The first of the last
Today is the first day of my new job, reports editor for the Principles for Responsible Investment. I expect this to be the last job of my career, which spans 12 years of newspaper reporting (at three papers); 18 years of financial writing (at two mutual fund companies); a break to move to NI and get a degree; 2 years at a non-profit that consisted of three people, me included; and 2.5 years at a global climate campaign.
I'm really excited about my new job. PRI hires exceptional people. I really liked my former manager and my new manager. I wouldn't have had a high opinion of most of my bosses at newspapers or the mutual fund companies. One of whom fired me (and was later fired for sexual harassment because, karma). Anyway, PRI attracts people who are very bright and talented and incredibly nice. My new team is made up of financial writers with a similar background to mine. I can't wait to get started--however today I mainly finished up Climate Action 100+ projects. I just feel very happy that my career will end on a high note--doing something that I really enjoy.
Today I also applied for a passport (after going to two different places to get the right kind of photo--the photo booth version was too dark; after trying and failing to get my biological father's birthday--he died when I was three; after recruiting someone to fill out a detailed form affirming that my passport photo was indeed me--all the usual government snakes and ladders).
And this morning I played seven holes of golf in an hour before work. The 12th hole is near the clubhouse so I played 12-18 and really enjoyed it. Tomorrow's a competition so I'm trying to get my game put together. I played 1-12 yesterday with a friend and was all over the map. I focus better when I'm on my own; I have to bring that into the competition.
The upstairs lounge project continues. Slowly but surely. I took this photo because I'm glad Paddy is enjoying the room. It's still a construction site so I can't sit down and enjoy it, but it doesn't bother him.
In front of him is an ottoman I just had upholstered. It isn't as large as it looks.
Tonight, David took Paddy for a long hike so I painted the wall where the wardrobe used to be duck egg blue. In the morning I'll give it a second coat and I'll be almost done with the room--other than having the carpenter enclose the pipes and fix gaps in the moulding. My attempts to get him to visit haven't succeeded yet.
May 24