Dear Diary,
Only 3 things of importance going on recently:
Buying Business Suits
Pub work
Joe's new job
Starting with the most mundane - things are going great at the pub. All anyone can ask me about is my new job, and I take great pleasure in spouting all the incentive schemes, amazing reputations and fantastic benefits, as Pat glowers disbelievingly in the corner. Do you know, he's actually told me several times that "he'll miss me"! Yeah well, I suppose you DO always miss a whipping boy once it's gone. I just feel sorry for the new barmaids. Who incidentally, were hired in record time, and are very nice (one resembles Dolly Parton, the other has excellent taste in music). So it looks like my weeks of shit-loads of overtime are over, sadly, I'm back down to three shifts (luckily they fall on Bingo night, Saturday night, and Karaoke night. SCORE!!). Oh well, at least I've earnt loads of money, which leads nicely into:
Buying business suits. Yes folks, the thing I was most looking forward to about a new "city" job (eurgh, sound like such a schmuck). Never again having to wear all-black "serving" clothes at hospitality events/jobs, and no more excuses for going into work in joggers and a Hello Kitty t-shirt. Not to mention FINALLY being able to strut about, looking all professional (I know, I know, I'm so vain). Have spent a merry few weeks (well, glum, once I tot up how much I've spent) selecting and trying on in what feels like every shop in the Manchester postcode. I REALLY need to lose some goddamn weight.
So far, am in possession of:
Light grey (with pink outline) jacket with matching pencil skirt
Dark grey pinstriped jacket with matching trousers
Black low-cut cardgian/top
And..... that's it (unless you count my interview outfit as well). Think I need to waft around shops I don't usually go in - am not having a lot of luck with Tesco or Asda. Still, all I really need are several tops to go with the suits, so I can just rotate every day with different jewellery, etc..... for a different look. Think I'm getting the hang of this! Still, Lisa was a veritable fountain of advice re: office dressing when she came over, so at least I have some idea where I'm going now.
Joe's new job. And finally, the best news of all. Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you - we are now both in full-time employment!! The promising lead I mentioned last entry turned out to be a very good egg indeed, meaning that - from today, in fact - Joe is back at his old job from 3 years ago, in a similar big city company. The boss remembered him (as did all his co-workers) and insisted he be put forward for an interview, despite not actually hiring at that moment in time.
Obviously he's thrilled, and have been promised a very posh meal upon receiving his first paycheck, woo!! Am so chuffed for him, mainly because (as much as playing Xbox and doing nothing all day may sound like a man's dream) he seemed to hate not having anything to do, and sitting around hearing his parents argue all the time. As they say, a man without his work, is nothing. And now he gets the chance to be something again.
Can hardly believe how much things have worked out. If you'd told me a year ago that all this would be happening to me - I really wouldn't have believed you. I know Life hardly always goes to plan, but I always had this idea in my head that when you reach your early-mid twenties, that's when you get to wander around in sharp suits, in a good job, with a city flat and a boyfriend (I know, such a cliche' but hey - it's my fantasy). And now, it finally looks like it's coming true. I apologise if it sounds smug, or corny, but........... actually, I don't. I'm finally where I want to be, and it may have took a while, but now it's here.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Current Mood: neck-achey
Current Music: "Tear in your hand" - Tori Amos
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Sunday, 14 March 2010
The Aftermath
Dear Diary,
Well, it's been a month since I found out I got the job and frankly - I'm still reeling. It still seems like a huge dream, or some not-very-funny practical joke. More then anything, I'm terrified I'm gonna lose it. Why? Because Joe lost his.
No explanation, no apologies, just a quick ruthless phone call, and suddenly he was back to square one, after a few fantastic weeks of celebration. Apparently they didn't even have the cajones to do it themselves - the agency rang him. And told him they couldn't explain WHY as the company weren't legally obliged to tell him. Hmm, shifty, much? Anyway, he's gutted, I'm furious, and even more strangely - when the agency rang me up (on a different matter) and I asked whether MY job would be safe, they actually TOLD ME it was something to do with one of his references. When they hadn't even told him. What is going ON???! Someone clearly hasn't been reading their Data Protection Act.........
But other than that, things are good. Joe is back on the market and following a very promising lead at his old work place (before he left for Europe a few years ago). My "Champagne week" was fantastic - I kept my word and drank it every day for seven days. Not continuously, obviously. But Saturday 27th was by far and away the best - Mum told me to get dressed up as she was taking me for a free make-over in Selfridge's. Thinking it wasn't exactly a big event, I just wore normal clothes, much to her displeasure. After 5 minutes of me constantly asking why she was so miffed, she replied; "I wanted you to look nice because I'm taking you for a Champagne lunch to celebrate!!" Cue my jaw dropping to the floor and landing on the make-up girl's shoes.
And that is how, one busy Saturday afternoon, me, my Mum and my Auntie ended up experiencing a side of Manchester I never even knew EXISTED - sat in Kendals, drinking Kir Royale and muching tiny pastries with caviar on. With a bag of Selfridge's make-up (they both decided to treat me). I am SO getting a new job more often!!! We staggered to the car, tipsy but surrounded by a lovely warm glow, full of hope, joy, and a promise that I would take them out for another myself as soon as I got paid. Graham Norton was right: up there with masturbation, champagne IS one of the things that truly makes life worth living. (Yeah OK, I'm going on a bit. But come on, I'm happy!! How often have I got to celebrate life-changing good news recently?)
So, to summarise:
Weds - Rose' Champagne (from Mum)
Thurs - Rose' Champagne (from Joe)
Fri - Silver Champagne-shaped charm for my bracelet (vowed it would be the first thing I bought upon getting a new job, to symbolise celebration and remind me how much I wanted it)
Sat - Kir Royale x 2
Sun - Cava (bought myself from Tesco)
Mon - Cava
Tues - Cava
Weds - Cava
CHAMPAGNE WEEK!!!!! Mum was right - that stuff should be prescribed by doctors.
Even sweeter were the reactions from my nearest and dearest. But best of all was the reaction from the punters at work. Yes folks, I was finally able to do what I've been fantasising about for the last 6 months, and not only tell them I was leaving.......... but also have the immense pleasure of rubbing the news right in Pat's wrinkled, stunned, crook-nosed face. And let me tell you this - WORTH. THE. WAIT. The sheer disbelief on his face was as sweet as getting a Subway and finding out they accidentally put extra cheese on it. Banging a vending machine and getting 3 chocolate bars instead of 1. Getting to the till and finding out that £30 top has in fact been reduced to £7. I could go on.
But it was exactly how I imagined it. He threw out a little put down about how I was "thick" and "never going to go anywhere in life" until I - at the end of my tether - told him that "if that's so, how did I just get offered a full-time position at one of the biggest companies in the UK?" (it's true, apparently they own more land than the Church). Seriously, you could have heard an ant fart in the silence that followed. Then someone asked me, I explained, and all the time Pat did not say ONE WORD. Just supped his pint in silence before mumbling a sullen "well..... you probably won't last 5 minutes." Ah, sour grapes..... what a delicious-tasting wine they make...... He bet a pint that I'd come crawling back after 6 months, asking for my job back. Hmmm...... just as well I drink cider then, isn't it? So, it's currently £2.65, and 6 months later, with inflation..... that should be JUST enough time for the price of cider to rise by at least 40p. Hehehehehe.
So that's it. I've "come out." Now newly legit - and completely the centre of attention at work as the news spreads and every other punter asks me about it - and then discuss it amongst themselves when topics of conversation become scarce. Gave my notice in to the Landlady - appalling timing as another barmaid has recently walked out without any notice and not come back. But she thanked me for being honest, told me 2 and a half months is MORE than enough time to find someone new, and wished me luck. She laughed at Pat's reaction, told me she knew I'd prove everyone wrong and advised me where to buy good but cheap suits. But the best part? She told me the same thing she told me when I first came to the pub - that I'm "wasted in a job like this, wasn't expected to stay here for long, and have finally found my wings." People, I nearly cried. Because she was just so damn NICE. OK, sometimes I'm scared of her and her fierce Northern manner, but I have never quit my job with such a warm glowing feeling. Because I'm finally moving up, and everyone seems to be behind me.
Not to mention I'm now the Golden Girl at that place....... with all the extra shifts now going, I've taken on every single one. More money in the bank AND a relieved Landlady. Things just keep getting better!!
What other news? Well, I've been cooking a lot more lately...... oh, and today was a lot of fun. First off because it was Mother's Day - something that (forgive me for sounding smug) only took place because of me basically organising EVERYTHING. Shaun didn't lift a FINGER to help me, instead simply signed the card whilst pissed, bunging £20 my way, and telling me to "take care of it," the lazy brat. Still, it went well, and Mum LOVED her stuff, despite being struck down with a violent case of flu.
Mum's Presents:
Champagne AND:
Smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel for breakfast
Bright pink roses for the lounge table
Card
Expensive bottle of gin with her name and "Happy Mother's Day!" inscribed on it (she loves gin)
After that I trawled into town with Lisa (up on a visit for Mother's Day) and spent a merry afternoon lunching and shopping, keeping my eyes peeled for business clothes. Didn't come away with much to be honest, due to lack of funds (and Lisa acting as my conscience, warning me off buying frivolous things) but still fetched a lovely pink cardigan and some joggers (all the better for the company gym!) and had a lot of fun catching up. Happy days!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Well, it's been a month since I found out I got the job and frankly - I'm still reeling. It still seems like a huge dream, or some not-very-funny practical joke. More then anything, I'm terrified I'm gonna lose it. Why? Because Joe lost his.
No explanation, no apologies, just a quick ruthless phone call, and suddenly he was back to square one, after a few fantastic weeks of celebration. Apparently they didn't even have the cajones to do it themselves - the agency rang him. And told him they couldn't explain WHY as the company weren't legally obliged to tell him. Hmm, shifty, much? Anyway, he's gutted, I'm furious, and even more strangely - when the agency rang me up (on a different matter) and I asked whether MY job would be safe, they actually TOLD ME it was something to do with one of his references. When they hadn't even told him. What is going ON???! Someone clearly hasn't been reading their Data Protection Act.........
But other than that, things are good. Joe is back on the market and following a very promising lead at his old work place (before he left for Europe a few years ago). My "Champagne week" was fantastic - I kept my word and drank it every day for seven days. Not continuously, obviously. But Saturday 27th was by far and away the best - Mum told me to get dressed up as she was taking me for a free make-over in Selfridge's. Thinking it wasn't exactly a big event, I just wore normal clothes, much to her displeasure. After 5 minutes of me constantly asking why she was so miffed, she replied; "I wanted you to look nice because I'm taking you for a Champagne lunch to celebrate!!" Cue my jaw dropping to the floor and landing on the make-up girl's shoes.
And that is how, one busy Saturday afternoon, me, my Mum and my Auntie ended up experiencing a side of Manchester I never even knew EXISTED - sat in Kendals, drinking Kir Royale and muching tiny pastries with caviar on. With a bag of Selfridge's make-up (they both decided to treat me). I am SO getting a new job more often!!! We staggered to the car, tipsy but surrounded by a lovely warm glow, full of hope, joy, and a promise that I would take them out for another myself as soon as I got paid. Graham Norton was right: up there with masturbation, champagne IS one of the things that truly makes life worth living. (Yeah OK, I'm going on a bit. But come on, I'm happy!! How often have I got to celebrate life-changing good news recently?)
So, to summarise:
Weds - Rose' Champagne (from Mum)
Thurs - Rose' Champagne (from Joe)
Fri - Silver Champagne-shaped charm for my bracelet (vowed it would be the first thing I bought upon getting a new job, to symbolise celebration and remind me how much I wanted it)
Sat - Kir Royale x 2
Sun - Cava (bought myself from Tesco)
Mon - Cava
Tues - Cava
Weds - Cava
CHAMPAGNE WEEK!!!!! Mum was right - that stuff should be prescribed by doctors.
Even sweeter were the reactions from my nearest and dearest. But best of all was the reaction from the punters at work. Yes folks, I was finally able to do what I've been fantasising about for the last 6 months, and not only tell them I was leaving.......... but also have the immense pleasure of rubbing the news right in Pat's wrinkled, stunned, crook-nosed face. And let me tell you this - WORTH. THE. WAIT. The sheer disbelief on his face was as sweet as getting a Subway and finding out they accidentally put extra cheese on it. Banging a vending machine and getting 3 chocolate bars instead of 1. Getting to the till and finding out that £30 top has in fact been reduced to £7. I could go on.
But it was exactly how I imagined it. He threw out a little put down about how I was "thick" and "never going to go anywhere in life" until I - at the end of my tether - told him that "if that's so, how did I just get offered a full-time position at one of the biggest companies in the UK?" (it's true, apparently they own more land than the Church). Seriously, you could have heard an ant fart in the silence that followed. Then someone asked me, I explained, and all the time Pat did not say ONE WORD. Just supped his pint in silence before mumbling a sullen "well..... you probably won't last 5 minutes." Ah, sour grapes..... what a delicious-tasting wine they make...... He bet a pint that I'd come crawling back after 6 months, asking for my job back. Hmmm...... just as well I drink cider then, isn't it? So, it's currently £2.65, and 6 months later, with inflation..... that should be JUST enough time for the price of cider to rise by at least 40p. Hehehehehe.
So that's it. I've "come out." Now newly legit - and completely the centre of attention at work as the news spreads and every other punter asks me about it - and then discuss it amongst themselves when topics of conversation become scarce. Gave my notice in to the Landlady - appalling timing as another barmaid has recently walked out without any notice and not come back. But she thanked me for being honest, told me 2 and a half months is MORE than enough time to find someone new, and wished me luck. She laughed at Pat's reaction, told me she knew I'd prove everyone wrong and advised me where to buy good but cheap suits. But the best part? She told me the same thing she told me when I first came to the pub - that I'm "wasted in a job like this, wasn't expected to stay here for long, and have finally found my wings." People, I nearly cried. Because she was just so damn NICE. OK, sometimes I'm scared of her and her fierce Northern manner, but I have never quit my job with such a warm glowing feeling. Because I'm finally moving up, and everyone seems to be behind me.
Not to mention I'm now the Golden Girl at that place....... with all the extra shifts now going, I've taken on every single one. More money in the bank AND a relieved Landlady. Things just keep getting better!!
What other news? Well, I've been cooking a lot more lately...... oh, and today was a lot of fun. First off because it was Mother's Day - something that (forgive me for sounding smug) only took place because of me basically organising EVERYTHING. Shaun didn't lift a FINGER to help me, instead simply signed the card whilst pissed, bunging £20 my way, and telling me to "take care of it," the lazy brat. Still, it went well, and Mum LOVED her stuff, despite being struck down with a violent case of flu.
Mum's Presents:
Champagne AND:
Smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel for breakfast
Bright pink roses for the lounge table
Card
Expensive bottle of gin with her name and "Happy Mother's Day!" inscribed on it (she loves gin)
After that I trawled into town with Lisa (up on a visit for Mother's Day) and spent a merry afternoon lunching and shopping, keeping my eyes peeled for business clothes. Didn't come away with much to be honest, due to lack of funds (and Lisa acting as my conscience, warning me off buying frivolous things) but still fetched a lovely pink cardigan and some joggers (all the better for the company gym!) and had a lot of fun catching up. Happy days!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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