jalléCafe

On the occasion of my second year anniversary

I officially founded my business on 20th December, 2005.  We still operate, with continuously new clients and what seem like steps in the right direction.  Made a few mistakes.  Mostly recoverable.  Will tell you more about how it feels when I have time to feel it -- after this week!

What I know for sure:

I'm fortunate for the people with whom I work.  Have developed new, strong and in-depth relationships through this adventure.

I'm happy with the kind of work I do now and what we stand for.  That was my greatest hope.  To be respected as open, excellent and honest in our intentions.  International and fresh.

And I am home to see little miracles.  Like this Christmas cactus that I bought for less than three francs last year.  Which grew to large proportions and miraculously bloomed in time for the holiday season.  To get this result, I see in hindsight that I mostly paid attention and sent along a few optimistic thoughts.  I added food, water and watched with as much patience as I've ever demonstrated in my life. 

Had so many interesting things to do, it was not so hard as in the past to put a young, tiny plant in the ground and let it grow.

Escape of the blog!

I guess you can tell how my months have progressed!  Swamped.  Mid-November, I wrote in my journal that I needed to figure out how not to lose Christmas in the business.

OK, that much I've managed.  I've been to a Christmas Market in Colmar, France.  (Lovely.  My first.  I see why so many people trek to these traditional festivals.)  Have an advents wreath at home with a new candle burning every week (one of my favorite Swiss traditions).  Stop to drink a steaming cup of warm, mulled wine a lot of evenings on the way home.  Called Gluhwine.  Like a spicy hot cider, but red and warming through and through. Even managed to hang the stockings on my fireplace and sing Christmas caroles with my friends and colleagues of the Professional Women's Group.

So why am I still feeling all is a bit too hectic?  Because right now, everyone tries to live all sides of life.  Personal.  Professional.  Get the cards out.  Toast the holidays.  A lunch added here.  A party added there. And the expectations are higher...feel cheery, grateful, warm, cozy.  Fa-la-la-la-la!

I do feel all of the above.  And, I'm tired.  Fortunately here, it all comes to a screeching stop on 24th December.  Stores close for three days.  People head for the mountains.

I'm glad to still be here another year to enjoy the contrast of 24 hours before.  And I hope to get back to the one thing I miss most that has escaped these last weeks:  this Blog!