New Beginnings

I took lots of readings with me when I flew down to Australia and managed to do a little work - sometimes just 20 mins each day. I read a lot, but as my dad struggles to get internet signal (he lives on the side of a mountain) it was extremely difficult to do anything much other than reading. We also had lots of family up from Melbourne and I wasn't really feeling like working very much as it was such a sad time.

The university lecturer, Roy Crotty, was very understanding and offered me a two week extension. I really appreciated it, because even though I really wanted to get my assignment in on time with a two week trip to Australia -and then a 4 day P.D trip to Bangkok with the library team, it just wasn't possible.

I handed the assignment in last Tuesday and took two nights off. I start again tomorrow on the research for the next assignment.

I can't believe how interesting all this research is. I struggle with the deep theory - but I love all the readings. I have learnt so much and found the readings on leadership styles fascinating. I worked with a Coercive Leader for a few years - I tried everything to get her to understand she needed more empathy for people and didn't need to be so controlling. In the end I couldn't tolerate her total lack of consideration for others and changed jobs - I was really lucky to fall into my dream job and get a 50% pay rise into the bargain!! It all worked out so well for me and I am most appreciative of those people who gave me a chance to change roles within my school. The reason I got the job was because of my people skills. The reason my former boss was a poor leader was because of her lack of EQ and people skills.

I have worked out that I am an Affiliative Leader, but I can also make the tough decisions -so I am pretty happy with who I am. I have a fabulous team of 4 ladies who work in the library and it is a a very happy, harmonious work place.


I am truly lucky!!!

Sad Times

Since I wrote last my mum died. I managed to get back to Australia and spent a day with her before she died. We were called into the hospice at 2:30am the next morning and two hours later she died. Mum just waited for my brother, who was driving down from Sydney, to arrive before she died. She was an incredibly generous and kind mum and I can't believe she is no longer with us. My dad is keeping himself busy, but no doubt he really misses her.



I had a lot more in this blog, but I have gone back and taken it out for a separate blog.I felt that my mum was such a special person she shouldn't have to share this space with talk about Uni or research.

200 people came to my mum's funeral. I think that says a lot about the kind of person she was. At the funeral a man came to tell me his son-in-law had died three weeks earlier and that my mum -even though she was about to go into the hospice- took the time to write to the man asking if there was anything she or my dad could do to help. That was who my mum was. Selfless, caring and very kind and generous.

We miss you mum!!