What kind of boss are you? The big boss? A little boss? Some kind of middle boss? And how about your feet. Do you wear shoes? I hope so. And what about the ends – yes I’m talking about your toes. Because as we all know, they tell us all we know. If they’re not, perhaps we’ll trod, but goodness me a lightning rod should someone step on those.

Mrs Masters pulled out the top drawer as far as it would go and then some. It came off the sliders, bumped over the internal stops and came crashing to the floor. Banging loudly and spilling office supplies everywhere, the stringy black and grey bun could be seen by the other teachers bobbing up and down as she picked up pens and rulers and paper clips fussily. In the surprise and fuss that followed, Mrs Masters entirely forgot that she was looking for the red letter opener.

Carol sang in front of them mirror each morning as she brushed and plaited her hair. It was only weeks since her and Mark had split up. The wounded feeling still throbbed in her heart and made it difficult to enjoy simple things like eating or catching up with friends. An old colleague from Wisconsin had reached out to her, after they’d seen her in the supermarket a few days earlier. They hadn’t recognised, and pulled over in night time traffic, almost into a ditch, to send her a message. Carol wore her dressing gown and sighed.

London is full of short stories walking around hand in hand.

Upon reflection, I should have arranged and paid for the car to be serviced in June immediately after my road trip. If I’d lent you the car in better condition, it would have been less of a burden. I left the maintenance and upkeep for you – all the boring and expensive parts of owning a car – these should not have been your responsibility, and I was not clear in writing what needed to be done. As it stands, I received the car in poorly condition – perhaps only a little worse than the state in which I left it with you. Had it been serviced again (instead of for the first time) in November, these current circumstances may have been avoided. Stranded in Deloraine, with a car that overheated to the point of critical failure. I have only myself to blame for leaving it in your care, whilst needing attention. I have learned a valuable lesson today.

While many of these ‘wins’ are operational in nature, these should be seen as a testament to my attitude and ability to collaborate; and not viewed as limitation of skills or attributes.  While I have worked diligently and coordinated with various departments and divisions, planning and executing a variety of tasks simultaneously, I feel that my skills and expertise should be put to use and to greater effect.

Skills in market segmentation (knowing your audience), and reviewing what works (being honest and self-aware) are vital components of the marketing ecosystem. Information sessions that consider attendance, monthly website google analytics reviews, and the tracking of engagement (through clicks) with different media blasts, at different times, ensure a feedback loop which ensures our student cohort are aware of the opportunities we work hard to deliver.

Times to cherish and prize

Trying to take my time each day, yet still sand passes – in its regular way. Dunes pile up and then vanish from sight, paying no heed to darkness nor to light. It’s Wednesday then Sunday in a blink of an eye. Where an orange sun sets in an unknown sky. No treaty is in place with the passing of the hour. It moves without a trace, like the sprouting of a flower. So when I hold your hand, and I close my eyes. Don’t misread my tears, my love, these times to cherish and prize.

There’s something very nice about the baggajj bumping onto the conveyor belt. Like a waterfall, or a stream, gently thudding down and into place. Badly jumbled together bags, fitting oddly, un-tessellated outside, packaged up, bursting with clothes and all manner of odds and sods. Varying degrees of importance, patiently revolving until finally claimed by a jet lagged owner with a grunt and a sigh. Packages packed, luggage to be lugged.

Where has the woo gone? And where is my willpower? Will it happen? The future is options, thoughts in form, and you decide what you will do. I am here for you to think with, to talk out your options. Will it, list it, think it, do it, go, strongly. Hold together; fight tooth and nail. Rest. Release, repeat. Relax, roar with the fight of today. Eating good frail meals on your bed. Waiting to die. Wishing the courage to be free of hurt, of trauma, of prejudice. Curiosity, comfort, a clear mind. Be courageous wherever you are. Travel, explore – fight for what you believe is right and don’t sit back and wonder. Leap into it with both feet.