Friday, September 25, 2009

My (sort of) First Day

Yesterday I got a call from my new manager asking if I would like to attend a meeting tomorrow, as the 1st October is the beginning of the financial year. Even though I don’t officially start until Monday, I jumped at the opportunity to avoid first day nerves by over coming them in a meeting environment and by only being in for a few hours. Also, it meant I could understand some of the targets set for this year and last.

I was absolutely overwhelmed by the kindness of everyone that worked there. Everyone was introducing themselves or, if eye contact was met during the meeting, smiling at me in a friendly way.

After a little while my new manager officially introduced me to the company (about 30 people were there) everyone clapped in a welcoming way which, as if wasn’t embarrassing enough, they then proceeded to present me with a (and I’m not exaggerating) dinner plate sized Millie’s cookie (how did they know my favorite??) which had, written in icing “Welcome Katy”. They then proceeded to sing “Happy First Day To You!” Haha. CRINGE, but all the same, I felt so welcome – what a nice company!

The meeting was a mixture of presentations, team building and discussions and I felt comfortable enough to throw out some ideas in the group discussions, which my manager later, showed her enthusiasm over. Saying that, as the “New Girl” I didn’t want to say too much and look out spoken, so I mainly sat and nodded and smiled.

All in all a fantastic start to a new job and I am really genuinely excited to start work officially on Monday. No matter how shit my actual role is, at least I can see the kind of company I am going to be working with. Smile.

To top it all off, my lovely boyfriend is taking me out for a “surprise” dinner tonight to show me how “proud” he is in anticipation of me completing the half marathon on Sunday and starting my new job on Monday.

What a perfect day.
Strawberry Swing :o)

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Part Time Blogger

So sue me, I haven't blogged in a week! I guess I've just been so caught up with ensuring my life is in tip-top shape before I start my new job NEXT WEEK that I got a little distracted!

Quite a lot to update you on, but I don't really have the patience to sit and write for ages so I'm gonna put it all in a little summary. Lazy - I know!

- COLDPLAY. We went to the Viva La Vida gig on Saturday night. Would have been excellent (and nearly was) but the heavens opened about 2 minutes before Coldplay started and we got absolutely soaked! Ruining my brand new £150 leather jacket (which I subsequently returned and got an exchange on - phew!). Saying that, despite being freezing cold and wet, random piss being chucked on us (don't ask) and being much further back than we would have liked, Coldplay were bloody fantastic and we had an amazing time. I kept thinking back to their last gig we went to in 2005 when everything was all so different... who would have thought what I would have been through in these last 4 years. Unbelievable. It was quite funny when Chris Martin decided that all 70,000 of us would perform an X Factor audition for Simon Cowell :o) I posted the video on FB and will try and import it onto my blog later. Saying that, I'm sure someone will have posted a better quality version on You Tube.

OK, I was right, here you go!



A few days before that, the boyfriend and I went to see Chelsea play at Standford Bridge. We had really good seats and I could actually here the players shouting at each other. It was really fun being there together, kinda like a momentous occasion in my eyes... I was so thankful that they (*cough* sorry "WE") won as I was worried I'd be a bad omen... turns out Chelsea have won every premiership game so far this season, so although I don't like to say it aloud, perhaps I am the Boy's lucky charm (now I've said that they're bound to lose!!). I'd like to go and see some more games, it was really fun!

Sunday will be the half marathon which feels like it's been a long time coming. I've been looking forward to it so much and trained so much harder than I have for any run before (let us not forget that I have been unemployed for 4 months - how could we forget!). I am excited although my Sister doesn't really seem that up for it anymore and it's kinda put an edge on the whole thing. Hopefully she will buck up on the day and we'll have a blast. The boyfriend wants to come and support me, which really means a lot to me.. I remember all those years ago cheering him on in his Triathlon so it's real nice that he is coming to support me. I want to make him proud :o)

And of course Monday brings the new job :o) I'm nervous and excited all in one. Have bought two new outfits and hope to buy a couple more items this week before I start - I'm sure there will be plenty of blogs to come about that so watch this space!

In between all of the above, I've been sporting my "Team Cheryl" T shirt courtesy of www.boohoo.com been taking care of my fabulous Gran with yummy lunches and trips to the theatre, and generally prancing about.

I can't wait for next week - be it good or bad, it's the new start that I'm ready to take on.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Another new beginning...

I've been a bit slack and a bit dull on the blogging front. Only because I was unemployed... but YES! Finally! I have a job! THE job, that I was hoping for, the radio station job. After finally hearing from my future manager at 17.28 on Friday afternoon it was confirmed that I will be starting with my new company the day after my half marathon - hahaha! Out of all the dates to start my new job, having been unemployed for 3 months I just HAVE to go and start the day after running 13.1 mils - don't I?? Oh well, I shan't complain, I am most happy :o) So, just under two weeks of freedom left and I'm using the time to run all those errands I put off, to skype and email friends from afar and spend time with my boyfriend, family and friends.

Over the weekend it was my Shrub's birthday so we planned a surprise meal for her at Jamie's Itallian, a Jamie Oliver restuarant in Kingston . Wasn't sure if it would be mega expensive and commercial but it was a complete delight! The food was delicious, the atmosphere funky/ laid back/ cool and the company, well obviously was second to none (went with Shrub, Billy and the boy).

This week I'm still busy busy, with going up to Standford Bridge tonight for a Chelsea match, Coldplay on Saturday and the half marathon the following Sunday - eek. All lots of fun.

Have decided that October will be all about work - I need to budget carefully, crack down with my job and chill out a little so really, I feel like everything falls into place well. Before we know it, it will be Christmas, 2009 is turning out to be quite the year I had hoped, wished and prayed for ;o)

I bought "Excel for dummies" today as I noticed my work uses it A LOT just in the few hours I was there... best crack on with actually learning how to auto-sum figures, rather than typing in the sum having calculated it on an actual calculator - yes, that isn't a joke i DO do that :o)

Friday, September 11, 2009

And we wait... and wait some more...

Well it would seem that all the crossed fingers and bowed heads had some effect. Yesterday I had my interview and it went extremely well, I was really confident and the interview flowed really smoothly. So much so that the woman interviewing me asked that I come back today for a few hours to meet the team and find out more about the job etc.

Everyone kept saying "you've nailed it" but I didn't want to get over confident so just kept saying "let's just wait and see yeh?" but secretly hoping I'd get it.

I went in this morning and her assistant started to show me the ropes - lots of jargon and terms I had never heard of before, thrown my way. I kept cool and played the "Uh-hu" (nodding as if I know) game. The girl training me reminded me of Amanda from Ugly Betty. She was sweet as pie (too sweet a pie) and dressed like she was out of the pull - as soon as we got down to the work she made ever so sly comments about the team which I couldn't help but notice had a slightly sharp edge.

"There are lots of "personalities" in the team"
"It depends what time THEY decide to roll in on a Monday"
"It's THEIR job, not mine"


After a while she off loaded me to another team member who was an absolute genuine sweetheart. She seemed more interested in telling me about what she did and asked about my previous job etc. I felt like I got on better with her and her colleague. After a few hours, my potential manager told me I could head off as she had to go out for a meeting herself and that she would call me before the end of the day.

It's 17.06 and she STILL hasn't called. Which doesn't REALLY surprise me, given how unorganised they seemed to have been to date. The office closes at 5.30 - to call or not to call? Tis the question. I also have her mobile number - do I call it? Argh. I can't handle having ANOTHER weekend of WAITING to see if I am the CHOSEN one. I feel like I've nailed it but still have the sick-icky feeling in my stomach waiting on the confirmation.

If I do get the job, then this is definitely a sign of things to come, that they are, generally an unorganised cooperation, although judging by the work flow and order of processes they seem to be quite on top of things, so who bloomin' knows. All I know is that I want this job, with this company. For some reason or another, I just feel that this is the job, this is the one.

21 minutes til the weekend. We wait for the call...

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

PLEASE let me get this job.

Tomorrow is the big day. At 11.30 I have my interview with the radio station. In preparation for the interview I was sent a form to complete - giving answers to questions on leadership, goal orientation, innovation and change, customer focus (you name it!).

I stayed up until 2AM last night to complete it and woke up early to read it over again and make any changes before sending it back via email.

I really want this job. The salary is absolutely shocking BUT all in all, something tells me this job may be fate. To have come full circle and end up finally using my degree in a field worthy of it, would be so fantastic.

I know I can get this job, I know it. I have to get this job. I WILL get this job.

Send lucky thoughts, hang up horse shoes, pick four leaved clovers, pray, find the leprechaun sitting on a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow and tell me to break a leg!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Runners

On Saturday the boy and i ventured into the dark depths of Woking to find a well known running shop called Sweatshop. Seeing as I have been suffering from severe blisters on the soles of my feet lately, I have been getting kinda anxious, seeing as the next half marathon is only some 3 weeks away.

I was really, really impressed with their customer service. The gent that served me first looked at my trainers, then my posture, the curve of my feet, the way I walked and the way I ran. From that he was able to tell me if my feet roll when I run, if they turn in/ out, if I'm well balanced etc and then choose a preferable trainer for me from there.

He actually said the trainers I wear at the moment are quite good, but better for short distances (more like 5-10K runs) and that for longer distances I needed more support. He suggested the Adistar Ride (which I tried) and another few brands.

The Adistar Ride's were amazingly padded, supporting and bulky, I feel like they'd be good to run in. But in all honesty he told me the reason behind my blisters may be that the socks I'm wearing are not allowing my feet to breathe enough and therefore causing blisters. So instead of paying 95 squid on some new runners I choose the 9 pound socks and gave them a whirl yesterday - I could actually feel the difference.

I was really impressed that the guy didn't try and sell me trainers to make commission but more so, gave honest, friendly advice. All the same, I'm convinced I need new runners now and seeing as we found them on line for 80, I may just buy them anyway. I'm allowed to treat myself as yesterday I counted up all my foreign currencies I had from my travels and it came to over 100 quid! So technically, its some free money I didn't know I had.. so i may order them online this afternoon.

visit www.sweatshop.co.uk

Friday, September 4, 2009

Feel Good.

I just watched my Las Vegas skydive as I came across it just now. This was the soundtrack to it. Never really listened to the lyrics before, I like it ;o)

Filter - Take A Picture


Awake on my airplane, awake on my airplane
My skin is bare, my skin is theirs
Awake on my airplane, awake on my airplane
My skin is bare, my skin is theirs and,

I feel like a newborn
And I feel like a newborn

Awake on my airplane
Awake on my airplane
I feel so real

Could you take my picture
'Cause I won't remember
Could you take my picture
'Cause I won't remember
Could you take my picture
'Cause I won't remember
Could you take my picture
'Cause I won't remember
Yeah

I don't believe in, I don't believe in
Your sanctity
Your prophecy
I don't believe in I don't believe in
Sanctity - a hypocrisy

Could everyone agree that
No one should be left alone
Could everyone agree that
They should not be left alone, yeah

And I feel like a newborn
And I feel like a newborn
Kicking and screaming

Could you take my picture
'Cause I won't remember
Could you take my picture
'Cause I won't remember
Could you take my picture
'Cause I won't remember
Could you take my picture
'Cause I won't remember
Yeah

Ah, hey dad what do you think about your son now
Aw, hey dad what do you think about your son now

Could you take my picture
'Cause I won't remember
(Won't remember)
Could you take my picture
'Cause I won't remember
(Won't remember)
Could you take my picture
'Cause I won't remember
(I won't remember)
Could you take my picture
(I, oh)
'Cause I won't remember
(I won't remember)

Could you take my picture
'Cause I won't remember
(I won't remember)
Could you take my picture
(I, oh)
'Cause I won't remember
(Won't remember)
Yeah

Progress!

P.S I have an interview with the radio station!! Awaiting the date confirmation. Should receive it by post today, but seeing as we haven't actually had a delivery today, I will give them a call (as advised) to confirm.

How exciting! Keeping fingers crossed, in the meantime am applying for a TA position at my friend's school and a job with an adventure travel company.

Recycle Mania. Remania.

Our small village of Lightwater has finally joined the 21st Century and we are now officially recycling.

Yesterday I was bombarded with information from my Step Dad who tried to explain to me where all our different bins are kept and what goes in which. My small little brain heard this:

"Bla bla bla... bin... bla bla bla... paper... bla".

You'd think it was simple but quite frankly, I don't think it is.

Firstly I asked him where our wasted food now goes, seeing as he has changed our usual bin which we use to dump all the kitchen waste into, into a "Recycle Only" bin which he has kindly stuck a note on marked accordingly, should we (I) forget. He turned to me in a straight forward manner and said, we don't waste food in this house. Um....

Well yes, OK, you ARE a human dustbin but surely there will be some food remains.. where do these go I pondered as I walked off aimlessly.

Whilst going about my day my first query was, where do I put my banana skin and strawberry leafy bits after I made my breakfast?? Currently they sit on the chopping board by the sink. Maybe they are biodegradable?? Was that what he meant? Or does he just want to eat them - CAN you eat banana skins?? Oh the questions in my mind.

Then as I got dressed for the day, I tossed a make up remover pad into my bin in the bathroom, I had to ponder over some of the most gross recyclable objects.

Where on earth do I put used condoms? eeeuuuwwwh. I don't wanna put them just EXPOSED and in the wrong bin for heaven's sake! Usually they get wrapped up tight in a tissue and binned, but heck, we can't mix paper and latex! Surely not! Where for art thou used condom?? And do we put the foil packet in a separate bin for all and sundry to know that we do indeed use, "Pleasuremax" for that "Extra pleasure"??

Holy crap. Perhaps I should write to the local government and ask them.

My banana skin is still on the chopping board. Along with the strawberry leafy bits.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Wake me up, when September ends...

September is here and the wind has a bitter chill, despite the bursts of sunshine between the clouds. Took a run outside today to try and clear my thoughts, I did, in a way, as all I could think about was how hard it seemed to be to pump oxygen around my body!

Last week the boy and I went to see Pete Murray at The Borderline. He was fantastic (Pete Murray that is!) and it felt so special to go with him (the boyfriend!), seeing as we have been fans for all these years. Who'd have thought we'd end up seeing him together and, more importantly as a couple.

I am so happy in my relationship, I know I have found the person I want to be with. I can be silly, I can share my secrets and dreams, I can cry and I can bitch, I can laugh til i cry, with him. With him I am me. I am happy.

Yeh, I am happy and sad too, at times. He pulls me through the darkest days, the days when I miss my former life. I am so thankful for him. That's why i can say I'm happy. Sunday i was so blue, he came over and we ordered Chinese and watched Mrs Doubtfire together. I don't know a lot of guys who'd watch such a shit film, just because they know their girl needs cheering up :o)

And so yes, it is September and it looks like I may soon be stumbling upon a dreaded Temporary job. I am still financially stable, I haven't touched my precious savings... yet. I still have time and money, fortunately, on my side.

I've thought about the jobs that I have applied for - though far and few between. The ones that mattered to me - in that, I genuinely wanted were as followed:

- Teacher Assistant (children)
- Projects Coordinator (travel)
- Volunteers Coordinator (charity)
- Sales Team (travel)
- Sales Coordinator (radio)
- Temps project manager (recruitment)
- Mandarin T.A (children)

I still wait to hear back on the radio job. The latest, I applied for today is a company set up who run after school clubs for children learning Mandarin (i wanna send my children there one day - heehee). You don't have to be able to speak Mandarin for the role I'm looking at, just to "be creative and enjoy working with primary aged children". Well, this would be a nice job to tie me over, all those little sweet Asian faces, then maybe it will help me decide if I should go back to college next year or not.

It really is a waiting game. I've seen a lot of jobs on line lately in claims and insurance. Must fight the resistance. I don't want to put myself back in that rut. Plus, despite how the CV looks, I'd probably struggle with any insurance work. Everyday was a struggle in KL. I want to do something I'm passionate about, and I believe that day will come , i must continue to pray.

Speaking of praying, I am a step closer to returning to church. Having chatted with my Gran (and avid songs of praise go-er) she just so happened to bump into the vicar's wife this week and told her about me. hmm. I have told gran I will take her one Sunday... maybe this Sunday, maybe next, we'll see.

Keep praying for me little followers of my GW.

xxx

About Me

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Surrey, United Kingdom
"I have found that if a problem rears its head, the best way to deal with it is by being highly emotional, inconsistent and super irrational and the problem tends to go away..."