I'm on strike today over pension reform - the first time ever and not a decision I made lightly but having said 'yes' in the
Prospect ballot I felt I should. Although not strictly 'Public Sector' as we're one of those 'Arms Length Bodies' , we are part of the Civil Service Pension scheme. As I was in my 30's when I joined the scheme ( up until that point I had been contributing to a private pension) I am buying 'additional years' to make sure I am paying enough in to the tune of 14% of my salary. With a 2 year pay freeze ( and then a 1% cap!) it's going to be difficult to pay an additional 3% on top. Our pension benefits are part of the package to make up for the lower pay that scientists and other specialists receive in comparison to the private sector - we're deeply committed to our work (conservation is long-term) but there are limits to how much they take that for granted
Anyway I've been making the most of my days unpaid leave, testing paints on my red and cream ebay purchase , taking photos of the red stick against it.
After cleaning the kitchen,then baking rolls and ginger biscuits, I've been sorting through my fabrics , making a gradient of blue/green tones with a larger 'Anavriti' door piece in mind.
So it was quite opportune to read
'29 Ways to stay creative' posted on Linda's blog. Not doing too badly on several fronts (apart from 4- get away from the computer!) No. 25 resonated' 'Stop trying to be someone else's perfect'
