Blondes in Business

Audra gives up on the diet…..

OK where do I start?......Ah yes let's start with the blinking Atkins diet. Sue and I thought it a good idea to lose weight and get into our party frocks for the book launch. We have this bright idea 2 weeks before the event so a bit late I admit but the Atkins diet can work wonders right?

So, for 1 whole week now I've been surviving on celery, bacon, tomatoes and eggs and, apart from being egg bound, I'm astounded to find out I haven't lost one single, solitary pound! Not one…nothing, nada, nowt, nicht, bugger all in fact! On Day 4, Sue exclaimed that she lost 2 pounds but for me, nothing!  Today is day 7 or 8 or whatever it is….so having lost nothing I decided to go through my food filled cupboards and eat all the blinking carbs I could get my hands on.

I started with a bowl of Oatibix…WITH MILK…then 3 rich tea biscuits, a slice of cake, lollipop and ended with a great big beans laden fry up!!

Yes sugars, carbs fat and more carbs….and my next stop is the chocolate shop……..because at the end of the day, if I can't shift weight by NOT eating my favorite things, what's the bloody point?????? There must be men out there who like the plumper woman, but in my party dress I have the appearance of walnuts fighting in a condom! And that my friends, is what I embody…and I'm gonna have to learn to put up with it! No more bloody celery, no more bad breath and dizziness my friends. I am free to kiss again!!!!

……………………Oops, sorry, just had to stop then to make a cup of tea and grab a biscuit…..with MILK!!!!! OK so I'm off my soap box now…in fact I should look on the positive stuff I've done today, I did have a little bit of success….I managed to book a couple of Pratt's into a hotel for our book launch so that was good! The Pratt's are Sue's parents so gotta be kind and try not to take the pee!!!! So, I maybe disillusioned and fat, but I sorted 2 Pratt's out and its Bank Holiday….where I'm going to line up Baileys, wine and chocolate!!! Girdle! Here I come!!!!

Enjoy!

PS and No Sue, the fact that I ate a sandwich, chocolate brownie and bag of chips last night should have no affect on the situation…….I should have lost it all by then anyway!

 

Great exam results!!

Yippeeee!! Sam is going to 6th form! I am so proud of him. Mitchell my Brothers son is also - so we are a happy, relieved and proud family! Bless Sam, he didn't open his envelope, brought it home and asked me too! So then there was the round of phone calls to brag to everyone! and now I am bragging here!

I am not sure we remember as oldies the stress of waiting for exam results, I think I was more worried about Sam getting his results then I ever was about getting mine. But then all those years ago ;) it was easier to get a job wasn't it?

It was a hectic day all round, started with a conference call with 10 countries explaining their training programme and how its going to work over the web - using gotowebinar - exciting stuff!

And ended with having to design a 6 day programme for Managers in the health industry by next week!

I think I might have to forgo my bank holiday monday - oh the joy of having your own business!

Audra and Julie did all the accounts yesterday and paid some BIG bills - well done ladies!

Also had a great conversation with a guy called James, he runs our technical authoring course - how to write technical reports and such like - great guy, very knowledgeable and patiently explained to me about Diggit and Delicious - more stuff to think about and widgets to add!

Dogs - well I am lead training Pippa and I have the blisters to prove it! But we are getting there. I have to carry a can of air around with me but for some strange reason she wants to chase lorries and tractors  so a squirt of air seems to distract her and remind her that its not one of her best fights to pick! She had her booster jab yesterday too, she hates going to the vets :(

Just a quick post - wanted to share the news about Sam! WELL DONE SAM!

Please welcome Audra to blogging!

Here I am, 9pm at night after a long ADMIN day…Yuk!

Watching The 40 year old virgin on TV!!!! Now what does that say about me?

It’s been a day for contacting people, tying up loose ends and trying to support Sue who has a mountain of technical work to sort out for Dubai. Why is it that that everything happens at once! Not complaining, but Sue is the techhie one out of us both so all of it has landed on her plate! Good thing she loves designing and doing the tecchie thing…but she has a whirlwind of a short tour in front of her in Dubai.

I’ve been there most of the time this year and it’s always a busy time. Due to their weekends starting on a Friday you only really get 1 day off and we never used to take that! But, work is coming in, I have been asking the universe to open the floodgates to work and it has done so…thank you universe! We are surrounding ourselves with a new wave of trainers…Arabic speaking where possible, trainers to support us in Dubai that are of an excellent pedigree; just as our UK/Europe trainers are. Projects are kicking off in Dubai and we have wonderful Health, Safety, Security and Crisis Management partners that can resource both parts of the globe. So if you know of any excellent Arabic speaking trainers please let us know.

 

On a personal note I’m in the office all week as I’m looking after a friends dog (another staffy called Grace, like my pooch Coco!) and they are tiring me out already! They are both very energetic and so I relented at 5pm to take them out as Coco had trod in poo, and walked it through the office (YUK!) and so I hosed her down and took them both out to knacker them out!

We went to a local graveyard that has beautiful trees that Coco can jump up and swing from! She jumps real high and when she catches tight, she wriggles her bum to get a real swing on and she makes a funny noise, which is the closet thing to us laughing! A chap who came into the graveyard was laughing his head off and took a video of her. He had a Labrador Staffordshire cross and Gracie (the one I’m looking after) took a real shine to her and decided to catch all the balls that her owner threw! Didn’t go down too well with Beyonce! Yes, that was her name! She was a rescue from Manchester and couldn’t be homed till she came down to sunny Deal in Kent. Anyway, watching Grace  pinch Beyonce’s balls and Coco swinging from the tree making chimp noises really brought me back down to earth……I feel so thankful seeing this simple scene…..I love animals and watching them safe, happy and playing was my treat for the day. Sadly, Coco didn’t see her bath as treat but that too was a welcome transformation from poo to shampoo!

 

So I had really earned my Atkins dinner by that time….though I just add in the odd carb here and there….cant think why I’m not dropping much weight!!!!! So fed, watered and tired….the dogs get the big squashy 3 seater sofa and I get the 2 seater….well it’s been a long day for them and Graces 1^st day away from her Mom…who is living it up in Barcelona!

 

But tomorrow is another day and more ADMIN, calls and tying up loose ends…but what exciting ends they are. I have a book signing at my local library Sept 5^th in Deal and now sorting out Sue’s library appearance in Bristol. Then the papers want to do a write up…not to mention our actual London launch 3^rd Sept at Raj’s FAB new hotel, Grange St. Paul’s. Then we will be featured in Jayne Rafters RLI magazine….(Retail Leisure International) the worlds only colour industry magazine you know!!! It’s all fun, we have books to be delivered, leaflets to print, books to send to the States…lets hope they find their way to Oprah and all the other great US TV shows!!!!! I’m aiming for us to get on Oprah if it kills me! Blondes in Business endorsed by Oprah? How would that affect sales? And what would we do with all the cash???????? WE wouldn’t have any trouble spending it believe me….but in case we have to work harder…we have another  book in the pipeline. Blondes in Dubai…..so stand by!!!!!

 

Ok so had enough of the 40 year old virgin……not someone I would like to meet……but how to lose a guy in 10 days is on the other side and we have all been in that situation I’m sure…….going to take notes as I seem to attract stalkers….as does Sue! There’s another book in there somewhere! But is it printable? Hmmmnnn, not sure.

 

Going to go to bed early…and stop watching Big Brother (I used to curse people who followed that rubbish and I’ve seen most of this series!) and get up early to the dogs out….my theory is they will sleep some of the day if I walk them early??? Talking of Big Brother, I met the floor manager for the show with his new wife and baby on Deal seafront last night. His Mom, Elaine and I took our dogs along the beach and met them having a drink al fresco in a beautiful, picturesque part of the beach. The summer flowers were out hanging from the pub windows and doors and people were everywhere with their pets and children….Coco made a few friends and Ed asked me for all the gossip on Big Brother as he had been on holiday. He was thrilled Bea was evicted and I'll say no more on that matter! Already got Sue into it against her will but she has weaned herself off now she isn't at my house anymore!!!!

However, it was great talking to Ed's ex catwalk model and photographer wife Kate…having had their baby she has decided to design her own range of baby clothes to rival that of Mama’s and Papa’s. She and Ed sped read through the book (as I carry it around as a sales tool now obviously) and they ordered a copy and thought it inspiring…so I’ve decided to help them free of charge….in fact Kate is the 2^nd woman this week to have told me they intend to start their own business…and one because of our book……great feedback eh?

 

Should go to bed now but hey, wait I need to dress the bed as both dogs slept with me last night and I was covered….I hate making the bed but Ill think of it as exercise! Night night!

Business, Personal, Dogs - you decide!

What a week! I have been thinking and learning about blogging and my head hurts!

There is so much to write and so much to learn; I have come to realise that:

1. I need a structured approach
2. I need to be jotting down thoughts, ideas, happenings of interest all the time, not just hope that I remember them for the blog!
3. I need to learn at least something new each week about blogging and then put it into action and not on my every growing 'to do' list
4. I should ALWAYS either write the blog in Microsoft word or in typepad using Internet Explorer - because the pages wont just close without warning me I might lose everything I have just written!

So with all that in mind, the one thing that I did think is that some of you will only be interested in reading our blog in regards to business, you may only be interested in the personal stuff or you may only be interested in our hobby - dogs - so with that being the thought I have decided to divide the blog into 3 headings and you can read the one you want or all  3 - would that help? If you are an expert blogger and can advise please do! Please email me at [email protected]

I have a question about business blogging  can we talk openly about what we do with clients? Can we mention company names? Do we need to get permission to do so? All these questions about blogging and those are just the tip of the iceberg.

Dogs

OK so lets start - I think today I will start with the dogs - or should I say Pippa as she is my long term foster dog who we are currently trying to find a permanent new home. She doesn't need something really special but there are some key requirements: Secure garden, long walks off the lead in a safe environment, no other pets although another dog is fine and lots of cuddles!

I am going away for most of September; we have the book launch on the 3rd in London and then I fly to Dubai the next day until the 20th and she wont get the walks she needs.

So yesterday, kindly organised by Dogsfriends, the Bristol Evening Post came out to take pictures of her and other dogs. We're not sure when the pictures will be in the paper but you will definitely find out from this blog. The guy took some really gorgoeus photos. She is also 'dog of the week' on the dogsfriends website, so we are really pushing on her behalf right now to find the perfect home.If you know of anyone please shout!

I went out with my new friend Louise from Dogsfriends - she does an incredible job for the charity. Not only does she have a family and a full-time job, she finds fosterers for all our new dogs, places all the dogs, keeps the website up dated, helps fund raise - she is a blonde of course so really I expect no less!! LOL

She suggested that we went onto Chipping Sodbury High Street on Saturday night - if she was going to miss X factor then she thought we should make a bigger night of it then our usual few in one rather boring pub! Well what a night! Lets just say we had a fair few, met lots of people, couldn't stumble home, had to grab a cab ( name of local the taxi firm!) cool name eh? Got chatted up by a 31 year old! Had a dance, it was fab! Although the next day was not so good, especially when I heard that my daughter had been in the same pub!! When she phoned, I then knew and I am eternally grateful - she didn't see me! She said she wasn't in the old persons part of the pub! The reason she didn't see me was we were at the front of the dance floor! The old persons part of the pub indeed!

Personal

There is always a ton of stuff going on in this house, but today I want to share with you something that is sad yet positive and ask for your thoughts and prayers.

Last year my Mum was diagnosed with Lymphoma (cancer of the Lymph glands) she had 8 rounds of chemotherapy and was incredibly positive and strong throughout although it made her so ill. Its so harsh a treatment and makes you really poorly when the cancer wasn't making her ill at all! But we know obviously that would not of always been the case and the treatment would be of benefit long term.

Anyway the Chemo seemed to of done the trick, but with Lymphoma there is no cure just treatments to manage it. Sadly this week she had her results back from her biopsy and she has to have more treatment but stronger stuff this time :( She also had to go in for an operation to relieve the pressure on her liver as that is where the tumour is pressing.

My Mum is amazing! I went in to pick her up and there she was sat up, dressed, bag packed, smiling, ready to go! The nurse wouldn't let her walk so I had to borrow a wheelchair, she wasn't over keen on that  but that was probably more to do with my steering then having to be in a wheelchair!

We went home and had cups of tea and chats and I cooked some fish and picked some fresh green beans and tomatoes from the garden and we had a really nice time - I get mad at myself for not doing this more often anyway not just when there is a major reason. Her chemo starts again in September, and I ask you all to out my Mum in your prayers.

Work

Last week was a week of deadlines and all were hit! On-line surveys done for a client, proposals in, Dubai trip booked and a host of other stuff! I went to BNI this week for a member that couldn't make it, I always enjoy seeing everyone and you always get something from it, whether it be a good breakfast, a new contact, a giggle or a lead - always worth the 7am start! Although I did get a parking ticket :(

The same day I went to a Referral Institute pipeline seminar, very good - too much to explain  check out their website but in essence they teach and you and work with you to build your business via referral and commit that you will increase your business by 50K or your money back! We are now strategic partners with RI so that their clients can have a full range of services from us as a partnership - so that is exciting!

So this week is also looking busy - and a lot of it is geeky web based stuff - building the content for a webinar I will be running in Dubai to 10 different countries, should be interesting as well as terrifying! 

Any hints or tips for running really fab webinars please just email me!

BBC - Science & Nature - Human Body and Mind - Surveys

Lots and lots of tests for you! Test your memory, find out what sex your brain is! Learn to spot a fake smile - lots of fun tests for a bored moment!

You must check out what I have stumbled upon!

www.stumbledupon.com

A Fab site – totally addicted

I have 'stumbled upon' some great sites – you can choose your preferences – is very useful as well addictive!

PS. Bea is out!!!! I didn't realise she was a mother of 4!!!!!!!!!! I don't remember her EVER talking about her kids……………only behaving worse than any kid I've met!

Dubai Airports monitoring swine flu but no specific action - Healthcare - ArabianBusiness.com

via www.arabianbusiness.com

Audra kindly booked my flight to Dubai today - I have to keep an eye on what the Swine Flu requirements are - I am guessing it is NOT to have swine flu! LOL

The weekend of the battle of the bulge and stories!

'The weekend at Audra's' blog!

Oooo where to start!

We needed to have a 'marketing' weekend re the launch of the book, and it also so happened that it was the same weekend of one of Audra's friends' birthday party – Jo – so of course we had to go – rude not too!

I arrived at Audra's on Thursday afternoon, after a really good meeting with Travelex, working on their survey to collate information for a sales programme, very interesting and exciting work!

I want to start a mini campaign following my journey down to Deal – I am amazed how rude and just generally inconsiderate people are on the tubes. Please lets all just try to do someone one favour. There was this poor lady with a pushchair, who couldn't get up the steps without having to take the child out, fold up the pushchair and get up the stairs – not the safest place to have a 2 year old not strapped into something!

There were a group of 5 men who all walked past her and on up the stairs. I could see her beginning to take the little girl out – so I stopped her and said I would help, took my case up the stairs then came back and helped her with the buggy. I am not saying this to say I'm fab – I'm saying we should all look out to see if we can help – what a nicer experience travelling across London would be – we almost seem proud of our reputation in London to be pushy, aggressive and selfish!

So I arrived at Audra's, and downed tools for the day, her Mum Mel came round with her dogs magic and Poppy for a cup of tea. Audra cooked a VERY healthy tea – and was proud of it – see the picture! Haddock, asparagus and mushrooms and green beans – VERY good – we are both desperate to lose weight before the book launch! We just chilled and chatted and caught up and watched Big Brother, I have been tricked into getting into this bloody programme, I am surrounded by it – I could only give in! But Audra and I have agreed it s good viewing from a training point of view! How people are, how they change and how they are motivated – it's quite fascinating!

We had a busy day planned so we didn't have a mad night; we shared a bed as Michelle was coming down the next day for the 'marketing' meeting. Apparently I snored so badly that Audra went in the other bed – and Michelle – Audra didn't change the sheets!!

I woke up with a REALLY bad back, could hardly move and after no improvement after a couple of Audra's migraine tablets, we had to call out a doctor, I couldn't move and was reduced to tears with the pain – I really sympathise for anyone who has a permanent back problem – its hell! Audra was a sweetie and was running around after me. I couldn't do any work, I was so frustrated, as I had to submit a strategic re bid for RTA, I was in agony. Eventually the pain began to numb and I was moving around – the miracle pills from the doctor were really doing the trick.

Thank god too as this RTA thing was not going away and had to be done and I was so relieved when I managed to get it off! Michelle arrived about 3pm all the way from Middlesbrough – it's so far away! When she arrived Audra was on the phone having a video conference call with a an Ex colonel about training for Olympic bids and exciting stuff and I couldn't drive so poor Michelle after her horrendous journey then had to get a cab!

We were also planning to see Lorraine on Friday, our new business manager to show her round our systems and office and discuss her role in more depth. We really want her to add value and take us forward - not just pick up after us!

We were also going to see Jo, one of our trainers (she's really fab!) but cancelled everyone apart from Michelle – so sorry to miss out on seeing Lorraine and Jo on this trip – next time!

We got through loads of marketing stuff for the book launch despite the constant interruptions! We have over 100 confirmed coming, works to do on lists of attendees and follow up. The website went live!! http://www.blondesinbusiness.com where you can buy the book and get a signed copy before the 3^rd September – so all VERY exciting!

So still lots to do include film a video for YouTube – hilarious eh?

Friday night we had fish and chips for tea!!! OK not the best thing for wanting to lose weight! Then we watched the eviction on Big Brother - surprised it was Freddy to be fair. What a cow Bea is eh? She goes on and on about how she hates the things that people are doing to her i.e. bullying – when in fact they are not bullying – she is!! Talk about point your finger at someone and there are 3 fingers pointing back at you (try it!) I liked her when she first joined and now I can't bear her.

She's like a dog with a bone – she just won't let go, she's like a terrier dog – but that is so unfair to dogs!

We chatted in-between of course and I was comparing rudeness and selfish London underground stories with Michelle when Audra piped up how she had pretended to be pregnant on a tube to get a seat – I was with on this occasion and no- one would stand up - but then she didn't look pregnant! Anyway she eventually got a seat. At the next stop a heavily pregnant women got on the train, so I looked to Audra to get up (I didn't have a seat) She looked away and I said 'get up' in hushed hissed voice ! Which of course she did – but to all the other passengers they didn't know Audra wasn't pregnant – not one single person offered their seat – this isn't about Men offering up their seats to women – although that would be nice and novel! There are some out there that do; I am always very appreciative with a smile and an eyelash batter!

During that evening we then managed to eat our way through ice-cream in chocolate and coconut marshmallow shells (YUMMY!) and tortilla chips and dip whilst watching sense and sensibility – what a lovely girlie film and evening – fab!

Saturday I slept until 10.15 – couldn't believe it – the pain killers knocked me out and I think and I was short on sleep that week – so it was good to catch up. We then met Mel and another friend of Audra's, Rowena the Repeater – she's in the book – she's fab – very funny – not that she realises it half the time – and also beautifully dressed and made up – a very attractive lady – another blonde!

We met at the chocolate shop – this is the only link I could find – and it has some great pictures; Sara's Chocolate shop and Audra and I were really bad! Not only did we have hot chocolate we shared a brownie and a slice of carrot cake! I blame Audra totally, she kept humming and hawing about what to have to eat and should we share that she drove me to ordering both – she always does that – makes the bullets and winds me up till I fire them! She thinks she's clever!! LOL.

We then went shopping and I did really well – got a fab dress that I might wear to the book launch ( although I think I will wear the one I tried on of Audra's) bought a new handbag, a Red Herring – no less! Apparently that is a good make – I have no idea – picked it up in Castaways – my poor Jane Norman ( I love that is was a bit outlandish! ) one really had come to the end of its life, as my weekend bag – so managed to buy a lovely dotty one, which is a bit bigger – good job with all the shopping I bought! The weather was fantastic, really hot. We finished our shopping with a white wine spritzer on the seafront.

Where Michelle shared her fab 'woodpecker' story! You'd have to really hear it from her – but the basic story is that she was so drunk one night staying in a hotel in London, The Beauchamp Grange: - that in the middle of the night she mistook the hotel room door for the bathroom door and it shut behind her – it would have been ok – if she hadn't been stark naked!! She was tapping quietly and frantically so not to make anyone come out of their room and see her! Eventually her husband was awoken by what sounded like a woodpecker only to find his naked wife the source of the tapping noise on the other side of the door! How funny but how awful!

Whilst all of the girls laughing a man sat with two young girls about 10, joined in the conversation some how and then said to Audra "your one of Liam's wives aren't you?" Good opening line if I ever heard one! Just to be clear Liam is not a bigamist or Muslim – he just happens to be on his fourth wife and Audra was the second unfortunate wife to fall foul of his charms. To be honest I won't bore you with the stories he was boring us with about his ex psycho girlfriend stories – which are probably not unusual stories for any man that put themselves up on sugadaddy.comto find a 'partner'! He also kept smattering his conversation with hints of his wealth, 'I was driving my new Audi' – I was just back from a golfing holiday'.

Men – nice girls who aren't psychos wont go out with you based on your Bank balance – stop flaunting or pretending your wealthy – and you'll stop attracting psychos! Easy!

But perhaps you don't want to – all that tension and anger – make be it's the 'angry sex' and the 'making up sex' that keeps you there – if so stop complaining! I took a photo of him which he was happy for me to do so – but best not to put up his photo or name – give the poor git a second chance and no publicity!! LOL

That evening we all got dressed up, Kim a friend of Audra's came over and we went to meet Jo and her friends for her birthday night out – I have no idea how old Jo was – it veered from 22 to 42! It was supposedly to be a pub crawl but we only managed two pubs! We had a good laugh, even danced around the handbags – Jo was great and so were her friends Sarah and Naughty Nor – but I was glad to be home, shoes off and a cup of tea in my hand!!

Mel came around this morning, brought me a selection of cards to choose from – she makes the most beautiful and some very funny cards and calendars – I want to make her a website – because we had the great idea of placing orders that Mel then fulfils and send to you in time for you to send them to the birthday person – a reminder and birthday buying card service all in one! I packed up my new suitcase and handbag – and set off.

So I am writing this on my journey home on the train from Deal to Bristol – it was a fab weekend, not entirely as planned, but fab anyway.

Madness!

My one fear about starting a blog was our ability to post something every day, but apparently you don't have to - for which I am eternally grateful! This week has been a whirlwind of activity, with family, work, dogs, friends, all thrown into the air and they fell wherever there was a gap of time and sometimes they all fell on top of each other in heap!

Oh the joy of working from home! This week consisted of a flurry of midwifes, student midwifes, friends and family all dropping in when the house is in chaos. But the truth be known I would of hated missing out on all the this commotion - its lovely seeing Beki, Tyler and Baby Harley grow as a little family, taking on new responsibilities. They have changed before my very eyes, from young adults to parents in a flash! Not that Beki would say it was in a flash!

But today we celebrate - we think, and I say think cautiously - that the end of the visitor flurry is over, the midwifes will still stop by for a few more days - but apparently if the house is tidy the baby MUST be being neglected - Hoorah! Messy house and lots of cuddles - fab!

I was so exhausted on Sunday after my friends 40th birthday bash in Nottingham, that when I got home and cuddled the baby - I fell asleep! Such a grandmother thing to do! Well a tired slightly hung over one!

Poor Audra spent all weekend in bed with a migraine - she was as sick as a dog - any helpful hints apart from the 'don't eat cheese and chocolate variety'?

Great party, great company, good music and lots of Jack Daniels and diet cokes were consumed amongst the gang. Hotel was set in beautiful grounds. I took my friend Tony with me - as I was going to be the only 'single' person there! Hate that - but I console myself that compared to living with a man full time for the need of a partner for the occasional event is not justified - so I borrow when the needs arises! As it turned out I wouldn't of been the only single woman, she was really nice so I shared Tony out a bit - besides I wanted to chat to everyone else! In the nicest possible way of course! Tony was a charming companion, he can come again!

Work has been amazing, we have been voted most technically competent in a tender and we are looking good for a VERY big and exciting project. We ran a webinar - very exciting, really getting into this web stuff! Blogging virgin writes third blog in a week - pretty good. Downloaded an article on Twitter so going to polish up our act with that - I am hoping when all these things are set up you can update them all at once! Does anyone out there know? Would appreciate any guidance on all of this 'stuff'. I have to confess that my geeky side is loving it!!

We finished the week on a real high - we heard that our client had won a PFI bid we helped them with - we spent 4 days with the team of people from different companies - one consortium to help them prepare, rehearse and deliver a winning presentation. Every one worked so hard, evenings, working lunches and it all paid off. Well done guys - very exciting to be involved.

I'm getting ready for my trip to Dubai in September, with the book launch in between - so all fab - and exhausting for a grandmother!

Had a pig of a journey home from London on Monday - missed train by 3 minutes, had to wait an hour for the next one which was due at 10.45pm - got stuck behind a broken down train, did a detour through Chippenham and Bath and got into Bristol an hour and half late! That was not good for a Monday after the weekend before! It was worth it though, we had a great day with our elearning partners Element K. I did get a free cup of tea curtesy of British Rail - so not all bad!

Hey ho - we survive and live for the next day - and what exciting days seem lined up!

Excitement!

I woke up to the dogs barking at 7.30am – I tired to shush them scared they would wake up baby Harley! Not that I should of worried apparently he was up all night – I didn’t hear a thing! Is that bad – should Grandmothers hear their Grandchild?

Anyway the barking was because a courier turned up with our book!! The first time I have seen it in print – it is weird – seeing it in print – and our names on the cover – its all not quite real – very strange sensation!

I called Audra, I know she would want to know as she’s away working on PFI work with a large construction company –she screamed when I told her and apparently frightened two old ladies on the station platform!

It looks fab, but I have to confess as to not really looking at it – time has not been on my side today, certainly not started proof reading it – taking it to bed with me tonight!

It has been a mad day – so much to catch up on work wise and of course we have had visitors!

I got up when the courier arrived and I had a text on my phone from Bassem our partner in Dubai – with them being three hours ahead, he was considerate enough to text and not call! So I went from my bed, to the kitchen for the obligatory cup of tea, to my laptop and to my phone and it was non stop from there. So when there was a knock on the front door and it was the midwife – I felt really bad! No washing up had been done, I was in scruffy clothes and had not seen a shower, and the dogs were in the house – all not the serene ideal home you would want the midwife to see!

I thought we might get away with the messy kitchen but she asked to wash her hands – of course – and Beki was having a bath while Harley slept so I had no choice but to show her to the kitchen! Note to self – get a second bathroom!

Then Tyler’s parents and two sisters and brother turned up - so I hid upstairs and waited for the bathroom to become free so I could shower and make myself look half way decent before I saw them!

People sometimes seem to have the opinion that our lives are quite glamorous – I hope this shows you that it is not!  Poor Audra was on a train station at 8 this morning and was still on a train at 9 tonight with little chance of getting home before 11 tonight as there is rail track works in Folkestone so she had to catch a bus from Folkestone to Dover and a train from Dover to Deal and then drive home!

So it’s been a busy and exciting day – we got three new enquiries in, two proposals out, one booking for 4 days work, a £500,000 contract within our grasp and the book and that’s without all the other incidental incidents that happen each and every day.

I had to nip out and get quotes for my tyres so I have got that sorted, need to be at the garage by 10am – I have mislaid my wheel nut bolt thingmejig – so apparently this makes life difficult for mechanics – Sorry!

What else did I do that was non worky – oh I bought a sack of dog food and booked the hotel for Saturday night – I’m going to my friends 40^th birthday in Derby – taking an old flame and seeing ‘the inner circle’ close friends of old – so watch out for that blog!

I am still working out this blogging thing – and I think I need to make some changes.

We wanted to put up our intended achievements each day, also the things we were grateful for and any lessons learnt – and more importantly we wanted you to be able to do the same! But currently I have not worked this out – so please do email us – it is amazing how just writing it down – focusing on it makes things happen – but more on that another day.

I did have a wonderful hour this evening between 7 and 8, where Baby Harley slept on my chest, it was soooooo nice! We gave him his first bath this evening too – so a day full of firsts! First bath and First book – not bad for a Wednesday eh?

Oh – and one last achievement of the day – I cooked a fish pie and it was edible!

Looking forward to tomorrow – have an all day meeting with Microsoft to review all our current programmes and to kick start a new one –so best sign off now and get some much needed sleep – this grandmother/business woman malarkey is exhausting!