Merry Christmas

Well,

My missus is back and I am very happy about that. I picked up my display boards from Tyrebagger on Monday and went to pick up the 4ft tree from what was left of the Christmas stock...hussah!!....I was told not to pay...a saving of £18..result!! So, the tree has been decorated...1st time since I was a kid...bit strange but not unpleasant..was waiting for any unpleasant reactions...but there were none...great.

Did my show today and off to a Carol Service tonight. Spending the night at my missus' and back here for the day tomorrow and then back there to be with her in the evening...hopefully with lots of left overs from her family Christmas nosh up!!

So, the money earned from delivering phone books will pay for my boiler insurance I have just taken out. This will, hopefully, pay for any call outs/repairs in full or replace the boiler system with a discount...which has to be good news for me...so...a weight of my mind although I am still saving like crazy for any future tax bill/repairs/top ups. It just goes to show...make the effort and the smallest amount of money will help matters out.

I have also received a telephone call out of the blue from the fella in charge of the Community Service order team...the guys I have been arranging community projects for..as they are now under pressure from government to have the ne'er do well's doing their Order for a community based project...putting back into the community what they took out for their misdemeanor.

Anyway,

He was aware of my funding issue and has 2 potentials in the future. The 1st being a place for a works supervisor but "attached", or closely liaising with, the ranger service as working together seems to have been good for everyone...especially us!! He wanted me to chat to the boss about it but also to think about whether I would like to be the person in placement..I am a bit slow on the uptake so double checked what he was saying...yes..he was calling me because he knows how I work and how I have been with the various teams on the day...so..he would like me to do it!! Considering I don't know what the future holds this is very important as it may provide a way of gaining experience as a works supervisor and continue to use my community contacts/awareness of networks...I can either take on the job and work with the ranger team or, should my funding go through, work with the person in place and gain experience that way AND continue to do the job I love.

BUT

What if my funding does not come through?...do I want to change career again..although it seems I am involved in a derivative of countryside ranger...not a true role?...am I changing career anyway...more community than wildlife?...this is another gargantuan issue to think about and resolve...it never is easy.

The other option I have been made aware of is the fact a role..full time...permnanent..as a works supervisor will be coming up in January..would I be interested?..again..still wanting to continue the attachment with the ranger service/community networks. I am being dangled the opportunity to take on this permanent position...well paid...but it would mean no more education/community work as it is now..is that what I want?...hmmmm...As it stands, I don't need to be attached to the ranger service to maintain the networking potential..it is me and only me that is aware of the avenues as it is me that has gone out and obtained/nurtured them....the other guys wouldn't really have a clue what to do and who to contact.

So, this was very good news to receive but also gives me something else to ruminate...will matters ever be concrete for me?..probably not. Anyway..an enviable position to be in..better than the rest of the team..but that is another story...my goodness..what a mess the Council is in.

Anyway, apologies to Aunts in USA and Uncles in France and anyone else I have not managed to send a card to or e mail...I have been busier on holiday than during work...I do, however...

WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Tara for now.