Kowtowing to narcissistic knobs

Today was one of those days where I re-questioned work vs life balance and which side of the fence I'm on.

I have a problem in that I love my work but at the same time I really love being at home, with my family and doing my hobbies like gardening, cooking or painting. These 2 aspects of my life are regularly at odds with each other.

We have an impending deadline at the moment which has raised the stress levels considerably (I dream process flowcharts!), I hardly sit still at work (e.g. today I didn't even get a chance to turn on my laptop - the wonders of blackberry) - and its a buzz!

But in the rare quiet moments, like when I find 30seconds to go for a pee, I wonder about my rose bushes and wish I was at home pottering around the garden. In that moment I resent my job. I continue to resent it for the rest of the day and particularly when I'm driving home in heavy traffic. I resent my clients who are unrealistic narcissistic knobs (fortunately not all of them) and I spend my day having to kowtow to their whims. This is the fate of a consultant, it comes with the job description to be a sycophant. Its called client relationship management. It even has an acronym: CRM.

Urban dictionary has an exemplary definition of the word "client":
Noun. Person severely lacking in intelligence and common sense. See idiotand fuckwit.

Our client just asked us to send them a copy of the internet on CD.

I'm struggling not to resent work. I need to work - for 2 major reasons: intellectually I have a lot of fun! and secondly, it pays for the great roof over my head. Without this job, I would not be able to afford the lifestyle we have.

I know at some point one of the two will have to give - obviously to what extent this will be will depend on circumstances. On my drive home from work each night, I wonder what life could be like if I were to give up the life of a consultant and find some regular means of bringing in an income and be able to watch my roses (and hopefully some kids soon).

I know I'm not the only one. Which side of the fence is winning for you?

Transition into domestic goddess: complete

Last night I came to the realisation that I have transitioned quite smoothly into a domestic goddess, not even 3 months after getting married.

The evidence as follows (which all took place in a period of 3 effortless hours):

• Prepared a lemon meringue pie - perfect in every way (ok ok, I cremated the meringue and had to peel it off and make a new one). 
• Mended my husband's tracksuit pants - nice big hole in the crotch (sweet note left on my bed left by husband, with careful instructions "Naai me" (translation for the non-Afrikaans speakers - "naai" means to sew... but it also means something along the lines of "give me a good rogering"))
• Stayed home, whilst husband out for drinks with the boys
• Completed the thank you cards (finally) for the wedding gifts

Who would have thought that I would have so easily slipped into such domestic action so effortlessly - on a day I had actually taken off sick!

But I have to say that I did get numerous cups of tea, porridge and rubbings on back (no wait, maybe that was actually a pat on the back?)...

My doc's advice

I went to see the doc today, head is a little sore, stuffy ears and blocked throat. In conversation I mentioned that James and I are trying for a baby. His advice? "Just relax and put your feet up"

Now that is practical advice!

Not much blogging action, huh?

When I started up this blog a while ago, the idea was to spend a little less time at work and more time living life. I guess I forgot to factor in time/ inclination to blog whilst on the way!

BUT! 

What a wonderful year it has been, even if not documented moment by moment on this page. In March I got married! Needless to say, the last several months have been about colour swatches, losing 10kgs (love you Herbalife), choosing flowers that wouldn't make my fiance' sneeze and of course, plenty of bonding time with my entourage of bridesmaids and flowergirls (my 2 best friends, 3 nieces and new stepdaughter).  

Here a couple of pictures from the wedding, and also a couple pictures from the superb photoshoot my bridesmaids arranged for me, which was a complete hoot!

Ugly but useful

Last year I knitted my very first jersey. In a colour wool I would never choose in a line up, and in a style that I would never pick from a shelf (talked into it by the lovely old lady at the knitting shop who gave me some tips on how to get started with my first project).

It's been in my cupboard for a year. I didn't have the heart to throw it out, but I seriously doubted I would ever use it. However, it seems to have found its purpose after all... this thing has got to be the cosiest warmest thing I have ever owned.

Not sure its ready for public viewings however.

For the record, my second project (also a jersey) is nearing completion. Although this has been underway as long as the other has been in the cupboard. Fortunately it is only 21 rows from completion, so I recon only about 3-4 months, just in time for spring!

The lounge

What a difference without that hideous 60s fireplace and curvy walls!

Out with the old

Its been about a month since we finished with Phase 1 renovation, about time I load some pics. The lounge has turned out beautifully. Its spacious and I could lick the floor it looks so delicious! The shelves in the passage are fun with the stripes. It makes quite an impact when you walk in from the front door. A little whimsical but even my mum likes it!

Of course now that this round is just finished, I've seen new ideas in mags and online. James is delicately trying to ignore suggestions to repaint... thank goodness one of us knows when to stop!