The summer holidays are here!

Do you recognise this scenario? Kids have just stopped for the holidays, partner's all set for your two-week break, and you're still tidying up loose ends? 

Are you not finished yet?

The final bell this term has rung

And the summer holidays have begun

The kids are hyper, poor hubby’s tired

But to the computer I’m still wired

Another page then a quick read through

Why is there always so much to do?

An early start tomorrow beckons

We’ll make it with ease, hubby reckons

But it’s late already and no end in sight

I can kiss goodbye to that early night

Invoices and emails still to send

This admin drives me round the bend

The flight is booked, we’re off to Spain

In a quest to escape the British rain

Two weeks of rest awaits, I hope

But I do wonder if I’ll cope

My clients know that I’m away

But will I check in every day?

Just in case when I return

I’ve missed a job, that important one

The answer’s ‘no’, time to unwind

Change my routine and clear my mind

Working long hours I’m not alone

So a two-week break should be set in stone

I know the theory, my clients agree

All the guilt is down to me

But before I go all must be right

Not long now, the end’s in sight

Just one more hour, that’s all I need

Then from my desk I will be freed

Two hours later hubby knocks

It’s midnight. Do you never look at clocks?

Far too late I think with a frown

Time to shut my computer down

And as I do I hope I’ll see

A “switch-off” button just for me

 Have a lovely summer break everybody! Hope you find your "switch-off" button...

2013 ITI Conference - were you there?

Did you miss the ITI conference? Curious to know what we all got up to? Here's a little "poetic" summary:

The place is Gatwick, the month is May

The Hilton Hotel is where we’ll stay

The Hilton? What’s the reason why?

It’s this year’s conference of the ITI

Masterclasses a choice of four

Technology, money, could you ask for more?

Working the room is the other choice

Helping translators to find their voice

Drinks and dinner round off the first day

Before the conference gets underway

Soap and drugs, workflow and planes

CPD, export, social media and games

A yoga session to help us unwind

Stretch our limbs and empty our mind

Professional photos taken on site

A chance to get our image just right

Line dancing, whose idea was that?

Yes please I’ll have a sparkly hat

As Sunday dawns there’s lots in store

Quality, patents, contracts and more

Keynote speakers entertain and inspire

Figureheads we all admire

A final break with cakes and tea

Then singing translators with “Stand by me”

At the summary session we take a seat

And soon realise we’re in for a treat

A conference video has been prepared

And we’re the first to see it aired

Next it’s feedback, all positive of course

All in one voice, if a little hoarse

We ate and drank and had some fun

And learnt to look after number one

With knowledge gained at every session

We’ve pulled together as a profession

Nice to meet you!

The 2013 ITI Conference is nearly upon us, so time to share my poem about networking... although we're a friendly bunch and know lots of people "virutally" so I hope nobody actually feels like this at the conference.

Networking

Of course I’ll go, it’s something new

And definitely time my business grew

The event is free so that’s a plus

Networking? Don’t understand the fuss

I’m no shrinking violet, or so I’m told

So what’s the problem for one so bold?

New cards, nice suit and business head

I’m ready for action… what’s that you said?

No, it’s my first, of many I hope

It won’t be easy but I’m sure I’ll cope

Dam and blast it where’s the map?

Not yet a panic, just a bit of a flap

OK I’m not early, but not that late

Just remember it’s not a date

No-one is waiting just for you

But, oh my God, what do I do?

With a beating heart of increasing pace

I scan the room for a familiar face

I’m on my own, there’s no other way

I’ll just have to think of something to say

I approach a group deep in conversation

But stop in my tracks as the topic’s inflation

Deciding I need some time to think

I head for the table to have a drink

I grab a water and down it in one

Desperately fighting the urge to run

Group number two looks a better bet

Just need to do it, no time to vet

‘Do you mind if I join you?’ I say to be nice

It does the trick and breaks the ice

‘My name is Jan’ one says with a smile

Is this your first event in a while?

‘Yes’ I say, ‘well to tell the truth.

First time ever, shaky hand’s the proof.’

‘Only my second so I feel your pain.

But little to lose and lots to gain’

Her words of encouragement are all I need

I join the group and am soon up to speed

Explaining the work of a freelance translator

I discover a client who may need me later

Cards are exchanged and it’s time to move on

Somehow I no longer feel so forlorn

It certainly wasn’t as easy as expected

But with a couple more I could have it perfected?