News from the Frontline

I feel like there has been plenty going on lately; but as I sit here and type I can't really remember what has happened.

The freshest interesting news is that Hayzey has finally developed the capacity to give herself a bottle. This is not to say that she feeds herself; just that if she is in the mind she can take a bottle (or training cup) and give herself a drink. She's very happy with herself when she does this :-)

I watched the World Cup qualification game the other night (Wednesday??). I've never really understood the appeal of soccer (err .... football) but this game was a ripper. I watched the whole thing and and when the lady finally sang I was shaking. Fantastic!! I'm very firmly on the bandwagon now.

The only downside was that I'd been up since 03:00 due to some work commitments. As it was Hayzey kept us up until about midnight; and then she wake again at 04:00. The following night was worse however - I foolishly read until 22:00 and then Hayzey had us up more or less continuously from 00:30 thru to 04:30. At this stage I brought here downstairs and she suddenly decided to sleep ....

LGR is feeling very arty of late - plenty of pasting, drawing, cutting, painting and general creativity. He painted a picture for his mate Corky; but Corky didn't like it and told LGR this. It broke my heart :-(

LGR also loves the idea of Christmas; but doesn't want to go near Santa. He likes decorations, trees, stories, carols, presents (particularly presents) but doesn't want to talk to Santa. He's still a shy little fellow.

Mrs G is sailing along nicely - manically doing cross stitches in front of the TV and enhoying work immensely. She even took the time out yesterday for a 2 hour haircut!!

I'm starting to feel a little bit comfortable in my new job - but not completely. There's a crapload I have to learn and understand but the people there are good, the culture is positive and the tech basis of the company appears to be fundamentally sound. The decision to move was a good one and, in spite of the offers of an open door if I should decide to come back, it appears unlikely that my previous employer will be missed.

Hayzey Has Teeth

They've finally arrived - after 11 months and 6 days Hayzey has teeth. A tooth. On the bottom gum.

LGR at the controls of a 'digger'

My curious boy

Hayzey in the 'Big Bed'

The End of an Era

It's all over. I've finished up with my job at the outsourcing company (I can't recall if I've ever named them on this site; but don't intend to start doing so now) and am now on a 2 day 'mini holiday' before kicking off my new job.

This is the first time I've ever left a job and not been sad. I will miss a lot of the guys I worked with, but the company itself was (is) a terrible company to work for. I honestly don't know why I stayed there as long as I did ...

Well, actually I do. I was getting some things out of it that worked for me. But through the gradual erosion of entitlements and an increase in skills and knowledge the grind became too much and a new environment was needed.

The most overwhelming thing I learnt during my time at this company is just how important senior management are too setting a culture at the company. The decisions they make really do permeate through the company. I've also learnt the importance of communication and consistency.

Every manager I ever spoke to honestly seemed to care about the people in the company, but senior management (who were quite isolated) do what they have to do and try to make the company run more effectively. Unfortunately a lot of the decisions made impacted very badly on those of us further down the food chain ....

To the guys who are still there - keep fighting the good fighting and I hope it works out for each you both collectively and individually.