If my Mum was still alive, she'd be 50 today. I don't think I can imagine her as being 50. Time simply flies by. It's been so long since she died I can only remember small fragments of the stuff we did together or the things she'd say in certain situations. I do remember how she felt though. When I hugged her, she was very soft and kinda squidgy around her stomach. The palms of her hands (and the soles of her feet) were rough due to a skin disorder, but I couldn't imagine them being any other way. I still miss her, even though I can't really remember her. Its strange... I can't really describe the feeling. I guess you don't really know unless it happens to you.
I won't be so melodramatic tomorrow. Oct 31st always gets me like this.
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Friday, October 29, 2004
Temp-Perm Branch Negotiation Agreement
Today I received the final piece of paper that confirmed my permanent position at work: the invoice from my recruitment agency asking for their introductory fee for me. Now, I’ve heard that that the fee is usually a percentage of the agency person’s annual income, so I’m expecting a nice high fee of something in the range of £3,000. The invoice, as I guessed, asked for the tidy sum of £3,515. Only, since I’ve been at my place of work for so long, a special fee gets negotiated and with deductions in place and the addition of VAT, the total introductory fee was… £293.75
I was actually quite upset. Is this all I’m worth? A week’s pay. I was gutted. I felt like a cheap commodity purchased off E-Bay. If there was an auction, I’d be worth less than £300? Gutted.
I was actually quite upset. Is this all I’m worth? A week’s pay. I was gutted. I felt like a cheap commodity purchased off E-Bay. If there was an auction, I’d be worth less than £300? Gutted.
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Hollywood Bowl
After yet another quiet day in the office, I went bowling with a few people from my office tonight. Bob had been on at me all week to join them so I thought, "Why not?" Bob is incredibly generous. He would regularly buy his closest colleagues breakfast every day from the canteen (when we had one) or would spend ages in the kitchen making piles of toast for people to dig into. He told me that two lanes were pre-booked and I was more than welcome to come along.
So I went home to change after work and headed out to the Hollywood Bowl in Finchley, despite the fact that it's raining so hard that I can barely see the road. I arrive on time and find no-one there. Have I got the right evening? Bob did say Thursday, didn't he? And then I remember that he's probably been coerced into picking up Jordana from Chingford and therefore has a bit of a trek on his hands!
After about 20mins everyone arrives and we start settling into the lanes. Bob and Jo arrive halfway through the first game and eagerly muck in. It's even teams: Nan, Phil, Jo and myself against Bob, Siva, Tom and Christine. We win the first game and I do pretty well with 98 points. I am a pretty bad bowler despite loving the game! Second game is won by my team again, only this time I get the surprisingly mega high score of 133. Third game the other team won, but my score was still high: 105.
It was a lot of fun and I am always pleasantly surprised by how people react to situations outside of the office. Usually I would feel a bit uncomfortable in this sort of scenario but since becoming permanent staff I feel a bit more like I belong. Of course, I'll feel even more so when I get that all-important first payslip!!
So I went home to change after work and headed out to the Hollywood Bowl in Finchley, despite the fact that it's raining so hard that I can barely see the road. I arrive on time and find no-one there. Have I got the right evening? Bob did say Thursday, didn't he? And then I remember that he's probably been coerced into picking up Jordana from Chingford and therefore has a bit of a trek on his hands!
After about 20mins everyone arrives and we start settling into the lanes. Bob and Jo arrive halfway through the first game and eagerly muck in. It's even teams: Nan, Phil, Jo and myself against Bob, Siva, Tom and Christine. We win the first game and I do pretty well with 98 points. I am a pretty bad bowler despite loving the game! Second game is won by my team again, only this time I get the surprisingly mega high score of 133. Third game the other team won, but my score was still high: 105.
It was a lot of fun and I am always pleasantly surprised by how people react to situations outside of the office. Usually I would feel a bit uncomfortable in this sort of scenario but since becoming permanent staff I feel a bit more like I belong. Of course, I'll feel even more so when I get that all-important first payslip!!
Monday, October 25, 2004
First day at work... again...
Today is officially my first day at work according to my payroll details. It's nice to think I can now be paid for taking time off and being sick.
I had to go to an induction session at Alexandra House this afternoon where this woman droned for an hour about Council rules and regulations, which I already know about, of course. I had to fill in some forms though - next of kin, GP details, payroll details etc - but I didn’t have to have the fuss of photo ID cards being made up for me. I’ve already done that too! I’m glad I didn't need another photograph, a painful experience for anyone who wears glasses and isn’t photogenic.
I had to go to an induction session at Alexandra House this afternoon where this woman droned for an hour about Council rules and regulations, which I already know about, of course. I had to fill in some forms though - next of kin, GP details, payroll details etc - but I didn’t have to have the fuss of photo ID cards being made up for me. I’ve already done that too! I’m glad I didn't need another photograph, a painful experience for anyone who wears glasses and isn’t photogenic.
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Laura's birthday
I went to Laura’s for lunch today. It’s a birthday celebration thing, although her birthday was last Sunday. I was telling her how I always dread it every year that I won’t be able to make it because Anna’s birthday is on the 14th and her's is on the 17th, and the weekend celebrations always have a chance of clashing. Anyway, Laura was okay and surprisingly bubbly for someone who was going to miss the big Man U v Arsenal match. Laura is an avid Arsenal fan, which makes sense considering she lives in Holloway. We have a thing for Thierry Henry. We most definitely would!
Unfortunately Mina couldn’t make it but Pamela and Linda came, armed with 8 week old Daniella. Linda is due in February but isn’t showing much yet. Mind you, Pamela didn’t really show until she was eight months in, so we’re guessing Linda’s having a girl as well. Boys tend to sit more forward so the pregnancy bump appears earlier. (I know too much about these things…) Anyway, Daniella was pretty much the focus of most of the afternoon and yes, I did hold her and play with her a little. I’m a bit of an old hand being the eldest of five but it was cool. She has the tiniest fingers and cute dimples when she smiles and… Ohmigod. I’ve turned into one of those babbly women who get all broody over babies. Stop, Clare, stop this instance! You’re not supposed to be maternal! Tough chick, remember? Tomboy! Repeat after me... t-o-m-b-o-y.
*sigh* Phew, I feel better now.
Unfortunately Mina couldn’t make it but Pamela and Linda came, armed with 8 week old Daniella. Linda is due in February but isn’t showing much yet. Mind you, Pamela didn’t really show until she was eight months in, so we’re guessing Linda’s having a girl as well. Boys tend to sit more forward so the pregnancy bump appears earlier. (I know too much about these things…) Anyway, Daniella was pretty much the focus of most of the afternoon and yes, I did hold her and play with her a little. I’m a bit of an old hand being the eldest of five but it was cool. She has the tiniest fingers and cute dimples when she smiles and… Ohmigod. I’ve turned into one of those babbly women who get all broody over babies. Stop, Clare, stop this instance! You’re not supposed to be maternal! Tough chick, remember? Tomboy! Repeat after me... t-o-m-b-o-y.
*sigh* Phew, I feel better now.
Saturday, October 23, 2004
XMTS
I successfully navigated the staircases and didn’t fall down at all. I’m so proud!
I spent all day doing the stuff I wanted to do last weekend and couldn’t. It rained like hell all day. It just did not stop. Rosemary and I got soaked just going from the car into the shops. Mad. Shopping was rather boring for Rosemary because she wanted to spend her New Look vouchers but wanted Anna to shop with her, and Anna went to the Town to renew her Angel videos instead of coming with us to Brookfield Centre. I treated her to a drink in the café and while there, saw an old colleague from work. I didn’t go over to say hello, although we did acknowledge each other. The thing is, he got suspended and then fired, and I didn’t want to be trapped into saying something I wasn’t supposed to say. The Council are pretty strict with regulations in that area.
Anyway, after shopping I carted Chris and his equipment to Hertford Community Centre for a Hallowe’en themed gig he was playing at. His band XMTS have come up with some cool merchandise - T-shirts, demo CD’s and stickers with the band name emblazoned on them. (Someone has put a sticker on the signpost on Baker Street before you get to Parsonage Lane if you‘re interested!). I listened to Chris sound check before sweet-talking the doorman into letting me in without paying. The doorman was the manager for punk rock band D-Monic and I basically told him his band were really cool at the Puke In The Sun gig and he let me in! Then I sneaked backstage to find Chris and I hugged him, wished him luck, and then nipped home to grab an early night. My head was thumping and I just couldn’t stay.
I spent all day doing the stuff I wanted to do last weekend and couldn’t. It rained like hell all day. It just did not stop. Rosemary and I got soaked just going from the car into the shops. Mad. Shopping was rather boring for Rosemary because she wanted to spend her New Look vouchers but wanted Anna to shop with her, and Anna went to the Town to renew her Angel videos instead of coming with us to Brookfield Centre. I treated her to a drink in the café and while there, saw an old colleague from work. I didn’t go over to say hello, although we did acknowledge each other. The thing is, he got suspended and then fired, and I didn’t want to be trapped into saying something I wasn’t supposed to say. The Council are pretty strict with regulations in that area.
Anyway, after shopping I carted Chris and his equipment to Hertford Community Centre for a Hallowe’en themed gig he was playing at. His band XMTS have come up with some cool merchandise - T-shirts, demo CD’s and stickers with the band name emblazoned on them. (Someone has put a sticker on the signpost on Baker Street before you get to Parsonage Lane if you‘re interested!). I listened to Chris sound check before sweet-talking the doorman into letting me in without paying. The doorman was the manager for punk rock band D-Monic and I basically told him his band were really cool at the Puke In The Sun gig and he let me in! Then I sneaked backstage to find Chris and I hugged him, wished him luck, and then nipped home to grab an early night. My head was thumping and I just couldn’t stay.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Four long years...
I got THE phone call.
Oh yes.
Recruitment called me to say that they now had received my occupational health form and, since I’d been at the Council for so long and already had all the equipment I needed to do my job, there was no reason why I couldn’t start immediately. So, my official start date is Monday 25th. Its funny how things turn out. A week later and it would have been exactly four years since I started at the Council - I started 31st October 2000.
Its weird though. I’ve done so much over four years that I can’t believe I put up with most of it. I didn’t think four years ago I’d still be at the Council. Mind you, who would have thought this time last year my friends would be married with children? Funny how life turns out.
Oh yes.
Recruitment called me to say that they now had received my occupational health form and, since I’d been at the Council for so long and already had all the equipment I needed to do my job, there was no reason why I couldn’t start immediately. So, my official start date is Monday 25th. Its funny how things turn out. A week later and it would have been exactly four years since I started at the Council - I started 31st October 2000.
Its weird though. I’ve done so much over four years that I can’t believe I put up with most of it. I didn’t think four years ago I’d still be at the Council. Mind you, who would have thought this time last year my friends would be married with children? Funny how life turns out.
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Walk 'n' buy
Yay! I can walk again! Well, normally at any rate. Still wearing trainers though, but no limp. It's a wonderful thing!
My aunt took a bunch of us to one of the local primary schools to help support a fundraiser. Several clothes shops have donated a range of clothes (suspiciously end-of-line looking I must add) and selling them off at a discount price. To make it more fun, the school had asked for six 'mums' to model the clothes and demonstrate how the clothes are wearable for 'normal sized' people. They walked up a makeshift catwalk a little nervously at first, but got into the 'feel' of it by the third clothes change and visibly started to enjoy themselves more. Friends in the audience cheered and joshed them on and we clapped for the more revealing outfits!!
After the show, everyone was handed a complimentary plastic cup of wine and the clothes racks came out. My goodness, it was like the January sales! Suddenly, you couldn't move for women grabbing at articles and rushing into the makeshift dressing area - a reception classroom. Half-naked women danced around the mirrors propped up against a giant abacus and a whiteboard. The desks and chalkboards were used as clothes props. Someone uttered the infamous line, "Does my bum look big in this?" I simply had to look-see. Her bum wasn't particularly big but the flared skirt wasn't doing much to flatter it. I restrained myself from nodding.
Anna bought a zip-up rollneck and Rosemary bought a hoodie and t-shirt. I declined. I can't impulse buy. I have to go away, think about it, and buy it the following week. It must be a Taurean thing.
But I can impulse buy a pair of shoes.
That must be a woman thing!
My aunt took a bunch of us to one of the local primary schools to help support a fundraiser. Several clothes shops have donated a range of clothes (suspiciously end-of-line looking I must add) and selling them off at a discount price. To make it more fun, the school had asked for six 'mums' to model the clothes and demonstrate how the clothes are wearable for 'normal sized' people. They walked up a makeshift catwalk a little nervously at first, but got into the 'feel' of it by the third clothes change and visibly started to enjoy themselves more. Friends in the audience cheered and joshed them on and we clapped for the more revealing outfits!!
After the show, everyone was handed a complimentary plastic cup of wine and the clothes racks came out. My goodness, it was like the January sales! Suddenly, you couldn't move for women grabbing at articles and rushing into the makeshift dressing area - a reception classroom. Half-naked women danced around the mirrors propped up against a giant abacus and a whiteboard. The desks and chalkboards were used as clothes props. Someone uttered the infamous line, "Does my bum look big in this?" I simply had to look-see. Her bum wasn't particularly big but the flared skirt wasn't doing much to flatter it. I restrained myself from nodding.
Anna bought a zip-up rollneck and Rosemary bought a hoodie and t-shirt. I declined. I can't impulse buy. I have to go away, think about it, and buy it the following week. It must be a Taurean thing.
But I can impulse buy a pair of shoes.
That must be a woman thing!
Monday, October 18, 2004
Purple toe
Anna went to work on the bus today because I wasn’t sure if I would be able to drive and didn’t want to make her late. My big toe is now an interesting shade of dark purple. Yep, the bruises have finally appeared. And it’s not pretty. But at least I get to wear trainers to work. And no one thinks I’m faking it now there’s visible evidence. And I can drive but it’s a long and painful process.
I had to fill out accident forms at work in case I need to take time off as a result of the accident. I was reluctant to because the accident was at home but my line manager insisted. It took ages and now eight other people at work know I damaged myself slipping down a couple of stairs. It’s terribly embarrassing.
I had to fill out accident forms at work in case I need to take time off as a result of the accident. I was reluctant to because the accident was at home but my line manager insisted. It took ages and now eight other people at work know I damaged myself slipping down a couple of stairs. It’s terribly embarrassing.
Sunday, October 17, 2004
The pain continues
I still can’t walk very well yet still no sign of bruising or swelling on my foot. It’s rather weird and I’m being accused of faking it to get out of lunchtime washing up. I’m not – honest! Geez, would I lie about having a constant dull pain? Would I really want to hobble around the house and take twice as long to get anywhere? Going to my room on the 2nd floor is now a trek and takes a good minute or so instead of the usual 35 seconds. Yeah, sure I’m faking it (!).
Dad offered to take me to hospital to x-ray it in case I’ve broken anything. I doubt it. I’m sure it’d hurt more and there’d be a swelling the size of a tennis ball. I don’t fancy spending the day in hospital anyway, especially since Heather’s still at home for the weekend. I agreed to let Dad bandage up my foot. He is a staunch believer in accelerating the healing process by bandaging up things. All I can say is now my foot is cold because my slipper doesn’t fit over the bandage.
Dad offered to take me to hospital to x-ray it in case I’ve broken anything. I doubt it. I’m sure it’d hurt more and there’d be a swelling the size of a tennis ball. I don’t fancy spending the day in hospital anyway, especially since Heather’s still at home for the weekend. I agreed to let Dad bandage up my foot. He is a staunch believer in accelerating the healing process by bandaging up things. All I can say is now my foot is cold because my slipper doesn’t fit over the bandage.
Saturday, October 16, 2004
Extensor hallucis longus
So much for walking off all that cake this weekend. I slipped down four stairs this morning, gaining a carpet burn on my left elbow, a bruise on my right elbow where I hit the bannister, and I landed funny on my right foot. My big toe really hurts. Its sore along the top although there's no bruising or swelling. Its definitely not broken although if it still hurts on Monday, I'm gonna get it x-rayed at the hospital. I've probably either bruised the actual metatarsal bone or just strained the tendon of extensor hallucis longus. (Neat medical terms, huh?!)
Anyway, I declined from putting a support bandage on it in case I encouraged swelling and just rested up all day. It hurts to put pressure on it. It would probably be more painful to attempt to drive on it. I hate being housebound.
Anyway, I declined from putting a support bandage on it in case I encouraged swelling and just rested up all day. It hurts to put pressure on it. It would probably be more painful to attempt to drive on it. I hate being housebound.
Friday, October 15, 2004
Birthdays
Thursday was Anna's birthday and we had a scrumptious chocolate cake to celebrate. Meanwhile at work it was Mark's birthday, and he brought in carrot cake and chocolate cake to divide around the office. Today at work it was Jhita's birthday and he brought in a giant chocolate cake for the office. And of course, tonight we had tea and leftovers of Anna's cake from yesterday.
That's a lot of chocolate cake. I might have to do a bit more walking at the weekend and shift it.
That's a lot of chocolate cake. I might have to do a bit more walking at the weekend and shift it.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Gift vouchers for Halfords
While taking Anna to work this morning it was raining and the passenger-side windscreen wiper suddenly just flew off the wiper arm. I duly stopped at the side of the road and fixed it back on. Two minutes later, I’m fixing it again. One side of the clip had broken and couldn’t hold the wiper on properly, and excessive use was making it loose. I left the wipers on intermittent mode, dropped Anna off at work, and drove to the nearest Halfords.
I picked up a maintenance book because the heater needs fixing and requires taking panels off and draining the radiator – all good fun (!) Not sure how to do it though, hence the book! While doing this, a guy in a suit with a clipboard asked me if I came here a lot.
"Is that a pick up line?" I asked.
"No, no," he laughed, "I’m telling people about a Halfords credit card and wondered if you come here a lot and would find it useful to have."
I do my whole ‘nodding and slowly backing up’ thing which he sees coming a mile off.
"Now before you say ‘no’," he continued, "it’s a low transfer rate, you don’t have to pay for it, and you can get store credit and gift vouchers."
"Gift vouchers?" I repeat.
"Yeah!" he says enthusiastically.
"You do gift vouchers for a car maintenance store?"
"Uhm…"
"I dunno about you, but if someone gave me Halfords gift vouchers for Christmas, I’d be rather disappointed."
"Right," he said, as if he’d never thought about it that way before. "So that’s a ‘no’ then?"
I nodded with a look that said ‘Well, duh!’ but also of sympathy which said ‘Sorry you have this stupid job’.
"Er, can I help you with anything else then?" he asked.
"Well, I need windscreen wipers…"
He was off like a shot, looking up my car (which he guessed from the maintenance book I was holding) and the wipers I needed, and explaining the difference between all the brands. I nodded like I already didn’t know out of sympathy. It was rather cute actually. And if he wasn’t a salesman I might have asked for a date.
I picked up a maintenance book because the heater needs fixing and requires taking panels off and draining the radiator – all good fun (!) Not sure how to do it though, hence the book! While doing this, a guy in a suit with a clipboard asked me if I came here a lot.
"Is that a pick up line?" I asked.
"No, no," he laughed, "I’m telling people about a Halfords credit card and wondered if you come here a lot and would find it useful to have."
I do my whole ‘nodding and slowly backing up’ thing which he sees coming a mile off.
"Now before you say ‘no’," he continued, "it’s a low transfer rate, you don’t have to pay for it, and you can get store credit and gift vouchers."
"Gift vouchers?" I repeat.
"Yeah!" he says enthusiastically.
"You do gift vouchers for a car maintenance store?"
"Uhm…"
"I dunno about you, but if someone gave me Halfords gift vouchers for Christmas, I’d be rather disappointed."
"Right," he said, as if he’d never thought about it that way before. "So that’s a ‘no’ then?"
I nodded with a look that said ‘Well, duh!’ but also of sympathy which said ‘Sorry you have this stupid job’.
"Er, can I help you with anything else then?" he asked.
"Well, I need windscreen wipers…"
He was off like a shot, looking up my car (which he guessed from the maintenance book I was holding) and the wipers I needed, and explaining the difference between all the brands. I nodded like I already didn’t know out of sympathy. It was rather cute actually. And if he wasn’t a salesman I might have asked for a date.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Benjy's
Since the canteen on the depot shut down, there has been a lot of fuss over not having any nearby food supply, especially from people who want a half-hour lunch rather than a full hour. The nearest food place is a small BK and KFC on the Tottenham Hale roundabout, a good 10-15 min walk.
So the manager bowed to the pressure and a Benjy’s van arrived on the depot about 11.30am, sounding a musical klaxon like those novelty horns you get. Someone pipes up, "Has the circus arrived?" Suddenly the manager bursts in. "The man from Benjy’s is here! Come on and get sandwiches, drinks, rolls… Come on, don’t be shy! He’s sitting outside with hot and cold snacks, salads, a great choice! Lets go people!"
Yes, the manager had turned into a sales pitch for Benjy’s. Who said work was boring?
The food is quite good actually. The guy is fairly accommodating and said that if people requested something he didn’t have, he’d endeavour to have it in future for them. He’s gonna be at the depot for a week and see how it goes. If the business is justifiable he’ll do it for fixed term periods. I think it’ll be quite popular. No one wants just sandwiches in the winter months when there’s hot coffee and paninis available!
So the manager bowed to the pressure and a Benjy’s van arrived on the depot about 11.30am, sounding a musical klaxon like those novelty horns you get. Someone pipes up, "Has the circus arrived?" Suddenly the manager bursts in. "The man from Benjy’s is here! Come on and get sandwiches, drinks, rolls… Come on, don’t be shy! He’s sitting outside with hot and cold snacks, salads, a great choice! Lets go people!"
Yes, the manager had turned into a sales pitch for Benjy’s. Who said work was boring?
The food is quite good actually. The guy is fairly accommodating and said that if people requested something he didn’t have, he’d endeavour to have it in future for them. He’s gonna be at the depot for a week and see how it goes. If the business is justifiable he’ll do it for fixed term periods. I think it’ll be quite popular. No one wants just sandwiches in the winter months when there’s hot coffee and paninis available!
Saturday, October 09, 2004
Jamie and the Astronauts
It is Anna’s birthday next week so I went out this morning to find her a present. After some deliberation I decided to get her a DVD with all three of the Die Hard films on it. She has a good video version of the first, a fuzzy video version of the second, and the third film didn’t tape when it was played on the TV a few months back. So she should be pleased with that. I want to get her Speed on DVD for Christmas but they only seem to sell it with Speed 2, which was a truly awful film, so the search continues!
To my utter surprise, the EPG is actually interested in taking part in the NaNoWriMo. I just mentioned I was doing it and she said it sounded like a great idea and could I give her the website so she could have a look-see? So I obliged and she’s gonna give it a shot. Not that she has time to write a novel but the whole idea is just to have fun and flex those creative juices! Cool. The more the merrier I guess…
I was discussing my story line with Anna this morning. She thinks I should do something based on the Greek mythology-style stories. I said that although I was interested in the subject matter, I really couldn’t stretch it out long enough to hit the target. Homer I ain’t.
"But you can just take another story and make a modern update," she countered. "Instead of Jason you can have Jamie, and instead of Argonauts you can have astronauts."
The frightening thing was I think she was serious.
To my utter surprise, the EPG is actually interested in taking part in the NaNoWriMo. I just mentioned I was doing it and she said it sounded like a great idea and could I give her the website so she could have a look-see? So I obliged and she’s gonna give it a shot. Not that she has time to write a novel but the whole idea is just to have fun and flex those creative juices! Cool. The more the merrier I guess…
I was discussing my story line with Anna this morning. She thinks I should do something based on the Greek mythology-style stories. I said that although I was interested in the subject matter, I really couldn’t stretch it out long enough to hit the target. Homer I ain’t.
"But you can just take another story and make a modern update," she countered. "Instead of Jason you can have Jamie, and instead of Argonauts you can have astronauts."
The frightening thing was I think she was serious.
Friday, October 08, 2004
Samantha
So I’ve decided for the NaNoWriMo that I’m going to write a fresh story based on an abandoned idea I had for Samantha. Only the characters remain the same. It’s a new concept with a different approach and at the moment I have is an outline of the first half of the novel. I have researched thoroughly and apparently its perfectly acceptable to have story outline and chapter summaries, just so long as not one word of the actual novel is written until 1st November.
The only thing I’m nervous about is the word count. With a target of 50,000 words over thirty days, that’s 1,666.66 words a day. So I reckon 1,700 a day will do just great. It’s only a target and I will no doubt fall short on a few days and go over on others. Just simple mathematics really.
All I have to do now is wait for the confirmation email… It’s only been a week. I can wait a bit more…
The only thing I’m nervous about is the word count. With a target of 50,000 words over thirty days, that’s 1,666.66 words a day. So I reckon 1,700 a day will do just great. It’s only a target and I will no doubt fall short on a few days and go over on others. Just simple mathematics really.
All I have to do now is wait for the confirmation email… It’s only been a week. I can wait a bit more…
Monday, October 04, 2004
Team brief
At the team briefing today we were asked to think about which days we’d like off for Christmas and New Year. I protested it was too early to be dealing with that kind of malarkey. I was brusquely told it was never too early to think about Christmas. If the gifts are displayed in the shops, Christmas is not far off. I wouldn’t dream of doing my shopping this early. If you buy chocolate, for instance, it would taste horrible by the time Christmas came.
We were also told that CPZ might be enforced around the depot. This would mean public transport every day. Ugh. Still, at least then I wouldn’t be lying to my car insurance company when I tell them I only use my car for personal and social purposes. Of course, I argue that going to work is a personal purpose – it’s a personal choice over the bus! :)
We were also told that CPZ might be enforced around the depot. This would mean public transport every day. Ugh. Still, at least then I wouldn’t be lying to my car insurance company when I tell them I only use my car for personal and social purposes. Of course, I argue that going to work is a personal purpose – it’s a personal choice over the bus! :)
Sunday, October 03, 2004
NaNoWriMo...?
I'm being asked to take part in this year's National Novel Writing Month this November, affectionately known as the NaNoWriMo (nah-no-wry-mo). It's basically writing a novel within the month of November and trying to hit the 50,000 word target by the end. You submit your 'mini novel' into the website and the counter accepts the word count and you have the personal pride of being able to write a novel in the space of thirty days. And prizes are apparently available. And despite the title being 'National' it is actually international and a bunch of London-bound NaNoWriMo-ers meet up for pub crawls during the contest.
Personally, I don't think I have the creative capacity to get 50,000 words down in thirty days. I can't even finish Fiona and that's only 18,000 done in the last two years. It was getting too predictable and I felt like a trashy romance novelist after writing my third sex scene in less than 10,000 words so just gave it up. It's currently sitting in my personal drive at work, something I occasionally look at fleetingly during lunch breaks.
My creative flair temporarily lost, I decided to try another novel, and came up with Samantha. It was based around my personal situation but I changed events to my advantage and made them more dramatic. In the end, it began to read like a sort of twisted version of my autobiography so I stopped that too.
I could try for NaNoWriMo I guess... I mean, there's no harm in at least signing up and having a go. All to gain, nothing to lose, and all that caper... It wouldn't even have to be a proper novel...
Personally, I don't think I have the creative capacity to get 50,000 words down in thirty days. I can't even finish Fiona and that's only 18,000 done in the last two years. It was getting too predictable and I felt like a trashy romance novelist after writing my third sex scene in less than 10,000 words so just gave it up. It's currently sitting in my personal drive at work, something I occasionally look at fleetingly during lunch breaks.
My creative flair temporarily lost, I decided to try another novel, and came up with Samantha. It was based around my personal situation but I changed events to my advantage and made them more dramatic. In the end, it began to read like a sort of twisted version of my autobiography so I stopped that too.
I could try for NaNoWriMo I guess... I mean, there's no harm in at least signing up and having a go. All to gain, nothing to lose, and all that caper... It wouldn't even have to be a proper novel...
Saturday, October 02, 2004
Lakeside
I took my friend shopping today for her birthday. It was actually yesterday but I sort of forgot about it because I was going to buy her present for her today when she chose it, so it completely slipped my mind to buy her a birthday card. But I did send her a text yesterday. Not that the picture was compatible with her phone, but it's the thought that counts!
So, anyway, every year I take her on a shopping trip to one of the complexes and Lakeside in Thurrock was pencilled in for this year. We had intended to spend most of the time window shopping for a wedding dress but decided not to temp fate as her boyfriend hasn't exactly proposed yet... He's just asking all the type of questions that lead up to an impending proposal, such as, "How do you think your parents would feel about having me as a son-in-law?" which I think is pretty much spot-on.
Instead, we trawled the clothes shops for the 'tall' ranges I was blithering on about last week with a ray of hope, as all the shops are twice the size of the ones in the Town. Walked into Topshop and tried on their coats - they fitted perfectly. They came in cream or black and had fake fur collars, a feature I'm not all keen on. I said I'd think about it and we continued our search. Eventually I saw the perfect coat in DP. It was the right length on the body and sleeves, had good-sized pockets, and came in a cream or dusky pink tweed-look. I took the pink one and hugged it. I am so happy! I simply love my new coat! :)
I also bought some music, something I really don't do all that often. I bought Keane's album, Hopes and Fears, cos I've been meaning to get it for ages and never really got around to it. Then this morning I discovered vouchers for Virgin Megastores that I had from my birthday and decided that I would use them! So I bought Keane and then I was really torn choosing between Snow Patrol, The Libertines and Maroon 5, but in the end I plumped for a reduced Coldplay album which I had also meant to get for some time: A Rush of Blood to the Head. I can always ask for one of the other albums for Christmas.
I think that's the one thing that was rather annoying about the whole day - It's the 2nd October and all the shops have Christmas decorations and gifts already on display. "Only twelve weeks to Christmas" someone told me. Yeah? And? Christmas is overhyped. What is Christmas? People spending too much and eating too much. Its about over-extravagance and Christmas is supposed to be the opposite of that. I hate that Christmas is one big entrepreneural event for businesses. I hate that the build-up to Christmas is one big anti-climax. Some parts I love - the shopping, wrapping gifts, decorating the tree, getting all dressed up, being able to eat lots of mince pies and mint chocolates, and have cream in my coffee without feeling guilty! But the day itself as a whole is just too much. I actually prefer Boxing Day.
Maybe I should just do something different. Anyone fancy going away for Christmas?
So, anyway, every year I take her on a shopping trip to one of the complexes and Lakeside in Thurrock was pencilled in for this year. We had intended to spend most of the time window shopping for a wedding dress but decided not to temp fate as her boyfriend hasn't exactly proposed yet... He's just asking all the type of questions that lead up to an impending proposal, such as, "How do you think your parents would feel about having me as a son-in-law?" which I think is pretty much spot-on.
Instead, we trawled the clothes shops for the 'tall' ranges I was blithering on about last week with a ray of hope, as all the shops are twice the size of the ones in the Town. Walked into Topshop and tried on their coats - they fitted perfectly. They came in cream or black and had fake fur collars, a feature I'm not all keen on. I said I'd think about it and we continued our search. Eventually I saw the perfect coat in DP. It was the right length on the body and sleeves, had good-sized pockets, and came in a cream or dusky pink tweed-look. I took the pink one and hugged it. I am so happy! I simply love my new coat! :)
I also bought some music, something I really don't do all that often. I bought Keane's album, Hopes and Fears, cos I've been meaning to get it for ages and never really got around to it. Then this morning I discovered vouchers for Virgin Megastores that I had from my birthday and decided that I would use them! So I bought Keane and then I was really torn choosing between Snow Patrol, The Libertines and Maroon 5, but in the end I plumped for a reduced Coldplay album which I had also meant to get for some time: A Rush of Blood to the Head. I can always ask for one of the other albums for Christmas.
I think that's the one thing that was rather annoying about the whole day - It's the 2nd October and all the shops have Christmas decorations and gifts already on display. "Only twelve weeks to Christmas" someone told me. Yeah? And? Christmas is overhyped. What is Christmas? People spending too much and eating too much. Its about over-extravagance and Christmas is supposed to be the opposite of that. I hate that Christmas is one big entrepreneural event for businesses. I hate that the build-up to Christmas is one big anti-climax. Some parts I love - the shopping, wrapping gifts, decorating the tree, getting all dressed up, being able to eat lots of mince pies and mint chocolates, and have cream in my coffee without feeling guilty! But the day itself as a whole is just too much. I actually prefer Boxing Day.
Maybe I should just do something different. Anyone fancy going away for Christmas?
Friday, October 01, 2004
Just like 1974 - Part II
The computers were down again today so I went out with Noel on site visits this morning. It was kinda cool to see first-hand what actually happens but I'm glad I don't do it all the time. I couldn't believe the way some people lived in their houses. It ranged from the very house-proud woman leading us through her flat with newspaper on the floor, to a Jimmy Saville lookalike whose house stunk of fags and we had to pick our way through the filth. Still, I asked for experience and that's what I got!
This afternoon I did newspaper crosswords and cleaned my keyboard. The system was suddenly up and running by 3pm. I did all my outstanding works orders and then left at 4.15pm. I'll play catch-up on Monday morning over coffee!
BTW, for those of you who care(!) I added a guestbook function for the webpage. It just seemed like a nice touch...
This afternoon I did newspaper crosswords and cleaned my keyboard. The system was suddenly up and running by 3pm. I did all my outstanding works orders and then left at 4.15pm. I'll play catch-up on Monday morning over coffee!
BTW, for those of you who care(!) I added a guestbook function for the webpage. It just seemed like a nice touch...
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