Feel Free To Yawn -May 2008

Phew, What a Scorcher?!  

Dear Jim,

Ok, ok I know the weather hasn't exactly encouraged us to reach for our knotted hankies and dash to the beaches -yet .. BUT it will do, I can feel it in my water, so stay positive folks.  

I'm very fortunate to meet the most incredible people, both socially and at work ..in this issue you can read about my encounter with the Lord Mayor, the 'real' jewel in the crown at Royal Mail and a 'tale of talk'.  

Apologies for the delay since my last ramble (can you believe people actually requested more!) -but I've been rushed off my feet working on an exciting new project, which will see us cosy up at INCOSE  in Holland. Hopefully I'll be able to fill you in with the details in the next issue...or keep an eye on the news on our web site.  

Have a fabulous weekend ...ignore the forecasts, the weather will be glorious on Sunday!  

Kind Regards    

Melanie Smart  
Director, Adurasys Ltd

I was recently asked to join the exec committee of the Chamber of Commerce. At one point at the AGM or 'swearing in' day, I was half regretting my decision to join, thinking it would entail some bizarre ceremony involving a whisk and a rubber glove but no, it was nice and simple and they even fed us!

I managed to make a nuisance of myself talking to all and Sundry, which included a little chat to the Lord Mayor. He was politely 'working the room' shaking everyone's hands at the various tables, which I thought very nice; of course when he came to me I had to bend his ear and mentioned that he had some nice badges on his mayor's chain (£25K's worth of solid gold!!) to which he replied "Yes, would you like to feel it..?" Well you can imagine what went through my mind!?

Then I thought "If I say yes, will he offer to show me his puppies?" (whatever they are!)

In all seriousness, he was a lovely chap and it was a fabulous function and I'm delighted to help represent local business.

You Could Talk For England! 

As some of you will know (to your cost), I 'like to talk',inflicting myself on people not only through Adurasys but also my hobby at Toastmasters, (the best way to hone and/or develop your speaking skills).

I recently entered my Toastmasters club competition (Birmingham) just to make the numbers up and, to my great surprise, I won; two weeks later I found myself at theArea contest, which I also won!

This meant a trip up to Aberdeen for the division contest; it was an awesome experience, amazing speakers and as ever incredibly generous people, always looking to help.

As someone who's a bit of a perfectionist but also quite competitive, I sat down after giving my speech, surprised that for once I felt happy I'd given my best and really didn't mind not winning. That said there was a tinge of sadness as they announced 3rd and 2nd place, as I would have liked to have at least been placed.

So you can imagine my surprise when I won! I sat there blubbering like a baby in total disbelief but I was overjoyed.

Now I'm going to the UK and Eire finals on May 10th (what an honour); the winner of which goes through to the World Championships in Canada in August.

My Mom always used to say "You could talk for England" who knows, now it could come true!