The last couple of weeks have seen us running about the country - to Nottingham, place of us grownups birth - on family business. Father in Law has been offered a sheltered flat in Park Gate, after being on the local council waiting list since March. So, two weeks ago, we had to go up to Nottingham to fetch him to have a look at it.
Fortunately he approved, so the council and the Housing Association whose property it is have also been busy getting the paperwork filled in. Last weekend (a bank holiday) I took him back to Nottingham to start packing and generally closing his life down up there. K came with me to help, and came back with some new bruises due to failing to use the door way as an entrance to a building. Dyspraxia rules!
We then spent all week packing up what he wants to bring with him, and taking piles of rubbish and old magazines/newspapers up to the tip. There's still plenty of tip work for us and a few more things to bring down but that will happen over the next few weeks. On Thursday I realised that K was due on scout camp at Thorpe Park this weekend (as in the following day). Needless to say, it didn't happen. I sent many apologies to the leader and explained what had happened. K wasn't overly distressed, especially after I promised her a day out at half-term to make up for being a sieve-head.
Father in Law seems to live 'in the now', with very little sense of urgency to plan ahead or remember chronology, so it has been very interesting. I left him a pile of paperwork to sort through and file - even bought a file and plastic baggies for him - but I ended up chucking it all in a box yesterday. Then, yesterday, he starts deciding what he'd like packing from upstairs. He's had all flippin' week to tell me that but waits till the van's outside (driven up from here by A, accompanied by D) and nearly all full. Minor grrrrr.
Once the van was loaded, and an early lunch was had, we all set off back down here. I tell you, my car could do the journey without any input from me; it's certainly done it an awful lot this year as we tried to sort him out. Father in Law slept most of the way down, and most of the time since he's been here.
Today we are moving into his new place. K & I have a hot date at Curves first thing - they're starting their weight management classes today so we can't put it off - then we'll head back; by which time most of the heavy lifting will be done and A will be done in.
We have to go and order/buy a new fridge/freezer for Father in Law. He assures me he bought it in the 60's, except that a) I know that style didn't exist then, and b) A can remember it being bought when he was about ready for secondary school (late 70's). Either way it was in no fit state to be taken anywhere but the tip. There was rancid milk accumulating on the bottom and going a lovely shade of blue, the drain pipe at the back was black with gunk, and it really needed a good scrub. It also stank. And don't get me started about the bag of cabbage that had turned to a vile, green liquid. Father in Law says he has no sense of smell and I believe him.
Before anyone berates us for letting things get that bad for him, it wasn't through lack of effort on our part. Up until the past 6 months or so we have been told politely but firmly to 'butt out'. There's not a lot you can do about that without alienating him completely. Six months ago he decided that he couldn't cope any more and that he thought he was becoming a bit forgetful (we'd been noticing it for a few years). Since then we have been making enquiries, plans, and generally scheming to sort him out. The local council here were happy to put him on their waiting list for somewhere suitable. I am organising an Occupational Therapist assessment to see what else 'adaptive' he'll need to make life easier - I'm hoping to get a Dementia Screening person in at the same time so he doesn't twig on. There will be plenty of home-made food in his freezer, and he WILL eat it - another issue caused by poor memory and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (too tired and breathless to eat) - as he hasn't got to walk far or use stairs to get to the kitchen any more. I will also be taking care of the laundry, making sure the pots are washed properly and the place is clean
Life is about to get a whole lot more busy for us. I'm hoping we'll see an improvement in his general health or, at least, a slowing in the decline of it.
When I got home yesterday there was a letter from the local college, where I'm going to do the Level 3 AAT qualification. Basically it was a 'you can get your course books from us on these dates, oh and by the way there was a mistake in the brochure. Your course day is a Thursday, not a Tuesday'. The brochure came out in June and it takes them till the beginning of September to tell us that we're coming on a different day. It's a good job I don't have other, unavoidable, plans for Thursdays, or have childcare to sort out. I've had issues before with this college's admin 'skills' but this is just pathetic.
Showing posts with label grr. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grr. Show all posts
Monday, 6 September 2010
Monday, 26 July 2010
Let them be bored
I know some of my readers are home-educators but there may be some of you out there who are dreading the next six weeks, having to listen to your little angels scream "I'm bored!!!" all day long. Either that or they're making your life a misery because you won't take them to a theme park twice a week, as well as swimming, bowling, ice skating, a trip to the beach, and other money-consuming wants.
Today's children seem to have the instant gratification bug, wanting everything today and more tomorrow. To their parents I say this, did your parents do all that for you when you were a child or were you encouraged to make your own entertainment. And that didn't mean being stuck in front of the TV (or in this age, a computer or game console) all day, every day either. Tell your parents that you were bored and I'd lay odds on the response being "tough!" or "so what?".
If you are already wilting at the thought of keeping them entertained and amused all holidays without having to take out the mortgage required to cover all what they'd really like to do, I have a few suggestions.
This is not a dig at anyone in particular, but a kick up the backside that some parents need to remember that their children are just that, children, and that whilst their wishes will be considered, the FINAL say is the parents.
Today's children seem to have the instant gratification bug, wanting everything today and more tomorrow. To their parents I say this, did your parents do all that for you when you were a child or were you encouraged to make your own entertainment. And that didn't mean being stuck in front of the TV (or in this age, a computer or game console) all day, every day either. Tell your parents that you were bored and I'd lay odds on the response being "tough!" or "so what?".
If you are already wilting at the thought of keeping them entertained and amused all holidays without having to take out the mortgage required to cover all what they'd really like to do, I have a few suggestions.
- Let them be bored. With a bit of luck they might actually (re)discover their imaginations and make up their own games.
- If they say they're bored, give them a household chore to do and make them do it. Next time boredom strikes they'll either ask if they can help with anything (you can hope) or they'll have hated it so much they'll put more effort into finding something to do that's more fun.
- If they ask to go somewhere and you are willing to consider it, tell them that there are certain things around the house that need to be done first. If they leave it all to you it will take too long and you won't be able to go. If they help it will all be done very quickly and you'll have more time to spend doing that fun thing.
- Limit those big days out to one or two for the whole holiday. They'll appreciate it so much more (eventually).
- Explain to them how much all these days out and activities cost and that you don't have all that money just lying around waiting for them to spend.
- If they're old enough suggest an 'entertainment budget' figure for them for the entire 6 weeks. If they go and blow it all on a day out, DON'T GIVE THEM ANY MORE. This is a life lesson about budgeting and will do them good in the long run when they start to live an independent lifestyle. You are doing them no good whatsoever by encouraging them to think that what they want is the only thing worth spending money on.
This is not a dig at anyone in particular, but a kick up the backside that some parents need to remember that their children are just that, children, and that whilst their wishes will be considered, the FINAL say is the parents.
Monday, 28 June 2010
Thank goodness for that!
I shall probably get lynched for this but can I be the only one who thinks that the standard of play by England at the World Cup was abyssmal. Everyone seems to be calling for the coach's head. Yes, it was his tactics and strategy planning, as well as some questionable squad selections, that didn't help but, at the end of the day, there were 11 men on that pitch, wearing the England colours, who are supposed to be the best this country has to offer.
Don't make me laugh! I've seen more enthusiasm at a Saturday afternoon kick-around on the local park. They all looked as though they had better places to be. I suppose when you earn tens of thousands of pounds each week no matter what the result is there's not much incentive to put heart and soul into it. I wonder what sort of win bonus would get their attention.
The people I feel most sorry for are those fans who spent thousands of pounds, possibly that could have been better spent elsewhere, to travel to watch the squad. I bet some of them spent as much as one of our 'footballers' earn in a week, PLUS these fans had to make their own travel arrangements - none of this first-class all the way malarky our boys expect and receive.
The media have their part to play. Not, though, for criticsing the team - because that was right and proper given the display - but for whipping up the public (like they do with every British sports man/woman/team who show even a hint of ability) into believing that the World Cup is ours for the taking. England were very good during their qualifiers so maybe this hype was deserved this time. The only criticism the media made that I think was out of order was their castigation of our poor goalie who fumbled the save against the USA. We all make mistakes. Do you hear them making the same hoo-haa about Wayne Rooney, who can't find the back of the net (his primary role in the team) with a map? No, of course not.
And who in their right mind picks players who are still recovering from injury, or are injury-prone? It's hardly rocket science, is it, to pick people who are on top of their game. You have to wonder what was going through Capello's mind:- let's pick strikers who haven't scored in 3 months; let's pick a goalie whose team has just been relegated - and as the last man before the net must have had a part to play in their losing so much; let's pick players who haven't played for their country in a while - because they have loads of international experience. If those sort of decisions are the 'right' ones then here's a quick note to the FA - if you would like to save a shedful of money AND allow the coach to make howlers like this, then pick ME. I promise not to ask for more than £50,000 per year plus expenses. I also promise to drop the big names if they play like they did in the World Cup, I don't care who they are. You'll find that this will give them an incentive to do the job they are paid to do.
Out here in the real world we get sacked or demoted if we apply ourselves to our jobs in that way. Maybe there should be a (very) basic salary with the rest of the pay made up of performance bonuses. That would also provide an incentive to 'get on with it', and would make the vast majority of the rest of us feel a little less aggrieved when, once again, our team is made to look less than ordinary.
Don't make me laugh! I've seen more enthusiasm at a Saturday afternoon kick-around on the local park. They all looked as though they had better places to be. I suppose when you earn tens of thousands of pounds each week no matter what the result is there's not much incentive to put heart and soul into it. I wonder what sort of win bonus would get their attention.
The people I feel most sorry for are those fans who spent thousands of pounds, possibly that could have been better spent elsewhere, to travel to watch the squad. I bet some of them spent as much as one of our 'footballers' earn in a week, PLUS these fans had to make their own travel arrangements - none of this first-class all the way malarky our boys expect and receive.
The media have their part to play. Not, though, for criticsing the team - because that was right and proper given the display - but for whipping up the public (like they do with every British sports man/woman/team who show even a hint of ability) into believing that the World Cup is ours for the taking. England were very good during their qualifiers so maybe this hype was deserved this time. The only criticism the media made that I think was out of order was their castigation of our poor goalie who fumbled the save against the USA. We all make mistakes. Do you hear them making the same hoo-haa about Wayne Rooney, who can't find the back of the net (his primary role in the team) with a map? No, of course not.
And who in their right mind picks players who are still recovering from injury, or are injury-prone? It's hardly rocket science, is it, to pick people who are on top of their game. You have to wonder what was going through Capello's mind:- let's pick strikers who haven't scored in 3 months; let's pick a goalie whose team has just been relegated - and as the last man before the net must have had a part to play in their losing so much; let's pick players who haven't played for their country in a while - because they have loads of international experience. If those sort of decisions are the 'right' ones then here's a quick note to the FA - if you would like to save a shedful of money AND allow the coach to make howlers like this, then pick ME. I promise not to ask for more than £50,000 per year plus expenses. I also promise to drop the big names if they play like they did in the World Cup, I don't care who they are. You'll find that this will give them an incentive to do the job they are paid to do.
Out here in the real world we get sacked or demoted if we apply ourselves to our jobs in that way. Maybe there should be a (very) basic salary with the rest of the pay made up of performance bonuses. That would also provide an incentive to 'get on with it', and would make the vast majority of the rest of us feel a little less aggrieved when, once again, our team is made to look less than ordinary.
Monday, 10 May 2010
This working woman's lot is not a happy one
I feel worn out. It's not tiredness - as in could fall asleep anywhere. It's a total loss of energy/go/drive (call it what you will). Let me give you a bit of history to help put it all in context.
I last worked outside the home full-time in June 1991, which is when I quit to be A's company secretary - aka money for nothing much. Since then I have done the full-time housewife/mother routine, and let no one tell you that it is the easy option. You work just as hard but don't get paid. Then in April 2004 I started home educating D and we were joined, in October 2005, by K. Our life had a certain routine - certain activities happened on certain days, etc. Then in September 2009 I had no kids 'at home'. They were both at college. I was left to find a new role. I dabbled at finding a job but my heart wasn't really in it. A couple of friends suggested I take up a local job agency's advert for exam invigilators. After all, I was doing it for free for the local home education group. This led to odd days of basic admin work. Then, the NHS job came along.
I was originally sent in for 3 hours a day for 3 days. No problem. The money wasn't as much as I'd earned previously but it would be a new experience. That was in early February this year and I'm STILL there, doing 4 full days per week (the 5th day being at college doing AAT). Suddenly I had to find time to do the housewife/mother stuff. The kids are helpful but pretty much only when told what needs to be done. And, for the most part, the same can be said about A. Admittedly he's finally worked out how to use the washing machine - assuming he remembers to do any - but he's never voluntarily dusted or hoovered (dust allergy so unfair to expect it), cleaned the bathroom, ironed, taken on the weekly shop (unless I am not in a fit state, when I usually go for a delivery service), made sure the kids are doing their chores properly (ok, maybe occasionally but usually when I have nagged him to make an effort); and hardly ever worried about things like making sure we are ready for Christmas, birthdays, etc.
Some people were quick to point out that he works SO hard and I (until February) was at home all day, so therefore it was my job to do all that. And I did it all with barely a moan. But now I WORK TOO. And to be honest it just feels like if I don't ask someone to do something then no-one else but me can see it needs to be done.
In recent times (the past few years) I have been having a few issues with my memory and processing - things slipping my mind, and using the wrong word or getting them the wrong way round - and things have been getting worse in the past year or so. Stress seems to make it worse. I've had a few stressors at work lately. A suggests that if work is getting me like that I should quit. Now, I know he means that exactly as he says it, but there is a part of me that wonders if his subconscious would then feel less guilty about relying on me to remember everything/notice everything that needs doing. He'd deny it, and I'd feel bad about accusing him of this; honest, it's just me feeling a misery guts. A has never been any good at remembering things. I know that but my issues are getting to the stage where I can't be trusted either, and I can feel myself getting more worked up trying to make sure that I don't forget things (because A is bloody useless at it).
Hands up who can see who's going to deal with the lion's share (or even all of it) of when FIL moves down here. And keep those hands up if you think that, whilst I'm up in Nottingham sorting that end out, bugger all housework-type stuff gets done down here.
I last worked outside the home full-time in June 1991, which is when I quit to be A's company secretary - aka money for nothing much. Since then I have done the full-time housewife/mother routine, and let no one tell you that it is the easy option. You work just as hard but don't get paid. Then in April 2004 I started home educating D and we were joined, in October 2005, by K. Our life had a certain routine - certain activities happened on certain days, etc. Then in September 2009 I had no kids 'at home'. They were both at college. I was left to find a new role. I dabbled at finding a job but my heart wasn't really in it. A couple of friends suggested I take up a local job agency's advert for exam invigilators. After all, I was doing it for free for the local home education group. This led to odd days of basic admin work. Then, the NHS job came along.
I was originally sent in for 3 hours a day for 3 days. No problem. The money wasn't as much as I'd earned previously but it would be a new experience. That was in early February this year and I'm STILL there, doing 4 full days per week (the 5th day being at college doing AAT). Suddenly I had to find time to do the housewife/mother stuff. The kids are helpful but pretty much only when told what needs to be done. And, for the most part, the same can be said about A. Admittedly he's finally worked out how to use the washing machine - assuming he remembers to do any - but he's never voluntarily dusted or hoovered (dust allergy so unfair to expect it), cleaned the bathroom, ironed, taken on the weekly shop (unless I am not in a fit state, when I usually go for a delivery service), made sure the kids are doing their chores properly (ok, maybe occasionally but usually when I have nagged him to make an effort); and hardly ever worried about things like making sure we are ready for Christmas, birthdays, etc.
Some people were quick to point out that he works SO hard and I (until February) was at home all day, so therefore it was my job to do all that. And I did it all with barely a moan. But now I WORK TOO. And to be honest it just feels like if I don't ask someone to do something then no-one else but me can see it needs to be done.
In recent times (the past few years) I have been having a few issues with my memory and processing - things slipping my mind, and using the wrong word or getting them the wrong way round - and things have been getting worse in the past year or so. Stress seems to make it worse. I've had a few stressors at work lately. A suggests that if work is getting me like that I should quit. Now, I know he means that exactly as he says it, but there is a part of me that wonders if his subconscious would then feel less guilty about relying on me to remember everything/notice everything that needs doing. He'd deny it, and I'd feel bad about accusing him of this; honest, it's just me feeling a misery guts. A has never been any good at remembering things. I know that but my issues are getting to the stage where I can't be trusted either, and I can feel myself getting more worked up trying to make sure that I don't forget things (because A is bloody useless at it).
Hands up who can see who's going to deal with the lion's share (or even all of it) of when FIL moves down here. And keep those hands up if you think that, whilst I'm up in Nottingham sorting that end out, bugger all housework-type stuff gets done down here.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Between a rock and a hard place
Please bear in mind that I have a cold and am feeling less than 100%, and the knock-on effect on my ability to ignore/dismiss annoying people.
There is someone at work who is getting on my nerves. This has been getting worse over the past week (which is roughly how long I have been coming down with/suffering from this cold). She is constantly whinging about how she doesn't like her job now her team have merged with ours; this, that or the other isn't right; doesn't like all the phone answering/door buzzer answering/myriad other things that interfere with her ability to concentrate on what she has to do. However, she doesn't whinge when the current acting Admin Co-ordinator is in the office. She, and her colleague from the same previous office, can't cope with all this so when they have something that requires total concentration they go off to a different office for some peace and quiet.
Now yes, to a point, I can understand it BUT not for one second does she consider that we others are in the same boat (and by buggering off like that our disturbances are increased). There have been times that I have been doing something that I could really do without having to deal with incoming phone calls. Does that count? Does it hell! I still have to deal with them and then try to re-focus on what I'm doing.
This morning I was doing something clerical with some client files and she knew I wasn't at my best. However she was far too busy whinging to her colleague about how she hates her job now and doesn't want to come in (interspersed with actually doing her work), whilst I was answering the phone, taking messages AND e-mailing said messages to the correct recipients, all the while with a client's file 'in bits' all over my desk (burying my keyboard/mouse/pen/paper to boot). Let's just say that by lunchtime I had had enough, burst into tears, played on feeling rotten and asked to come home. We all have gripes about the 'new order'. It doesn't help when the senior manager keeps taking systems that work and making changes, without considering the knock-on effect to our workloads. If I'm honest my workload is the least hectic - it has its moments though - as I am not fully trained on all the in-house systems and therefore cannot do some of their work for them. Plus my primary role is as phone answerer. But I have just about had enough of keeping my mouth shut when she starts her whining.
I really don't want to go back there, purely because of this. Yet it looks so much better when applying for jobs if you already have one than if you are unemployed, so I don't want to quit. It's a temp position which will last for who knows how much longer and I'd really like to see it through to its conclusion if I don't land a permanent role elsewhere first.
So, do I stay and try my best not to blow a fuse big-time or do I walk and, although still with my temp agency, deal with maybe being between positions when applying for jobs. I don't like the idea of walking as it can be seen to be taking the easy way out, plus what do you say when asked at interview, but it's playing havoc with my nerves.
There is someone at work who is getting on my nerves. This has been getting worse over the past week (which is roughly how long I have been coming down with/suffering from this cold). She is constantly whinging about how she doesn't like her job now her team have merged with ours; this, that or the other isn't right; doesn't like all the phone answering/door buzzer answering/myriad other things that interfere with her ability to concentrate on what she has to do. However, she doesn't whinge when the current acting Admin Co-ordinator is in the office. She, and her colleague from the same previous office, can't cope with all this so when they have something that requires total concentration they go off to a different office for some peace and quiet.
Now yes, to a point, I can understand it BUT not for one second does she consider that we others are in the same boat (and by buggering off like that our disturbances are increased). There have been times that I have been doing something that I could really do without having to deal with incoming phone calls. Does that count? Does it hell! I still have to deal with them and then try to re-focus on what I'm doing.
This morning I was doing something clerical with some client files and she knew I wasn't at my best. However she was far too busy whinging to her colleague about how she hates her job now and doesn't want to come in (interspersed with actually doing her work), whilst I was answering the phone, taking messages AND e-mailing said messages to the correct recipients, all the while with a client's file 'in bits' all over my desk (burying my keyboard/mouse/pen/paper to boot). Let's just say that by lunchtime I had had enough, burst into tears, played on feeling rotten and asked to come home. We all have gripes about the 'new order'. It doesn't help when the senior manager keeps taking systems that work and making changes, without considering the knock-on effect to our workloads. If I'm honest my workload is the least hectic - it has its moments though - as I am not fully trained on all the in-house systems and therefore cannot do some of their work for them. Plus my primary role is as phone answerer. But I have just about had enough of keeping my mouth shut when she starts her whining.
I really don't want to go back there, purely because of this. Yet it looks so much better when applying for jobs if you already have one than if you are unemployed, so I don't want to quit. It's a temp position which will last for who knows how much longer and I'd really like to see it through to its conclusion if I don't land a permanent role elsewhere first.
So, do I stay and try my best not to blow a fuse big-time or do I walk and, although still with my temp agency, deal with maybe being between positions when applying for jobs. I don't like the idea of walking as it can be seen to be taking the easy way out, plus what do you say when asked at interview, but it's playing havoc with my nerves.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Can someone tell me why?
On Friday D was coming home from college on the bus when he got into a discussion with another college student (A - nothing to do with his name) over whether yet another student should sit down.
A: Sit down, will you
D: Maybe she doesn't want to sit down
A: Whoever said that can suck my d*ck
D (standing up to his 6' 2 height): Wanna say that again?
A grabs D up near the throat
D grabs A similarly ready to push him away, having the longer reach
A thumps D in the face, once
Queue stunned silence on the bus
A immediately realises the OTT of his actions and apologises
D makes it home with a badly bruised eye and cheek, a cracked lower middle tooth and a broken off leaving a third of the original length tooth.
(photos taken today, 2 days after. On the top one yes that is more bruising between the eye and the ear. The lower one shows the tooth after the temporary patch/rebuild - 2nd from right - now at two-thirds its original size)
The dental bill is likely to be £500 - £1000. I think, as D is a full-time student, there'll be nothing to pay. However, I'm wondering whether to send a copy of the paperwork to A and try to make him pay.
Some out there may think we're being soft by not involving the police but, and you KNOW how warped some of the police actions have become, we wonder whether D's "Wanna say that again?" comment may be construed as incitement. Besides D is not interested in pursuing it.
A: Sit down, will you
D: Maybe she doesn't want to sit down
A: Whoever said that can suck my d*ck
D (standing up to his 6' 2 height): Wanna say that again?
A grabs D up near the throat
D grabs A similarly ready to push him away, having the longer reach
A thumps D in the face, once
Queue stunned silence on the bus
A immediately realises the OTT of his actions and apologises
D makes it home with a badly bruised eye and cheek, a cracked lower middle tooth and a broken off leaving a third of the original length tooth.
(photos taken today, 2 days after. On the top one yes that is more bruising between the eye and the ear. The lower one shows the tooth after the temporary patch/rebuild - 2nd from right - now at two-thirds its original size)
The dental bill is likely to be £500 - £1000. I think, as D is a full-time student, there'll be nothing to pay. However, I'm wondering whether to send a copy of the paperwork to A and try to make him pay.
Some out there may think we're being soft by not involving the police but, and you KNOW how warped some of the police actions have become, we wonder whether D's "Wanna say that again?" comment may be construed as incitement. Besides D is not interested in pursuing it.
Saturday, 6 February 2010
MPs Expenses - or one rule for them........
Some years ago, when we were living in Nottingham, A got a job in Hastings. The money wasn't to be sniffed at and the bungalow we found to rent was none too shabby either. He asked the tax office if he could claim the rent back as a legitimate business expense and was told that it would be ok. So we did. We all lived there as a family (not that it would make any difference).
Several months later the tax office decided that claiming back this rent was NOT OK and they'd like us to pay the tax on what we'd claimed back from our business and they wanted it NOW. I don't know about you but suddenly laying our hands on about £2K just like that was impossible. The tax office begrudgingly gave us 3 months to pay it. We were understandably upset but managed to do so.
We had to rent somewhere so that A could carry out his work. He was then, and still is, an IT contractor so, to all intents and purposes, employed himself. So we ended up paying a mortgage on our property back home - we didn't want to rent it out as it gave us somewhere to stay on our regular trips back to visit family and friends - and rent on this other property, AND two sets of bills - all out of our personal money. None of it was claimable.
So tell me, why should our MPs be able to get all expenses paid for their second homes? We had to have a base for work-purposes 200 miles from our current house, yet WE had to fund it ourselves. MPs don't need some flash pad in a posh area of London. Westminster should build their own hotel with 600+ identical flats in there. That should keep things down a bit.
And, yes, I think those 4 MPs/Lords members should be prosecuted. If something feels morally wrong then, despite someone saying it's OK, you really shouldn't do it. Their defence, that the Expenses Office approved them, is really no defence. After all, we didn't let all those SS guards from the concentration camps use that sort of thing as a defence in their trials, did we.
Several months later the tax office decided that claiming back this rent was NOT OK and they'd like us to pay the tax on what we'd claimed back from our business and they wanted it NOW. I don't know about you but suddenly laying our hands on about £2K just like that was impossible. The tax office begrudgingly gave us 3 months to pay it. We were understandably upset but managed to do so.
We had to rent somewhere so that A could carry out his work. He was then, and still is, an IT contractor so, to all intents and purposes, employed himself. So we ended up paying a mortgage on our property back home - we didn't want to rent it out as it gave us somewhere to stay on our regular trips back to visit family and friends - and rent on this other property, AND two sets of bills - all out of our personal money. None of it was claimable.
So tell me, why should our MPs be able to get all expenses paid for their second homes? We had to have a base for work-purposes 200 miles from our current house, yet WE had to fund it ourselves. MPs don't need some flash pad in a posh area of London. Westminster should build their own hotel with 600+ identical flats in there. That should keep things down a bit.
And, yes, I think those 4 MPs/Lords members should be prosecuted. If something feels morally wrong then, despite someone saying it's OK, you really shouldn't do it. Their defence, that the Expenses Office approved them, is really no defence. After all, we didn't let all those SS guards from the concentration camps use that sort of thing as a defence in their trials, did we.
Monday, 25 January 2010
Plans
OK so I must be at about Plan J for the future by now. My 'butterfly' brain looks for new solutions if the current plan doesn't instantly yield the intended result. This is something I need to work on.
All the previous plans 'failed' because none of the jobs I've applied for in the past 12 months, quite a few, haven't even offered me an interview. Yes, the economy is in the sewer, but for someone who's previously got the first job she applied for this is a whole new game. I need to learn patience and understand that it's not the fault of the plan; the plan just needs time to come to fruition.
I still want to be an accountant, I still want to continue studying for the AAT qualifications. But I'm BORED!!!! College is creeping along at a very slow pace and we're not allowed to go on ahead as then we'd be too far ahead of the others, so we have to twiddle our thumbs waiting for them to finish that chapter. I've tried patience, really I have, but I am just fed up. Part of me would like to quit but then I couldn't get on to the next level so I've got to tough it out. My frustration isn't helped by more NVQ portfolio work which, although it isn't related to accounts, is required to pass this level. This time I have to provide evidence of what I do at work - I'm allowed to use what I do for the Home Ed group - and how I manage my time, how I cope with deadlines, etc, etc, etc. Oh and the best one is The Advantages/Disadvantages of Teamwork. Me, I prefer to be left alone to get on with it, only occassionally conferring with anyone else. Hardly the stuff of positive teamwork, eh?! So you have been warned. The next few weeks will probably see the most amazing outbursts of temper this side of your average 2 year old.
I'm already pretty much decided (hence Plan J) to change to a distance learning provider for the next year's Level 3 course. This is subject to being allowed to race ahead when the going is easy AND that the NVQ stuff in that is covered by all that I have done/will do for this year.
All the previous plans 'failed' because none of the jobs I've applied for in the past 12 months, quite a few, haven't even offered me an interview. Yes, the economy is in the sewer, but for someone who's previously got the first job she applied for this is a whole new game. I need to learn patience and understand that it's not the fault of the plan; the plan just needs time to come to fruition.
I still want to be an accountant, I still want to continue studying for the AAT qualifications. But I'm BORED!!!! College is creeping along at a very slow pace and we're not allowed to go on ahead as then we'd be too far ahead of the others, so we have to twiddle our thumbs waiting for them to finish that chapter. I've tried patience, really I have, but I am just fed up. Part of me would like to quit but then I couldn't get on to the next level so I've got to tough it out. My frustration isn't helped by more NVQ portfolio work which, although it isn't related to accounts, is required to pass this level. This time I have to provide evidence of what I do at work - I'm allowed to use what I do for the Home Ed group - and how I manage my time, how I cope with deadlines, etc, etc, etc. Oh and the best one is The Advantages/Disadvantages of Teamwork. Me, I prefer to be left alone to get on with it, only occassionally conferring with anyone else. Hardly the stuff of positive teamwork, eh?! So you have been warned. The next few weeks will probably see the most amazing outbursts of temper this side of your average 2 year old.
I'm already pretty much decided (hence Plan J) to change to a distance learning provider for the next year's Level 3 course. This is subject to being allowed to race ahead when the going is easy AND that the NVQ stuff in that is covered by all that I have done/will do for this year.
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
How lemon curd can seriously ruin your evening
This post WAS going to be titled "What is it about Christmas that makes me want to bake" (and I bet you can see where this post is going). Today I got the culinary urge to spoil my family with home-made offerings. However my pastry-making abilities are, well, pants! My MIL will attest to this. So I cheated and bought some Jus Rol frozen shortcrust pastry, 2 lots of jam and a jar of lemon curd.
After tea (home-made pizza) I set to with a vengeance (and my Pampered Chef Deluxe Mini Muffin Pan). All was reasonably well until the 2nd batch came out the oven, the lemon curd batch. As usual A, D & K were like bees round a honey pot waiting to sample the wares - I have a great quality control department. Unfortunately one of the tarts split apart and landed oven-hot lemon curd on mine and A's hand. He seems not too bad. My little finger has a bright red patch and is throbbing merrily. Fortunately this means the damage is superficial and not needing a mad dash to A & E. It also means that the 3rd batch - blackberry jam - will have to wait till tomorrow. A is watching the snooker and the kids have homework so there's no-one to take over.
This is after the cake I made yesterday decided to crumble apart instead of easing out of its tin like it was supposed to. Maybe I should hold off making the double chocolate pudding (chocolate, bread waffles, cream, eggs).
After tea (home-made pizza) I set to with a vengeance (and my Pampered Chef Deluxe Mini Muffin Pan). All was reasonably well until the 2nd batch came out the oven, the lemon curd batch. As usual A, D & K were like bees round a honey pot waiting to sample the wares - I have a great quality control department. Unfortunately one of the tarts split apart and landed oven-hot lemon curd on mine and A's hand. He seems not too bad. My little finger has a bright red patch and is throbbing merrily. Fortunately this means the damage is superficial and not needing a mad dash to A & E. It also means that the 3rd batch - blackberry jam - will have to wait till tomorrow. A is watching the snooker and the kids have homework so there's no-one to take over.
This is after the cake I made yesterday decided to crumble apart instead of easing out of its tin like it was supposed to. Maybe I should hold off making the double chocolate pudding (chocolate, bread waffles, cream, eggs).
Thursday, 19 November 2009
FOR SALE
One body - although only half-way through its expected life span, this body is already failing its owner.
The latest breakdown involves a sprained left ankle, causing the owner to have to rest with feet up when owner actually has a full day (hell, a full month so far - hence why there's been no blog posts recently) of life to lead. Owner would be happy to exchange for one - size 12 - 14, full working order (apart from womb) with no hidden surprises, capable of dealing with life at full speed without needing hours of maintenance each week.
Recent breakdowns include:- sprained right ankle (August) which is about 90% fixed, dodgy skin which limits owner's sun exposure from Spring to Autumn, general tiredness (not enough hours in the day/week/life), achilles tendon/plantar fasciitis pain in both ankles/feet (October '08 to June '09), recurring headaches, constant catarrh (all year round).
Hence reasonable asking price of £0.00
Please register your interest in the comments section. Form an orderly queue, no pushing now. The lucky winner will be chosen at random.
The latest breakdown involves a sprained left ankle, causing the owner to have to rest with feet up when owner actually has a full day (hell, a full month so far - hence why there's been no blog posts recently) of life to lead. Owner would be happy to exchange for one - size 12 - 14, full working order (apart from womb) with no hidden surprises, capable of dealing with life at full speed without needing hours of maintenance each week.
Recent breakdowns include:- sprained right ankle (August) which is about 90% fixed, dodgy skin which limits owner's sun exposure from Spring to Autumn, general tiredness (not enough hours in the day/week/life), achilles tendon/plantar fasciitis pain in both ankles/feet (October '08 to June '09), recurring headaches, constant catarrh (all year round).
Hence reasonable asking price of £0.00
Please register your interest in the comments section. Form an orderly queue, no pushing now. The lucky winner will be chosen at random.
Sunday, 6 September 2009
What a day!
Yesterday I went to London to see Jill in Bart's. My bus ticket cost £18 return, a bargain (or so I thought). What a palaver!!!!! It took us from 8.50 till 10.25 to get from Fareham to Winchester, via Southampton Central and Southampton University. Then we headed for Heathrow, and that takes some driving round these days. Oh and they've replaced Concorde with an Emirates Airbus A380 (on the roundabout).
Afterwards we headed on the M4 into London. All was well and good till we got to Hammersmith. Then it was a lot of stop and a bit of start all the way to Hyde Park Corner. By the time we made it to Victoria it was 13.08, 45 minutes late. Now my return bus left at 17.50 so I didn't have much time to waste. So I headed for Victoria tube station.
Now Victoria tube station is right next to Victoria train station, but both of these are a bit of a walk from Victoria bus station. Then I had to get a ticket from the automated machines, and of course there was a queue!
I eventually got on to a tube and even got a seat after the next station. I got off at Mansion House (Blackfriars would have been easier but it's closed till 2011) and, trusty map book in hand, made my way past St Paul's to Bart's. Just to make life interesting I hadn't got a clue which ward Jill was in - never thought to ask her - and Bart's isn't great at making it easy. I ended up phoning A in a state of fraughtness asking him to text me the ward phone numbers.
Eventually I found the right floor of the right building. Of course I chose the wrong ward at first before getting it right. Jill was asleep but I'd barely got in her room when she woke up. She was very pleased to see me. Her room was a little warm, though that could have been me after the panic of getting into London and then finding her. We laughed and giggled, and chatted.
Then it was time for me to leave. As I had an hour before my bus left I figured I could walk it back. It didn't look far. Down Giltspur Street to Ludgate Hill. Along Fleet Street and Strand. Into Whitehall to Parliament Square. Then down Broadway and Victorial Street. Well of course I just missed the bus!!!! It was pulling out of the bus station as I was waiting to cross the road. Cue much swearing. That meant I would have to loiter around for a while before the next bus, plus pay for another ticket. So, being tired and weary and bloody fed up, I caught the tube back to Westminster, walked to Waterloo, where a train to Portsmouth left in 10 minutes. And this is where my day finally improved. It was the express service, so I was in Havant (where A came to fetch me) and then home before the bus I missed had made it into Fareham. Needless to say I slept well last night.
Next time I am definitely going by train. I don't care how much it costs!
Afterwards we headed on the M4 into London. All was well and good till we got to Hammersmith. Then it was a lot of stop and a bit of start all the way to Hyde Park Corner. By the time we made it to Victoria it was 13.08, 45 minutes late. Now my return bus left at 17.50 so I didn't have much time to waste. So I headed for Victoria tube station.
Now Victoria tube station is right next to Victoria train station, but both of these are a bit of a walk from Victoria bus station. Then I had to get a ticket from the automated machines, and of course there was a queue!
I eventually got on to a tube and even got a seat after the next station. I got off at Mansion House (Blackfriars would have been easier but it's closed till 2011) and, trusty map book in hand, made my way past St Paul's to Bart's. Just to make life interesting I hadn't got a clue which ward Jill was in - never thought to ask her - and Bart's isn't great at making it easy. I ended up phoning A in a state of fraughtness asking him to text me the ward phone numbers.
Eventually I found the right floor of the right building. Of course I chose the wrong ward at first before getting it right. Jill was asleep but I'd barely got in her room when she woke up. She was very pleased to see me. Her room was a little warm, though that could have been me after the panic of getting into London and then finding her. We laughed and giggled, and chatted.
Then it was time for me to leave. As I had an hour before my bus left I figured I could walk it back. It didn't look far. Down Giltspur Street to Ludgate Hill. Along Fleet Street and Strand. Into Whitehall to Parliament Square. Then down Broadway and Victorial Street. Well of course I just missed the bus!!!! It was pulling out of the bus station as I was waiting to cross the road. Cue much swearing. That meant I would have to loiter around for a while before the next bus, plus pay for another ticket. So, being tired and weary and bloody fed up, I caught the tube back to Westminster, walked to Waterloo, where a train to Portsmouth left in 10 minutes. And this is where my day finally improved. It was the express service, so I was in Havant (where A came to fetch me) and then home before the bus I missed had made it into Fareham. Needless to say I slept well last night.
Next time I am definitely going by train. I don't care how much it costs!
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
My unlucky streak continues
Today we went on a picnic to a local woodland with some friends. D drove us there and all was good. Then less than 100 feet away from the car park I decided to step on a piece of branch and roll my ankle over. I don't think it's anything serious - it certainly didn't stop us staying in the woods till 5pm. However, it now aches a bit and bruises seem to be appearing in various bits of my ankle/foot where it doesn't hurt!
Anyone have an isolated cocoon I can hire for a month?
Anyone have an isolated cocoon I can hire for a month?
Friday, 7 August 2009
One of those weeks!
This has been an interesting week, techonology-wise. On Wednesday I finally plucked up the courage to get myself a Pampered Chef website. I'm not allowed to post a link to it on here but if you want it, e-mail me and I'll send it to you (strange rule I know, but.....). I then spent 3 hours playing with the settings, viewing the finished article to make sure everything was fine - most of the work is done for you, it's just the personalisation bit that you need to sort out. Then, suddenly, the website wouldn't come up any more. I assumed it was a case of waiting for final approval from on high, so I started playing with the content aimed only at us consultants.
Yesterday there was still no sign of a 'live' site so I started adding my customer information into the site's database, along with notes on what they'd bought and what they'd like if it ever came up on special offer. Then, suddenly, that bit broke - crashed completely. Cue one frantic phone call to the helpdesk. The nice man unblocked whatever I'd broke and I had a live site and a working database. :-))))))
Today I picked up the phone to call a friend. Bet you can guess what happened? Yep, the phone threw a hissy fit and refused to work. Soon got it sorted out but A has banned me from touching the new oven.
That's 3 technological hiccups. Ya think I've had my allocation?
Yesterday there was still no sign of a 'live' site so I started adding my customer information into the site's database, along with notes on what they'd bought and what they'd like if it ever came up on special offer. Then, suddenly, that bit broke - crashed completely. Cue one frantic phone call to the helpdesk. The nice man unblocked whatever I'd broke and I had a live site and a working database. :-))))))
Today I picked up the phone to call a friend. Bet you can guess what happened? Yep, the phone threw a hissy fit and refused to work. Soon got it sorted out but A has banned me from touching the new oven.
That's 3 technological hiccups. Ya think I've had my allocation?
Monday, 27 July 2009
It's not rocket science
Someone at A's workplace was moaning about how his wife's car is having trouble. It keeps cutting out and the manufacturer isn't being particularly good at getting to the root of the problem. A asked him if it was a ************ (no don't count the stars, they're a random amount) - I can't mention names as it is likely to leave me open to legal action (stupid as all I'm going to say is true and can be found by a search of the internet). His friend was astounded to hear that A knew that. A then explained our history with them.
My parents had one of their larger models pretty much from new - an M plate. They had issues with the car cutting out, thereby rendering the power-steering and power-brakes totally useless. It even happened at speed on a motorway. Many moons later I owned an estate (V plate), one size down from parents. Within months it started cutting out at slow speed, which is not a lot of fun when you are approaching a junction or a roundabout - and even less fun when you have your kids in the car with you. Our local dealer had the temerity to suggest it was the way I was driving it!!! I then pointed out that I can drive Ferraris on race tracks and Golf GTIs on off-road tracks, both with a certain flair beyond the average punter, so their excuse was pathetic. Well, they weren't my exact words but you get the gist. A ended up threatening to drive it through their plate glass showroom window unless they found out what was going on, as the fault wasn't leaving a message on the car's on-board computer. Within a couple of days the car stalled on their driver. I was SO pleased. Funnily enough it was fixed PDQ, except that they put the part on upside down and made a mess; I didn't find this out till this part needed replacing again. That's right, the fix is only temporary. It'll last for 11 - 18 months before needing replacing again.
Now, you'd think that a manufacturer of such popular renown would have got it sorted out, if not between M and V plates then at least from V to now. Apparently not as A's friend's wife's car (phew) is having the self-same issues. Obviously this manufacturer doesn't give a damn about us the customer.
If you really want to know which one I'm talking about, it was the car I had before the Merc (same colour but smaller). Still none the wiser, drop me an e-mail, especially if you are looking to change your car.
My parents had one of their larger models pretty much from new - an M plate. They had issues with the car cutting out, thereby rendering the power-steering and power-brakes totally useless. It even happened at speed on a motorway. Many moons later I owned an estate (V plate), one size down from parents. Within months it started cutting out at slow speed, which is not a lot of fun when you are approaching a junction or a roundabout - and even less fun when you have your kids in the car with you. Our local dealer had the temerity to suggest it was the way I was driving it!!! I then pointed out that I can drive Ferraris on race tracks and Golf GTIs on off-road tracks, both with a certain flair beyond the average punter, so their excuse was pathetic. Well, they weren't my exact words but you get the gist. A ended up threatening to drive it through their plate glass showroom window unless they found out what was going on, as the fault wasn't leaving a message on the car's on-board computer. Within a couple of days the car stalled on their driver. I was SO pleased. Funnily enough it was fixed PDQ, except that they put the part on upside down and made a mess; I didn't find this out till this part needed replacing again. That's right, the fix is only temporary. It'll last for 11 - 18 months before needing replacing again.
Now, you'd think that a manufacturer of such popular renown would have got it sorted out, if not between M and V plates then at least from V to now. Apparently not as A's friend's wife's car (phew) is having the self-same issues. Obviously this manufacturer doesn't give a damn about us the customer.
If you really want to know which one I'm talking about, it was the car I had before the Merc (same colour but smaller). Still none the wiser, drop me an e-mail, especially if you are looking to change your car.
Friday, 6 March 2009
Bye bye, Merc. Hello Focus
After 3 years of faithful service, and right before it started to get expensive to keep going, the Merc has gone. Now I have my Ford Focus and it is much more comfortable to drive. I picked it up this afternoon and drove round the corner to Asda to fill it up. No problems there, a mere £41. Coming back through Asda's car park on the main through way and some dozy bitch decided to pull out of a side road right in front of me - she was busy seeing to her lipstick. I would like to report that the brakes, horn and seatbelt tensioners work just fine, and the silly woman doesn't have a bright blue streak on her minibus. She didn't even apologise or look sheepish, just peered at me and carried on her way. That would be close to a record wouldn't it; you pick it up, fill it up and write it off, all in 5 minutes!
The interview yesterday went well, or so I think. I had made it to a shortlist of 6 out of the many applicants. Now I have to wait to see if I'm in the last two. I really want this job - the money is fine, the perks are perky, and the prospects are eye-opening once I've got all the necessary qualifications (which they are paying for). Fingers crossed.
Oh and two of my wines are about ready for bottling. It's gonna be a great weekend ;-)
The interview yesterday went well, or so I think. I had made it to a shortlist of 6 out of the many applicants. Now I have to wait to see if I'm in the last two. I really want this job - the money is fine, the perks are perky, and the prospects are eye-opening once I've got all the necessary qualifications (which they are paying for). Fingers crossed.
Oh and two of my wines are about ready for bottling. It's gonna be a great weekend ;-)
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
My baby is 10 and other breaking news
Scooby celebrates his 10th birthday today. Regular readers may remember back in May (I think) that our vet suggested he might not make it this far and most likely wouldn't make Christmas. Well, he's intent on proving her wrong. Today is a sunny day so he's full of life, energy and bounce. On wet days it's an effort to do anything.
Also today saw the first frost of the coming winter. It's all gone now but at 7.30 this morning the roofs were white and the car windscreens were iced over.
Speaking of cars, I now have a Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 with a tiptronic gearbox sitting on my drive. It's my courtesy car till my Merc is returned all shiny and new. This Corsa is a 58 plate with a mere 400 miles on the clock!
K & D are off sailing with Explorers this week. Had the leader on the phone at 8.30 this morning saying K wanted to come home. I told him, and her, that I couldn't come and fetch her as I was waiting for the garage to fetch my car and bring me a courtesy car. The leader has transferred her to the smaller boat for today to see if her stomach will settle. Otherwise we face a long trip to Lymington or Poole to fetch her this evening. I did state that I would prefer her to finish the week out but we'll see.
Also today saw the first frost of the coming winter. It's all gone now but at 7.30 this morning the roofs were white and the car windscreens were iced over.
Speaking of cars, I now have a Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 with a tiptronic gearbox sitting on my drive. It's my courtesy car till my Merc is returned all shiny and new. This Corsa is a 58 plate with a mere 400 miles on the clock!
K & D are off sailing with Explorers this week. Had the leader on the phone at 8.30 this morning saying K wanted to come home. I told him, and her, that I couldn't come and fetch her as I was waiting for the garage to fetch my car and bring me a courtesy car. The leader has transferred her to the smaller boat for today to see if her stomach will settle. Otherwise we face a long trip to Lymington or Poole to fetch her this evening. I did state that I would prefer her to finish the week out but we'll see.
Monday, 22 September 2008
What would you do
D has settled well into college. So far the work isn't stretching him and he is considering adding AS Geology to his timetable. Our biggest gripe is that he hasn't had a Further Maths lesson yet.
Why? Well it seems that the first module they do for the AS is Statistics 1. D has done this, and passed with an A, for his A2 Maths (Maths and Further Maths are two different courses, although the modules available are interchangeable). Now college have known he would be starting full-time there since November. They knew in February/March that he would be sitting the Stats 1 module in June. They've known since the middle of August that he got an A. They've known since 29th August exactly what his finalised course choices are. YET THEY HAVE YET TO DECIDE WHAT MODULE HE CAN STUDY INSTEAD!!!! They don't want to have this issue next year for the A2 so they need to decide what they will be teaching next year so that D can choose something else instead. Wouldn't you be a bit peeved that here we are two weeks into the year and he still has to do any maths?
I've told D that when he sees his tutor, who happens to be his Further Maths teacher, on Wednesday he is to tell him to sort it or I will lose patience and be in to see him - and that it won't be pretty if I do.
Why? Well it seems that the first module they do for the AS is Statistics 1. D has done this, and passed with an A, for his A2 Maths (Maths and Further Maths are two different courses, although the modules available are interchangeable). Now college have known he would be starting full-time there since November. They knew in February/March that he would be sitting the Stats 1 module in June. They've known since the middle of August that he got an A. They've known since 29th August exactly what his finalised course choices are. YET THEY HAVE YET TO DECIDE WHAT MODULE HE CAN STUDY INSTEAD!!!! They don't want to have this issue next year for the A2 so they need to decide what they will be teaching next year so that D can choose something else instead. Wouldn't you be a bit peeved that here we are two weeks into the year and he still has to do any maths?
I've told D that when he sees his tutor, who happens to be his Further Maths teacher, on Wednesday he is to tell him to sort it or I will lose patience and be in to see him - and that it won't be pretty if I do.
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