Apologies for the lack of updates recently.

I’ve been incredibly snowed under with stuff at home and at work. I’m on this course (as most of you know) through work and the workload for me is a lot so I’d hate to think what it’s like for those people on the course who have kids to look after as well!

Mind you, I shouldn’t complain. I’ve had two sets of results so far, both distinctions, and have been told I’m on my way for another distinction in the current module I’m doing. I don’t expect to get a distinction in two of the modules as I hate the lecturer, as do we all, and it would appear she’s lost one of my assignments which I now have to reprint and hand in again!

So on the weight front things are going FANTASTICALLY well!

Week one I lost 12lb and then in week two I lost 6lb. I think I’ll have lost 3lb on week three and not because I’m having it again but because I had a night off yesterday. When I saw Mrs Dietwoman I asked her about what I should do if I was invited out for a meal and she said (and I quote) “for God’s sake! Life goes on! If you want to go out for a meal then go out! Just try to eat sensibly and how I told you. You’ll still have lost weight as you’ll have stuck to the diet for the rest of the week, just not as much as you would have! Go out. Enjoy yourself!”

Well my parents came to Dublin yesterday to watch a football match, bringing with them my aunt and uncle who live in Australia. It was there grandson playing in the football match. I haven’t seen them in eighteen years and as much as my father protested at us travelling all that way to see them I had to really. They’d come halfway round the world so it wasn’t going to take much effect for me to drive 200km to see them!

Anyway it was because of this trip that I broke my diet. We all went out for a meal to an excellent restaurant called Le Bon Crubeen in Dublin. The menu actually had a low-calorie option which I chose but not just because it was low in calories but because it sounded gorgeous. Lemon & Thyme grilled chicken on a bed of spinach and red onion salad with chick peas and olives. I don’t actually remember seeing any olives which was fine as I hate them. When I started the diet Mrs Dietwoman told me that as my stomach got smaller I’d want smaller portions. Well I actually ended up leaving half of it! This is like me at all. I was also the last to finish whereas usually I’d have wolfed the whole lot down and then asked for a pud!

At the airport while waiting for them to arrive we treated ourselves to a baguette and coffee. Rather than a baguette each, which would be normal for me, we had one and split it. Again I was still eating long after Brad had finished and by the end of it I was full! Me! Full on on half a baguette! Will wonders never cease?

I’ve also found I need a belt! I’m starting to pull my jeans up more and yesterday I even got into a pair of jeans I’ve never been able to get in to. They were given as a gift before you think I randomly go out and buy jeans in smaller sizes!

So all in all the last few weeks have been tremendous. 18lb’s in weight lost, fitting in new jeans, seeing my aunt & uncle and parents, getting fit and two distinctions!

I told you 2010 was my year!

I’ve sat here for the last ten minutes trying to work out what to blog about.

I did have a clear idea in my head but then I started reading a few blogs and realised that if I wrote what I wanted to write I’d upset a few people and I didn’t want to do that. I know it sometimes looks like I’m out to offend everyone possible but that’s just not true. There are some people, some bloggers in fact, I’m quite happy to offend – anything that moves them further away from this blogging site is good for me – but I don’t want to write something that may annoy friends or people I think a lot of. Especially when intonation can often be difficult to show in a block of text. I suppose I could tell you what I’ve been up to this week? Well, since I last blogged anyway.

Monday, our two year “living in Ireland” anniversary I did nothing but play World of Warcraft. I could have dome something more constructive but I didn’t.

Tuesday I was in work all day. It was the 40th birthday of one of the residents in another unit and he was having a party in a local pub. Although all our lads were invited they weren’t all going. Only one of them went in fact and I took him down there, walking instead of getting the bus. He had a good time, seemed to enjoy the music and the atmosphere and was golden on the walk back. More staff should interact with him like this but they don’t and I really couldn’t tell you why.

Wednesday I started my course that work have sent me on. It was interesting enough and I knew a few people there but a lot of the content is stuff I’ve done before in one life or another. Still, I’ll come out of it with a nice qualification at the end.

Thursday I was off so I spent the day working on my web site and getting very frustrated with technology. One minute everything works fine, then next it decides to get up and walk out the room leaving me wondering what the fuck is going on! Technology can be like that. I’m still not sure who’s fault the failures are but I know it’s not mine or Brad. This is all down to the hosting company and ex-hosting company of our web domains. One is great but can’t do much until the other, which is shit, gets doing as they promised.

Friday, today, I’ve had to call in sick to work I woke up with a pounding head. I woke up the first time at 4am and then again 6.30am and stayed wake then. I’m doing that a lot recently. Not sleeping and waking early that is. I did think that I wasn’t sleeping because of the attack at work playing on my mind but since the meeting I’ve felt a lot better about all that so I really don’t think it’s that. I’m sure it’ll come out eventually whatever it is. The last thing I want to do is start worrying about what is worrying me!

I’m off work tomorrow and Sunday but I have a project to work on for this course. I have to give a five minute presentation on anything I like as long as I can connect it to work. I’ve chosen sign language as I know enough about it and I can easily relate it to work. One of the ideas I’ve had is to actually sign the first two minutes or so of the presentation and use powerpoint to project subtitles and images etc. What do you think?

Well Bert is cooking a nommy nommy chilli for our evening meal so I’m going to go now and see how far he’s got and what time it’ll be ready.

TTFN

It’s my first day back at work today since the attack last Thursday and I’m sat in my car feeling a little nervous.

I know who I’m on with and I trust them implicitly, which makes a massive difference, I just don’t think I want to go in.

Oh well.

The day had started well given the mood I was in. It wasn’t great for various different reasons and I really didn’t want to go to work but eventually I decided it would be better to go than to sit around the house all day. I was only doing a 2-9pm shift anyway so it wasn’t going to be a strenuous day.

Then I got to work.

I was informed that Beej had been a tad ‘problematic’ while out on the bus. You remember him? Beej is the one who beats up the staff and rips their clothes. Beej is the one who started targeting me so I had a week or two away from him. That week or two actually turned into nearly seven weeks!

So, he’d been a bit ‘naughty’ while on the bus and was currently being kept in a lounge in a different unit while the plumber finishes off in his place.

An hour or so later the plumber was gone so it was time to take Beej back. Unfortunately he was naked. More clothes were given, which he tore straight away, so another set was then given which this time he kept on. Until he got outside. By this time it was too late to head back so we carried on to his apartment.

He was given another set of clothes and offered a walk but within seconds he was naked which is his way of saying, and I believe it’s universally known, that he didn’t want to go for a walk and would much rather stay inside, drink tea and do jigsaws.

Jigsaw one went out the window. As did the tea cup and his clothes. Jigsaw two went out about an hour later followed by another cup and his shoes and a towel.

It was quite obvious he still wasn’t in the best of mood but I can’t ignore him. I’m paid to help him and look after his needs so I couldn’t just shut myself away in the kitchen. He had to have a drink and his dinner.

You must have an idea of what’s coming by now? Yes?

His dinner was left on the radiator and I shouted from the kitchen that it was there. I went and fetch the only plastic cup left, that he’d once again chucked outside and then went to ask him if he wanted another drink. My mistake was not looking through the peep hole to see where he was.

I flung open the door and began to say “would you like a cup…” That’s as far as I got. Before I knew his big hands hand hold of my arms and he began throwing me into wall. I didn’t realise my head made such a hollow empty sound, which is quite worrying.

He paused for a second and I could see he was obviously confused as to why my tee hadn’t ripped. I pressed my alarm as his hands grabbed the sleeves of my tee and the process of banging my head on the wall began again only this time it was on the door frame and on the wall.

I pushed against his chest, which confused him and made him look down, as we’d been trained, and this gave me the chance to step back and head for the kitchen. Just as got to the door his hands came down and made contact with the neck of my shirt and within a millisecond it was shredded.

I slammed the kitchen door shut and leant against it and began to giggle. I told myself off for giggling. Literally out loud I said “you’ve just pushed the alarm and you’re laughing! They won’t find it funny!” As one of the staff came running in … five or so minutes after I’d pushed the alarm – how helpful! … he put his hand on my back and said “are you okay?” at which point I burst into tears and started spouting off about how I was sick of the place, sick of Beej and sick of getting injured! He understood. Thank fuck!

A few minutes later my manager turned up – one of the good ones – gave me an ice pack and took me to another unit where me and her sat down and talked. She examined my head which has a lovely red mark on it and I got some pain killers for the amazing headache I had coming. She sent me home and told me to call in sick if need be tomorrow. I will be.

I love my job.

Well I’ve not been awake long. Am back on the night shift tonight. Last night was quiet but fun. Spent aaaagggggeeeessss chatting to Charlie and it was really could to catch-up.

The apartment I’m in is attached to the day centre… which has a Jacuzzi… and I’m VERY tempted to get in once the night super has done her rounds.

I said this to Kiki (staff not blogger – his name is Brian but I call him Kiki!) and he was disgusted!

“What’s wrong with it?” I asked.
“Brian doesn’t wipe his backside, James spits everywhere, Alan’s drool and what about Cormac’s brain juice?” he stated.
“Mate, there’s a filter going constantly. Twenty-four hours a day. If the Jacuzzi was used until the centre closed then the last person gets out at 4pm. I wouldn’t be getting in there until 3am at the earliest. So for eleven hours the filter has been going.”
“Yeah but still!”
“Hey I’d rather get in there with them that you!”
“Why? What’s wrong with me Rob?” he said jokingly
“Well I know they’ve showered in the morning and I know who showered them. I know when they saw the doctor and I know what they’ve got. I cannot say the same about you!”

I think I actually winked as I said it. I may have even done the pistol point. And made the noise. The shame!

Right. Time to eat. I need to keep my three-person wide hips fully fuelled.

So we had a party today for one of our service users. For no reason other than it’ll stop him talking about wanting one and too be honest why shouldn’t we have one?

We invited other service users from all the other bungalows and from the community houses.

We knew one certain service user wouldn’t turn down and party invite.

We’ll call him Bernard as that’s a suitable pseudonym I think.

The first time I met him, months back, he shook my hand fiercely and said “that’s a nice watch, can I have it?”

So this afternoon we’re all sat eating table. Bernard sits next to me, bring his cake with him.

He looks at me. Pats me on my seasonally plump belly and says “you’re a bit fat to be eating cake aren’t you?”

Cunt.

So to add insult to injury he then pats my head and says “awww bald!”

Cunt!

So I had to have fire training today.

Yes, that’s right, I got trained in how to light fires!

No, of course I didn’t but I know if didn’t say it some other smart arse would come along and make a comment like that.

I was trained how to put fires out at work. Should they start.

You’d think by now my work would know better than to send me on courses! I usually cause arguments.

Today I made the mistake of asking a question.

“What happens if you can’t break the glass on break-glass-point?” I asked.
“You get someone else to do!” he replied.
“But what if they can’t?”
“Get someone who can!”
“But there are many times I’m on my own.”
“Well you break the glass so help will come and then you start getting people out and then you can tackle the fire if you think it’s safe to do so.”
“Okay okay, so I’m on my own, the fire is burning and I cannot break the glass. What do I do?”
“Why can’t you break the glass?”
“I just can’t.”
“Trust me, anyone can break the glass!”
“I can’t.”
“Why can’t you? Why can’t you break the glass?”
“I just can’t.”
“Do you have a phobia?”
“No.”
“Have you tried breaking the glass?”
“Yes. Years ago I broke the glass to set the alarm off.”
“Here?”
“No, in a different job.”
“And you broke the glass?”
“Yes.”
“Then you can do it here.”
“No I can’t!”
“Yes you can!”
“I can’t.”
“It’s not difficult! Just break the glass! Push your thumb into it!”
“I can’t. I can’t break the glass!”

He paused, wiped his brow…

“Do you have cordless phone in your bungalow?”
“Yes.”
“Carry it with you at all times. If you see a fire call reception!”
“I don’t know the number for reception!”

Me and the other half have a great house. It’s massive and full of space and ideal for working from home.

So with that in mind I want you lot to get your thinking caps and let me know (either comment or email or text or phone) what you think I could do from home.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my job, I’m just in the mood to work from home.

So thoughts please.

What a bring day!

Well, afternoon rather, not the whole day.

Was working from 2pm to 9pm and there was nothing going on! We took the lads out to the pub which came as a shock as I was informed that one of lads was on a log down for the day. Of course I was told this by the nurse that just happens to be useless. Sadly I do mean useless. In a big way!

So we took the lads for a pint of booze and then picked up a burger on the way back.

At 7pm I went and looked after one of our other lads so is carer could go for a break and when he came back I went back to our bungalow and sat and watched the soccer.

So, lets get this straight… today I got paid to take two lads and a lovely lady to the pub for a drink, get lunch and then watch Emmerdale (which I hate and is shit) and then the soccer. Why would I want another job?

Right I’m begging now. Something I do a lot with various people but rarely something I admit to.

I’m looking for someone who can train others in the issues surrounding male domestic violence. I’ve got a woman who’ll train people in female domestic violence but do you think I can find someone to talk from the male point of view? Can I bollocks!

I’ve found a nice bloke who’ll come and tell how his wife used to beat seven shades of shit out of him and then shot him so he finally decided to divorce her! I’ve found a man who’ll come and tell us how sorry he is for all the domestic abuse he carried out on his wife and how she has forgiven him, they’re back together and he’s never done anything like it since.

But… can I find someone… man or woman… to come and train my volunteers in recognising when a man is a victim of domestic violence! No I effing can’t!

Bastard!

Apparently, according to one person, I can’t find anyone because it doesn’t exist. I found a site for supporting female victims so I emailed them. I explained who I was and where I was from and that we’re a nation charity etc. and asked if she knew of any people to train in what I’m looking for. I got a lovely email back, very quickly, stating “it’s doubtful you’ll find anyone because male victims of domestic violence are very rare. 9 out 10 times they are just saying it because they are abusing the female.”

I’m sorry, what?

I’ve emailed her back with a shed of links and suggested she rethink her attitude towards this one consider 1 in 6 men have been or are being abused by their partner.

So please come on, please please please, can any of you help me? Do you know someone who might know someone? It’s worth a try!

Oh… and just to make this task even easier… it would be useful if they were in South Wales! See, I’m not asking too much am I?

So I’m 20 minutes away from home time and what have I done today during my busy working hours.

- Prepared for a course that hasn’t gone ahead.
- Found Screen Mates for all the staff.
- Had lunch
- Taken the piss out of my boss
- Read some blogs.
- Written some blogs
- Smoked some fags.
- Written two emails for work.
- Written three emails for me.
- Played with Blu-tack™
- And some other stuff not work related.

I shall go home soon, have a bath, prepare for Salsa and maybe do something else non-work related.

Tell me again… why do I have a job?

Today was my first bad day at work but thankfully it wasn’t because of the staff or anything like that.

Part of my job is the promotion of the organisation and the recruitment of the volunteers. Today, to try and do both of those, I drove over to a town called Llandovery to ask shops to put up posters and speak to the community centre, the local surgery and the dentists to see about getting referrals etc and seeing if anyone wants to volunteer.

We’ve got a student with us on placement from her course for two weeks and it was my turn to keep her busy. Thankfully she’s lovely and willing! So we hit the shops first. The place is a bakers. I introduce myself and the woman agrees to display a poster! ‘Excellent’ I’m thinking! Lets hope they’re all as helpful.

The second place is a butchers.

“Sorry son but we can’t put posters in the window due to health and safety!” he said. Now, I’m already pissed off at the fact he’s called me son as I fucking hate that so you can imagine how I felt when he said no… especially when the door was covered in posters!
“But you’ve got them all over the door,” I said, smiling.
“But that’s the door son, and you said window!”
“WELL FUCK YOU THEN YOU FUCKING SHIT OF A BUTCHER! I”M ONLY TRYING TO DO MY JOB AND YOU COULD DO YOUR BIT BY HELPING OUR A CHARITY THAT PROBABLY FUCKING SUPPORTS 90% OF YOUR FUCKING CUSTOMERS YOU MISERABLE FUCKING LOW-LIFE AND DON’T CALL ME SON AGAIN!” Is what I should have said.

Instead I smiled and said “thank you” in a manner that really said “thanks for nothing but if you’d like to insult my intelligence a little bit more I might just bend up and take it up the tail pipe!”

The next few shops were all fine and happily but a poster up but then I got the book shop.

As I opened the door the cutest sleepiest dog looked up at me with huge brown eyes…. and growled! The woman behind the counter didn’t lift her head up from her book or mutter anything so I edged my way around the shelving until I finally got the desk where she sat with her half moon glasses on and peering over the top of them she said “Yes?”
After explaining who I was and where I was from I said “I wondered if you’d display this poster for me?”
“I’m sorry we don’t do that here.”
“But you’ve got some in the window already, could this just go next to those?”
“They are for local groups.”
“We’re a local group, we cover the whole of Dinefwr!”
“I’m sorry you’re too far away!”
“Okay, well thanks anyway,” I said heading for the door.

By the door still sat the mutt. The cute grin gone and he was glaring at me as though his teeth were insistent I bought something! Grabbing the door-handle and trying to make my escape I looked down and smiled at the mongrel only to watch the fucker go for my ankles and see the shop owner smile as if willing the dog to attack me!

The rest of the shops were fine but then I got to the dentist.

I walked and could smell the rubber seating and plastic plants and my sphincter instantly tightened. I grinned through gritted teeth at the reception and explained where I was from and who I was and halfway through asking her if she could display our poster I heard the whirring of the drill coming from the little room behind. I think the reception could tell I was in my own personal nightmare as I dumped the poster and a handful of leaflets and hollered a thank you and goodbye as I left.

As I stepped out the heavens opened and down came the rain. I was at the end of the street. As far from my car as I could possibly be in the town! And where was the student? She was staying cosy out of the rain… shopping!

So there you have what has to be the worst day of my new job so far. Not a bad day really on reflection but could have still done with out it.

TTFN x