Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Pre-launch jitters, art and Goldenford

Feel very spiky today and hugely on edge – no doubt due to the all-consuming worries about tomorrow’s launch of Thorn in the Flesh. I’m now worried I might have too many people coming and am severely up to my limit of 35 in the venue. Let’s hope that none of them decide to bring an unaccounted friend, as if they do no doubt Godalming Museum will beat me with twigs and throw me out. I hope to God it goes all right and people don’t notice the joins. Of which there will be many, I’m convinced. I also really don’t know how I’m going to get everything set up and sorted out in the hour before it starts. That is, without lying down, chewing the carpet and weeping. And that’s only if I think it’s going well …

In the meantime, I’m struggling through the working day without actually feeling I’m here. Same old, same old then. Though I have managed to do something about the ongoing online booking system project – I even contacted Procurement, good grief, and contacted some suppliers (good Lord, I sound almost professional!) - though I’m not sure what sort of effect I’m having or really what the hell I'm doing … However, I attempted to raise my happiness levels by visiting the University art gallery at lunchtime – they’ve got a staff exhibition on, which is always inspirational. I particularly enjoyed “Second Horizon” – a thought-provoking study in grey-blue and black. And heck we all need a second horizon sometimes …

This afternoon, I am putting my professional secretary hat on and taking the minutes for the Student Induction Implementation Group. I think there’s going to be a lot of flipcharts and strategy, from what I can tell. Lord, what fun we have! If only I knew what it was all supposed to be about, eh? It did last a rather long time, I have to say, and I didn't have the heart to start on the writing up - I shall have to try to work out what they want me to put next week.

And we’re still thinking about where to go on holiday in May – which is actually a nice thing to think about, so I’m glad we haven’t managed to book anything yet – it gives me something else to focus on, and, Lord, how I need that! UPDATE: We've booked it, hurrah! Lord H managed to find spaces on the week-long Iberian river cruise that they told me yesterday was fully booked (the bastards!). Must be his dulcet tones eh ... But a holiday - wonderful!

Tonight, I’m off to the Goldenford meeting, but Jackie has taken pity on me and agreed to do the minutes this time – thank you, Jackie! I’ll certainly be in no fit state to concentrate, provide sensible input or write anything up afterwards, so the gesture is much appreciated.

Today’s nice things:

1. Art
2. Thinking about holidays
3. Goldenford.

Anne Brooke
Anne's website
Goldenford Publishers

10 comments:

Jilly said...

Don't worry about people seeing the joins tomorrow - they never do! I once had to organise a two day conference including overnight accommodation for 40 people - amd had kittens about it. But everyone loved it and it went well and they didn't notice the things that went wrong! I'm sure everything will go really well and the food will all be eaten and the drink drunk. I have started Thorn - definitely a book not to be read when you're on your own in the house!! Hugs and best of luck, Jilly

Cathy said...

Thanks for the package which arrived today. A pre-launch signed copy. Wow!

hugs
Cx

Anne Brooke said...

Thanks, Jilly & Cathy! I'm impressed with the conference organisation for sure!

Glad books have arrived, and yes - I should have said don't read it on your own - sorry!

==:O

Hugs to both

A
xxx

Unknown said...

Good luck for tomorrow's launch. I'm sure it will all go swimmingly and people will have a fab time.

These things are never as bad as you fear. In fact you'll wonder why, afterwards, you were panicking so much because in fact it all went brilliantly. You'll see.

Anne Brooke said...

I hope so, WFH! Thanks for the thoughts - much needed!

A
xxx

Emma K-F said...

Very best of luck for tomorrow's launch, Anne - I'm sure it will be brilliant! Relax and enjoy... :-)

Emma xx

Anne Brooke said...

Thanks, Emma - I'll try!

A
xxx

Nik Perring said...

All the best for tomorrow, Anne!

Nik

Anne Brooke said...

Thanks, Nik! And yikes, it's today already!

==:O

A
xxx

Nik Perring said...

Oh drat! So it is. Happy P day!!!!