Half Term ...

The schools are closed for half term. It only seems as though the children have just gone back after the Christmas break, but my wife (a Deputy Head!) insists that both staff and children need the break - who am I to argue?!

At the moment, I am working from home. This usually means I get to my desk around 08:00 am and leave the study at about 20:00 pm with the odd break to make a cup of tea, have a bite to eat for lunch, feed the rabbit, Guinea Pig etc. All in all a very pleasant way to have a productive working day.

Half-Term then, would seem to be a bit of a nightmare with my youngest son at home, together with my lovely wife. Both providing distractions from the job at hand. Indeed this was my initial thought. But then I realized just how lucky I am to be able to spend working time in my nice warm house, being able to see my lovely wife and youngest son throughout the day, and generally being far more relaxed and satisfied than when I've been forced into an unproductive and unnatural (but more common) work pattern.

So for me, its no more moaning about by home work environment being trashed, no more stress about having to look at a new piece of Lego sculpture, and just a renewed realization that I'm really lucky to be able to work and see my family at the same time.

Right now I'm going to take a break and prepare the evening meal with my son. I'll make up any lost time later this evening, when he's in bed! ...

Best regards,

Nigel.

The Great Thaw! ...

I Live in the East Midlands. Apparently Northamptonshire was one of the worst hit areas by the 'sever weather event' the country has just experienced!

Thankfully, the snow has stopped falling, the temperature is beginning to rise, children are back at school, and the village shop is no longer completely bare of essentials from people invading the village to 'stock up' (just in case ...).

As I've mentioned in a previous post, I have the luxury of being able to work from home, I have a broadband connection, a telephone line, and a place in my house where I can shut the door and get on with whatever I need to get on with. I am just as contactable when working from home, than I am when I am in the office. In fact, I'm probably somewhat more responsive, as I have the comfort of my own surroundings (Dog under the desk, kettle on the Aga, etc. ...). So it does confuse me somewhat, when I try to contact clients, partners, etc. to be told that they are unavailable due to the weather! Despite me being ready, willing and keen to work, the world has decided that: Snow = No work needs to be done!

Still, enough moaning! At least I was able to get in my car, leave the frozen wastes of my village and drive to a meeting in Slough today. It was good to get out of the village in a car not designed for the snow, it was good to go to a meeting with a real person (to prove that some people are getting on with it!), and it was good to see that the world did seem to be reaching some level of normality!

Long may it continue ...

Nigel.

PS Its just started snowing again!! ...

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow ! ...

Once again the country has come to a complete standstill over the (heavily predicted) arrival of a small amount of snow! Around my own house, we have about an inch of snow, and although it keeps falling, I don't think we will be lost in a snowdrift any time soon!

I love the snow and the sight of children having a great time in it, but hate the way the country grinds to a halt. I've lived in other countries where they just get on with it! All roads are gritted and cleared, public transport continues to operate, and people expect to continue as normal. The media doesn't sensationalize the issue and life goes on.

Of course, there will be people who really can't get to work, of course there will be places where the snow is deep and treacherous, of course we need to ensure that people are made aware of the situation across the country, but lets just keep it all in perspective.

My advice is to carry on as normally as your specific circumstances allow, but take some time to enjoy the beauty of the snow, and make sure your children have the opportunity to play in it. Spare a thought for the less able members of your family and local community, and make sure you take a little time to check on your elderly neighbour to make sure they are OK, warm enough and have what they need with regard to food, drink etc.

Lets celebrate our country's climate and not make a mountain ... where a snowman will do!

Have fun and take care on the roads. I'm off to put more straw in with the Rabbit! ...

Best regards,

Nigel.