One year on

That's it we've succeeded in staying afloat for one year, and we go into year two with a solid number of quotes on the books - but has it been worth it?

The general consensus is yes, but there are obvious downsides which are regrettable.  However life is too short to dwell on the past - but a warning never mix business with pleasure you need to keep the lines well defined.  We have not spoken to our former business partners properly in the best part of 7 months now, and we would love to get back in touch but don't feel the first move can now be made by us however they may feel they can't make the first move.  We can forgive and forget, but as it stands we can't even consider opening the door again to a business union.  All parties have their part in fault, and annoyingly (in a good way) the business is progressing at a good pace and a second pair of hands would help - but at what cost?

Back to business though, one year and the best part of 100 tenders issued out for consideration with an average return of a little over 50%.  At times it has been hectic, but always rewarding, and never dull.  I've found more time to be with the children but I think the missus gets a little over looked as work gets done in the evening more.  So year two will see the advent of 'ring fenced' time - well if the political parties can ring fence things I feel I should try it as well!!  Hopefully this will allow for a little more time off, and who knows maybe even a few days completely away from the business.

What will year two bring - BIG decisions - do we employ staff to cover the growing workload assuming growth continues at a similar pace?  If we are employing staff do we need to consider more permanent offices, or approach the situation with a more laid back attitude and have an open house??  Shall we get a second mortgage for some big fancy kit1?

So any volunteers to cast a detached eye over the business and offer constructive advice might be well received as it is always easier to see the big picture when your not on the canvas yourself!!

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