the future's bright - the future's {insert colour here}...

In March this year my colleagues and I were called into a team meeting to be told about changes that were going to be made to the team. It was going to be "just a revamp of the way the team works". We were assured there would be no major changes, they were just keeping us in the proverbial 'loop'.

Fast forward to May; we were called into another team meeting. This time we were given a brief presentation outlining the changes that were going to be made. I was sat there looking at the neatly laid out slides and when the new team structure popped up I realised my job, the one I've been doing for almost three years - wasn't there?! As I looked around the room I saw the realisation on my colleagues faces as it dawned on some of them that theirs weren't there either. What a fabulous way to be told you no longer have a job.

Those of us whose jobs had fallen off the chart were now classed as "vulnerable to redundancy". We were hurriedly told that some of the existing positions were to be axed, but new roles were being created so it would "all balance out" We, as existing staff could all apply for any of the new roles before they'd be advertised externally. Now I'm no maths genius, but even I could see that there were more people than new roles, so there was only going to be one outcome.

The obligatory six week consultation period came and went and we were given no new information; no interview dates, no redundancy packages, nada. Us 'vulnerable' people were expected to work and behave as if everything was normal and great - needless to say the atmosphere in the office was bad (in the original sense of the word).

Long story short, I'm working my notice period. From September I will join the ranks of millions of others and be officially redundant - another statistic.

In all honesty, at no point in this prolonged and annoying process have I felt sad. It's no secret that I'm bored to tears by the day job so I'm quite excited at the blank canvas that's in front of me.

I'm choosing to look at this as the next chapter in my life's book. I'm going to take this time to really think about what I want to do next. I don't want to just jump into another job for the sake of getting a salary (but let's talk again in 9-12 months).

What would it be like to be a person that actually enjoys their occupation? I plan on finding out.

Don't worry about me, I'ma be alright.

Beautiful cocoa browns...

I love my friends – I mean it, I really do. I LOVE my ‘sista’ friends and I’d be completely lost (and bored!) without them. Family, school, university and work have given me the greatest most supportive circle of friends I could wish for.

I think by this age the friends you have are the friends you have for life, there are of course exceptions but what makes my relationships so strong is our shared history and experiences. We’ve grown up and been through a lot together.

I know I can rely on my ladies to always tell me the truth, and their opinions whether I’ve asked for them or not – but the important thing is it goes both ways. We are every cliché you’ve ever heard about girlfriends:
We laugh, cry, bicker, bitch, gossip, conspire, eat, drink, dance but mostly laugh together.

We all consider ourselves incredibly lucky and I know I’m grateful for the crazy ladies everyday, but there are sometimes when I’m doubly thankful.
Someone we all know recently lost her mum – naturally we all sent our condolences, sympathy, support and waited for the details of the funeral. Late on a Sunday night I checked my email and found a message about the funeral and wake that were to be held on Monday, as in the very next day.
Texts and Blackberry instant messages flew between us as we all tried to work out who could make the funeral at such short notice. Our initial reactions were the same – I can’t get the day off at short notice, not going to be able to do it….
By the morning we’d reshuffled diaries so were able to attend the wake in support of our friend. This might not sound like much to you, but to me it showed real love for a friend we don’t see or speak to as often as we used to. I loved the fact we all flapped around for a bit but when it came down to it, the only question was “what time shall get there?”

Everyone has (or has had) fair-weather friends, those who are with you to enjoy the good times and roll with you when you’re on top of your game, loving life. When the proverbial hits the fan, the people holding your hand, or holding you up so you don't fall, are the ones you should cherish – I know I do.

If you have even one sneaky, poisonous or jealous friend it can contaminate your entire life, my advice to you – get rid! Anyone you choose to be in your life should be there as an enhancement, someone to help you develop and progress through life, anyone that doesn’t meet that criteria has to go and yes that includes family too.

To my sista friends reading this – I love you guapas!!

multi-coloured marvel...

… of talent.

I went to see John Legend last night (for the third time) and I can sincerely say he just keeps getting better. This time around his development as an artist and performer was obvious to anyone with functioning ears and eyes.


The backdrop varied from a slick intro video of the man himself, to kaleidoscopes of vibrant trippy colours, to shots of beautiful women artistically posed, some more LSD induced colours, to a montage of leaders past and present.


As I sat there mesmerised by a voice smoother than vanilla Haagen Dazs I was in awe all over again, he was electrifying. Wild erratic flashing lights, big band percussion, he rocked out, worked the stage (and everyone into a frenzy), and had the audience singing with their entire lung capacity. And in the next moment he was alone on stage, with just a spotlight caressing the piano keys, instantly subduing and lulling everyone – seriously exciting.


Anyone who displays a genuine passion for what they do impresses me and simultaneously makes me question my passions in life. Am I living out my loves like I should be? Am I doing them justice? Do I even know what my true passion is? I know I don’t have an obvious talent like John ‘The’ Legend, because I’d be exploiting it unashamedly already.


As much I’m convinced there will be more to my existence than there is now – I have questions - what am I meant to be doing? How do I find out? When do I find out?

I guess until I have my epiphany I can revel in the glorious talents of the people out there who are blessing us with their beautiful and inspiring creativity.