Nourishing the seeds

I have been reading a book, lent out by a friend of mine, for over the past six months.

It's not one of them, you read in one go.  It's more of a dip in, dip out book.

It talks about nourishing seeds in your life.  Basically doing things that are good for you and give you a positive feeling about life. 

The three recommendations in the book are:

1. Be with people who value your opinion

2. Be with people who view the world positively

3. Go somewhere you get recognized.

Simple and also kind of obvious really. 

Yet as I look back on my year, especially professionally, I realize when all three were at play, I was really much happier. And when one of these was not present, I can say I realized the difference. Fundamentally I felt imbalanced and dissatisfied. 

So as I go into 2014, I will consciously remember these three points and if not in place, I will change some thing til they are.  

Do they resonate with you?

Did you always have the three present?

How did you feel when one of them was not present?

Maybe these are not relevant for you and you have different ones.

Either way, the simplicity and clarity works for me.

It's not what you do between Christmas and New year that matters

It's not what you do between Christmas and New year that matters, it's what you do between New Year and Christmas.

It's such a great expression and holds such truth. 

Clearly it helps in allowing yourself to indulge in the seasonal festivities including the extra mince pie, the last few ferrero rochers and that pint to go with lunch at the pub. 

And I have to say I am loving it. 

Especially as I do work hard and exercise the rest of the year. 

Now it would be naive to just go crazy and go to excesses, but it does feel good to indulge that little bit more and do that little bit less exercise. 

It's good for the soul too. 

However the fun phase expires in a few days and the hard work begins once again. 

However have a think about it and see if it means anything to you at all. 

I liked it. 

I wish I was bald

Today as we were out walking, the wind was whipping around us.

My daughters have long hair and it was getting blown all over the place.

I said to my oldest, that on our return to Grandma's house, she will need to jump in the shower and wash her hair.

She then turned to me and said. "You are so lucky, I wish I was bald, like you. Then I would not have to wash my hair"

After laughing, I then realized that I had made being bald acceptable for my kids, even better aspirable and enviable.

Brilliant!

Christmas Day

Too much telly

Too much to eat

Too little movement

Too many presents

I think that is purely an adult view!

I don't think for one minute, my kids would agree with any of that!

Merry Christmas 2013.

With seasons greetings, I wish you too much too!
BBB
Xxxx

I am rich! I have tissues.

What is your definition of "rich" or "well off"?

For some people it is when they don't have to check their bank balance before making a purchase, for others it is when they own their own house. Maybe it is when you have your dream car.

However everyone has their own definition.  It is very personal.

It also changes over time.

What it was, when you were six, is fundamentally different, from when you were a teenager. Then a decade later it changes again.

My friend recently reminded me what my definition was, when I was a late teen.  My vision of rich was to have a packet of tissues in each of my coat pockets, rather than toilet roll.

That was it.

I really viewed tissue packets as indulgent and a sign of financial success.

So in my terms I am now rich and actually have been for a while now.

So what is your definition of richness? Have you reached it?

What about your earlier definitions?

Are you even conscious of how you measure it today?

Clearly being financially well off is not an articulated vision for everyone, but I am thrilled that I have met my goal and have an abundance of tissue packets in my pockets.  I have not ventured into buying the super soft aloe-vera, menthol smelling version, so there is still room to be ostentatious! But for now I am happy?

You?

A lot happens in 7 years

I am lucky to have a fine group of friends. They maybe dispersed all over the world, but they are magnificent.

One particular group meets only once or twice a year now, but when we do come together it is lovely. As one friend said, the time just flies by, it's like everything else stops, when we get chatting.

This weekend, we were all together again.

We talked about how we got together in the first place and how our lives were, way back then.

We then started to list what had happened in those 7/8 years. Boy, was it a long list. Full of significant life events.

When it came to my turn, I produced my list of events. My list included babies, country moves, house purchases etc.

One thing that I completey forget to mention, was that I had lost my hair in these years.

I truly and genuinely had forgetten that this had also happened.

WOW !

How was I able to forget that?

Part of me was shocked that I had omitted to mention, that I had gone from long thick, brown, flowing hair to baldness. Yet part of me was pleased that I did not define the past 7/8 years of my life by my alopecia.

It was one of my friends who had to remind me.

So what has happened to you over the last seven years? Is there something in that time, that you have forgotten about, something that really has been life significant, yet somehow it is not.

I am still shocked that I did not mention my alopecia. But a piece of me is really proud, that I do not view my baldness in that way and that I consider other events in my life far more important.

Travelling naked

The title may be a litle misleading, but that is at least how I felt over the last few days.

I was out on a business trip and due to the full agenda, I decided not to take my laptop.

Smart phones really do a lot of the work.

However on the train, on the flight and in the hotel, I felt naked. My reaction until now, has always been to open up the laptop and work. However without it, what on earth does a girl do??

So this is what I did.

I read half a book! Yes really, over 200 pages.

I took at 30 minute shower. This is about 5 times longer than my usual length.

I looked out of the window.

Nice choices eh?

The downside was that I really felt nervous that I could not access thos encrypted emails, nor could I prepare some of the tasks that needed doing. Worst of all, was that I could not post any blogs!!!!

So sorry for the delay to those of you who religiously check my site on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In the future I will be more organized or go back to dragging the heavy black box around, just so I can honour my blog committments :-)

But it was a nice change having a lighter bag and actually having to think how I will spend my time!

What habits have you changed recently?

How did it work for you?

The sport of collecting

I do like a bargain.

And I know many of my friends do too. You know who you are out there!

Whether it is buy-one-get-one-free at the supermarket or a money off coupon for the cinema, I love it it. It's like free money or a free upgrade.

Even at work they have a system, where if you collect stamps at the cash desk, you get your 11th coffee free.

I just love it. It is a sport. I would go as far as to say that it is an art.

I remember my mum making me find all the money off coupons in the newspapers and getting me to cut them out.  She would would then use them at the till and end up getting lots of money off our grocery bill. Smart lady!

Then there was the breakfast cereal tokens. If you collected enough of them, you could get music cassettes or even a world atlas. My dad and I still argue who the atlas belongs to. I say me, because I cut out all the tokens and sent them off. He says him, as he paid for the breakfast cereal. I still think its mine Dad, and I know you are reading!!!

Do you collect coupons? Do you cheap thrills by a half price Big Mac? Or are you rather mortified when I bring out the newspaper clipping from my purse?

Do tell?

Any offers out there I should know about?

Please share!

When I heard you wore a wig, I was glad!

This comment was so wonderful.

"When I heard  you wore a wig, I was glad!"

The context is really important and it reminded me of the importance of vulnerability and telling people about what is going on beneath the surface.

I was talking to an old friend who I had not seen for many years. We began talking very easily and freely about my hair or lack of it. She had many questions.

Shortly after this, she said, "You know what,  I was glad when I heard, that what you had on your head was not real."  What a strange comment. I had never heard anyone say this before.

And she went on to explain. She said that she sick of my hair always looking so perfect and in place, when the rest of us struggle with volume and roots!

How funny!

What a cute thing to say.

How beautifully honest.

And I had never thought about it from that persepective.

It also reminded me of the value of vulnerability. Had I not talked about this or shared with her that I wore a wig, I might have just irritated her unintenionally. I am glad that I am imperfect. I am glad that I am human too and I am glad that I told her.

So there you have it readers, once again a reminder, that it is good to share our imperfections, as if we don't, we maybe pushing people away, rather than pulling them in.  And let's face it, we need all the help we can get some times!!

Housemen

There is a club here in the city which is solely there for "housemen".

There is no clear definition of what a houseman is, but typically it is the non-working husband of the working wife, and often the people are english speaking. But I don't really want to categorise them, as they really do come in many forms.

They meet at lunch once a week and bring with them dogs and children.

Every few years, I have gone along, just so I can see for myself this wonderful group of people. I always get a warm welcome, although these lunchers are strictly for men.

The conversation was so insightful, I was next to a Canadian medical expert, who talked about his first few months in this foreign country and how he wished he had found the group earlier to help his assimilation into the country, the other guy was new from the US, a legal expert, and was talking about the joy and the frustrations, he was having in helping the family set up and spending time with the children and wondering what the future would hold for his career.

It was a rich conversation, full of tips and support. Plently of laughter and a few pints were shared.

Support groups of any nature are so important to society and I know from listenting to the stories, that this particular group, has been a welcome lifeline to many.

It was a great lunch and I was, once again, impressed by this fabulous bunch of men from all over the world.

Thanks for having me on Wednesday and I say, three cheers for the housmen!

Going back to who you are

There is something quite wonderful about going back to your roots.

I was lucky enough to be able to do that last week with two of my "old" friends.

These are two of the friends I grew up with, roller skating with, playing hide and seek with, planning our futures with and probably at some point planning to marry each other!  One lived next door and the other in the next village.

We built dens together, had sleepovers, played monopoly and simply spent hours and hours just being together. On our bikes or in each others bedrooms. We never tired of each others company.

These two girls now women, were the foundation of my youth. They are what form my memories of my early childhood, my very happy childhood. In fact neither of them went to my school, we all went to different ones. This may in fact have helped the friendship flourish.

We knew each others parents, each others siblings, and each others houses. Who can say that nowadays about their friends?

So on meeting them last week, one on Wednesday and the other on Friday, I was reminded of their fabulousness!

We realized that although years have passed, that our lifes were so intertwined, we knew things of each others families, that no other friends would ever have known (or even dare to ask). Between us we had had our fare share of life events, and it was a sad moment when we realised we had not always shared them and been there for each other, but there was a clear understanding of why this had happened and absolutely no bitterness or judgement.

It was just sheer joy.

Both get togethers were good for the soul.

On my journey home, I reflected that it was really important to connect back with the past and those important people in our lives. Regardless of how long there has been no contact. It's never too late.

Friendships like these are timeless and although I have not always nourished these relationships and  kept in touch, it was like yesterday all over again.

Is there someone out there you need to get in touch with?

Someone who's presence will nourish your soul?

Go on reach out..... I tell you, today I am still running on the energy gained.

Thank you my childhood buddies, it was lovely to see you again.

It's about ability not disability

I was able to particpitate in an event at work recently, called Diversability.

The subject really interested me and I fought fiercely to protect this time in my calendar.

I was so pleased I went.

It really was an awareness raiser, where a panel talked about their disability and how it affected them at work. One man had a disease that did not allow him to smile. His face muscles did not work due to a rare disorder. He talked about how people thought he was miserable and an idiot.
He clearly was neither.

However despite his inability to smile with his mouth, this man was smiling, with his shoulders, his hands and his eyes.

Another lady talked about having two disabled children and how that impacted her work. Yet she talked about her acquired skill to not pigeon hole people and put them in a box, as she saw that everyone is capable of great things and we should never assume.What a wonderful skill.

My link to alopecia today is that maybe, just maybe, someone with alopecia could of been on that stage. Maybe just maybe it could be me.

What triggered this thought is when one of the panel was asked, "Do you tell people about your disability?" and the answer was "Yes, of course, why hide it?"

Indeed, why hide it?

Why hide it?

Why hide it?

Nail varnish - a national threat

Recently a parcel was sent to us. Well apparently it was.

You see we don't really know, as we never received it.

It was intercepted on the way to Switzerland and sent back to the UK.

So the sheer joy of receiving a letter and a parcel was denied to us.

This in itself is bad enough and frustrating for the sender, but it gets worse.
The goods inside were seen as illegal and hazardous, so as a result, were removed and destroyed.

So what were these dangerous goods heading their way across Europe.

NAIL VARNISH!!

I ask you, really?????????????

The postal service and customs people were kind enough to inform the sender of the reasons.

Here is the pamphlet.

On reading, it is clear that you can send:

 - Guns
 - Live creatures
 - Drugs for scientific purposes

But no pretty pink kids nail varnish and nail stickers. That is just a threat to national security.

Sigh.

At least my friend and I had a good laugh over it, and maybe just maybe there is a customs officer with glittery stickers on their nails, which would at least mean some pleasure was derived from the gift.

So be warned, read the small print before sending gifts overseas!!!

As fast as my little legs would carry us

A year ago, a friend of mine posted on Facebook that she had ran the annual "CityRun" of 5.5km through the Swiss city she lived in. She posted such a festive and happy photo that I felt obliged to say that this time next year I would run with her!! Easy to say when you are 6000 km away!

So a year later, having moved half way across the world, the time came to come good on my promise.
I signed up for the run. Under a little coercion and reminders from my dear friend.

The weather was beautiful, cold but crisp. Perfect for a run round our beautiful city.

All the Christmas lights were on, the crowds were out and with a few preparatory runs under our belt, we were feeling great!

I have posted before about my sporting tendencies, namely that I have them, but I can be a little lazy when it comes to the execution. I tend to hold back, cut corners and seek out breaks. I like to preserve my energy, just in case. I mean you never know, you might get chased by a lion on the way home.

However my lovely friend, is a little different.

She gives it some. She gives it her all in fact. She does not hold back.

So following the starting gun, she dragged me round the circuit, knees high, breathing fast and going as fast as our little legs would carry us.

This in itself was fine, however when the crowds roared and shouted us on, we naturally picked up our pace. The power of motivation was impressive. There was a direct link.

I tell you, I felt the pace change to our usual lunch time jog along the river.

But we made it, and how the crowds cheered, just for us!

I think it had everything to do with the fact that we were wearing santa hats and reindeer antlers! Even the local free press showed an interest.

Where do I sign up for next year???

H A I R - A L O P E C I A

H - Happy

A - Alluring

I - Identity

R - Radiance




A - Alone

L - Loathsome

O - Ostracized

P - Pensive

E - Evil

C - Cheerless

I - Isolation

A - Angry

Auctions, eBay and the like

There is something very exciting about an auction. It's full of mystery and it's filled with tension.

Recently we decided to sell some stuff on eBay and were surprisingly successful. It was good fun watching the bids come in and getting thrills when it went above our expectations. Such a sport.

It reminded me, of the very few auctions, that I had been to as a child.

At our local village hall, now and again, an auction was held. Probably trying to raise money to replace the roof or the windows, for the somewhat old building.

At the auction, I remember looking at all the wonderful objects and wondering if I dared bid for something. I was really young and had little concept of the value of money. But I remember the sensation.

On my perusal of the hall, I had spotted a typewriter in a box (a blue "brother" one for those of you who grew up in the early eighties) that I desired. I was with my grandma, which was probably a good thing, as having children of my own, I know how generous grandparents can be when it comes to their grand kids.

I had obviously expressed my interest in this wonderful object, as when the auction for this article came around, my grandma got stuck in. I remember the countdown to the "going once", "going twice" then the hammer slamming down and the "gone" being announced. We had won it. The sheer pleasure and excitement of the bidding process was unbearable.

So could I get addicted to buying and selling on eBay? Quite possibly. But it is clear, that it does not come close to the raw enjoyment found in a village halls full of the neighbourhoods hand-me-downs.

Anyone out there like auctions? Anyone enjoy the pleasure of eBay?

Do tell.....

Values - how did you get yours?

Over the weekend, I have been pondering the values, that I have learned from my parents.

You see, I was in the audience last week, when a senior leader at work, talked about how he came to be, where he was. It was brilliant, captivating and emotional.  I have never been more affected by a presentation in my life. It really was quite something.

He talked about his parents as his heroes and explained their values. Simple and beautiful.

It made me reflect on my journey and how I had become "me".

It also made me ask my sister for her insights. As our parents clearly had passed on their values to us.

Tonight at dinner, my two friends and I discussed this. It's a great conversation.
We all had different insights. All lovely, but very different.

So what values did your parents pass on to you?

Here is my first stab at mine.

Dad.
Right and wrong. He taught me the difference and showed me that doing the right thing was best.
Balance. He taught me to indulge, yet work hard.
Respect. Listen to other people and suspend judgement.
Commitment. If you say you are going to do it. Do it.

Mum.
Adventure. Go far and do crazy things. Think big. Be bold.
Empowerment. It's up to you. Make your own choices.
Optimism.  Life is good. Things could always be worse. Positive thinking at all times.
Care. Always look after people and nurture friendships.

So that's my folks. I wonder what they think of them? Are they proud when they see that? Is this what they set out to teach? Are they content when they see their life works come to this? How did they inherit these vales? Were they also passed on?

I also wonder what my kids will write about us one day.

I think I would be pleased, if the list was just like this one.

Let's see.

Alopecia Survey

I recently filled in a survey.

I actually quite like doing it, well if the questions are short and to the point.

This one was, and I enjoyed doing it.

It was a survey about alopecia and how it affects the human psyche.

As I was completing the survey, I was confonted with issues I was fortunately not battling with, but it was a real eye opener.  It made me realise that there are many areas of this disease that I don't understand. I clearly understand "my" disease and "my" reaction, it is obvious that there are many other facets of this condition, of which my awareness is limited.

Here is a portion of the survey that I want to share with you, to give you also some insights.

The aim of this questionnaire is to measure how much your hair problem has affected your life over the last week.

What type of alopecia do you have?

Alopecia Areata Alopecia Totalis Alopecia Universalis Androgenetic Alopecia Scarring Alopecia Traction Alopecia Telogen Effluvium

Other (please specify)

 

Over the last week, how itchy, sore, painful or stinging has your skin been?   Over the last week, how embarrassed or self conscious have you been because of your hair?   Over the last week, how much has your hair interfered with you going shopping or looking after your home or garden?   Over the last week, how much has your hair influenced the clothes you wear?   Over the last week, how much has your hair affected any social or leisure activities?   Over the last week, how much has your hair made it difficult for you to do any sport?   Over the last week, has your hair prevented you from working or studying?   Over the last week how much has your hair been a problem at work or studying?   Over the last week, how much has your hair been a problem with your partner or any of your close friends or relatives?      Over the last week, how much has your hair caused any sexual difficulties?   Over the last week, how much of a problem has the treatment for your hair been, for example by making your home messy, or by taking up time? -------------------- So that was it, I am sure I would answer the questions differently each year I have alopecia, as things do change as time passes  Yet, this survey was a reminder, that a few years ago, I was not doing as well as I am today! Time is a great healer may be a cliche, but it does prove time and time again to be true.

The "terrible storm"

It was important that we discussed the Philippine typhoon disaster as a family. It has been so widely covered in the media and the subject could not be ignored. It is impossible to be unaffected by such tragedy.

The media stories were sad and real. Loss of life on such a large scale. Devastation on mass.

We decided to bring up the subject at dinner that evening and raise the kids awareness on the subject. The oldest had heard about this "terrible storm" on the radio. The youngest was hearing it for the first time.

They were both deeply affected by the story and their brainstorming on how to help the families was heartwarming and creative.

They had many questions and the conversation was rich. For once, we were having only one discusison.

The children decided, as a family we should take two actions.

The first: To contact people we knew who had Philippine connections (they remarkably knew some people that we hadn't realised / or forgotten who had Philippine relations). We agreed that we would email them and ask them how they were and how their relatives were doing. Importantly, we would ask if we could do anything to help.

The second: Each of our family members would donate a sum of money they felt they could afford. We agreed that it would be everyone's choice and whatever they felt they could offer would be wonderful. Each child offered generously from their piggybanks.

The conversation that evening was rich. Maybe richer than it had ever been. The children were concerned and deeply affected. They were eager to learn more about the disaster and how they could help.

They came up with the solutions and I felt proud so proud to be their parents.

It's hard to discuss difficult subjects as a family, and it's challenging to know when is the right time and at what level of detail is appropriate, but what I learned tonight is that the only wrong solution, is to shy away from the subject. The kids seemed to provide the direction and the depth on what they needed to know. We just had to provide the start.

Any of you got any tips?

Kaiten running - a dream outing

Restaurants with kids can be quite testing. In fact, usually it's not a great experience.

The wait, the choices, the restlessness, the noise levels, there are lots of variants and inevitably lots of points of stress.  In short, the restaurant experience is rarely as enjoyable as you hope it will be.

That said, we never give up trying. You see, we love eating out. Trying new places. We are always hopeful. We often leave frustrated.

Tonight was different. I would go as far to say, we had a break through.

Clearly the venue had everything to do with it, but our outing was a roaring success, according to all four of us!

We took the tram into Germany, something that we really enjoy doing. We are so lucky to live in this corner of the world. And we headed to an Asian restaurant we had tried once before at lunch time.

However at night, the menu had a twist.

It was food on a running band, a Kaiten band.

It was so exciting.

We sat down and already the mutliple plates had begun to circulate.

Little plates of sushi came round, both nigiri and rolls.

Shortly after came grilled prawns, rice, noodles, prawn crackers, pork satay. And then came chips! They clearly knew their clientele. We were so suprised and thrilled with chips (such gourmets we are) we took a photo!! (and a few plates full!)

Then there was cucumber with plum sauce, duck, chicken and brocolli, spare ribs, prawns in chilli, algae salad, beef and onion. Did I mention the chips??

Dessert was equally yummy, with deep friend bananas, oranges, pineapple, melon, ice cream, vanilla pudding and grapes. I think by then the chips had stopped!

It was so much fun, the kids enjoyed picking their favourite things, chosing things for us. The thrill when something new was spotted, was just so much entertainment.

So tonight we cracked the code. We will be back, dear Kaiten Band!!

Such a treat.

So what is your code? Do you have a winning formula?

Excited

Today I am off shopping for new wigs.

It has become a highlight of my year.

I found my wig shop many years ago, all by chance.

I was really starting to get large bald spots and I knew the end was nigh, ie a wig would soon be needed.

I had braved going into one wig shop a few weeks prior. It was an awful experience. The shop was cold and medicinal. The woman was shocking. Absolutely no bedside manner. Daft cow.

She clearly told me that I would have to shave all my remaining hair off, if I wanted to wear a wig. WHAT?????????????
NO WAY???????????

What I had left I was holding on to. Shave it off never!!

So I left the shop and called my bezzie mate and balled my eyes out!! I think that was my first ever release of months of pent up emotion. We both remember the exchange well.

Anyway, a few weeks later, hubby and I were out in Freiburg, shopping.

On our way back to the train, a hairdresser shop caught my eye. It had wigs in the window.

I just walked in and said, "Hi I want to talk about wigs". The lady, kindly said that I would need an appointment. I said, sorry thats not possiblem you don't realise, I need to talk to someoe about this now. This is an emergency!

She immediately understood and took me to the back of the shop and spent a lot of time with me, discussing wigs and showing me how to wear them. She was amazing!!! She also told me that I did not have to shave my hair off, as you could bring some of it into the style!!!!

She gave me what I needed - in spades.

What a difference!

And since then, I have been going there, loyally, at least once a year. Even when we moved to Canada!!

And today, off I go again. I am so excited, who knows what styles she will have ordered, she has great taste.

She was an angel at that time, she knew what I needed, both emotionally and physically. For that, she will get my custom forever.

More soon!

Maslow

There are days when it is so busy and intense at work that even going to the loo is a small miracle.

I often find myself thinking, really, is going to the loo, such a big time investment and luxury, that I have to treat myself to such outings??????

Of course this is a pile of rubbish, as going to to the loo is really a basic need.

It reminds me of my studies, remember the Maslow theory?

You can only move up the pyramind if the needs at the bottom of the pyramid have been met.

And surely going to the loo belongs in this "physiological" fundament.

So if I ever aspire to self actualise, I clearly need to plan my days differently, eating, drinking and hygiene need to be dealt with. Planned in. Not just a nice to have!

I am sure dear Abraham Maslow, did not design this model for my daily dilemma, but it fits.

Anybody experience this??

Anybody else apply Maslow to their life?

Let me know..........

1:12 - My dip into politics

Anyone who knows me, understands my level of engagement in politics.

It is at best, superficial.

Of course I am interested in how the world turns and I would go as far to say, that I have an opinion on most things, yet my involvement and public display of my political thoughts is somewhat non-existant.

Yet, there is a movement here in Switzerland, that I have become increasingly aware of and increasingly thoughtful about.

It is the 1:12 movement.

In laymans terms, here it is. "No one should earn in a month more than someone else in a year"

Sounds quite good on first read.

The bill, as I understand it, says the state would dictate the salaries of employees in a company of a certain size.

Today, it is the company and the employee who make this decision. I would like to think that these decisions are taken carefully by considering relevant external data and internal data and comparing it to the experience of the employee, but once this has been taken into account, it is the company and to some extent, the individual who get to agree on a salary.  Yet this bill would demand that the state is involved and that salaries are capped. I think involved is even too mild, the state would dictate the level of salary.

This bill is clearly a reaction to the crazily high salaries of certain characters in Switzerland, of recent years, so I can kind of see where this law is going and what it is trying to acheive. A few leaders of large and famous companies have been quoted to receive 10, 20, 30 or even 100 times the salary of their employees, also their exit packages or "golden parachutes" were reported as shockingly lucrative.  Whether they deserved it or not, is irrelevant according to this bill.

But really?

Doesn't it sound lke something from former Soviet times? Weren't the people impacted during such regimes thrilled when they were over?

Questions that spring to my mind as I ponder this one

1. Will companys get rid of the lower paid jobs and outsource them? This would ensure that the lowest salaries are already quite high.

2. How will the gap of the taxes of these huge salaries be filled?

3. Will people leave Switzerland and find employment elsewhere if they believe their salaries will be capped?

4. How will this be administered and checked. Will this mean a whole lot of administration for the payroll / HR departments?

5. What about the benefits of employees eg car, stock, bonus, medical insurance, will these be rolled into the formula of the calculation?

6. Will people in lower paid jobs benefit? Is this good for them? If so, how?

I have searched around for the arguments on why this bill is a good thing for the economy and the people of Switzeland, but I have to say that I am struggling to find reasons.

So hereby endeth my political blog. Don't worry it's a one off, but this one really got my attention as I could not grasp both sides of the debate.

However I am sure some of you out there get it and will educate me accordingly................

Embarrasing baldness

Ok, so sometimes, I can lose my temper.

I confess, sometimes it may not be warranted.

But this time, I got so angry.

It was not really the persons fault, but she was clearly not understanding my deep and intense need.

I needed a place to hide, for just 1 minute, but she kept telling me that the toilets were opposite the reception!! For heavens sake woman, that's not helpful!!

Of course, the poor woman was doing her best and I was rude. Sorry lady!!

So here is the story.

I was arriving later than my colleagues in Slovakia, they had neded to be there a day earlier. My colleagues are really a great bunch and although we are only in the early stages of getting to know each other, I think we are off to a good start. They are all men, which for this story is slightly relevant.

So as per usual practice, I got into a taxi to the hotel. On arrival I sauntered in, heading as usual, to the reception desk. Now I don't know about you, but I enjoy travelling in my comfy stuff. I also often wear my trainers/running shoes as they are a pain to pack. Remember this post! And of course, one of my cute little caps. So in short, I don't look great. Definitely a far cry from my usual high heeled, lipsticked, suited and booted, corporate uniform.

However rather than going straight to the room, which is usual practise, I realised my colleagues were all huddled together right next to the reception having a meeting.  Oh my god!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am dressed all wrong.

My first reaction was to hide!!!

For some bizarre reason, I felt that I could not let them see me like this. Especially with the hat on!!

I had to hide.

So I said the lady behind the desk, "Where can I change?". She pointed to the toilets, opposite the reception desk, ie right next to my collegues. I said, "Are there any other toilets, as I can't use these?".

Clearly she was puzzled, but again repeated "The toilets are over there".

A few attempts later, she kept saying with increasing loudness, that the toilets were over there!!

Woman do you not understand, I can not walk over there!!!!

So in a fit of rage, I whipped off my hat right in front of her, exposing my shiny egg head and roughly put on my wig.  "That's why I needed a place to change", I rudely said to the lady, before storming off.

I mean what a childish way to behave! Clearly my colleagues would not really care about my appearance and also imagine if they had seen the charade, surely that would have been a million times more embarrasing than them seeing me in a hat and trainers!

Anyway thats my alopecia story for the day.

I think the lesson learned is, that I should really start to care less, about my work colleagues seeing me in a hat. The alternative in this case was seriously considerably worse.

My city - well not really

Recently on a business trip to London, I had 3 hours free!!

Whilst I realise this is not a huge amount of time, but with the right planning, a lot can be squeezed in.

I decided in this time that I loved London. It really is a fabulous city. It is absolutely full to the brim with colourful people wearing even more colourful clothes, you see hairstyles that make you chuckle and wherever you look you see life!

It really is the "Big smoke", full of hustle and bustle. Noise and smells. Lights and excitment.

However even as a Brit, it is not my home, I don't fit in.

You see, I really don't know and follow the rules.

Yes big cities have rules. Many rules and all unwritten.

Here are some of them:



Always stand on the left hand side of the escalator. Look how everyone conforms.

Always walk on the left hand of the corridor. Look how well behaved everyone is.

It is obvious that within this big city chaos, rules have to be set, otherwise no one would get anywhere.

Another rule, is not to look at other people on the tube. I didn't dare to take a picture of this!!

It is hard not to glare, as the folk on the tube are all so interesting. Yet staring is an absolute taboo. Noone does that. Everyone reads, plays with technology or stares into an empty space. Staring is really not acceptable.

I loved my three hours of London. Thanks for having me. I hope to be back soon!

Maybe next time I will fit in. I will try harder.

Adrenalin

What is it about adrenalin that stops the brain functioning. I am really not a scientist, but this effect is really unhelpful.

In that moment of need and high stress, what you need is the brain to be at its best, peak performance, top of its game. 

Instead, what does it do? It seems to close down and block off. Good night the brain cells say, as the adrenalin starts pumping, Hold on brain, don’t go, I need you right now.  Come back!

Take today, I was presenting to a senior audience, and I was ready. A lovely presentation with good content all prepared, rounded off with a few dry runs in front of the mirror, to ensure a high comfort level of the material. I was mentally good to go. 

However as I was running late, I was keen to get my PC up and running with the slides on display before my audience arrived. But today it was slower than ever and the people began trickling in as I was tapping away and cursing the slowness of the technology (clearly it was not my fault!)

Once the laptop was fully functioning, all I had to do was bring up the presentation.

But oh no, where had I stored it?

A brief moment of panic, why had I not sent it ahead of time, why had I not put it on a memory stick, why had I not arrived earlier??? Questions, questions and more questions and no solutions. There was plenty of activity running through my head, uncontrolled and manic. At the same time I was calmy smiling and welcoming the folks into the room. Seemingly, all under control.

So I continued frantically opening folders and searching for this presentation and after hours (possibly 4 minutes) of searching I found it. 

Problem solved and off I went.



So what had happened just there?

Why had my rational and normal brain not been able to locate the simplest of things?

Clearly I knew where the presentation was all the time.

Yet some how my adrenalin had blurred any clarity of thought.

How impractical and unhelpful.

So what is the moral of this corporate moment? Dont get stressed. Just think. It's the best and quickest way to the result. But try telling my brain that in these moments. Self talk just does not help.

So have you noticed this effect. Any insights on getting rid of it?

Fire Hazard!!

Something that had never crossed my mind was the risk of fire.

Apparently safety standards for dolls hair exist, but there are no safety standards for wigs!

What?

Should I be shocked?

Is this outrageous?

Well I wasn't shocked, nor was I outraged. I laughed out loud!

But on reflection, actually it is quite serious. My wig is a fire hazard!!!

Imagine the embarassment of my wig in flames.

Actually forget embarrassment, think of the pain!

So maybe I should begin a campaign, where I stampeed the streets of London, shouting

"Wigs have rights too!"

Then again, maybe not. Rather I should just steer clear of flames and fire.

Being different

At a diversity and inclusion conference last week, we had to do some table talk. You know the sort, when they ask you to discuss something with the folks at your table.

The question that we were asked to discuss was brilliant. Truly fascinating. And the answers were very insightful.

It went like this:

"When was the first time, that you realised, that you were different?"

Go on, think about it. When was the first time you realised you were different?

Here is my example. It sounds rather trite, but actually I think I learned a little bit more myself as I pondered the memory later.

It is hard to say if it was the first time that I realised I was different, but let's say, it was an early memory.

It goes back to my school days, which incidentally were rather lovely. I remember sitting on those little grey, plastic chairs, which tuck neatly under the little grey, plastic tables. I would have been waiting for my school dinner to be served (yes in those days we were served whilst seated) by those, usually overweight, but ever so friendly, dinner ladies. Remember them?

Once a week, there woud be chips on the menu (translated as fries to those over the water). Of course chips were the highlight of the week and a huge hit with all the kids.

Well all the kids, except me.

I remember saying, "No thanks, I don't like chips!"

Looking back I remember the gasps of horror of this oddity, this weird behaviour, which the other kids could not fathom. However this did quickly move to, yeah that means more for me, happy kind of behaviour from my little table friends.

What I do not remember is whether I really did not like chips, which is most bizarre, given that I love them now, or whether I was actually denying myself this pleasure because I wanted to stand out. Maybe I wanted to be different. Maybe I wanted to get this attention and reaction.

Either way, I liked the reflective question and maybe I am beginning to learn that actually I enjoyed standing out as a child.  Some would say also as an adult - karoke anyone?

So grab a coffeee, and have a ponder about this one.

What does it tell you about yourself?

As always, let me know.

Chips anyone? No way, I am not sharing!

A bit too fatalistc maybe?

I think I read too much into my journey to work.

If the path is clear and the traffic lights let me through, I often think,  mmmmmmm today will be a good day. Yet on those days, where there are roadworks, red lights all the way and annoying and slow drivers and cyclists in front of me, I tend to believe this is a bad omen for the day, that lies ahead.

Today, the weather was amazing. A cool and sunny Autumnal day. The birds were tweeting and the sun was warming. The traffic lights were all on green and the roadworks had eased up.

I flew down my route to work. It was over much too quickly. I could have continued for hours.

On arrival at work, I had a spring in my step.

So is this day going to be a good one? Of course it is, simply because of the way I am chosing to view the world. I am wearing my rose coloured glasses and taking many deep and slow breaths. I am chosing to see beauty and I am chosing to breathe easy.

I know a special person today, who needs these good vibes, so I am ensuring there is enough of them for the both of us.

Do any of you see your journey to work in this way? Am I too fatalistic? Do I predispose myself too much?

Come on, somebody make me feel that I am normal...............

A poem by somebody else

I laugh and joke about the wig that I wear,

Friends don't hear me curse or swear.

I just shout inside when I see myself in the glass,

I’m not me anymore, not that bonny young lass.

My alopecia began after the birth of my daughter.

I couldn’t blame her, or maybe I ought to!!

I love her smile and the giggles we share,

I’d rather have her than a headful of hair!

I always appear cheery, but no-one knows how I feel

I wonder sometimes is this really real?

The thing with alopecia is the knowledge I lack

About whether my curls will ever come back

You lose your identity, feel like a freak.

Your hair becomes thinner week after week.

I’m totally bald now, my wig covers the skin,

But I look like a man and am crying within.

I know that I must just get on with my life,

I’m loved as a daughter, mum, friend and wife.

As I play with my son and my new little girl

I’ll be waiting and wishing I will get my first curl.

Purpose - Useful or overrated?

Recently I read that purpose can be defined like this;


"The thread that connects all our life experiences"


I like this explanation.

On my birthday, a question that pops into my head, is exactly this one. What is my purpose?

Lots of other questions pop up too, like what presents will I get, what will my birthday party be like, who will I talk to on this day etc.  Yet, lurking beneath all that, is the one of purpose.

Today its not a heavy question, nor one that I am giving much head space to.

But it is there.

Like it is every year.

What is my purpose?

Do I have one?

Does it need to be refreshed?

Am I living into it?

No answers today, but the questions are lurking nicely and appropriately in my brain.

Do you know your purpose?

Do you think the above defintion is right?

Do we need a pupose, or is it overrated corporate jargon?

Do share, oh and................happy birthday to me xxxxxxxxxxxxx

What a day!

Sometimes I can't actually believe what I squeeze into a day. Here is today's summary and its not even 6.30 pm.

Breakfast with the kids
Tidy up breakfast
Send kids to school
Chat with husband, as we both know its the only time in the day we are both awake and its quiet
Cycle to work
Meeting 1 - on phone - discuss someone who wants a new role
Meeting 2 - discussion on outsourcing recruitment, but captively
Meeting 3 - nice meet up with my friend and we talked plans and dates
Meeting 4 - update with one of my team about a trip we are making later this week to Slovakia
Meeting 5 - call with boss to align on something
Meeting 6 - update with one of my team about stuff
Meeting 7 - team meeting about a presentation we are preparing
12.45 - 13.00 Oh my god, I am so hungry, run with a colleague to get some soup and quickly catch up on one of our projects whilst slurping it down.
Meeting 8 - meeting with other boss - run through on pertinent issues, ton of follow up. Agh!
Meeting 9 - was cancelled - phew - means I can go to the loo in peace!
Quick call with boss again as something changed.
Quick call with talent who we talked about in meeting 1.
Quick call with senior manager who wanted some insights
Meeting 10 - discussion on tracking systems and automation

In between 2 texts, 53 emails and a few friends asking me where my blog was!

Also squeezed in was, printing out boarding passes for my trip to Prague tomorrow, planning a trip to Vienna and deciding not to go to hockey tonight.

So before it gets too dark, better jump on my bike home.

Here is wishing for a calmer day tomorow.

An exhausted BBB x

3 minutes and 59. 4 seconds - Teamwork

I recently heard about the story of the 4 minute mile.

Most people raised in England, would know it was Roger Bannister, who claimed the title of the first person to run the mile in under 4 minutes, but until a few weeks ago, I was oblivious to the story behind it and how it was actually achieved.

I just thought, there was a race, and he ran in it. Really fast.

However on reading a few articles on this sporting achievement, I was lead to understand that it was possibly, only through the support and trust of his pace setters, that he was able to achieve this monumental world record. The world record that changed the face of running forever.

On May 6, 1954, Bannister was to attempt the 4 minute mile that was believed, until then, to be unachieveable. Doctors were reported to have said that it was physically impossible, the lungs would collapse, the heart would explode etc.

Bannister had been training with his buddies Chris Brasher and Chris Chataway, and on that day, there were designated to help him and pace set for him, so he could achieve this dream.

You can see from the video footage of the race, how the run went. As they started, Brasher pulled out in front to set the pace. Bannister was clearly feeling confident, as he was heard yelling at Brasher, “Faster, faster!” But Brasher kept the practiced pace. Halfway, Brasher fell back and Chataway took the lead and set the pace. 

At the end of the race, Chataway fell back and Bannister sprinted with all his might to the finish line and broke the 4 minute barrier. Experts agree that if Brasher wouldn’t have kept Bannister on pace, Bannister wouldn’t have had the “oomph” to finish as strong and he would have failed to break the barrier.

How amazing, it's seems that he could not have done this alone. Clearly this will never be known, but this is a wonderful story of teamwork and trust. Bannister had to trust his teammates knew what they were doing and his team mates had to keep their cool and resolve, under clear stress and emotion.

Clearly Brasher was capable of speeding up when he heard Bannister yelling, yet he continued to believe in their pre-agreed plan, regardless of the possible consequences. 

These psychological elements, made the achievement seem even more remarkable to me.

Nowadays, the record is held by Hicham El Guerrouj from Morocco with a time of 3.43.13

Clearly a remarkable feat, but I love the story of Bannister's dream and his buddies best. Not sure if I would have kept the pace, I think I may have been swept up in the emotion and gone faster as Bannister yelled!

Dark mornings

This morning it was dark when the alarm went off. Yak!

That is a real sign that the winter is on  its way.

It's really hard to get out of bed, when not only is it still night outside, but it's raining too.
It really was quite a miserable morning. A morning, where really it's best to roll over and pull the duvet over your face.

But it wasn't to be. It was the first day back at school after two weeks of wonderful "Herbstferien".

So to cheer myself up, I thought I would think about all the nice things that this season brings:

My birthday party preparations
Pumpkins
Halloween
Friends being around and not on Summer holidays anymore
Autumnal colours and falling leaves
Nice warm coats being put on for a brisk walk
Putting the open fire on
Christmas plans sneaking in
Warm sun on cold days
Did I mention planning my birthday celebration?

See it's not all that bad. Who needs bikini's and flip flops?

Lots of love and leaves
BBB

Things I don't need to do

Having alopecia is not all bad. Here are some of things that I don't have to think about, or worry about, that most of you (females) do:

1. Planning in time for haircuts
2. Getting my grey roots dyed
3. Shaving/waxing my legs
4. Shaving/waxing anywhere
5. Plucking my eyebrows
6. Washing my hair after the gym
7. Pulling hair out of the showerplug
8. Worrying about my hair being found in the cakes I bake
9. Spontaenously going to for a swim
10. Split ends

It's all about how you look at things!

Being nice (or not so nice in my case)

I am not always nice.

In fact last night I was not.

We were in a restaurant and the service was average. In fact, I would say below average and borderline rude. However I need to declare here that my pet hate, is what I classify as incompetence and what I classify as unhelpful and bad service, so I would say that.

My response to this substandard service, was to be rude back. Not saying rude things, just being short and unhelpful with my responses. My husband does not appreciate this part of my personality. In fact I think sometimes he wishes the floor would just swallow him up.

But we all have our sides of badness. And I really struggle in stopping myself in such situations. We can't be nice little angels all the time. Can we? This is definitely my weakenss.

Anyway, I ate the food, rather grumpily, and then we continued a further two hours in the car to our destination.

On arrival, at 11pm, I suddenly and with a panic realised, that I had left my handbag on the seat in the restaurant.

In my bag, as you would imagine, was my money, credit cards and my most needed possession, my iPhone!! Aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

So calmy, my husband propsed, to call the restaurant to see if they had it. Luckily the phone number was on the receipt. He called and soon after, the panic was over. They had found my bag and secured it in the office. Relief. I could pick it up on my return journey on Saturday.

It was then, that I realized that my behaviour was not very helpful in this circumatance. What if the person I was rude to, was the one who found the handbag. Would she be kind and want to help me. Unlikely I thought. Would she want to throw it in the bin, or ignore it. Possibly.

However it seemed that she was probably a better person than I, and she had handed it in and put it safe.

So what is the morale of this story?
I think you have all worked it out.

So what is your weakness? What is it that you do that is not nice?

Parental alopecia

Recently I have joined an alopecian group. It is very easy these days to do it. With the help of the Internet, you can find just about anything, your hearts desire, on line.

So I decided to join alopecia uk
What is great nowadays, is that you can be a member, a voyeur, with no immediate input or valued offer. A passive member. No one really knows your there. You can be someone just reading and observing. From the sidelines.

What I have been exposed to, since joining, is interviews and video clips of alopecians and their stories. It is wonderful viewing. Personal and honest.

One interview that recently stuck with me was one involving twins in New Zealand. They both got alopecia, at a young age, albeit at different times.

It was an interview that also involved the mother and she shared her distress and sadness of her daughters' conditions.
I think as a parent of young children, this disease can be hard and cruel. I do not however speak from experience . It seems the parents feel guilty for having a full head of hair and yet they can't give it to them. Instead they can only be there to offer their offspring, protection and support. They accompany them through the bullying, teasing and during the deep moments of feeling socially inadequate and downright ugly. This is no small gift.

For all you alopecian parents out there. You have a tough job. All I can offer as advise, is to get connected and find people who share and understand this cruel condition.

Alopecia uk is, at the very least a fabulous start , and at the very most an inspirational lifeline.

Learning Turkish

Whilst on a family holiday in Turkey, my hubby and I decided to indulge in the offerings of entertainment. This included Turkish lessons. I mean why not! We have an unusual abundance of time, and frankly not a lot to do!

What I really enjoyed about this, was the little snippets of culture and people insights it offered.

Two little bits of trivia, I will share with you are:

There are two words for the word "old" in the Turkish language.

"Eski" means old in terms of a non living thing eg an object or a thing

"Yaski"  means old in terms of people and living things.

If I have mixed them up, I apologise. It was my first lesson.

It seems obvious to have different words for this, especially given the ancient history here and the need to describe things that are really really old.

The other explanation I liked was the word or rather words, for "Goodbye". There were two different terms. It depended on who was bidding the farewell and who was receiving it.

"Hoscakal".    It is the farewell from the one departing.

"Gule gule".  It is the farewell from the one who stays.

This seems more personal and involved than just a simple "bye". It means you have to be more aware of the parting, more present of the situation, than just uttering a word.

So after an hour of stretching my brain, I am now off to eat my "dondurma" and wish you an "iyi  gunler"

Being part of the Seasonal change

A homeopath one told me, to be part of the season change.

She said that it was important to be outside when the time of  year shifts. Ensure that you feel part of of the external changes and that they don't just jump up out you and say "Boo! Winter is Here".

You know the feeling, we have all experienced it at some time. And it's true, if we are not consciously aware of the weather change, the temperature change, the light change, the colour of nature change, we get hit by a bus, when it starts snowing. We find ourselves asking "How did that happen?" ."Where did the Summer go?"

This month, I ignored this advise and instead found myself particularly grumpy for a few days, kind of off balance.

Interestingly enough, hubbie said he felt a bit down in the dumps too. (Maybe it was because I was grumpy!)

But honestly, I think it was down to the fact that the things around us were changing and we were not moving with them. It had gotten dark and cold in the mornings for example.

So as the Autumn days creep in and the warm sunny days fade, go out for a walk, take a trip to the woods and let's consciously chose to spend time outisde.  It will work wonders for the spirit.

I should remember to follow my own advise!!

Vending machines

What is it about vending machines that gives me so much happiness?

I love looking at the choices. Even if I have no intent of buying anything, I am drawn to their wares, the selection and the possibilities. I walk over, as if drawn by a magnet, and stare through the glass and examine each of the rows, with scrutiny.

Today after a few moments of scrutiny, I uncharacteristically decided to make a purchase and buy some biscuits. I found they were surprisingly reasonably priced and I was actually peckish. The buns at the cafe I had just passed, looked dry and too much like yesterday's, to draw me in.  But these 'Lu"  biscuits lured me in.

Oh yes and they were soooooooooooo good, I bought two lots!! Now that was indulgent!!

Do you like vending machines?

Does anyone else have this pull when spotting a vending machine?

What is the deciding factor, to purchase or to ignore?

Should we tell our kids they are bad?

Am I overanalysing this?

The dreaded hug!

When you wear a wig, there are often small problems.

None of them are that bad. But lots of little irritants.

The wind and the way it flicks your hair up in one unnatural uplift.
The sunglasses, ie where to put the arms on the sides of the glasses, under your wig or on top.
The heat and the perspiration it generates underneath, which can cause overheating issues.

This is just to name but a few. But one that I often forget, is the dreaded hug.

Hugs can be quite wonderful. In fact, reserarch has show that a proper deep hug, can benefit you in many ways.  See some of the things that I have uncovered are:

Hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels (the love hormone!!!)
Hugs strengthen the immune system.
Hugs boosts self-esteeem
Hugs relaxes muscles.
Hugs balance out the nervous system.
Hugs teach us how to give and receive.
Hugs teach us to let go and be present in the moment.
Hugs reduce blood pressure and slow down the pulse rate
Hugs bring down levels of the stress hormone, cortisol

However when I see someone coming towards me with arms open wide, I dont think lucky me, I am about to experience a ton of health benfits, I think OH NO, this person is going to pull my wig off!!

You see most hugs involve the other persons arms reaching up around the neck and folding in, often tightly. For the average human, this is nothing other than lovely.  However for us wig bearing folk, we know it entails us, quickly holding on to our hair, so it doesn't get dragged down our back and ultimately off our heads!!

That said, whatever you do, don't stop hugging us!! Us baldies need some love too.

It's just one of the those little things us alopecians need to factor into our lives!!

So go share the love and reduce someones blood pressure. Go hug your neighbour!

Sushi in the City

My big girl adores day trips with her mum, namely me.

For this I am truly grateful.

It makes me feel very special.

Her usual wish is cinema or sushi. Or preferably both!

It was a glorious day in our city and we enjoyed each other immensely. This time we chose for sushi.

My wish is that we continue this tradition forever, enjoying the fine things of life, together on a terrace.

It is a lovely time together, where we just hang out and chat!

Little girls are special.

The simplest of things

We have considered owning a tumble drier for many years, through the birth of our first child, and then again re-considered with the second. Yet still we did not purchase a tumble drier. We wash and then dry naturally.

We struggle with the energy consumption of these machines, even those with triple A ratings.  Not to mention the beautiful, natural, fresh smell that is mising when clothes are tumbled in the drier.

That said, after 10 years of drying out clothes in the living room, we plunged and bought the big white beast.

Now, let's be clear, owning a tumble drier does not equate to using one. It is however there for the damp days when we have guests over. And we don't feel in the mood to have our knickers on the clothes horse for all to see.

Today however was a stunning end of summer day and I took great pleasure in hanging out three loads of colourful washing on the line. The sun and the breeze were perfect for the chores of the day.

I took great pleasure in watching it dry, looking at it sway in the wind, touching it to feel the ever diminishing dampness. 

I really don't know why I found this mundane and routine task so rewarding.  But I did. And for lunch to celebrate. It was homemade focaccia (inspired by my wish to up my domestic game) and a lovely, smooth red wine to start. With a view of the washing!

So I would like to raise a toast to drying clothes naturally and embracing the simplicity and the pleasures of life at home.

Cheers!

True Colours - Alopecia Month

When my dad told me about Alopecia month in the UK, I was shocked. Why didn't I know about this? Why wasn't I involved?

He told me that in my home region, there had been an Alopecia Flashmob, where a group of courageous women had danced and at the end, whipped off their wigs!! Wow I was in awe!

What an amazing concept. How I wished I could have been part of it.

So I found this video footage on you tube. I mean where else.

It is brilliant. I got goose pimples watching it.

Amazing women!

Hope you enjoy sharing in this emotion too!

Click here:

Flash mob Liverpool  

(If it fails, just google - Liverpool flash mob alopecia - )

My new rhythm

I have found a new rhythm to my day. It’s a simple adjustment but I am loving it.

So before I tell you the solution, let me explain the issue.

I am someone who gives a lot at work. When in conversations, I am listening and present, when preparing a slide deck, I try to be succinct and focused on the audience and when I prepare a speech, I try to be creative and engaging. Basically in the hours I am at work, I give it everything.

As a consequence, at some point, my body needs to give up.

It and I cant be “on” all the time.

So my usual rhythm is that I come home around 6/7, have dinner with my family, do some chores, put kiddies to bed, and then I head straight to the sofa and snuggle under a blanket. Evening over.

I am capable of simple conversation and sitcom viewing, but that’s about as far as it goes after 9pm. A phone call would even be a huge effort.

I am also at my happiest at this time. Its pure relaxation and I let myself just" be".

My husband is very aware of this rhythm and has worked out that if we need to do anything together eg tax declaration, decision on wardrobe design, brainstorming on garden overhaul, there is a window of about 30 mins around 8.45pm.

I wish it were different, namely that in the evening I had the energy and inclination to sort out old photos, empty overstuffed drawers, pull out some recipes for the week, call my friends, but I have accepted it isn’t. And quite possibly, this rhythm is healthy and exactly what I need to find my equilibrium and balance.

However I do feel sorry for my husband sometimes, as I really don’t offer him much fun and entertainment in the evening, and as said the exchange window is rather limited.

So on to my new solution.

Well we are in the fortunate and rather new situation, that our girls now take themselves off to school. So after the breakfast dash, toothbrush and hairbrush, at 7.50 they are out the door, on their way to the neighbouring school.

As many of you know, getting children into a car, especially in bad weather, driving them to the door then turning around and coming back, can really eat into your morning. So now without this school-run I am finding that my hubbie and I have up to an hour, in the morning, free.

Of course this could easily be filled with going to work early, but I am resisting this urge. Instead, hubby and I are putting the kettle on again and sitting down to have a chat.

It’s lovely. It’s our new found rhythm. 30 mins chat followed by a collective tidy around. Then a leisurely jump on my bike and I am still at work before 9.

Marvellous!

So let me ask you. What tweak can you make, in your day, that will make it that little bit better?