I’m not a saint.
Far from it. But then you all know this fact, some more than others, I dare say.
I have been reminded of my lack of sartorial elegance by this morning’s annual troll through the jumpers initiative.
It’s autumn and the jumpers and cardigans have been released from their shelves again, but this time it’s for my counselling day, where I need to look suitably professional but relaxed enough to trust.
Finding a suitable jumper without the obligatory food stains down the front has proved to be a difficult task.
I’m annoyed by my own slutty behaviour!
For even after washing several still have the ghosts of gravy and soup once enjoyed !
Eventually I found a rather nice blue arran, but alas, this had a doggy rip in the sleeve so I eventually settled for a Scandinavian number in blue
I say, old chap! Very nice. Just the right look for a professional counsellor.
ReplyDeleteI’m trying to give off “ safe” vibes, some of my new clients are women , and male counsellors are sometimes not expected
DeleteI like those Jumpers, this one has a beautiful Number in Blue.
ReplyDeleteLovely xx
DeleteVery trustworthy and stylish.
ReplyDeleteJust the vibe
DeleteYou don't want to look like Giles Brandreth, or even like Val Doonican; somewhere in between!
ReplyDeleteGawd no, although I love gile’s humour , tv am 1980s isn’t the vibe I wanted
DeletePerfect. Charmaine
ReplyDeleteCheers Chuck x
DeleteNice. Time to invest in some adult sized bibs? Mind you, I can't talk. I constantly have food down my front! xx
ReplyDeleteI’ve been sent several bibs by humorous blog readers
DeleteI honestly can't remember what my counsellors wore but I do remember how good they were (or not), I especially remember how they made me feel. I can remember feeling so much more positive after the 50 minutes with the good ones. Carole R.
ReplyDeleteMost of my clients return each week which is encouraging
DeleteI think that male counsellors should wear maroon corduroy smoking jackets with beige shirts and spotted silk cravats. Downstairs - formal grey trousers and brogues.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised that this important personal presentation aspect was not covered in the course you undertook.
I think you’ve been listening to this
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h47So-TWsdc
I doubt your patients/clients will notice what you're wearing. People wrapped up in their own misery see nothing beyond themselves.
ReplyDeleteI’m not so sure, they deserve me giving my appearance some thought, it’s respectful , I learned that painful lesson from my ex husband
DeleteMy British grandmother would say " looking like an unmade bed ! "
DeleteThat good!
DeleteGreat choice. I’m a bit disappointed, though. I had no idea you weren’t a saint. I feel misled.
ReplyDeleteLike Snow White……I drifted
DeleteVery nice. Gigi
ReplyDeleteThanks Chuck
DeleteJohn, I love that you want to look approachable - that will do wonders making your clients comfortable. I, too, have issues with stains on my shirts. I live in tee shirts and shorts, and every single tee shirt has a stain on it somewhere, be it paint, food, or who knows what the hell I dripped on it! And I don't rightly care. I had to wear dress clothes for YEARS for work, and am retired now and a member of the We Do Not Care Club.
ReplyDeleteKarla - I am also a member of the WDNC club as well as (after reading your blog) discovering that we are also united through another fellowship. I don't know how to put a heart emoji here but I am sending one.
DeleteKarla and Katie, I’ve been part of WDNC club since I was 18 months old ….but I recognise that I need to look the part, even though it’s important for me to share that I have been born to wear relaxed clothes.
DeleteI owe that to my governing body
Nice jumper! BUT I'm still patiently waiting for the appearance of the promised addition to the Gray household of a Bulldog. Somewhere there's a sad Bulldog, bored and tired of being unwanted & unloved, longing for a cuddly, loving be-jumpered new Daddy . . .. . . . ? ?
ReplyDeleteI’m still waiting to hear about Grace ( Gracie) she has been unwell and I have been firm that I will only take her when she is healthy and stable
DeleteI don't wear jumpers, not my thing - I get too hot in them. I prefer the flexibility of a fleece or hoodie.
ReplyDeleteI have 8 hoodies, but not a counselling look !
DeleteVisible mending is quite attractive and accessible - maybe that's an approach to take with that lovely Scandinavian sweater. Or perhaps there is a visible mending crafts person in the village who would like to trade their work for some dog cuddling time? I'd be all over THAT if I lived nearby.
ReplyDeleteCeci
I think I agree with you, I’m going to approach Ma Manley
DeleteMy youngster solved the stain on the front by wearing it backwards. Your sweater looks good.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea xxxxx
Delete😁😁😁😀😃😃😃🥲😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣
DeleteI think you should be advised that if any of your patients are on psychedelic drugs that sweater might burn their brains out.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, it's fine.
Cheeky x
DeleteYou look great, and it is what is inside that matters. I should sort out of few winter shirts that have stains that won't come out.
ReplyDeleteI bet you haven’t even one stained item dear David
DeleteA few. Even dark colors show some stains.
DeleteI used to have to dress that way when I worked in a nonprofit, respectable for meetings but still approachable by upset people. It's sometimes a puzzle, trying to hit the right note.
ReplyDeleteIndeed dear boud
DeletePerfectly huggable 😘
ReplyDeleteI’d hug him
DeleteKeith
Xx
Ahhh bless the both of u
DeleteMe too Keith
Delete🥰🥰🥰
Lee
You look fine.
ReplyDeleteThank you that reader
DeleteHope a knitter could fix the hole in that jumper sleeve and that you'll invest in several work jumpers unless a professional laundry could get some of those stains out.
ReplyDeleteYes, you do look wonderfully huggable and that is what counts.
Hugs!
That was the “ look” I was going for , benign and safe
DeleteWhen starting a new career, purchase of a few new sweaters seems just fine.
ReplyDeleteSmart casual is the way to go because the clothing works well for many occasions.
What about a jaunty scarf ?
DeleteHaving no experience with the jaunty scarf, I'll await your findings. Maybe it works!
DeleteMe a jaunty scarf ? No way
DeleteHow about a few button-up vests to cover stains?
DeleteHugs!
Or a plastic paddling pool
Delete?? Hugs!
DeleteI like it. Wish I had one!
ReplyDeleteI made the mistake in buying plain jumpers which show the DRIPS
DeleteI do remember what various therapists wore, even tho it has been maybe 30 years--but that's just me. The airy fairy in floaty scarves was a b%^tch, screechy dude in knee high Doc Martens, lol, was all about himself; my son had an orthopedic surgeon who wore the most gorgeous hand tailored suits---but the fat guy in the very wrinkled suit was wonderful. You are you--I don't think holes and stains will go away but your warm heart is what matters.
ReplyDeleteThe fat therapist in the holey jumper
DeleteYou are very slim in comparison, but he listened and actually contributed, his weight a non issue.
DeleteMaybe that is why so many counsellors wear scarves or cravats, they can be whipped off after lunch ready for an afternoon session with clients. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI draw the line at a cravat
DeleteReally like your blue jumper and perfect with that wonderful pattern rather than solid which shows even a drop. Me thinks it’s time in your professional life to invest in a few new choices, too. And, please consider having a backup in your briefcase or car because well you are our dear John after all and life happens.
ReplyDeletePatterns are very forgiving with gravy splashes
DeleteApparently Bridal shops use baby wipes to keep their stock stain free from make-up etc. A small travel size could live in your briefcase or shoulder bag and 1 in Bluebell.
DeleteOr the stain remover pens...but so Not John.
DeleteYou need a couple of jumpers just for work. Swap for an old jumper when going to lunch.
ReplyDeleteGood idea , I will have a look on Friday x
Delete🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶
DeleteThe Scandinavian number is cute, as Scandinavian numbers so often are.
ReplyDeleteVery hugge
DeleteSquire ,you need some sweater buying, try the UK version of TJ MAXX lots of cheapo s there
ReplyDeleteLee
I am going to the bargain store on Friday
DeleteI am about to give up and either wear an apron or a bib!! I'm not sure where the blobs on the floor come from either. I do like to look nice so I need to make a few changes. Once your clients feel your personality I don't think they will care about your clothes - but, first impressions do matter. Best Wishes, John!
ReplyDeleteI blame my dyspraxia , but that’s my excuse
DeleteI actually love that sweater! Approachable and huggable, as others have said.
ReplyDeleteHygge…..the style to go
DeleteOh John, I thought my eyesight wasn’t as good as usual so last week I saw my eye Doctor. She sent me to an eye clinic today for treatment that might help. Well, I walked into a room full of people a clipboard was thrust into my hand and before I hardly started to fill in the questions I was told to go to another room full of people. I answered a couple more things and was then seated at the first of four machines having eye drops then tests done again.. Back into the room full of people for a few minutes then in to see Doctor. He comes in, says I am Dr. B you are legally blind in one eye, you have macular something something and need needles in your eye. I immediately thought of you. I asked what if I don’t get them and he said you will lose all sight in that eye. Wow I said So when do we start. Now he said and you will have them every four weeks. So someone comes in, more eye drops to numb the eye. Doctor comes back, get injection I said I had questions but he rushed out saying he would be back. A few minutes later he comes back, I get another injection he asks for my questions but I had forgotten what I wanted to know, I was then told to go pay for the eye tests and make an appointment for next month. I walked out of there in less than hour feeling like I had been punched in the gut, kinda like a car on an assembly line driving out the other end. The only good thing is that needles don’t bother me but I freak out if I have to get my blood pressure taken so I know how you feel about the needles in your eye. Why no compassion, the shock of it all is just starting to wear off and I just remember my Question. How long before you might see any improvement, I guess that will be a question for next month. I just had to unload John sorry. Gigi
ReplyDeleteI forgot when the taxi brought me home ,one of the two blind men who have lived on my street was walking past. At that moment I felt really grateful to have one good eye. Perspective eh? Gigi
DeleteWhat a horrendous experience, Gigi. I hope you're feeling OK now and that the injections work. xx
DeleteSending a virtual hug to you Gigi 🫶🏻
DeleteThank you both, I needed that hug. Gigi
DeleteWow, Gigi, this is hard to read, can only imagine how disheartening it was to actually experience. And then your note about perspective - having to be brave sucks, eh?
DeleteCeci
Gigi I feel for u , animal helper pat has a similar condition and she’s up to 100 injections
DeleteShe told me to “ get on with mine” in no uncertain terms ….xxx
I asked about what happens if I don’t get the injections and was told I would lose all sight in that eye. So yes, do as you are told, John. Gigi
DeleteGigi, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has good patient information at www.AAO.org. That might help fill in the gaps and give you a better sense of what's happening. Be well...
DeleteWell, I think you look comfortable. Comfortable in your own skin. Comfortable to sit and chat with. I think that is the goal, right?
ReplyDeleteThat’s the idea x
DeleteDefinitely time to invest in a few new jumpers, but only wear them for work maybe.
ReplyDeleteI hear u
DeleteOh my god man, are you sure you're gay? I just have to laugh and shake my head. My husband is the same way. Get a few new ones and only wear them to work.
ReplyDeleteMany others have said similar
DeleteNice! To be fully trustworthy, I think you need some of those leather elbow patches. X
ReplyDeleteI like the look, like the psychiatrist in Ordinary People
DeleteRelaxed enough to trust! I would certainly trust a man with a dog eaten jumper :) Betty
ReplyDeleteMe too
Deletelooks very Nordic noir
ReplyDeleteAnd so do I me thinks
DeleteYou’re so good at ‘taking a pull at the bra straps’ when you need to… get yourself a couple of sets of Work Gear, so you don’t have to worry about it again. Actually you’ll find some treasures in Charity Shops (we call them Op Shops, what do you call them?). And let us see what you get please. We can have a fashion show all of our own!
ReplyDeleteFashion show me? Yeah right lol
DeleteMaybe have work outfits, think of them as you do your nurse uniforms. I imagine your clothing at the hospice is at least somewhat neat and clean. So you CAN do it. Shows respect for your work and for the client, to be presentable. Also consider shower, shave, haircut, good eye glasses. Some people may not specifically notice but the aura of self confidence is there. It is all part of the new career. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteGood advice that woman
DeleteA good choice, and maybe some inspiration for buying some new jumpers (or sweaters, as we annoying Americans say).
ReplyDeleteI’m going to the shops tomorrow
DeleteGood plan. I routinely move frayed items into the yard work/exercise pile and then buy or sew new items. (The trick is to remember which section of the closet is which, of course...)
Delete