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May. 21st, 2023 11:12 pm
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Sunlight)
 I know I haven't updated in a while, I keep meaning to but every time I get home after work, I just want to relax and read books and watch something. I will post a proper update over the upcoming bank holiday weekend but just to say I'm still here!
sea_thoughts: Anne of Green Gables (Daydream)
After taking voluntary redundancy, I took a few weeks off to recover from the stress of the last week at work (during which we were down to two team members as Susan had moved to another department and Peter just went on holiday). I took advantage of a career progression programme that my work offered so I was able to brush up my CV and create a LinkedIn profile. (I don't really like having my online presence linked to my real life one but it was sadly necessary as so much job hunting and profiling takes place on there now.)

I was able to start going to the gym regularly, moving up to two classes a week (both 45 minutes) and this has had a positive effect both on my physical and mental health. My clothes are now feeling looser and I have more stamina. I hope I can increase the time I spend at the gym so this progress continues.

July )

August (Cornwall) )

September )
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Unexpected Hug)


sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Death's Kingdom)
sea_thoughts: Anne of Green Gables (Daydream)
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Default)
Thank you to those who sent me birthday wishes, I had the week off and had a great time. I went out for lunch with C on my actual birthday to the Anchor Inn at Thornbury. As it was a Tuesday, we could take advantage of their lunch deal and have two courses for £9.50! Food was delicious and they had a beautiful Brittany spaniel with a natural bob tail. His name was Woody and he was a love. We hope to go back soon.

I was finally able to go back to Canterbury and see [livejournal.com profile] jo_blogs for the first time since 2018. Sadly the B&B that I previously stayed at (the White House) has turned back into a private residence and the only thing in the same location is an Airbnb flat. I'm not fond of Airbnb and the ratings weren't good, so I decided to stay at another B&B. I was very tempted by the House of Agnes (the Agnes in questions being Agnes Wickfield from David Copperfield) but decided to save that for a special occasion and chose Harriet House instead. This place was really cosy and welcoming and I've already booked another stay there for March next year (if we don't go into lockdown, which is hardly guaranteed because Boris is an incompetent charlatan). I was only able to stay for a full day before heading through driving rain to my parents for dinner on the Saturday. Next year I'll be staying for two full days, hopefully.

Hope everyone is well.
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Default)
I went to London with my dad at the beginning of the month to see the Turner exhibition at Tate Britain. Everything went really smoothly when it came to travelling. We had to cut our visit to the gallery a bit short as the exhibition was bigger than we expected but it was really fascinating to see Turner's view of ordinary life and people and the big changes he saw (the Industrial Revolution, social revolution). We caught a bus to Victoria (Dad said he couldn't remember the last time he'd been on a London bus as we normally take the Tube) and had a delicious lunch at the Jones Family Kitchen in Eccleston Yard. They do really good steaks here (there are veggie/vegan options, too). Best of all, it's just around the corner from our favourite gelato place, Olivogelo.

August has been very quiet at work (mainly due to most people in the West being on holiday) but I have finally moved upstairs after waiting for this to happen since May. There are more people around so I am not totally on my own, which is nice, although I recently discovered one of them isn't vaccinated because she 'isn't sure' about the vaccine. This despite everyone else on the floor being vaccinated and having no issues. I have to admit I've lost some respect for her over this, although I'm still being civil.

I have started going back to the gym now I'm double jabbed, and it's hard but I think my stamina is slowly improving and my flexibility is getting better. I'm looking into getting a new personal trainer this autumn.

Currently spending the bank holiday weekend with my parents and relaxing.
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Default)
Had my second jab today. Finally! Can't wait to get back to the gym. (My gym's been open since June but I didn't feel too safe about going back while I only had one vaccination.)

Been to the Alice in Wonderland exhibition at the V&A (Curiouser and Curiouser) with my parents, which was fascinating. We then had lunch at Carluccio's and had gelato. This weekend I am seeing them in Bath to try out the new Sri Lankan restaurant there.
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Default)
Met with the family (Mum and Dad, niblings, sister and brother-in-law) for lunch at the Bell in Selsley. I first went there in February 2019 with my work friend Claire for dinner, then I took Mum there last summer when restrictions eased and then Claire and I went back for our birthday meal (she has her birthday in September). I managed to grab the last spot in the car park. It was lovely to sit outdoors and for the weather to actually be good enough to sit outdoors. My sister's family recently acquired a puppy (half German Shepherd, half Labrador) so it's always better to have some shade. Her name is Daisy, she looks like a German Shepherd but she's golden all over. She loves everyone and thinks everyone loves her back, which to be fair, most people do. The kids were very tired after a full on weekend spent camping with their cousins and their cousins' dog so the suggested trip to Rodborough Common was postponed and we went back to my sister's house so they could rest. Hoping we can have more days like these.

(Heating officially off!)
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Default)
I had my first vaccine on Saturday from my local GP, I arrived early, queued up, was seen within five minutes of arriving and after a mandatory 15 minute observation period, I was free to go. My only reaction has been a stiff arm and it was no worse than having exercised really hard at the gym.

The sign up was FAST: the day they opened up vaccinations to my age group, I texted my sister, who's a nurse, asking if I should wait to hear from them and she said yes, as her husband had just heard from his and he was in the age group above me. Fifteen minutes after her response, I got a text asking me to sign up and was able to book my jab. Very impressed.

I've also had my hair done - highlights put in, roots done, 6.5 cm taken off the ends as my hair had grown all the way to my shoulder blades, even though I'd only had it cut in December. When I told my hairdresser I was going to have my jab (this was last Tuesday), she asked how I'd managed that. I told her that I was 38 and she didn't believe me, although when I said "Why would I lie about being 38?" she acknowledged this was a fair point. That made me feel good, too!
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Default)
Spring! It's wonderful to see the blossom coming out on the trees. I am hoping to visit a local garden (probably Painswick) to see the daffodils as I didn't manage to see the snowdrops (I always say I will go and see them and then I fail to do it *sigh*).

Grace lost the barn conversion because her buyer pulled out but she has now found a semi-detached in another Somerset village and her offer has been accepted. Fingers crossed it all works out this time.

Work has been a bit busier but it's still not as busy as it was last year. I am using the extra time to catch up on my reading - my library reservations list has gone down significantly!

I saw my mum for her birthday on 12 February, which was conveniently close to the British Mother's Day this year. We had Thai takeaway on Saturday evening and then a takeaway Sunday roast from my parents' local pub so she didn't have to do any cooking on the Sunday. I have started ordering my own Sunday roast takeaway from the Black Horse in Cranham, but had to downgrade to the child's portion as the adult portion was just TOO BIG.

Both parents have had their first Covid jab (they went to Salisbury Cathedral). My sister's had her first jab, as well, since she's a nurse and works in a GP surgery. However, I am in the second to last group so I don't think I will get mine before the summer, happy to be proved wrong.
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Default)
I have finally replaced the heater in my front room. My flat is electricity only so I am restricted to night storage heaters and the one I had was over 10 years old, you couldn't programme the temperature, it was very basic. The one I have now is a smart heater that can be programmed via an app/online if I'm away (so if I am staying with my parents in our support bubble, basically) and I can adjust the temperature by degrees and put in a weekly programme for when I'm on different shifts.

I have been ordering takeaways from local restaurants in order to support my local independent businesses - principally Greek on the Docks and Bangkok Canteen. There is a new takeaway app launching tomorrow - Gloucester Eats - so I am looking forward to using that and hopefully discovering more local restaurants that way and supporting them.

Hopefully I will be able to get back to The Eastbury Plough this year to see Grace and Eileen. Grace has had an offer accepted on a barn conversion in Somerset (a bit further south of where she lives now but not too much). The Bristol office closed at the end of last year and since she has no reason to stay in Bristol, she wanted to move somewhere a bit more rural. Fingers crossed she can move this year. If she does, we can meet up in Bath halfway.
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Default)
I went back to the office today to start my new job. :) It's just me in the department but since I was working alone at home, that doesn't bother me. Training this week to get me up to speed, hopefully shouldn't take too long. I am very happy to be back in the office with a proper desk and a proper chair and excited to do something new after so long.
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Default)
I had an interview for another job today. I am already qualified for the position so fingers crossed I get it. I'll keep you updated.

Staying with my parents for the weekend, which is bliss. I'll also be trying to get up in time to watch the summer solstice streamed live from Stonehenge.
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Default)
I was hoping to write this entry and announce that I had finally managed to get a new job in the department. It's the same job I applied for back in 2018 (see this entry). I really thought I had a chance this time but it seems like they've hired someone they let go last year. So what's the point of going for the job if they're just going to hire someone who's been out of the business for a year?

Meeting up with Grace on Friday (socially distanced) and then parents on Saturday (socially distanced). Very excited to see loved ones after over two months without seeing any of my friends/family.
sea_thoughts: Anne of Green Gables (Daydream)
It was supposed to be the Cheltenham Jazz Festival this weekend but since they can't hold the festival irl they are doing a one-day festival online!



Free to watch with no regional restrictions (so far as I know). Enjoy!
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (DWCarmen - wg15graphics)
On holiday this week - I had planned to visit Cornwall again and explore the Lost Gardens of Heligan and St Michael's Mount but obviously that's not happening so I'm enjoying being at home with no work to do. I have done some ironing and also had a good walk today. Ordered a few books and a magazine to pass the time. I am also planning trips on TA as a promise for the future. I found out from my parents that Gloucester has the second highest number of places rated 5 out of 5 for food hygiene in the whole of the UK, which I have to admit surprised me but I'm also proud.

Hope you are all okay.
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Exhausted - bellasinfonia)
*points at icon* We no longer have a past or a future, just a never-ending present.

Good News

  • My sister got a new job at her local GP surgery so she will be able to WALK to work, no more commuting! (It sometimes takes her up to an hour to get home purely due to traffic.) She has a two month notice period so will start working the new job in late June/early July.

  • My floor lamp turned up three weeks early and I put it together all by myself so now I have light on both sides of the room. Putting the lampshade together was a pain in the arse: you have to unroll the shade, tape it together and then push two metal circles down inside the material, which requires a) height and b) strength. While I have a reasonable amount of strength, I am not tall so there was a lot of sweating and muttering, but it's done now, even if the shade is slightly bent in places. I told Dad that if/when we're finally able to see each other again, he can come up and re-do the thing.

  • All the books I ordered have turned up, so I am enjoying reading. Currently reading Mudlarking by Lara Maiklem and Wildwood by Roger Deakin, up next are Water Shall Refuse Them by Lucie McKnight Hardy and Nada by Carmen LaForet (in translation but hopefully I can ask one of my Spanish colleagues to get the original in the future).

  • I have discovered Scala Radio and listen during the day to help get me through. Classical music definitely helps.

  • Panic buying seems to have died down and most items are available, although it's very difficult to get eggs so I get mine from the farmshop.

  • National Theatre at Home - coming up, Danny Boyle's Frankenstein with Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller (one week with Cumberbatch as the Creature and Miller as Frankenstein, the next week with roles swapped) then Antony and Cleopatra with Ralph Fiennes and Sophie Okonedo

  • The department that I applied to join in 2018 has opened up a new post so I applied yesterday!

Bad News

  • Still working from home

  • Missed my dad's birthday (12 April) and will miss my niece's (30 April) - obviously we can do video calls but it's not the same.

  • The government

sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (TWDoctors - holo_daxy)
After resisting the change with all my might, I finally started working from home on Thursday. I hate it. I have to work in the front room and I don't have an office chair, so sitting in a dining chair is already straining my back, even with cushions. I also find it hard to focus. The only upside is that I can have my radio on low so I get to hear music now, which relaxes me and makes me feel better. I also know that I shouldn't complain too much because I'm lucky to still have a job and still be getting paid (and have the opportunity to do overtime!). We are very busy at work, since we do telephone, web and video conferencing - in fact, we're classed as key workers, although this doesn't really mean much since NHS staff still get priority (as they should).

I did manage to see the new Emma before the cinemas closed and it was exquisite, very funny and beautifully shot.

Otherwise, I was a bit lightheaded the past couple of days but no cough, sore throat or high temperature so who knows - there are still all the normal viruses and illnesses going around. I feel fine in myself. I would like to drive to Rodborough Common and have a nice walk but not sure if the police will let me since so many of them seem to be using drones to spy on people.

In other news, the PM has been diagnosed with CV19 and the health secretary (AGAIN). For those who missed it, here's real footage of Dominic Cummings (the PM's advisor) making a hasty exit from Downing Street after the PM's diagnosis to the Benny Hill intro.
sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (SMHome - shiokaze_senshi)
For anyone who still reads this, I'm fine so far and all my family are okay. I spent last weekend in Bristol with my mum and Helen, watching Matthew Bourne's The Red Shoes at the Hippodrome. We then went to the airbnb that Helen had found for our overnight stay (Mum and I would have preferred a hotel), only to discover it had no TV or radio, just a piano. Helen then told us that we'd better not spend the entire evening reading as we were supposed to be spending "quality time" together. Basically she didn't have a book and couldn't occupy herself in any other way. We had dinner at a Japanese restaurant, Mum's first time eating Japanese food, she loved it and is happy to go back. We've decided to make this weekend away an annual event (though I think I'll be organising the accommodation next time) since we all had a good time. My train back to Gloucester broke down at Newport but fortunately they fixed it.

Hoping to go and see the new Emma at the cinema tomorrow if they don't close.

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sea_thoughts: Ruby in *The Legend of Ruby Sunday* (Default)
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