Sadness

I feel wrung out today. The past few months finally caught up with me. I cried for two hours last night. So much sadness came up. I know I’m processing the things that have gone on.

One of my FB memories was of me hacking with Martine. It tipped me over the edge.

It’s been a lot lately. In recent weeks, I’ve lost my next-door neighbour, my friend, two ex-work colleagues, my close friend has lost her Dad. I’m seeing more and more friends with cancer. My Mum is still in hospital. And my Dad is struggling.

There’s so much sadness weirdness in the world. It’s hard not to be affected. So many people I speak to are struggling with something or other. It’s all very odd right now.

I know that it’ll pass. I’m shattered from a full on period of work. Even by my standards, lat week was bonkers. I’m also emotional as it’s Martine’s funeral this week.

So I’m cutting myself a lot of slack. I know what’s going on. So I went and spent time with my handsome boy. And for a few hours I put everything down.

Blackbarn

One of my friends, Christine came to visit me today. So I took her over to Salhouse Farm Shop & Cafe at Blackbarn Farm. It’s such a lovely place. And a stunning view.

I can definitely recommend their fish finger bap!

We chatted for over 4 hours and could have easily chatted for another 4!

Escape

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.

Working with words

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.

Tired

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.

Team Swan

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.

Smashed it

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…

Up and down

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…

Manor House

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?!