Dear all,
I had a bit of a breakdown Saturday night while on the phone with Derek. I was really calling to support him, as he is so busy with his exams, but instead I talked incessantly about myself... I know: it's appalling. It seems I just needed to release something that has been in the back of my mind for months.
We discussed, or rather I ranted, about how worried I am about finding my dream job. This whole reorganisation stuff is doing my head in and the thought of having to go through the whole CV-sending, cover-letter writing and interviewing again scares me. I obviously do not want to stay in this job anyway, so you might wonder why I got upset. The thing is that I find the 'real' world a less than fun place to be, and working every day is not something I particularly enjoy and due to past experience and experience in this job I feel terribly insecure about what my knowledge, or rather qualifications, can bring me. I want a job I feel good about, as we all do!
Arts graduates are, and I am not just speaking for myself, extremely under-prepared for the 'real' world; for the amount of hard work that goes into finding a good job, the amount of time you'll need to spend in a not so good job, the humiliation of some interviews. Derek, in contrast, knows exactly what to expect and has been prepared for work in numerous lengthy placements. So on the one had I would champion a more practical approach even in Arts degrees, but on the other hand I see disappearing before me the reason why Universities were founded originally: the quest for knowledge. University used to be about knowledge, not about practical experience. What I have learnt at University has been very valuable and I feel that I have a lot to bring to future employers, the problem is that they don't seem to see it. Every time I have an interview I feel like I have to defend not having done something more practical, something that would have prepared me for the job market.
And then I wonder; would I have made different choices had I known what the 'real' world is like? Would I have studied Law or maybe Journalism, or would I have done Teacher Training after all? I frankly don't know. I used to answer this question with a definite NO, because I enjoyed what I did so much, more so I sometimes think than people who have done more practical subject. And I feel sad if I hear people speak about doing a certain degree because it will get them a good job. But then I see the people around me at work, quite a few of which have a similar background to mine, and they are still here after years and years. I think that they/we don't deserve this. We can do so much better and can be such valuable assets to companies. Of course I am not suggesting this job is totally dumb and invaluable, in fact I think we do a fairly important job, but I know most of us don't enjoy it as much as we could if we received more respect for the knowledge we have.
Of course Derek suggested that I should not let what I do now, or how I think employers view me, determine how I feel about myself and my achievements, and he is right. And I do know that I did a great job, but I miss the acknowledgement that I was expecting to receive. Of course it is still early days, and this is only my first job, but I know it will be hard also in the long run.
And so I ask you: what are your thoughts on this. Is it a good thing that more and more university graduates come out of uni prepped for a job? Or are we losing something very valuable? I am curious to find out what you think.
I will not give up, and I will find that amazing job:)! I promise!
Back soon!
Love,
Monday, April 10, 2006
Monday, April 03, 2006
Reorganisation my ARSE (excuse my language)...
Dear all,
The week before last we received some news from Lenovo. They are 'reorganising', which means they will be cutting at least 1/3 of the work force In Greenock and move most of it to Eastern Europe... YEAH. This is all apparently due to 'world wide economic conditions' (ie the big bosses are not making enough money).
Last week Lenovo employees (I'm actually employed by Adecco) heard the numbers. In our department only 13 out of the 57 Lenovo employees will stay... So that looks pretty bad for us... We hear the numbers today. I am nearly 100% sure we will all go. We won't hear who goes and who stays until on or after June 15th. The employer has to have a consultation period of 3 months by law, and they abuse this to force us to wait all this time for news of what the future holds. I think this is terribly unfair, especially as they will hardly have to give me any notice at all; less than the one month that is in my contract, because they are making me redundant. On the other hand I do have to give Adecco 1 month notice if I happen to find a better job right now! It's ridiculous.
I have been talking with Derek about it, and we have come to the conclusion that the best thing to do is probably go down to Cambrige immediately once I lose my job. I'm still hoping this will be around November or something, because that would give me a year of experience on my cv, and Derek some space for himself, but if it's earlier than that I will just go. We'll just have to wait and see!
This weekend Derek and me went looking for holidays. Turns out out idea of one week Spanish coast and one week Barcelona is probably not possible within our budget (mine can be no more than £500...). The lady in the nearest travel agent seemed to understand what sort or holiday we would like though and suggested going to a cottage or apartment in France somewhere for the full 2 weeks. That will be cheaper and if you make sure you're somewhere where there's lots to see and there's a town nearby we will still get out of the holiday what we were after. That sounded like a good idea. Looks like we might be going to the Languedoc, as it is on the south coast of France, but not as expensive as the Provence/Riviera. Hope it will be possible to book with flights rather than channel crossing, because Derek does not really fancy driving all the way down south and than driving all that way in France too. Would be easier to rent a car. Fingers crossed we find somewhere nice to go! We also went to a different travel agent to see what they come up with. I am really looking forward to going on holiday, but at the same time June comes with dread as I will hear about my job and Derek will be moving to Cambridge...
On a more positive note: we will be fine, whatever happens:)!
Lots of love,
PS Forgot to tell you I got new glasses! They're really cool Moschino ones, in red plastic:).
The week before last we received some news from Lenovo. They are 'reorganising', which means they will be cutting at least 1/3 of the work force In Greenock and move most of it to Eastern Europe... YEAH. This is all apparently due to 'world wide economic conditions' (ie the big bosses are not making enough money).
Last week Lenovo employees (I'm actually employed by Adecco) heard the numbers. In our department only 13 out of the 57 Lenovo employees will stay... So that looks pretty bad for us... We hear the numbers today. I am nearly 100% sure we will all go. We won't hear who goes and who stays until on or after June 15th. The employer has to have a consultation period of 3 months by law, and they abuse this to force us to wait all this time for news of what the future holds. I think this is terribly unfair, especially as they will hardly have to give me any notice at all; less than the one month that is in my contract, because they are making me redundant. On the other hand I do have to give Adecco 1 month notice if I happen to find a better job right now! It's ridiculous.
I have been talking with Derek about it, and we have come to the conclusion that the best thing to do is probably go down to Cambrige immediately once I lose my job. I'm still hoping this will be around November or something, because that would give me a year of experience on my cv, and Derek some space for himself, but if it's earlier than that I will just go. We'll just have to wait and see!
This weekend Derek and me went looking for holidays. Turns out out idea of one week Spanish coast and one week Barcelona is probably not possible within our budget (mine can be no more than £500...). The lady in the nearest travel agent seemed to understand what sort or holiday we would like though and suggested going to a cottage or apartment in France somewhere for the full 2 weeks. That will be cheaper and if you make sure you're somewhere where there's lots to see and there's a town nearby we will still get out of the holiday what we were after. That sounded like a good idea. Looks like we might be going to the Languedoc, as it is on the south coast of France, but not as expensive as the Provence/Riviera. Hope it will be possible to book with flights rather than channel crossing, because Derek does not really fancy driving all the way down south and than driving all that way in France too. Would be easier to rent a car. Fingers crossed we find somewhere nice to go! We also went to a different travel agent to see what they come up with. I am really looking forward to going on holiday, but at the same time June comes with dread as I will hear about my job and Derek will be moving to Cambridge...
On a more positive note: we will be fine, whatever happens:)!
Lots of love,
PS Forgot to tell you I got new glasses! They're really cool Moschino ones, in red plastic:).
Friday, March 10, 2006
I break things...
Dear all,
On Wednesday, my two year anniversary, the day started really well, as I was really looking forward to the evening... but then... I decided, in all my silliness, to clean my glasses and before I knew it I had two halves in my hands. As in one glass with leg in the one hand, one in the other... ARGH! After about 5 minutes the whole office knew about it and there were loads of people searching for glue and cellotape and at least half a dozen people tried to stick them back together again. Nothing really worked... so I ended up working without glasses! I was so annoyed. Thankfully Derek is so very sweet that he will lend me the money for the glasses, and I can pay it back slowly. He's such a sweetheart:).
That evening we went to Firebird. We had a nice meal and a few drinks and chatted about everything and anything. It just felt really special. It was great to go back to the place where we had out first date:). Lovely lovely.
Yesterday I went into town to meet Fiona and Elaine. Had a quick meal in a wee Italian. Was simple but nice. I then went to Dorothy Perkins to take my lovely shoes back:'(. Didn't even have to complain, the lady behind the till simply said: "They should not have broken like that; here's your money back." Brilliant service or what?! Unfortunately £25, the money they cost me as they were 1/2 price in the sale, would not pay for a nice new pair from there... so in the end I had to go to a cheapo shoe shop to get new ones. They're really cute though; pumps with wedge heals and a wee flower on it:). Let's hope they last... Even had £10 left, which meant they also paid for my meal:)!
Work has been quite crazy, but I have been coping ok. Better than I was a few weeks back anyway. Everyone has been really helpful. I enjoy working in our team:).
I hope you're all looking forward to a nice weekend:)! I am. Doing nothing tonight and an early bed, as I'm shattered, and then Derek will arrive on Saturday and we'll go on a glasses hunt:). Keep you updated on the results! No other plans yet, just general relaxation.
Lots of love,
On Wednesday, my two year anniversary, the day started really well, as I was really looking forward to the evening... but then... I decided, in all my silliness, to clean my glasses and before I knew it I had two halves in my hands. As in one glass with leg in the one hand, one in the other... ARGH! After about 5 minutes the whole office knew about it and there were loads of people searching for glue and cellotape and at least half a dozen people tried to stick them back together again. Nothing really worked... so I ended up working without glasses! I was so annoyed. Thankfully Derek is so very sweet that he will lend me the money for the glasses, and I can pay it back slowly. He's such a sweetheart:).
That evening we went to Firebird. We had a nice meal and a few drinks and chatted about everything and anything. It just felt really special. It was great to go back to the place where we had out first date:). Lovely lovely.
Yesterday I went into town to meet Fiona and Elaine. Had a quick meal in a wee Italian. Was simple but nice. I then went to Dorothy Perkins to take my lovely shoes back:'(. Didn't even have to complain, the lady behind the till simply said: "They should not have broken like that; here's your money back." Brilliant service or what?! Unfortunately £25, the money they cost me as they were 1/2 price in the sale, would not pay for a nice new pair from there... so in the end I had to go to a cheapo shoe shop to get new ones. They're really cute though; pumps with wedge heals and a wee flower on it:). Let's hope they last... Even had £10 left, which meant they also paid for my meal:)!
Work has been quite crazy, but I have been coping ok. Better than I was a few weeks back anyway. Everyone has been really helpful. I enjoy working in our team:).
I hope you're all looking forward to a nice weekend:)! I am. Doing nothing tonight and an early bed, as I'm shattered, and then Derek will arrive on Saturday and we'll go on a glasses hunt:). Keep you updated on the results! No other plans yet, just general relaxation.
Lots of love,
Monday, March 06, 2006
Beautiful
Dear all,
I had a lovely lovely lovely weekend:).
On Friday it was the (for me much-dreaded) office party. It started at 5pm, when work finished at 4pm, so Claire gave me a tour of Greenock first. That was, well... You can imagine. It was definitely not as bad as I imagined, but still not great. The views over the river though are lovely, and it make you think that if you have to live in a horrible high-rise flat, then at least you have a great view to wake up to in the morning. At 5pm we went to Text, a local pub. Had a few beers and a nice chat with some colleagues, and a buffet which was not great, and I went home (party-pooper that I am!) at 8.40 to catch the train home. Poor, I know. It was nice for a bit, but I just didn't fancy getting drunk there... Went to the Uber Lounge in Glasgow, where I had a Cola because I was shattered and we went home with the last underground.
On Saturday evening we met Derek's parents and sister. His dad had brought a bottle of rum and coke, so we had a big (and if Billy pours it that means HUGE) rum&coke and then also a glass of pink champagne, as it was their 28th wedding anniversary. We went to No.16 for dinner. My main of venison was delicious and I also especially loved the bread (with goats cheese and rosemary, mmmmm). Of course Billy splashed out on some lovely wine too. If you've not been to No.16: goooo, especially if you have some special occasion. After that Derek's parents went home and Derek, Katie and me went to Cammy's birthday party. I really wasn't up for it, but I did not want to spoil the fun, so I went along. It's silly, because it then always takes me ages to start enjoying myself. Was disappointed in myself for being such a mope. We went to this ship, the Renfrewshire ferry, which was host to a Las Vegas themed party. Lots of people were dressed up in 40's style, which was really cool, and the music was also 40's-60's. In the end we danced our ass off and I actually really liked it:)! Maybe we'll go back sometime. Only negative: turns out my lovely wedge boots are broken, or at least one of them:(... I noticed yesterday. Thankfully I managed to find the receipt, and I'll definitely take them back. I mean they're a bit more than 2 months old and I only wear them at weekends! Keep you updated on whether I get new ones!
On Sunday we managed to get up before 12 (which for us, especially after a night out, is quite an achievement!) and we went for a fry-up (HEALTHY LIVING!). Of course this was a disappointment... The egg was scrambled rather than sunny side up (my favourite!), the sausage tasted like it contained about 1% meat and there was no fruit or black pudding, the orange juice wasn't real juice... POOR! Next time we'll just make our own, or as Derek suggested start our own all-day breakfast place;). After breakfast we took the car and drove to Loch Lomond. It was such a gloriously beautiful day:). Went for a long drive, stopped for a wee walk and went to the local, slightly shabby looking, tea room for a tea with the most delicious scones ever (honestly, if you ever get to Tarbet, go to the wee tea room behind the Tarbet Hotel: mmmmm). It was just lovely! Got home by about 6pm, had some dinner and went to bed early:). Shame I had to leave the sleeping beauty behind this morning...
On Wednesday Derek & me celebrate our two year anniversary:)! Think the plan is, despite my skintness, to go the Firebird, where we went for our first date, for a meal and a few drinks:). Or maybe we'll do something different... We just loooooovvvveee going for dinner:)!
Hope you all had a good weekend too! And if you're in the Netherlands, or the North of Scotland or indeed anywhere else where there's snow: drive carefully and enjoy it!
Love,
I had a lovely lovely lovely weekend:).
On Friday it was the (for me much-dreaded) office party. It started at 5pm, when work finished at 4pm, so Claire gave me a tour of Greenock first. That was, well... You can imagine. It was definitely not as bad as I imagined, but still not great. The views over the river though are lovely, and it make you think that if you have to live in a horrible high-rise flat, then at least you have a great view to wake up to in the morning. At 5pm we went to Text, a local pub. Had a few beers and a nice chat with some colleagues, and a buffet which was not great, and I went home (party-pooper that I am!) at 8.40 to catch the train home. Poor, I know. It was nice for a bit, but I just didn't fancy getting drunk there... Went to the Uber Lounge in Glasgow, where I had a Cola because I was shattered and we went home with the last underground.
On Saturday evening we met Derek's parents and sister. His dad had brought a bottle of rum and coke, so we had a big (and if Billy pours it that means HUGE) rum&coke and then also a glass of pink champagne, as it was their 28th wedding anniversary. We went to No.16 for dinner. My main of venison was delicious and I also especially loved the bread (with goats cheese and rosemary, mmmmm). Of course Billy splashed out on some lovely wine too. If you've not been to No.16: goooo, especially if you have some special occasion. After that Derek's parents went home and Derek, Katie and me went to Cammy's birthday party. I really wasn't up for it, but I did not want to spoil the fun, so I went along. It's silly, because it then always takes me ages to start enjoying myself. Was disappointed in myself for being such a mope. We went to this ship, the Renfrewshire ferry, which was host to a Las Vegas themed party. Lots of people were dressed up in 40's style, which was really cool, and the music was also 40's-60's. In the end we danced our ass off and I actually really liked it:)! Maybe we'll go back sometime. Only negative: turns out my lovely wedge boots are broken, or at least one of them:(... I noticed yesterday. Thankfully I managed to find the receipt, and I'll definitely take them back. I mean they're a bit more than 2 months old and I only wear them at weekends! Keep you updated on whether I get new ones!
On Sunday we managed to get up before 12 (which for us, especially after a night out, is quite an achievement!) and we went for a fry-up (HEALTHY LIVING!). Of course this was a disappointment... The egg was scrambled rather than sunny side up (my favourite!), the sausage tasted like it contained about 1% meat and there was no fruit or black pudding, the orange juice wasn't real juice... POOR! Next time we'll just make our own, or as Derek suggested start our own all-day breakfast place;). After breakfast we took the car and drove to Loch Lomond. It was such a gloriously beautiful day:). Went for a long drive, stopped for a wee walk and went to the local, slightly shabby looking, tea room for a tea with the most delicious scones ever (honestly, if you ever get to Tarbet, go to the wee tea room behind the Tarbet Hotel: mmmmm). It was just lovely! Got home by about 6pm, had some dinner and went to bed early:). Shame I had to leave the sleeping beauty behind this morning...
On Wednesday Derek & me celebrate our two year anniversary:)! Think the plan is, despite my skintness, to go the Firebird, where we went for our first date, for a meal and a few drinks:). Or maybe we'll do something different... We just loooooovvvveee going for dinner:)!
Hope you all had a good weekend too! And if you're in the Netherlands, or the North of Scotland or indeed anywhere else where there's snow: drive carefully and enjoy it!
Love,
Thursday, February 16, 2006
I'm a communist... or am I
Let's hope the American government is not scanning my blog;).
Just thought I'd let you know that according to www.stemwijzer.nl I should vote for the NCPN (New Communist Party Netherlands) if I was to vote in the Groningen council elections... Dear...
I guess most of you already knew this;)!
Love,
Just thought I'd let you know that according to www.stemwijzer.nl I should vote for the NCPN (New Communist Party Netherlands) if I was to vote in the Groningen council elections... Dear...
I guess most of you already knew this;)!
Love,
Stress relief
Dear all,
I had a bit of a break-down at work last week. I actually cried... dear... I know it's silly! It was a combination of feeling quite ill, hormones and two very big complaints (as in from very big companies) coming in. I just felt I could not cope. Think people forget sometimes that I have only been here for 3 months, and that I don't know everything. I always ask people to help me, but they often give me minimal information and expect me to take it from there. Me crying did help, as now everyone is a lot more helpful. Should obviously have said something earlier, rather then letting it build up like that.
Yesterday I was called into my manager's office, and he talked to me about it. He was very kind actually and explained that they ususally don't recruit people straight out of univerisity, because some business experience certainly comes in handy. He also explained that I don't have to feel bad if I feel I can't cope, and that I should just go to my team leads or collegues for help. This made me feel a lot better! Of course the job is still stressful, but I try not to take it home anymore, and I try not to let it all pile up too much.
Hope you're well too! Love you all!
Love,
I had a bit of a break-down at work last week. I actually cried... dear... I know it's silly! It was a combination of feeling quite ill, hormones and two very big complaints (as in from very big companies) coming in. I just felt I could not cope. Think people forget sometimes that I have only been here for 3 months, and that I don't know everything. I always ask people to help me, but they often give me minimal information and expect me to take it from there. Me crying did help, as now everyone is a lot more helpful. Should obviously have said something earlier, rather then letting it build up like that.
Yesterday I was called into my manager's office, and he talked to me about it. He was very kind actually and explained that they ususally don't recruit people straight out of univerisity, because some business experience certainly comes in handy. He also explained that I don't have to feel bad if I feel I can't cope, and that I should just go to my team leads or collegues for help. This made me feel a lot better! Of course the job is still stressful, but I try not to take it home anymore, and I try not to let it all pile up too much.
Hope you're well too! Love you all!
Love,
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Liverpool: I came I saw, I conquered
Dear all,
I had a great great time in Liverpool:)!
First of all the drive down was an adventure! Derek and me felt quite "grown up" driving all the way down in Derek's wee car and of course I did a 'brilliant' job navigating (very difficult of course, especially when it basically involves following the M6;))! We arrived around Liverpool at about 10.30pm. We tried to follow the directions Derek had printed out, but this proved more difficult than expected. We had to ask several times even when we were only trying to get to the centre of Liverpool. Of course we blame atrocious signposting (although I would suggest next time Derek listens to me, as I knew which direction to take instinctively, and this without any sense of direction whatsoever, and turned out to be correct, though of course only in hind-sight;)). After searching for about 45 minutes we finally made it to the centre of Liverpool... Unfortunately there were no signs saying "Dee's house this way", so we stopped by the side of the road and called Dee. She explained to us that we were very close and gave us directions. Somehow (and of course I blame Derek;) hehehe) we managed to take a wrong turn, we had to ask again, ended up driving through a bus-lane, and saw most of Liverpool's city centre, but finally, at about 11.45 and after talking to Dee again (who called as she was concerned that what should have taken all of 5 minutes took more than 30!), we drove into her street! YEAH! We were treated to a very warm welcome by Dee and Alan. Their flat is lovely and it is very close to the city centre and the university, which makes it ideal. Had a cup of tea and as we were all tired we went to bed.
During our stay we strolled through Liverpool, visited one of the cathedrals and enjoyed panoramic views from the top, the docks etc. It was lovely weather and I actually, despite my bad experience last time, felt very at home there. As I said to Dee and Alan, and of course not meaning to offend anyone, "it is English but not too poncy". What I meant to say is that the atmosphere is a bit like Glasgow and that the people are friendly etc. A great place to be!
One of the highlights was when we went to see portraits of monkeys in the World museum. They were huge photographs of chimpanzees, orang oetangs, gorillas and bonobo's, most of which were orphaned and saw their parents die a gruesome death, or they were abused in some other way. See http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/exhibitions/facetoface/?id=0#ape for more information. I recommend it to everyone. They all looked so incredibly human. My favourite was a chimp called Katie. She has a mental illness and she just looked so scared and vulnerable and I just wanted to give her a big hug.
Another highlight was finally celebrating Sinterklaas. Was just so nice:). Should really celebrate together every year. The poems were great and the presents even better. Especially Derek's present of two left slippers;) (they have now been replaced by the cutest ever sheep slippers complete with heads and tails:)!). Dee's present was also very cute and one day I hope to play the pictionary I got from Alan with Derek... (he is 'scared' of playing any kind of games with me since a minor fall out over a game of cards... hehehehe)
On Sunday we finished our visit by going out to dinner. We went to a Greek restaurant in a slightly dodgy area. Restaurant was lovely though and the food was good too. Was a nice way to finish.
Dee had to go back to work on Monday morning and Derek and me slowly made our way home... We will definitely make this into a regular thing:).
Work has been a bit of a nightmare the past few days, and that combined with a really bad cold (I am not one to complain, but this is definitely one of the worst cold I've had in years...) has not made work much fun. I am still learning and I sometimes find that hard to accept. I still get totally stressed out sometimes, especially when dealing with huge companies where my dealings could have huge impact on the future business. It's a bit scary. I will get used to it, I know!
Looking forward to a quiet weekend with Derek. It's mainly going to be filled with watching Peep Show (no, it's not what you think!), Extras, Monty Python, and also with a lot of eating and drinking;). Lovely. Hope to go to Lochaline to see mum, Barbara and aunt Anneke the weekend after:).
Hope you're all well!
Love,
I had a great great time in Liverpool:)!
First of all the drive down was an adventure! Derek and me felt quite "grown up" driving all the way down in Derek's wee car and of course I did a 'brilliant' job navigating (very difficult of course, especially when it basically involves following the M6;))! We arrived around Liverpool at about 10.30pm. We tried to follow the directions Derek had printed out, but this proved more difficult than expected. We had to ask several times even when we were only trying to get to the centre of Liverpool. Of course we blame atrocious signposting (although I would suggest next time Derek listens to me, as I knew which direction to take instinctively, and this without any sense of direction whatsoever, and turned out to be correct, though of course only in hind-sight;)). After searching for about 45 minutes we finally made it to the centre of Liverpool... Unfortunately there were no signs saying "Dee's house this way", so we stopped by the side of the road and called Dee. She explained to us that we were very close and gave us directions. Somehow (and of course I blame Derek;) hehehe) we managed to take a wrong turn, we had to ask again, ended up driving through a bus-lane, and saw most of Liverpool's city centre, but finally, at about 11.45 and after talking to Dee again (who called as she was concerned that what should have taken all of 5 minutes took more than 30!), we drove into her street! YEAH! We were treated to a very warm welcome by Dee and Alan. Their flat is lovely and it is very close to the city centre and the university, which makes it ideal. Had a cup of tea and as we were all tired we went to bed.
During our stay we strolled through Liverpool, visited one of the cathedrals and enjoyed panoramic views from the top, the docks etc. It was lovely weather and I actually, despite my bad experience last time, felt very at home there. As I said to Dee and Alan, and of course not meaning to offend anyone, "it is English but not too poncy". What I meant to say is that the atmosphere is a bit like Glasgow and that the people are friendly etc. A great place to be!
One of the highlights was when we went to see portraits of monkeys in the World museum. They were huge photographs of chimpanzees, orang oetangs, gorillas and bonobo's, most of which were orphaned and saw their parents die a gruesome death, or they were abused in some other way. See http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/exhibitions/facetoface/?id=0#ape for more information. I recommend it to everyone. They all looked so incredibly human. My favourite was a chimp called Katie. She has a mental illness and she just looked so scared and vulnerable and I just wanted to give her a big hug.
Another highlight was finally celebrating Sinterklaas. Was just so nice:). Should really celebrate together every year. The poems were great and the presents even better. Especially Derek's present of two left slippers;) (they have now been replaced by the cutest ever sheep slippers complete with heads and tails:)!). Dee's present was also very cute and one day I hope to play the pictionary I got from Alan with Derek... (he is 'scared' of playing any kind of games with me since a minor fall out over a game of cards... hehehehe)
On Sunday we finished our visit by going out to dinner. We went to a Greek restaurant in a slightly dodgy area. Restaurant was lovely though and the food was good too. Was a nice way to finish.
Dee had to go back to work on Monday morning and Derek and me slowly made our way home... We will definitely make this into a regular thing:).
Work has been a bit of a nightmare the past few days, and that combined with a really bad cold (I am not one to complain, but this is definitely one of the worst cold I've had in years...) has not made work much fun. I am still learning and I sometimes find that hard to accept. I still get totally stressed out sometimes, especially when dealing with huge companies where my dealings could have huge impact on the future business. It's a bit scary. I will get used to it, I know!
Looking forward to a quiet weekend with Derek. It's mainly going to be filled with watching Peep Show (no, it's not what you think!), Extras, Monty Python, and also with a lot of eating and drinking;). Lovely. Hope to go to Lochaline to see mum, Barbara and aunt Anneke the weekend after:).
Hope you're all well!
Love,
Friday, January 27, 2006
Liverpool here I come!
Dear all,
Just wanted to share with you all that I am going to Liverpool this evening:)! Derek and me will visit Dieuwerke and Alan:)! We're driving down (or rather Derek is driving down, and I am being driven down;)) tonight. Hope to arrive by about 10pm.
We'll be celebrating an extremely belated Sinterklaas, so I spent most of last night wrapping presents and writing poems. So looking forward to finally seeing Dee again and to a fun-filled weekend. I took Monday off, so on Monday Derek&me can explore Liverpool together and then slowly make out way home.
Hope you all have fun plans for the weekend too!
Love,
Just wanted to share with you all that I am going to Liverpool this evening:)! Derek and me will visit Dieuwerke and Alan:)! We're driving down (or rather Derek is driving down, and I am being driven down;)) tonight. Hope to arrive by about 10pm.
We'll be celebrating an extremely belated Sinterklaas, so I spent most of last night wrapping presents and writing poems. So looking forward to finally seeing Dee again and to a fun-filled weekend. I took Monday off, so on Monday Derek&me can explore Liverpool together and then slowly make out way home.
Hope you all have fun plans for the weekend too!
Love,
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Bookclub
Dear all,
It looks like I may well be starting my own bookclub:)!!!
I received a reply from the Glasgow Libraries, which reads:
"Dear Mariken,
Thanks for getting in touch. Most of our groups are currently full and we are looking at starting more. It would be great if you could lead a new group in one of the libraries - is this what you have in mind, or would you prefer to have a group somewhere else? We can certainly supply copies of books for you.
If a group starts in a library, what would be your choice of library? And what would be your choice of day and time - would it be an evening?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Mary Greenshields
Adult Services Coordinator
Cultural and Leisure Services
The Mitchell Library"
That is such gooooood news:)! Really looking forward to getting stuck in, to reading again (I have only been reading (very good) detectives the oast 2 months), to making new friends, to doing something I LOVE!!!
That's me much happier than when I wrote the last post:). As you can tell I am not very busy at work. That's good, because it was rediculously busy on Monday and Tuesday. I deserve a wee quiet day.
Hope you're all well!
Love,
It looks like I may well be starting my own bookclub:)!!!
I received a reply from the Glasgow Libraries, which reads:
"Dear Mariken,
Thanks for getting in touch. Most of our groups are currently full and we are looking at starting more. It would be great if you could lead a new group in one of the libraries - is this what you have in mind, or would you prefer to have a group somewhere else? We can certainly supply copies of books for you.
If a group starts in a library, what would be your choice of library? And what would be your choice of day and time - would it be an evening?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Mary Greenshields
Adult Services Coordinator
Cultural and Leisure Services
The Mitchell Library"
That is such gooooood news:)! Really looking forward to getting stuck in, to reading again (I have only been reading (very good) detectives the oast 2 months), to making new friends, to doing something I LOVE!!!
That's me much happier than when I wrote the last post:). As you can tell I am not very busy at work. That's good, because it was rediculously busy on Monday and Tuesday. I deserve a wee quiet day.
Hope you're all well!
Love,
How ****ing close I got to a first...
Dear all,
I received an answer to my question concerning my degree results from Mr Alan Riach, the head of the Scottish Literature department:
"The final marks as entered and confirmed by the external examiner were: Essay 1, 18. Essay 2, 18. Essay 3, 18. Exam (Early Scot), 16, 16, 16. Exam (1700-1900), 15, 15, 15. Final exam mark: 15.5. Dissertation 18. Overall mark 17.375.
Unfortunately, the last mark falls just below the point at which it would have been rounded up. We did look at individual pieces of work and asked our external examiner to comment. The consistent mark of 18 for the essays was confirmed: 'all the work [in the essays] showed a good engagement with critical perceptions but was also individual and innovative in approach'. The external examiner also commented: 'The dissertation was also a strong piece of work. I didn't feel, however, that either the essays or the dissertation could be raised above the marks awarded.' However, the exam scripts were judged to be 'much weaker'. And as you can see, it was the exam marks that brought the overall mark down in the end."
That means I was 0,125 points away from a first!!!! AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!
How annoying is that?
Anyway. I am fine. Hope you are too!
Love,
Mariken
I received an answer to my question concerning my degree results from Mr Alan Riach, the head of the Scottish Literature department:
"The final marks as entered and confirmed by the external examiner were: Essay 1, 18. Essay 2, 18. Essay 3, 18. Exam (Early Scot), 16, 16, 16. Exam (1700-1900), 15, 15, 15. Final exam mark: 15.5. Dissertation 18. Overall mark 17.375.
Unfortunately, the last mark falls just below the point at which it would have been rounded up. We did look at individual pieces of work and asked our external examiner to comment. The consistent mark of 18 for the essays was confirmed: 'all the work [in the essays] showed a good engagement with critical perceptions but was also individual and innovative in approach'. The external examiner also commented: 'The dissertation was also a strong piece of work. I didn't feel, however, that either the essays or the dissertation could be raised above the marks awarded.' However, the exam scripts were judged to be 'much weaker'. And as you can see, it was the exam marks that brought the overall mark down in the end."
That means I was 0,125 points away from a first!!!! AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!
How annoying is that?
Anyway. I am fine. Hope you are too!
Love,
Mariken
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
A new, crap year
Dear all,
Sorry for the negative start to the post, but I have received some bad news concerning a family member, and also concerning a collegue of my dad's. Very bad news that I hope will turn out less bad than we all think. They are both in my thoughts. On top of that a dear family friend, to me traditionally referred to as "uncle Kees", passed away last week and the cremation is today. I am sad I cannot attend the cremation, but it would have been logistically impossible. I am there in my thoughts.
Not really the best start to a new year.
I am well thankfully. Work is going ok. I am finding it a challenge, but it has become quite clear to me, what I really already knew, that it is not the job of my dreams. Am keeping half an eye out for exciting opportunities. I do feel like I am doing a job that requires me to think and be independent, which is great. I know I should really not complain.
I had a lovely Christmas at Derek's. It was nice an quiet. Was spoilt of course;). Think everyone was happy with presents I gave them too. The best thing was of course the christmas meal:). Yummy!! Only had 2 mince pies over the holidays: have been very tempted to buy some left over ones;P! I didn't though... good me!
Hogmanay was great too. Went to the Uisge Beatha with Massuda, two of her friends and Derek. The piper was great of course at the bells. Great atmosphere in there. After we went to Simon and Kit's flat for their annual Hogmanay party. Sang Karaoke for hours:)!
New year's resolutions:
- Join the gyn and do more excercise, possibly join a sports club or go to the gym with Meena or Massuda.
- Watch less tv
- Read more
- Start a book column in a local newspaper
- Start a book club
- Join a political party
- Make more friends
- Most importantly: WORRY LESS
Wish you all a wonderful 2006!!
Love,
Sorry for the negative start to the post, but I have received some bad news concerning a family member, and also concerning a collegue of my dad's. Very bad news that I hope will turn out less bad than we all think. They are both in my thoughts. On top of that a dear family friend, to me traditionally referred to as "uncle Kees", passed away last week and the cremation is today. I am sad I cannot attend the cremation, but it would have been logistically impossible. I am there in my thoughts.
Not really the best start to a new year.
I am well thankfully. Work is going ok. I am finding it a challenge, but it has become quite clear to me, what I really already knew, that it is not the job of my dreams. Am keeping half an eye out for exciting opportunities. I do feel like I am doing a job that requires me to think and be independent, which is great. I know I should really not complain.
I had a lovely Christmas at Derek's. It was nice an quiet. Was spoilt of course;). Think everyone was happy with presents I gave them too. The best thing was of course the christmas meal:). Yummy!! Only had 2 mince pies over the holidays: have been very tempted to buy some left over ones;P! I didn't though... good me!
Hogmanay was great too. Went to the Uisge Beatha with Massuda, two of her friends and Derek. The piper was great of course at the bells. Great atmosphere in there. After we went to Simon and Kit's flat for their annual Hogmanay party. Sang Karaoke for hours:)!
New year's resolutions:
- Join the gyn and do more excercise, possibly join a sports club or go to the gym with Meena or Massuda.
- Watch less tv
- Read more
- Start a book column in a local newspaper
- Start a book club
- Join a political party
- Make more friends
- Most importantly: WORRY LESS
Wish you all a wonderful 2006!!
Love,
Friday, December 23, 2005
Something for the bored people among you
Thought you might enjoy this! Turn up your speakers and play!
http://www.chunk.co.uk/snowball/
Yes, Im bored... just want to go home and start the Christmas celebrations!!!! Also waiting for a fax before I can update a case, but it's still not arrived. SIGH!!!
Love,
http://www.chunk.co.uk/snowball/
Yes, Im bored... just want to go home and start the Christmas celebrations!!!! Also waiting for a fax before I can update a case, but it's still not arrived. SIGH!!!
Love,
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Also randomly...
Aparently if I was a reindeer I would be:
| You Are Vixen |
 Why You're Naughty: That fur pulling spat you got into with Dancer over Santa. Why You're Nice: Because even when you're nice, you're still delightfully naughty! |
Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?
Just thought I'd share that with you;)
I am crap at thinking of decent headings for blog posts...
Dear all,
Thought I would delight you with a blog post before Christmas. My system at work is down and so is my server, which means I have no access to my cases, so I have some time to spare:).
First of all I want to wish everyone
Merry Christmas and a Very Happy and Healthy 2006!!!
I am well. Work is going better and better. I am starting to feel like I know things now. The prospect of being the Dutch desk on my own from January 4th is still daunting, but I should be able to manage ok. Customers can be a pain in the backside, but overall they seem to respond well if you call them as soon as you receive their complaint (within 24 hours). If you then let them talk and explain themselves they tend to calm down. Quite a lot of the time people that complain just have no reason to (they are months or even years out of warranty most of the time, but still want us to do repairs free of charge etc), but if you are willing to listen they at least feel that their complaint is being acknowledged. Giving customers good news is of course the best feeling. Generally my advice when complaining is: nag on and you will get something;)! The people in my team are the best complainers when it comes to their own problems.
Life generally, when I have time to enjoy it, is also great. Derek's holidays have started, so he has some more time for me:). It was damn hard getting out of bed this morning with a sleeping beauty next to me that I just wanted to cuddle up to! I am really looking forward to tonight, when we are meeting some friends for the traditional Christmas get-together, and I am also very much looking forward to Christmas at Derek's. It is so weird to think that last Christmas is already a year ago. At the same time I am so used to having Derek around, when this time last year he'd only just come home from Denmark! I have got everyone a present, thankfully no Christmas eve rush for me. Luckily I have the Monday and Tuesday after Christmas off (as I work UK hours I have all bankholidays off:)): I really need those extra days to relax, stay in bed with Derek till the afternoon, have Derek-sandwiches (not with Derek on it;), but made by him and for those of you who haven't sampled them: they are the best sandwiches in the WORLD) with left-over turkey for lunch, go for a nice walk, watch silly Christmas TV and all those things that are so great around this time of year (which definitely does not include going shopping on boxing day (such a ridiculous concept, considering that Brits spend a FORTUNE over Christmas!).
On Saturday I went to Edinburgh to do some Christmas shopping (not because it's better, just because I wanted to meet up with my friend Barbara). I was slightly hung over from the night before, so it was not too much fun in the crowds, but I managed to do the necessary shopping. I even went into Harvey Nichols, hehe;). For anyone expecting a present from me from there: NO CHANCE. The cheapest thing that I might buy for someone I could find was a diamante (yes, that means FAKE) brooch that cost £80!!! Not quite within my budget...:'( Edinburgh is so stylish around Christmas. In Glasgow everything blinks, coloured lights everywhere, tackiness all round and that is great. In Edinburgh on the other hand they only have tiny white lights that don't blink and everything looks so pretty. It always amazes me how different these two cities are, when they are only 50 miles apart! Edinburgh is great to stroll through every couple of months, but Glasgow is home in all its tacky splendour.
Back to work now (or pretending to anyway as all systems are still very much down).
I hope you are all, or will all, be enjoying the holidays! Drink one on me.
Lots of love,
Thought I would delight you with a blog post before Christmas. My system at work is down and so is my server, which means I have no access to my cases, so I have some time to spare:).
First of all I want to wish everyone
Merry Christmas and a Very Happy and Healthy 2006!!!
I am well. Work is going better and better. I am starting to feel like I know things now. The prospect of being the Dutch desk on my own from January 4th is still daunting, but I should be able to manage ok. Customers can be a pain in the backside, but overall they seem to respond well if you call them as soon as you receive their complaint (within 24 hours). If you then let them talk and explain themselves they tend to calm down. Quite a lot of the time people that complain just have no reason to (they are months or even years out of warranty most of the time, but still want us to do repairs free of charge etc), but if you are willing to listen they at least feel that their complaint is being acknowledged. Giving customers good news is of course the best feeling. Generally my advice when complaining is: nag on and you will get something;)! The people in my team are the best complainers when it comes to their own problems.
Life generally, when I have time to enjoy it, is also great. Derek's holidays have started, so he has some more time for me:). It was damn hard getting out of bed this morning with a sleeping beauty next to me that I just wanted to cuddle up to! I am really looking forward to tonight, when we are meeting some friends for the traditional Christmas get-together, and I am also very much looking forward to Christmas at Derek's. It is so weird to think that last Christmas is already a year ago. At the same time I am so used to having Derek around, when this time last year he'd only just come home from Denmark! I have got everyone a present, thankfully no Christmas eve rush for me. Luckily I have the Monday and Tuesday after Christmas off (as I work UK hours I have all bankholidays off:)): I really need those extra days to relax, stay in bed with Derek till the afternoon, have Derek-sandwiches (not with Derek on it;), but made by him and for those of you who haven't sampled them: they are the best sandwiches in the WORLD) with left-over turkey for lunch, go for a nice walk, watch silly Christmas TV and all those things that are so great around this time of year (which definitely does not include going shopping on boxing day (such a ridiculous concept, considering that Brits spend a FORTUNE over Christmas!).
On Saturday I went to Edinburgh to do some Christmas shopping (not because it's better, just because I wanted to meet up with my friend Barbara). I was slightly hung over from the night before, so it was not too much fun in the crowds, but I managed to do the necessary shopping. I even went into Harvey Nichols, hehe;). For anyone expecting a present from me from there: NO CHANCE. The cheapest thing that I might buy for someone I could find was a diamante (yes, that means FAKE) brooch that cost £80!!! Not quite within my budget...:'( Edinburgh is so stylish around Christmas. In Glasgow everything blinks, coloured lights everywhere, tackiness all round and that is great. In Edinburgh on the other hand they only have tiny white lights that don't blink and everything looks so pretty. It always amazes me how different these two cities are, when they are only 50 miles apart! Edinburgh is great to stroll through every couple of months, but Glasgow is home in all its tacky splendour.
Back to work now (or pretending to anyway as all systems are still very much down).
I hope you are all, or will all, be enjoying the holidays! Drink one on me.
Lots of love,
Friday, December 02, 2005
Weird?
| You Are 70% Weird |
 You're so weird, you think you're *totally* normal. Right? But you wig out even the biggest of circus freaks! |
Drink & fun
Dear all,
The dinner last night was lovely. Derek's dad really is a great cook. The families got on well too. Drink was flowing very freely and everyone got fairly drunk (apart from my mum who, sensibly, only had one glass of wine). It was fun! The taxi ride home was interresting;).
In other news: if I was American I would be
Your Political Profile
Overall: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
Social Issues: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
Personal Responsibility: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
Fiscal Issues: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
Ethics: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
Defense and Crime: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
Check out www.blogthings.com for lots of fun tests. I discovered it through my friend Gerard's blog (see http://spaces.msn.com/members/bhoygary). It's fun, especially when you're bored at work!
Hope you're all well!
Love,
The dinner last night was lovely. Derek's dad really is a great cook. The families got on well too. Drink was flowing very freely and everyone got fairly drunk (apart from my mum who, sensibly, only had one glass of wine). It was fun! The taxi ride home was interresting;).
In other news: if I was American I would be
Your Political Profile
Overall: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
Social Issues: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
Personal Responsibility: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
Fiscal Issues: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
Ethics: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
Defense and Crime: 0% Conservative, 100% Liberal
Check out www.blogthings.com for lots of fun tests. I discovered it through my friend Gerard's blog (see http://spaces.msn.com/members/bhoygary). It's fun, especially when you're bored at work!
Hope you're all well!
Love,
Monday, November 28, 2005
Graduation & real life is hard...;)
Dear all,
I graduated!!!!! Yesterday I graduated from the University of Glasgow with an MPhil in Scottish Literature. From now on you will therefore have to refer to me as Mariken Schipper MA MPhil;). Only joking of course. I had a nice day with my family, my mum, dad and Jan are over, and Derek. I will miss being a student so very much though...
Life as a full-time employee is really not as easy as I thought. I mean I am very very very happy an grateful to have a reasonably well-paid job, in a lovely team of people, don't get me wrong, and I am very very happy with the pay I receive each week too, but it is hard to get up at 6.55am each morning (yes, that's BEFORE 7am). If, like me, you have been a student for the past 5 years, used to doing things in your own time and used to getting up whenever you felt like it, it is really quite tiring. I now understand why people don't feel like cooking when they get home, and why people are tired by the weekend.
Tonight me, my parents, and my brother will travel to Cumbernauld to have dinner at Derek's house. His dad is cooking venison for us. My mum has met the family before, but my dad and brother haven't. Quite exciting and scary really, but I'm sure we'll have a good time!
Back soon!
Lots of love,
Mariken
xxx xxx xxx
I graduated!!!!! Yesterday I graduated from the University of Glasgow with an MPhil in Scottish Literature. From now on you will therefore have to refer to me as Mariken Schipper MA MPhil;). Only joking of course. I had a nice day with my family, my mum, dad and Jan are over, and Derek. I will miss being a student so very much though...
Life as a full-time employee is really not as easy as I thought. I mean I am very very very happy an grateful to have a reasonably well-paid job, in a lovely team of people, don't get me wrong, and I am very very happy with the pay I receive each week too, but it is hard to get up at 6.55am each morning (yes, that's BEFORE 7am). If, like me, you have been a student for the past 5 years, used to doing things in your own time and used to getting up whenever you felt like it, it is really quite tiring. I now understand why people don't feel like cooking when they get home, and why people are tired by the weekend.
Tonight me, my parents, and my brother will travel to Cumbernauld to have dinner at Derek's house. His dad is cooking venison for us. My mum has met the family before, but my dad and brother haven't. Quite exciting and scary really, but I'm sure we'll have a good time!
Back soon!
Lots of love,
Mariken
xxx xxx xxx
Monday, November 07, 2005
REAL JOB!!!!
Dear all,
I am very very very happy to announce that I have a JOB!!!! With Lenovo (the Chinese company that took over IBM's PC business) in Greenock.
It is a Customer Relations job (and in Dutch as well as English), but with a difference. 'We' receive the cases that are too complicated for the help-desk to deal with, as well as complaints from large companies (or executives that have written to the big boss). The job involves a lot of networking within the company. I won't be on a phone all the time, as I would receive e-mails with all the cases that require solving and I can then go solve them in my own time. They usually take from 20 days to solve, envolving different departments etc.
It seems like an exciting job that will give me a lot of experience dealing with big executives and things like that. I am quite amazed I got it, as a requirement was that the candidate have a 'proven track record' in 'excellent' customer service, and I knew that there were two more candidates with experience. The recruitment lady said that this manager was apparently very picky and that he was very positive about my interview, saying that I have excellent communication skills (yes, I like talking;)) and that I am very intelligent.
Proud of myself:)!!!!
Love you all!!!
Mariken
I am very very very happy to announce that I have a JOB!!!! With Lenovo (the Chinese company that took over IBM's PC business) in Greenock.
It is a Customer Relations job (and in Dutch as well as English), but with a difference. 'We' receive the cases that are too complicated for the help-desk to deal with, as well as complaints from large companies (or executives that have written to the big boss). The job involves a lot of networking within the company. I won't be on a phone all the time, as I would receive e-mails with all the cases that require solving and I can then go solve them in my own time. They usually take from 20 days to solve, envolving different departments etc.
It seems like an exciting job that will give me a lot of experience dealing with big executives and things like that. I am quite amazed I got it, as a requirement was that the candidate have a 'proven track record' in 'excellent' customer service, and I knew that there were two more candidates with experience. The recruitment lady said that this manager was apparently very picky and that he was very positive about my interview, saying that I have excellent communication skills (yes, I like talking;)) and that I am very intelligent.
Proud of myself:)!!!!
Love you all!!!
Mariken
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Interviews
Dear all,
I had an interview at a company called Indigo Lighthouse (see http://www.indigolighthouse.com which strangely does not say anything about contact lenses! and no, I'm not making it up;)) today, in my lunch hour. I think it went well:). They 'do in' contact lenses. They outsource (is that a word??) for companies in The Netherlands such as Pearle and EyeWish, as ll as many companies in Britain, and the rest of Europe (YES Britain IS part of Europe;)). I liked the sound of the role, a combination of dealing with customers and branches in The Netherlands, and communicating by e-mail, post, and phone. They are a young company that is growing fast and therefore there is much room for progression. The atmosphere seemed really nice and the office is much more cheerful than the one I am in now. Hope they liked me too:)!
Tomorrow I will leave work at 1pm (after saving up 3 hours by working an extra hour on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) to travel to Greenock. There I have an interview at IBM, with both Addecco and Manpower. The one is for a temporary customer service role, the other for a permanent business-to-business role. I would definitely prefer the second one, but we'll see how we go. If, theoretically, I get offered both an IBM role and the Indigo Lighthouse role I will go for the second one, not least because it is snap bang in the middle of Glasgow's city centre. It pay slightly less, but the pro's (less travel, smaller company) are larger.
Will let you know how I get on!
Love to you all,
Mariken
I had an interview at a company called Indigo Lighthouse (see http://www.indigolighthouse.com which strangely does not say anything about contact lenses! and no, I'm not making it up;)) today, in my lunch hour. I think it went well:). They 'do in' contact lenses. They outsource (is that a word??) for companies in The Netherlands such as Pearle and EyeWish, as ll as many companies in Britain, and the rest of Europe (YES Britain IS part of Europe;)). I liked the sound of the role, a combination of dealing with customers and branches in The Netherlands, and communicating by e-mail, post, and phone. They are a young company that is growing fast and therefore there is much room for progression. The atmosphere seemed really nice and the office is much more cheerful than the one I am in now. Hope they liked me too:)!
Tomorrow I will leave work at 1pm (after saving up 3 hours by working an extra hour on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) to travel to Greenock. There I have an interview at IBM, with both Addecco and Manpower. The one is for a temporary customer service role, the other for a permanent business-to-business role. I would definitely prefer the second one, but we'll see how we go. If, theoretically, I get offered both an IBM role and the Indigo Lighthouse role I will go for the second one, not least because it is snap bang in the middle of Glasgow's city centre. It pay slightly less, but the pro's (less travel, smaller company) are larger.
Will let you know how I get on!
Love to you all,
Mariken
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Good and bad news
Dear all,
I never told you, but my grandfather was in hospital with a broken hip and arm. It didn't look good for a bit, because of some complications, but he is back home now, thankfully. Hope he will be mobile again...
Good news on the job-front too! I HAVE AN INTERVIEW WITH IBM in GREENOCK on FRIDAY!!!!! Also a phone interview for a different position with IBM tomorrow morning at 8am. Also heard from a recruitment agency looking for someone for a Dutch customer services position in the city centre of Glasgow. YEAH!!
Unfortunately I will not even be considered for my dream job, the post of International Student Advisor at Strathclyde university. That's a shame!!!
Job is still boring. Especially as I'll be back doing the most boring stuff (when I was doing something slightly more exciting for the past week), because of some sort of re-organisation... SIGH!!!
But hopefully I won't be doing it for much longer;)!!!
Love you all!
Mariken
I never told you, but my grandfather was in hospital with a broken hip and arm. It didn't look good for a bit, because of some complications, but he is back home now, thankfully. Hope he will be mobile again...
Good news on the job-front too! I HAVE AN INTERVIEW WITH IBM in GREENOCK on FRIDAY!!!!! Also a phone interview for a different position with IBM tomorrow morning at 8am. Also heard from a recruitment agency looking for someone for a Dutch customer services position in the city centre of Glasgow. YEAH!!
Unfortunately I will not even be considered for my dream job, the post of International Student Advisor at Strathclyde university. That's a shame!!!
Job is still boring. Especially as I'll be back doing the most boring stuff (when I was doing something slightly more exciting for the past week), because of some sort of re-organisation... SIGH!!!
But hopefully I won't be doing it for much longer;)!!!
Love you all!
Mariken
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