The Liberty Hotel - Boston, USA

This week I've been away with work; I was in Philadelphia for 3 days then up to Boston for a day.  In Phily I was in an anonymous Crown Plaza hotel, at The King of Prussia Mall - more about that another time.  The Crown Plaza was fine, made better by the brilliant barman Dan who made my drinks without asking what I wanted (after the first order) and when he was packed busy the next night just made me a G&T and passed it through the crowd so I didn't have to wait.  After the otherwise dullness by the time I got to Boston I was really looking forward to The Liberty.

I was originally booked in to The Westin in Waltham, it's fine - perfectly fine but it's big and corporate and when traveling alone is not exactly comfortable in my opinion.  I was talking to a colleague and she said that I should go to The Liberty that the company has a rate there so it's an approved hotel.  I am so very glad I took her advice.

The Liberty is in downtown Boston, a walk away from all the great places and is in an old jail.  It's a boutique style hotel, but large, as well as being a very busy night spot - the two bars were buzzing when I arrived at 8.30pm on a hot and humid Wednesday night.

On arrival you are given a glass of champagne before going to your room, and what a lovely room it is.  I was in The Tower part of the hotel, only on the 3rd and but had a great floor to ceiling window, so just about had a view if I crooked my neck a bit.  The room was classic boutique hotel:

my sort of mini bar

and a great bathroom with fab mirrors & lovely Molton Brown products

and I would muchly like one of these for my bath

After changing I went downstairs to The Clink restaurant - you see what they did there, one of many Jail style touches including a do not disturb door sign that reads 'Solitary'.  I had a vodka martini (not quite dry enough for my liking) with beef carpaccio which was melt in the mouth tasty but a few too many capers, followed by parpadalle with a lamb ragu which was tasty tasty tasty just a tad too salty.  The service was excellent and the crowd bubbling but not rowdy.  Shame that the food was a little 'over done', not over cooked just not quite there.

I then went to the main lobby bar for another Martini, much better this time served by a very handsome barman who was polite but busy chatting to his slightly drunk room mate (who as I understand it was moving out and was going to miss the beer exchange and pizza night.....).  They had every bottle behind the bar you could think of and even make their own infusion of bourbon (Markers Mark infused with a vanilla tobacco which smelt amazing when over ice).

Remembering the Martini rule, I said my goodnights and went back to my room.  Just before the lift doors closed the actor Michael Cera  (in case you are saying Who?)  jumped in - I was a little star struck to be honest having just been watching one of his films the weekend before with The Boy.  He was very polite, asked where I was from and then we wished each other a good night - if only I had been on a higher floor I am sure we would be BFFs by now.

Breakfast was served in the room and was massive, I had pancakes with a side of bacon and scrambled eggs - there was enough for two possibly three.  I managed about half of it - but then couldn't move for quite some time.....

Overall my experience at The Liberty was great - I would strongly recommend it if you're in Boston for business or on a City break.  The prices were not silly and the location and decor made it a great treat.

Check it out here http://www.libertyhotel.com/

Bloomin Marvelous

At work today we held a bake sale in aid of the Marie Curie Cancer charity.  We took their Blooming Great Tea Party and adapted it to fit our working arrangements.

So Monday morning bright and early the HR team arrived armed with tupperware a plenty and all sorts of cakes, we had massive cream cakes:

Plenty of cupcakes/fairy cakes:

And some more heathly alternatives in a fruit slice and banana breakfast loaf (which was scrummy I donated and tested this one just to be sure):

By 11.30am we had raised just short of £300 thanks to the generosity of my colleagues here at work.

We set up an honestly table in the corner of the office restuarant for the rest of the day and will add up the total raised at the end of the day:

I am so pleased with the results today - the excellent baking skills of the HR team, all of them giving up their time and donating cakes for sale.  Particular thanks to Caroline (pictured with me at the top) who did all the organisation for the day and did all the posters and advertising - now for the clearing up....

Holy Cow I have Cheekbones & Grouting

All is good, working away from home is hard but this week was fabulous - if a little tiring.

As the beautiful CP is moving to Singapore next month I am taking every opportunity I can to see her over the next month - this meant that rather than staying in lovely Wantage with KBW and family I stayed in Clapham with CP.

The journey to Basingstoke very very early Monday morning was tough but Monday night I rolled up to CP, changes into my PJs and promptly got on with helping her get the flat ready to rent out.  Removing masking tape and assistant to the Grouting was about all I could muster but I did bring a bottle of PG and a M&S pic-nic.

In bed by 10 watching the first episode of Sex in The City we turned the lights out by half past and slept for a full 8 hours (huzzah).

Tuesday I decided to support my training by walking the 2.3 miles from CP's to Clapham Junction.  It was a beautiful day so I popped my trainers on Working Girl style and headed off in the bright, crisp morning.  I managed to not get lost, pick up a three shot skinny L at Starbucks and get to the the station in time to catch the earlier train.  Arrived at the station, walked out and there was the free bus to work - perfect.

Tuesday night I went into town and met up with the lovely @InsomniacFrieze for Sushi & Cocktails.  She was looking fabulous, having just come back from holiday with her tan:

We had great service at Yo Sushi on Poland Street, but I am not converted to hot saki....I think I'll stick to wine and.........cocktails.  With this in mind we went a few doors down to the First Tuesday Members event at Milk & Honey - it was Bourbon this month so we both went for a Perfect Manhattan, followed by a Classic/Sweet Manhattan which was tastier but not as pretty:

We took some great pictures, the lighting down there worked really well with the flash, and Lo I HAVE CHEEKBONES - okay so a little gerbil pouchy but look a chin and some bones, huzzah:

Then we nipped upstairs for martini's:

Was in an addison lee just after 11 and in bed by 11.30pm.  Lovely evening only spoilt by the fact that I forgot her birthday gift - here's a picture of it (I'll have to post it at this rate):

Wednesday was another good day, I walked to the station again and whilst I missed the early train got the next one and got the bus nice and easily - I was laughed at a little at work due to my three coke can hangover but overall a good day.

By the end of the day I was exhausted - so headed back to CPs ready to assist her with the prep for her new floor on Thursday but when I got there she had already done most of it (I did manage to do the last bit so can officially say I helped).  She was feeling a bit rough so we did the only thing we could, we got half a meter of pizza delivered:

and went to bed with episode 2 of Sex in The City. 

Work is busy, really busy but great.  The people are lovely and the work is varied - just a shame it's so far away from home.  But, it looks like they are going to extend my initial contract so that's a bonus.  All in all a good week.  Shame I have to go to see the MIL this weekend but won't let that ruin my otherwise chipper mood.

City is Life - the rest is mere detail

Or so says The Boy.

Last night was the first leg of the Carling Cup Semi Final against Man United.  It should have happened earlier in the month but was postponed due to the weather.

It was a strange day, I took The Boy to Doncaster station early doors as he was in London for the day then went home and back to bed.  Unfortunately my series of '10 minutes more' turned into four hours later and I eventually got out of bed at 12 noon - not ideal as I had a list as long as my arm but I must have needed the sleep.

So I drove over to Manchester all tense and excited - thermals and thick socks on ready for a nail biting few hours at the City of Manchester Stadium hoping that this year might just be City's year.  I  met The Boy from his train and we nipped into Kro, Piccadilly for a bite to eat but he was even more jumpy that I was and really keen to get to the ground.  We got to COMS about twenty minutes before kick off and the atmosphere was electric.  Both teams were out warming up and the City fans over by the away team were in fine voice.  As expected (by City fans at least) Ferguson had not put out 'the kids' but had named a pretty much first team and strong side - he would love to say that we don't matter but I think his actions show that these noisy neighbours are getting under his skin.

With Adebyor out for the forseable future after the terrible events at the African Cup of Nations and Santa Cruz injured (again) we started with what has to be the shortest attack in the premiership - Tevez, Bellamy and Wright-Phillips (with Tevez arguably the tallest of the three at 5ft 8").  However what this gave City was pace and width.  Mancini made efforts to sure up the midfield by partnering the mighty and solid De Jong with Zabeleta and Barry.  A makeshift back four of Richards, Boyata, Kompany and Garrido made up the 10 men holding out hopes in their hands in front of the continually impressive Shay Given.

As everyone made their way to their seats the noise grew and grew - 40 thousand singing Blue Moon as City dipped the lights, the United fans responded with Flares which we all knew they were going to - if we (the fans) knew then surely the club knew and should have searched for them?  The 1969/1970 team came on to the pitch before the match - whilst this was not the last team to win anything of note with City (oh no that was a whole 6 years later - but still 34 years ago) it was a reminder that success has been a long time coming.

The first 25 minutes were nervy as City failed to settle or get hold of the ball, United brought wave after wave of attack - particularly down the left through Giggs and past the not yet back to full form Richards. Their endeavors were rewarded by a Giggs tap in on 17 minutes.  Disappointing for City to concede in those circumstances when United only had 2 men in the box and City had 5 - but hey this is City we never make it easy.  The Goal did, however, galvanise the City team and we started to get more control and time on the ball and surge forward.  Tevez and Bellamy both cause the United right back difficult with their pace and when Bellamy slipped past him again he tugged on his shirt and Mike Dean (not a referee I have a lot of time for tbh) awarded a penalty.  Serendipity it was - Tevez jumped on the spot, stepped up and fired past Van der Sar (who I still rate as a goalkeeper - just a shame he had to leave Fulham and join the rags).  This was about 4 minutes before half time and the crowd were buzzing again.

After the break City came back out and kept up the pace - it was a much more even competition now but we still sat a little deep on a 1-1 draw at home for my liking.  The second goal came around the 60th minutes with Tevez scoring again after a cleared (ish) corner was put back in the box by Kompany.  Everyone was jumping and singing - City are after all the underdogs and this was not the expected result even after the 4-3 defeat to United in September at Old Trafford (ah the joys of Fergie-time).

City were then subjected to wave after wave of attack from United, excelent saves from Given and Onuoha (who came on for Boyata) and great tackling from De Jong kept City in the game.  Tevez was substituted for the inept Benjarni after running himself ragged - Benjani was ineffective and how he can seriously be after a new contract I do not know, he make Fat Rob (or even Fat Bobby Taylor) look quick.  His movement both on and off the ball is seriously lacking and his commitment to chase balls or get stuck in to tackles is completely absent.

At 90 minutes referee Dean added on another 5 (I had thought 3 or 4 but should expect 5 with United really) and all around bit their nails and prayed for the defence to hold and the final whistle to come.  When it did the relief was palpable.  We knew that on paper and recent form we were good enough to beat them at home but as with most derby games - form means nothing.

A great result for City and a deserving win - we will go to Salford next Wednesday with the confidence of knowing that we gave them a game and a half last time were we there and have only improved since then.

It was easy to get up at 5.30am this morning to come to fancy London, and it's good to be  City fan today.

Am in London for two days for an interview and Work and seeing my Brothers new flat this evening (and exchanging Christmas presents).  Fingers crossed for me at 12 noon today please as I could really do with getting a job!

Last night for a few hours City was life - and the rest truly was mere detail.

Job Hunting - again

The life of a freelancer/contractor means that job hunting is a regular occurrence.  I love interim and freelance work - it gives me the freedom to work in different sectors on various projects with different people.  I dislike it as it is really difficult to line up your next project/role whilst in a role as more often than not clients want someone who is immediately available.

It was a slow year last year and I was lucky to have been working for all but 10 weeks - usually this would be perfect but with The Boy being out of work for 5 months it's not quite as comfortable as it has been in the past.  So I am back on the job hunt.  I finished a role just before Christmas that was perfect to see me through November and December and still have my consulting role with a public sector body which is a few days per month but could really do with a 3 or 6 month role to get my teeth into.

Thursday looked promising as a change management role came up that needed someone immediately with my skills but unfortunately the funding for this has now been pulled.  I had a call last night (yep on a Sunday) which again sounds promising but it would mean being away from home Monday to Friday for 3 months.  Not the end of the world, and not the first time I have had to do this - I could lodge with KBW which would mean good food, lots of Yoga and exercise and spending sometime with my favourite littles in the world but I would miss The Boy and it would mean that he would be on his own Monday to Thursday.

Hopefully this week will pick up - most people will be back at work and the schools should be open so business as usual can continue.  I will continue to drop emails and calls into contacts and agents and apply for role and keep my fingers crossed.

In the meantime, I am all business, I have chores to complete, storage to store, a dress or two to make and some other knitting and sewing projects to crack on with.  First though some CV work (no not exercise my actual CV) and expenses for Oct, Nov & Dec.  Something will turn up - it always does.

Midweek Meltdown

Not my bedroom but similar - where I would like to spend the rest of today tho.

Well not quite but that bottle of wine after the mulled wine and champagne last night may not have been the wisest move ever.

I am writing this from under the duvet as I am nice and warm and can't face getting up - I have to get up as I need to leave for Newcastle in 90 minutes and could really do with spending 30 mins on the work 'puter before leaving doing some admin tasks.

I realised last night that Christmas is next Friday that's right 8 days away - I don't know why but I thought it was Saturday - so I thought there was a whole extra day that there just isn't.  It's not as if I have loads to do - just me and the Boy for Christmas this year as M&D and Brothers will be in France and MIL won't travel.  Presents are all pretty much bought (apart from Brothers they need to pull their fingers out and say what they want).  In fact M&Ds gifts are wrapped and sat under their tree in France.  Shopping is ordered - though I am in trouble with lovely SB as we are having a Crown and not a whole Turkey - and will be delivered by Lemon or Orange on Wednesday.  Just need to get some wine.

We're off out on Boxing day and the 27th then over to France for New Year so not much to do really - however I MUST get the tree down from the loft and up - otherwise it will only be up a day or so before we Christmas and we will only have the benefit of it for a day or two.

Right it's gone 8.30am, the heating has come on and I must get my (not insubstantial) arse in to gear.  Good Wednesday everyone - nearly the weekend xx

Spreadsheet Hell

I am in spreadsheet hell. I am at the point in this contract when it is all about the numbers.

How many employees, how much are they paid, how old are they, how long have they worked there, what is their redundancy entitlement, how much notice have they got, is the data correct, does the data take into account birthdays or service anniversaries...blah blah blah.

I love the parts of my job that involve working with people and talking to them, getting the best solution for everyone and ensuring it is all done fairly.

I hate the bloomin' data. I am rubbish at data for a start and have never been very good at engaging with something I am rubbish at.

Today I must complete two sets of redundancy calcs for two clients.

The first is almost there and only for about 60 staff.

The second is just data at the moment for about 300 - all on different T&Cs and submitted in different formats - as I said spreadsheet hell.

As usual I am procrastinating by faffing about on twitter, facebook and blogs when I really should just crack on. So onwards, in to the breach.......aggggggghhhhhhhhhh.

The world of work

So I am back in the world of work. Back in an anomymous hotel room
with a blocked up nose and too hot feet. The people I am working with
seem really nice, the project interesting and it's great to be earning
again but I'm out of practice at this getting up and ready lark.

So jn the shower & down to breakfast for me - then off to see what the
day brings.

Back to the world or work

Huzzah - it's only a short term contract 8 weeks ish but I start work on the 13th, hurray hurray hurray!

Sometimes I'm a little bit dumb

So I got a call this morning (shortly after writing the blog below) saying that the job I thought I might have got a month ago I definitely got and that they want me to start on the 13th. Great news - you'd thunk so huh.....well silly me I said that's great new but I need to be upfront my husband has arranged for us to go to Barcelona for 2 days on 19th & 20th, hope that this will be okay.

I quickly backtracked and explained that if it was a problem I just wouldn't go to Barca as I wanted the job but the agent didn't seem very positive about it all. So I have now been waiting all day to hear back that all is good. I have been to the gym, eaten healthily, bought the other bits and bobs I needed to get from B&Q - but am now sat here waiting.

The sensible side of me knows that this is not a problem, obviously I would love to go to Barca with The Boy but I need to work so if I can't go then so be it. However, I wish I had kept my trap shut!

Ah well, I am not going to let it mess my day up. It won't be a problem. Worse case I won't get to go to Barca, best case I will. Either way I believe that I will be back in the world of work on 13th August (just as M&D arrive for a short visit but hey) for at least 8 weeks. Huzzah!

Just that little voice inside, wait until I get it in writing & until I get the call back saying that it's not a problem.

Ah well, onwards.

Sunday Sunday

So here we are again the end of another week that just seems to have merged into the last few weeks. I have achieved very little again but feel the need to list what I may have achieved in the hope that it will make me feel better:

I met with a recruitment consultant which resulted in

An interview for an interim role (that may or may not exist)

Had an eye test and am only partially more blind than last year

commenced operation office sort out (on 6th bin bag and having to give shredder a rest)

started a 2nd blog (here)

went to the gym (once- not good)

bought new bike helmet (oh and a new bag which I don't really need and regret purchasing as it's another £40 but wanted and have no self control good job I live in BFN otherwise I would shop everyday - good job I am too lazy to go out to the shops in the nearest town......)

commenced knitting again (an effort to not snack on crap whilst watching crap on TV)

retreated further into my self as the despair of not having a job sets in and the realisation that I really need an income as I don't want to tap into the reserves/savings although isn't this why we have savings and reserves for this very 'rainy day scenario' - why when The Boy was out of work we didn't tap into the reserves is because I paid for everything which in turn depleted my pre-savings reserves which have kept me going for a few months but will need to be supplemented - GAH, I need to work not just for money but for me, I am bored and boring and lazy. Having nothing to do just magnifies this laziness, at least when I am working I can be lazy at home as I have been working hard - now I have nothing to hide behind my procrastination and general lazy sluttishness is laid bare for all (well The Boy) to see......feck.

So next week it's The Boys 40th, I am planning to finish the office sort out and then move on to the spare room (Parents have indicated that they may be coming to visit in a few weeks and this will require a bed for them - which is currently covered in overflowing from wardrobe clothes, bags and bedding). I will bake a chocolate fudge cake and a carrot cake; I will go to the gym 3 times; I will get a fecking job - enough of this rejection ENOUGH.

Today will be mostly cooking and eating with a soupçon of ironing thrown in for good measure (just because my weekend and week days merge into one long blur of time some things should stick to Sunday).

Blimey I am a miserable, feel sorry for myself, oh woe is me, lonely pity party aren't I? Feck it, today will be lovely and tomorrow I will start a fresh, chose my attitude and JFDI.

There that feels better.

Another day another interview

So I met with an agency on Tuesday and they have already got me an
interview today(blimey). So here I am in bed putting off getting up
for a bit longer before heading over to Liverpool to convince someone
that it's me they want.

Unusually I am a bit nervous - guess the pressure is on now and I am
feeling it. So instead of cracking on and getting myself ready in
plenty of time I am here and as such creating pressure so I have to
rush. I do this every time - hhhmmmm no time to muse on my self
distructive behaviour now as I really must get in the shower. Gah!

Sent from my iPhone

Back to square one?

So a while back I noted that it looked like I had a job (here) well now that is looking less likely. The second job I interviewed for has gone to someone else (a interim who has dropped their day rate by 35% - I can't compete with that) and the fall back role may not now happen.

It the recession stupid! Well sort of, the parent company announced a major restructure of their corporate functions and as s result there may be a number of displaced HR professionals and they would like to (if they have the skills) offer them the work first. I get this - really I do; it's the right thing to do but - grrrrrrrr. I had to chase to find this out. I had taken myself out of the job market for 10 days (which I know doesn't sound much but when there aren't many jobs around it is) and had relaxed - silly silly me.

So I am back to square one, the job starting in the middle of August may still come off but it's a big MAY - and even if it does it would only be for 8 weeks and then I would be right back where I started. So I am applying for roles again and back out there. I have a meeting with an agency today - I don't think that they have any roles but it's all about marketing myself so that if they do get a role in they consider me.

Wish me luck - it's still tough out there and the summer is coming which is a difficult time to get work in normal economic circumstances so this year......gah!

Playing the game (well this game)

So I have an interview today for a role that I will not be put forward for with a chap that has cancelled meetings with me twice. But I will pull on my black shift dress and neutral 'not really there but takes a bloomin age' makeup and a confident smile and 'play the game'.

I know that I could do this job and that I would fit with the company culture but also know that my career history doesn't quite fit the mold and in the difficult economic climate people aren't up for taking chances but will play it safe and go for the person that ticks all the boxes. The person they put forward will do the job well and will be more than qualified - shame that person won't be me.

You know what though - I am not down about this I can play the game with the best of them and my time will come.

When we were growing up our parents instilled in us the belief that we could achieve anything, be anything if we worked hard and put our minds to it. Their unquestioning belief in us means that we both bounce back and keep going when things are tough. As long as we don't hurt anyone along the way; treat people fairly and be honest then good things will come.

So I won't get this job, but I'll be working again soon and something else will come up and life will be good.

Fingers Crossed

I hardly dare say it out loud.......but it looks like I may have got a job!

I had an interview on Friday and met this really nice lady who needs an interim to support with a major restructure. We had a very similar approach to the project and know that we would work well together. So I got a call on Monday and they liked me (they really liked me - where is that from?) and so much so that she has recommended that I meet another Director about another project.

The first project (the one I originally interviewed for) doesn't start until the middle of August and is for 8 weeks but the one that I am meeting the Director about tomorrow starts in just over 2 weeks and is for 12 weeks. Both would mean an element of travel and both would be really good - so I am off to Nottingham tomorrow to meet with the Director and worse case will be working come mid August best case working in 2 and a bit weeks.

So keep it under your hat incase it all goes belly up but there is definitely a light at the end of the tunnel, it's a bit dim at the moment but it's there....

Is it me?

I didn't get the job - turns out that the Director invited two other people back for second interview with the Head of HR as she thinks they will get on better with her than I would. I am disappointed as this was not what I thought was going on - previous feedback had indicated that it was between me and one other.

I think the thing that is getting to me most is that this is the third time I have been told that I am technically competent but that I am not personally the right fit - it's really difficult not to take that personally. It's not about not having enough experience, or the wrong sort of experience; it's about having the wrong personality - well that's who I am so it is personal.

I have no idea what I am doing wrong; in 45 minutes individuals are deciding that I am the wrong 'cultural fit' or that someone wouldn't get on with me - what is it that I am doing in those 45 minutes that puts people off?

I am low, and know that I will start 2nd guessing myself. I have applied for three more jobs already this week so hopefully something will come from that - fingers crossed.

Going to try and keep positive - but right now it's tough.

Have been looking at flights to see M&D - under £60 return from Next Tuesday to Saturday, tempting; very very tempting!

Who stole the sun?

So it's 28th June, slap bang in the middle of summer and it looks more like February! The weather means that the garden is growing and that I may have to move Princess so that she doesn't get tangled in with the climbers but where is the sun?

I was organised, put the washing on overnight so that it would be ready to hang out when I got up. Watched the weather report - sun shine was predicted. So where the bloomin' 'ell is it?

The Boy has called, he is feeling a little worse for wear and they are off to find a good breakfast in Scarborough - unfortunately it looks like Mojo, where I had this, wasn't open then they went past:

But we are off to Scarborough again next weekend so I'll drag him there then. It was recommended to me by lovely chap on twitter and beats the soulless coffee chain in the town centre.

So reflecting on my week what have I done? Well I went to the gym 2x (though that was last Sunday and Wednesday so not great but I did improve my 5k time by over a minute), I applied for 4 jobs, was interviewed for 1, received feedback from an earlier interview that I was not the right 'cultural fit' (which is code for we didn't like you). I tidied up the garden a bit more, cleaned the house and watched some great tennis and found my passport (well the lovely people at Transport for London did and tracked me down). I provided The Boy with a taxi and got some major Daughter in Law/Wife points by going to see my MIL and sorting out her new netbook. I read two books, four newspapers, wrote my blog and watched 1.5 chick flicks (remembered half way through that I had seen Made of Honour before).

I didn't sort out my office, send off that invoice, weigh myself (skipping this week after too much wine), make scones (there was a plan), do my 'banish the bingo wings' exercises, sort out the shoes under the bed, chase the drain people to follow up when they are coming to sort out their mess, meet my personal goal of 4 gym visits and many many more things I can't recall right now.

So next weeks list has actually already been part written. I'm off to see Take That with the lovely Zee and KBW and hope to hit either The East Room or Milk & Honey after the gig if we have time. Also planning next day brunch already - thinking maybe The Diner - I know it won't be as good as The Grey Dog West Village NYC which is my all time favourite (& The Boys) but at least we can pretend.

Hoping to hear back about the job (it's will have been 2 weeks on Monday) that I want and to get a 2nd interview for the one I interviewed for on Friday - fingers crossed. If I hear nothing by Thursday I will go back to the agencies and look at lower (much lower) paid jobs as it will be better to be working than not working and a month off is really enough for me.

Still looking at the business opportunity in Scarborough - need to really get it all on paper and follow up with the current owner. So another reasonably busy week with a high spot in the middle.

Onwards.

Sleeping like Starfish

I slept so well, starfished shape; no fighting for the duvet and no huffing. Aaaaahhhh it was lovely.

So telephone interview for a local job at 9am - the interview went ok but I may have talked myself out of the job a little as I told him that I felt he may need a bigger hitter than me in the long run. I gave good interview otherwise - I know I could do the job even though much of it would be a challenge. It would be very Union focused and that is pretty much about playing poker and using common sense. So I should find out if I have been shortlisted later today - we'll see.

Had a call from another agent just keeping in touch - not much doing there at the moment but he's following a few things up.

Still haven't heard a definitive answer about the role I interviewed for two weeks ago - last I heard was that she wanted her preferred candidate to meet her number 2 but that was first thing Wednesday and I have heard nothing since so am assuming (dangerous I know) that they are meeting with the other person and will only meet with me if that doesn't work out. It's just so freaking frustrating - if it's a no just tell me.

I have been out of work for a month now - I am frustrated beyond belief and more practically my bank balance can only manage two more months out of work (at a stretch). So Monday will be invoice and any outstanding expenses day - rock and roll baby!

The Boy is back from Glasgow tonight and I am picking him up from the airport at 7.30ish then he is off to the coast for the weekend early Saturday morning and walking from Whitby to Scarborough Saturday he'll be back Sunday sometime. Unfortunately KBW, CP and Lady P have other plans this weekend (Happy Birthday Lady P) so I am home alone. If I was working normally I would be looking forward to it - planning my food and my bath, getting in the girly DVDs but this time I think I may be counting the hours.....poor me (snap out of it woman ffs).

Gah - I am pathetic, time to suck it up and sort it out.