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,
Thursday, February 16, 2006
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
Monday, October 24, 2005
Job (crap though)
Dear all,
No word from me in a while. I am temping at Abbey national and still applying for millions of jobs, hence the silence... Job is very boring, but it will keep me going for now. Trying to remain positive, but it's bloody hard.
Hope you're all well! Autumn has definitely arrived here: rain rain rain cold cold. Even go wet feet: blegh!
On the positive side: I had the most lovely weekend with Derek. We went on a road trip to St Andrews on Saturday which was really nice. He is just so so so so lovely:). Sorry, getting a bit carried away there...;)!
Back again soon. Hopefully with news of a nice job;)!
Love,
Mariken
No word from me in a while. I am temping at Abbey national and still applying for millions of jobs, hence the silence... Job is very boring, but it will keep me going for now. Trying to remain positive, but it's bloody hard.
Hope you're all well! Autumn has definitely arrived here: rain rain rain cold cold. Even go wet feet: blegh!
On the positive side: I had the most lovely weekend with Derek. We went on a road trip to St Andrews on Saturday which was really nice. He is just so so so so lovely:). Sorry, getting a bit carried away there...;)!
Back again soon. Hopefully with news of a nice job;)!
Love,
Mariken
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!
Dear all,
Yes, I am sad and to get more birthday wishes I put on my blog that it is my birthday. Hehe. Clear lack of cards through the post this year, so thought I'd drop a hint;)!
Party is soon, I promiss. Job first!
Love u all!
Big big big cuddles,
Yes, I am sad and to get more birthday wishes I put on my blog that it is my birthday. Hehe. Clear lack of cards through the post this year, so thought I'd drop a hint;)!
Party is soon, I promiss. Job first!
Love u all!
Big big big cuddles,
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
THE END
I have printed out my dissertation. It's called
The Past is the Future: History and Contemporary Issues in Naomi Mitchison's Historical Fiction
Great...
That's it. Over. Done.
If anyone wants to read it (!!!) do e-mail me and I'll send you an e-mail copy;)!
Love,
Thursday, September 22, 2005
The End in Sight...:'(
Dear all,
I just handed in my dissertation for a last inspection by my supervisor. Great, you might say. And of course it is. I does give me a great sense of achievement to be able to hand over another "book" written by myself:). On the other hand though ... when I was walking down the stairs and out the door I suddenly just felt so so sad! This is my last week as a student! Probably for ever! I am going to miss being a student so so much. The fun times, the great books I discovered, just being part of a special part of society really.
I do look forward to finding a job I'll enjoy, and to having some money to spend. My first job will probably not be all that enjoyable though, or bring in that much money! But hey, let's stay positive! It is exciting to start a new chapter, and a few days ago I was even positive about moving to Cambridge. I know it's going to be hardm especially as I don't like not knowing what is ahead, but it will also be new, exciting, and fun:)!
In other news: I went to the doctor yesterday and got treated for a minor problem I had (I will spare you the details!). I need to heal now, which means I can't have sex for the next 3-4 WEEKS!!! Poor me... Anyway... You didn't really need to know this! I do apologise. I'm Dutch so I can't help but be frank about these things;)!
Going to go and search for some more jobs the now. Wish me luck!
Love,
I just handed in my dissertation for a last inspection by my supervisor. Great, you might say. And of course it is. I does give me a great sense of achievement to be able to hand over another "book" written by myself:). On the other hand though ... when I was walking down the stairs and out the door I suddenly just felt so so sad! This is my last week as a student! Probably for ever! I am going to miss being a student so so much. The fun times, the great books I discovered, just being part of a special part of society really.
I do look forward to finding a job I'll enjoy, and to having some money to spend. My first job will probably not be all that enjoyable though, or bring in that much money! But hey, let's stay positive! It is exciting to start a new chapter, and a few days ago I was even positive about moving to Cambridge. I know it's going to be hardm especially as I don't like not knowing what is ahead, but it will also be new, exciting, and fun:)!
In other news: I went to the doctor yesterday and got treated for a minor problem I had (I will spare you the details!). I need to heal now, which means I can't have sex for the next 3-4 WEEKS!!! Poor me... Anyway... You didn't really need to know this! I do apologise. I'm Dutch so I can't help but be frank about these things;)!
Going to go and search for some more jobs the now. Wish me luck!
Love,
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