Last ten months have probably been the most stressful of my entire life
Had to remove blown render from the side of my house, which uncovered a multitude of issues with the brickwork... It meant that Chimney, Wind Wall, a good portion of the gable had to be torn down and rebuilt. We've had builders who we thought we could trust go AWOL - Every time its rained, I've been shitting myself worrying about potential damage to the loft (even though the hole in the wall was covered).
Have had endless nights where I've not been able to sleep, as I've doubted completion - Neighbours have understandably got stressed, as they've needed to charge their electric car and have had scaffolding slightly on their driveway the entire time, thankfully our relationship with them has somehow survived... Credit to their patience.
Managed to find a new bricky literally last week, my trust issues were at a huge zero with the profession - But got given the reassurance that the job would be done over these next three weeks... First bit of relief done, as meant it should be done before we go on Holiday.
Nope... They've gone above and beyond for me, and have completed everything within FIVE DAYS!!
This all pleases me, because I've just fired off a text to the Scaffolders asking them to come and collect it at their earliest convenience.
Last ten months have probably been the most stressful of my entire life
Had to remove blown render from the side of my house, which uncovered a multitude of issues with the brickwork... It meant that Chimney, Wind Wall, a good portion of the gable had to be torn down and rebuilt. We've had builders who we thought we could trust go AWOL - Every time its rained, I've been shitting myself worrying about potential damage to the loft (even though the hole in the wall was covered).
Have had endless nights where I've not been able to sleep, as I've doubted completion - Neighbours have understandably got stressed, as they've needed to charge their electric car and have had scaffolding slightly on their driveway the entire time, thankfully our relationship with them has somehow survived... Credit to their patience.
Managed to find a new bricky literally last week, my trust issues were at a huge zero with the profession - But got given the reassurance that the job would be done over these next three weeks... First bit of relief done, as meant it should be done before we go on Holiday.
Nope... They've gone above and beyond for me, and have completed everything within FIVE DAYS!!
This all pleases me, because I've just fired off a text to the Scaffolders asking them to come and collect it at their earliest convenience.
I'M ON F**KING CLOUD NINE RIGHT ABOUT NOW!!!!
Cant imagine the stress mate. But so glad you've got it sorted. Now relax for a while enjoy your holiday!
Last ten months have probably been the most stressful of my entire life
Had to remove blown render from the side of my house, which uncovered a multitude of issues with the brickwork... It meant that Chimney, Wind Wall, a good portion of the gable had to be torn down and rebuilt. We've had builders who we thought we could trust go AWOL - Every time its rained, I've been shitting myself worrying about potential damage to the loft (even though the hole in the wall was covered).
Have had endless nights where I've not been able to sleep, as I've doubted completion - Neighbours have understandably got stressed, as they've needed to charge their electric car and have had scaffolding slightly on their driveway the entire time, thankfully our relationship with them has somehow survived... Credit to their patience.
Managed to find a new bricky literally last week, my trust issues were at a huge zero with the profession - But got given the reassurance that the job would be done over these next three weeks... First bit of relief done, as meant it should be done before we go on Holiday.
Nope... They've gone above and beyond for me, and have completed everything within FIVE DAYS!!
This all pleases me, because I've just fired off a text to the Scaffolders asking them to come and collect it at their earliest convenience.
I'M ON F**KING CLOUD NINE RIGHT ABOUT NOW!!!!
Cant imagine the stress mate. But so glad you've got it sorted. Now relax for a while enjoy your holiday!
Cheers mate... I've told my missus that she's being buried under the kitchen if she so much as suggests that we do any work on the house until 2025
Having a Red Arrow circling our house tonight. We used to get it a bit when they had the Southend Airshow and sometimes when I worked in Lincoln we had to shut the windows to keep out the noise, but tonight's improptu display over our village was a real surprise and a treat.
Having a Red Arrow circling our house tonight. We used to get it a bit when they had the Southend Airshow and sometimes when I worked in Lincoln we had to shut the windows to keep out the noise, but tonight's improptu display over our village was a real surprise and a treat.
They flew over Sittingbourne station last night as I received a message from someone about our resident bully, I told them it must be true the red arrows are doing a fly past 😂
Last night the main road to/from our village was closed. I was a bit miffed at having to go the long way around. Today I received an email from Essex Highways stating that the pothole I'd reported as dangerous had been fixed. It only took ten months - well done!
As is the norm half term gives us the chance to say hello to the pre school nursery children as well as various half term clubs running during the the break. Normally knackered after his exercise Bowyer lays up against the fence as the very young children reach through to stroke him. After this we pop over to say hi to the half term groups, during which time one of the team leaders walked over and introduced himself, in turn he thanked me for helping him, to which I had no memory of such event. It turned out 8 years ago he read with Bailey, he described himself as a troubled lad who had no interest in school or anything else that mattered, having insisted he behaved around my dog I slowly encouraged him to start to change his ways (his words) at secondary school he started to settle and is now studying to get required qualifications to work in sports science. Now a strapping 18 year old he gave me a huge hug as we said our goodbyes.
So all this is partly my fault, but then again I had a shite start to the year with family issues.
The Company I work for, are pushing for people to return to work more, so instead of 1-2 days per week, they're pushing for 3-days per week.
Even my own Manager complained about this, because we're a Multi-National department, we have regular Zoom meetings with other teams / Clients in the United States | India | Singapore | Romania... So doesn't matter where we work, we'll still need to have Zoom calls... This has been stressful on me the last few weeks because its added to the expense of getting into London more often, combined with the fact that I have to do the School Run 4-days out of five, because my job is at the very least flexible, whilst my Wife's job as a Veterinary Nurse... Is not.
What's annoyed me most of late is the fact for the last seven years of working for the Company, I was based from Orpington, not London - Because of COVID and the lack of Office working, the Orpington Office got closed down, so even if I wanted to work from an "easier" location, I wasn't able to.
Decided to make my own investigation these last two weeks... to see if I've signed a Contract Amendment that puts me in the London Office, and if not... I'd asking further questions i.e. Why am I being made to go to an Office that I've never actually agreed to go to... Well it seems back in January I did sign an amendment to my Contract, with Orpington Office closing, my place of work became my home address.
Presented all my findings to my Manager (after speaking with HR on Monday to confirm).
She agreed there has been a fuck up from both me (By signing something and forgetting about it), and them (for not noticing themselves before now) - On a plus note, I don't have to go into the Office at all now if I don't want to... and even if I do choose to go into the Office, I can claim the travel on Expenses.
That's one less non-ULEZ compliant car going into the zone on a Thursday
So all this is partly my fault, but then again I had a shite start to the year with family issues.
The Company I work for, are pushing for people to return to work more, so instead of 1-2 days per week, they're pushing for 3-days per week.
Even my own Manager complained about this, because we're a Multi-National department, we have regular Zoom meetings with other teams / Clients in the United States | India | Singapore | Romania... So doesn't matter where we work, we'll still need to have Zoom calls... This has been stressful on me the last few weeks because its added to the expense of getting into London more often, combined with the fact that I have to do the School Run 4-days out of five, because my job is at the very least flexible, whilst my Wife's job as a Veterinary Nurse... Is not.
What's annoyed me most of late is the fact for the last seven years of working for the Company, I was based from Orpington, not London - Because of COVID and the lack of Office working, the Orpington Office got closed down, so even if I wanted to work from an "easier" location, I wasn't able to.
Decided to make my own investigation these last two weeks... to see if I've signed a Contract Amendment that puts me in the London Office, and if not... I'd asking further questions i.e. Why am I being made to go to an Office that I've never actually agreed to go to... Well it seems back in January I did sign an amendment to my Contract, with Orpington Office closing, my place of work became my home address.
Presented all my findings to my Manager (after speaking with HR on Monday to confirm).
She agreed there has been a fuck up from both me (By signing something and forgetting about it), and them (for not noticing themselves before now) - On a plus note, I don't have to go into the Office at all now if I don't want to... and even if I do choose to go into the Office, I can claim the travel on Expenses.
That's one less non-ULEZ compliant car going into the zone on a Thursday
So all this is partly my fault, but then again I had a shite start to the year with family issues.
The Company I work for, are pushing for people to return to work more, so instead of 1-2 days per week, they're pushing for 3-days per week.
Even my own Manager complained about this, because we're a Multi-National department, we have regular Zoom meetings with other teams / Clients in the United States | India | Singapore | Romania... So doesn't matter where we work, we'll still need to have Zoom calls... This has been stressful on me the last few weeks because its added to the expense of getting into London more often, combined with the fact that I have to do the School Run 4-days out of five, because my job is at the very least flexible, whilst my Wife's job as a Veterinary Nurse... Is not.
What's annoyed me most of late is the fact for the last seven years of working for the Company, I was based from Orpington, not London - Because of COVID and the lack of Office working, the Orpington Office got closed down, so even if I wanted to work from an "easier" location, I wasn't able to.
Decided to make my own investigation these last two weeks... to see if I've signed a Contract Amendment that puts me in the London Office, and if not... I'd asking further questions i.e. Why am I being made to go to an Office that I've never actually agreed to go to... Well it seems back in January I did sign an amendment to my Contract, with Orpington Office closing, my place of work became my home address.
Presented all my findings to my Manager (after speaking with HR on Monday to confirm).
She agreed there has been a fuck up from both me (By signing something and forgetting about it), and them (for not noticing themselves before now) - On a plus note, I don't have to go into the Office at all now if I don't want to... and even if I do choose to go into the Office, I can claim the travel on Expenses.
That's one less non-ULEZ compliant car going into the zone on a Thursday
After a crazy week which is still not over for the Reading dogs I'm looking forward to a rest this weekend! A follow up interview with the Kent Messenger about our school as portraying large breed dogs in a positive light rather the negativity which the media appears to delight in took up several hours of collating suitable photos and chatting. Approached by the school to talk to parents on the dogs work with their children, their opinions on how that helps and the legalities of taking dogs into schools, as its common practice to believe "If its alright for him" Next week we drop into school in the mornings for three to talk to classes on their contribution towards the dogs training, how they are fed and cared for when not working etc, then changing dogs before returning to Reading in the PM. Then to round it off our dogs we hopefully become the first German Shepherds in the country to be named in an Ofsted report, aiding child literacy with figures around the high 90% of children wanting to read as well as showing behavioural improvement, confidence levels something picked up by the school trust as well as the local council. Always proud of our dogs achievements but a nod from upstairs put an extra spring in my step, mainly due to that's where the obstacles normally come from.
Winning a fiver from Bob's lot having picked four winners out of six races on their free game. Complete exercise in pin sticking, just miffed I didn't stick a quid on each one too...
Painting the front of my house after repointing it in lime mortar having chipped off all the bastard cement rubbish and plastic paint, and it actually coming out looking not too bad.
Something on the ‘annoys me’ thread has just reminded me of something that pleased me every year at my last place of work.
So we had a kitchen that generally was treated quite well by all. But there were at least 3 abusers (never washed a thing, left the place in a mess, never threw rubbish away). As I inherited the tea club after being there a year I would clock those who abused & make a mental note.
At Christmas time I’d always buy niceness for the members in the club & always arrange a collection for our wonderful cleaner Elizabeth, who was just the loveliest person on the planet & the person who would often end up cleaning up after the regular offenders.
So I’d go around with a tin/bucket/tray of niceness & ask those to gift what they could to Elizabeth for Christmas. Most if not all didn’t bat an eyelid & were extremely generous with their donations. Funnily enough those repeat offenders usually were also the ones who would lay a coin on the tin/bucket/tray. The fact that I would stay there looking at them would usually make them say, ‘oh I don’t want anymore cake/chocolate/sweets’. As I still stood there they’d then say, ‘oh sorry I don’t have any change’. ‘I do’ I’d say. They’d hand me a note, usually the biggest they had & then I’d say, ‘actually that should cover all the washing and cleaning up she’s done for you all year, thanks for that’.
And off I’d trot.
Not once did they ask for it back. But we’d have to go through it every year 🙄
Was worth it to see Elizabeth receive a big wad of cash which meant she could buy a ticket home to see her family 😊
Comments
I appear to be physically incapable of doing what pleases you, and invariably end up with a hard yolk with a few bits of white stuck to it...
Had to remove blown render from the side of my house, which uncovered a multitude of issues with the brickwork... It meant that Chimney, Wind Wall, a good portion of the gable had to be torn down and rebuilt. We've had builders who we thought we could trust go AWOL - Every time its rained, I've been shitting myself worrying about potential damage to the loft (even though the hole in the wall was covered).
Have had endless nights where I've not been able to sleep, as I've doubted completion - Neighbours have understandably got stressed, as they've needed to charge their electric car and have had scaffolding slightly on their driveway the entire time, thankfully our relationship with them has somehow survived... Credit to their patience.
Managed to find a new bricky literally last week, my trust issues were at a huge zero with the profession - But got given the reassurance that the job would be done over these next three weeks... First bit of relief done, as meant it should be done before we go on Holiday.
Nope... They've gone above and beyond for me, and have completed everything within FIVE DAYS!!
This all pleases me, because I've just fired off a text to the Scaffolders asking them to come and collect it at their earliest convenience.
I'M ON F**KING CLOUD NINE RIGHT ABOUT NOW!!!!
Normally knackered after his exercise Bowyer lays up against the fence as the very young children reach through to stroke him.
After this we pop over to say hi to the half term groups, during which time one of the team leaders walked over and introduced himself, in turn he thanked me for helping him, to which I had no memory of such event.
It turned out 8 years ago he read with Bailey, he described himself as a troubled lad who had no interest in school or anything else that mattered, having insisted he behaved around my dog I slowly encouraged him to start to change his ways (his words) at secondary school he started to settle and is now studying to get required qualifications to work in sports science. Now a strapping 18 year old he gave me a huge hug as we said our goodbyes.
The Company I work for, are pushing for people to return to work more, so instead of 1-2 days per week, they're pushing for 3-days per week.
Even my own Manager complained about this, because we're a Multi-National department, we have regular Zoom meetings with other teams / Clients in the United States | India | Singapore | Romania... So doesn't matter where we work, we'll still need to have Zoom calls... This has been stressful on me the last few weeks because its added to the expense of getting into London more often, combined with the fact that I have to do the School Run 4-days out of five, because my job is at the very least flexible, whilst my Wife's job as a Veterinary Nurse... Is not.
What's annoyed me most of late is the fact for the last seven years of working for the Company, I was based from Orpington, not London - Because of COVID and the lack of Office working, the Orpington Office got closed down, so even if I wanted to work from an "easier" location, I wasn't able to.
Decided to make my own investigation these last two weeks... to see if I've signed a Contract Amendment that puts me in the London Office, and if not... I'd asking further questions i.e. Why am I being made to go to an Office that I've never actually agreed to go to... Well it seems back in January I did sign an amendment to my Contract, with Orpington Office closing, my place of work became my home address.
Presented all my findings to my Manager (after speaking with HR on Monday to confirm).
She agreed there has been a fuck up from both me (By signing something and forgetting about it), and them (for not noticing themselves before now) - On a plus note, I don't have to go into the Office at all now if I don't want to... and even if I do choose to go into the Office, I can claim the travel on Expenses.
That's one less non-ULEZ compliant car going into the zone on a Thursday
A follow up interview with the Kent Messenger about our school as portraying large breed dogs in a positive light rather the negativity which the media appears to delight in took up several hours of collating suitable photos and chatting.
Approached by the school to talk to parents on the dogs work with their children, their opinions on how that helps and the legalities of taking dogs into schools, as its common practice to believe "If its alright for him"
Next week we drop into school in the mornings for three to talk to classes on their contribution towards the dogs training, how they are fed and cared for when not working etc, then changing dogs before returning to Reading in the PM.
Then to round it off our dogs we hopefully become the first German Shepherds in the country to be named in an Ofsted report, aiding child literacy with figures around the high 90% of children wanting to read as well as showing behavioural improvement, confidence levels something picked up by the school trust as well as the local council.
Always proud of our dogs achievements but a nod from upstairs put an extra spring in my step, mainly due to that's where the obstacles normally come from.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-67021532
So we had a kitchen that generally was treated quite well by all. But there were at least 3 abusers (never washed a thing, left the place in a mess, never threw rubbish away). As I inherited the tea club after being there a year I would clock those who abused & make a mental note.
At Christmas time I’d always buy niceness for the members in the club & always arrange a collection for our wonderful cleaner Elizabeth, who was just the loveliest person on the planet & the person who would often end up cleaning up after the regular offenders.
So I’d go around with a tin/bucket/tray of niceness & ask those to gift what they could to Elizabeth for Christmas. Most if not all didn’t bat an eyelid & were extremely generous with their donations. Funnily enough those repeat offenders usually were also the ones who would lay a coin on the tin/bucket/tray.
The fact that I would stay there looking at them would usually make them say, ‘oh I don’t want anymore cake/chocolate/sweets’. As I still stood there they’d then say, ‘oh sorry I don’t have any change’.
‘I do’ I’d say.
They’d hand me a note, usually the biggest they had & then I’d say, ‘actually that should cover all the washing and cleaning up she’s done for you all year, thanks for that’.
And off I’d trot.
Not once did they ask for it back. But we’d have to go through it every year 🙄
Was worth it to see Elizabeth receive a big wad of cash which meant she could buy a ticket home to see her family 😊
Very pleasing.