I can’t be the only one??  So let me test you – are there other nocturnal people out there?

I don’t mean I stay up and party all night and I do go to bed, but my mind is on overload and I seem to get my best, perhaps radical, but strong strategic thoughts in the middle of the night.  It keeps me awake and sometimes I have to get up and write down my thinking.  Some would say it is because I overdose on caffeine – which is true I do, with a coffee or diet coke permanently by my side. When my insomnia started happening I used to panic about being tired the next day and worrying that I had such a lot to do, but if you are like this you have to learn to relax into it rather than bring worry into your much focused thinking. The relevance is that last night was one of the worst nights for a while but I feel on top of the world with my ideas. Just need to put them into work in progress on our strategy.

Last week I was invited to be an interviewer and judge for the NatWest everywoman most successful business owners. I was flattered to be invited but at the same time I realised that clearly I hadn’t been nominated!! I don’t mind actually – I do have an Award – it was given to me several years ago at a trade dinner called the Alternative Awards. I was the only woman nominated in the category and won by an outstanding majority. The Award which stands proudly at home is for ‘the Worst Dressed Director in Travel’. There are some that would say I should win this every year… and that would be fantastic, I could build up a collection. Back to the everywoman Awards- there were four age categories – under 25, between 25 and 35, between 36 and 44, and over 45.  Wow! These women are all outstanding and I found it a really emotional day listening to their stories. Many had had adversity in their life and I have always said those that get through hardship and come out succeeding are the most special in the world. Well all these women are succeeding tremendously from all walks of life in every profession you can imagine – including what would be seen by many to be in areas that would be considered  a ‘mans world’.

I now know what it is like to have to cancel a holiday , Steve and I were due to go to Nepal in November but because I embrace opportunities that are outside the Bales remit but enriches my own views and life, I have work overload  and simply cannot take the time out. I am not complaining – I have chosen to do this but I am so disappointed that we had to cancel.  A word of advice to you:  if you can do anything to keep your holiday then do it – it is such a magical experience. I am lucky I have such a Saint of a husband but I do understand that I have given up our time together – not a good move and I won’t do it again!

Finally thank you  so much to so many of you for believing and entrusting us with your holiday – this year has been tough for many people and probably when we all need a  holiday most.  Your support has meant that we are going to finish this year with a far brighter future for Bales than it looked it would be at the beginning of 2009.  I am truly indebted to our loyal customers and will not let any of you down; I commit to ensuring that every single one of you that book with us, we will meet and hopefully exceed your expectations.

Thank you again

About Mandy Nickerson

Other articles by Mandy Nickerson

Mandy endeavours to share her travel experiences (where she will 'tell it like it is') and also detail the latest exciting projects that she is involved in. Mandy welcomes your feedback - please feel free to submit your thoughts, queries, comments and theories below.