involved with for 10 years, something I've worked at for love rather than money. I'm afraid I can't be more specific, but while I know that what is happening is for the best and was partially my own idea, the change inevitably brings sadness.
Added to that I have been hit hard with the realisation that I need to try to make a little money from my writing. Up to now I have only submitted very selectively on an occasional basis and mostly to non-paying markets, but once my novel editing is complete I really need to start trying to write for paying markets. In our current position every little bit of extra cash would help.
Just to add further to the joy I am suddenly feeling very fatigued today. Now this probably has something to do with the fact that Son 2 has got me out of bed between 5 and 6am every morning since Christmas, as some of my Twitter friends may have noticed. But severe fatigue is also a symptom of MS, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's just something an early night might help, rather than another new symptom to add to the leg spasms.
I'm just hoping that Friday won't bring any further changes...
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The slow thaw
The snow is disappearing, a little more each day. Green grass is showing through in places on our lawn, the snow which lay on the leaves of bushes and trees is gone.
Son 2's school transport recommenced yesterday. He was pleased to return to school, even though the bus was thirty minutes late arriving, due to the fact that some hilly side roads are still very difficult to negotiate. Our own mostly flat road is still covered with compacted snow, the pavements are icy and great care needs to be taken.
I was working in London yesterday. I was greatly surprised to emerge from Angel tube station and find the pavements wet rather than snowy. I was with a friend and we had both been dreading the downhill walk to our place of work, but we needn't have. In that part of London only occasional tiny patches of white or slush gave away the fact that snow had ever been there.
Talking to others who had travelled from various suburbs, it became clear that we were not alone in still having snowy conditions at home. Central London, as always, had its own micro-climate.
Son 2's school transport recommenced yesterday. He was pleased to return to school, even though the bus was thirty minutes late arriving, due to the fact that some hilly side roads are still very difficult to negotiate. Our own mostly flat road is still covered with compacted snow, the pavements are icy and great care needs to be taken.
I was working in London yesterday. I was greatly surprised to emerge from Angel tube station and find the pavements wet rather than snowy. I was with a friend and we had both been dreading the downhill walk to our place of work, but we needn't have. In that part of London only occasional tiny patches of white or slush gave away the fact that snow had ever been there.
Talking to others who had travelled from various suburbs, it became clear that we were not alone in still having snowy conditions at home. Central London, as always, had its own micro-climate.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
New Year Resolutions
So, did you make any?
I'm not a huge fan of New Year Resolutions. Some, such as starting a diet, are just so obvious and should really be long term lifestyle choices. Others may be so unachievable that they just set you up for failure, which is not psychologically healthy.
So this year I'm just setting two goals (not resolutions):
1. Finish the novel
It's been a long time coming but at the time of writing it's 83% complete and the end is within my grasp. I had a huge burst of inspiration between Christmas and New Year, when the word count rose rapidly. This wasn't planned, but I woke up one morning with one scene so clear in my mind that I had to write it down, even though it was out of sequence. From there, other pieces of the puzzle started to fall neatly into place and I knew how the story would progress up to and beyond that scene. It all got written in an intense burst over two days. This is how writing should be.
2. Find more 'me time'.
I'm on doctor's orders with this one. Some members of my family (no names mentioned) think I have a lot of time to myself. But it isn't proper 'me time'. Some of it is supporting and helping other people, through charities I'm (now unofficially) involved with. Often enjoyable, it gets me out of the house and meeting good friends, but really it's a form of unpaid work. The rest of the time is largely writing related. I've decided that I need to treat the writing as proper work rather than a hobby, in order to be able to maintain my focus and up my productivity now Hubby is home all the time. So, at least whilst I'm currently not in any regular paid employment, I'm going to try to focus on these two things primarily in working hours. Hopefully this will leave more time for reading, relaxation and, dare I hope, fun at other times.
Of course, the best laid plans...
I'm not a huge fan of New Year Resolutions. Some, such as starting a diet, are just so obvious and should really be long term lifestyle choices. Others may be so unachievable that they just set you up for failure, which is not psychologically healthy.
So this year I'm just setting two goals (not resolutions):
1. Finish the novel
It's been a long time coming but at the time of writing it's 83% complete and the end is within my grasp. I had a huge burst of inspiration between Christmas and New Year, when the word count rose rapidly. This wasn't planned, but I woke up one morning with one scene so clear in my mind that I had to write it down, even though it was out of sequence. From there, other pieces of the puzzle started to fall neatly into place and I knew how the story would progress up to and beyond that scene. It all got written in an intense burst over two days. This is how writing should be.
2. Find more 'me time'.
I'm on doctor's orders with this one. Some members of my family (no names mentioned) think I have a lot of time to myself. But it isn't proper 'me time'. Some of it is supporting and helping other people, through charities I'm (now unofficially) involved with. Often enjoyable, it gets me out of the house and meeting good friends, but really it's a form of unpaid work. The rest of the time is largely writing related. I've decided that I need to treat the writing as proper work rather than a hobby, in order to be able to maintain my focus and up my productivity now Hubby is home all the time. So, at least whilst I'm currently not in any regular paid employment, I'm going to try to focus on these two things primarily in working hours. Hopefully this will leave more time for reading, relaxation and, dare I hope, fun at other times.
Of course, the best laid plans...
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Tightening the belts...
So the new era of financial abstinence has begun (though you might not believe that after I had been to town yesterday!)
Knowing that this employment situation was about to occur, a few weeks ago I purchased a (discounted) copy of India Knight's The Thrift Book. Now I like India's journalism, often finding myself agreeing with her, and I enjoyed The Thrift Book as expected. But as I read all too often I found myself thinking hey, I already do that. We've always swapped children's clothes with friends, I've been a keen crafter for years and I am far too familiar with eBay, to give just a few examples. Let's face it, India Knight and I move in different circles and most of my friends and I have been thrifty by her standards for years. So not too many savings to be made there.
I'm looking at ways of reducing the food bill. Since I became ill in the summer I have been unable to drive, so started using the Tesco home delivery service. I find it successful because it eliminates most impulse buying, but of course you have to pay for the convenience (though this week's delivery charge was refunded because they were late due to a van breakdown.) Now Hubby will be home we will probably go to the store together and it will be interesting to see if the weekly food cost rises or falls as a result!
I've booked an appointment with a benefits advisor next week, as our situation is complicated by the fact that we have a disabled child and of course my own capacity to work is currently in question. Hubby will be busy with the winding up of the company for the next few weeks, even though his work will be unpaid. As a director it is his responsibility to provide the receiver with all necessary information.
Then we will sit down and look at all our options. I have a lot of voluntary sector experience in an unpaid capacity, but of course that sector is even more cash-strapped than most and job opportunities locally are now rare. I am also investigating how much it would cost me to retrain to get back into some form of accountancy, albeit at a lower level than when I left the profession eighteen years ago. But I do wonder if it is worth the investment, if I won't be able to get a job at the end due to my health, and of course I would much rather be doing something home-based and writing related...
Knowing that this employment situation was about to occur, a few weeks ago I purchased a (discounted) copy of India Knight's The Thrift Book. Now I like India's journalism, often finding myself agreeing with her, and I enjoyed The Thrift Book as expected. But as I read all too often I found myself thinking hey, I already do that. We've always swapped children's clothes with friends, I've been a keen crafter for years and I am far too familiar with eBay, to give just a few examples. Let's face it, India Knight and I move in different circles and most of my friends and I have been thrifty by her standards for years. So not too many savings to be made there.
I'm looking at ways of reducing the food bill. Since I became ill in the summer I have been unable to drive, so started using the Tesco home delivery service. I find it successful because it eliminates most impulse buying, but of course you have to pay for the convenience (though this week's delivery charge was refunded because they were late due to a van breakdown.) Now Hubby will be home we will probably go to the store together and it will be interesting to see if the weekly food cost rises or falls as a result!
I've booked an appointment with a benefits advisor next week, as our situation is complicated by the fact that we have a disabled child and of course my own capacity to work is currently in question. Hubby will be busy with the winding up of the company for the next few weeks, even though his work will be unpaid. As a director it is his responsibility to provide the receiver with all necessary information.
Then we will sit down and look at all our options. I have a lot of voluntary sector experience in an unpaid capacity, but of course that sector is even more cash-strapped than most and job opportunities locally are now rare. I am also investigating how much it would cost me to retrain to get back into some form of accountancy, albeit at a lower level than when I left the profession eighteen years ago. But I do wonder if it is worth the investment, if I won't be able to get a job at the end due to my health, and of course I would much rather be doing something home-based and writing related...
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Mummy blogging
Despite the strapline of this blog, I have never really intended it to be a 'mummy blog', so I was interested to read this article about mummy blogging and why people do it.
Parenting is, of course, a huge part of my life and that is why I do write about my family from time to time, but on the whole what gets on to this blog is a fairly sanitised version. I think long and hard about what I want to expose to the world, but even so there are probably a few posts which I would remove from the blog should my readership ever rise substantially.
My real reason for creating this blog was to chart my own progress in moving away from being 'just a mum' and finding myself again. The sense of losing your own individuality is one experienced by many parents, especially parents of disabled children who are perhaps unable to work because their lives have been taken over by educational provisions, behavioural issues and medical appointments. It is a challenge which at some point, needs to be addressed for the parents' own sanity and for me writing has filled the gap and hopefully set me off in a new direction.
I've 'met' lots of lovely people through this blog, both writers and parents of disabled children. But that has been a happy coincidence, I didn't set the blog up to find parenting or special needs advice as I have plenty of friends just up the road who regularly offer coffee and support. Nor did I set up the blog to encourage parenting advertisers or freebies...I have had offers but have always turned them down.
I've been asked why I don't post pictures of my children online, either here or in a 'private' forum. There is a simple answer. Both my boys are, in their own ways, quite vulnerable and it is my job, as a parent to protect them. Now that is not to say there aren't pictures of them online. Son 1, like every teenager, uses social media, but there he is control of his own images. We have on occasion given permission for a charity to use unnamed pictures of Son 2, both in print and online, because we know they will be used with integrity. Having in the past been the subject of online nastiness, even from people who should be supportive, I don't want to expose my children's identities. I may be paranoid, but we are quite a private family in many ways.
So if you are looking for a true mummy blog, there are many bloggers out there covering both special needs and regular parenting with a depth and humour you won't find here. My kids will continue to pop up on the blog but I'm starting to wonder if it is time to change my strapline...
Parenting is, of course, a huge part of my life and that is why I do write about my family from time to time, but on the whole what gets on to this blog is a fairly sanitised version. I think long and hard about what I want to expose to the world, but even so there are probably a few posts which I would remove from the blog should my readership ever rise substantially.
My real reason for creating this blog was to chart my own progress in moving away from being 'just a mum' and finding myself again. The sense of losing your own individuality is one experienced by many parents, especially parents of disabled children who are perhaps unable to work because their lives have been taken over by educational provisions, behavioural issues and medical appointments. It is a challenge which at some point, needs to be addressed for the parents' own sanity and for me writing has filled the gap and hopefully set me off in a new direction.
I've 'met' lots of lovely people through this blog, both writers and parents of disabled children. But that has been a happy coincidence, I didn't set the blog up to find parenting or special needs advice as I have plenty of friends just up the road who regularly offer coffee and support. Nor did I set up the blog to encourage parenting advertisers or freebies...I have had offers but have always turned them down.
I've been asked why I don't post pictures of my children online, either here or in a 'private' forum. There is a simple answer. Both my boys are, in their own ways, quite vulnerable and it is my job, as a parent to protect them. Now that is not to say there aren't pictures of them online. Son 1, like every teenager, uses social media, but there he is control of his own images. We have on occasion given permission for a charity to use unnamed pictures of Son 2, both in print and online, because we know they will be used with integrity. Having in the past been the subject of online nastiness, even from people who should be supportive, I don't want to expose my children's identities. I may be paranoid, but we are quite a private family in many ways.
So if you are looking for a true mummy blog, there are many bloggers out there covering both special needs and regular parenting with a depth and humour you won't find here. My kids will continue to pop up on the blog but I'm starting to wonder if it is time to change my strapline...
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Another course
Some of you may remember that a year ago I gave up my voluntary role as treasurer for our local ASD support group. It was a great relief after 9 years, but I did promise that I would stay involved in a non-official capacity.
I attend the support coffee mornings once or twice a week, supposedly for my own support needs, but have actually found myself still being needed to talk to often distressed parents, as if my role in the organisation had not changed. We had been increasingly recognising that to do the job properly at least some of the volunteer committee members needed to have had some formal training in basic counselling and listening skills, so two people took an introductory course at our local college last year. When I first started working with the group I did have some rudimentary training in listening skills provided by another charity, but that was a long time ago. However I did not want to commit to a college course, since due to everything else going on here my study needs to be flexible and home-based.
I needed to find 10 more points to complete my OU degree, so I was delighted to discover a new course D171 Introduction to Counselling, which I have just started alongside the writing course. It is level one, so not too onerous academically, but will provide an introduction to skills that I will be able to use in many aspects of my life. The charity benefits too, as I am funding it myself courtesy of my Tesco vouchers.
And I've just had my arm twisted to return to the charity management committee, though I have made it clear I am not going to be treasurer again. A friend of mine took over that role from me, she is doing a great job and I am willing to advise when needed. I do have a wealth of experience to add to the committee, yet I have made it understood that from now on my input is on my own terms, I no longer want to feel obliged to work unpaid three day weeks!
Yes, I know I'm mad...
Three notable things:
1. Good tutorial yesterday...nice approachable tutor, five chatty students, it flew by.
2. The travel was fine, I was incredibly lucky with bus and train connections. In fact I got down into London remarkably early, having allowed extra time.
3. It was a bit of a shock to come out of the tutorial into pouring rain and a howling gale. I couldn't even go straight home, as I had to stop off in our local shopping centre to get some shopping for the boys.
I attend the support coffee mornings once or twice a week, supposedly for my own support needs, but have actually found myself still being needed to talk to often distressed parents, as if my role in the organisation had not changed. We had been increasingly recognising that to do the job properly at least some of the volunteer committee members needed to have had some formal training in basic counselling and listening skills, so two people took an introductory course at our local college last year. When I first started working with the group I did have some rudimentary training in listening skills provided by another charity, but that was a long time ago. However I did not want to commit to a college course, since due to everything else going on here my study needs to be flexible and home-based.
I needed to find 10 more points to complete my OU degree, so I was delighted to discover a new course D171 Introduction to Counselling, which I have just started alongside the writing course. It is level one, so not too onerous academically, but will provide an introduction to skills that I will be able to use in many aspects of my life. The charity benefits too, as I am funding it myself courtesy of my Tesco vouchers.
And I've just had my arm twisted to return to the charity management committee, though I have made it clear I am not going to be treasurer again. A friend of mine took over that role from me, she is doing a great job and I am willing to advise when needed. I do have a wealth of experience to add to the committee, yet I have made it understood that from now on my input is on my own terms, I no longer want to feel obliged to work unpaid three day weeks!
Yes, I know I'm mad...
Three notable things:
1. Good tutorial yesterday...nice approachable tutor, five chatty students, it flew by.
2. The travel was fine, I was incredibly lucky with bus and train connections. In fact I got down into London remarkably early, having allowed extra time.
3. It was a bit of a shock to come out of the tutorial into pouring rain and a howling gale. I couldn't even go straight home, as I had to stop off in our local shopping centre to get some shopping for the boys.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
To MA or not to MA?
Longer-term readers here will know that I had a plan for my writing career which went something like this...finish my 'accidental' OU Open degree with the Advanced Creative Writing course then try to get a place on a Creative Writing MA, all whilst writing my 'blockbuster' novel.
Well of course I was at risk of overloading myself, especially whilst juggling so many other family things at the same time. I have studied almost continuously for the last four years and I think I might actually appreciate a break from academia. There are also a number of practical barriers to accessing an MA course at this stage of my life. Not totally impossible, but not easy.
So this week I have done some serious thinking and I have committed myself to the novel. I shall still be doing the OU course, which will be complementary, but for now the idea of an MA is on the backburner.
Finish the degree, finish the novel and the MA courses will still be out there. In fact there may be even more choice. But I wonder if I will still want to do one?
Three notable things:
1. Son 2 has started rock climbing with school. I would love to be a fly on the wall.
2. I did a very small charity 'audit' yesterday as a favour. I'm so glad I no longer work full-time in accountancy!
3. I'm very impressed with the look of Caroline's new venture, BubbleCow. I'm sure it will be a great success.
Well of course I was at risk of overloading myself, especially whilst juggling so many other family things at the same time. I have studied almost continuously for the last four years and I think I might actually appreciate a break from academia. There are also a number of practical barriers to accessing an MA course at this stage of my life. Not totally impossible, but not easy.
So this week I have done some serious thinking and I have committed myself to the novel. I shall still be doing the OU course, which will be complementary, but for now the idea of an MA is on the backburner.
Finish the degree, finish the novel and the MA courses will still be out there. In fact there may be even more choice. But I wonder if I will still want to do one?
Three notable things:
1. Son 2 has started rock climbing with school. I would love to be a fly on the wall.
2. I did a very small charity 'audit' yesterday as a favour. I'm so glad I no longer work full-time in accountancy!
3. I'm very impressed with the look of Caroline's new venture, BubbleCow. I'm sure it will be a great success.
Friday, June 06, 2008
Flying without wings
It comes as a bit of a shock when your teenager suddenly gets a life. Especially when said teenager has previously been confined to home by anxiety and agoraphobia.
I'm trying really hard not to ring his mobile more than once or twice a day, not to be an overprotective parent even though I have only a rough idea of where he is half the time at weekends. Luckily he is sensible and we trust his judgement, but I guess we are getting into a whole new set of parental worries now.
I do love seeing my offspring take his first tentative flights away from the nest though...
Three notable things
1. The winners of The Orange Broadband Prize and the Award for New Writers have been announced. More details here.
2. I had a great day out on Wednesday helping to teach student health professionals at City University, followed by a lengthy browse around Borders bookshop.
3. Have just realised that I have got an assignment to write urgently at the start of next week, as soon as son 2 returns to school. Although I've done most of the reading I don't know where to start...
I'm trying really hard not to ring his mobile more than once or twice a day, not to be an overprotective parent even though I have only a rough idea of where he is half the time at weekends. Luckily he is sensible and we trust his judgement, but I guess we are getting into a whole new set of parental worries now.
I do love seeing my offspring take his first tentative flights away from the nest though...
Three notable things
1. The winners of The Orange Broadband Prize and the Award for New Writers have been announced. More details here.
2. I had a great day out on Wednesday helping to teach student health professionals at City University, followed by a lengthy browse around Borders bookshop.
3. Have just realised that I have got an assignment to write urgently at the start of next week, as soon as son 2 returns to school. Although I've done most of the reading I don't know where to start...
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
I'm back
Oh. My. God.
I've just realised that it has been over a week since I wrote anything here. Sorry. No real excuse, I was just taking a short breather from blogging, and all is well here.
My novel is also still on the backburner due to having to spend all my time on paid work and studying at the moment. I wish I was the sort of writer who could stay up burning the midnight oil, but I'm not. I get too tired, especially when son 2 is deciding to get up ridiculously early...5.30 am on Saturday!
Half term has also just begun. It only seems a minute since he was last on holiday but here we are again, another two week half term, a house full of noise and chaos and me trying to read my study books. The paid work will have to wait until he goes back to school, I'm afraid, though I did do a little yesterday. It is fortunate that my boss is also my husband...
Three notable things...
1. Son 1 had a great weekend at home, doing normal teenage things...
2. It has stopped raining at last.
3. Son 2 will have two days of playscheme this week. Hooray!
I've just realised that it has been over a week since I wrote anything here. Sorry. No real excuse, I was just taking a short breather from blogging, and all is well here.
My novel is also still on the backburner due to having to spend all my time on paid work and studying at the moment. I wish I was the sort of writer who could stay up burning the midnight oil, but I'm not. I get too tired, especially when son 2 is deciding to get up ridiculously early...5.30 am on Saturday!
Half term has also just begun. It only seems a minute since he was last on holiday but here we are again, another two week half term, a house full of noise and chaos and me trying to read my study books. The paid work will have to wait until he goes back to school, I'm afraid, though I did do a little yesterday. It is fortunate that my boss is also my husband...
Three notable things...
1. Son 1 had a great weekend at home, doing normal teenage things...
2. It has stopped raining at last.
3. Son 2 will have two days of playscheme this week. Hooray!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Catching up
I think I am currently brain dead.
I spent last week writing an essay. The word 'intertextuality' is now firmly lodged in my brain. Hubby looks despairing when I interrupt a conversation to say 'ooh,that's intertextual'. The essay was sent on Friday, but I have no idea whether I really answered the question. I was just relieved to get rid of it. Now for the second half of the course and a change of emphasis...
My writing has totally stalled, due to the intensity of this course and all the other stuff which is going on around me at home. I am behind in updating bookersatz. I've got books I need to read and review. Another half-term is fast approaching, I have paid work to complete by the summer holidays. I need to get a grip.
Son 1 is still up and down. He's just had a great weekend, but the previous one was difficult, he wasn't well at all. His peers will be starting their GCSEs this week, while he has now been out of education for two years. We live in a different world now.
Three notable things:
1. I have just spent a fortune on new clothes for son 2 who is growing rapidly in all directions...
2. I have finally found another mascara which doesn't irritate my eyes or make me look like a panda, after my old favourite was sadly discontinued. My girlie readers will understand the importance of this!
3. I lost the magnetic bracelet which helps my arthritis in town today.
I spent last week writing an essay. The word 'intertextuality' is now firmly lodged in my brain. Hubby looks despairing when I interrupt a conversation to say 'ooh,that's intertextual'. The essay was sent on Friday, but I have no idea whether I really answered the question. I was just relieved to get rid of it. Now for the second half of the course and a change of emphasis...
My writing has totally stalled, due to the intensity of this course and all the other stuff which is going on around me at home. I am behind in updating bookersatz. I've got books I need to read and review. Another half-term is fast approaching, I have paid work to complete by the summer holidays. I need to get a grip.
Son 1 is still up and down. He's just had a great weekend, but the previous one was difficult, he wasn't well at all. His peers will be starting their GCSEs this week, while he has now been out of education for two years. We live in a different world now.
Three notable things:
1. I have just spent a fortune on new clothes for son 2 who is growing rapidly in all directions...
2. I have finally found another mascara which doesn't irritate my eyes or make me look like a panda, after my old favourite was sadly discontinued. My girlie readers will understand the importance of this!
3. I lost the magnetic bracelet which helps my arthritis in town today.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Virago books
I expect most female readers ( and many male) will at some time have read a book published by the Virago Press.
I was hopping around some blogs today and came across this picture, which suddenly made me wonder what current books by women will survive to be reissued decades hence in the way that Virago has traditionally resurrected little-known female writers? Of course Virago does also publish contemporary work by talented writers such as Margaret Atwood and Sarah Waters, but there must be many more current female authors who will deserve to be re-read in the future, long after their books might normally have gone out of print.
I have my personal favourites, of course, but I'd love to hear yours.
Three notable things:
1. I'm free of the voluntary work!
2. As a leaving/thank you gift I received gift cards for Waterstone's and Marks & Spencer. I can feel some retail therapy coming on...
3. I'm still posting a piece of flash prose here every day. Wonder how long I can keep that up?
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Oh so quiet...
It seems really quiet in the blogosphere at the moment, or at least on the blogs I regularly visit. Perhaps everyone is up to their necks in NaNoWriMo or just gone into autumn hibernation. Which, to be honest, I feel like doing myself. I am currently just keeping myself going with the challenge of my flash fiction pieces.
Three notable things:
1. Arranging to meet up next week with a friend who I haven't seen for a few years. We both have lots to catch up on.
2. Buying a fab cardigan/jacket on eBay which will be perfect worn with black trousers and top for the meeting I have to attend tomorrow evening. It is current season Per Una, but come via the factory shop, therefore I paid only a little more than half the retail price. I can't see anything wrong with it, other than the labels cut out, as they do. A bargain.
3. Getting all my paperwork sorted for this meeting tomorrow, which is when I am resigning as treasurer of the voluntary group. Woo hoo!
Three notable things:
1. Arranging to meet up next week with a friend who I haven't seen for a few years. We both have lots to catch up on.
2. Buying a fab cardigan/jacket on eBay which will be perfect worn with black trousers and top for the meeting I have to attend tomorrow evening. It is current season Per Una, but come via the factory shop, therefore I paid only a little more than half the retail price. I can't see anything wrong with it, other than the labels cut out, as they do. A bargain.
3. Getting all my paperwork sorted for this meeting tomorrow, which is when I am resigning as treasurer of the voluntary group. Woo hoo!
Monday, October 29, 2007
A room of my own
Once upon a time we had a spare bedroom. Well actually we still do, but over the last few years, while things have been so difficult at home, it has gradually turned into a tip. After all, nobody ever comes to stay with us nowadays. They don't when you live with autism.
Now, if I am honest, much of the stuff littering the spare bedroom belongs to me...ie boxes of craft materials, books and endless paperwork to be sorted. Then there are the plastic sacks of hand-me-down clothes both from son 1 and a friend's child, which need to be sorted to identify items for son 2 and the remainder sent off to the charity shop. There are a couple of pieces of unused and/or broken furniture which need to be found a more suitable home or sent to the tip. But in my recent state of mind all this has seemed a task too far. I have preferred to bury my head in the sand (or a book!)
Just two years ago this room also contained a small desk which I was able to use when working. Son 1 has now stolen that desk for his own bedroom and I am relegated to working and writing on the dining table or coffee table. I was recently talking to a counsellor and she suggested that I needed a haven I could escape to. Son 1 is at home most of the time and I no longer have that precious bit of space when both boys were at school. So why not tidy up the spare bedroom again?
It will be quite a big task and I can't even start until son 2 is back at school next week, but I am going to do it. I have been looking in the Argos catalogue for a compact desk and I want to get an ergonomic chair to help my bad back. I will also ensure that there is plenty of room on the floor for my yoga mat so that I can do stretches whenever I need to. I will be able to put on my own music without being interrupted by son 1 wanting to watch TV.
It sounds good. I want my writing room up and running by the New Year.
Three notable things:
1. I have now caught the cold virus from the boys...
2. Thank goodness for the CBeebies website. It keeps son 2 occupied for hours.
3. The National Autistic Society launches its new awareness campaign today. Why not take a look at Think Differently about Autism. It might surprise you.
Image by Free-StockPhotos.com
Friday, September 21, 2007
Back on track
Thank you to everyone who left messages of encouragement on my last post. They spurred me on to write again. Only 500 words or so, but it is a start.
The other good news is that I finished my accountancy work this afternoon. So from now on I will have more time to devote to the novel and I will do my best to work on it every day. I seem to have got some motivation back, thanks to my lovely blog readers and the Novel Racers. Long may it continue.
Three notable things:
1. Hubby returned from Brussels with a box of ridiculously expensive but totally delicious Belgian chocolates.No Kipling bag though!
2. I am really please about how well my work assignment went...finished on time, with no major stress or panics. Just how work should be.
3. The scarf I am knitting is almost half complete. I will be starting the second ball of yarn soon.
The other good news is that I finished my accountancy work this afternoon. So from now on I will have more time to devote to the novel and I will do my best to work on it every day. I seem to have got some motivation back, thanks to my lovely blog readers and the Novel Racers. Long may it continue.
Three notable things:
1. Hubby returned from Brussels with a box of ridiculously expensive but totally delicious Belgian chocolates.No Kipling bag though!
2. I am really please about how well my work assignment went...finished on time, with no major stress or panics. Just how work should be.
3. The scarf I am knitting is almost half complete. I will be starting the second ball of yarn soon.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Novel introspection
Although I haven't updated my wordcounter, I did write a little more of my novel last weekend. The problem was that I also chopped out some of what I'd previously written, so there was probably no net gain.
I was thinking about my lack of progress. Part of it has been not having time this year and also not being mentally in a very good place, a situation which hopefully should start to improve as of next week. I have no choice but to write during the day, when son 2 is at school, but of course I also have other things to do in those few short hours.
But I think my way of writing is also impeding me. I started this novel soon after completing a creative writing course where I was working on short pieces. The sort of writing where every word matters. I have found it difficult to change my way of working to just plough ahead with a 'shitty first draft' and keep going back and editing my first three chapters. Its not as if I don't know where the story is going...the plot outline is very clear in my mind, although there will be many dots to join on the way.
Does anyone have tips as to how I can get myself to look at the bigger picture and actually make faster progress?
Three notable things:
1. I managed to escape into town this morning to buy the new speakers for son 2's computer and some more paper for the printer. Yet another new coffee shop has just opened!
2. Son 1 has been invited out for a sleepover on Friday. I hope he won't get too anxious or forget to take his meds.
3. Work went surprisingly well again today...just two more days work to do on these accounts ( and possibly part of the weekend if needed.)
I was thinking about my lack of progress. Part of it has been not having time this year and also not being mentally in a very good place, a situation which hopefully should start to improve as of next week. I have no choice but to write during the day, when son 2 is at school, but of course I also have other things to do in those few short hours.
But I think my way of writing is also impeding me. I started this novel soon after completing a creative writing course where I was working on short pieces. The sort of writing where every word matters. I have found it difficult to change my way of working to just plough ahead with a 'shitty first draft' and keep going back and editing my first three chapters. Its not as if I don't know where the story is going...the plot outline is very clear in my mind, although there will be many dots to join on the way.
Does anyone have tips as to how I can get myself to look at the bigger picture and actually make faster progress?
Three notable things:
1. I managed to escape into town this morning to buy the new speakers for son 2's computer and some more paper for the printer. Yet another new coffee shop has just opened!
2. Son 1 has been invited out for a sleepover on Friday. I hope he won't get too anxious or forget to take his meds.
3. Work went surprisingly well again today...just two more days work to do on these accounts ( and possibly part of the weekend if needed.)
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
A bit of fun
I've been far too serious on here recently. That's what happens when you don't get out enough...
So, for today, here is a little distraction. I expect you have all seen this little quiz elsewhere in the blogosphere, but I was very happy with my result, as I loved the Anne of Green Gables books. What do you think?
If you haven't already done so, why not have a go?
Three notable things:
1. We don't have any savings in Northern Rock!
2. Son 2 has just broken the speakers on his computer. A shopping trip is needed tomorrow!
3. Work is going surprisingly well. How can that be?
So, for today, here is a little distraction. I expect you have all seen this little quiz elsewhere in the blogosphere, but I was very happy with my result, as I loved the Anne of Green Gables books. What do you think?
You're Anne of Green Gables!
by L.M. Montgomery
Bright, chipper, vivid, but with the emotional fortitude of cottage
cheese, you make quite an impression on everyone you meet. You're impulsive, rash,
honest, and probably don't have a great relationship with your parents. People hurt
your feelings constantly, but your brazen honestly doesn't exactly treat others with
kid gloves. Ultimately, though, you win the hearts and minds of everyone that matters.
You spell your name with an E and you want everyone to know about it.
Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.
If you haven't already done so, why not have a go?
Three notable things:
1. We don't have any savings in Northern Rock!
2. Son 2 has just broken the speakers on his computer. A shopping trip is needed tomorrow!
3. Work is going surprisingly well. How can that be?
Friday, September 14, 2007
Good buys
A parcel arrived this afternoon containing this and these ( bought by redeeming my Book People points). What a treat!
A fragmented day today, with food shopping and a few other minor chores to be done, as well as work. I am so looking forward to finishing this figure work and getting my head back to the world of writing. With things gradually improving at home I am feeling that the fog, which has stopped me being able to concentrate, is finally lifting from my brain.
Three notable things:
1. My book parcel.
2. Son 1 doing some computer back-ups for me...I am so bad about doing that, except for important writing!
3. Watching the moving eulogy by the husband of Jane Tomlinson on the TV news report of her funeral. A truly inspiring woman.
A fragmented day today, with food shopping and a few other minor chores to be done, as well as work. I am so looking forward to finishing this figure work and getting my head back to the world of writing. With things gradually improving at home I am feeling that the fog, which has stopped me being able to concentrate, is finally lifting from my brain.
Three notable things:
1. My book parcel.
2. Son 1 doing some computer back-ups for me...I am so bad about doing that, except for important writing!
3. Watching the moving eulogy by the husband of Jane Tomlinson on the TV news report of her funeral. A truly inspiring woman.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Dietary interventions
Modified diets have been an important and often controversial topic of conversation amongst parents of children with autism or ADHD for a long time. Now a study has actually come out and said what parents have known for a long time, namely that children's behaviour is affected by food additives in drinks and confectionary.
Of course it is not just additives that can alter behaviour. Some people are affected by gluten in wheat products and casein in milk products. Then of course there is also the caffeine in cola. Son 1's anxiety is noticably increased if he drinks Pepsi or Coke, both of which he loves and is finding hard to give up ( caffeine-free Coke apparently not being the same!)
Special diets don't work for all children. We tried a gluten-free/casein-free diet on son 2 and it had no effect. We eventually gave up because it was also hard to stick to it rigidly without putting the whole family on the diet, which would have been unfair to son 1. But I do personally know autistic children who have benefitted significantly from such a diet, so it must always be worth a try, as are fish oil and multi-vitamin supplements to remedy any potential deficits.
In any case reducing or cutting out the additives in children's diets is just common sense and can only benefit all.
Three notable things:
1. The woodpecker was on our fruit trees again today.
2. I hope he survived the attentions of two beautiful cats, one black and one ginger, who have strolled across our grass at different times today. We don't get that many cats coming through and these two were both gorgeous.
3. More work got done. More stress means less success but I feel quite relaxed about it at the moment.
Of course it is not just additives that can alter behaviour. Some people are affected by gluten in wheat products and casein in milk products. Then of course there is also the caffeine in cola. Son 1's anxiety is noticably increased if he drinks Pepsi or Coke, both of which he loves and is finding hard to give up ( caffeine-free Coke apparently not being the same!)
Special diets don't work for all children. We tried a gluten-free/casein-free diet on son 2 and it had no effect. We eventually gave up because it was also hard to stick to it rigidly without putting the whole family on the diet, which would have been unfair to son 1. But I do personally know autistic children who have benefitted significantly from such a diet, so it must always be worth a try, as are fish oil and multi-vitamin supplements to remedy any potential deficits.
In any case reducing or cutting out the additives in children's diets is just common sense and can only benefit all.
Three notable things:
1. The woodpecker was on our fruit trees again today.
2. I hope he survived the attentions of two beautiful cats, one black and one ginger, who have strolled across our grass at different times today. We don't get that many cats coming through and these two were both gorgeous.
3. More work got done. More stress means less success but I feel quite relaxed about it at the moment.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
My bank holiday weekend
While everyone else was out enjoying themselves in the sun, I was working on Sunday and Monday. You know, the sort of work you do to pay the bills.
Most of you are probably not aware that I am a qualified accountant. I haven't worked in an accountancy practice for almost 16 years and frankly I have no intention of ever returning, but I do keep my hand in a little by preparing the accounts for my husband's business. He pays me for my work, it is all legitimate and the work is done from home. This means I can work my hours very flexibly around the needs of the boys.
Every year the company's books are audited in September and every year I end up in a mad panic at the end of the summer, working over the bank holiday, tearing my hair out as to whether I can meet the deadline.
Why do I put myself through it? I know when things have to be completed yet somehow there is so often something more important to do. Such as Open University study, unpaid voluntary work or just surfing the internet. All those things which don't pay. Even when I try to clear whole days for work something goes wrong...an unexpected appointment to attend or Hubby forgets to bring the right paperwork home the night before. He works in Central London so I can't easily just rush round to get what I need.
Anyway for the next three weeks or so I will be tapping away on my calculator ( or at least I will when son 2 goes back to school next week.) I will be swearing when the figures don't balance and I may not get on here quite as regularly as usual.
Just doing the accounts will remind me that the part of accountancy I actually enjoyed was getting out and meeting people as an auditor. It was never the figures. It will also reinforce my gut feeling that I am temperamentally much more suited to writing, even if I never make a penny from it.
Three notable things:
1. Finally getting some figures to balance yesterday after spending days thinking perhaps I was going mad.
2. Not having to work today because I spent most of the day being Mum's Taxi service.
3. Persuading Son 1 to go to his therapy today when he didn't really want to, but then his therapist being really pleased with the work they did.
Most of you are probably not aware that I am a qualified accountant. I haven't worked in an accountancy practice for almost 16 years and frankly I have no intention of ever returning, but I do keep my hand in a little by preparing the accounts for my husband's business. He pays me for my work, it is all legitimate and the work is done from home. This means I can work my hours very flexibly around the needs of the boys.
Every year the company's books are audited in September and every year I end up in a mad panic at the end of the summer, working over the bank holiday, tearing my hair out as to whether I can meet the deadline.
Why do I put myself through it? I know when things have to be completed yet somehow there is so often something more important to do. Such as Open University study, unpaid voluntary work or just surfing the internet. All those things which don't pay. Even when I try to clear whole days for work something goes wrong...an unexpected appointment to attend or Hubby forgets to bring the right paperwork home the night before. He works in Central London so I can't easily just rush round to get what I need.
Anyway for the next three weeks or so I will be tapping away on my calculator ( or at least I will when son 2 goes back to school next week.) I will be swearing when the figures don't balance and I may not get on here quite as regularly as usual.
Just doing the accounts will remind me that the part of accountancy I actually enjoyed was getting out and meeting people as an auditor. It was never the figures. It will also reinforce my gut feeling that I am temperamentally much more suited to writing, even if I never make a penny from it.
Three notable things:
1. Finally getting some figures to balance yesterday after spending days thinking perhaps I was going mad.
2. Not having to work today because I spent most of the day being Mum's Taxi service.
3. Persuading Son 1 to go to his therapy today when he didn't really want to, but then his therapist being really pleased with the work they did.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)