Ok, it starts here

micron_2

Gosh William that sure was a journey to get into work today.
145 days is brilliant, keep it up. Before you know it, you won't even have to count as it will be a distant memory.
Glad to see you focussed on your plan ahead. The inches will start to drop off once you start swimming and using the cross-trainer. Keep it up we are all cheering for you.

Firewalker

Go for it William! Behind you with all I have.

Firewalker

williamD1964

As the man said "the best laid plans of mice and men..." Didn't get to swim as my son had a fall at school and hurt his back. Wife very moody (Pre or post, never can tell) soI had the kids all afternoon. The the boiler decided to play up and we only had luke warm water for the kids showers, and had to spend 35 minutes explaining the boilers symptoms to the call out people. Lickily the thing is still in warranty so an expert will be out tomorrow. Felt so drained that I had a shower and fell asleep on the sofa. Woke up at 4am and made my way to work. Did manage to contact my supplier and give them the hurry up for my stock. Want this lot in and out straight away.

Found out that my tax credits will be removed from april 2011. Also found out that it means I will be down £40 a month which, considering I thought I would be down about £140 a month is not a bad result really.

Am exhausted and in need a a large intake of caffiene so will add more later.

Once more unto the breach dear friends...

williamD1964

Good afternoon. Grabbing 10 minutes on the PC to update. Been a busy week in some respects and lazy in others. Working shifts makes planning essential for most things but one little hiccup can throw you right off course and !!!!!! up your day. Have not been able to go swimming, had a foot infection. Stood on nail and became infected despite my best efforts. Now hobbling but getting better. The boiler needed a new fan (covered under warranty) but was due its yearly service and that was £80!
My poor, long suffering bicycle has almost given up the ghost. The chain and gear change unit are on their last legs. Fortunately the company do a interest free loan for bikes, payable back over a year, so have applied for £250 loan, to get the bike, new helmet. waterproofs & lights. Works out at £20 a month so not too bad. Have seen a nice hybrid for £180, reduced from £299, so will look into it more next week.

Am excited that the new stock is due on monday/tuesday. Have enough buyers lined up to pay the original £100 back into the kitty, and have enough people putting the word about to hopefully get rid of the remainer within a two week period.
Have been trying to make time to make time to list some things on ebay but again, my time management skills are deplorable when at home.

Ok, now for a question for you all. And I mean all. Please answer honestly.

I am employed by mass transportation company in central london. We have been told that there are to be major (800+) job losses, but have been assured by management that the will be no compulsory redundancies. Whilst this is all well and good, the fact tha remains is that 800 jobs will go, and those that are left will have to pick up the slack. there is also the fact that they say that safety will not be compromised, but in MY opinion, I can't see how this is the case. We have just been balloted by our union regarding possible strike action. I have been a union supporter and member for 26 years. I have never crossed a picket line, I have ALWAYS supported there calls. The problem I have is that I cannot afford to go on strike. To do so would mean the possibility of defaulting on the credit cards, or even the mortgage.

So, my dilemma is:

Strike - And have the possibility of defaulting on the cards and more.
Don't strike - And feel that you have betrayed your principles and convictions.

Raini

I really do believe in principles and think they should be respected, for instance I believe people fought hard to give me the right to vote and I don't take that lightly, but I also believe that people only have the principles they can afford. You have to look after you and yours (and I say that as someone in a caring profession and as someone that puts others before myself, but if I have nothing I have nothing to offer etc etc).
But really only you can decide

Firewalker

williamD1964 wrote: »

So, my dilemma is:

Strike - And have the possibility of defaulting on the cards and more.
Don't strike - And feel that you have betrayed your principles and convictions.

William, I wish you asked something easier - like where to get a bike cheaper or something. Your dilemma is a hard one and probably needs thinking outside the box. Any possibility that you might be in a position to leave? Get another job, start a business (sounds like you are good at trading things), something?

More to the point, I can only tell you what I would have done. I would go on strike - but this is possible because OH is part of all and we can plan together how to survive and prosper. I believe that we should fight against wrong and managerialist crap about 'streamlining' without loss of quality is wrong on many levels.

Hope this helps but doubt it.

Firewalker

williamD1964

Oh would that I could leave! Perhaps I could be honest on here and vent my spleen at how I feel about what I see happening to a job that I care deeply about. Unfortunately, most or all our emails and even things like facebook entries and twitters are monitored. My wife as I have stated doesnt work, except for the Avon, but is a great artist and has great talent. She has worked reprographics, and has done package design work for Sony, Boots, Roche etc. I keep pushing for her to do some freelance work but such is life.

I think I need to some real souls searching.

williamD1964

H all, here is a link to my Florence pics.

Firewalker

William, no link. Please have a look (and after that let me know how to do that),

Firewalker

williamD1964

http://s831.photobucket.com/albums/zz237/williamD1964/florence%20July%202010/

Hi, guess I a going mad!

Join photobucket. add photos to file, them cut and paste the file link to here