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Busy, busy, busy...
Apr. 26th, 2009 10:35 pmLast week was ridiculously busy. Why does my life always seem to turn out like that? I do nothing for weeks and weeks and week and then everything happens at once!
Monday was the first day back after the Easter Holiday for most staff. I had seven new starters to sort out and then an extra choir rehearsal straight after work.
Tuesday was the first Brownie meeting after Easter. Decided to do 'Brownie Traditions' as our next group interest badge. Almost took charge of the accounts but didn't as someone had bought the cash box but not the key!
Wednesday I was on a course about Teachers' Pensions all day. The course was held at a building owned by the NUT (National Union of Teachers) opposite St Pancras Station. I had to meet my colleague at Hounslow East tube station at 8am which is much too early for my liking. Kings Cross Station was a nightmare as the Victoria Line was suspended due to a drivers strike. Fortunately, we still made it in plenty of time. The course was OK but we were a bit near the back and couldn't hear very well due to building work going on outside. Also they'd overdone the mayonnaise in the sandwiches and the goats cheese and red onion tarts were all red onion and no goats cheese. I always find it very annoying if training course lunches aren't that great. In my opinion a good lunch almost makes up for the fact you'll be sitting in a basement all day listening to someone talk about something that isn't exactly thrilling. I'm quite interested in pensions but I was beginning to daydream a bit towards the end. I had a choir rehearsal at 4.45pm and the course didn't finish until 4pm so I dashed to the tube and then practically ran from Osterley station back to work. It had also turned in to rather a warm day and I was totally overdressed. I was a bit hot and bothered by the time I got back to work.
On Thursday night our choir gave its first public performance. We were on the bill to perform at the Mayor's end of term event at The Musical Museum in Brentford (in between a raffle run by Barclays Bank and some African dancers). We didn't go on until 9.45pm which gave us plenty of time to get nervous first. Once we were on stage it went very well. There was applause in all the right places and even some cheering at one point. Our choir mistress invited the audience to join in with 'This Little Light of Mine' and they did so very enthusiastically. We were only on for 20 minutes but I think it was a positive experience. Some of the other members of the choir were very nervous about going on stage and this was a good starter gig. Everyone present was either a counciller or the wife/husband/partner of a counciller so they were all well used to watching non-professional entertainment and clapping when required. We weren't bad, but we've only been together for a couple of months so we aren't exactly brilliant. Hopefully, we'll find time to do another gig before I leave. The Musical Museum has just moved into new premises which were provided as part of the (much needed) redevelopment of Brentford town centre. It is dedicated to mechanical musical instruments, especially Wurlitzers. I now really want to go there and have a proper look around. By hosting the Mayor's party it looks like they've found themselves a paying customer! Also, we are on the front page of the work Staff Bulletin this week. I am right at the front on the end. How embarrasing!
On Friday morning I had a medical for my new job. This involved going to Harley Street in Central London. However, I first had to wait in for some people to look at the two items still left on the snagging list for my flat. Snagging is a process which all new flats go through a year after they are finished. My flat went through this process in 2007 but there were two things outstanding. One was the front door handle which was badly scratched when I took posession of the property and the other was something to do with the balcony which was reported as a fault by the developers rather than me. Representatives of the developers and the main contractors arrived as planned at 8am. I had to get up early again so I was a bit groggy for them. They looked at the door handle and said it needed a part (obviously - I could've told them that). I explained that the last person who'd looked at it had informed me that it wouldn't be possible to get a new handle as it was part of the door unit. The guy this time seemed to think it was possible. I get the feeling I never will get a new door handle but I'm going to try my best. As a bonus they actually turned up with two workmen who did the bit of work on my balcony there and then. It took them about 20 minutes to fit a metal trim to the edge - including time spent moving my three heavy plant pots into the flat (I heard one of the men mutter something about it would have to be a woman to have all that stuff on her balcony!). The letter I'd been sent beforehand said the job would take two hours and I'd have to make an appointment. I wasn't expecting workmen to come so I didn't have tea or coffee and the flat was a state. Oh well, at least it's done now.
After sorting out the workmen, I made my way to Central London. I was very early so I spent a while worshipping at my temple of choice - Topshop's gigantic flagship store in Oxford Circus. I didn't buy anything. To be honest I find the huge amount of choice quite overwhelming. But I'm such a shopping addict that even being there lifts my spirits! The medical itself was painless and staightforward. I went to a very posh clinic and saw a very nice doctor who said he'd pass me as fit to work as long as I had a workstation risk assessment. Yay! I'd never seen as many Mercedes cars in one place as I did in Harley Street on Friday. Most of them seemed to be chauffer driven. I wonder what the chauffers made of scruffy little me wandering around.
After the appointment I had plenty of time left in my half day so I took the opportunity to wander around Regents Park. Despite having lived in London for 24.5 of my 28 years I'd only been to Regents Park once before. That was to an evening performance of 'A Midsummer Nights Dream' at the open air theatre which was rained off after one scene. It was really nice idling around on a term time weekday when the only other visitors were a few tourists, artists and elderly people. I walked to the lake and got to go over a little wooden bridge to an island which is only open on weekdays when the garderners are working. It was lovely - lots of little windy paths to walk around and very tame fancy ducks waddling with you. In the middle there was an impressive manmade waterfall. I wished I'd had my camera with me. There were also avenues of spring flowers which were absolutely immaculately kept. I'd love to go back there when the roses are out.
On Saturday I went into Kingston to try on a dress I'd spotted at Monsoon in Waterloo Station. It looked lovely. I will now be wearing this http://www.monsoon.co.uk/invt/45029225&bklist=icat,5,shop,women,dresses,eveningdresses to my friends' wedding in two weeks time. As it has a black waistband I can wear black shoes which is a major bonus. Also it was £98 which is £62 cheaper than the dress I was considering buying in Coast. I'm happy now as I was a bit worried I wasn't going to find anything suitable.
In the evening I went to see a producting of Noel Coward's 'A Song of Twilight' at Richmond Theatre. The play was written towards the end of Coward's life and it is quite sad. It was very well acted but not quite the jovial 'Hay Fever' type thing I was expecting. Also, we were sitting right at the side of the Stalls and the actors occasionally went out of our view. We were a bit cross that the tickets hadn't been made cheaper because of the restricted view.
I was up bright and early again this morning as I had volunteered to cheer for my friend's charity at the London Marathon. We had to arrive at 10am to ensure that we saw the first batch of runners. We were based almost opposite Embankment tube station between miles 24-25 and when I arrived just before 10am the girls participating in the mini marathon were passing. The first bunch of grown-ups (mens elite wheelchairs) passed at 10.45ish and the stragglers from the main race were still passing (in most cases limping!) when we left at 5pm. Standing up all day is suprisingly hard on the legs. Me and my two friend found our legs really ached when we walked up the steps to Hungerford Bridge afterwards. It was a great day. Everyone was positive and it was really inspiring seeing people gritting their teeth and trying desperately to finish. We got to meet the families of several people running for the charity we were cheering for and it was quite moving seeing them spot their relatives amongst the crowds. There were lots of cute kids with T-Shirts saying 'Go on Daddy' or 'Go on Mummy' or in quite a few cases 'Go on Grandma' or 'Go on Grandad'. We didn't spot many famous people. Nell McAndrew was very strong, she finished amongst the club runners and must have been one of the first 100 women. I now know why her workout DVDs are so tough going! We also saw Jordan and Peter Andree who were right at the back. Jordon had hurt her knee and was being held up by Peter and a friend. She fell over near us and a cameraman was filming the whole thing. He must've trained for the marathon too as he had a number and everything. I can confirm that Jordan and Peter and ridiculously orange. Peter in particular looked really, really strange. I recommend the Marathon as a day out. It's really great cheering on the runners and seeing them wave and smile as they go past. I've not been inspired to take part in a future year. I don't have that sort of appetite for self punishment. Although, I'm tempted to try another 5K this year now my dodgy toe is a bit better.
So that was my busy week. I haven't found time to watch Ashes to Ashes, I haven't watched the rest of the commentary on Stardust and I've just remembered that I haven't done the wallchart I said I'd do for Brownies. I also haven't done much washing, cleaning or ironing.
Thankfully this week will be a bit quieter. Knowing me, I'll probably be complaining that I'm bored by Wednesday!
Monday was the first day back after the Easter Holiday for most staff. I had seven new starters to sort out and then an extra choir rehearsal straight after work.
Tuesday was the first Brownie meeting after Easter. Decided to do 'Brownie Traditions' as our next group interest badge. Almost took charge of the accounts but didn't as someone had bought the cash box but not the key!
Wednesday I was on a course about Teachers' Pensions all day. The course was held at a building owned by the NUT (National Union of Teachers) opposite St Pancras Station. I had to meet my colleague at Hounslow East tube station at 8am which is much too early for my liking. Kings Cross Station was a nightmare as the Victoria Line was suspended due to a drivers strike. Fortunately, we still made it in plenty of time. The course was OK but we were a bit near the back and couldn't hear very well due to building work going on outside. Also they'd overdone the mayonnaise in the sandwiches and the goats cheese and red onion tarts were all red onion and no goats cheese. I always find it very annoying if training course lunches aren't that great. In my opinion a good lunch almost makes up for the fact you'll be sitting in a basement all day listening to someone talk about something that isn't exactly thrilling. I'm quite interested in pensions but I was beginning to daydream a bit towards the end. I had a choir rehearsal at 4.45pm and the course didn't finish until 4pm so I dashed to the tube and then practically ran from Osterley station back to work. It had also turned in to rather a warm day and I was totally overdressed. I was a bit hot and bothered by the time I got back to work.
On Thursday night our choir gave its first public performance. We were on the bill to perform at the Mayor's end of term event at The Musical Museum in Brentford (in between a raffle run by Barclays Bank and some African dancers). We didn't go on until 9.45pm which gave us plenty of time to get nervous first. Once we were on stage it went very well. There was applause in all the right places and even some cheering at one point. Our choir mistress invited the audience to join in with 'This Little Light of Mine' and they did so very enthusiastically. We were only on for 20 minutes but I think it was a positive experience. Some of the other members of the choir were very nervous about going on stage and this was a good starter gig. Everyone present was either a counciller or the wife/husband/partner of a counciller so they were all well used to watching non-professional entertainment and clapping when required. We weren't bad, but we've only been together for a couple of months so we aren't exactly brilliant. Hopefully, we'll find time to do another gig before I leave. The Musical Museum has just moved into new premises which were provided as part of the (much needed) redevelopment of Brentford town centre. It is dedicated to mechanical musical instruments, especially Wurlitzers. I now really want to go there and have a proper look around. By hosting the Mayor's party it looks like they've found themselves a paying customer! Also, we are on the front page of the work Staff Bulletin this week. I am right at the front on the end. How embarrasing!
On Friday morning I had a medical for my new job. This involved going to Harley Street in Central London. However, I first had to wait in for some people to look at the two items still left on the snagging list for my flat. Snagging is a process which all new flats go through a year after they are finished. My flat went through this process in 2007 but there were two things outstanding. One was the front door handle which was badly scratched when I took posession of the property and the other was something to do with the balcony which was reported as a fault by the developers rather than me. Representatives of the developers and the main contractors arrived as planned at 8am. I had to get up early again so I was a bit groggy for them. They looked at the door handle and said it needed a part (obviously - I could've told them that). I explained that the last person who'd looked at it had informed me that it wouldn't be possible to get a new handle as it was part of the door unit. The guy this time seemed to think it was possible. I get the feeling I never will get a new door handle but I'm going to try my best. As a bonus they actually turned up with two workmen who did the bit of work on my balcony there and then. It took them about 20 minutes to fit a metal trim to the edge - including time spent moving my three heavy plant pots into the flat (I heard one of the men mutter something about it would have to be a woman to have all that stuff on her balcony!). The letter I'd been sent beforehand said the job would take two hours and I'd have to make an appointment. I wasn't expecting workmen to come so I didn't have tea or coffee and the flat was a state. Oh well, at least it's done now.
After sorting out the workmen, I made my way to Central London. I was very early so I spent a while worshipping at my temple of choice - Topshop's gigantic flagship store in Oxford Circus. I didn't buy anything. To be honest I find the huge amount of choice quite overwhelming. But I'm such a shopping addict that even being there lifts my spirits! The medical itself was painless and staightforward. I went to a very posh clinic and saw a very nice doctor who said he'd pass me as fit to work as long as I had a workstation risk assessment. Yay! I'd never seen as many Mercedes cars in one place as I did in Harley Street on Friday. Most of them seemed to be chauffer driven. I wonder what the chauffers made of scruffy little me wandering around.
After the appointment I had plenty of time left in my half day so I took the opportunity to wander around Regents Park. Despite having lived in London for 24.5 of my 28 years I'd only been to Regents Park once before. That was to an evening performance of 'A Midsummer Nights Dream' at the open air theatre which was rained off after one scene. It was really nice idling around on a term time weekday when the only other visitors were a few tourists, artists and elderly people. I walked to the lake and got to go over a little wooden bridge to an island which is only open on weekdays when the garderners are working. It was lovely - lots of little windy paths to walk around and very tame fancy ducks waddling with you. In the middle there was an impressive manmade waterfall. I wished I'd had my camera with me. There were also avenues of spring flowers which were absolutely immaculately kept. I'd love to go back there when the roses are out.
On Saturday I went into Kingston to try on a dress I'd spotted at Monsoon in Waterloo Station. It looked lovely. I will now be wearing this http://www.monsoon.co.uk/invt/45029225&bklist=icat,5,shop,women,dresses,eveningdresses to my friends' wedding in two weeks time. As it has a black waistband I can wear black shoes which is a major bonus. Also it was £98 which is £62 cheaper than the dress I was considering buying in Coast. I'm happy now as I was a bit worried I wasn't going to find anything suitable.
In the evening I went to see a producting of Noel Coward's 'A Song of Twilight' at Richmond Theatre. The play was written towards the end of Coward's life and it is quite sad. It was very well acted but not quite the jovial 'Hay Fever' type thing I was expecting. Also, we were sitting right at the side of the Stalls and the actors occasionally went out of our view. We were a bit cross that the tickets hadn't been made cheaper because of the restricted view.
I was up bright and early again this morning as I had volunteered to cheer for my friend's charity at the London Marathon. We had to arrive at 10am to ensure that we saw the first batch of runners. We were based almost opposite Embankment tube station between miles 24-25 and when I arrived just before 10am the girls participating in the mini marathon were passing. The first bunch of grown-ups (mens elite wheelchairs) passed at 10.45ish and the stragglers from the main race were still passing (in most cases limping!) when we left at 5pm. Standing up all day is suprisingly hard on the legs. Me and my two friend found our legs really ached when we walked up the steps to Hungerford Bridge afterwards. It was a great day. Everyone was positive and it was really inspiring seeing people gritting their teeth and trying desperately to finish. We got to meet the families of several people running for the charity we were cheering for and it was quite moving seeing them spot their relatives amongst the crowds. There were lots of cute kids with T-Shirts saying 'Go on Daddy' or 'Go on Mummy' or in quite a few cases 'Go on Grandma' or 'Go on Grandad'. We didn't spot many famous people. Nell McAndrew was very strong, she finished amongst the club runners and must have been one of the first 100 women. I now know why her workout DVDs are so tough going! We also saw Jordan and Peter Andree who were right at the back. Jordon had hurt her knee and was being held up by Peter and a friend. She fell over near us and a cameraman was filming the whole thing. He must've trained for the marathon too as he had a number and everything. I can confirm that Jordan and Peter and ridiculously orange. Peter in particular looked really, really strange. I recommend the Marathon as a day out. It's really great cheering on the runners and seeing them wave and smile as they go past. I've not been inspired to take part in a future year. I don't have that sort of appetite for self punishment. Although, I'm tempted to try another 5K this year now my dodgy toe is a bit better.
So that was my busy week. I haven't found time to watch Ashes to Ashes, I haven't watched the rest of the commentary on Stardust and I've just remembered that I haven't done the wallchart I said I'd do for Brownies. I also haven't done much washing, cleaning or ironing.
Thankfully this week will be a bit quieter. Knowing me, I'll probably be complaining that I'm bored by Wednesday!
