Around 7 months ago a friend who works for the National Deaf Children’s Society did something rather unfriendly. He got a group of us together, got us drunk, and signed us up for the Three Peaks Challenge.

In the hazy light of the following morning, we all had to agree that yes, those were indeed our scrawled signatures on the dotted line, and we would now have to be true to our (slightly inebriated) word. Conquering the three highest mountains in the UK in 24 hours – how hard could that be????

7 months quickly flew by, with training weekends in the Cotswolds, walking daily to and from work, and numerous trips to outdoor pursuits shops to get all of the latest gear. Before we knew it we were in a Youth Hostel in Stirling with the prospect of the challenge looming grandly ahead of us. The next 24 hours, as outlined here, were a blur of pain, elation, Mars Bars, walking poles, attempted sleep in a minibus and of course many, many blisters………..

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I seem to spend my life writing lists – shopping lists, birthday lists, and things to do. I like the satisfaction of ticking things off as I go, and better still, finishing a whole list. I’m essentially a bit of a geek really! Life, both work and personal, seems to be very hectic at the moment, and the lists keep things in order. Since I started at Launch in August 2008 (which seems like forever ago) I have had the chance to be involved in lots of different projects, each one with its own list! And knowing what is planned for 09, I am sure I am going to have plenty of chances to tick things off!

Looking at my current to do list, it seems as if the next few months are going to be hectic!:

1) Write my blog (tick!)

2) Write up my notes from the agency end of month meeting. There is so much going on and getting the agency all together at the end of each month gives us a chance to see what everyone else is up to, and each month it seems to come around quicker!

3) Finalise my plans for the mentoring team – we are rolling out the first official Launch mentoring scheme which is great – I can’t wait to see all of the hard work from before Christmas really making a different to our people here. Mentoring is a great development tool and for a company of our size is a real bonus.

4) Interviews – I really enjoy interviewing, especially when they are great candidates who are excited by Launch and our work

5) 3 Peaks – I am doing the 3 Peaks challenge in June (Ben Nevis, Snowdonia & Scarfold Pike in 24hrs!) and I really need to get going with sponsorships, buying hiking boots and getting fit – only 5 months to go!

6) Make tea

Well, number one is done – I think I’ll skip to number six (I am unofficially the second floor tea lady!)