Meet Joe Black was on TV the other night. My wife and I went to see that at the pictures when it came out. About five minutes into the film Brad Pitt's character is hit by a truck and killed. Some of the guys in the audience laughed and some cheered.
This reaction came from the competiton Brad gives them in the bedroom. Their girlfriends were teenagers who probably had Brad posters floor to ceiling in their rooms. Looking up at the naked torso of Brad Pitt can really put you off your stride.
Being a little older, I didn't have the 'Brad' problem. I was haunted by Jason Donovan. "Too many broken hearts in the world." SHUT UP, you balding gimp, you're making me impotent.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
I'm invisible
I was talking with a colleague this morning.
Me: "I saw a bit of Mars Attacks last night."
Colleague: "Oh yeah it was on Sky, yak-yak yak yak yak."
"I never realised Jack Black was in it until...."
A customer walks up with a mobile phone and a Blackberry device, places them on the desk in front of my colleague "Will he lose anything off either of these?". No by-your-leave or smile just hijack the space and cut me off.
I wandered off muttering "Oh so I'm invisible now?"
You rude bitch. OK we weren't talking about work but at least acknowledge there's a conversation going on and make some sort of "sorry to interrupt" comment. If you ever need my help you're going straight to the bottom of the pile. I would never just barge into the monologue of shoes and handbags that you offload on your workmates.
Some secretaries, sorry PAs (ha), are like that. Full of pride in their delegated authority with none of the political charm their boss needed to get to the position he/she is in.
Want to know how to get people to do things for you? Treat them as people and not staff.
Me: "I saw a bit of Mars Attacks last night."
Colleague: "Oh yeah it was on Sky, yak-yak yak yak yak."
"I never realised Jack Black was in it until...."
A customer walks up with a mobile phone and a Blackberry device, places them on the desk in front of my colleague "Will he lose anything off either of these?". No by-your-leave or smile just hijack the space and cut me off.
I wandered off muttering "Oh so I'm invisible now?"
You rude bitch. OK we weren't talking about work but at least acknowledge there's a conversation going on and make some sort of "sorry to interrupt" comment. If you ever need my help you're going straight to the bottom of the pile. I would never just barge into the monologue of shoes and handbags that you offload on your workmates.
Some secretaries, sorry PAs (ha), are like that. Full of pride in their delegated authority with none of the political charm their boss needed to get to the position he/she is in.
Want to know how to get people to do things for you? Treat them as people and not staff.
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Missing you
Our 4 year old daughter went to stay with my wife's parents this week. She was very excited about going.
On Monday night we were just having dinner before they set off. Our little girl is hovering around her Nanny waiting for her to finish her meal. As soon as Nanny had picked up the last forkfull the plate was whisked away by the little one and she came back to drag her Nanny to the car. Talk about eager.
My wife called her Mum last night to see how they were getting on.
In the background she can hear our daughter asking, "Is that Mummy, Nanny?" So Nanny put her on the phone.
"Mummy, are you picking me up tonight afternoon or in the morning afternoon?" She's still learning about time
"I'm not coming to get you until Friday, sweetie."
Excitedly, "Oh good. Bye."
It's good to feel wanted.
On Monday night we were just having dinner before they set off. Our little girl is hovering around her Nanny waiting for her to finish her meal. As soon as Nanny had picked up the last forkfull the plate was whisked away by the little one and she came back to drag her Nanny to the car. Talk about eager.
My wife called her Mum last night to see how they were getting on.
In the background she can hear our daughter asking, "Is that Mummy, Nanny?" So Nanny put her on the phone.
"Mummy, are you picking me up tonight afternoon or in the morning afternoon?" She's still learning about time
"I'm not coming to get you until Friday, sweetie."
Excitedly, "Oh good. Bye."
It's good to feel wanted.
Hair dryer
I got soaked on the way to the station today. My coat's waterproofing seems to have worn off so I had a miserable hour drying out on the train. My shirt has a big water stain on it that looks like I've been sleeping in the gutter.
Wouldn't it be great if the stations had giant, walk in hot air dryers? I've seen them at theme parks near the water rides, £1 for 3 mins drying time.
Not very eco friendly though.
Speaking of which, the water companies have slapped another hosepipe ban down this summer. Apparently the current spate of rain doesn't soak through to the aquifers underground but just runs of the baked-solid earth into the rivers.
So why not put gutters and drain-pipes on the rivers eh? Yeah, I know I'm a f**kwit.
Wouldn't it be great if the stations had giant, walk in hot air dryers? I've seen them at theme parks near the water rides, £1 for 3 mins drying time.
Not very eco friendly though.
Speaking of which, the water companies have slapped another hosepipe ban down this summer. Apparently the current spate of rain doesn't soak through to the aquifers underground but just runs of the baked-solid earth into the rivers.
So why not put gutters and drain-pipes on the rivers eh? Yeah, I know I'm a f**kwit.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Rude awakening
As I haven't been injured, or know anyone who has been injured in the bombings, the worst thing about them are the way it changes your perceptions of people.
I nodded off on my train during this morning's commute. There was no one sitting next to me when I drifted off. When I came to at London Bridge there was someone next to me. I glanced sideways and saw...
...an Asian man with a rucksack. Suddenly I'm wide awake and edgy.
Intellectually I know there is probably no threat from this man, the rucksack is too small and I saw inside it when he put his book away but, that doesn't stop the automatic tightening of my stomach. He must be getting odd looks all the time, he knows why too.
So that's what the bombs have left us with; either struggling against our gut reactions or having to put up with suspicious glares and distrust.
I nodded off on my train during this morning's commute. There was no one sitting next to me when I drifted off. When I came to at London Bridge there was someone next to me. I glanced sideways and saw...
...an Asian man with a rucksack. Suddenly I'm wide awake and edgy.
Intellectually I know there is probably no threat from this man, the rucksack is too small and I saw inside it when he put his book away but, that doesn't stop the automatic tightening of my stomach. He must be getting odd looks all the time, he knows why too.
So that's what the bombs have left us with; either struggling against our gut reactions or having to put up with suspicious glares and distrust.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
All done
London bomb explosions
Got home at normal time in the end. Left the office at 16:55, made a wide sweep round the police cordon and walked down to Charing Cross to get my usual train.
I hope I never write another post with the subtitle 'London bomb explosions'.
Got home at normal time in the end. Left the office at 16:55, made a wide sweep round the police cordon and walked down to Charing Cross to get my usual train.
I hope I never write another post with the subtitle 'London bomb explosions'.
Detonators only
London bomb explosions
It appears that the explosions were detonators only and no one has been seriously hurt.
There was a search in the local area, particualry around the hosiptal, for a man who ran from Warren St. tube station but, that has ended now.
Still no idea when we'll be let out of the building though.
It appears that the explosions were detonators only and no one has been seriously hurt.
There was a search in the local area, particualry around the hosiptal, for a man who ran from Warren St. tube station but, that has ended now.
Still no idea when we'll be let out of the building though.
Waiting for the truth
London bomb explosions
Hearing reports of nail bombs, gunshots and another incident on a bus. We're now stuck in that limbo period between finding out something has happened and waiting for the truth about the incidents.
We've been advised to stay in the building again.
We understand that a series of incidents have been reported near Warren Street, Oval and Shepherd's Bush stations on the London Underground. The stations have been evacuated. We are currently trying to obtain more information and will keep you informed of any developments by email. Our current advice is for people to stay in the building.
Euston Road is uncommonly calm again. Another Thursday.
Hearing reports of nail bombs, gunshots and another incident on a bus. We're now stuck in that limbo period between finding out something has happened and waiting for the truth about the incidents.
We've been advised to stay in the building again.
We understand that a series of incidents have been reported near Warren Street, Oval and Shepherd's Bush stations on the London Underground. The stations have been evacuated. We are currently trying to obtain more information and will keep you informed of any developments by email. Our current advice is for people to stay in the building.
Euston Road is uncommonly calm again. Another Thursday.
Not again
London bomb explosions
Just heard of three incidents on the tube at Shepherd's Bush, Oval and Warren Street. I use Warren Street.
Still early and not much information but the Sky News web site have reported eye-witness accounts of a man with an exploding rucksack, who looked "shocked and extremely dismayed".
I hope it's not going to be another day like *that* Thursday.
Just heard of three incidents on the tube at Shepherd's Bush, Oval and Warren Street. I use Warren Street.
Still early and not much information but the Sky News web site have reported eye-witness accounts of a man with an exploding rucksack, who looked "shocked and extremely dismayed".
I hope it's not going to be another day like *that* Thursday.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Trying to forget my holiday
I've been trying to forget my recent holiday to Cornwall but I just found this picture on my phone that reminded me how bad it was:
"Free Admition"??? What were they going to admit?
That this dive should carry a health warning: 'Please be aware that smoking is permitted anywhere and anytime on this site, even during the toddlers showtime. Bring your kids and let them share in the passively induced joy of lung cancer.'
The scenery was great and the beaches would have been good too, if it hadn't rained so much. There wasn't a whole lot to do with the kids when it was raining. That's why we chose to go to a Haven holiday park.
Haven throw in a lot of on site entertainment but frankly the place was a dive. The floors were sticky, the decor was peeling from the walls and the whole place looked and felt shabby. It was like a burberry gulag.
We went to a Haven site last year in Dorset, Warmwell, and it was quite nice. However, Haven no longer operate from the Warmwell site, based on our experiences at the Perran Sands site I can only assume that Warmwell wasn't downmarket enough for them.
"Free Admition"??? What were they going to admit?
That this dive should carry a health warning: 'Please be aware that smoking is permitted anywhere and anytime on this site, even during the toddlers showtime. Bring your kids and let them share in the passively induced joy of lung cancer.'
The scenery was great and the beaches would have been good too, if it hadn't rained so much. There wasn't a whole lot to do with the kids when it was raining. That's why we chose to go to a Haven holiday park.
Haven throw in a lot of on site entertainment but frankly the place was a dive. The floors were sticky, the decor was peeling from the walls and the whole place looked and felt shabby. It was like a burberry gulag.
We went to a Haven site last year in Dorset, Warmwell, and it was quite nice. However, Haven no longer operate from the Warmwell site, based on our experiences at the Perran Sands site I can only assume that Warmwell wasn't downmarket enough for them.
Cynic
Maybe I'm just getting too cynical but this full page advert by Sainsburys supermarket in the Metro newspaper of 11/07/05 made me cringe.
It just strikes me as really off colour to use the bombings as an advertising opportunity.
It just strikes me as really off colour to use the bombings as an advertising opportunity.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Still missing
There are many people still looking for friends and relatives that may have been caught up in the explosions. It seems unlikley that they will get good news.
The recovery of bodies is taking a long time due to the conditions underground and the need to gather forensic information.
A helpline was setup for people to call if they are looking for someone, it has since become known that this line is charging upto 40 pence a minute. Now that is just sick profitering and someone needs a good kick up the arse.
My wife called her best friend on Friday and left her a voice mail. She hadn't heard anything back by Saturday When she remembered that her friend's husband had an old friend visiting from Chicago. So we start to get worried that they had taken him out sightseeing in London. More 'phone calls over weekend but, still no trace by Sunday night.
Finally we hear from her this morning, they'd been out and about and only got the messages recently. Phew.
The recovery of bodies is taking a long time due to the conditions underground and the need to gather forensic information.
A helpline was setup for people to call if they are looking for someone, it has since become known that this line is charging upto 40 pence a minute. Now that is just sick profitering and someone needs a good kick up the arse.
My wife called her best friend on Friday and left her a voice mail. She hadn't heard anything back by Saturday When she remembered that her friend's husband had an old friend visiting from Chicago. So we start to get worried that they had taken him out sightseeing in London. More 'phone calls over weekend but, still no trace by Sunday night.
Finally we hear from her this morning, they'd been out and about and only got the messages recently. Phew.
First day back after the bombs
After a sunny weekend spent hacking back an overgrown Wisteria, it's my first day back at work since the bombings.
It was almost a normal journey in, dozing on the mainline train. As we sailled past Waterloo station I looked down, idly watching people scurrying about on their way to work. Something didn't look quite right though. It was the bicycles, there were a lot more than normal. Many of the riders looked like they hadn't been on a bike in years, wobbling along on brand new fold up bikes. I bet Halfords did a roaring trade this weekend from people too worried to use the tube or buses again.
When the train was nearing Charing Cross I started to think of my own journey on the tube and considered walking instead. This only lasted a minute though before I decided to get the tube as normal, after all this fear and disruption is part of what the bastards wanted wasn't it?
I've just heard a siren again, this is quite normal for Euston but just for a second I got a little tightening in my stomach.
It's fair to say that people are, largely, carrying on as normal through a sense of defiance and yet there is an edge to the day that wasn't there until Thursday 7th July 2005.
It was almost a normal journey in, dozing on the mainline train. As we sailled past Waterloo station I looked down, idly watching people scurrying about on their way to work. Something didn't look quite right though. It was the bicycles, there were a lot more than normal. Many of the riders looked like they hadn't been on a bike in years, wobbling along on brand new fold up bikes. I bet Halfords did a roaring trade this weekend from people too worried to use the tube or buses again.
When the train was nearing Charing Cross I started to think of my own journey on the tube and considered walking instead. This only lasted a minute though before I decided to get the tube as normal, after all this fear and disruption is part of what the bastards wanted wasn't it?
I've just heard a siren again, this is quite normal for Euston but just for a second I got a little tightening in my stomach.
It's fair to say that people are, largely, carrying on as normal through a sense of defiance and yet there is an edge to the day that wasn't there until Thursday 7th July 2005.
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Home
London bomb explosions
Finally let out of work at 3pm. The police had to check the area as we were so close to the attack sites.
I walked down to Charing Cross with three colleagues fully expecting it to be chaotic trying to get a train home. There were very few trains running but I was lucky and got on one pretty quickly with one of my colleagues. He got to Sevenoaks and then his wife came to meet him there. I went on to Tonbridge and met my wife there before going to the nursery to pick up the kids.
The mobile networks were becoming easier to use so, I called my Grandma in Liverpool to let her know I was home. Also called my Mum.
Kids now in bed and I'm typing this with a glass of wine next to me. Still feeling shaky and very lucky.
I've been caught up in the periphery of bomb attacks before (IRA) but this was a lot closer. Work is shut tomorrow, we're to call a number on Sunday to check a recorded message teling us whether we can go back to work or not.
Fatalities are confirmed at 37 and still rising. Some of the living casualties must have horrific injuries. Earlier I felt guilty for being glad it's not me, now I just feel very saddened for the victims and their relatives.
At lunch yesterday we were overjoyed that London had won the bidding to host the 2012 olympics. Today we sat together scraping around for things to say, just glad to be there.
Finally let out of work at 3pm. The police had to check the area as we were so close to the attack sites.
I walked down to Charing Cross with three colleagues fully expecting it to be chaotic trying to get a train home. There were very few trains running but I was lucky and got on one pretty quickly with one of my colleagues. He got to Sevenoaks and then his wife came to meet him there. I went on to Tonbridge and met my wife there before going to the nursery to pick up the kids.
The mobile networks were becoming easier to use so, I called my Grandma in Liverpool to let her know I was home. Also called my Mum.
Kids now in bed and I'm typing this with a glass of wine next to me. Still feeling shaky and very lucky.
I've been caught up in the periphery of bomb attacks before (IRA) but this was a lot closer. Work is shut tomorrow, we're to call a number on Sunday to check a recorded message teling us whether we can go back to work or not.
Fatalities are confirmed at 37 and still rising. Some of the living casualties must have horrific injuries. Earlier I felt guilty for being glad it's not me, now I just feel very saddened for the victims and their relatives.
At lunch yesterday we were overjoyed that London had won the bidding to host the 2012 olympics. Today we sat together scraping around for things to say, just glad to be there.
Get off the line
London bomb explosions
My wife had a call on her mobile earlier. It was Orange making a marketing call as her contract was coming up for renewal.
My wife said, "Look, it's not a good time at the moment."
"OK, Madam. Can you tell me when would be a good time to call you back?"
"How about when London is not under a terrorist attack and I'm not waiting for a call from my Husband who is stuck in Euston?"
Honestly, have a bit of common sense people.
My wife had a call on her mobile earlier. It was Orange making a marketing call as her contract was coming up for renewal.
My wife said, "Look, it's not a good time at the moment."
"OK, Madam. Can you tell me when would be a good time to call you back?"
"How about when London is not under a terrorist attack and I'm not waiting for a call from my Husband who is stuck in Euston?"
Honestly, have a bit of common sense people.
Looks like a sleepover
London bomb explosions
Just had lunch, as you might expect the mood is very sombre.
It's highly unlikely that many of us will get home tonight. I've got some wash stuff from my gym bag and I can sleep under the desk.
Here's the latest company e-mail:
"We are continuing to monitor the situation outside carefully.
It is clear that the aftermath of the explosions earlier this morning is going to have a devastating effect on the transport system.
At present, we understand that this area is cordoned off, although we are currently getting advice from the police.
At the moment the advice remains to stay in the building.
As soon as we have some guidance from the police we will advise staff immediately.
Once it is clear that it is safe for people to leave the building, those who can get home on foot will be encouraged to do so.
There will be more information about plans for tomorrow (Friday) later today. At the moment we are advising people to cancel all visitors and meetings, and staff who can get home tonight are advised not to try to get in to work tomorrow . The summer party, planned for tomorrow evening will now be cancelled, and hopefully rearranged in the future. (Refunds will be made on tickets purchased).
Some people may find that they cannot get home at all this evening. The building will obviously remain open and we will try to cater for any staff stranded as best we can.
Lastly, if there are any members of staff who were due to come in to the office today, who are still unaccounted for, please contact **** or **** in HR immediately. At the moment we believe that all members of staff are accounted for.
We will continiue to communicate via e-mail, so please check your e-mails regularly. In addition there will be information on the telephone number on the back of our security passes and on the external website.
If anyone does not have access to e-mail in your area, please ensure that you keep them informed.
Director of Resources"
Just had lunch, as you might expect the mood is very sombre.
It's highly unlikely that many of us will get home tonight. I've got some wash stuff from my gym bag and I can sleep under the desk.
Here's the latest company e-mail:
"We are continuing to monitor the situation outside carefully.
It is clear that the aftermath of the explosions earlier this morning is going to have a devastating effect on the transport system.
At present, we understand that this area is cordoned off, although we are currently getting advice from the police.
At the moment the advice remains to stay in the building.
As soon as we have some guidance from the police we will advise staff immediately.
Once it is clear that it is safe for people to leave the building, those who can get home on foot will be encouraged to do so.
There will be more information about plans for tomorrow (Friday) later today. At the moment we are advising people to cancel all visitors and meetings, and staff who can get home tonight are advised not to try to get in to work tomorrow . The summer party, planned for tomorrow evening will now be cancelled, and hopefully rearranged in the future. (Refunds will be made on tickets purchased).
Some people may find that they cannot get home at all this evening. The building will obviously remain open and we will try to cater for any staff stranded as best we can.
Lastly, if there are any members of staff who were due to come in to the office today, who are still unaccounted for, please contact **** or **** in HR immediately. At the moment we believe that all members of staff are accounted for.
We will continiue to communicate via e-mail, so please check your e-mails regularly. In addition there will be information on the telephone number on the back of our security passes and on the external website.
If anyone does not have access to e-mail in your area, please ensure that you keep them informed.
Director of Resources"
Constant sirens
London bomb explosions
Our offices are close to the University College Hospital, there are ambulances streaming in and out of there all the time. The sirens blaring, reminding us all the time that there are casualties all around. Quite surreal to think of the chaos outside whilst the office is calm.
News is still confusing, at least six explosions on the tubes and buses. Reports of suspect packages and bombs being found and neutralised. Two dead at Aldgate East.
Some specualtion about who has done it and how many dead but few firm facts. We're waiting for the Prime Minister's first press announcement, don't expect much more in the way of facts though, still too early.
I feel lucky that my children are all too young to worry about me but I just want to hold them now.
Our offices are close to the University College Hospital, there are ambulances streaming in and out of there all the time. The sirens blaring, reminding us all the time that there are casualties all around. Quite surreal to think of the chaos outside whilst the office is calm.
News is still confusing, at least six explosions on the tubes and buses. Reports of suspect packages and bombs being found and neutralised. Two dead at Aldgate East.
Some specualtion about who has done it and how many dead but few firm facts. We're waiting for the Prime Minister's first press announcement, don't expect much more in the way of facts though, still too early.
I feel lucky that my children are all too young to worry about me but I just want to hold them now.
Scared
London bomb explosions
Nearly everyone here is scared now, some more than others. My hands are shaking a little. Just spoke to my mum to let her know I'm OK.
Charles Clarke just made a statement to the press, nothing new at the moment. He urged people not to make any journeys unless absolutely necessary and expressed concern and regret at the reports of the terrible injuries some people have sustained.
Just received this e-mail from our HR director:
"As people are probably aware, there has been a series of explosions on public transport in London this morning, including at least one or two in the vicinity of the office. It is difficult to know what to do at this stage, but we are keeping the situation under very close review.
The best advice we can give staff right now is to stay in the office. We are advising staff who are on their way to work, not to try to get in.
We will keep you informed of any developments during the course of the day."
Nearly everyone here is scared now, some more than others. My hands are shaking a little. Just spoke to my mum to let her know I'm OK.
Charles Clarke just made a statement to the press, nothing new at the moment. He urged people not to make any journeys unless absolutely necessary and expressed concern and regret at the reports of the terrible injuries some people have sustained.
Just received this e-mail from our HR director:
"As people are probably aware, there has been a series of explosions on public transport in London this morning, including at least one or two in the vicinity of the office. It is difficult to know what to do at this stage, but we are keeping the situation under very close review.
The best advice we can give staff right now is to stay in the office. We are advising staff who are on their way to work, not to try to get in.
We will keep you informed of any developments during the course of the day."
Family
London bomb explosions
Spoke to my wife, she hadn't heard the news at all. I'm staying in the office for now, seems the safest place at the moment.
Wife called back, she has spoken to my mum and one of my sisters now to let them know I'm OK. They had heard the news and were panicking because they couldn;t reach me on the mobile phone. Mobiles aren't working here because everyone is using them at the same time, network jammed.
No official line from the government yet, cabinet is meeting now.
Spoke to my wife, she hadn't heard the news at all. I'm staying in the office for now, seems the safest place at the moment.
Wife called back, she has spoken to my mum and one of my sisters now to let them know I'm OK. They had heard the news and were panicking because they couldn;t reach me on the mobile phone. Mobiles aren't working here because everyone is using them at the same time, network jammed.
No official line from the government yet, cabinet is meeting now.
Getting worse
London bomb explosions
Friend's brother works near Russell Square. He says there was a bomb on bus near there, bodies in street. Feel sick now.
Trains derailled in Edgware.
Friend's brother works near Russell Square. He says there was a bomb on bus near there, bodies in street. Feel sick now.
Trains derailled in Edgware.
What's going on?
London bomb explosions
There's been an explosion at Liverpool Street station tube. Several walking wounded and one life threatening injury apparently.
Another incident at Edgware Road tube, possibly a train collision. Rumours of body parts near Aldgate.
Confusing information coming through the news channels. Not sure of the cause, it seems there are rumours it is caused by a power surge but that just sounds like a smokescreen to reduce panic to me.
Constant sirens now for over an hour, getting a bit scary now, going to call the wife.
There's been an explosion at Liverpool Street station tube. Several walking wounded and one life threatening injury apparently.
Another incident at Edgware Road tube, possibly a train collision. Rumours of body parts near Aldgate.
Confusing information coming through the news channels. Not sure of the cause, it seems there are rumours it is caused by a power surge but that just sounds like a smokescreen to reduce panic to me.
Constant sirens now for over an hour, getting a bit scary now, going to call the wife.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Raspberries to Jacques Chirac
London got the olympics for 2012, I've just heard the announcement on the radio. I cannot wait to go to some of the games. During the Sydney olympics my wife and I decided to go to Athens for the next games. Then we had the kids and it was out of the question. In 2012, we can all go and it's on the doorstep. YES.
There are problems to overcome in staging it, building the stadiums and accommodation, shoring up the transport system, getting the funding and so on. These things can be achieved.
To all the cynics out there, I know there are problems associated with hosting the event but nothing worth having is easy to get.
Oooooh, the Red Arrows display team have just flown past leaving a red, white and blue smoke trail, well this is something worth celebrating.
On a final note, it is a particularly good feeling to beat France after Chirac's comments prior to G8. I'd rather have roast beef over frog's legs any day.
Stop staring at my t*ts
I had a meeting yesterday with my boss and two of our clients. Both of the clients were women wearing low cut tops.
In situations like this I find my eyes drawn to a certain area whether I find the woman attractive or not, I guess there's some evolutionary theories in there somewhere but they all sound like excuses to lech. I understand it's bad form to ogle, I know not to do it so I make sure not to look. It's a minor struggle sometimes but not beyond me, especially in the working environment.
Even outside of work I cringe when I see some guy virtually drooling at a tight pair of jeans. It's worse when the jeans are 20 something and the eyes are 50 something. Be a bit more discrete, no wonder some women consider all men to be potential rapists. So although I appreciate a good figure, I'm not about to turn primal at the drop of a hat. Not all men seem able to restrain themselves though.
Back in the meeting I'm discussing web hosting options and the like, everytime I turn to my boss for confirmation on a point or two I catch him staring at one the client's chests. We wrap the meeting up and head off for the lifts.
Once inside he says, "If only all our customers were so nice and easy to get on with."
"..and with big cleavages too," I reply.
He realises I'm trying to warn him about the ogling, "Yep, yep, that too. You know sometimes I'm accused of being a bit lecherous but it's these glasses. They're bi-focal so I have to look down a lot to focus and sometimes it looks like I'm being a dirty old man."
I couldn't help but laugh.
In situations like this I find my eyes drawn to a certain area whether I find the woman attractive or not, I guess there's some evolutionary theories in there somewhere but they all sound like excuses to lech. I understand it's bad form to ogle, I know not to do it so I make sure not to look. It's a minor struggle sometimes but not beyond me, especially in the working environment.
Even outside of work I cringe when I see some guy virtually drooling at a tight pair of jeans. It's worse when the jeans are 20 something and the eyes are 50 something. Be a bit more discrete, no wonder some women consider all men to be potential rapists. So although I appreciate a good figure, I'm not about to turn primal at the drop of a hat. Not all men seem able to restrain themselves though.
Back in the meeting I'm discussing web hosting options and the like, everytime I turn to my boss for confirmation on a point or two I catch him staring at one the client's chests. We wrap the meeting up and head off for the lifts.
Once inside he says, "If only all our customers were so nice and easy to get on with."
"..and with big cleavages too," I reply.
He realises I'm trying to warn him about the ogling, "Yep, yep, that too. You know sometimes I'm accused of being a bit lecherous but it's these glasses. They're bi-focal so I have to look down a lot to focus and sometimes it looks like I'm being a dirty old man."
I couldn't help but laugh.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Fire
The first day back at work after my holiday and the train home makes an impromptu stop at Chislehurst. There was a fire at Paddock Wood so the line was closed. The guard told us that there would be an alternative train or bus service to get us home.
So we all pile off the train and wait for some info.......5 minutes......10 minutes......nothing. Let's go and ask the ticket office.
The chap at the ticket counter didn't know anything about the fire.
Some of us 'phone SE Trains hotline, they didn't know anything about the fire.
There were NO alternative arrangements.
After several 'phone calls the ticket office chap announces that another train will be making an unscheduled stop to pick us up and go on to Tonbridge then we can make our way from there. Five minutes later the train stops and we pile on.
It turns out the fire is now under control but the down platform at Paddock Wood is still closed so those who need to get to Paddock Wood can go to the next station, Marden, and get a train back up the line to Paddock Wood as the up platforms are still open.
As we went through Paddock Wood the devastation is immense. There is a thick, black smoke high into the air and we can still feel the heat of the dying embers from 100 yards away. The warehouse has all but gone, just the twisted metal outer casing remains and the top of that has melted inwards.
I was feeling aggrieved about getting home late but seeing the fire site made me feel guilty for being so selfish.
I hope everyone got out in time.
So we all pile off the train and wait for some info.......5 minutes......10 minutes......nothing. Let's go and ask the ticket office.
The chap at the ticket counter didn't know anything about the fire.
Some of us 'phone SE Trains hotline, they didn't know anything about the fire.
There were NO alternative arrangements.
After several 'phone calls the ticket office chap announces that another train will be making an unscheduled stop to pick us up and go on to Tonbridge then we can make our way from there. Five minutes later the train stops and we pile on.
It turns out the fire is now under control but the down platform at Paddock Wood is still closed so those who need to get to Paddock Wood can go to the next station, Marden, and get a train back up the line to Paddock Wood as the up platforms are still open.
As we went through Paddock Wood the devastation is immense. There is a thick, black smoke high into the air and we can still feel the heat of the dying embers from 100 yards away. The warehouse has all but gone, just the twisted metal outer casing remains and the top of that has melted inwards.
I was feeling aggrieved about getting home late but seeing the fire site made me feel guilty for being so selfish.
I hope everyone got out in time.
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Travelling
We packed up the car and set off at 7:40 on Saturday morning. We expected the journey to be unpleasant, it's a long way to drive with three small children. They were tired and restless by the time we were nearing the end of the A303.
Then we got stuck in a long jam. It took about an hour to get through it, we limped along and made a brief stop at Newcott Chef for coffee and toilet breaks. The holdup was caused by a broken down coach, it was blocking the other other lane. At this point on the road it's a single carriage each way rolling through pretty hills and woodland. Very scenic but nowhere to drag the coach offroad.
We stopped at my wife's aunt and uncle's cottage in Otterton for tea before pushing onto the holiday camp, Perran Sands.
Click here for more on Otterton.
My wife's uncle is a lecturer at a nearby agricultural college, practical dairy farming and the like. He's fairly new to teaching but enjoying it, not least because the hours are easier than actual farming. At the moment they're renting a cottage but hope to move into one of the houses on the college grounds soon.
The weather was a little rainy but still warm and the forecast promised it would be quite dry for the rest of the week. We got to the camp site after roughly 7.5 hours on the road. Tired but glad to be there and looking forward to the holiday on the beach.
Then we got stuck in a long jam. It took about an hour to get through it, we limped along and made a brief stop at Newcott Chef for coffee and toilet breaks. The holdup was caused by a broken down coach, it was blocking the other other lane. At this point on the road it's a single carriage each way rolling through pretty hills and woodland. Very scenic but nowhere to drag the coach offroad.
We stopped at my wife's aunt and uncle's cottage in Otterton for tea before pushing onto the holiday camp, Perran Sands.
Click here for more on Otterton.
My wife's uncle is a lecturer at a nearby agricultural college, practical dairy farming and the like. He's fairly new to teaching but enjoying it, not least because the hours are easier than actual farming. At the moment they're renting a cottage but hope to move into one of the houses on the college grounds soon.
The weather was a little rainy but still warm and the forecast promised it would be quite dry for the rest of the week. We got to the camp site after roughly 7.5 hours on the road. Tired but glad to be there and looking forward to the holiday on the beach.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
