Frump to Fab - Sizzling Summer Solstice to Awesome Autumn Equinox

podperson

You ever get the feeling you can't win? After rushing to get the photos finished for tonight and dropping them off personally at her house so she didn't need to wait for them in the post, she says she likes them, posts loads up on Facebook but then messages me saying 'oh, I notice you've put some of them on your website now, you really ought to have asked before doing that you know.' :mad:
*sighs* It clearly said in the intially ad I put out that photos were free in exchange for being able to use them in my portfolio - plus did she think I was doing an 11 hour shoot on the day and over a week of non-stop editing just for the fun of it?
Think I should just give up this week :rotfl:

**tracey**

I had a fairly good day foodwise although it could have been better, it was definitely better than last week. I also did 20 minutes on crosstrainer tonight. I have to do it as soon as I come home or it just won't get done.

Going to smother myself in body cream tonight before going to bed.

lessonlearned

podperson wrote: »

You ever get the feeling you can't win? After rushing to get the photos finished for tonight and dropping them off personally at her house so she didn't need to wait for them in the post, she says she likes them, posts loads up on Facebook but then messages me saying 'oh, I notice you've put some of them on your website now, you really ought to have asked before doing that you know.' :mad:
*sighs* It clearly said in the intially ad I put out that photos were free in exchange for being able to use them in my portfolio - plus did she think I was doing an 11 hour shoot on the day and over a week of non-stop editing just for the fun of it?
Think I should just give up this week :rotfl:

The cheeky madam. I didn't realise you were doing this for free.

Now I don't wish to nag you and I know why you did it for free but nearly every business guru you'll ever meet will tell you the same - don't give your valuable time and expertise for free - people will not appreciate you or think of you as a serious professional.

My OH was a self employed IT professional and he always used to joke that the more he charged people for his services the more respect they showed for his advice. Although it was said in jest there was more than a grain of truth there.

If in the future you do decide to offer freebies in exchange for using their pics in your promotional material please get this in writing. Draw up a contract. The last thing you want is for something like this to bite you on the bum. An awkward client could easily take you to court over something like this, so make sure you draw up a watertight agreement first.

Always get things in writing. Here endeth the lesson.:rotfl

Some great progress on here, weight losses and healthy eating etc - you seem to be on a roll.

Well I had a very productive weekend - all new artworks on the walls - the house is starting to take shape now. Did a thorough clean through from top to bottom, tamed a bit the jungle, as well as top to toe personal fabbing.

It's been very much a "focus on me weekend" and I feel that I've really started to make some progress.

One thing that has really helped - is my gradual decluttering. Getting rid of all the extra gubbins that was lying around and thinning out the overstuffed cupboards, wardrobes and drawers has made an enormous difference.

I've come to the conclusion that "things" just weigh you down, getting rid of the all the surplus stuff has made keeping the house clean and tidy so much easier. I'm really loving the new simple pared down way of living. I've still got plenty to get rid of but the little and often approach does work and it is really quite painless.

My new thing for this week is - walking. I am terribly unfit and I have been advised by my physiotherapist to walk more to help my back.

So tomorrow it begins...

My second new thing is - more sleep and earlier bedtimes.

So - Goodnight ladies.

podperson

LL - yeah all the upcoming ones are free, it is a little frustrating but wedding photography is just so competitive that you have basically no chance of getting jobs without a decent wedding portfolio - but of course how do you get the portfolio without the jobs, bit of a catch 22. Is one of the things that has put me off it for while but realised I just need to bite the bullet and put the work in to get it built up. Am going to have to look at sorting out some sort of contract though I think.
Sounds like a good weekend x

ps for anyone who'd like a look at the photos there are some up on my website (through my profile) - comments welcome

lessonlearned

Madrabbitgirl wrote: »

LL: I really feel for you, it must be so draining having to deal with so much. It sounds like a pretty tough situation, especially if your brother isn't really helping the situation. He is probably just really worried. Whatever the outcome, there is only so much one person can do, try not to feel that it is entirely down to you to sort out and make sure everything is ok. Remember to take care of yourself too.
)

Thanks. Actually I think you might be mixing me up with someone else - I don't have a brother.:rotfl: WisHed I did I always wanted a big brother.

I have a sister who is fab - my "bestest" friend. She has been absolutely awesome with Mum & Dad. I only hope they appreciate her - she is running around after them. In fact far too much so because I think she is wearing herself out. She is a star in my books.

My sis helped me take OH to hospital yesterday in Nottingham - a round trip from the nursing home of something like 40 miles - next time it will have to be hospital transport - we struggled so much and poor OH was so uncomfortable on the journey. The car is ok for short hops but that's it now.

Anyway we called in to Mum & Dads afterwards. Mum seems ok - quite bright and perky but Dad is already cracking under the strain.
He doesn't know how to manage the carers but more worryingly he couldn't understand that mum desperately needs to see her GP.

I pointed out that she is terribly swollen - hands, feet and tummy - he hadn't even noticed. Something is clearly wrong - hopefully it's just fluid retention but it does need to be checked out. When I mentioned this he went ballistic. He's clearly out of his depth and I just don't feel that either of them are safe.

For my pains I just get yelled at.:o Last night he accused me of talking to him like a 4 year old. I had to bite my lip and refrain from saying "Well stop behaving like one".

Tomorrow I have a meeting with the matron at OH's nursing home to discuss his long term care plan. We will be looking at the Liverpool Care Plan - i.e. the end of life care plan. Not a nice subject but this has to be addressed asap because his speech is virtually unintelligible now so we cant put this off any longer.

After that I will meet with the solicitor to finalise the Power of Attorney and all the legal bits and pieces. After that there's not much else I can do.

What larks. So ...... not the nicest of weeks ahead. I will just have to dig deep and get on with it.

In the meantime today I have pleasure of tackling my oven.:eek: and definitely that walk....

Have a great day.

heebie-jeebies

podperson wrote: »

ps for anyone who'd like a look at the photos there are some up on my website (through my profile) - comments welcome

PP - I have sent you a PM, hope you receive it.

LL - what an awful week. I hope it goes as well as it can. Hugs, we are all here for you x

lizzie157

podperson wrote: »

LL - yeah all the upcoming ones are free, it is a little frustrating but wedding photography is just so competitive that you have basically no chance of getting jobs without a decent wedding portfolio - but of course how do you get the portfolio without the jobs, bit of a catch 22. Is one of the things that has put me off it for while but realised I just need to bite the bullet and put the work in to get it built up. Am going to have to look at sorting out some sort of contract though I think.
Sounds like a good weekend x

ps for anyone who'd like a look at the photos there are some up on my website (through my profile) - comments welcome

the photos are good- i prefer the informal ones but that's just me. i like to see a real moment captured rather than a posed one.

lessonlearned wrote: »

Thanks. Actually I think you might be mixing me up with someone else - I don't have a brother.:rotfl: WisHed I did I always wanted a big brother.

I have a sister who is fab - my "bestest" friend. She has been absolutely awesome with Mum & Dad. I only hope they appreciate her - she is running around after them. In fact far too much so because I think she is wearing herself out. She is a star in my books.

My sis helped me take OH to hospital yesterday in Nottingham - a round trip from the nursing home of something like 40 miles - next time it will have to be hospital transport - we struggled so much and poor OH was so uncomfortable on the journey. The car is ok for short hops but that's it now.

Anyway we called in to Mum & Dads afterwards. Mum seems ok - quite bright and perky but Dad is already cracking under the strain.
He doesn't know how to manage the carers but more worryingly he couldn't understand that mum desperately needs to see her GP.

I pointed out that she is terribly swollen - hands, feet and tummy - he hadn't even noticed. Something is clearly wrong - hopefully it's just fluid retention but it does need to be checked out. When I mentioned this he went ballistic. He's clearly out of his depth and I just don't feel that either of them are safe.

For my pains I just get yelled at.:o Last night he accused me of talking to him like a 4 year old. I had to bite my lip and refrain from saying "Well stop behaving like one".

Tomorrow I have a meeting with the matron at OH's nursing home to discuss his long term care plan. We will be looking at the Liverpool Care Plan - i.e. the end of life care plan. Not a nice subject but this has to be addressed asap because his speech is virtually unintelligible now so we cant put this off any longer.

After that I will meet with the solicitor to finalise the Power of Attorney and all the legal bits and pieces. After that there's not much else I can do.

What larks. So ...... not the nicest of weeks ahead. I will just have to dig deep and get on with it.

In the meantime today I have pleasure of tackling my oven.:eek: and definitely that walk....

Have a great day.

sorry things are still not v. good. ((hugs)). it's good you have your sister for support though.

re the walking i walk most days as you know but i have been looking at how to get the most benefit from it, you strike the heel down first, roll through your foot and push off with the ball of your foot. small steps are fine, have been giving it a go and you can really tell you've done it, you have to concentrate a bit and atm i can only do shortish distances but it feels productive rather than my usual amble.

i thought it may be helpful to look at how i was doing re the goals i set
1: Strengthen my back, shoulder and get my finger working to the best it can be. (at least 10 mins a day)

have done this, finger every day as needed, back and shoulder 5/7 days - you need to rest your muscles to get the best benefit

2: improve self confidence image by making time for me. so 10 mins a day (at least ) on a beauty routine, ie nails, hair etc

have managed to do this most days so am getting there

3: Wear the clothes, jewelery etc that I never seem to use

less success on this one so must work at it

4: When I go out the door to make sure I am looking groomed (even when dogwalking) and not like the tramp that usually ventures forth.

i mostly make sure i look ok when i go out but sometimes i seem to be in such a rush it doesn't happen so a bit more work on this too

i'm quite happy with that some progress and some more needed.
the back's feeling better. it's still not as it should be but it's much better than it was a few weeks ago so am pleased with that.
best get on a few calls to make before i take the dog walking

Bitsy_Beans

Podperson might be wise to get written agreements drawn up for your future freebies to avoid any further misunderstandings. Can't view your website on the iPad, stupid Apple and their restrictions with Flash player <sigh> will check them out next time I am on lappy.

LL dig deep lovey, bumpy ride for you but I know you'll come out the other side one way or another x

Hugs all round to everyone else xxx

Done some yoga this morning along with facial exercises. Not sure how much fabbing I'll get done today, decorating DDs birthday cake today.

Have a good day all, despite the p!ss poor weather :rotfl:

Madrabbitgirl

Sorry LessonLearned, I meant your dad. I don't know why I put brother! It sounds like he is just really scared by the whole situation but it's not fair if he's taking it all out on you. I hope your mum is ok.
That's really sad about your OH. I really don't know how I would deal with a situation like that. Please try to stay strong.

SAVVYJADE

Hi all

Another wet and miserable day in south Wales.

What is this Shred plan everyone is along about??

SJ x