wagwaan?

First day in the new job

Well, well, well!  I was surprised not to have first day jitters last night or this morning - maybe I'm growing more confident in my old age...  I decided to leave early as I had to buy a new Oyster Card (the new way of paying for travel in London - you just swipe it to get in and out of the Tube). Plus, I wasn't sure just how long it would take and you never want to be late on your first day now do you??   When I changed trains at Finchley Road the platform was packed so I let a couple of trains go by, and I got to London Bridge at 9.14 or something. Plenty of time! 

I was greeted by the HR Director and he took me through the induction pack before passing me on to one of his colleagues who took me round to show me the premises and meet a few people. After the hospital it is very posh indeed. There are two kitchens with tables where you can sit and have lunch if you don't want to go out. There are fridges packed with cans of soda, juice, milk and butter, and there is bread and soup if you want a snack!  The toilets are a dream. Can you tell I've been slumming it for the past 5 or 6 years?   To get to my office you have to walk through the packed trading floor. Very interesting!  My desk is just outside my new boss's office, with two other girls, including the Company Secretary who showed me the ropes. There is another girl who apparently is a "bit bossy" but I am supposed to ignore her! She was off today with a foot injury...

Anyway, it was a quiet day at the office. I familiarised myself with the emails and shared drives etc. For lunch I popped out to sit by the Thames (opposite the HMS Belfast) and had my sandwich. Tomorrow there is a "do" for someone, but I have to go the bank as well, so I'm not sure how I'll fit them both in.   Everyone was very pleasant. From the crib sheet that has been left for me, I don't think things are going to be terribly busy - but I have been told when the markets go wild, everyone gets busy. We shall see!  I do feel a bit like I have a million names to remember, but seeing how many people I knew at the hospital I just know I'll get to know them all eventually. I'm usually quite quick at picking things up, so I'm sure it'll be fine. No worries as the Aussies say.

Thank you for your lovely kind comments and good wishes! 

It's all over :(

Here I am. Five years of NHS finished. It was a funny old day today.  I had cleared out my drawers and everything yesterday of course, but I still had a lot to get on with today, and of course I got interruptions galore. Lots of people dropped by to say goodbye, which was very sweet (plus I got PRESENTS. Who doesn't like presents????). I had to hand over to Kathy, the temp, who luckily has worked here before but who didn't realise just how much of my job was totally unknown to her. We got interrupted more than once - one of those times being by an elderly gentleman who was really quite unwell, bless him, and for whom I had to find a wheelchair so I could take him back downstairs for some blood tests. We managed though. And of course at 5pm another last-minute panic: a gentleman in the outpatient clinic for whom the Registrar had no notes. Typical!  I ended up running down to RAU, to A&E and then to clinic, all to no avail.  I got more compliments this evening, just before I left (at 7PM!!!!) - Dr O, the other consultant, said I was the most competent secretary she had ever worked with etc etc.  I blushed and I'm still blushing just thinking about it.  Dr C was just happy that I'll still be in touch as Claire will be doing some private patient filing for him!

So all in all, a funny old day. Tonight I feel very strange - excited I'm embarking on a new journey and sad that I'll be leaving the comfortable place I've been for 5 years. I just have to remind myself of the stress I've faced and the stress to come, what with the financial pressures etc. I've made the right decision, I'm sure of it.

Bank holiday weekend

I do like a Bank Holiday weekend - that extra day is most appreciated! 

Well, like I said, Claire had something planned for Saturday and she dragged me along. I didn't want to but I went - to hold her hand. Three years ago she decided she wanted to get her lip pierced. I told her if she still wanted it when she was 16, and if she paid for it AND if school didn't mind, well....    So three years later, here we are!  She had it all figured out. We went in, and I didn't like the look of the place, but Claire has friends who have had it done there and they've been ok.  I held her hand and squeezed my eyes tight shut. I looked up at one point and she had a Venflon sticking through her lip. Ew!  I looked away again and he quickly pushed the stud through and did it up. Claire said it didn't really hurt - it just "pinched" a little.  It doesn't actually look that bad, but I haven't got a picture yet.

After that we walked home via the High Street, where we had to buy Savlon wound care and antiseptic mouthwash for the "after care".  I can't imagine what her father will say. 

After that, my friend Stephanie picked us up and took us for coffee and cake at Cinnamon Square in Rickmansworth. Yumm! We spent the rest of the day with her and her family, walked the dogs (she is dog sitting and her own puppy is 7 months, a real darling) and hung out till after dinner. It was really nice.

Yesterday Claire went to spend the day with her best friend, whose birthday it was. She spent the night too, so I had the day to myself, did a bit of shopping and did a huge clear out of paperwork. It feels SO good to get that out of the way!  Wayne came over and we got kebabs from down the road and had a night in front of the TV.

Today I got some more sorting out done: at the office!  Five years worth of stuff in my drawers and on my hard drive to sort out.  That feels good too..... I wanted to get it done before my last day at work. Good job I just live over the road!

One more day of work and then I start my new job. Watch this space!

Penultimate day at work

Can't believe it's nearly my last day at work. In fact, Dr C thought it WAS my last day at work LOL.  This afternoon we got the cakes, crisps, sausages and sausage rolls, quiche, drinks etc and laid them all out in the other secretaries' office (it's bigger, ok??!).  We had told people to come at around 3pm and my Claire turned up as she had seen one of the cakes... she wasn't letting me leave her out of this party!  One of our Registrars, Rajee, was there with her little boy and he helped put out the cookies etc.  Lesley stole a clean sheet from the laundry cupboard to lay on the table - naughty girl!  When everyone was there, Dr C decided he had to say a speech and hand out my presents.  He is a very funny guy so he had everyone laughing as he handed out cards, flowers and presents. The flowers included 2 gorgeous sunflowers, more of which later. One of the presents was a bathmat - you had to be there, ok?!    I also got over 50 quid in vouchers which are valid in all the shops in the Harlequin shopping centre, and that is so cool because I haven't had a shopping spree in a while :)  Oh and then, the other Registrar, Hema, insisted on making a speech and she was so complimentary I had to blush. And I got kisses from Dr Clements - my turn to make everyone laugh when he kissed me on one cheek and I proffered the other one saying this was a "French kiss"...  In fact in France we do four, but that's another story altogether.  It was a lovely gathering, with my favourite colleagues there from other departments too.

Now for the other bit about the sunflower. Claire is doing her summer project for college which is about COLOUR.  She has been wandering round with my camera practicing, and tonight she has been playing with some of them in Photoshop. Damn, she's good!  The sunflower is bright and beautiful. And there is one of a bindweed flower (ok she didn't know it was a weed) and she has made it look absolutely stunning on a black background. It is white, but it fits the brief of colour because it shows the most delicate yellow stamen in the middle and little green streaks on the white that you don't even notice in real life....  you have to click on them to see them full size. Yum!  If she can do this with a small camera, just wait till she gets her SLR!

Now, we have cakes coming out of our ears and that is what we shall be eating all weekend I think. A nice 3 day weekend coming up. But beware, Claire has something planned that is making me queasy just thinking about it.

Results Day!!!

Yay! Claire's results came in. Thank goodness she got the grades she needed, so she starts her photography BTEC on 11th Sept! She got an A* in Italian (languages run in the family LOL), two Bs, three Cs, two Ds (she was never going to be a scientist or mathematician) and for the dreaded Art that became the absolute bane of her life..... an E! Together with her French GCSE she got in Year 7, that makes 13 GCSE passes as some are double awards. She got 7 A to Cs and she needed 4 to get into college, so she's ecstatic.  Don't think her dad remembers, but he seems to have promised her £50 per GCSE. Gulp.  I don't think she should hold her breath....

Today is obviously a good day because I got an email saying my mum is being kept at the stroke rehab unit for "several months" as they want to "give her a chance", so I am jumping for joy here. We had been led to believe by the first hospital she was at that she might not progress any more. Yah boo sucks Dr De La Sayette!!!!!  From now on she won't have permanent visitors, as summer is over (Yes it is. Have you seen the rain????). Everyone goes back to school (teacher siblings) or work, but she will have local visitors and several of my siblings  live near enough to visit on weekends.  My little sister is taking Whisky with her, to live in the country. It'll make quite a change from the beach that she is used to.

I have been given some presents by grateful patients because I am leaving. How sweet! One of them gave me "God's little book of calm". Very sweet and thoughtful!  Must rush, Dr C calls, and I shouldn't really be updating my blog right now....

Wow! What news!

My sister has just sent me an email about my mum's latest progress. Wow! She is doing really well. They were allowed to go to a physio session with her and saw her doing her exercises and sitting up unaided. The physio is very happy with her progress. Tomorrow they see the doctor, so maybe he/she will give us some idea of how long they think she'll stay there. On the Stroke Association website people say they were in hospital for 8 months... so I'm prepared!  She also had a bit of a breakthrough: Mel was talking about the dog and how she was good at waiting for her to get up in the morning, and my mum burst into tears and the whole story of her CVA came out, how she had her tea in bed in the morning and then she kind of fell out of bed, couldn't get the phone, and lay on the floor with the dog curled up next to her, and how she was cold and then slept a little.... the whole thing. When I read it I cried! But it's GOOD, it can't stay inside her like it has - it's better out and "exorcised". So I'm very pleased.   Especially as she seems to be going from strength to strength.

Anyway, at work things are very bizarre. Only a few more days and it's over! So strange. It seems I have invited half the hospital to come and share some cake on Friday - I never realised I knew so many people. And the nicest thing? Peope look so genuine when they say they'll miss me, that I'm helpful, that I'm nice, that I'm friendly.... it means a LOT. I may seem a loudmouth, but I have my insecurities ;)

Finally got them converted

Just wanted to record the moment on my blog... I converted my BIL's pics to jpeg so I can upload them. I am SO glad he took close-ups - just like a true scrapper LOL

Well, I asked for it!

I got tagged by Jakey - but then it is my own fault: I told everyone on the Pad that I hadn't been tagged in ages!

1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be?
By the sea. My mum bought her house-by-the-sea when I was 23 and I have grown to love the space, the smells, the sunsets, everything except being ON it!

2. What's your favourite article of clothing?
Love slobbing about in jogging pants and fleece top. With no bra on.

3. Favourite physical feature of the opposite sex?
Twinkly, cheeky eyes! And a nice bum is a plus.....

4. What's the last CD that you bought?
God I can't remember! I listen to the radio or when I'm on my PC I put anything I fancy listening to on my "jukeblog" (www.radioblogclub.com) - it's free and it has practically anything I ever fancy listening to.

5. Where's your favourite place to be?
Apart from Bernieres (my mum's place), in Wayne's arms (and I mean that in a non-sexual, huggy way, 'kay???)

6. Where's your least favourite place to be?
In a plane. I'm learning to like it, but I'm still a bit scared....

7. What's your favourite place to be massaged?
OOOooh anywhere!

8. Strong in mind or strong in body?
Both. Couldn't bear to lose one or t'other.

9. What time do you wake up in the morning?
I usually need a pee by 6.30am!

10. What is your favourite Kitchen appliance?
Dishwasher.

11. What makes you really angry?
Bigotry, racism, lying, that kind of thing.

12. If you could play an instrument what would it be?
Like Jakey (again) I wish I could play the piano PROPERLY!  My mum and grandma played, and there are some pieces that just take me right back to my childhood as soon as I hear them. Sigh. Quite like the sax too, though.

13. Favourite colour?
PINK!!!

14. Sports car or SUV?
Wouldn't mind a car, full stop!

15. Do you believe in an afterlife?
You betcha!

16. Favourite children's book?
Winter Holiday by Arthur Ransome.

17. What's your favourite season?
All of them have their pluses and minuses, but I do love everything to do with Autumn in England - Hallowe'en, Bonfire Night, the colours of the trees, rustling fallen leaves...

18. What is your least favourite household chore?
Er, don't really like housework, but I hate ironing, it makes my back ache!

19. If you could have one super-power, what would it be?
Gosh! No idea, but Jakey's idea of time travel is cool - I could do a "When Peggy Sue Got Married" and go back to see my grandparents and dad.

20. If you have a tattoo what is it?
None, but I've been thinking about it for 12 years!  So long now, I reckon I'll never do it.

21. Can you juggle?
Kind of....  But I'm good at juggling work/home etc!

22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to?
See no. 19 above! I'd love to go back and tell my dad I really did love him...

24. What's in the boot of your car?
Don't have a car :(

25. Which do you prefer, sushi or hamburger?
Eewwww raw fish!!  I'd rather have a hamburger thank you.

I'll have to think about who I'll tag now....

Oh THERE it is!!

Aha! Yesterday I found my mojo again - thank you for your concern about it; it was hiding under the crap on my "scrap" table in my bedroom!  Yesterday didn't start too well as I was expecting my benefits cheque so I could plan Claire's 16th birthday weekend in style. I should have known better than to expect it to arrive on time when something big was planned!  As it didn't arrive, I had the grand total of 10 quid to my name to get Claire's card, cake and anything else that you need to make a party. Luckily, she is having a party in September when all her friends get back from holiday, and she already told me she would be pleased to have an IOU. So I dragged Wayne out to the shops and we got some lemonade, crisps, a huge chocolate birthday cake, and a "16" badge (she had hinted she wanted one).  Then I went upstairs, cleared my table and made a cool card, with a hint of Claudine Hellmuth about it. Actually, it was based on something I saw years ago, a friend of my sister made a birth announcement card and it had her two little girls on it with princess hats added on, and I have had this in my head as an inspiration for years. I can't upload a piccie right now because Claire has friends over (the first one arrived at 10am. On a Sunday!!!!), and they are upstairs with the camera and the card is in her room.   

ETA: here it is. Claire took the pic of it on her bed, so not the best angle....

Anyway, I really really enjoyed cutting out and sticking stuff down yesterday. And I think it was very inspired to make Claire such a card because when she was at Maternelle and I asked what she did she said "je découpe et je colle" (loosely translated I cut stuff out and I stick it down)....  It was fun and I can't wait to do more.

So today, we have a mini impromptu party going on upstairs, wine in the fridge (courtesy of one friend), a huge choccie cake hidden away, crisps and soda. I don't think 16 year olds need anything else do they?

I am SO glad she has friends over because yesterday, once more, her dad did not disappoint. Claire was expecting some kind of explanation as to her step-mum's behaviour. She got a loooooong email from her dad, ranting about all kinds but completely sidestepping the issue. So once she had cried and got it all out, Wayne and I talked to her about it, and I think we kind of went some way to calming her down. Her dad really IS a xxxxxxxx (insert all the adjectives you want here). He has NO idea. But as Wayne says, do I really expect him to be any different after all these years????

Got lovely photos from my brother in law yesterday. They took my mum a selection of cards so she could choose some and sign them for the August birthdays (and there are a few!). She really enjoyed doing this little piece of "work" and when I can get bliddy Hotmail up without it crashing I shall insert the picture of her signing the cards here. I sat here looking at them, sobbing, even though I am happy because at least she knows what is going on and can TRY to sign them. Other patients in the unit aren't as lucky.  Oh and I almost forgot! The feeding tube came out this week. Relief!!!  My mum's speech has also improved, probably because the tube was impeding her tongue etc. Fantastic news. She really is coming along well!

ETA: at last, Hotmail has finished being stoopid - but the pics are .bmp instead of .jpg so Typepad won't upload them. I'll have to mess about with them first.

Where's my mojo?

I've got post-holiday lack of energy. I can't concentrate at work, and all I want to do is read all the blogs I love. The house is pretty messy, what with Wayne's stuff there now, and all I want is for it to be nice and tidy but I can't be bothered to take down my wardrobe and build Wayne's one it its place. I would love to scrap, but that is in the bedroom, where the parts of the wardrobe are leaning against the walls and, and, and.... I know it's all excuses, but I can't be bothered. I'm in limbo between coming home from holiday and starting the new job. I did manage to finish a tape at work today, so there is a pile of letters for Dr C to sign when he gets back, but apart from that, zilch.

Claire's best friend is here today and there is music and laughter coming from upstairs. I love it when it's like that! 

The weather is pretty strange at the moment. It's still August and after all that heatwave weather it's gone pretty cold. At least today the sun is out, but it really does feel chillier. I might actually have to get a jacket out.

Well, I'm off to do some Sudoku. Is that how it's written? Steph gave me her beginners book and I'm hooked. And I swore I wouldn't enjoy it. Huh.