Enigma Variations

Looking forward to a new era

August 11th, 2010

The last few months have been extremely busy, with few chances for posting on either this blog or any of my others. Aside from the SEO consultancy business which is a seven day a week job at this stage, there have also been the legal intricacies of a separation agreement and the handover of my half of the old marital home to Fiona and the gradual removal of more of my possessions from there.

It feels strange going back to that house now. We bought it 28 years ago and we went through a lot there – starting with stripping out old furnishings and carpets and making improvements when we could afford it, which wasn’t often when interest rates on the mortgage were around 14% and I was managing on a bookseller’s wages. We added double glazing and central heating. Went through the trials of a council area redevelopment process that caused endless dust and considerable expense, plus a caved in kitchen ceiling that killed off our enthusiasm for a long time. Then there were the personal trials; the attempts at having a child through medical investigations and operations for Fiona sadly followed by a miscarriage.

But there were good times too, making plans for holidays in Mull and Skye and the west coast of Scotland, in Slovenia, Austria and Switzerland, always finding mountains and water and breathtaking scenery. We  shared plenty of good food and wine. There are many happy memories but ultimately it all fell apart. Now, nearly at our 30th anniversary we’re finally both moving on and it’s time to look forward rather than back.

Work has changed out of all recognition too. From sound engineering and the excitement of the music business, to the apparent stability of the book trade over 22 years, the uncertainty of finding a new career, surviving a few hiccups and a year of being unemployed to a new position in a business that grew and flourished for five years then ran into trouble. Now I’m just starting my second year of being my own boss and have just taken on an assistant while building links with other businesses.

Next on the agenda is finding a new house, with all the complications involved in that. Where do I want to live, and how much will it cost? As they keep telling you at the new business forums you should have a business plan that asks “where do you want to be in 2 years time?” Looking forward I need to answer that question in both business and private spheres.

Entry Filed under: Personal