Jennysha's job log: 10
Jennysha Patel
- June 2009.
The story so far… Jennysha graduated two years ago, and is looking for ways into publishing. Meanwhile she combines work in a bookshop and a library.
Surprise turns to shock
Oh My Goodness. I have had a week of emotional turmoil followed by a week of physical exhaustion. Of course, thinking about it, I probably asked for them both to be honest. The former was emotionally taxing because since making a promise to myself this year to not worry (as much) and get stressed (about things out of my control), I did both of those things quite profusely. Indeed, my mind was so unbelievably preoccupied, I could not concentrate enough to submit my blog, and hence you will have missed me last time! Apologies…
As you may know, I’m going to be a bridesmaid this year, and, along with the other older bridesmaid, we are responsible for making necessary arrangements for the hen-do and related events in the run up to the big day. Surpassing the traditional getting-drunk-into-oblivion all the whilst clad in pre-wedding paraphernalia: L-plates and so on, we decided we would surprise our soon-to-be-wed friend with a more intimate, sophisticated, old Hollywood 50s/60s themed party. It being a surprise, she, like most recipients of surprises, had no idea whatsoever and had not requested what we were planning.
However, shock shock horror, she found out about the surprise! Following what I see fit to describe as a myriad of Chinese whispers, she told us that she doesn’t want the surprise party. This is probably where I feel my role as a bridesmaid has really come into play as I have had to be diplomatic and mediate between sad, frustrated, upset other bridesmaid and determined, adamant, ‘it’s my wedding and I want it my way’ bride. Aside from being a little disappointed with this turn of events, especially considering all the valuable time and effort put into this grand idea, I am actually a little relieved it is out of our hands. It is now, like the majority of the wedding plans, down to the bride to organise exactly what she wants.
The selfless worker
As for the week just gone being physically demanding, this is down to the fact that I volunteered for extra hours at the bookshop. I know I speak of it being a dampener on my spirits, however on this occasion, I feel I made a wise business decision. I requested more work time as a result of my partner in crime being on holiday. I believed by going to management with a kind offer of my time and expertise (because let’s face it, I’m pretty good at what I do there), they would see me in a positive light (always works in the long run) and whereas they would see me as helping them, in actual fact I would be helping myself by being able to use this example in the future, should I need to, as ammunition. That might sound a little confusing, as most of what I say can be, but basically, it’s all about playing the game to your advantage, especially when the people you’re playing against (i.e. the management) play dirty. Plus a bit of extra pay is always welcome.
Other very exciting news, I went to a writers’ evening last week. Initiated and co-run by a fellow library assistant, who also doubles up as an aspiring filmmaker, I was exposed to a new bunch of people: the creative crowd. A friend of a friend recently enlightened me by commenting on my working patterns and extra-curricular activities (my life, in other words) and said that it’s good that I am putting myself in different situations with diverse dynamics. I would have to say this particular ‘situation’ definitely worked well. The people I met were very easygoing and down-to-earth and I feel I am learning so much seeing as they mostly write screenplays/scripts/short stories. I on the other hand have only really started focusing on writing and even then, it’s my version of poetry, this blog and of course my journaling. I think it works though, broadening the mind and so on.
Anyway, I must rush off now for my shift at the bookshop as Take That have brought their Circus tour to Coventry for the next few days and I am most certain that my bus route will be ridden with traffic. Time for me to get this show on the road!
Read my previous job logs
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