Well, I'm happier than I was. Unfortunately, I've still got to deal with the one account that I hate, but at least it has been lightened a little bit - I'm passing on the other part of the poisoned chalice to one of my colleagues.
The OTR side is being left alone, as I made it very plain that was non-negotiable, and thankfully, it sounds like the feedback that is going to my line manager is very positive (I guess going on the training course was more beneficial than I'd realised)...
However, the reason that I'm being left with part of this damned chalice is because my line manager wants me to re-build my confidence and my professional reputation with other people within the company.
Ah well, as the day draws to a close, I guess that things could have been an awful lot worse...
Time to log off & bog off - it's escape time!
Back later, if I get chance.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Getting the Tiger's roar back...
Posted by
Karen
Well, I'm happier than I was yesterday, but that's only because two of the people I really care about have been absolute angels, and helped me get back on my 'paws'.
One of them was my daft hog riding friend, who was a real gem, and made me laugh by telling me about things that he used to do in previous jobs, as well as telling me not to take things too personally - especially where my work is concerned!
The other person was my partner, who came up to see me, and when he realised how down I really was, took me out for a drink, and a chill out at a pub that he knows, in a village between our homes...
I hadn't had anything to eat, simply because when I got home last night, I was far too uptight to eat... So, in theory, I should have been plastered by the time he dropped me off back home last night... But as per normal, the theory didn't follow the actual result - I was stone-cold sober.
Ok - I wouldn't have risked driving, but I was no-where near being drunk, and my partner was a real gent - he made sure that I was in the house ok before he left, and sent me a text message to let me know that he was home ok.
Time to call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be going into a meeting in a couple of minutes...
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
One of them was my daft hog riding friend, who was a real gem, and made me laugh by telling me about things that he used to do in previous jobs, as well as telling me not to take things too personally - especially where my work is concerned!
The other person was my partner, who came up to see me, and when he realised how down I really was, took me out for a drink, and a chill out at a pub that he knows, in a village between our homes...
I hadn't had anything to eat, simply because when I got home last night, I was far too uptight to eat... So, in theory, I should have been plastered by the time he dropped me off back home last night... But as per normal, the theory didn't follow the actual result - I was stone-cold sober.
Ok - I wouldn't have risked driving, but I was no-where near being drunk, and my partner was a real gent - he made sure that I was in the house ok before he left, and sent me a text message to let me know that he was home ok.
Time to call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be going into a meeting in a couple of minutes...
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Changing from wood to steel
Posted by
Karen
Well, I've hit the bottom, and have now been given the ammunition to fight back - with true tiger-like vengance.
The thing that has really annoyed me more than anything else, is that I've been blamed for stock not being sent in, when the details that I have to hand state that the tyres are there for the customer!
Whilst I don't mind admitting that I'm far from perfect, I object to getting blamed for something that is beyond my control. Ok - I'm not slinging boulders / bricks or anything else for that matter, but it just irritates me that I'm the one getting the knife (or machete) in the back.
But, I guess that at this moment in time, the best thing I can do is bide my time, and then use the ammunition that I have at the right time....
Nearly time for lunch - not that I'm in the mood to eat!
Back later, if I get chance.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
The thing that has really annoyed me more than anything else, is that I've been blamed for stock not being sent in, when the details that I have to hand state that the tyres are there for the customer!
Whilst I don't mind admitting that I'm far from perfect, I object to getting blamed for something that is beyond my control. Ok - I'm not slinging boulders / bricks or anything else for that matter, but it just irritates me that I'm the one getting the knife (or machete) in the back.
But, I guess that at this moment in time, the best thing I can do is bide my time, and then use the ammunition that I have at the right time....
Nearly time for lunch - not that I'm in the mood to eat!
Back later, if I get chance.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
It's not easy when you don't know why...
Posted by
Karen
Well, I guess I do know why I feel so down. My friend died at 10:30 yesterday morning, and I've made a boo-boo with a delivery - it should have been a collection!
The worst part is, I feel like I've let everyone down - including myself, and I can hardly type for the tears that keep welling up in my eyes.
My line manager has been a real angel - he's realised that I'm starting to crack under the strain of my workload, and has said that he wants to talk to me tomorrow about what the team can do to help me get back to my old self.
I've already admitted that I'm quite willing to relinquish the one account that gives me so much grief, but I'm not going to lose the OTR side of things, not when I've done so much damned work to bring my knowledge base up to a level where I can be of some use to the guys in the field.
Thankfully, he's said that he's happy with me doing the OTR side of things, as he knows how much I enjoy working on that, but there are several bits that he thinks I could use some help with - and he's determined to avoid allowing this one account to think that they've got more power than they really have, and help me re-build my confidence back up to the level it was before I got crushed by everything hitting me all at once.
Time to get on with some work - I'm determined to clear my name on where some of the crap is concerned!!
Back later.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
The worst part is, I feel like I've let everyone down - including myself, and I can hardly type for the tears that keep welling up in my eyes.
My line manager has been a real angel - he's realised that I'm starting to crack under the strain of my workload, and has said that he wants to talk to me tomorrow about what the team can do to help me get back to my old self.
I've already admitted that I'm quite willing to relinquish the one account that gives me so much grief, but I'm not going to lose the OTR side of things, not when I've done so much damned work to bring my knowledge base up to a level where I can be of some use to the guys in the field.
Thankfully, he's said that he's happy with me doing the OTR side of things, as he knows how much I enjoy working on that, but there are several bits that he thinks I could use some help with - and he's determined to avoid allowing this one account to think that they've got more power than they really have, and help me re-build my confidence back up to the level it was before I got crushed by everything hitting me all at once.
Time to get on with some work - I'm determined to clear my name on where some of the crap is concerned!!
Back later.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Miracles do happen...
Posted by
Karen
Well, I've been able to beg / borrow / steal the six tyres that my colleague needed to help his customer with. I was joking about him owing me a very large G & T when he next sees me, as I've saved him from getting some serious grief from the customer.
But the only way I could do it, was to enlist the help of two of the other guys in the field, and ask if I could 'borrow' the tyres that were supposed to be going out to their customers.
Then, once I'd gotten the tyres, it was just a case of making sure that no-one-else could swipe them off me, and calling my colleague to let him know that I'd gotten the tyres.
Hmm - suppose I shoud call this entry quits - I've got work to do, as I want to be out of here on time tonight...
Back when I get chance.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
But the only way I could do it, was to enlist the help of two of the other guys in the field, and ask if I could 'borrow' the tyres that were supposed to be going out to their customers.
Then, once I'd gotten the tyres, it was just a case of making sure that no-one-else could swipe them off me, and calling my colleague to let him know that I'd gotten the tyres.
Hmm - suppose I shoud call this entry quits - I've got work to do, as I want to be out of here on time tonight...
Back when I get chance.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Put my head on the block for you? No chance.
Posted by
Karen
The title sums up my feelings about a request. Ok - the person who's made the request is someone whom I have a lot of time for, but not when it means that I'll be the one to get lynched.
Why do I say this? Simple. Because the tyres that he wants are on a back order, and there's not enough stock to clear all the back orders. The crux of the matter being the mere fact that I've been told by my colleague in logistics - trying to complete the order would be a case of "which customer do you want to piss off?"
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't have an issue, as I would call my normal contact, and get the go-ahead that way. But as my contact is on vacation for two weeks, I'm unwilling to put my head on the block, and get sliced up because I've bounced a customer (or two) to help this guy out.
So, all I can do is wait and see what response I get to the voicemail I've left, and see what happens from there. I have got a get-out clause that involves a director giving the go-ahead, but I'm keeping that in reserve, as I really don't want to alienate the rest of the guys that I work with, just to help out one fella.
Suppose I should look like I'm working, but to be honest, I've got no interest at all....
Back later, if I get the chance.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Why do I say this? Simple. Because the tyres that he wants are on a back order, and there's not enough stock to clear all the back orders. The crux of the matter being the mere fact that I've been told by my colleague in logistics - trying to complete the order would be a case of "which customer do you want to piss off?"
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't have an issue, as I would call my normal contact, and get the go-ahead that way. But as my contact is on vacation for two weeks, I'm unwilling to put my head on the block, and get sliced up because I've bounced a customer (or two) to help this guy out.
So, all I can do is wait and see what response I get to the voicemail I've left, and see what happens from there. I have got a get-out clause that involves a director giving the go-ahead, but I'm keeping that in reserve, as I really don't want to alienate the rest of the guys that I work with, just to help out one fella.
Suppose I should look like I'm working, but to be honest, I've got no interest at all....
Back later, if I get the chance.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Life never seems to go smoothly...
Posted by
Karen
Well, this week has been somewhat of a roller-coaster for me. And for once, it's not my family that's suffering - it's a long standing friend of mine and Mum's who's suffering.
The lady had a stroke on Sunday, and her family is understandably devastated, especially when they get told that she won't be going home from hospital. I'm of the opinion that the lady is a tough ol' buzzard and that she'll pull though - and have said the same thing to her son, which made him laugh.
We (her son and I) are going to visit his Mum in hospital tomorrow night, and my other half has told me not to worry about going over to his place after I get back from the hospital, if I don't feel like I can face the drive over there, but he'll be on the end of a 'phone if I need to talk to someone.
On a positive note, my friend White Wolf is escaping to Ireland to start his new job with Apple in Cork. He leaves the UK shores tonight, and has said that he'll be out of contact for a while, whilst he gets himself settled in, and sees how the land lies...
So, in honor of his escape, I've been able to find this Irish joke....
Paddy the famous Irishman is driving home after downing a few at the local pub. He turns a corner and much to his horror he sees a tree in the middle of the road.
He swerves to avoid it and almost too late realizes that there is yet another tree directly in his path.
He swerves again and discovers that his drive home has turned into a slalom course, causing him to veer from side to side to avoid all the trees.
Moments later he hears the sound of a police siren and brings his car to a stop. The officer, approaches Paddy's car and asks him what on earth he was doing.
Paddy tells his story of the trees in the road when the officer stops him mid sentence and says,
"Fer Chris sakes, Paddy, that's yer air freshener!"
Suppose I should think about doing some w*rk, but I really have a case of TNFI....
Back when I get chance...
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
The lady had a stroke on Sunday, and her family is understandably devastated, especially when they get told that she won't be going home from hospital. I'm of the opinion that the lady is a tough ol' buzzard and that she'll pull though - and have said the same thing to her son, which made him laugh.
We (her son and I) are going to visit his Mum in hospital tomorrow night, and my other half has told me not to worry about going over to his place after I get back from the hospital, if I don't feel like I can face the drive over there, but he'll be on the end of a 'phone if I need to talk to someone.
On a positive note, my friend White Wolf is escaping to Ireland to start his new job with Apple in Cork. He leaves the UK shores tonight, and has said that he'll be out of contact for a while, whilst he gets himself settled in, and sees how the land lies...
So, in honor of his escape, I've been able to find this Irish joke....
Paddy the famous Irishman is driving home after downing a few at the local pub. He turns a corner and much to his horror he sees a tree in the middle of the road.
He swerves to avoid it and almost too late realizes that there is yet another tree directly in his path.
He swerves again and discovers that his drive home has turned into a slalom course, causing him to veer from side to side to avoid all the trees.
Moments later he hears the sound of a police siren and brings his car to a stop. The officer, approaches Paddy's car and asks him what on earth he was doing.
Paddy tells his story of the trees in the road when the officer stops him mid sentence and says,
"Fer Chris sakes, Paddy, that's yer air freshener!"
Suppose I should think about doing some w*rk, but I really have a case of TNFI....
Back when I get chance...
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Something that made me laugh....
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
This got sent to me by my daft friend - he said that it was appropriate, given the fact that I'm an F1 fan....
The Mclaren Formula 1 Team have sacked their entire pit crew yesterday. The announcement followed Mclaren's decision to take advantage of the UK Government's Youth Opportunity scheme and employ people from Liverpool.
The decision to hire them was brought on by a recent documentary on how unemployed youths from the Toxteth area were able to remove all the wheels in less than 6 seconds, using only a bottle jack, a Halfords multi-purpose wheel-brace and 4 bricks, whereas Mclaren's existing crew can only do it in 8 seconds with millions of dollars worth of high tech equipment.
Tony Blair went on record as saying this was a bold move by the Mclaren management, which demonstrated the international recognition of the UK under New Labour. As most races are won and lost in the pits, Mclaren now have a greater advantage over every team.
However, Mclaren may have got more than they bargained for... At the crew's final practice session, the Chirpy Scousers successfully changed the tyres in under 6 seconds, but then within another 25 seconds they had re-sprayed, re-badged, and sold the vehicle to the Ferrari team for 8 cans of Tennants Super, half a kilo of Charlie and some photos of Schumacher's Mrs in the shower.
Hmm - suppose I should think about doing some work, but I'm not really interested at the moment!
Back when I get chance...
Karen
I walk where others fear to tread
The Mclaren Formula 1 Team have sacked their entire pit crew yesterday. The announcement followed Mclaren's decision to take advantage of the UK Government's Youth Opportunity scheme and employ people from Liverpool.
The decision to hire them was brought on by a recent documentary on how unemployed youths from the Toxteth area were able to remove all the wheels in less than 6 seconds, using only a bottle jack, a Halfords multi-purpose wheel-brace and 4 bricks, whereas Mclaren's existing crew can only do it in 8 seconds with millions of dollars worth of high tech equipment.
Tony Blair went on record as saying this was a bold move by the Mclaren management, which demonstrated the international recognition of the UK under New Labour. As most races are won and lost in the pits, Mclaren now have a greater advantage over every team.
However, Mclaren may have got more than they bargained for... At the crew's final practice session, the Chirpy Scousers successfully changed the tyres in under 6 seconds, but then within another 25 seconds they had re-sprayed, re-badged, and sold the vehicle to the Ferrari team for 8 cans of Tennants Super, half a kilo of Charlie and some photos of Schumacher's Mrs in the shower.
Hmm - suppose I should think about doing some work, but I'm not really interested at the moment!
Back when I get chance...
Karen
I walk where others fear to tread
At last - Probate has been granted!!
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
There's nothing like a message giving good news to brighten a crappy day up. When I got home, there was a message on the answerphone from the family solicitor to say that we've finally got probate granted.
Ok - I know in a previous post, I said that I wouldn't get the family solicitor involved, but as it turned out, it was probably the smartest move that Mum and I could have made, as the Probate court seemed determined to declare that Dad died intestate - when both Mum and I knew that there was a valid will.
I know this sounds horrible, but as an only child, when Mum dies, I'll inherit the whole estate. But for the moment, as far as I'm concerned, taking anything from Dad's estate would feel wrong and I would feel like I was profiting from Dad's death.
Hmm - suppose I should call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be going my partner's for dinner...
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Ok - I know in a previous post, I said that I wouldn't get the family solicitor involved, but as it turned out, it was probably the smartest move that Mum and I could have made, as the Probate court seemed determined to declare that Dad died intestate - when both Mum and I knew that there was a valid will.
I know this sounds horrible, but as an only child, when Mum dies, I'll inherit the whole estate. But for the moment, as far as I'm concerned, taking anything from Dad's estate would feel wrong and I would feel like I was profiting from Dad's death.
Hmm - suppose I should call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be going my partner's for dinner...
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Damned if I do, damned if I don't...
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
That sums up the way I'm feeling at work at this moment in time. One of the accounts I have the misfortune to look after seem to take great delight in picking holes in every little thing that I do, and I'm getting more than a little fed up.
Ok - I'm partly responsible for a couple of hiccups - but the other bits have been beyond my sphere of influence. Despite this, I'm still the one that gets kicked in the teeth, and I'm getting seriously fed up.
It's said that the customer is always right - this one is a right pain in the ****, and I'm getting really fed up with the niggles that keep arising on this one account.
It wouldn't be so bad, but as well as dealing with them, I'm the main contact in the office for the earthmover / industrial tyres, and most of the guys in the field seem to prefer dealing with me, so that means that I'm having to keep my eye on what's happening with those orders as well!
Ok - I haven't got a problem with that, but it irritates the c*rp out of me when people outside of the department start kicking off because of an error on my part, and blame me for someone-else's mistakes as well.
Ah well, enough grumbling for today.... Suppose I should think about doing some w*rk, but I'm suffering from a severe case of TNFI - totally no ******g interest.
Back when I get chance.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Ok - I'm partly responsible for a couple of hiccups - but the other bits have been beyond my sphere of influence. Despite this, I'm still the one that gets kicked in the teeth, and I'm getting seriously fed up.
It's said that the customer is always right - this one is a right pain in the ****, and I'm getting really fed up with the niggles that keep arising on this one account.
It wouldn't be so bad, but as well as dealing with them, I'm the main contact in the office for the earthmover / industrial tyres, and most of the guys in the field seem to prefer dealing with me, so that means that I'm having to keep my eye on what's happening with those orders as well!
Ok - I haven't got a problem with that, but it irritates the c*rp out of me when people outside of the department start kicking off because of an error on my part, and blame me for someone-else's mistakes as well.
Ah well, enough grumbling for today.... Suppose I should think about doing some w*rk, but I'm suffering from a severe case of TNFI - totally no ******g interest.
Back when I get chance.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Getting back in the swing...
Posted by
Karen
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Well, I'm back to the posting habit, and there's been so much going on my my life, I just don't quite know where to start!
After I'd spoken to my best mate, I didn't hear anything, and thought that he'd pulled some little dolly bird, and was making the most of his time with her... Nothing could have been futher from the truth!
It turned out that his estranged girlfriend contacted him a couple of hours after we'd spoken, and said that she wanted to see him, and that was it - they were back together, and he didn't go out clubbing after all...
As for me, well things are moving along at a gentle pace, which suits me in a way, as I'm trying to recover from my shoulder injury (I've had the second jab in the joint) and have been banned from horse riding for the next 2 weeks - which is driving me barmy.
My significant other (who has asked to remain namless) has also asked me not to go to any track days whilst I'm banned from horse riding, as he said that the horse riding ban would be pointless if I was slinging the Peugot 'round a racetrack.
Admittedly, I can see his point, but I have to admit, the slow pace of life that these enforced bans have imposed on me is starting to get to me a bit. But, I'm lucky enough to have people life my daft Hog riding friend to keep me sane, and make me laugh with all sorts of revolting jokes - this one being one of the cleaner ones!
Why I Fired My Secretary.....
Last week was my birthday and I didn't feel very well waking up that morning. I went downstairs for breakfast hoping my wife would be pleasant and say "Happy birthday!", and possibly have a present for me. As it turned out, she barely said good morning, let alone "Happy Birthday."
I thought... Well, that's marriage for you, but the kids will remember. My kids came into breakfast and didn't say a word. So when I left for the office I was feeling pretty low and somewhat despondent.
As I walked into my office, my secretary Jane said, "good morning, boss, happy birthday!" It felt a little better that at least some had rembered.
I worked until one o'clock and then Jane knocked on my door and said, "You know, it's such a beautiful day outside, and it's your birthday, let's go out to lunch, just you and me." I said, "Thanks
Jane, that's the greatest thing I've heard all day. Let's go!"
Wen went to lunch, but we didn't go where we normally would go. We dined instead at a little place with a provate table. We had two martinis each and I enjoyed the meal tremendously.
On the way back to the office, Jane said, "You know, it's such a beautiful day... We don't need to go back to go back to the office do we?" I responded, "I guess not. What do you have in mind?" She said,
"Let's go back to my apartment."
After arriving at her apartment, Jane turned to me and said, "Boss, if you don't ming I'm going to step into the bedroom for a moment. I'll be right back."
"Ok." I nervously replied
She went into the bedroom and, after a couple of minutes she came out carrying a huge birthday cake... Followed by my wife, kids and dozens of my friends and co-workers, all singing "Happy Birthday."
And I just sat there...
On the couch...
Naked.
Suppose I should think about doing some w*rk, but I've got to admit, I've got no interest at all, but I guess that's what comes of working on a nice sunny day!
Back when I get chance...
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
After I'd spoken to my best mate, I didn't hear anything, and thought that he'd pulled some little dolly bird, and was making the most of his time with her... Nothing could have been futher from the truth!
It turned out that his estranged girlfriend contacted him a couple of hours after we'd spoken, and said that she wanted to see him, and that was it - they were back together, and he didn't go out clubbing after all...
As for me, well things are moving along at a gentle pace, which suits me in a way, as I'm trying to recover from my shoulder injury (I've had the second jab in the joint) and have been banned from horse riding for the next 2 weeks - which is driving me barmy.
My significant other (who has asked to remain namless) has also asked me not to go to any track days whilst I'm banned from horse riding, as he said that the horse riding ban would be pointless if I was slinging the Peugot 'round a racetrack.
Admittedly, I can see his point, but I have to admit, the slow pace of life that these enforced bans have imposed on me is starting to get to me a bit. But, I'm lucky enough to have people life my daft Hog riding friend to keep me sane, and make me laugh with all sorts of revolting jokes - this one being one of the cleaner ones!
Why I Fired My Secretary.....
Last week was my birthday and I didn't feel very well waking up that morning. I went downstairs for breakfast hoping my wife would be pleasant and say "Happy birthday!", and possibly have a present for me. As it turned out, she barely said good morning, let alone "Happy Birthday."
I thought... Well, that's marriage for you, but the kids will remember. My kids came into breakfast and didn't say a word. So when I left for the office I was feeling pretty low and somewhat despondent.
As I walked into my office, my secretary Jane said, "good morning, boss, happy birthday!" It felt a little better that at least some had rembered.
I worked until one o'clock and then Jane knocked on my door and said, "You know, it's such a beautiful day outside, and it's your birthday, let's go out to lunch, just you and me." I said, "Thanks
Jane, that's the greatest thing I've heard all day. Let's go!"
Wen went to lunch, but we didn't go where we normally would go. We dined instead at a little place with a provate table. We had two martinis each and I enjoyed the meal tremendously.
On the way back to the office, Jane said, "You know, it's such a beautiful day... We don't need to go back to go back to the office do we?" I responded, "I guess not. What do you have in mind?" She said,
"Let's go back to my apartment."
After arriving at her apartment, Jane turned to me and said, "Boss, if you don't ming I'm going to step into the bedroom for a moment. I'll be right back."
"Ok." I nervously replied
She went into the bedroom and, after a couple of minutes she came out carrying a huge birthday cake... Followed by my wife, kids and dozens of my friends and co-workers, all singing "Happy Birthday."
And I just sat there...
On the couch...
Naked.
Suppose I should think about doing some w*rk, but I've got to admit, I've got no interest at all, but I guess that's what comes of working on a nice sunny day!
Back when I get chance...
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Appearances can be deceiving…
Posted by
Karen
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I’ve only managed to get about 2 hrs sleep last night – for several reasons. The main one being the fact that I was on the ‘phone to my friend last night…
It turned out that he’d been having problems for a while, and they managed to get things sorted out for a couple of days, then things would start to slide back to where they were before they tried to sort thing out.
In the end, he said that it was a relief when she sent him a text message to say that she wanted to call it quits, and didn’t want him to contact her. I will admit, I was more than a little surprised that he was so rational, as I though that he’d been really keen on her…
He’s also made plans to go out on the pull on Saturday night, and has said that he plans on getting himself back into the field of play sooner rather than later.
So, we sat up talking until the extremely small hours – and finally called it quits at about 03:20…
Hmmm - my phone's ringing... Guess I should think about answering it...
Back when I get chance.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread.
It turned out that he’d been having problems for a while, and they managed to get things sorted out for a couple of days, then things would start to slide back to where they were before they tried to sort thing out.
In the end, he said that it was a relief when she sent him a text message to say that she wanted to call it quits, and didn’t want him to contact her. I will admit, I was more than a little surprised that he was so rational, as I though that he’d been really keen on her…
He’s also made plans to go out on the pull on Saturday night, and has said that he plans on getting himself back into the field of play sooner rather than later.
So, we sat up talking until the extremely small hours – and finally called it quits at about 03:20…
Hmmm - my phone's ringing... Guess I should think about answering it...
Back when I get chance.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread.
So much for a happy ending...
Posted by
Karen
comments (0)
And no – it’s not me that’s gone splat in a relationship. It’s my best mate. He sent me a text message earlier today, to say that his girlfriend had just dumped him by text.
To say I was surprised was an understatement, as I was under the impression that things were going really well…
He seems to be coping ok, but I’ll reserve judgment until I speak to him tonight, as he said that he’ll call me later and let me know what’s happened, and fill me in on other bits and pieces…
Suppose I should think about doing some w*rk, but my heart’s not really in it, as my partner is going away for a couple of days on business…
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread.
To say I was surprised was an understatement, as I was under the impression that things were going really well…
He seems to be coping ok, but I’ll reserve judgment until I speak to him tonight, as he said that he’ll call me later and let me know what’s happened, and fill me in on other bits and pieces…
Suppose I should think about doing some w*rk, but my heart’s not really in it, as my partner is going away for a couple of days on business…
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread.
Back from my travels – Part IV - The road home
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The final day of our stay, Mum and I went to the Fleet Air Arm museum at Yeovilton - where one of the Concorde prototypes was located.
Most of the museum was poorly lit, and I admit that the date on the camera was set wrong - I'd neglected to check this when I selected this feature!!
Some of the display were quite good - I loved the display in the second hall, where the WWII aircraft were - the photograph below being one of my favorites:
However, I admit that my real favorite display was Concorde.
I have to admit, seeing the aircraft up close was a real treat, and I didn't realise just how narrow the aisle was!
As this aircraft was the prototype, there was still the test equipment on-board...
But the real surprise was the size of the cockpit!
The outside of the aircraft was just as beautiful as I'd always remembered:
Hmmm - time to call this entry quits - don't want to blot my copy book by getting caught blogging instead of working!
Back when I get chance.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Most of the museum was poorly lit, and I admit that the date on the camera was set wrong - I'd neglected to check this when I selected this feature!!
Some of the display were quite good - I loved the display in the second hall, where the WWII aircraft were - the photograph below being one of my favorites:
However, I admit that my real favorite display was Concorde.
I have to admit, seeing the aircraft up close was a real treat, and I didn't realise just how narrow the aisle was!
As this aircraft was the prototype, there was still the test equipment on-board...
But the real surprise was the size of the cockpit!
The outside of the aircraft was just as beautiful as I'd always remembered:
Hmmm - time to call this entry quits - don't want to blot my copy book by getting caught blogging instead of working!
Back when I get chance.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Back from my travels - Part III - The road to Taunton
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On Thursday, after Mum and I had been to the Eden project, we decided that we would stay in Taunton so that I could go to the Fleet Air Arm museum at Yeovilton - where Concorde had been taken to...
Normally, the route would have been the A30, straight to Taunton - all dual carrigeway. Ok - there's nothing wrong with that, apart from the fact that it's as boring as hell for both the driver (Mum) and the passenger (me).
Them, once we were off Dartmoor, we did use part of the A30... And alongside, were several windfarms. To be honest, I can see why the locals object - the turbines aren't the prettiest of things to look at...
I also managed to get another photograph - not bad from a car doing 70mph...
Hmm... Suppose I should call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be working.
Karen
I walk where others fear to tread
Normally, the route would have been the A30, straight to Taunton - all dual carrigeway. Ok - there's nothing wrong with that, apart from the fact that it's as boring as hell for both the driver (Mum) and the passenger (me).
So, we decided to go across Dartmoor - right past Dartmoor jail!
Them, once we were off Dartmoor, we did use part of the A30... And alongside, were several windfarms. To be honest, I can see why the locals object - the turbines aren't the prettiest of things to look at...
I also managed to get another photograph - not bad from a car doing 70mph...
However, any joy that I felt on my holiday was cut off at the pass, when I turned on the news, and saw that London had been attacked. How these people can claim to be doing this in the name of Islam is beyond me, as Islam preaches peace - not violence!
Hmm... Suppose I should call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be working.
Karen
I walk where others fear to tread
Back from my travels – Part II – the Eden project…
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On Tuesday, Mum and I travelled from our overnight stopping point at Barnstaple, to Bodmin, where we’d planned to visit the Eden Project at St Austell.
As Mum and I had gotten what they call fast track tickets, it meant that we didn't have to queue up to get our admission sticker. Once we’d gotten our admission sticker, the Biomes came into view…
As we got into the main entrance, we had the option of going right to the Temperate biome, and left to the Tropical Biome – we opted for the Tropical Biome.
The humidity was an awful lot higher than either Mum or myself could remember it being and this was confirmed by one of the guides who said that the humidity hadn’t been as high as this for a couple of years!
But, I managed to achieve one of my ambitions: - and that was get to the top of the stairs of the biome, and gets a view of things from the top!
At the top, there was the most welcome thing of all – a waterfall!
I will admit to standing in front of the waterfall as I took the picture and enjoying the spray that came off it – wonderfully cooling!
But that wasn’t the reason that I’d gone up there. I’d wanted to take some ‘photos of the Biome from a viewpoint that I’d not been able to manage in the past…
This shot shows just how lush the foliage really was - the view was something to behold!
This shot shows Pete the Panther - and I thought his expression was really sweet!
These are the famous Amazon waterlillys - the full sized leaf can hold a small child!
Then, it was into the Temperate Biome - which tends to be far more seasonal than the Tropical Biome.. Not to mention cooler and more comfortable to explore!
The Temperate Biome had a real mix of planting schemes, with plants from various regions of the world...
It also had an exhibit of vines -with statues in it, called The Rites of Diyonisus
There was also a waterfall in the Temperate Biome, but as the heat wasn't as great, I was able to appreciate the beauty a little more...
Unlike the Tropical Biome, the Temperate Biome had quite a few statues - this one made me smile - they're pigs.....
Then, it was out of the Biomes, and head for the outdoors...
But the one thing (apart from the Bumble Bee statue) that took my breath away was this:
It's amazing to see just what was used to make this statue - I was able to identify about 6 different items.
When we got back to the main entrance area, there was an announcment over the tannoy to say that London had won the 2012 Olympics... There were some French tourists in the same area as Mum and myself, and they looked really sick - as Paris had been expected to win!
Hmm... Suppose I should think about doing some w*rk....
Back later, if I get the chance...
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
This is the first thing that you see as you enter the Eden Project - the Eden Horse. It's a driftwood sculpture, and it's one of those things that sticks in the mind...
As Mum and I had gotten what they call fast track tickets, it meant that we didn't have to queue up to get our admission sticker. Once we’d gotten our admission sticker, the Biomes came into view…
The Live 8 stage was still in place - it was located in an outside exhibition area, and behind it, the Tropical Biome on the left, and the Temperate Biome on the right…
As the Eden project was built in the remains of a quarry, the walk down would have tired Mum out, so we got the Land train down to the biomes. This land train was a series of carriages (of a fashion) pulled by a tractor! (They're in the top left hand corner of the picture below)
As the Eden project was built in the remains of a quarry, the walk down would have tired Mum out, so we got the Land train down to the biomes. This land train was a series of carriages (of a fashion) pulled by a tractor! (They're in the top left hand corner of the picture below)
Once we got to bottom, we saw the second of the things that will always stick in my mind – the bumble bee statue!
As we got into the main entrance, we had the option of going right to the Temperate biome, and left to the Tropical Biome – we opted for the Tropical Biome.The humidity was an awful lot higher than either Mum or myself could remember it being and this was confirmed by one of the guides who said that the humidity hadn’t been as high as this for a couple of years!
But, I managed to achieve one of my ambitions: - and that was get to the top of the stairs of the biome, and gets a view of things from the top!
I will admit to standing in front of the waterfall as I took the picture and enjoying the spray that came off it – wonderfully cooling!
But that wasn’t the reason that I’d gone up there. I’d wanted to take some ‘photos of the Biome from a viewpoint that I’d not been able to manage in the past…
This shows the side of the quarry that the biomes are situated in - as well as showing the mist that was swirling in the top of the Biome...
This shot shows just how lush the foliage really was - the view was something to behold!
This shot shows Pete the Panther - and I thought his expression was really sweet!
These are the famous Amazon waterlillys - the full sized leaf can hold a small child!
Then, it was into the Temperate Biome - which tends to be far more seasonal than the Tropical Biome.. Not to mention cooler and more comfortable to explore!
The Temperate Biome had a real mix of planting schemes, with plants from various regions of the world...
It also had an exhibit of vines -with statues in it, called The Rites of Diyonisus
There was also a waterfall in the Temperate Biome, but as the heat wasn't as great, I was able to appreciate the beauty a little more...
Unlike the Tropical Biome, the Temperate Biome had quite a few statues - this one made me smile - they're pigs.....
Then, it was out of the Biomes, and head for the outdoors...
But the one thing (apart from the Bumble Bee statue) that took my breath away was this:
It's amazing to see just what was used to make this statue - I was able to identify about 6 different items.
When we got back to the main entrance area, there was an announcment over the tannoy to say that London had won the 2012 Olympics... There were some French tourists in the same area as Mum and myself, and they looked really sick - as Paris had been expected to win!
Hmm... Suppose I should think about doing some w*rk....
Back later, if I get the chance...
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Back from my travels... Part I - The road to Cornwall
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Well, I'm back from the West country, and to be honest, I feel like my batteries have been recharged. The weather was quite good - apart from Monday, when it rained on the way down, as well as raining whilst Mum and I were at RHS Rosemoor.
As I took my new toy with me, there'll be loads of piccys - and I'll split the details of the holiday into three parts - this first part will cover the trip down south, as well as the trip to RHS Rosemoor.
The trip down was unexceptional - Mum and I stopped off at Street in Somerset - where the Clarkes Shopping Village is. (See http://www.clarksvillage.co.uk/ for details.)
There were a variety of shops - my favorite being the Cadbury's factory shop - but only because I was able to get my two favorite sweets - Cadbury's Finger of Fudge and Milk bottle gums - sweets shaped like milk bottles, and are made with - milk.
We then headed to Rosemoor. As Mum wasn't feeling too good, we had a coffee, and plotted the route 'round the gardens, taking in the bits that were of interest to us both...
This was the first part that we looked at - the so-called Modern Rose garden. Not really a very good description in my opinion, as there were the so-called Old Roses - things like Rosa versicolour:
As I took my new toy with me, there'll be loads of piccys - and I'll split the details of the holiday into three parts - this first part will cover the trip down south, as well as the trip to RHS Rosemoor.
The trip down was unexceptional - Mum and I stopped off at Street in Somerset - where the Clarkes Shopping Village is. (See http://www.clarksvillage.co.uk/ for details.)
There were a variety of shops - my favorite being the Cadbury's factory shop - but only because I was able to get my two favorite sweets - Cadbury's Finger of Fudge and Milk bottle gums - sweets shaped like milk bottles, and are made with - milk.
We then headed to Rosemoor. As Mum wasn't feeling too good, we had a coffee, and plotted the route 'round the gardens, taking in the bits that were of interest to us both...
This was the first part that we looked at - the so-called Modern Rose garden. Not really a very good description in my opinion, as there were the so-called Old Roses - things like Rosa versicolour:
The beds themselves were well planned, and the majority of the roses were ones that Mum and I had seen at David Austin Roses, in Albrighton (See http://www.davidaustinroses.com/).
Despite the name, the rose garden contained other plants - one of my favorites being the hardy Geranium:
We then walked through one of the paths framed by one of the so-called Long Borders...
This long border had a mixture of perennial and annual plants - my favorite being the yellow Hemerocalis - I've got no idea which variety it is, as there was no lable in front of it...
This then lead to the herb garden, where I saw the most magnificent display of poppies. Not just any poppies - these particular poppies were Papavier somniforum - more commonly known as Opium poppies:
But these plants were not being used for illegal drug production - they were being used to provide a stunning backdrop to other plants that were in the herb garden...
Suppose I should call this entry quits - I'm supposed to be sorting out my damned e-mails, not blogging!
Back with more info on my holiday later, if I get the chance!
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
Something that made me cry, and made me smile...
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Well, I'm getting packed ready to go away tomorrow, and I've been playing with my new toy - a digital camera.
I'd been considering one for quite a while, and I've finally taken the plunge and bought one as part of a package with the matching printer. It's a Kodak, with 3.1 megapixels, and does as much as my big Olympus analogue camera, for a fraction of the size!
As I prepared this blog entry, I was listening to my normal radio station, when I heard a dedication to me, from this fella that I've started to see... It was a bit of an unusual choice, I will admit, but as soon as I heard the opening bars, I knew the song - it was Metallica - Nothing Else Matters.
So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trust in who we are
And nothing else matters
Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say
And nothing else matters
Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know
So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trust in who we are
And nothing else matters
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know
I never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say
And nothing else matters
Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters
Never cared for what they say
Never cared for games they play
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
And I know
So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trust in who we are
No, nothing else matters
The message just said that he would miss me whilst I was away, and that I was to take care, and come back safe and well.
I will admit, the tears started escaping when I heard that, and as soon as the song was finished, I called him... He said that he'd been expecting me to call him, as he'd remembered that I have a habit of listening to the radio on a Sunday morning, and knew that my preferred station was Kerrang!
But he soon had me laughing, by telling me a joke... I didn't have the heart to tell him that I'd already had the joke e-mailed to me at work, so I've just copied the joke and posted it on my blog...
One day God calls down to Noah and says, "Noah me old china, I want you to make me a new Ark".
Noah replies, "No probs God, me old Supreme Being. Anything you want,after all you're the guv'"
But God interrupts, "Ah, but there's a catch. This time Noah, I don't want just a couple of decks, I want 20 decks one on top of the other".
"20 DECKS!" screams Noah "Well, OK Big Man, whatever you say. Should I fill it up with all the animals just like last time?"
"Yep, that's right, well. Sort of right. This time I want you to fill it up with fish", God answers.
"Fish?" queries Noah.
"Yep, fish. Well, to make it more specific Noah, I want carp - wall to wall, floor to ceiling - Carp!"
Noah looks to the skies. "OK God my old mucker, let me get this right, you want a New Ark?"
"Check."
"With 20 decks, one on top of the other?"
"Check."
"And you want it full of Carp?"
"Check."
"Why?" Asks the perplexed Noah, who was slowly but surely getting to the end of his tether.
"Dunno," says God, "I just fancied a Multi-Storey Carp Ark."
Guess I should call this entry quits - still got stuff to do around the house before the Grand Prix...
Back after my holiday.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
I'd been considering one for quite a while, and I've finally taken the plunge and bought one as part of a package with the matching printer. It's a Kodak, with 3.1 megapixels, and does as much as my big Olympus analogue camera, for a fraction of the size!
As I prepared this blog entry, I was listening to my normal radio station, when I heard a dedication to me, from this fella that I've started to see... It was a bit of an unusual choice, I will admit, but as soon as I heard the opening bars, I knew the song - it was Metallica - Nothing Else Matters.
So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trust in who we are
And nothing else matters
Never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say
And nothing else matters
Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know
So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trust in who we are
And nothing else matters
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
But I know
I never opened myself this way
Life is ours, we live it our way
All these words I don't just say
And nothing else matters
Trust I seek and I find in you
Every day for us something new
Open mind for a different view
And nothing else matters
Never cared for what they say
Never cared for games they play
Never cared for what they do
Never cared for what they know
And I know
So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trust in who we are
No, nothing else matters
The message just said that he would miss me whilst I was away, and that I was to take care, and come back safe and well.
I will admit, the tears started escaping when I heard that, and as soon as the song was finished, I called him... He said that he'd been expecting me to call him, as he'd remembered that I have a habit of listening to the radio on a Sunday morning, and knew that my preferred station was Kerrang!
But he soon had me laughing, by telling me a joke... I didn't have the heart to tell him that I'd already had the joke e-mailed to me at work, so I've just copied the joke and posted it on my blog...
One day God calls down to Noah and says, "Noah me old china, I want you to make me a new Ark".
Noah replies, "No probs God, me old Supreme Being. Anything you want,after all you're the guv'"
But God interrupts, "Ah, but there's a catch. This time Noah, I don't want just a couple of decks, I want 20 decks one on top of the other".
"20 DECKS!" screams Noah "Well, OK Big Man, whatever you say. Should I fill it up with all the animals just like last time?"
"Yep, that's right, well. Sort of right. This time I want you to fill it up with fish", God answers.
"Fish?" queries Noah.
"Yep, fish. Well, to make it more specific Noah, I want carp - wall to wall, floor to ceiling - Carp!"
Noah looks to the skies. "OK God my old mucker, let me get this right, you want a New Ark?"
"Check."
"With 20 decks, one on top of the other?"
"Check."
"And you want it full of Carp?"
"Check."
"Why?" Asks the perplexed Noah, who was slowly but surely getting to the end of his tether.
"Dunno," says God, "I just fancied a Multi-Storey Carp Ark."
Guess I should call this entry quits - still got stuff to do around the house before the Grand Prix...
Back after my holiday.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
You want me to do what??
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Karen
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Miss a Grand Prix to go shopping? No chance.
That's what the 'phone call was about. The fella that's been making life bearable since I split up with my ex, wanted to take me shopping tomorrow.
I know this may sound surprising - a woman turning down a shopping trip, but unfortunately (or fortunately) for the fella concerned, there's the small matter of the French Grand Prix at Mangy-Cours to be dealt with.
Thankfully, he was really sweet about it, and said that he'd forgotten that the race was on, and if he'd realised, he would have asked me to go out with him today.
So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trust in who we are
No, nothing else matters
That made me smile, and I told him that I appreciated the offer, but it would have to wait for a while, as the weekend I get back from Cornwall, I'm off to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, and the following weekend? I'm hoping to be able to meet up with my daft friend, so I'll have to see what happens.
Not that I'm trying to avoid going shopping with him - far from it. It's just that life's a bit on the hectic side at the moment, and I'm finding it a bit tough to fit in all of my commitments to friends and family!
Time to call this entry quits, I've got bits and pieces to sort out on the computer...
Back tomorrow, if I get chance - otherwise it'll be round about the 11th of July, to allow for me to escape to Silverstone.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
That's what the 'phone call was about. The fella that's been making life bearable since I split up with my ex, wanted to take me shopping tomorrow.
I know this may sound surprising - a woman turning down a shopping trip, but unfortunately (or fortunately) for the fella concerned, there's the small matter of the French Grand Prix at Mangy-Cours to be dealt with.
Thankfully, he was really sweet about it, and said that he'd forgotten that the race was on, and if he'd realised, he would have asked me to go out with him today.
So close no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trust in who we are
No, nothing else matters
That made me smile, and I told him that I appreciated the offer, but it would have to wait for a while, as the weekend I get back from Cornwall, I'm off to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, and the following weekend? I'm hoping to be able to meet up with my daft friend, so I'll have to see what happens.
Not that I'm trying to avoid going shopping with him - far from it. It's just that life's a bit on the hectic side at the moment, and I'm finding it a bit tough to fit in all of my commitments to friends and family!
Time to call this entry quits, I've got bits and pieces to sort out on the computer...
Back tomorrow, if I get chance - otherwise it'll be round about the 11th of July, to allow for me to escape to Silverstone.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
So I dub thee unforgiven...
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That's the way that I'm dealing with my ex. Ok - I know that it sounds like I'm being incredibly vindictive and nasty, but given the way I'm feeling, I feel entirely justified to react like this.
If I'd had my way, I would have spoken to him face to face, instead of showing the distinct lack of courage and splitting up with him in a 'phone call.
What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven
You labeled me
I'll label you
So I dub thee unforgiven
As for my holiday next week, I'm still going to Devon and Cornwall - but I'm traveling with Mum instead. After I'd split up with my ex, Mum made the suggestion that I still went, but that she came with me, as she said that it would be the best thing I could do - get away from the area for a few days, and try and get myself back to some semblance of normality.
Ok - I appreciate the thought - and the best bit (for me, anyway!) is the fact that we're going to go to the RHS garden at Rosemoor in Devon. (See http://www.rhs.org.uk/WhatsOn/gardens/rosemoor/index.asp)
That's something that I couldn't have done with my ex, as he wasn't that interested in gardening, despite agreeing to go to the Eden project with me (see http://www.edenproject.com/)
So, whatever else may have happened recently, I've got the better end of the deal - I'll be able to go and see things that I want to see - with the added bonus that Mum's a member of the RHS, so the admission will be free, and she can tell me about the plants that I don't recognise!
Suppose I should answer my 'phone before the damned thing drives me mad!
Back later.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
If I'd had my way, I would have spoken to him face to face, instead of showing the distinct lack of courage and splitting up with him in a 'phone call.
What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven
You labeled me
I'll label you
So I dub thee unforgiven
As for my holiday next week, I'm still going to Devon and Cornwall - but I'm traveling with Mum instead. After I'd split up with my ex, Mum made the suggestion that I still went, but that she came with me, as she said that it would be the best thing I could do - get away from the area for a few days, and try and get myself back to some semblance of normality.
Ok - I appreciate the thought - and the best bit (for me, anyway!) is the fact that we're going to go to the RHS garden at Rosemoor in Devon. (See http://www.rhs.org.uk/WhatsOn/gardens/rosemoor/index.asp)
That's something that I couldn't have done with my ex, as he wasn't that interested in gardening, despite agreeing to go to the Eden project with me (see http://www.edenproject.com/)
So, whatever else may have happened recently, I've got the better end of the deal - I'll be able to go and see things that I want to see - with the added bonus that Mum's a member of the RHS, so the admission will be free, and she can tell me about the plants that I don't recognise!
Suppose I should answer my 'phone before the damned thing drives me mad!
Back later.
Karen.
I walk where others fear to tread
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