Today…

…I had my annual performance appraisal.

Although I know I do a great job and that I cannot be faulted or criticised on my work ethic, performance or quality of work, I always get nervous about it. It’s the concern that you don’t quite know what will be said or what the boss is thinking.

So today went well. In fact today went VERY well.

I have now been promoted to General Manager!

Now considering I have actually been in the GM position since I started here, it’s nice to have the correct title to encompass all that I actually do. So YAY me! Now let’s go celebrate!

Let’s take it slow

Today I was alone in the office as the other guys were setting up an event. Today I took things super slow and easy. And you know what, I’m not feeling guilty at all! Okay…well maybe just a teeny tiny bit. Although I plan to make up for it tomorrow, I’m actually allowed a slow day considering how “on top of things” I am at the moment. And considering it’s our busy season and some clients are causing me go grey early, I shall take this slow day and enjoy the quiet. I shall take this slow day knowing that I am up to date with event files. I shall take this slow day and enjoy an extra few cups of tea.

SO yes…I may have wasted today away, but tomorrow I’ll be perfect!

Hugs & Kisses
Jessica Giggles

*Picture credit

My boss, my hairdresser and my dad…

…sounds like the start of a joke, hey?! Well they are all separate elements that created serious stress for me and they all happened in the past two days…

My boss
I have been at my current job for the past 16 months. And my time there has involved some good, some bad, some frustrating and some why-am-I-not-grey-yet moments. Anyway…things got quite heated on Thursday, so much so that I handed in my letter of resignation on Friday which the boss didn’t accept. I don’t think I can/want to say more about this at the moment but let’s say that things will need to change if I am to stay…

My hairdresser
If you follow me on twitter you will have known that I had a very crappy experience with my previous hair salon. I had gone there in July-ish to retouch my highlights and get a trim but on arrival I was told my hairdresser had quit and that another lady would “fit me in”. Not only was my hair butchered (badly cut and highlights not done properly), the lady messed hair product on my white jersey. So I was in search of a someone new… And then my sister told me about this lady at a salon in Dunkeld that was looking for new clients and had vouchers for complimentary treatments. I jumped at the chance to try someone new (and a referral) and to use a voucher towards it. Let me just say that I have found my new hairdresser! The highlights were perfectly done and she fit as many as possible to ensure I was happy. I was then led through to the wash basin area where my jaw dropped as I entered… Instead of the normal chair positioned in front of the specially shaped basin, I spotted a few curved beds with the specially shaped basin where a pillow would be. And next to the bed was a stool where a therapist was waiting to give me my complimentary hand (or foot) massage. And the thought came to mind of why would anyone need to go to a spa when their hair salon relaxed them like this!! I’m definitely going back…

My dad
We arranged to see my dad this morning so we could chat through what has happened the past few months and where we are at the moment. My dad has been worried about Gary and I getting back together (and understandably so)…so this conversation had been a long time coming. Not only to put to bed what happened all those months ago, but also to tell him where we are now and where we see ourselves in the future. It was a nerve-wracking drive to the restaurant but the chat went well and I think we’re on the way to patching things up…

So how stressful was the past two days for you?!

Hugs & Kisses
Jessica Giggles

Krazy with a Kapital K

*Note: Before all you spelling Nazi’s attack me for my poor spelling, let me tell you first off that it is intentional. It has been so chaotic that normal spelling will just not do!

So on to this Kraziness (with a Kapital K)…

Life in general has not been easy. Work has been Krazy. After work hours have been Krazy. The world as I know it has been Krazy. So let me update you on the Krazy life that I’m living at the moment…

For those of you who have an inkling of the world of event management, you will know that generally speaking the winter months are quieter. There are less weddings as brides don’t particularly want to walk down a grassy aisle that is a wintery brown instead of a summer rain-kissed green. There are less events as companies know their staff would rather spend the evenings cozied up on a couch than strutting their stuff a company function. And so this time is used to get organised with the events in the summer months, and get organised at the office. However this year we have not had the chance to breathe. We have been going non stop! This past weekend we had a wedding at Summer Place for a couple from Botswana. This weekend we have a farewell party for a private client. Then half the team jets to Cape Town for a bridal fair. And before you know it, it’s the end of August with another function to arrange before the start of wedding season in September. I’m feeling all shaky with tension just thinking about the calendar ahead… On the plus side, another lady has been hired to assist me. At this stage she has only taken over a few files, but at least it’s a few less files for me to worry about. And as she gains in confidence and experience, more will be taken off my plate. Can I get a hallelujah?!

So the stress experienced at work thus overflows into the after work hours… And the result is me wanting to stay on the couch, finishing off slabs (and slabs) of chocolate, while I further my new obsession of SuperNatural (yes, I know I’m late to the game). And yet, in between these moments of chocolate overload, I find myself writing reviews as The Dessert Teaspoon for a new food reviewing site called The Upper Palatte. And let’s not forget the tech reviews for Girl Guides! To be honest I am not quite sure where or how it all fits in time wise, but it does. And I’m a better, more rounded person for it.

And now for the bit you’re probably all waiting to hear about. Especially if you noted a relationship status change on Facebook… Gary and I are back together! Yes we have things to work on. Yes we have things to deal with. But we’re happy. And we’re making the necessary changes to move forward and grow together.

And on that happy note, what’s news with you?

Hugs & Kisses
Jessica Giggles

10 things I learnt this week

1. Just when you think you know what’s what, everything changes again.
2. May to August will not be classified as “our quiet time” at work this year.
3. I must be taking the wrong kind of multi-vits as I haven’t noticed a change.
4. I absolutely love my new cleaner! I even let her use the washing machine.
5. The week goes by so quickly that just as I start to get into the swing of things, it’s Friday.
6. It’s okay not to be okay all the time.
7. And trying to keep a smile on my face and pretend I’m okay doesn’t work for ever.
8. As much as I love my family keeping in touch and checking up on me, I kinda hope they’ll slow down soon.
9. I can only do so much in one day.
10. I need to stock up on magazines and crossword puzzles for those nights when nothing else will do.

*Picture credit

So what’s news?

I’ve often sat down to blog but since there’s so much going on at the moment, I just don’t know what to say… A little sad, no?

First a quick follow-up from my Auntie Who post… My step-sister’s little one arrived early this past Saturday morning weighing just over 3kgs. Unfortunately she did develop a small infection and was placed in an incubator so when Gary and I went to visit on Sunday, we weren’t allowed to hold her or play with her. (We didn’t go visit on Saturday as my BIL advised not to as my step-sister was still zonked from the medication etc.) I am happy to announce though that baby is all better and she and her mommy were discharged yesterday. I haven’t had the chance to visit them again but I’m sure they are settling in nicely at home.

My brother’s little one is due on 28 March but apparently he can come any day now… Hope our care package arrives in time!

With regards to work… As always I am busy! And busy is of course, always an understatement! We have been on the go since we reopened in January (after our December holidays) in preparation for upcoming events. We are now in March. (Already!! Can you believe it?!) The month that is so busy with events that we are all counting down until it’s over. Let me put it in perspective… We had two weddings this past weekend – 1 in Cape Town and 1 in Pretoria. We then have a wedding in Cape Town this Saturday for a UK client. Then next weekend we have a 40th birthday. And the following weekend we have a 21st birthday on the Friday and a wedding on the Saturday. Most of these functions we have been working on since last year but unfortunately the real slog can only start once we have final guest numbers. Luckily I am so super duper organised that most aspects have been organised. It’s now just a waiting game for RSVP deadline dates so we can finalise numbers for catering or hiring etc.

The cool thing about work at the moment is that we recently bought a laptop for me to work off. My old machine was too damn slow and froze constantly. Now I have a super fast machine at my finger tips! And better yet, when I go home each evening, I have something to blog with etc. Fabulous!

And finally, the part you’ve all been waiting for… My personal life! Well… We have received our wedding invitations and we are now trying to find the time to get them all delivered. No small feat when work is keeping us both busy. My dress has arrived and I am going to see it on Tuesday. Excitement! All dress fitting appointments have been made so now it’s just a count down until my dress fits perfectly. My shoes have been found, I just need to take them past a shop where another hole can be made in the strap. Not sure who can do this but I don’t think it’ll be too difficult. My hair and make-up trial went wonderfully so that’s sorted too. My bridesmaid has her dress but we still need to find her some shoes. Gary and his best man still need to sort out their outfits but that’ll be a quick and easy process. So basically everything is sorted.

Between you and me, I was chatting to a few friends the other day who are getting married in April and they were stressing about this and stressing about that. Meanwhile when they said they haven’t thought of X, I was thinking “Check! Been done already!”. I am now stressing that I’m not stressing! It may not make any sense but I can’t help myself…

What’s news with you?

Hugs & Kisses
Jessica Giggles

10 things I learnt this week

1. An afternoon off really does help me relax
2. Having to bring work home so I could have that afternoon off was crappy but worth it
3. Buying my sister a birthday present was supposed to be the easiest errand as I know her so well, but it ended up taking forever to find the perfect something
4. Receiving an awaited “something” in the post makes me happy
5. Short weeks due to public holidays just make the other 4 days that much busier and more stressful
6. Sometimes a little breakdown can make me feel better
7. Driving my Boss’ Audi was amazing but has given me a case of the “I Wants”
8. No matter what anyone says, chocolate cake for lunch is part of a balanced diet
9. My cavernous bag needs to be tossed because I dig and dig and can’t find what I’m looking for
10. A good night’s sleep can only be achieved when I’m not stressing about work and the many things that need to be done

*Picture credit

What a week

This past week has been chaos. And if I’m completely truthful, I’d say that last week was chaos too.

First let’s discuss last week…
Doofus (the event assistant) put in his resignation last week Tuesday. It just so happened to be the day that his three month probationary contract expired. This couldn’t have been a better explanation of a Catch 22 if we tried – he wasn’t doing a great job so we were happy that he resigned, but we had a wedding in Durban that Saturday and he was going to be driving down in the company vehicle transporting our props etc. The rest of Tuesday was spent trying to “plug holes” by finding an alternative driver, ensuring all the things he was supposed to have done were done, etc. It was a stressful day! He arrived at work on Wednesday, after he and The Boss had gone to coffee on Tuesday evening, and announced that he would be assisting with the wedding and then would be leaving after that. Crisis semi averted. Now we needed to get help in to assist with the chaos that was this week. Luckily we managed to find an appropriate “new” events assistant and brought in another events co-ordinator to assist.

Now to the chaos of this week…
Event number 1 was a breakfast on Tuesday morning at 08h00 for 8 guests. Luckily it was a small number of guests as we only got confirmation on Monday morning. This meant running around sourcing caterers, flowers, getting the decor ready, etc.
Event number 2 was the styling of rooms at a bank for their exclusive clients to sign new credit cards or such like. We only received sign off of the quote yesterday afternoon which again meant chaos in getting the relevant props from suppliers, flowers delivered, etc in time that we could setup at 4pm yesterday.
Event number 3 is a 50th birthday that took place this afternoon. When we were first briefed on it, it was going to take place at the client’s private home. The relevant suppliers were provisionally booked so all was in order. Then last week the venue changed to a restaurant in Morningside. So we had to cancel some suppliers and change other orders to suit the new venue. Then at 2pm yesterday, it was moved back to her private home again. Chaos ensued! We needed to get in touch with all the suppliers and get them booked for the last minute change. It took some serious effort in getting the bar and catering services booked as well as the necessary tables and chairs delivered in time.
Event number 4 is a wedding that takes place tomorrow afternoon. We had the final meeting with the client on Wednesday afternoon and she decided then that she needed table numbers. So again, more chaos in trying to get an urgent printing job done with our already busy suppliers. On the brightside, all other aspects of her wedding are sorted so this last minute hitch didn’t matter that much.
Event number 5 is a 50th birthday party also taking place tomorrow except it’s an evening function. This client has been particularly difficult and demanding. We were approached with this event a couple months ago but she has been so disorganised that everything has been last minute (I am still waiting for the table seating plan). She requested last night that she no longer deal with me because I’m rude. Gary made me feel better about this snotty comment by saying, “some people just mistake rudeness for efficiency”. Thanks my Sexy.
And finally, event number 6 is a small teaspoon exhibition that is taking place at our offices. Everything was setup during the day yesterday with the opening taking place last night. They are exhibiting today until 6pm, and again tomorrow from 10am until 1pm. I am “running” this from my desk as not much needs to be done from my side other than letting in the visitors.

How’s that for chaos?!

Hope your week(s) has been better than mine!

Hugs & Kisses
Jessica Giggles

10 things I learnt this week

1. Long working hours and stress are taking their toll on my body and energy levels
2. Dealing with prima-donna’s takes a lot of patience
3. There are not enough hours in the day to get through all the work that needs to be done
4. I need to spend quality time with my fiancé after barely seeing him this week
5. I need to make sure there is always chocolate in my house, Milo just doesn’t hit the spot
6. Drinking a cuppa tea while lounging in the bath is the ultimate indulgence
7. The new season of Brothers & Sisters seems like an emotional one – I’ve only watched two or three episodes and I’ve cried in each one
8. I could teach Old Mother Hubbard a thing or two about bare cupboards – can’t wait to go grocery shopping tomorrow (Did I really just say that?!)
9. Rental agencies are bloody rude – I have left messages for and emailed three different agents about their property rentals and have yet to hear back from one of them
10. The stress and exhaustion of work, the stress of having to find a new place to stay, and the emotions from last week make the weekend ahead look relaxing and wonderful

PS Since I find it so difficult to relax and unwind, I really do wish there was a simple button I could press that would initiate relaxation. A girl can only wish…

*Picture credit

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