Free to lance

Being a man, important dates float by me without ceremony. Family birthdays, etc. I'm not being thoughtless or selfish. I'd forget my own birthday if not for the reminders from family and friends. I now realise that one rather important occasion floated past without comment the other day. I was filling in a very boring form, and it asked me how long I've been in my present employment. As I left Publishing News on 22 March 2002, I've now been a full-time freelance writer for 8 years and 3 days. I use the phrase full-time advisedly, for the main joy of doing what I do is that I don't keep regular hours. Also, working at home means that I get to see a lot of my daughter as she grows up. So, 8 years without a regular guaranteed income, and I'm still keeping my head above water (just about). I think that's worthy of celebration. Nothing fancy. Lidl has ersatz Pomagne for £1 a bottle. That's about my level. Cheers.