44

Today is my Birthday so I thought I'd show you some of my lovely gifts. I got beautiful handmade cards from my kids and some money plus

lovely body scrub set from my Uncle Billy

gorgeous bag from my bruv Ewan, Sandra, Holly, Rhea and Fern


excellent book I wanted from Babes

yummy jelly snakes and turkish delight from Mouse

neat candy bouquet from Peanut

and my favourite a set of vouchers from Napkin, which I can trade in at a time of my choosing. An excellent gift idea because its so personal and it didn't cost her a penny (she is a poor student after all) She also bought me a bag of my favourite jelly babies but I'm afraid I've scoffed all of them already!!

First and Last

So reports for duty on Tuesday, have to tell them how much money I have on me (security?) am given a key card so as to be able to operate the till. I say hello to another member of staff who asks me if I can see to the magazine returns (no problem have done this hundreds of times in previous jobs). Go behind the counter to stack some returns and the staff member says "cheerio I'm off to do some shopping."

That's it I'm on my own!. There is a supervisor on duty but she is through the back in the office "just buzz if you need me". WTF - Is this the norm nowadays? I would never have expected someone to cope on their own on the first day when I trained staff. I'm all for not looking over someones shoulder, and allowing them to get on with it but I felt as if I'd been thrown overboard without a life jacket.

The store was really busy and I got myself so worked up trying to serve everyone quickly so as not to get queues building up. I was buzzing the supervisor every 5 mins it felt like and people were getting so impatient. I kept apologizing and saying it was my first day could they please bear with me (until I was told not to tell customers it was my first day because they might take advantage of me?)

Some customers were changing their minds about what they wanted, they had some cigarettes on special, and after you'd scanned the brand they'd asked for they would say "Oh whats that ones, I'll have them instead" not really a problem you'd think but I'd have to buzz again to get an entry voided. (we are not allowed to do it ourselves).

Didn't get my break till 3.45 and even then only got 5 mins. I came out at 5p.m and thought right never again.

Perhaps I am being a big girls blouse and perhaps I am not in touch with how things are in the workplace but quite frankly I don't care. I would never treat a trainee member of staff like that so why should I accept it. The staff I met were friendly enough, but the job is obviously not for me!

Training

OK in on Monday for 4 hours training which consisted of 2 hours on selling age restricted products (completing a booklet), then being shown round the front and back of the store. Then the rest of the time on tills (well till as only one was working).

Struggled to get my head round it as the experienced member of staff was so quick. The till has a prompter if you sell an age restricted product (store has an under 25 policy so, even if you look 18 unless you look over 25 you must have ID). I get the point of this and on the whole most regular customers know and understand their policy, and are happy to comply, but there are those who clearly look over 16 or 18 but have no ID and they can get quite pissed when refused.

They also have one of these pay point machines. I really struggled with that. I don't consider myself slow, in fact I'm usually quite a quick learner, but you can do so many different things with this machine. You have to push different buttons according to what the customer wants, phone top up , pay a bill, put money on gas cards, money on these funny fork like things that go into electricity meters, debit card payments, cash back.

Then there's the lottery machine, all singing, all dancing, nobody actually came in to buy the lottery so I couldn't really get proper training on it.

Never mind Tuesday is my first day so I'm sure whoever I'm on with will help me..........

I got the job!!

I got a call to say I've got the job, and can I go in for training on Monday. So pleased with myself, have now got to go and buy a pair of smart black trousers (shopping yay!) to wear, they will supply the polo shirt but I can wear my red blouse for now.

It is exciting and terrifying at the same time. When I got pregnant with Peanut, I left full time employment and office work, after that I only ever worked part time (off and on) mostly shop work. However, I haven't worked in a shop since 2004 when I went to college, then on to Uni.

I am sure I will pick it up again easily, it's hardly rocket science, but its the thought of the unknown again that scares me. I enjoy working with the general public though and because it's a local shop I will know a lot of the customers.

It's another goal completed on my 101 list too.

Pea soup from a chicken........

Anyone else remember that advert for stock cubes or was it just a Scottish one. There were a whole series of them I think. The wife was called Elspeth I think and there was something to do with a hen night and Tom Jones' "What's new pussycat" but I remember the tag line Pea and ham from a chicken , now that's clever!

Anyway enough of this rubbish, I just wanted to post that I'd made pea soup on Wednesday night and it was delicious - 2 ham stock cubes and a bag of frozen peas what could be simpler.

Got a call yesterday to go for an interview for a job I applied for ages ago. Interview went well so hopefully I'll be successful. It's only 10 hours a week in my local shop but it's something.

Soup

Shoestring Alley has posted a lovely recipe for soup which I am going to try but it reminded me of my first attempt at soup making which I though I would share with you.

My Nana and Mum were both great soup makers so when Babes and I moved into our first (owned) flat. My Nana gave me her recipe for Scotch Broth. A relatively simple recipe and having soaked my pulses overnight and rinsed them, I put all my ingredients into my humongous soup pan and put it on at a slow simmer.

Now being the smart (not) person that I was, I thought, it'll be OK to leave it whilst, I just pop round to the shop and get a loaf, then Babes can have a lovely plate of soup when he comes in from work. The shop is just a few doors down and it'll just take me minute. Of course when I get to the shop I meet an old neighbour who wants to know every detail that's happened in our lives in the last 10 years. Not wanting to be rude, I stand chatting, trying to make my excuses and escape but always being asked another question.

Eventually, her bus comes and I can run home to my soup. I open the flat door to a cloud of steam and rush into the kitchen to switch off the gas. I open the window and as the steam clears I notice that my walls are not only wet with condensation but the super "postbox red" paint I had lovingly decorated my kitchen with is running down the walls in streaks.

Needless to say I've never left a gas on again, but my poor kitchen never recovered and had to be repainted. Oh and as for the soup it was disgusting, just a big stodgy mush. To this day I have never made Scotch Broth again.

Turned over a new leaf....

OK its more tree than leaf but you get the idea

My Mother used to always say just "turn over a leaf" when something had gone wrong or upset me, or if she wanted me to change a behaviour, like an untidy bedroom. In other words put it behind you and move on. So I am turning over my new leaf today (granted it's been turned over so many times it's in danger of disintegrating but who's counting)

I weighed myself yesterday and, whilst it is nowhere near where I need it to be, it was not quite as bad as I expected. In fact I'm actually 2lb down from what I was last time so that's actually a boost.

I have taken a couple of days to list everything I want to do and a timescale, a realistic one, that is achievable. I love making lists. Having done that, I am now full of positive energy and raring to go (it's that new leaf I'm telling you, it's got magical powers!) (and no it's not one of THOSE leaf's !)

Menu Planning done, shopping list done, list of things I want to achieve each day this week done, I am so organised it's like a military operation. So "Operation Arse Kick" has commenced with much approval from General Babes, who says the watch word is Proactive not Reactive. This may be a long campaign but we will be victorious!!! (Oooh I feel all Winston Churchill)

So once more into the breach or something like that anyway.

Acceptance....

I am Kerri, I am almost 44 years old, and it is NOT painful.

This is not OLD, this is YOUNG, I intend to live well into my 80's at least so it's time to stop messing about and LIVE my life. There is so much more I want to do, so much more I want to be, so much more I have to give and share with the world.

Only I CAN do it- and I WANT to do it

Normal transmissions will resume shortly!

Motivation.......

...Where is it?

I am still CHAOTIC, I am still FAT or to be truthful I'm MORBIDLY OBESE, still trying to RESTORE ORDER, and still trying to GET ON THE RIGHT PATH with my life.

What happened to my enthusiasm for life. Why have I settled in to this mundane existence again? Where has the real Kerri gone? I used to be vivacious, I used to jump out of bed in the mornings eager to meet the challenges of the day. I had a purpose.

I've always been a bit chaotic but not like this, things are getting out of hand. Had visits from Shopaholly, her sister Rhea and my brother the other day. Rhea was full of motivation for all the plans they have for the farm. She acts like the Project Manager geeing them all up, organising them, and putting in to action all the ideas. Holly was doing her best (bless her) to motivate me health wise, and my brother was his usual self, full of fun and winding the bloody dogs up.

I love when they visit, and don't see enough of them, but we are going to try and rectify that. I suggested that we all get together for a pot luck day. Everyone brings something either, starter, main or dessert (Holly could bring her delicious cupcakes) and we can just chill and have a good natter. Hopefully the first one will be soon.

That horoscope trait about hating to be alone is so true. I miss interacting with people. I become bored with my own company too easily and I need stimulation or I just shut down.

Think I'm going to take a couple of days, and plan how to get myself back on track, re-motivated and try to find my lost mojo, as it were. It is my birthday soon, and I REFUSE to let this downward spiral continue.

I'm a Diplomat and a Ditherer!

Apow did a post on birth signs and asked others to join in so this is me - a Libra and here's a list of my supposed traits:

On the bright side -

I fall in love easily and love being in love, very romantic - true

Easy-going, charming and pleasant - of course

Dislike being alone - definitely

An excellent party host - think I missed this one, always worried people are bored!

Neat - I think not - Chaotic Kerri!

Loves peace and can see both sides - yes

Hates injustice - this has landed me in hot water several times

On the dark side -

Famously indecisive - don't know if I agree with this or not

Not reliable - definitely disagree except on time keeping, always running late

Bossy and slight perfectionist - Moi?

Not good with money - trying to change

Can swing wildly from one side of the argument to another - don't think I do

Can sit on the fence trying to please all - well I don't like conflict

Well matched with Scorpio which Babes is so I guess that proves it!

According to one website Libras are prone to lumbago, skin diseases and vein disorders - how do they come up with this stuff, oh and strawberries and plums are very beneficial to me!!

Books read

Have been feeling run down this last few days. My body has decided to reject most of what I eat and drink at an alarming rate! enough said. It has given me time to catch up on some reading though, as I haven't managed to venture out of the house.

I finished reading "Octopussy and the Living Daylights" by Ian Fleming. It took me ages despite being such short stories. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy it, I just kept falling asleep after 1 or 2 pages. Not as good a read as "Dr No" but I did enjoy it.

Also read "The five people you meet in Heaven" by Mitch Albom. What a book, I couldn't put it down. Apow said it was one of her favourite books and it's definitely joining my top ten list. If you haven't read it do. It is wonderful.

Poor Napkin was let down really badly by some so called friends this week. I never really liked them but it's her choice who her friends are. Just makes me want to scoop her up and shut out all the pain. (also makes me want to go throttle the little f****** but I will restrain myself). Big time TLC is called for - which in her case, the solution is a bowl of Bernard Matthews Mini Kiev's (bleugh), but sometimes processed muck is needed.

Personally my favourite comfort food is "McVities digestives" spread with "Philadelphia Cheese" (light of course). What is your favourite comfort food?

I have received an award - my very first, from What'sHappeningAtMyHouse- Thank you so much Caroline.

I have to share 7 interesting facts about myself then nominate 7 other bloggers to pass the award onto.

So here goes 7 interesting facts hmmm -

1. I was tricked into seeing "Friday the 13th" when I was 15, it scared me so much I looked under my bed every night for years.

2. When I first passed my driving test I used to drive a minibus.

3. On a school trip to Germany as a teenager, I got blood poisoning from an insect bite.

4. Whilst expecting Mouse I had a craving for banana & coleslaw sandwiches! (erlack)

5. Huge "Star Trek" fan, have met Nichelle Nichols (Uhura), even speak a little "Klingon"

6. I have seen a ghost - old railway guard complete with lantern!

7. Smell of popcorn or car air fresheners makes me nauseous.

That was a lot harder than you think it will be. Perhaps No5 is more scary than interesting!! Bit anoraky at least.

Now I have to nominate 7 more bloggers but Caroline has already tagged some of the ones I read (Shopaholly, apieceof wood, and of course herself) so I will tag :

GrumpyGreenOldMan - I love his way of putting the world to right.

HardupHester - Wicked sense of humour and practical advice all in one.

Anyone else who wants to join in feel free.

Love is in the air.........

Babes and I with my big Bruv Ewan, my bezzies Donna & Lynda and cutey pie Shopaholly!

OMG can't believe how baby faced we all look. 23 years on and we're all a little bit fatter (some of us a lot) a little bit greyer (in Babes case a lot - he says it's not a hard life he's had but a hard wife! - cheeky sod) but I don't know if we're any wiser!!!

Had a great day yesterday what with our anniversary and my ordination. Once the ordination ceremony is over the other Elders come out in a procession to shake your hand to welcome you to service. I have known a lot of them since childhood and they kept saying things like "your Mum would be so proud" and "Mum will be looking down on you" needless to say I was blubbing like a right idiot. What an affront!

Anyway, we went to a local Chinese restaurant for lunch to celebrate. (bargain, as we got 2 meals for free thanks to coupons). It was lovely, then we spent the afternoon as a family just vegging out. Bliss!

No52: Become an Elder at my Church

Another 101 goal completed. Today I am being ordained as an Elder. I am really nervous and can't quite believe it's happening. My best friends think it's hilarious that I'm becoming "respectable" in my old age. (none of them are churchie people)

As I've posted before my Church is important to me but I'm not one to be shoving my beliefs down other peoples throats. My Babes. although a member of the Church (he joined when we got married), is not interested in going to Church and that's fine with me as long as he doesn't mind that I go, which he doesn't.

For the last 3 weeks they've read out an edict about the new elders (there's 3 of us) being ordained, inviting anyone with any objections to bring it to the attention of the Kirk Session. I keep waiting for someone to jump up and shout NO! to my name. (perhaps I should wait till after the ceremony to post just in case!!)

Today is also our 23rd Wedding Anniversary but I will post about that when I come home.

Go check this site!

Found this site by chance this morning whilst reading a Postcrossers profile. Go check this out. What an inspirational idea. www.postpals.co.uk

Needless to say I will be sending off a few extra postcards!

Severe weather warnings!

We have been issued with severe weather warnings for our area. Bloody rain. We've only gone and sprung a leak. On a flat roof (typical) on the bay window in the music room. (No we're not that posh, its jut what my Mum used to call it because that was where the piano was) Really pissed off as it looks like we will have to decorate after it is repaired and we really could do without that expense. (shouldn't really moan though, at least we're not like all those poor sods who lost everything in the floods and some are still not back in their houses)

All in all it has been a bit of a shitty week for us. On Tuesday my son failed his bus driving test again (only minor faults, but that's besides the point) He is absolutely gutted. Sadly, it also means he is now unemployed again.

Wednesday our beautiful dog Bubba was very unwell. Throwing up everywhere (bless him though, he always went through to the kitchen to the lino floor, so easily cleaned up) and passing blood in his stool. He had a raging temperature too. He is much improved but we still don't know what caused it. Waiting to hear from the vet. Peanut was in a right state as he considers Bubba to be his boy!

Then later on Wednesday, Babes went to drive my Dad home the car brakes started playing up so it is now off the road awaiting repairs. To top it all off we are also without an oven. Thankfully we are able to use the one in Peanut's kitchen (we have a "granny flat" in the house which Peanut lives in, not that he cooks for himself very often)

As I have posted before, things are quite tight at the moment because of all the upset at Babes work (it is now so bad he has been looking for another job) however the savings we do have were to be used to buy a new bed which we seriously need. Babes has back problems (previously had a discectomy) and needs a good firm mattress to give him the proper support. So the dilemma now is - do we wait for the bed, possibly leading to more pain and discomfort for Babes in favour of repairing the car and replacing the oven or do we get the new bed and continue to use Peanut's oven and do without the car for a couple of weeks.

Could probably claim for the leak and water damage on the insurance, but will have to wait until the bloody rain stops before we can see how bad it is, and the forecast is for persistent heavy rainfall all weekend.