It's all because of Emma

I've been a little neglectful of my blog the last few days but I haven't been idle. I've been over at my on line store Pretty Things For You, ordering products, waiting patiently for them to arrive and working on quotes for birthday parties. But today, as I searched for more pretty things I suddenly realised I am content. Finally. I am doing something I love and it's all happened 'accidentally'. Some might think so. Others would suggest it's the universe. I, looking back and retracing my footsteps, say it's Emma.

And so this post is to say a BIG thank you to my little girl who has had an incredible impact on my life. It's a note of gratitude to a little soul who has lead me, carefully and caringly, to where I have always wanted to be. She's opened my eyes to a world once unknown and my heart to a love never experienced. She has brought people into my life I would never have had the opportunity of meeting and it's because of her I find myself where I am today.

Pre-Emma I was all about my career. I'm not sure why. Heck, it wasn't as though I was saving lives, researching cures for dreaded diseases or hunting down whaling boats. I was a PR person in the entertainment. Yup. That's what I did. Still do to a lesser degree. But that's what I was hanging onto. For all I was worth.

When Emma arrived I was at MTV Networks. Working long hours, attending functions, hanging out at places with VIP areas and loads of 'schlebs'. And in my mind life was good. But then this teeny tiny bundle of delicious chocolate arrived. With spindly little legs, spindly arms to match and hair like a baby bird's feathers. And my life changed. Suddenly I didn't want to be at work all the time. I didn't want to get home to my miracle fast asleep in her cot. I wanted every waking moment to be with her.

So I quit. I left the exciting, crazy world of entertainment PR and moved into a more 'serious' role, with more of a work / life balance. And life was good. Or so I thought. And then Ben arrived and I took maternity leave and I realised I didn't miss the 9-5 routine, the office politics, the games, the BS. And so I left. But in amongst all of this upheaval I was having fun planning Emma's 1st, 2nd and 3rd birthday parties.

I took on the challenge of Ben's 1st birthday with military precision. Loving every moment. Over the last four years I  have met like-minded people. Chatted with them. Built solid friendships and partnerships.

My last 'job' was contract based but I found I was spending more and more time at their offices. I was sitting in unnecessary meetings, watching the minions blowing smoke up management's you know what. Standing in an odd position where I was kinda an employee but not really. It's an interesting place to be. And so I quit.

And "out of the blue" I decided to start my little on line party shop. And then I got a request to quote on a party. And another one...

To keep me out of trouble I still have two other contracts and to fulfill a life-long dream, I've just been appointed as a part time lecturer at a rather cool 'varsity.

And today, all of a sudden, out of the blue I came to the quiet realisation that I am happy. Truly. And it really is because of Emma.

Because of Emma I started writing. Because of her I got the chance to discover a rather creative side of me. Because of my almost four year old I laugh a lot louder, think a little deeper, practise a lot more compassion, cry a lot less.

There is a chance that my daughter will never fully understand just how much she has changed me for the better. She might not 'get' how she inspired me to be where I am right now. And there is the slight possibility that all of this actually has nothing to do with her.


Bur I strongly doubt it

xxx