Welcome to blog! I started it in 2020 to chart my recovery from breaking my ankle (hence the name). I guess no-one saw a global pandemic coming. It's turned into a place where I can talk about the things happening in my life, my horse and my cats. Enjoy!
And rest…. Today I slept in. I lounged about. I caught up with friends. I did the things that fill my soul. I took Buddy out for a long hack. I let the air fill my lungs. I felt the cold on my face. I admired the changing view as the leaves turn.
I came home. I ate good food. I rested. It’s not often that I do that. But after a week of little sleep, even less food and a lot of rushing about – it was very much needed.
Super sub was called into action again today. On Thursday, I was asked if I could fill in and be part of a panel at the UEA about PR & Comms. It was part of an annual event called ‘Working With Words’.
It was an easy yes if I’m honest. Anyone who knows me, knows I love words. And I love the career I’ve created around them. So to be able to talk to the next generation of potential ‘Pip’s’ was wonderful.
Hopefully I inspired them. As well as giving them an honest appraisal of the role. It’s not all glamour and glitz. It’s hard graft. But so rewarding.
I’m more tired than the Mayor of Tiredsville right now. It was a really struggle getting up this morning when the alarm went off. Can’t say I was at my best today peopling. Hopefully I didn’t make any mistakes.
I told one of the other receptionists the hours I’d done this week. Her reaction? How are you still standing?!
I sometimes ask myself the same question.
The kittens have definitely missed me. They’ve both stayed close. Lots of cuddles on the sofa were the order of the day. Not sure what they’ve got to be tired about though. Maybe they’ve been partying too while I’ve been away.
Back home after a mammoth few days at Celtic Manor delivering the Annual (and infamous) Hoseasons Owners Conference.
It was full on, that’s for sure. What a blast though! From the moment we arrived, it was go, go, GO. The months of planning came into reality. It’s an incredible feeling being able to look back at all the things we’ve talked about and see them come to life in front of your eyes. We definitely hit the brief on this one.
So proud to work alongside these powerhouses to make up ‘Team Swan’. And believe me there was a lot of paddling going on at time. A few tears, a lot of laughs and more memories in the bank.
So far the feedback has been great. All of the external speakers were very well received. A lot of mancrushing on Jason Fox and that was just the staff! What a lovely guy he is.
Rounded off the evening being the glamorous assistant handing over awards. Apparently my dress was very sparkly under the lights. It was definitely in keeping with our modern 70s evening theme – inspired by our final act of the night Bjorn Again!
The dance floor was packed, branded glow sticks in hand. What a way to end a packed day.
I am one very proud Events Manager tonight. I’m also one very tired and achy bunny.
Bit late but I’ve just stopped after a 19.5 hour day! What a bloody brilliant day. Not without it’s challenges. But wouldn’t be an event without those!
The main thing is that all of the delegates had a good time and Simon is happy.
I can’t tell you how proud I am of what we’ve achieved in the past couple of days.
My feet are wrecked. I ache all over. And I haven’t eaten enough. Standard after an event of this size.
Now time for bed. There will be some sore heads tomorrow that’s for sure. My job here is done…
I lost count of how many times I’ve been up and down these escalators today. Let’s just go with a lot!
As predicted, it was more running around like an idiot than gliding around like a swan. Still the conference has started this evening. So far so good.
My feet ache. My face aches. And I’ve walked 7 miles…when I had my phone on me. There was a lot of steps without my phone. So who knows?! Only left the hotel once to go and buy more gifts.
Might have slightly embarrassed myself by opening someone else’s car boot when we got back to the hotel. In my defence, it was the same make as the one I was aiming for. At least the owner saw the funny side.
I could do without an international incident on my hands.
Tomorrow will be a very long day! Bring it on…
Isn’t this window stunning? It was the view on my way to breakfast. Part of Celtic Manor is a very old Manor House. That’s the bit I’m staying in. Not that I’ve spent very long in my room.
Today was pre-con day. The day when we check everything with the hotel. And then make a billion changes to everything we just agreed.
Still the first batch of people have arrived. And all have room. Phew. Always a nervy time.
Things kick off tomorrow so here’s to another day of running around like an idiot. Sorry, that should be gliding around gracefully like a swan. Let’s see which one it actually is?!
I’ve arrived!! Really smooth run through. And with only one pee stop. Blimey Wales is a long way from Norfolk.
This is the calm before the chaos starts tomorrow. We hit the pool. Well I say pool, it was more jacuzzi, stream room and sauna. It’s more than I got to do last year. And will probably be the last time I see it before I leave.
We headed over to one of the restaurants for dinner. This one is in the clubhouse that was built for the Ryder Cup in 2010. It’s pretty cool. As was my dinner. A winning start me thinks.
Oh the glamour of poo-picking in the rain. Buddy was really helpful too. He decided to poo in the furthest corner of the field I’d just cleared. I swear he did it deliberately. He waited till I moved to the next field and stared right at me. Funny boy.
You have to laugh at the weather. It was vile this morning. Of course, by the time I got home and showered, the sun had come out. Still we got to have a soggy cuddle.
I’m going to miss his little face. He’ll think he’s retired when I come home. But then he acts like that after a day off.
I won’t miss getting soaked. I’ll be lucky if I actually leave the hotel the next few days. Wish me luck…
Today has been all about checking the plans for next week’s conference. I’m rather cross-eyed from staring at spreadsheets, documents and emails.
It takes months of planning and so much work to put on a conference – even a small one. This is a big one. I’ve been doing events for many years and it still surprises me when people think they just happen.
Today’s checks were to make sure that we have the right number of bums on seats, the right beds for the duration and that we had all of the dietaries and allergies. I’d really rather not accidentally poison someone. And go through the running order for the millionth time.
Few last bits to sort and then off on Sunday. Sure there will be stuff that comes up. I will be in full ‘swan-mode’ next week. So exciting!!
Tales, Tails and Talus 