anyresemblance

Something something

Lots of people I like are leaving our organisation - for varying reasons - but it is unsettling just the same.  I am having a conversation with a head hunter tomorrow for a global role I think I am quite under qualified for but for which they have been persistent.  We'll see.

I got up at 5am to fly to Melbourne.  I have finally been issued a security pass at the client's and revelled in the freedom of being able to go for coffee without an escort.  I went to a morning tea on the client floor and congratulated myself for avoiding the sausage rolls and eating two strawberries instead.  

I was so slow to book my flight coming home on the 6pm was $200 more than the flight 90 minutes later so I will be eating my dinner in the Qantas lounge tonight.

 

Fingers and toes

We got our proposal in with an hour to spare.  I fiddled around for a bit and then left the office at 3.30 to go and get a manicure and pedicure.  My brain doesn't have any space left.

Companion dog

I noticed my friend had posted about the nice things she got given for her birthday which included a lovely little felted dog.  Years ago, her talented sister had made my daughter a cute little fimo brooch of a puffin which she adored but which sadly got stolen along with everything else in my jewellery box in the great heist of Yarralumla circa 2004.  Anyway, I knew she sometimes had an etsy shop so enquired if these were a commercial deal.  Instead, I got an unexpected package.

Here is Charlie meeting his tiny doppelgänger.  I love how she captured his blue eyes and his wonky ears.

Sunday ledger

This weekend has brought an unexpected lift in mood after all last week's sickness.  Mine, at least, is recovered and even though I have been office working all weekend I have had three delightful walks.  This morning's was particularly beautiful with very fresh air, birds making a ton of noise and meeting a very nice old man on the ridge this morning, who had stopped to rest with his wife, and asked me to bring Charlie over for a pat.

1. Watching: We started Wu Tang: an American saga and I had to keep pausing to explain stuff back to the kid.  I think we can only manage one episode at a time.  We're also loving Next in Fashion with Tan France and Alexa Chung and the various contestants you either adore or love to hate.  While she was out the other night, I also started Giri/Haji about a Tokyo detective who comes to London to find his yakuza brother which I've done two episodes of.  Lots of tv on the go.
2. Reading: a bit slow on this one against target but started Asking For it by Louise McNeill after hearing Marian Keyes on Fortunately recommend her writing.  Oh my god, it is tough and I can see the avalanche about to happen so had to stop reading it last night so I didn't spend the whole night awake.  She's a terrific writer.
3. Listening: I loved Louis Theroux on This City.  He is so disarming and takes no prisoners - even Clara Amfo, the host got gently grilled on the ethics of accepting sponsorship (disclaimer, she is totally up front on her sponsorship position)
4. Cooking: revisiting Anna Jones Modern Food and made flatbreads with a kind of caponata on it and then a spoon salad.  Very Turkish inspired and quite my favourite kind of food.
5. Eating: peaches - they're going to be gone soon so I am trying to fit in stone fruit while I can. And the small collection of tomatoes I harvested.  
6. Sipping: camomile tea.  I had dinner with friends on Friday night and the first alcohol in two weeks and reader, my sleep was terrible and my foot was swollen.  Sadly, there is no doubt that acohol is not really good for me.
7. Buying: trying not to but I am very tempted by these round velvet cushions in target as they are only $20 compared to $70 from better known brands
8. Hearing: a lot of bird song.  I was reading about this app but it is nearly $50 but I am very tempted to learn much more about native birds and their songs.  Also, hearing some rave party taking place in the neighbourhood last night but since everyone living round here is mostly ancient I am hardly going to complain when a party happens once a year.
9. Liking: the rain we have had the last week.  My hedges may well survive this bout of drought with the good soaking they have been given and the geraniums are blooming again.
10. Loving: my dog.  Seriously, I can not have a bad day when I see how much joy it gives him to pick up a stick and run in the wood.

That was a day

I had horrid food poisoning and little sleep. I  wrote a post that got eaten.  Anyway, I am better now and back in the office.  I have a weekend of work ahead to get a client proposal in on Monday.

Snakes and ladders

downs

• the kid is still not well and the cause is not known
• she is feeling down as she has no sick leave left and I am furious on her behalf at how stingy her employer is
• I am over committed at work and have so much to do
• I don't have anything I feel like reading right now
• I am counting calories 

ups

• we have access to affordable healthcare
• I have a workload this week which means that I can work from home to be with her
• part of the heavy workload is because I signed up to do something in Madrid so will be travelling via London to see ganching and my sisters
• I found my library card
• I am using my fitness pal and am actually kind of liking it

 

Pass the sick bag

We ended up at the after hours dr last night as the kid was in excruciating pain and indeed vomited in the waiting room.  Full marks to the receptionist who whipped out a sick bag in time.  Anyway, it looks like a gall stone which is painful and troubling.  She is off for an ultra sound today as it still has not passed.

In the meantime, she has her furry nurse maids keeping her company.

 

The Weekend

It is raining.  A lot.  And I am so delighted but now we probably have to deal with flood to go with the fire and brimstone we've already had this summer.  It was certainly very soggy underfoot on my walk today and the main road around Parliament House was closed as I drove to work due to flooding.

Anyway, I had a peaceful and productive weekend.  I watched both Cheer and Miss Americana and the last episode of the Good Place on Netflix and loved them all.  I read Marian Keyes new book.  I went to the cinema and saw 1917 in my quest to get through some Oscar nominees.  It was fine and the cinematographic editing is clever but I remained unmoved.

Charlie and I had lots of walks and he had a bath as he was distinctly pongy.