Some like it cool

Hi,

Okay, so that’s the first week of not being employed. It’s been…. odd. I mean, sure, there’s the usual routine of getting up at the same time, dog walking, household stuff, and yet… Hmm. No meetings, no rushing to do anything, and also no stress of did I remember to do blah? Is it worrying that I could get used to this? 😁

I’ve applied for a few things, had some phone calls, etc; and it’s early days. I didn’t expect to walk into something instantly, so I am making the most of the time, by taking things steady. I think not rushing nor chasing will be the right answer – at least for me – to avoid that’s 20s phenomena: burnout. I am hoping to land something that’ll work with the home situation *and* just might, lend itself to being part-time. As long as the bills are being paid, I don’t need a lot of money. Well, shopping budget aside 😉

I’ve been using the exercise bike at home, as I’ve been having a slight issue with knee pain. Thankfully a couple of twenty minute spells on that – as recommended by the Ever Lovely Mrs J – seems to have dispelled the issue, and helped strengthen my leg muscles. I am hoping to try and keep this routine up, as exercise is good for the mind and the body.

There’s also a fair bit going on -ahem- off camera which while I don’t want to sound all Secret Squirrel, there’s things I don’t write about on here, because there’s a need for some privacy. Besides, if I wrote about everything: A) I’d be very busy; B) you’d be very bored; and C) it’s touch-and-go on B when I do have something to write about 😉

Testing on the QT

Talking of Secret Squirrel, I’ve been working with a small business on behalf of Chams, to get some new products ‘road tested’. Disclaimer: we have been given the items for free, and I’ve handed them out to those in the group who agreed to be involved. I will say more when I’ve checked in with the vendor. I’m not on any NDA nor I am being paid.

This is more about helping two sets of folk – well, three if you include Muggins here 😉 The business is queer friendly, so that speaks to my values. From a Chams point of view, getting certain items – ones that actually work – is a bit of a pain, so I’m trying to make this about us testing, not me testing. I’m looking forward to the group’s feedback and passing that along to the vendor. Personally, I’m finding the items fab, and I’m a right fussy mare! 🙃

A night out

With the heat in retreat and darker nights, I hoped that a fancy night out on Thursday would come to pass. I even managed to get some fake tan on my upper arms and dispel that T-shirt tan that pushes the wrong buttons.

The Traffic Fates were in a good mood, so I arrived on time…. Only to find the Centre was open as a Polling Station. That was a bit of a surprise and the car park was fairly busy. Luckily Chams HQ is upstairs, so other than a brief appearance at the entrance, no worries.

After the hot weather I finally got chance to wear my new dress. One I bought at the end of Spring, just as things started to move to the wrong side of warm. Gah, my Celtic blood makes me ghost-white and I don’t do hot weather. I am all about cosy and comfort. Hither sweet Autumn; bring thy mists, rich leaves aglow, and spiced chocolate drinks! 😉 Ahem, moving on.

Of course, I packed an emergency outfit, just in case things Did Not Go To Plan – because we’ve all been there right? However, said dress felt as pretty as when I first unwrapped it, and I felt rather special in it. The shoes are new to me via Vinted and while they were both comfortable to stand & walk in, I was reminded why I tend to do Mary Janes as a personal rule: just a lot easier on stairs or when bending down to get to the cupboard.

A number of the group were away on summer holidays and whatnot, so it was a little quieter than usual. This varies evenings and you don’t really know if it’s going to be lots of small pockets of conversation, a wider group chat, or something in-between. TBH, I’m just glad to be out with friends and be with folk who get me. Well, if they don’t, they’re kind enough to humour me 😁

I managed to sort out Jayne’s forum issue, even if I couldn’t get the Chams HQ’s WiFi to connect. I’m wondering if the crowds downstairs might have impacted that. I’ll see what it’s like next time ‘cos there’s things you can do to improve the coverage in the building. Also the widescreen television that arrived mid-summer, that accepts my old laptop’s HDMI connection, and it seems to have ‘mirrorcast’. The latter letting you project what’s on your phone to the screen. I am thinking – if I can find an up-to-date lappy – that an interactive quiz or game might be a good idea one night. Something to think about.

I brought the laptop along in case Diane was visiting. Bless her, she’s been helping me with the documentation around the Online Safety Act. Between us we’ve been reviewing the recommended paperwork – well, digitally speaking – and updating the forum’s sign-up systems. So far, so good. I think we’ve made a good start on it, and I’m a lot more relaxed about it now.

I did remember the sugar this time, and Val was kind enough to rib me about that. It’s a good job we share a similar sense of humour. However, it’s probably a good thing we’re not employed by the same company, otherwise we may be seeing a lot of each other outside HR. 😉

I remembered to bring along the earrings I was gifted at Pride to pass on to Debbie. Given we’re both RPG geeks, I had hoped she might like the rainbow dice. For the RP massive, they are two D6 earrings yes. 🎲 For you normals out there, I will not explain the joke. Just don’t make eye contact, nod nicely, and move along 🙃

Last time I had photobombed Stevie’s photo and both had a chuckle while doing so. Stevie popped that on the Crossdresser Heaven website – seems a few of the members are on their – and for a second time, Stevie’s photo has been featured. I felt happy for her as I think she could do with a change in luck and some good vibes headed her way.

Wrapping up

With the election still going on as we packed away, I popped downstairs to see how folk where getting on. Usually we lock up, but I didn’t want to assume anything. I needn’t have worried as all was in hand. I did spot a folk sporting rosettes from a certain political party. According to the news, the borough has stayed with one of the three main parties, so common sense remains.

I’ll be honest and say that the populist voices are no friends of queer folk, and if I’m honest, I worry a bit about out community in Nottingham. Luckily, there’s some very lovely people at the Centre and in the City Council, so it’s not all doom & gloom.

Here’s to a better future.

L x