The working day

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I work to a pattern. When I work from home I am awake by 7.30 when I get up, let Rigby out to do his business, make a coffee, and feed him. Like me Rigby knows this routine by now and as soon as he hears the coffee being ground he jumps up on me in anticipation of his breakfast.

With coffee in hand I return to bed, where I will read until I have finished my coffee - usually about 45 minutes. I'll get up properly then and shower, dress, and do my morning exercises before getting some breakfast organised - typically this winter porridge with butter and brown sugar. Delish. I'll take that with me and sitting down in front of my PC(Mac!) will eat it in preparation for a long day of work.

I often wonder what I achieve, but I am always busy and never have enough time. As I did when I worked in an office first thing I do is read my emails and respond as appropriate. I'll check a few other sites including the latest news. Then I'll settle down to whatever task I have set myself for the day.

The tasks vary. It might be some work I am doing for myself, some marketing spiel, maybe a white paper I am writing. Today, for example, I worked on a electronic brochure to send out to interested clients.

Other times I may be making calls or dealing with potential clients or service providers. My mind is always ticking over and I am always searching for a different angle.

Maybe a couple of days a week I do some research. I subscribe to a number of business related sites which I'll follow to see what's going on, and often to educate myself in something new. I download a variety of white papers for my own reference, from server virtualisation to Six Sigma, and I'll notes as I read so that I can retain it. I have a good memory for that sort of information in any case, and manage to hold a lot. I am always trying to squirrel away interesting ideas or concepts, products even, which may come in handy.

Some days, though much less lately, I'll make an effort to do some creative writing, and perhaps to update this blog.

I am very scrupulous. I have a fear of wasting my time. I want to feel productive, and with so much still to do and to learn there is no excuse for slacking off. Most days lunch will slide by until after 1, at which time I'll generally whip up something quick - a sandwich, some soup - and eat it working at my desk. In the afternoon I might make myself a cup of tea, but generally I'll go without it.

I knock off sometime after 5 and usually closer to 6. Occasionally I'll crack a bottle of wine and have a glass at my desk that I'll continue later as I whip up dinner.

I try and get out every day. Often that's as simple as giving Rigby a walk, or wandering up the road to buy some groceries. This morning I popped around the corner for a latte and muffin at the usual cafe. Yesterday I dropped by Mum's at lunchtime to fix her PC. On Wednesday I walked to the library and back.

Sometimes I'll take a break mid-afternoon to prepare dinner while listening to my iPod. I enjoy cooking - I find it therapeutic and satisfying - and so I always enjoy these rare interludes. Generally this will be for more involved and ambitious meals when I have people coming over, or to stick in the freezer.

Occasionally on these days I'll venture out to the city. I have the occasional appointment outside of anything work related. And sometimes, like today, I'll go in to catch with someone for lunch.

Today in fact is a little different for most. I was busy all morning and then left for the city to lunch with Tim and Sam, which we do every 4-5 weeks. We had a nice meal, a few beers, and swapped the usual stories. That went for about 90 minutes.

I wandered into the heart of town then, bought a pair of shoes I had my eye on, then ventured into David Jones Food Hall - one of my favourite places. I enjoy my little city excursions and today was no different. Ambling through DJ's I was reminded on the many occasions I have done this, not to mention the many dollars spent.

Job done I caught the tram home listening to my iPod then responding to an urgent email when back at my desk. I looked then at the things I have to do, and for once digressed from the plan. It was Friday afternoon, I had a couple of beers in me and outside was cold and overcast. Hang it all I thought, or something similar, it can wait. And for once in my life I picked up my book and lay, reading, on my bed.

Throughout all this Rigby is thereabouts, sitting at my feet under the desk or lounging on his mat on the futon behind me, and occasionally going for a run or play outside. Sometimes he'll come up to me with his ears cocked and an intent look on his handsome doggy face and will demand my attention, grabbing me by his crooked paw or standing his hind legs or pushing his head onto my lap, or simply licking at any exposed skin he can find.