Taking Responsibility

In the coming weeks we have the AGM of my daughters schools Friends Association, and currently they are short a Chairperson, Secretary & Treasurer (possibly even more).  General consensus in the play ground is to take a step back from these roles on the simple ground that the system is too established & 'clicky'.  However the result of this could be the loss of an important source of funding for the school, and affect our children's education.

The solution?  A complete overhaul of the Association?  Hope someone else steps up?  Bite the bullet and step up?  Let the association die?

All options, some less viable than others.  I'd personally love to take on more responsibility but it's not in my nature to be the front person - the idea of chairing a group of virtual strangers comes a close second to pulling my own finger nails!!  Co-chair, maybe if someone else is equally willing to be the face/voice but is not so fussed on being the engine.  Obviously time could be an issue but if enough people we're willing you could 'sub' the work out to various other people with each 'quango' taking on their own event.

Whoever steps up needs to be in the role for some years to ensure continuity, and perhaps gradually bring new people in and I would suggest trying to get the local businesses involved - almost make it more of a business than an Association.  They have to embrace whatever options are out there to get the community interested which I suspect will mean Social Media going against the preference of the current system possibly - so a balance needs to be found on that front because not following the masses in this case will only be to the detriment of the funding in the longer term.

I'm probably talking/typing myself into a hole here!!  Best get back to my lovely smelling roast/gloss paint combo!!

Fathers Day 2012

Woken and down stairs my 6am (not in the scheduling for today I'm sure!), but got given my present from the girls (thank you Mummy good choice!).  But now approaching half seven they want breakfast which of course I am happy to help with but they are adamant that I can't have any as mine needs to be served in bed - the bed that is currently home to their sleeping Mummy.  I fear the end is near and I may die of starvation before seeing even a hint of a Corn Flake, but the alternative of defying the odds and eating breakfast early is likely to end in screams and tears from two little girls - and I though business decisions were hard!!!

HMRC

25 minutes and still holding for one of their advisers, after having to go through pages and pages of 'Press 1 for this, and 2 of that.....perhaps a Press 9 to stop this ridiculous games and put me through to a human being!!

I'll admit I'm not the most patient man when it comes down to phones and call centres.  I want an answer and I expect the person at the other end to be able to help or at least me polite, but the endless waiting on the hold builds my stress levels to a point I will probably vent out to the poor sod who answers the phone.  It's not their fault but they seem to be the sensible person to vent at!!  But what are the alternatives - browse the website, it took me 10 minutes just to find the number.  Tax doesn't have to be taxing - just getting an answer!!!

You may have guessed I'm still on hold.  May I suggest some better music at a level people can hear just to keep some amusement.  Thank god for hands free phones least I can be productive during this time, even it is to pour out my boredom to all those who will listen.

That's 30 minutes now and my bladder is filling up fast, I can guarantee if I leave this desk they will answer and hang up on me!!  But I'm making a break for it................................ OK still on hold - does anyone work at HMRC.  I'm almost waiting for the message ' Sorry it's lunchtime now please try again later'!

Should I open a book on how long I'll be holding for?

Result 36minutes on hold 1 minute phone call but good news she had the right answer.  Right back to my day


Argh now on hold with a reputable insurance company from Norwich - looks like an early grave for me!!!

Living with Anxiety

This is just my wonderings & thoughts, I have no medical knowledge beyond infrequent trips to the doctors, and my knowledge of anxiety is from reading on the internet & seeing the impact from someone on the outside looking in.

No fault can be placed - no one choses to have or live with this affliction but when it happens it is extremely debilitating.  From my perspective the anxiety in our household comes from the fear of another attack - there are good and bad days but it does mean that all times we need to be ready to go if the confidence is there - and that could be the key CONFIDENCE, trust in your own bodies ability to cope and go for it (yes the words of a non sufferer but it's impossible to understand).  Unfortunately perfect conditions do not occur with any regularity - and with anxiety repetition is required to build up that confidence and use as a stepping stone for large challenges.  I find there is always an excuse not to do something, sometimes these are genuine reasons but often they appear to merely excuses but at what point do you stop accepting these excuses and just get on with life?

Everybody has their own way of coping, and try as you might it is impossible not to add your suggestions into the pot as to how the situation might be improved:-

• Drugs (not the illegal sort)
• Active Lifestyle (exercise)
• Surrounded by friends (socialising)
• Occupied mind (hobbies)
• Relaxation (hypnosis CD's, or holistic therapies)
• Buried head in sand (possibility not the best idea but we have to cover all the bases)

It's entirely possible that you will need a combination of this options to finally get to the other side, although you may never be the same you life will return.  For my mind you will need a little of everything mixed in there but often you have to find an understanding group of people to accept you as you are and work with you. 

For most people the first port of call with be the doctor who will work through the various drug options, and try these.  But whilst this can be an effective solution it may only prove to lessen the effect of the anxiety but not to a level that anything can be achieved.  At this point it's on to a counsellor or support worker who can help with the medication but use it in a combination of the other suggestions - this is of course is extremely frustrating because doing this from the outset could have saved years of piece meal assistance - you can't blame the doctors they are doing their job to the best of their ability, and from experience in a very understanding matter, but anxiety cannot be sorted out in a 15 minute consultation every 4-5 weeks, you need regular contact to monitor progress, and to point out other options to reaching a 'normal' life.

This is not a self help guide it's just a way for someone living with anxiety to get things off his chest, and if you like you can do that same - it does help because you are helping no one by bottling everything up and getting frustrated with the situation.  For two years I have been suggesting activities, socialising etc with out much success now the support working is involved apparently taking up activities and socialising are good suggestions and might make a noticeable difference!!!!!!!!!  Share your experiences between us we might all find something we have haven't tried that does work