Well what a difference a few weeks make. I was really really low over Christmas. As a previous blog will tell you, I had something happen which was just the straw that broke the camels back.
Today, I feel really up and positive. I can look back over the last few weeks and see that there was too much for me to be dealing with at one time. Also I am going away, getting out of my own environment and now have something to look forward to.
I have been out with Sharon J bending her ear and she has helped me get things into perspective. I have terrified a good friend of mine, but she is O.K. now. Sorry maties, and Thanks!!
So time to move on. I am going to start with the job sites!!!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Update on the Work thing
I wasn't going to blog about this until all had been resolved, but with me being off sick until at least the middle of February I thought what the hell.
Sometime back I put in for a regrade at work. My official job title is Telecoms Supervisor, but for the last 2 years, I have taken on lots more resposibility and assist the Telephone Services manager, which in my book, makes me an assistant Telephone Services manager.
So, what happened? Well HR decided they were going to look at everyones salary grade and decided I needed to be downgraded to pay scale 4 (same as the senior telephonist) instead of the 5 I was on. Oh that was alright, they said, I was salary protected! Which I was. Trouble was when I appealed and told them that my actual job was NOTHING like the description for telephone supervisor, I was told I would have to apply for a regrade.
Well last February my manager and me did just that. After going backwards and forwards to her manager and him adding MORE work to the description and then the director finally approving it, off it went to HR.
Finally, after returning from Grenada, my manager sat me down and told me the news!!!
HR had approved the job description!!
HR had approved the job title change!!!
But HR had deemed it a new vacancy and it was going to be advertised and I would have to apply for the job with anyone else who wanted it!
I must admit. I cried.
Then hear the rest!
The salary was set at pay scale 5 - The same salary I was on, but with an increment a year after I started the job, assuming I got it!
I would have to sign a new contract which would NOT include 12 'option' days holiday- Which I WAS prepared to give up
As it was a new post, there would be no back pay for all the time I have been doing it- Assuming I get the job!!
So basically is it worth applying for? Wouldn't I just be better off looking for a job that will incorporate my new skills and pay me a proper salary? What happens to my current job, if I apply and DON'T get it?
To add insult to injury, a person doing an equivilent job, who had his salary downgraded to a 4, got his reinstated to a grade 5 when he appealed, whats more, he had a job title and description change and DIDN'T have to apply for his job!!!
Maybe they are trying to tell me something?
Maybe being off sick is giving me too much time to think.
So I have the union looking at it now. I will let you know. Can anyone give me a job please?!!!
:-)
Sometime back I put in for a regrade at work. My official job title is Telecoms Supervisor, but for the last 2 years, I have taken on lots more resposibility and assist the Telephone Services manager, which in my book, makes me an assistant Telephone Services manager.
So, what happened? Well HR decided they were going to look at everyones salary grade and decided I needed to be downgraded to pay scale 4 (same as the senior telephonist) instead of the 5 I was on. Oh that was alright, they said, I was salary protected! Which I was. Trouble was when I appealed and told them that my actual job was NOTHING like the description for telephone supervisor, I was told I would have to apply for a regrade.
Well last February my manager and me did just that. After going backwards and forwards to her manager and him adding MORE work to the description and then the director finally approving it, off it went to HR.
Finally, after returning from Grenada, my manager sat me down and told me the news!!!
HR had approved the job description!!
HR had approved the job title change!!!
But HR had deemed it a new vacancy and it was going to be advertised and I would have to apply for the job with anyone else who wanted it!
I must admit. I cried.
Then hear the rest!
The salary was set at pay scale 5 - The same salary I was on, but with an increment a year after I started the job, assuming I got it!
I would have to sign a new contract which would NOT include 12 'option' days holiday- Which I WAS prepared to give up
As it was a new post, there would be no back pay for all the time I have been doing it- Assuming I get the job!!
So basically is it worth applying for? Wouldn't I just be better off looking for a job that will incorporate my new skills and pay me a proper salary? What happens to my current job, if I apply and DON'T get it?
To add insult to injury, a person doing an equivilent job, who had his salary downgraded to a 4, got his reinstated to a grade 5 when he appealed, whats more, he had a job title and description change and DIDN'T have to apply for his job!!!
Maybe they are trying to tell me something?
Maybe being off sick is giving me too much time to think.
So I have the union looking at it now. I will let you know. Can anyone give me a job please?!!!
:-)
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Four Things Me Me
Ha I have been tagged. Am I sad or what?
Four jobs I have had
1. Data input clerk
2. Bar Maid
3. Telephone supervisor
4. Assist Telephone services manager
Two places I have lived (Sorry)
1. London
2. Crewe
Four favorites foods
1. Chicken Biryani
2. Smoked salmon fillets
3. Spaghetti with Pesto sauce
4. Roast lamb with cauliflower, cabbage, mashed parsnips and roast potatoes
Four movies I could watch over and over
1. LayerCake
2. Shirley Valentine
3. Railway Children
4. Jason and the Argonauts
Four TV Shows I watch
1. Casualty
2. Catherine Tait
3. CSI
4. Dr Who
Four Places I have visited
1. Turkey
2. Norway
3. St Lucia/Jamaica/Grenada
4. Kefalonia
Four places I want to visit
1. Thailand
2. Crete
3. Florence
4. Canada
Four Websites I visit when I am able
1. Hotmail
2. My Blog and associated bloggers
3. XL.com
4. Any canal/narrowboat sites
No tags from me, I know it is the rules, but it's Christmas.
Four jobs I have had
1. Data input clerk
2. Bar Maid
3. Telephone supervisor
4. Assist Telephone services manager
Two places I have lived (Sorry)
1. London
2. Crewe
Four favorites foods
1. Chicken Biryani
2. Smoked salmon fillets
3. Spaghetti with Pesto sauce
4. Roast lamb with cauliflower, cabbage, mashed parsnips and roast potatoes
Four movies I could watch over and over
1. LayerCake
2. Shirley Valentine
3. Railway Children
4. Jason and the Argonauts
Four TV Shows I watch
1. Casualty
2. Catherine Tait
3. CSI
4. Dr Who
Four Places I have visited
1. Turkey
2. Norway
3. St Lucia/Jamaica/Grenada
4. Kefalonia
Four places I want to visit
1. Thailand
2. Crete
3. Florence
4. Canada
Four Websites I visit when I am able
1. Hotmail
2. My Blog and associated bloggers
3. XL.com
4. Any canal/narrowboat sites
No tags from me, I know it is the rules, but it's Christmas.
Things I need to get better at
1. Saying goodbye to people. Even if there is a remote chance I will see them again. Not people I see on a regular basis, but people I meet and get to know and like
2. Crying in front of others. I would rather lock myself in a toilet
3. Telling someone that they have hurt my feelings
4. Asking for help
5. Ironing as soon as I get it and not wait until the day before a holiday!
6. Not being surprised at human nature and taking it personally
7. Starting conversations with people I don't know
8. Speaking in public
9. Exercising
10. Sticking to my guns I am sooooo easily persuaded!!
I am not tagging anyone. Ha! Fat chance over the Christmas period. Sad as I am, I am taking advantage of having a computer in the house while I babysit Kai!!! If you want to do it, feel free.
2. Crying in front of others. I would rather lock myself in a toilet
3. Telling someone that they have hurt my feelings
4. Asking for help
5. Ironing as soon as I get it and not wait until the day before a holiday!
6. Not being surprised at human nature and taking it personally
7. Starting conversations with people I don't know
8. Speaking in public
9. Exercising
10. Sticking to my guns I am sooooo easily persuaded!!
I am not tagging anyone. Ha! Fat chance over the Christmas period. Sad as I am, I am taking advantage of having a computer in the house while I babysit Kai!!! If you want to do it, feel free.
Decisions Decisions
Well we are hurling towards Christmas and I am hurting a bit both Physically and mentally.
I cannot go into to detail here, but I have been let down by someone and the worst of it is, I have spent 2 nights stressing that they are alright at a time when I need it least because they have not been honest with me. Still I have put my mind at rest by at least checking with their local hospital, so they won't be able to use that as an excuse.
I am meant to go and see them, and have spent quite a bit of money in travel expenses. I can add to that expense by saying F*** it and getting some accommodation, after all, they are not the only reason to visit and there are people in the area who I can also go and see. I am not worried about being on my own. After being fussed over, the thought of being on my own for a few weeks is quite nice.
On the other hand, I am being a bit negative at the moment and think, supposing I get bored? I must admit, after being single for so long I am very happy with my own company and can chill with a book, music and TV. I certainly do not have a problem getting about and do possess a full driving license. Maybe I should use it as a spring board to travel the world and see how I get on!!!!
Mostly it will depend on how I feel physically. I am still in occassional severe pain and am quite exhausted. In fact, when I mentioned to my doctor how exhausted I felt she looked at me as if I were mad for even questioning it!! I lay the blame squarely on my friends who have had the same operation keyhole and told me I would be up and about after 3 weeks!! Yeah right!!!! :-)
So should I stay or should I go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzNuF2QD-mI
Over to you....................
I cannot go into to detail here, but I have been let down by someone and the worst of it is, I have spent 2 nights stressing that they are alright at a time when I need it least because they have not been honest with me. Still I have put my mind at rest by at least checking with their local hospital, so they won't be able to use that as an excuse.
I am meant to go and see them, and have spent quite a bit of money in travel expenses. I can add to that expense by saying F*** it and getting some accommodation, after all, they are not the only reason to visit and there are people in the area who I can also go and see. I am not worried about being on my own. After being fussed over, the thought of being on my own for a few weeks is quite nice.
On the other hand, I am being a bit negative at the moment and think, supposing I get bored? I must admit, after being single for so long I am very happy with my own company and can chill with a book, music and TV. I certainly do not have a problem getting about and do possess a full driving license. Maybe I should use it as a spring board to travel the world and see how I get on!!!!
Mostly it will depend on how I feel physically. I am still in occassional severe pain and am quite exhausted. In fact, when I mentioned to my doctor how exhausted I felt she looked at me as if I were mad for even questioning it!! I lay the blame squarely on my friends who have had the same operation keyhole and told me I would be up and about after 3 weeks!! Yeah right!!!! :-)
So should I stay or should I go
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzNuF2QD-mI
Over to you....................
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Merry Christmas
Hi People.
I am just blogging to say I hope you all have a great Christmas and prosperous New Year.
I am quite well, still having some pain as the muscles knit, and the down side is wider hips as I am unable to walk as fast and as far as usual.
Sharon J, bless her cottons, brought me to London at the weekend so I will be here until the 4th of January. I am spending Christmas day with Christine, Petrus and Kai and then boxing day with my Mum and Dad.
I am looking forward to the New Year, sadly I cannot reveal why publicly but those of you who know Sharon can email her and she will tell you!!!
Have a great one everyone and I will be back in 2007
I am just blogging to say I hope you all have a great Christmas and prosperous New Year.
I am quite well, still having some pain as the muscles knit, and the down side is wider hips as I am unable to walk as fast and as far as usual.
Sharon J, bless her cottons, brought me to London at the weekend so I will be here until the 4th of January. I am spending Christmas day with Christine, Petrus and Kai and then boxing day with my Mum and Dad.
I am looking forward to the New Year, sadly I cannot reveal why publicly but those of you who know Sharon can email her and she will tell you!!!
Have a great one everyone and I will be back in 2007
Monday, December 04, 2006
Hi Everyone!!!
Helloooooo all, thanks for all your best wishes, it was really lovely of you all. I was at Sharons and she showed them to me and I was really really chuffed. Thanks.
Well I have a bloody HUGE scar, but on a positive note, I am far too fat to wear a bikini so it doesn't really matter. What matters, is the blasted Gall Bladder is gone and I am under strict instructions NOT to return to work until I have seen the consultant which will be on the 16th of March so I have plenty of time off work. I would say yippee, but I know that after Christmas I will probably get bored. Still I will be able to drive by then, so I will spend a lot of time at the garden centre's. I found some on the way to Tatton Park this year that I wanted to have a nosey at.
I would like to say a special public ta, to Sharon J, R, Barbara, Linda, and Christine for making me sit down or just generally running around after me.
Speak to you all soon.
Well I have a bloody HUGE scar, but on a positive note, I am far too fat to wear a bikini so it doesn't really matter. What matters, is the blasted Gall Bladder is gone and I am under strict instructions NOT to return to work until I have seen the consultant which will be on the 16th of March so I have plenty of time off work. I would say yippee, but I know that after Christmas I will probably get bored. Still I will be able to drive by then, so I will spend a lot of time at the garden centre's. I found some on the way to Tatton Park this year that I wanted to have a nosey at.
I would like to say a special public ta, to Sharon J, R, Barbara, Linda, and Christine for making me sit down or just generally running around after me.
Speak to you all soon.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Hot date destination
Ok Guys, I know Sharon J has told you to watch out for this. I found it hilarious.
One day, on holiday, Kim and I got back to our room to a message from reception.
'Scotty came to see you and has left his number'
Kim and I looked at each other, as we hadn't a clue who Scotty was.
Kim phoned the reception, and as she was talking. I heard her ask, 'Oh was he an old guy?'
The penny dropped. On the flight over, we had got talking to an elderly gentleman in the seat in front. He was Grenadian and spent six months in the UK and six months in Grenada as he has retired from the UK. He was a lovely old gent, so we telephoned him and made a date to meet for breakfast the next morning.
The next morning, Scotty duely arrived and off we went for a Caribbean breakfast. While we were sitting eating he suddenly came onto Kim BIG STYLE!!! He turned from lovely old gent into letchy old codger!! But I must admit that he was funny with it.
After being told by Kim that she had a boyfriend and was in fact planning to get married in September, he then turned his attentions to me!!! (Story of my life guys, always second best!!! LOL)
He asked me if I would like to go out with him for the day and that he would phone 'Miss Rosalyn' to see if she had two tickets for the bus.
I politely asked him where it was he was thinking of taking me, thinking that it might be a nice island trip, or a visit to the local rum or cocoa plantation. He leant forward and said.
'To a funeral'
I didn't know what to say, so I repeated 'A Funeral?' He nodded, he was going to take me to a funeral.
I just burst out laughing. I told him I had no intention of going to a funeral whilst on holiday, even though I knew they were a right old knees up in the Caribbean.
So there you have it. That was my hot date destination. Now I am going to tag Sharon J, Knowleypowley, Caroline and Gentleman Oracle to tell me their outrageous date destinations.
One day, on holiday, Kim and I got back to our room to a message from reception.
'Scotty came to see you and has left his number'
Kim and I looked at each other, as we hadn't a clue who Scotty was.
Kim phoned the reception, and as she was talking. I heard her ask, 'Oh was he an old guy?'
The penny dropped. On the flight over, we had got talking to an elderly gentleman in the seat in front. He was Grenadian and spent six months in the UK and six months in Grenada as he has retired from the UK. He was a lovely old gent, so we telephoned him and made a date to meet for breakfast the next morning.
The next morning, Scotty duely arrived and off we went for a Caribbean breakfast. While we were sitting eating he suddenly came onto Kim BIG STYLE!!! He turned from lovely old gent into letchy old codger!! But I must admit that he was funny with it.
After being told by Kim that she had a boyfriend and was in fact planning to get married in September, he then turned his attentions to me!!! (Story of my life guys, always second best!!! LOL)
He asked me if I would like to go out with him for the day and that he would phone 'Miss Rosalyn' to see if she had two tickets for the bus.
I politely asked him where it was he was thinking of taking me, thinking that it might be a nice island trip, or a visit to the local rum or cocoa plantation. He leant forward and said.
'To a funeral'
I didn't know what to say, so I repeated 'A Funeral?' He nodded, he was going to take me to a funeral.
I just burst out laughing. I told him I had no intention of going to a funeral whilst on holiday, even though I knew they were a right old knees up in the Caribbean.
So there you have it. That was my hot date destination. Now I am going to tag Sharon J, Knowleypowley, Caroline and Gentleman Oracle to tell me their outrageous date destinations.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Away again
Peeps
I am off air for a few weeks from today. I am sure that Sharon J will keep you posted or at least let me use her comp when I am up and about. Speak to you soon. Love you all xxx
I am off air for a few weeks from today. I am sure that Sharon J will keep you posted or at least let me use her comp when I am up and about. Speak to you soon. Love you all xxx
It's official
Well guys, take a look at this
http://pinkpyjamas.wordpress.com/
She says I am uneducated so I must be mustn't I?
I say, she should go back to the mental hospital she has obviously escaped from.
Poor Mr Pink Pyjamas
http://pinkpyjamas.wordpress.com/
She says I am uneducated so I must be mustn't I?
I say, she should go back to the mental hospital she has obviously escaped from.
Poor Mr Pink Pyjamas
Monday, November 13, 2006
Mi Hacienda - Grenada
Well people I am back and I am soooo depressed. I rarely want to return to a country as I would like to travel everywhere, but I could go back again and again and again.
The people are so generous and friendly. The night life is not rocking, but I am quite happy to chill out with a book and enjoy an evening out for a meal and a drink.
My travel companion, Kim, is different. She likes to rave until the wee hours, so in that respect she was a little bored.
One day, we were at the beach and we got talking to these two older Grenadian women, Pat and Brenda. Kim was moaning about the fact that there didn't seem much to do, so they offered to come and collect us the next day and take us to brunch at a place called Mi Hacienda.
Brenda's husband used to be a great trade unionist and politician and she had class, she had been friends since childhood with a lady called Merle who had retired back from the U.K. It was her restaurant/hotel/spa that Pat and Brenda took us to. The place was truely beautiful, all chrystal glasses white linen and silver cutlery and as Kim and I walked in, there was a steel band playing. The view, as you can see, from the veranda was spectacular.
I am an East London girl and in all my life I have never been to such a lovely restaurant. We were wined and dined, the steel band played and we were treated like royalty. Kim and I were a little worried, but I had brought my credit card as a precaution. Once the meal was over, we offered Brenda and Pat some money towards the cost and were told, no, it was their treat. In fact, Brenda had got Merle to open the place for us. I have never received such hospitality and friendship in a Caribbean country and we could not thank them enough. They were all true real ladies and I especially thank the English couple who ran the restaurant for Merle, as they worked very hard to make us feel welcome.
I called Pat yesterday, and she was so happy to hear from me, she told me, that as long as she was alive, I would always be welcome to stay at her house if I ever visit the island again. That is something I will definitely do.
Pat and Brenda, if you ever read this. Thankyou, Thankyou Thankyou, you gave Kim and I the most memorable day. For as long as I live I will not forget the great company and the generosity you showed us. As the Grenadians say. 'See you in a while'
A present for everyone else
Blue skies and little fluffy clouds. Nice thoughts and greetings
Sharon. Yours is in my rucksack!!!
A special Present for Pink Pyjama's
Pinky
This one is an extra special present for you. It comes from a sustainable source, is environmentally friendly and is a great source of income for the indigenous population.
Instructions on use.
Put it in your mouth, take a great big suck, inhale and feel the happy thoughts flood your senses.
Guaranteed not to cause carbon emissions.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Hi Guys
Here I am blogging from Grenada. Yes Pinky pj's I am being totally selfish and lazing under a palm tree, and if you think this country is full of poor people let me tell you, I am the one being exploited!! They sure know how to turn a dollar here!!
The Grenadians are fatastic people, Grenada is absolutely beautiful. I am being a good girl and not shaking my booty too much. Ha Ha Ha
Miss you all without exception (I like a challenge) I will be back soon with some gorgeous photo's and maybe even a gorgeous husband! LOL
The Grenadians are fatastic people, Grenada is absolutely beautiful. I am being a good girl and not shaking my booty too much. Ha Ha Ha
Miss you all without exception (I like a challenge) I will be back soon with some gorgeous photo's and maybe even a gorgeous husband! LOL
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
I'll be back!!
See y'all in a few weeks. I am off on Thursday to sunnier climes and today is my last day at work.
Caroline
I have crossed everything for you!!!
Pete, GO
Keep writing so I have lots to read when I get back.
Carol xxx
Caroline
I have crossed everything for you!!!
Pete, GO
Keep writing so I have lots to read when I get back.
Carol xxx
Monday, October 23, 2006
Speeches
Oh lord, Christine has booked her wedding reception venue and she has asked me to give her away as her Dad is not invited!!
I know it is not the norm for a brides mother to give her away, but as I brought her up alone and she has asked it will be a great honour. I have no problem with it at all, but will I have to do a speech?
That thought fills me with terror. I hate speaking to a crowd, when I am nervous I do not smile. I am terrified people will think I am an old dragon. What do I say? I know I have to welcome everyone, tell the odd embarrassing story, welcome Petrus to the family. I really don't know if I can do it.
Well, I will do it, but I don't want to make a pig ear of it. I want it to be amusing and witty and SHORT.
I have 18 months to think of something and 18 months to stress about it.
I once went to an award ceremony and the group we were with asked me to do a little acceptance speech. At the very last minute I bottled out, I won't be able to do that will I?
Oh gawd. Help!!!!
I know it is not the norm for a brides mother to give her away, but as I brought her up alone and she has asked it will be a great honour. I have no problem with it at all, but will I have to do a speech?
That thought fills me with terror. I hate speaking to a crowd, when I am nervous I do not smile. I am terrified people will think I am an old dragon. What do I say? I know I have to welcome everyone, tell the odd embarrassing story, welcome Petrus to the family. I really don't know if I can do it.
Well, I will do it, but I don't want to make a pig ear of it. I want it to be amusing and witty and SHORT.
I have 18 months to think of something and 18 months to stress about it.
I once went to an award ceremony and the group we were with asked me to do a little acceptance speech. At the very last minute I bottled out, I won't be able to do that will I?
Oh gawd. Help!!!!
Friday, October 20, 2006
Tagged
I have been tagged by Caroline to list 5 little known things about me. I haven't found this easy as I am a very open person and assume people know most things about me, but here goes.
1. I have survived an abusive marriage.
2. I have a dolphin tattoo, done on my left shoulder when I was 35 and it took me a year to tell my Mum
3. I used to be a competition swimmer
4. When I was a lot younger I took speed regularly, but a bad experience scared me from doing it again
5. Despite my bold manner, I am actually quite shy. This sometimes comes across as being miserable and or stuck up
1. I have survived an abusive marriage.
2. I have a dolphin tattoo, done on my left shoulder when I was 35 and it took me a year to tell my Mum
3. I used to be a competition swimmer
4. When I was a lot younger I took speed regularly, but a bad experience scared me from doing it again
5. Despite my bold manner, I am actually quite shy. This sometimes comes across as being miserable and or stuck up
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Blog of note
http://section24unitedkingdom.spaces.live.com/PersonalSpace.aspx?_c02_owner=1
Found this Policemans Blog. His last post had me in stitches. Go and have a look.
Found this Policemans Blog. His last post had me in stitches. Go and have a look.
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