Work, Weight, Hot and Tired

I'm writing this in my house-sized sauna. The heating is *still* stuck on high and I am remembering in great detail, Aussie summers! I cannot wait for the plumber to arrive next week and relieve me from this 40 degree hell!

The question this week has been to work late or not? With job losses and the recession, I think everyone, everywhere, now does whatever it takes to make sure they hold onto employment. And with mortgages and families to support, rightly so. But I also think companies are taking advantage of this and keep pushing for more from their employees. They need to get more for less. But even in these worrying times, I am sticking to my new year's resolution not to work above my designated hours. For two years, I worked 55-60 hours a week (instead of my 36) and I felt like my life was only work and sleep repeated again and again. What I have realised this year is that everyone is replaceable (even if you work double!) and you don't get thought better of for working harder. So with my "new" hours, I am finding there is balance in my life, I am happier, less tired and my bosses actually respond more positively to me (who knew?!) The purpose of our lives is to be happy and I think all companies everywhere, have to remember that we are all doing our best but ultimately, we work to live.... really live. We don't live to work.

It may be a quiet Sunday out there but for me this morning, it was (dum dum duuuum) The Moment of Truth. It was my second weigh-in for Weight Watchers. Last week I lost 2kgs (4.5lbs) and was over the moon (celebrating by buying more OPI nailpolishes). Although I've stuck to my points this week, I was nervous. Not only had we celebrated Shrove Tuesday (pancakes!), my Aunt's Birthday down at the pub and enjoyed a lovely Chinese on Friday, Mum had bought me some lovely new digital / electronic scales. What if my old crappy ones were so antiquated that although it would show my correct weight, it would show me heavier than I thought ....

With heavy heart (excuse the pun), I got on the scales and I had lost another 2kgs (4.5lbs). Woop woop! Yeah me! I also go down a point now so I have fewer points to eat. Am well chuffed with this achievement.

Off to sit in front of the fan until I wake up properly and attack the day with gusto.

(BTW the word for the day on Dictionary.com is "aver" .... to assert as true! You learn something new every day)

Did I stay or did I go?

I had a whole 'should I stay or should I go' moment with work and I never got around to telling you what happened.

Well my boss returned from holidays to find me with my 'Interview Leave' request form in hand (yes, they even have leave for interviews!) and he was really wonderfully lovely - not only did he give me some good (positive) advice about working in Schools, he also said how valued I was to him and the team and what they'd do to keep me. This was reiterated by Elaine (his boss). When they said the things they would change, fix and do, I realised there actually wasn't much left that I didn't like about my job.

I went to the interview and although they were really lovely, had decided I was going to stay put. Gary was back on holidays, so I emailed him and then told my colleague Lynda and Elaine and they both squealed and hugged me which was really nice! And to be honest, I've not looked back since.

Work has changed (as has my attitude) and the foibles I didn't like are being ironed out. It does ALL work out in the end - all you need is a little faith.

NO! to multi-tasking

Yesterday was my last day of holidays before I returned to work and the only day I stayed home during the ten days I had off.

So I decided to use it as a chillax day. Relaxing. Chilling Out. Doing nothing. When I discovered....... I can't do nothing. I think this is a common ailment amongst women but that doesn't make it acceptable.

Not only can I not do nothing (oh vey on the English!) but I can't just do one thing either. If I am watching TV, I need to also be flipping through a magazine, adding dates to my diary, downloading emails, burning CDs and dusting my coffee table. I guess I feel guilty if I actually just chill out.

But last night I thought that multi-tasking 24/7 isn't good for you. Your body (and mind) needs downtime so I made a decision.

Every day I am going to do nothing (for a little bit) and also try and do one thing at a time (and do it well) than a million things at once.

When I came home from work today, I spent a few minutes just lying on my bed patting my cat. (It's true, you know, stroking cats is VERY theraupeutic!). I also took some time to read a chapter of the book I'm reading in the bath. I know that's technically two things but the aim is to slow down and chill out more and this helped with that. I have also realised I don't have to be "productive", crossing off items from my "to do" list every moment of every day. They say stop and smell the roses for a reason!

Should I Stay or Should I Go....

In the words of The Clash, should I stay or should I go?

I applied for a similar position (to the one I hold) with a different school/College in Hull and have been given an interview. Woo Hoo. (August 26).

I both love and at times, loathe my job. The things I loathe about my job, can't be remedied as they involve other people but people come and go at work all the time.

It's nice to be able to go to the interview and be in two minds because I won't be gutted if I don't get it and can weigh up my options if it is offered to me.

Watch this space.

Elaine got a CBE

King George V established the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire on 4 June 1917.

The Order includes five classes in civil and military divisions; in increasing order of seniority, these are:

Member of the British Empire (or MBE)
Officer of the British Empire (or OBE)
Commander of the British Empire (or CBE)
Knight Commander of the British Empire (or KBE) (the female equivalent is Dame Commander of the British Empire) (or DBE)
and
Knight Grand Cross of the British Empire (or GBE) (again the female equivalent is Dame Grand Cross of the British Empire) (or GBE)

As you know I work in the Principalship of Hull College (there are only four of us - Elaine (Principal), Gary (Deputy Principal), Lynda and I (admin support)) and on Saturday, Elaine was awarded a CBE.

It's a MASSIVE honour and achievement and it is so very well deserved! Here's the article from the weekend edition of the newspaper. (Click to enlarge).

Sharpener anyone??

My new pencil pot for my desk at work - a giant pencil sharpener. Isn't it adorable?!!! So cute! I got one for my Dad too as part of his Father's Day gift.

I've not mentioned work for a while

But I really love my job! Seriously. No joshing. I can't believe I've been at the College nearly three months and I just love everything about it - the actual work, my boss, the environment / vibe, the College, my colleagues..... everything!

It's a really exciting, stimulating and brilliant job. It's also a busy job but it means the days fly by.

New Job

I've been at my new job for just over a month now and I am finally coming out of that new job fog (where you're busy learning your new job, your colleagues' names and what you're supposed to do).

So I work for Hull College and it's my first time working in the education system and for Academia ... and I'm finding I love it. I love working in and towards a field that enriches a generation. That educates.

I'm not saying there hasn't been teething problems! The hours I work has been a continous battle. At interview I mentioned hours as I always end up in jobs where I do 50-60 hours + a week and I was specifically looking for balance. A work / LIFE balance and was assured it was 37 hours a week. Well I worked 36 hours the first week ... and I only did FOUR days!

Like I said it has been an ongoing battle - everyone is so committed and overworked, that it is difficult to break the mould of overwork and stick to your hours ... but I am trying. (Wish me luck). If I can sort out my hours, everything else will fall into place as I really love the work I do.

Anyway here are some pictures.

My office (my desk is the closest in the picture).

The view from our office.

The red circle is where my office is. The statue is of William Wilberforce (abolished slavery and is a son of Hull!)

The lady circled in front is Elaine and she's the Principal. The guy circled in the back is Gary and my boss (Deputy Principal) and both are really lovely.

Last Day!

Yesterday I finished work and was given some beautiful gifts from my bosses and the girls in the office next door. I got a big bunch of flowers and a beautiful Sheaffer Pen & Pencil set. It was a really nice last day actually. Now I have nearly a full week off before I start my new job at the College. Yippee!

I need me some smouldering Elvis.... STAT!

Ahhh that's better. Having a really horrible time at work (every day I get another example of why I need to leave here and find a new job STAT) and my boss is determined to make this a really horrible Christmas for me. Let's look at this effort so far:

1. He didn't pay me! I was due to be paid (with a contracted bonus) last Friday - the last weekend before Christmas (i.e. perfect timing to finish off my shopping - both gift and food).

2. He finally paid me last night (AFTER the weekend) but grudgingly!

3. Despite giving him and my two other bosses, really nice and expensive presents, he hasn't given me anything and has WITH-HELD the presents my other bosses gave him to pass on to me.

4. We haven't had a Christmas lunch or meal.

5. I was due to be off tomorrow (we should be closing today and re-opening on 5th January) and had used my overtime to take the day off to chill out and do all the last minute things I couldn't afford to do on the weekend when I didn't get paid and he's just demanded I come in tomorrow to print off an email for him (????!!!!!) and I have to be in early and he'll let me know LATE afternoon, when I can leave .... and I might have to come in as well on the 27th and 2nd ... to PRINT EMAILS?!?!!

It's just one thing after another and I am so upset, I could just burst into tears (although I don't want to give him the satisfaction).

Every single day I look for a new job and I hope and pray one of my applications that I've submitted comes off EARLY in the new year!

Keep the Faith

I had a interview yesterday (from 11.30pm to 2.45pm) for a position I really wanted. You know when everything comes together and it just feels right?!

They promised to call us at 5pm (same day) and let us know but it was at 6pm, I was called and told I didn't get it. However Andrew (the Principal) was really lovely and said I was (and I quote) a verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry close second and that they had spent the last hour trying to decide between me and the ultimately successful candidate.

He said what swayed it was the amount of PR / Marketing duties required and the lady they went with had more experience in that field. He said I couldn't have improved my application or interview as everything excellent and I was an incredibly strong candidate. He actually was very sweet and made me feel quite good for doing so well, despite of the end result.

I KNOW my job is out there (I did think this might be it) so I am acknowledging the disappointment and just congratulating myself for coming so close. And most of all? I'm keeping the faith.....

Awful, Beautiful Life

Lately Darryl Worley's song, "Awful, Beautiful Life" seems to just cover it all.

I love this crazy, tragic,

Sometimes almost magic,

Awful, beautful life

I laid in bed that night and thought about the day

And how my life is like a roller coaster ride

The ups and downs and crazy turns along the way

It'll throw you off if you don't hold on tight

You can't really smile until you've shed some tears

I could die today or I might live on for years

I love this crazy, tragic,

Sometimes almost magic,

Awful, beautful life

It's a wild ride, that's for sure.

In a nutshell ..

• My cousin gave us all a real scare. A stomach ulcer burst and left him fighting for his life. Fortunately he has received the best possible care and despite giving us another scare (when the cauterised ulcer continued to bleed without anyone knowing), he's stable and getting better.
• I've applied for another job - a job I really want. And although I am being really positive, focussed and using all that Law of Attraction gumph, I also believe if it doesn't happen, then that's also for the best. It's now a waiting game. And a game of Faith that everything will unfold as it should.
• Poor Clive, my old car, went for his roadworthy test (MOT) so I could sell him on .... and failed. Poor Clive. Bye bye Clive.
• I was still able to sell him (for coppers) as "scrap" so not all was lost.
• Two weeks tomorrow and I am leaving ... on a jet plane ... don't know when I'll be back again. OK that part's not true, I land back in England on 1st August! But it's only two weeks until I head to Boston, Massachusetts for a week long holiday with some wonderful friends. There's two concerts and lots of shopping planned.
• And finally, my nerves are STILL shot after the Rafa / Roger Final at Wimbo. What a fantastic, tense, crazy tennis match. And since I adore Rafa, it really was the icing on the cake to see him walk away with the trophy.

I thought I'd share just a couple of the songs I am LOVING right now (all non-country):

• Take a Bow ~ Rihanna
• Warwick Avenue ~ Duffy
• No Air ~ Jordan Sparks ft. Chris Brown
• Violet Hill ~ Coldplay
• Love Song ~ Sara Bareilles
• If I Never See Your Face Again ~ Maroon 5 ft. Rihanna
• Closer ~ Ne-Yo
• All Summer Long ~ Kid Rock
• Photography ~ Nickleback

A Day Of Goodies!!

Pleasure is spread through the earth
In stray gifts to be claimed by whoever shall find.
~William Wordsworth, 1806~

Stray gifts have made their way to me over the last 24 hours. Life is wonderful that way. Let me backtrack for a moment.....

...... I work for a small organisation and at present have two (soon to be four) bosses. My office is in a beautiful country estate and I overlook peacocks, rabbits and an array of beautiful birds. It's peaceful and beautiful. The work has always been challenging and interesting but lately has become more and more stressful.

The company is going through a transition and one of my bosses has asked me to take on some work that at present, his PA does (who works for another company). I was told it was going to be seldom and low priority. She was told it was going to be urgent and all-encompassing. Perhaps she was having a bad day of her own but she approached me with guns blazing and everything went from bad to worse.

I came home, bedraggled, stressed and wondering where I go from here .... and found not only my wonderful cat ready to let me pat him (a cure for stress in itself) but a surprise parcel from a friend filled ....

....this book by Val McDermid. She's a bookworm like me and really enjoyed the story and knows I also like thrillers. The thrillers I normally read are set in America so it will be a nice change to read one set here in England!

She also included some Dove Dark Chocolates (individually wrapped). (Now you know she knows me really well - I LOVE chocolate!) With the day I had under my belt, I scoffed them pretty quick and was surprised to find a lovely thought written into every wrapper! I have added these to my list of things to buy when I am next in America - not only was the chocolate lovely but I really like the idea of the promise in every chocolate. It's like a surprise gift.

As well as the book and chocolate, she also sent me a really cute I Love My Cat magnetic photo frame (which is already on my 'fridge, just waiting for a picture of Marshall).

It was such a surprise and a real boost to boot! The gifts were all wonderful and I loved them but knowing I have friends who care is worth so much more.

Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things.

~Author Unknown~

A good friend is cheaper than therapy.

~Author Unknown~

So feeling lighter and loved, I had a lovely long soak in my bath listening to Big & Rich's "Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace" and vowed not to let myself get bogged down by stress. After all, everything works out in the end. So I chilled out, in my PJs and watched JUMPER.

A genetic anomaly allows a young man to teleport himself anywhere. He discovers this gift has existed for centuries and finds himself in a war that has been raging for thousands of years between "Jumpers" and those who have sworn to kill them.

Let's just say it at least passed the time ;)

I knew my other boss, Steve, was coming into the office today and bringing his brother (one of my new bosses) and I needed to stop at the store on the way to work to get essentials (milk etc). While browsing the aisles, I stumbled upon the same DAB (Digital Radio) and iPod docker that my Dad has (and is awesome) .... and reduced in price.....
Hello people?! It's a sign, right?! I HAD to get it...... never fear, I DID buy it. Eventhough I bought it for home (to use as my clock radio / alarm clock) I have it plugged in and turned on now and can I say ..... it's the new love of my life ;) It's fabbydoo! I love it.

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
~Berthold Auerbach~

You'd think that was enough for any gal .... but the gifts keep coming! My boss Steve arrived (introduced Andy who was really nice) and then gave me a belated Birthday present!!!!
Dr Hauschka's Daily Body Care Kit!!! In it is Quince Body Moisturiser, Rose Body Moisturiser, Hand Cream, Blackthorn Body Oil, Rose Body Oil, Lemon Bath, Rose Body Wash and Blackthorn Body Wash. How nice is THAT??! He hasn't given me a Birthday Present since my 30th (which is more than OK) but it just meant it was a complete surprise .... He said he thought it would come in handy on all my travels but I plan on trying it out tonight :)

There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won't cure,
but I don't know many of them.
~Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar~

So all in all, in spite of the stress, it's been a wonderful 24 hours!

P.S. I also applied for a new job today that sounds really amazing.