Back home

I'm back from Brussels and I'm coping with email overload. I didn't check my email while I was away and it was wise of me, even though I now have to catch up. Not funny, eh?!

I had a good time in Brussels as I reconnected with many friends and I spent more energies and time socializing rather than working. I stayed in a very nice area also, this time the visit was worth it. Overall, Brussels is nothing special to me. There are lovely districts though if you can put up with the weather which is often (always?!) grey. On the bright side, chocolate is really good and there are good restaurants too.

We spent the weekend in the garden and did have fun with Orlando. I also enjoyed the sun and a delicious meal at my  mum's house (we usually have lunch with my mum & my uncle on Sundays). I was looking for a book to read and I downloaded the sneak preview of Dan Brown's Inferno. I was very skeptical about it but I changed my mind and eventually purchased it. The setting is great (Florence) and I wished to turn the page! It was hard to put it down although I am aware that it is definitely NOT a masterpiece, like all Dan Brown's books. It's hard to deny that he knows how to sell and this triggers envy from writers who struggle to "make it". The world is full of frustrated writers who hate the lucky ones ;-)  Anyway, it seems worth reading it but I've just started so I'll let you know my thoughts at the end of the book.

Done!

One paper is almost done. It's a big relief. I think we've done a good job but it's not for me to judge. It's been a productive week so far as I've worked at home where I do focus much more than at my work place  (sharing the office space is both good and bad). So I guess I can take one day off from writing :-) 

Working at home allows me to:

- have flexibility in terms of working hours. I work more BUT I start "late" (first thing I do in the morning when I'm at home is walking the dog) around 9:30-45 and finish when I am done with my job. If I am done at 1 p.m. I have lunch at 2 and then work again until I have finished (4? 5? 6? Doesn't matter). Which makes sense, right? I don't get why some people don't understand the importance of flexibility as far working hours are concerned. Some days I can write for 8 hours while others I have to stop after 3 hours because I have to do some research etc. I only have to meet the deadline, I can even work in the evenings or on Sundays. It doesn't make any difference as long as I meet all the deadlines. I know, though, that this doesn't apply to all jobs.

- spend more time with big boy ... I wish I spent more time with my partner too but he's been quite busy lately.

- cook more & eat what I really love instead of eating sandwiches and salads for 5 days in a row.

- workout when I want instead of when I can.

- spend quality time with my family.

- be more productive and relaxed.

So, it's all good!