Life in the middle

Three of a kind.

Last week I received one of those cards that postmen leave when they have a package for you but you're not at home. Thinking it was a small paperback book I'd ordered a couple of days before, I decided to pick it up on my way to work, thinking I could stuff it into my rucksack and then carry on cycling to work. When I got to the post office I found out that it was in fact the new Steven Pinker book that had arrived, a large hardback copy. Slightly pissed off, I spent several minutes rearranging my bag. And then cycled to work (from Ealing to Brick Lane), with a heavy load.

The next day I discovered the postman had left another card. The paperback had arrived. Or so I thought. Once more I got to the post office, thinking I could collect the book on my way to work. What I discovered when I got there was that I had accidentally ordered the Pinker book twice. Even more pissed off, I once more rearranged my bag. Stuffed in the book, and headed for work, with a heavy load.

On Saturday I decided to pick up my bike, which I had left at work following a few drinks Friday. Before picking it up I met Russell for one of our 'stupidly early' weekend coffees. Nice as it was I have to admit my heart sank when he pulled out my birthday present - a copy of the new Steven Pinker book, in hardback. So I took the book, and put it in my bag, and looked forward to the long cycle home, with a heavy heart.

So, there we are - three copies of the same book. All ridden either to or from work. I'm keeping the US copy, the one Russell gave me, and Russell wants one of the other copies (I don't think he's fussed which one he gets). But I'm not sure what to do with the other one, at the moment I'm conisidering either giving it to the postman, or burning it.

How I feel at the moment.

(As captured by Russell.)

Reception.

Faces to watch.

Wieden's creative team Ian and Sophie. Look at those serious expressions, you can tell they are thinking about important creative stuff.

Or maybe not.

That shirt.

The important question of the day - is my polo shirt too blue?

"Go big, or go home."

First day at W+K. I approached with caution.

But soon I felt right at home (stupid comes easy).

My desk was ready for me, and I immediately starting growing brands (it's what I do).

I admired the sock wearing of my colleagues.

And I was pointed to the stationery cupboard when I asked "where do I get a square Honda tyre? I can't find them anywhere".

Dollar took me for lunch (sushi) and then on for some weird kind of East London tea type action (when in Rome, and all that).

I got back to the office to find a sweet message from a couple of creatives who were clearly overwhelmed to have an ex-client joining the agency.

Laura sat behind me.

Phillipe to my right.

Katherine in front of me.

And Simon (Lebowski) happily on another floor.

So that was my day. Some other things happened, you know meetings and stuff, but nothing you'd be that interested in.

Then I finished up, and went off to the pub feeling optimistic about being on the inside looking out.

Making good.

David won the bike. So today I cycled it over to Rainey's to make good on the promise I'd made. She was a little rusty, literally, and somewhat out of shape, but she got from home to Camden. David wasn't there so I parked her up on the bike rack, thanked her, and wished her well in the future.

Goodbye David's bike.

So that was Rainey Kelly.

Friday was my last day at Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R, and the end of my first 6 months as a planner. It was hard work (sometimes I missed Neighbours) and it was fast paced, and having only been there 6 months it's hard to judge whether I made any kind of worth while contribution. But, one thing is for sure - it was good fun. As well as doing some work on Lloyds TSB and Marks & Spencer, I did the following;

I hung out with the neighbours; Emily, Bunty, and Tipple. Look what a happy bunch they are, all smiles and good cheer.

I inspired the next generation, via the RKCR summer scheme - guiding them through my own particular blend of gonzo planning, good luck to them all (they're going to need it).

I wined and dined with the advertising cognoscenti.

I split some tea.

I watched my (award winning) colleagues take it to the edge.

And I did it all with a pair of shades on.

As that chapter ends a new one must begin, so, after a day's holiday today, it's Wieden & Kennedy tomorrow.

My shades are ready.

Me, by Dad. (And the better one.)

More me, this time by the old man.

And not to be out done, Tom also does the business.

A final curtain.

Things are a bit hectic at the moment and I'm not really giving this blog the attention it deserves. Although I am starting a new job in a week, so hopefully I'll have a bit more time then. But in the meantime, things may go quiet(er) for a bit.

But keep one eye out. I'll be back. Just when you're not expecting me - just like that! Like a thing that comes back really quickly, just when you think it won't, it will be exactly that feeling, doubled.

Oh yeah, and the picture - well it seemed appropriate. It's narcissistic, like this blog. It's unfinished, like this blog. And I like it, ditto this blog.

So, good evening, for now.