Well, I've done it!! I've taken two steps towards my Big Plan.
I've emailed the Christie's volunteer co-ordinator person and offered my services. I explained why I wanted to volunteer and I'd give anything a go. Awaiting their reply.
I've also had the "off the record" chat with my boss. I explained I wouldn't be doing anything formal for a few months but wanted to make him aware. He was brilliant - not only did he say he'd support me doing it for the Christie, but if for some reason they didn't use me, he'd also support me if I wanted to volunteer for another cancer-based cause. Which I would certainly do - Macmillan being next on the list.
He also said he'll consider compressed hours as an alternative to part time, or a mixture of compressed hours and part time i.e. instead of doing 35 hours in 5 days, he'll look at, say 32 hours in 4 days instead, to minimise the impact on my income.
Kinda hard to explain, but doing this feels Right, somehow.
On a more frivolous note, I took my wedding dress to the tailor's yesterday for taking up of the hem and minor remodelling of the bodice. I went into the shop wearing my scruffies, so when I stepped out of the changing cubicle wearing the dress, it was quite a transformation!! [even if I say so myself]. Bearing in mind my dress is in fact a turquoise floor-length ballgown, I guess it must have been quite a sight!!
I've also decided I'm going to do all those things that I've thought "Oooh, I'd like to do that at some point", and I've booked the first one already. It's a weekend at the 2011 F1 GP at Silverstone. It's my wedding present to Andrew; we're having a 3 day pass to the event and 2 days in a hotel. I'm very excited and hope I can keep it a secret!
Getting a second chance at life has made me determined to live.
Jacqui x
