I've just had a phone call from Tim inviting me out for drinks this afternoon / evening with him and Niall. I would have loved to have gone but I am working until 20:00, by which time I have no doubt that they would be beyond "catching up" drinks-wise (not to mention that I would be knackered from all the [lack of] action here at work).
It is so typical that I get 2 invites for the same day when I am working, but get no such invites when I am off work (or am too skint to be able to accept).
Well, I presume that I will be able to catch up with Tim sometime over the next 4 days while I am off, at least I hope I can.
Sunday, 26 April 2009
Missed Opportunity
I am gutted to be working today, more than normal, because last night at 22:00 I received a text from Alfredo asking if I was free today (Sunday). I replied that I was working and then he told me what he'd had in mind! He was inviting me to go to Gordon Ramsey's restaurant, where a friend of Alfredo works, to watch the London Marathon and have free drinks! It is something I would have loved to do, but I am far too reliable when it comes to work commitments (despite work not being that reliable to me). I guess it is something that my mum drilled into me from when I was a kid. I remember having to be bed-ridden before I could ever have a day off of school and only once ever took a holiday during term time!
Anyway I declined his brilliant offer, despite really wanting to re-establish our friendship (I haven't been out with him for months). Then I spent the next hour, before going to bed, wondering if I should call in sick to work.
I think I would have been far too self conscious though if I had gone. I expect that everyone there would be connected and well dressed, whereas I would have had no clue of what to wear and even if I did have an idea there is nothing in my wardrobe to achieve that. I REALLY need to buy some new clothing! Most of my clothes are over 5 years old with quite a few items being over 10! Ashamedly I even have a pair of shorts that I used to wear for P.E. at school!! And they still fit (elastic is a wonderful invention)!
So, I guess Alfredo is having a great time watching the Marathon and socialising with the great and good (i.e. celebs) while I have to work and satisfy myself with the fact that I think I saw Michael Cashman making his way to Barbican tube station as I was walking to work! Whoopie!
Anyway I declined his brilliant offer, despite really wanting to re-establish our friendship (I haven't been out with him for months). Then I spent the next hour, before going to bed, wondering if I should call in sick to work.
I think I would have been far too self conscious though if I had gone. I expect that everyone there would be connected and well dressed, whereas I would have had no clue of what to wear and even if I did have an idea there is nothing in my wardrobe to achieve that. I REALLY need to buy some new clothing! Most of my clothes are over 5 years old with quite a few items being over 10! Ashamedly I even have a pair of shorts that I used to wear for P.E. at school!! And they still fit (elastic is a wonderful invention)!
So, I guess Alfredo is having a great time watching the Marathon and socialising with the great and good (i.e. celebs) while I have to work and satisfy myself with the fact that I think I saw Michael Cashman making his way to Barbican tube station as I was walking to work! Whoopie!
Bea Arthur
It is with great sadness that I heard today that American actress Bea Arthur died peacefully at home yesterday. Bea was one of my favourite actresses I first noticed in the brilliant 80's comedy Golden Girls. Subsequently I realised what a huge star she was Stateside, though we rarely got to see her work here in the UK. She was brilliant in one fo my favourite musicals Mame, working alongside Lucille Ball (for which Bea won a Tony Award in 1966). 
Because she and her costars played "old" women in the Golden Girls in the 1980's yet still survived until this decade (Estelle Getty sadly passing away too last year) I somehow imagined them to be unbreakable. Sadly this isn't the case and we should be thankful for all the humour and joy that Bea & Estelle (and Betty and Rue) gave us over the years and will keep on giving thanks to their recorded works.
Because she and her costars played "old" women in the Golden Girls in the 1980's yet still survived until this decade (Estelle Getty sadly passing away too last year) I somehow imagined them to be unbreakable. Sadly this isn't the case and we should be thankful for all the humour and joy that Bea & Estelle (and Betty and Rue) gave us over the years and will keep on giving thanks to their recorded works.
Bea Arthur - May 13, 1922 – April 25, 2009
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Quick Day
There was a fair amount going on today at work so it has gone quite quickly. Not that I had anything to do myself all day, but watching others run around dealing with power tests etc is tiring work! I even got a big thank you from the building manager for my work this week (what work?).
Let's just hope that tomorrow's shift goes by as speedily and my days off go slowly! Is that asking too much? Probably!
Let's just hope that tomorrow's shift goes by as speedily and my days off go slowly! Is that asking too much? Probably!
Back In The Trenches (Sort of)
I'm back being a supervisor today, instead of "managing" as I was for the last 2 days. Not a lot of difference really except that I don't get to sit on the computer all day, I have to work an extra 2 hours, and get paid about £5 more for the honour! Just the thought that I have 2 more hours to do than yesterday is getting me down! But the lovely thought that I have 4 days off from Monday is what I am clinging to! Roll on tomorrow at 20:00!! Can't wait to not be here!!
Friday, 24 April 2009
And ....... Relax
Once again I have very little to do today at work, but at least I can relax now knowing that the area manager will NOT be coming in today a I had thought he would be. My building manager, who the area manager was due to visit with one of OCS's directors, told me as he left yesterday that the area manager is on annual leave now for 10 days, which seems a bit strange considering he was meant to be visitting. I wonder if it was enforced annual leave, considering the short notice? Hopefully. I don't normally want people to lose their jobs, but when someone is so bad at it and cares so little for those under their charge I think that they deserve everything that they get!
David James Elliott
As well as my lusting after the merman in the Littlewoods advert (see yesterday's post) I have discovered another object of lust after watching my first full episode of JAG ever last night! I watched part of an episode earlier in the week and thought I'd give it a try. David James Elliott, who plays Commander Harmon "Harm" Rabb, is an amazingly sexy guy. He has a great face, amazing build, big arms (which regular readers will know is my weakness) and he also has a really sexy voice. On top of this he plays a really great character who either wears a uniform or tight t-shirts, what's not to love. I think I may be addicted! Jake G watch out, if this lusting carries on you may have finally been replaced in my heart! He definitely gets a high entry into my Top Ten Men (which I certainly will have to re-do sometime soon!) It's just a shame that I can't find any pictures that do David true justice. 
Thursday, 23 April 2009
Merman
I was just wondering if anyone else was as obsessed with the merman from the latest Littlewoods Direct advert, the one doing press-ups (sorry can't find a clip). He is amazingly sexy! Anyone know who he is (or where!!)?
Red Fridays
I got this email from my sister the other day and thought that I would share it with you. This goes for all people who are proud of their country's armed forces and the fact that they put their lives on the line so that we can be free:
Last week I was in West London attending a conference.
While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer.
I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen. Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their uniforms, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone.
I'm not the only red blooded Briton who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.
Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work, and enjoy our home without fear or reprisal.
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He knelt down and said 'hi,' the little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.
The young soldier didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in Afghanistan for 5 months now. As the mum was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mum was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'Your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.' The mum at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mum.
I was standing no more than 6 feet away as this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of moment turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices.
If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family, it will not be long before Britain is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is...'We need your support and your prayers'... Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.
IT IS YOUR CHOICE. THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED---- SO WEAR RED! --- Lest we forget.
Yes, I did shed a tear too when I read this (each time)!!
Last week I was in West London attending a conference.
While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer.
I immediately turned around and witnessed one of the greatest acts of patriotism I have ever seen. Moving through the terminal was a group of soldiers in their uniforms, as they began heading to their gate everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone.
I'm not the only red blooded Briton who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.
Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work, and enjoy our home without fear or reprisal.
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old, ran up to one of the male soldiers. He knelt down and said 'hi,' the little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.
The young soldier didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek. The mother of the little girl, who said her daughters name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Corporal and had been in Afghanistan for 5 months now. As the mum was explaining how much her daughter, Courtney, missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up. When this temporarily single mum was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second. Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it. After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'Your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.' The mum at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet he saluted Courtney and her mum.
I was standing no more than 6 feet away as this entire event unfolded. As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of moment turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek.
We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices.
RED FRIDAYS
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Englishmen and women who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority'. We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for Country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or over-bearing. We get no liberal media coverage on TV, to reflect our message or our opinions. Many English people, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of Britain supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every Briton who supports our men and women afar will wear something red. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make Great Britain on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football team. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, co-workers, friends, and family, it will not be long before Britain is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is...'We need your support and your prayers'... Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example; and wear something red every Friday.
IT IS YOUR CHOICE. THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED---- SO WEAR RED! --- Lest we forget.
Yes, I did shed a tear too when I read this (each time)!!
Out Again
Oh, I forgot to mention that I did go out on Tuesday night and I got rather merry. I met Tim, after he had finished having a couple of drinks with an ex.
I saw Russell Tovey in Rupert Street, he's a lot shorter that I expected. I wasn't sure that it was him to begin with and then he turned to the side and I knew it was! Sorry Russell!
As I said I got a little merry and so the inevitable happened and I ended up in Chariots. Met a couple of gorgeous guys there and even went home with one. When we got back to his the first thing he did was a line of coke, which put me off immediately. We went to the bedroom and after about 5 minutes he went back into the living room and did another line and then proceeded to stuff his face with food while shuffling about (I think he imagined he was dancing, although there was no music on). I made my excuses and headed back home.
A bit of a disappointing night all in all and I woke up at midday with a hangover too, but still managed to get out and about in the sun for a couple of hours.
I saw Russell Tovey in Rupert Street, he's a lot shorter that I expected. I wasn't sure that it was him to begin with and then he turned to the side and I knew it was! Sorry Russell!
As I said I got a little merry and so the inevitable happened and I ended up in Chariots. Met a couple of gorgeous guys there and even went home with one. When we got back to his the first thing he did was a line of coke, which put me off immediately. We went to the bedroom and after about 5 minutes he went back into the living room and did another line and then proceeded to stuff his face with food while shuffling about (I think he imagined he was dancing, although there was no music on). I made my excuses and headed back home.
A bit of a disappointing night all in all and I woke up at midday with a hangover too, but still managed to get out and about in the sun for a couple of hours.
Why Am I Here?
So, today and tomorrow, my manager has some time off (to get drunk as it was his birthday yesterday). I am covering for him and it all seems rather pointless as I have absolutely no idea what he does all day.
I have nothing whatsoever to do and it is really frustrating. I find myself being bored on a normal working day, but today is just going to be hellish.
To top it all off the area manager and his bosses boss will be in at some point either today or tomorrow, this is the area manager who is denying me my holiday entitlement and delaying my already late holiday pay correction. (I found out the other day that my boss's pay correction for this month was paid directly into his account! Which only went to further annoy me!).
I really do not want to be here.
And, just to keep you totally up to date, I have received no replies from any job that I've applied for and none of the three solicitors that I have contacted (re: suing work) have replied either. I'm beginning to get paranoid that someone is blocking my emails! I can't even make phone calls today, as I thought I would be able to, as the manager's office has not had a phone installed and he has hidden his work mobile.
I have nothing whatsoever to do and it is really frustrating. I find myself being bored on a normal working day, but today is just going to be hellish.
To top it all off the area manager and his bosses boss will be in at some point either today or tomorrow, this is the area manager who is denying me my holiday entitlement and delaying my already late holiday pay correction. (I found out the other day that my boss's pay correction for this month was paid directly into his account! Which only went to further annoy me!).
I really do not want to be here.
And, just to keep you totally up to date, I have received no replies from any job that I've applied for and none of the three solicitors that I have contacted (re: suing work) have replied either. I'm beginning to get paranoid that someone is blocking my emails! I can't even make phone calls today, as I thought I would be able to, as the manager's office has not had a phone installed and he has hidden his work mobile.
Sunday, 19 April 2009
Off Again
I am just about to finish my last night shift of this batch (thank god) and am off for 4 days now. Nothing planned as usual. I have still got to wear my lenses until I've had my opticians appointment on Monday morning, so today I will probably not even leave the flat. (Yes, it is all to do with vanity, I hate how I look and feel in glasses!).
I hope to meet up with Tim on Monday night, or Tuesday for drinks.
I have been told that on Wednesday night I will be joining the people from work for drinks as it is the eve of my manager's birthday. I don't want to go, so will have to come up with a good excuse, otherwise I will have to make my excuses after a couple of drinks as I am working days on the Thursday (and covering the manager's shift while he carries on drinking all weekend!).
Oh for something exciting to happen while I am off! Job interview, Lotto win, meeting the man of my dreams! If only!
I hope to meet up with Tim on Monday night, or Tuesday for drinks.
I have been told that on Wednesday night I will be joining the people from work for drinks as it is the eve of my manager's birthday. I don't want to go, so will have to come up with a good excuse, otherwise I will have to make my excuses after a couple of drinks as I am working days on the Thursday (and covering the manager's shift while he carries on drinking all weekend!).
Oh for something exciting to happen while I am off! Job interview, Lotto win, meeting the man of my dreams! If only!
Saturday, 18 April 2009
Bite My Tongue
A couple of hours into my shift tonight I had a call from my manager (on his way home from the pub) letting me know that one of my work colleagues has also figured out that our employers owe him some holiday time. (I had mentioned this to the guy a couple of months back, but it has obviously taken a while to sink in!). So, with him and potentially one other guy also making complaints about missing holiday dates, I think that my case has just become a whole lot stronger.
On top of this my manager told me that the building manager has a meeting next week with one of the top people from OCS (my employer). The guy who will be visiting it the boss of the boss of my area manager!! So, remember the letter I sent to my area manager's boss last week (which was passed back to the area manager to deal with), well this guy would have been my next step up the ladder! It so happens that next week, on the Thursday and Friday, I am covering for my manager and so, if the meeting takes place then, I may get to explain my situation to him then in person. Though I will have to bite my tongue, especially if the area manager is with him, because the whole situation has got me really riled at times.
If I don't get to speak to him myself then I've been assured that the building manager now understands the situation and is actively pursuing my (our) cause. Things are looking brighter, slightly, and that is also helped by the fact that I only had one email from the area manager today (despite telling him that my manager has all the information about the situation that he would need!).
We are getting there.
In the mean time, I still have not received a reply from the solicitors that I emailed and so have emailed a second company. We shall see if they reply.
I potentially have one more job that I want to apply for, but do not have all the details I need with me at work to fill out their on-line application form. I'll bring all that in tomorrow.
So. all in all, not a bad night for a change.
On top of this my manager told me that the building manager has a meeting next week with one of the top people from OCS (my employer). The guy who will be visiting it the boss of the boss of my area manager!! So, remember the letter I sent to my area manager's boss last week (which was passed back to the area manager to deal with), well this guy would have been my next step up the ladder! It so happens that next week, on the Thursday and Friday, I am covering for my manager and so, if the meeting takes place then, I may get to explain my situation to him then in person. Though I will have to bite my tongue, especially if the area manager is with him, because the whole situation has got me really riled at times.
If I don't get to speak to him myself then I've been assured that the building manager now understands the situation and is actively pursuing my (our) cause. Things are looking brighter, slightly, and that is also helped by the fact that I only had one email from the area manager today (despite telling him that my manager has all the information about the situation that he would need!).
We are getting there.
In the mean time, I still have not received a reply from the solicitors that I emailed and so have emailed a second company. We shall see if they reply.
I potentially have one more job that I want to apply for, but do not have all the details I need with me at work to fill out their on-line application form. I'll bring all that in tomorrow.
So. all in all, not a bad night for a change.
Thursday, 16 April 2009
Trying To Be Creative Again
Bored at work again, I am desperately trying to spark the creative juices by working on an idea I have for a children's television program. It is an idea that I had years ago, but back then it was just a name and the whole idea was based around that name. I don't want to give too many details away, in case everyone thinks it is a really naff idea as much as that I don't want someone to steal it.
I have been trying to write a script for it, my first attempt since playwriting excercises at school over 20 years ago! I'm not finding it easy. I don't actually feel confident in my writing ability, especially as I have always had difficulty in writing dialogue (a pretty essential skill when writing a script, wouldn't you say?), but if it is the only way to get the idea seen I need to try it.
Being a children's program, aimed at children aged 7-11 primarily, and being animation as I want it to be, it needs to be light hearted and fun. Unfortunately, with the situation at work and my lack of writing experience, the writing isn't coming along very well. I don't think I am in the right frame of mind at the moment.
So, I thought I would focus on trying to find out the best way of getting the idea sold.
Do I just write to a production company with the idea and hope for the best?
Would I need to write a full script, or just have the bones of an idea and some of the characters?
Do I need to work out the whole package, i.e. costings etc, or would that all come later from the production company (I'm guess it would).
I really have no idea.
So, I thought that I would check out one of the best animation companies that I know and looked on Aardman Animation's website. There was no "contact us" section that I could find. I have found the BBC's Writer's Room website which is quite extensive, but I have yet to find a section about writing for kids programs, just the occasional snippet. I did notice however that it states that the BBC require full scritps, so that is part of an answer. I guess I will just have to keep looking. I do have the rest of the night AND 2 more night shifts to go.
I have been trying to write a script for it, my first attempt since playwriting excercises at school over 20 years ago! I'm not finding it easy. I don't actually feel confident in my writing ability, especially as I have always had difficulty in writing dialogue (a pretty essential skill when writing a script, wouldn't you say?), but if it is the only way to get the idea seen I need to try it.
Being a children's program, aimed at children aged 7-11 primarily, and being animation as I want it to be, it needs to be light hearted and fun. Unfortunately, with the situation at work and my lack of writing experience, the writing isn't coming along very well. I don't think I am in the right frame of mind at the moment.
So, I thought I would focus on trying to find out the best way of getting the idea sold.
Do I just write to a production company with the idea and hope for the best?
Would I need to write a full script, or just have the bones of an idea and some of the characters?
Do I need to work out the whole package, i.e. costings etc, or would that all come later from the production company (I'm guess it would).
I really have no idea.
So, I thought that I would check out one of the best animation companies that I know and looked on Aardman Animation's website. There was no "contact us" section that I could find. I have found the BBC's Writer's Room website which is quite extensive, but I have yet to find a section about writing for kids programs, just the occasional snippet. I did notice however that it states that the BBC require full scritps, so that is part of an answer. I guess I will just have to keep looking. I do have the rest of the night AND 2 more night shifts to go.
No Productive Replies
So, I am back at work tonight and I eagerly checked my email account to find that I still have no response to my job applications or from my enquiries to solicitors.
I did have 2 further emails from the area manager. As soon as I saw that there were emails from him my body went tense, my heart began racing and my face went red with anger, and that was even before I'd read them. Sure enough, he was only going over the same old stuff, still adamant that I am wrong and will get nothing except the promised £80ish in my next pay packet (I'm not holding my breath for that!). I get so angry and frustrated when I am dealing with him. I can't speak to him directly as I feel I would lose my temper too easily and so have to deal by email. I have basically told him that if he has any further enquiries to speak to my manager as he knows all about the case.
One piece of good news was that I slept well today, just over 8 hours worth and felt refreshed when I got out of bed, which makes a nice change. Maybe I should stay up 23 hours more often!! It's a shame that I immediately feel drained upon entering this place though! Oh well, only 11 hours left of the shift!
I did have 2 further emails from the area manager. As soon as I saw that there were emails from him my body went tense, my heart began racing and my face went red with anger, and that was even before I'd read them. Sure enough, he was only going over the same old stuff, still adamant that I am wrong and will get nothing except the promised £80ish in my next pay packet (I'm not holding my breath for that!). I get so angry and frustrated when I am dealing with him. I can't speak to him directly as I feel I would lose my temper too easily and so have to deal by email. I have basically told him that if he has any further enquiries to speak to my manager as he knows all about the case.
One piece of good news was that I slept well today, just over 8 hours worth and felt refreshed when I got out of bed, which makes a nice change. Maybe I should stay up 23 hours more often!! It's a shame that I immediately feel drained upon entering this place though! Oh well, only 11 hours left of the shift!
Friday, 10 April 2009
One (Tiny) Bit of Good News
I did manage to sell ONE of my comics to a work colleague. I gave him a list of over 1000 comics that I want to sell and he only wanted the one. It was a card-backed comic of Batman and Judge Dredd though and he paid £5 for it, so I can't moan too much.
Every penny helps at the moment, though I still don't think I can afford a new computer this month. Do I get a television instead or save and get the computer next month?
Knowing me, I will have spent all this month's money by next payday and so wouldn't be able to afford the computer then either! I am almost relieved that I do not have a credit card anymore as I would have just put the computer (and television [and tons of other stuff]) on that if I had one. It's frustrating, but good that I don't have one anymore.
Every penny helps at the moment, though I still don't think I can afford a new computer this month. Do I get a television instead or save and get the computer next month?
Knowing me, I will have spent all this month's money by next payday and so wouldn't be able to afford the computer then either! I am almost relieved that I do not have a credit card anymore as I would have just put the computer (and television [and tons of other stuff]) on that if I had one. It's frustrating, but good that I don't have one anymore.
I Think They've Gone & Done It Again!!
I got paid yesterday (a day early because of it being Good Friday today) and I think that my employers have gone and underpaid me yet again. The amount that I was paid was slightly less than last month, but I can't be sure if am definitely short until I get my payslip. I have told my manager, the one who annoys me, that if it is wrong I will not be coming back to work until the difference is paid into my account. I also told him that if OCS, my employers, are not willing to pay any difference immediately then he should class my days off as my notice period and I will leave. If the pay is wrong I will be sending a third letter of complaint about my wage situation to the area manager's boss, as no one has got back to me about either of the times I sent my previous letter of complaint (the last one being sent a month ago).
I hope that one of the 5 jobs that I have applied for over the last 2 weeks gets back to me soon, as I really am feeling the stress of working for this awful company OCS. I urge anyone who is thinking of taking a job with them, especially as a security officer, DON'T! They will treat you like dirt, they will cheat you out of holiday time, they will not pay you what you have earned and they will expect you to work extra time unpaid, when they cannot get staff to cover sites, and they expect all of this to be performed while providing you with minimal uniform and not replacing it when it is damaged.
I am that desperate to get away from them that I am now looking at jobs that would mean me taking a substantial pay cut. I JUST WANT OUT!!!!
I hope that one of the 5 jobs that I have applied for over the last 2 weeks gets back to me soon, as I really am feeling the stress of working for this awful company OCS. I urge anyone who is thinking of taking a job with them, especially as a security officer, DON'T! They will treat you like dirt, they will cheat you out of holiday time, they will not pay you what you have earned and they will expect you to work extra time unpaid, when they cannot get staff to cover sites, and they expect all of this to be performed while providing you with minimal uniform and not replacing it when it is damaged.
I am that desperate to get away from them that I am now looking at jobs that would mean me taking a substantial pay cut. I JUST WANT OUT!!!!
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
No News (Is Good News?)
I'm back at work and bored after 4 days off, but I am still not recovered from the last set of night shifts that I worked, I must have slept for 12 hours of each of my days off, which is not good. I have had a cough for about 3 weeks now, gradually getting worse. I thought that on my first day off it was getting better, but it hasn't improved since then and it is really getting on my nerves and I think I have sprained my lower abs from all the coughing. Coming back to a dusty building site doesn't help I guess.
Sunday, while I was at home feeling really sorry for myself, I went from my room to the kitchen as just before I left my room I thought, "Shall I take my phone? No. There's no point, no one is going to phone me!"
While I was in the kitchen though, guess what happened? Yep. I just about managed to get back to the phone before it went to voicemail. Tim wanted to know if I wanted to go for a drink with him that afternoon. I would have loved to go, but I was (and still am skint) and the cough was really getting on my nerves and I would have been too embarrassed to cope with it in a bar. So I declined, despite Tim offering to buy me a couple of drinks.
I was incredibly jealous when he explained that he would be away in Gran Canaria for a week, while he is on a month off of work. I would so like to be able to afford to voluntarily take a month off unpaid AND go on holiday at the same time. I really hope that he has a good time, though I have no doubts that he will.
I am now counting down the hours until Friday (payday) and just hope that my wages are correct this time. I have just enough loose change to keep me fed until then (though I wish whoever it was in the flat who keeps finishing my teabags would replace them just once, as I miss my cuppa!).
If my wages are wrong yet again, which sceptically I am expecting them to be, I will keep to my word and stay away from work until any missing money is cleared in my account as I am sick of all the stress and hassle my employers have put me under through the last 3 months (and more). And, yes, I am STILL waiting for a replacement jacket for the one I reported as damaged back in the middle of January. I swear that OCS must be having financial troubles. It would not surprise me (or disappoint me) if they went bust soon. In fact I would cheer! Good riddance.
The good news is that I have applied for another job today, so that makes three in total that I am waiting to hear back from. But I am still open to offers.
Sunday, while I was at home feeling really sorry for myself, I went from my room to the kitchen as just before I left my room I thought, "Shall I take my phone? No. There's no point, no one is going to phone me!"
While I was in the kitchen though, guess what happened? Yep. I just about managed to get back to the phone before it went to voicemail. Tim wanted to know if I wanted to go for a drink with him that afternoon. I would have loved to go, but I was (and still am skint) and the cough was really getting on my nerves and I would have been too embarrassed to cope with it in a bar. So I declined, despite Tim offering to buy me a couple of drinks.
I was incredibly jealous when he explained that he would be away in Gran Canaria for a week, while he is on a month off of work. I would so like to be able to afford to voluntarily take a month off unpaid AND go on holiday at the same time. I really hope that he has a good time, though I have no doubts that he will.
I am now counting down the hours until Friday (payday) and just hope that my wages are correct this time. I have just enough loose change to keep me fed until then (though I wish whoever it was in the flat who keeps finishing my teabags would replace them just once, as I miss my cuppa!).
If my wages are wrong yet again, which sceptically I am expecting them to be, I will keep to my word and stay away from work until any missing money is cleared in my account as I am sick of all the stress and hassle my employers have put me under through the last 3 months (and more). And, yes, I am STILL waiting for a replacement jacket for the one I reported as damaged back in the middle of January. I swear that OCS must be having financial troubles. It would not surprise me (or disappoint me) if they went bust soon. In fact I would cheer! Good riddance.
The good news is that I have applied for another job today, so that makes three in total that I am waiting to hear back from. But I am still open to offers.
Friday, 3 April 2009
Comics
I mentioned the other day that I was thinking of quitting collecting comics. Well, tonight I gave a list of all of my DC comics to a work colleague whose uncle is also a collector. This was in the hope that I may be able to sell some of my comics to this guy (and thus save future eBay costs when I eventually get back onto the internet at home).
I thought that I may as well mention it on here in the vain hope that one of my beloved readers may be interested in also buying some comics from me (hey, you never know). If you are interested, just email me at alex.robins@hotmail.co.uk and I will forward you a complete list of the titles and issues that I have for sale. They are all DC, Image, Wildstorm and Dark Horse Star Wars comics and almost all are in very good to mint condition. Let me know (I could do with the dosh).
I thought that I may as well mention it on here in the vain hope that one of my beloved readers may be interested in also buying some comics from me (hey, you never know). If you are interested, just email me at alex.robins@hotmail.co.uk and I will forward you a complete list of the titles and issues that I have for sale. They are all DC, Image, Wildstorm and Dark Horse Star Wars comics and almost all are in very good to mint condition. Let me know (I could do with the dosh).
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