It's Been A While

It's been a while since my last post.  Apologies and all that. The year didn't exactly get off to the start that I was hoping for. I got a bit of an unpleasant surprise on returning to work and found myself managing the shop for the first two weeks of the year. It was a bit eventful, broken lift, no Wifi for a few days, lots of things seemed to go wrong, and I wasn't in the greatest of moods if I'm honest, but I got through it and didn't work very many extra hours.

I did, however, apply for some new jobs that came up with the same charity to help open a couple of new shops in the east end of London.  They were much closer to home, so less of a commute.  I had an interview on Friday, which seemed to go well and should find out on Monday, but to be honest I've decided not to take them even if I am offered them.

I found out yesterday that one of our long term pivotal volunteers has left the shop and got a full time job.  I'm pleased for her, of course, but it means that I can't in all honesty find it in me to leave now, even if I got the chance.  Besides, there were a few issues around the potential jobs that put me off a little. It was, in any case, a good exercise in looking out for myself and keeping my options open.

It's also been a busy month in other ways.  LB had her 16th birthday a couple of weeks ago.  It's hard to believe that she's so grown up now. She's also gone out and found herself a part-time job working on a vintage clothing kilo sale once a month.  She starts next weekend and I know she'll love it. In case anyone's not sure what this is, it is a clothing sale where you fill a bag with 1kg of clothes and pay a set price such as £10 or £15. You might get a couple or lots of items, depending on what they weigh.

In other news the dog had to go to the vets for teeth cleaning under anaesthetic. It was a bit of a shock for OH when he received a bill for £550.  After telling OH that he needed to take a couple of teeth out, the vet took out 9 teeth, 6 of which were the tiny bottom front ones between her canines.  He said they were loose and she didn't need them, but we were a bit upset and thought it a little excessive. She's lost her little toothy smile now.  I call her Gummy Bear, because she looks like a teddy bear and now she's all gums.  I'm sad about it though. Needless to say, we're not going back to that vet again.

I've also just come back from a two day course through work. I had to stay overnight in a hotel with the other people on the course.  It was great to meet other Shop Managers and Deputies and hear their stories. It actually made me realise that I don't actually necessarily have it so bad where I am. Some people have far worse working situations for one reason or another. We seemed to be a friendly enough bunch anyway and some of us stayed up until 11pm chatting in the bar.

Yesterday, I had to complete my final tax return relating to the small business I used to run.  It was thankfully even easier than it had been in previous years, on account of HMRC making some changes to the form, that meant that I didn't actually need to fill invery much at all. It would be pointless to fill one in from now on. (Sigh of relief)

With that done, I'm feeling a lot better and today I'm venturing back to work for the first time in a week. I feel recovered after having a week away from the shop and ready to get back to it. Just as well really, as it's going to be a bit of a slog from now on.

I've decided that I may change my mode of transport for getting to work.  I'm thinking of getting a bus to an Underground station and then take the Tube to work.  It will be more expensive, but much quicker I hope and should shave at least half an hour (hopefully more) off my two hour (in total) daily commute. I'm going to try it out this week and see how it goes.  I might avoid the Underground in the warmest months of the year though, as it can get way too hot and unbearable.

Healthwise, not a lot has changed so far this year.  I've got to the gym a couple of times, but I haven't yet managed to get the results of my blood tests, as every time the doctor has tried to call me back, I haven't caught the call.  One doctor did leave a message to say there was nothing really to worry about and that nothing had changed much, but I still need to speak to her in person really.

I have also had a much needed haircut, which I did before going away on the course and having the interview.  It always makes me feel like I'm actually taking some care of my appearance, but I hate having it done, so only ever go once every six months or so.

A lot to catch you guys up on, but hopefully from here on in things will settle down a bit. I hope your January has been a good one.