HIMP day 3

1. Harder-going today, after last night's delicious dinner and too much food this morning - I nearly fell asleep more than once after lunch...
2. a lovely walk during this afternoon, around the grounds before returning to work
• the fresh air and exercise was welcome
• there are some strange sculptures around the site, which seem to be from previous courses / conferences
3. Aerobics before dinner, then back to work
• iConsult consultation group
• we finally came up with a name!
• much more enjoyable than any of us expected - getting stuck into understanding and suggesting ideas to improve our "client's" challenging situation at work

HIMP reflections

1. Forest walk with some of the other women on the course
• so nice to be out in the fresh air and using up some energy after sitting down all day
• and then we stood discussing what we'd be wearing for tonight's course dinner!
2. Reassurance that my management preferences are good
• aiming to be considerate, yet objective;
• efficient, structured
3. Delicious meal tonight, with good company and lots of laughs
• we came last in the Pictionary challenge but still won a prize
• I think we'll enjoy getting to know each other over the coming months
• I'm guessing there will be lots of hard work too...

Travel nerves forgotten

1. Graeme has emailed to say he's got the SD card Andrew sent, and the video is just what he wanted.  Success!
2. I heard today that two people I know (separately) had worked out they both know me - and both think I'm incredibly patient!  I don't always feel it, but I'm very pleased if that's how I appear.
3. Travel

• I was anxious before setting off (no clear reason, but even a bit shaky at times) but felt much better once we set off
• Surprisingly calm about high speeds on the motorway, and no real concerns about finding our destination even when the taxi driver didn't know where it was
• Nice hotel room (with WiFi :o)  ) so looking forward to good night's sleep

Busy Saturday

Car fun

• front tyres replaced (after 2 years' faithful service)
• still don't know what to do about "check emissions" warning...
• booked in for Friday to be checked over (again)

Travel prep

• watch battery finally replaced, after Andrew found the freebie voucher
• smart(ish) clothes almost ready for work travel next week
• washing moving along
• new suitcase to play with
• and overfill?

Words and Pictures

Language laughs

• trying to explain what a spurtle is to my English colleagues (a fancy stick!)
• teacakes: with or without fruit?
• religions have been formed over less...

Video battles

• still trying to send yesterday's video to Graeme...
• can't email, doesn't work when copied to CD
• Andrew has sent the SD card to see if that works
• re-recorded and reduced the file size by 2/3 (to 60Mb) but still can't send via Gmail...
• next step is to try from my work laptop

Relaxing Evening

• while I've been fighting with uploading videos Andrew has cooked a delicious dinner: beef in a onion and stilton sauce
• based on Chris & Jo's meal on Monday and superb!

Plans...

• above Whitehaven Harbour this evening to record a special video for Graeme; just need to work out how to get it to him now...
• still enjoying yesterday's veggie bake
• beef in stilton sauce tomorrow!

Work plans & chill out evening

1. Enjoying planning QC lab revamp
• if we can get the funds it will be a dramatic improvement
2. Satisfying (and a bit surprising) to take part in a project steering group meeting with consensus between those who usually disagree, and good potential for the future
3. Lovely relaxed evening at home
• Andrew has experimented with a "Majorcan Veggie Bake" which is delicious
• enjoying Grand Designs with glass of wine