This Morning

This morning I managed to turn my alarm off in my sleep, and was awakened by the grocery delivery man ringing the doorbell.  I tried not to look like: I'd just woken up, he'd rung the doorbell twice, I was in my PJ's 10 seconds earlier and in deep sleep REM 5 seconds before that, I had creases on my face, my eyes were puffy and squinty, etc...I think I actually told him I'd been in the garden and hadn't heard the bell.  Why did I do this?  What compelled me to make excuses?  Anyway, pretty sure I gave myself up when I said, "Oh wow! The sun is out!" Nice one.  

This morning I locked myself out of the house.   

This morning I locked myself out of the house with the wrong (unprofessional looking, this is important later) shoes on.   

This morning I couldn't find my rail pass.  

This morning I ran to the tube station in business attire (minus the shoes) because I was running late.  

This morning I was running late for the "Professional" Women's Network lecture on the importance of networking and "building your personal brand" Oh yes, AND the importance of impression in the first 3 seconds of meeting somebody.  Ha. 

This morning I did not feel very professional, and I think it is safe to say that it may have been more than just my feeling.  This morning (and even now, hours later) I felt like laughing maniacally and then crying at the thought of my "personal brand."  I don't even understand WHAT that means.  What DOES it mean? Anybody?  One exercise suggested in the seminar: people I know or have just met describe me in 3 words.  To be honest, I find this more than a little terrifying. 

Days like today make me respect all of you MBA's in ways I cannot fully express.

But days like today also make me: 

Thankful for my kind neighbour, Susanna, who sweetly lent me her key with no questions asked, or any comments on my bizarre outfit.  Just trust me, that means a lot when dealing with someone who's business IS fashion.

Thankful for the very nice Aussie girl I've met and befriended (here's hoping anyway) who has motivated me to go to a number of these unbearable valuable networking events...and reminded me that while other people may have jobs, I have unlimited time to run my fingernails over a chalkboard build a professional network.   Of course, this silver lining is undoubtedly contingent on my being professional...

And to all of you rolling your eyes at my dramatic expression, all I can say is, it is cathartic.

Thanks for listening.