Just a quick note to say I made it back from Edinburgh....and that is a story in itself I tell thee!!
I will tell the tale at a later time when I have a moment.
One major piece of news is that the top bod at Forestry Commission Scotland for the north east has seen the short report put together by myself, Dan and Mr Webley and is very pleased by what he has seen. I think the problem has been that all he heard from Mr W was that I was "doing a great job"..which is obviously not enough for a top manager who has dished out a substantial amount of money. Soooooooooooooooooooo...he has said he will make a move to obtain 50% funding for a 3 year post....it is up to me to find the other 50%...which we are doing anyway with the Fairer Scotland Fund..which means..if it works out...I work through the council (still in the Final Salary Pension Scheme...kaching!!!) and paid by its payroll...but have no funding whatsoever from the council..woohoo!!!
NOTHING HAS BEEN SETTLED but had the fella turned around and said he wasn't interested..that would have been it dead in the water for sure. So...phew and cor blimey governor.
That will do for now.
Tara.
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Jiggery Pokery
Hey,
I enjoyed my show this week...nae guests so just the usual jiggery pokery and some good tunes...2 Foo Fighters tracks..was proper bo!!! Next week I have some guests from Tenants Planning Office...which should be gid.
So...I have been off since Friday and right through Monday...why?...well...did another essay...through gritted teeth now, I can tell thee...but it means 4 left!!!..all about emotional intelligence and self esteem..essential to deliver Forest School but a complete bugger to learn!! Anyway..4 left to do!!!
Friday was actually spent in Stoney...cd's from library...another cheque into the bank BUT I never got away from work...I had calls coming in and going out all the time..lots to book!!
Yesterday, I actually looked at things to buy...totally confused by this iPod black magic..then there are mp3's...then there are phones with mp3's...hell's teeth...all I want is a phone....a sound system and a lightweight music thing for when ime back in the city and walking!!! I think I understand and am going to purchase stuff today. I am going to mosey round town and relax..as much as i can cos I just booked a small van for this week...off to Edinburgh to rip out the kitchen and bathroom.
Going to pop into the office and pilfer some tools....hammers...saws...monkey wrenches and such like...anything that can be used to break stuff..woohoo!!! Gonna be fun...actually...just remembering...I went into ASDA to buy a dinner set as the tenants had thrown out all that was in the flat because they had just got married and had all their new stuff...then i got to thinking..they chucked out the pans...right..buy them....cutlery...buy them...ended up spending money on that as well...he he..only went in for one thing...anyhoo...all tax deductible!!
Once i get the tools i think I have to go and buy some "enders"...so I can take the taps off and cap the pipes...as it were...what of the loo?....not sure how to tackle that one....don't want to end up returning the van smelling of goodness knows what...or more...I do know!!..so..I guess it is a relaxed day by my standards..but really quite a lot to do. Once Edinburgh is sorted I still have TOIL booked but that will be for these bloomin' essays....I will be damned if I have worked so hard to miss the September deadline!!!!
After that...I think I will take a week and find a nice hotel in UK...with a pool....a steam room....and a bar!!!..get a few good books...and chill out!! Cos the next big thing is the move from here back into town...which I am not looking forward to...not the moving back...just moving all the stuff!!
I have cashed my cheque in settlement of the Perth sale...no more overdraft...and then reduced the overdraft to 1K for emergencies. The rebate on insurance has been put in as well...that is not the end of it though. The purchasers have sent an official letter regarding a leak from the ceiling in the water tank room...I think they panicked..you have 5 days to lodge any repairs due to "systems" in the flat...they are angling it that it is the central heating (there is none) or the water tank in the attic (it is IN the room)..so I am not too bothered BUT it is still hanging over me..we shall see. As for the buzzer system...I am suspecting a bit of cheeky chappyness has taken place....I don't think they informed the solicitor it was an outstanding repair...of course...they won't know it doesn't work (although I suspect it may be working) until someone moves in!!!..outwith the 5 day notification period anyway...tut tut.
So...apart from that...I feel I have been given a second chance to make the 3 properties work..special to me as it has history going back to my grand parents and their money..so...not going to waste it!! I feel a bit scared to spend any of it to be honest..but I guess I deserve a little luxury (ime talking new socks here...not caviar for breccy!!)...hey ho....
Work...as in ranger work...is good...disappointed the work placement chap from Princes Trust hasn't worked out...never mind....it frees up some time for me to get on with other things. Still loving it...still loving my wee white van...meeting this week to discuss a short report going to the big man at Forestry Commission Scotland...to justify a 3 year contract..and then..if they do...I have to find my own funding!!..but that is down the line. Strange set up we are going for....50% from FCS..and then 50% from Fairer Scotland fund which is administered by the council....if this comes off I will, technically, not be paid through the ranger service BUT still working alongside them....made the mistake of telling S some of this...so..Chinese whispers....it will be around the team (of gossips I tell thee) in a totally morphed version of the truth. Fitever.
Personal life...single..but not lonely....could be healthier physically....pretty good mentally...I think all this finance stuff had been weighing on my mind more than I was aware. I certainly feel things are more manageable now...which means I am pretty chilled. I have shaved off my beard as well...might as well as I am back on the market!!! Once these essays are done I can pro actively work on a life/work balance that is better for me...oh..and after the full tax return as well!!
Right, I have gone on long enough. Tara
I enjoyed my show this week...nae guests so just the usual jiggery pokery and some good tunes...2 Foo Fighters tracks..was proper bo!!! Next week I have some guests from Tenants Planning Office...which should be gid.
So...I have been off since Friday and right through Monday...why?...well...did another essay...through gritted teeth now, I can tell thee...but it means 4 left!!!..all about emotional intelligence and self esteem..essential to deliver Forest School but a complete bugger to learn!! Anyway..4 left to do!!!
Friday was actually spent in Stoney...cd's from library...another cheque into the bank BUT I never got away from work...I had calls coming in and going out all the time..lots to book!!
Yesterday, I actually looked at things to buy...totally confused by this iPod black magic..then there are mp3's...then there are phones with mp3's...hell's teeth...all I want is a phone....a sound system and a lightweight music thing for when ime back in the city and walking!!! I think I understand and am going to purchase stuff today. I am going to mosey round town and relax..as much as i can cos I just booked a small van for this week...off to Edinburgh to rip out the kitchen and bathroom.
Going to pop into the office and pilfer some tools....hammers...saws...monkey wrenches and such like...anything that can be used to break stuff..woohoo!!! Gonna be fun...actually...just remembering...I went into ASDA to buy a dinner set as the tenants had thrown out all that was in the flat because they had just got married and had all their new stuff...then i got to thinking..they chucked out the pans...right..buy them....cutlery...buy them...ended up spending money on that as well...he he..only went in for one thing...anyhoo...all tax deductible!!
Once i get the tools i think I have to go and buy some "enders"...so I can take the taps off and cap the pipes...as it were...what of the loo?....not sure how to tackle that one....don't want to end up returning the van smelling of goodness knows what...or more...I do know!!..so..I guess it is a relaxed day by my standards..but really quite a lot to do. Once Edinburgh is sorted I still have TOIL booked but that will be for these bloomin' essays....I will be damned if I have worked so hard to miss the September deadline!!!!
After that...I think I will take a week and find a nice hotel in UK...with a pool....a steam room....and a bar!!!..get a few good books...and chill out!! Cos the next big thing is the move from here back into town...which I am not looking forward to...not the moving back...just moving all the stuff!!
I have cashed my cheque in settlement of the Perth sale...no more overdraft...and then reduced the overdraft to 1K for emergencies. The rebate on insurance has been put in as well...that is not the end of it though. The purchasers have sent an official letter regarding a leak from the ceiling in the water tank room...I think they panicked..you have 5 days to lodge any repairs due to "systems" in the flat...they are angling it that it is the central heating (there is none) or the water tank in the attic (it is IN the room)..so I am not too bothered BUT it is still hanging over me..we shall see. As for the buzzer system...I am suspecting a bit of cheeky chappyness has taken place....I don't think they informed the solicitor it was an outstanding repair...of course...they won't know it doesn't work (although I suspect it may be working) until someone moves in!!!..outwith the 5 day notification period anyway...tut tut.
So...apart from that...I feel I have been given a second chance to make the 3 properties work..special to me as it has history going back to my grand parents and their money..so...not going to waste it!! I feel a bit scared to spend any of it to be honest..but I guess I deserve a little luxury (ime talking new socks here...not caviar for breccy!!)...hey ho....
Work...as in ranger work...is good...disappointed the work placement chap from Princes Trust hasn't worked out...never mind....it frees up some time for me to get on with other things. Still loving it...still loving my wee white van...meeting this week to discuss a short report going to the big man at Forestry Commission Scotland...to justify a 3 year contract..and then..if they do...I have to find my own funding!!..but that is down the line. Strange set up we are going for....50% from FCS..and then 50% from Fairer Scotland fund which is administered by the council....if this comes off I will, technically, not be paid through the ranger service BUT still working alongside them....made the mistake of telling S some of this...so..Chinese whispers....it will be around the team (of gossips I tell thee) in a totally morphed version of the truth. Fitever.
Personal life...single..but not lonely....could be healthier physically....pretty good mentally...I think all this finance stuff had been weighing on my mind more than I was aware. I certainly feel things are more manageable now...which means I am pretty chilled. I have shaved off my beard as well...might as well as I am back on the market!!! Once these essays are done I can pro actively work on a life/work balance that is better for me...oh..and after the full tax return as well!!
Right, I have gone on long enough. Tara
Sunday, 13 July 2008
Done And Dusted
Well...it still hasn't sunk in yet. The sale of Perth has gone through and I have a cheque in settlement!!! Although it is not for a huge amount (relatively) I have to remember I had already raised the same amount (possibly more) 2 years ago which allowed me to put a deposit on the second Perth flat and Galsgow...so...it worked well for me.
And the fact it sold as well was amazing...so many flats for sale..this one was a corker and a good investment for the purchasers. Now I can pay off my overdraft...have a buffer for the remaining 3 flats...go on a holiday!!!...get some money back from the insurance..stop losing money on mortgage payments...stop payment to the factoring service. All good..now I need to get back to town....sell the car...room share...save money...and it will all have gone to plan...a close call indeed.
My only concern is the entry system..still not sorted and I think the factoring agent will probably not deal with me once they have been informed about the new owners...which will make me look bad...but...hey...a small nuisance.
Second day of doing nothing...Gourdon gala yesterday...was a bit of a wash out...but good...and I feel relaxed and rejuvenated..tomorrow shall be for an essay AND tax return..the swine have sent me a full tax return because the gross income is over 15K..never mind the net income is negative!!!..so I need to do that as I am sure I will receive a rebate from that as well.
Next week sees work a wee bit more relaxed...more so than this week....full on all week..although one event was cancelled due to rain..looking forward to easing back a wee bit...but then the tenant in Edinburgh moves out tomorrow so I might need to hire a van and do the work down there this weekend coming...get out the hammer!!!...3 flights of stairs as well...poo!!!
The sun is blazing here today...seems that every time there is an even around here that it rains or is cold...which isn't fair really...I may be persuaded to amble along to the pub and have a pint in the sun...reading my book.
What a monumental week this has been..for all sorts of reasons...but...I will never forget how close it all came to falling apart...pressure and stress!!..no excuses now if it all goes to pot...no excuse at all...breathe easy for a while young fella!
Later
And the fact it sold as well was amazing...so many flats for sale..this one was a corker and a good investment for the purchasers. Now I can pay off my overdraft...have a buffer for the remaining 3 flats...go on a holiday!!!...get some money back from the insurance..stop losing money on mortgage payments...stop payment to the factoring service. All good..now I need to get back to town....sell the car...room share...save money...and it will all have gone to plan...a close call indeed.
My only concern is the entry system..still not sorted and I think the factoring agent will probably not deal with me once they have been informed about the new owners...which will make me look bad...but...hey...a small nuisance.
Second day of doing nothing...Gourdon gala yesterday...was a bit of a wash out...but good...and I feel relaxed and rejuvenated..tomorrow shall be for an essay AND tax return..the swine have sent me a full tax return because the gross income is over 15K..never mind the net income is negative!!!..so I need to do that as I am sure I will receive a rebate from that as well.
Next week sees work a wee bit more relaxed...more so than this week....full on all week..although one event was cancelled due to rain..looking forward to easing back a wee bit...but then the tenant in Edinburgh moves out tomorrow so I might need to hire a van and do the work down there this weekend coming...get out the hammer!!!...3 flights of stairs as well...poo!!!
The sun is blazing here today...seems that every time there is an even around here that it rains or is cold...which isn't fair really...I may be persuaded to amble along to the pub and have a pint in the sun...reading my book.
What a monumental week this has been..for all sorts of reasons...but...I will never forget how close it all came to falling apart...pressure and stress!!..no excuses now if it all goes to pot...no excuse at all...breathe easy for a while young fella!
Later
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
harrumph
Well..having worked on Sunday...I now have some feedback that the information is no good....which I disagree with...as the fella who looked at it cannae work spreadsheets...poo.
So, I really feel that a decision is being made...at the Forestry Commission Scotland side anyway...without any input from me..the guy who bloody does the job!!!!!...work and work and work and get hee haw in return.
Although I do have a potential meeting with the policy officer..and a chance to state my case..which, at least is an opportunity..although I still feel it is all too little to late.
Anyhoo...finished.
So, I really feel that a decision is being made...at the Forestry Commission Scotland side anyway...without any input from me..the guy who bloody does the job!!!!!...work and work and work and get hee haw in return.
Although I do have a potential meeting with the policy officer..and a chance to state my case..which, at least is an opportunity..although I still feel it is all too little to late.
Anyhoo...finished.
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Heavy Duty
Hey there...back after another session in the office....not re charged for next week but having to focus on the coming events....difficult and challenging...bring it on!!
Crunching the numbers and working the spreadsheet to submit to fella in the Forestry Commission..who in turn...will be taking this information and present to the fella who will make the decision about my post...difficult to concentrate when you are very aware not processing the data in the correct direction may have an adverse effect on me staying here. Managed to do it though..and it looks quite good....good practise anyway for at the end of the contract in March.
Later
Crunching the numbers and working the spreadsheet to submit to fella in the Forestry Commission..who in turn...will be taking this information and present to the fella who will make the decision about my post...difficult to concentrate when you are very aware not processing the data in the correct direction may have an adverse effect on me staying here. Managed to do it though..and it looks quite good....good practise anyway for at the end of the contract in March.
Later
Hey hey
Just in case you're wondering....still alive and still...as usual...working hard with the job. Spreading out into more specialised clients..all looking good and, more importantly, where I have always wanted to be.
After the flat emptying in Perth, I went straight into an extremely busy period of sessions with clients...and...as I expected...I caught a cold from the effort of the flat work (in the peeing rain as well!!) which manifested itself in a very sore throat...not good for someone who uses their voice ALL the time and usually at a high volume. Last Wednesday was the busiest I have ever ever been...started at Middlefield at 7.30 for the breakfast club...then onto Woodside for the radio show...then to Mastrick for presentation to Healthy Working Lives group...first after my presentation training...to about 20 employers...pppppppaaaaaaarrrrrrrppppppppp...then straight over to Lads Club at Tillydrone for another wildlife garden...wild flower planting...then back down to Lochinch to drop the tools off...phew....then home...ready for another early start....phew.
I tell thee though...I may be busy...but I am very happy with it...I love it and just wish my tetchy throat would go away...knew it was going to happen but annoying nonetheless.
I have 5 more essays to go for Forest School...did one last weekend and had hoped to do another 2 this weekend...however...got a call from Forestry Commission...my counterpart there has been asked to put forward a report regarding my role and what has been happening with it...of course...he needs that information from me...and I want the correct information to work its way up the chain of communication..so I need to do it...that is what today is all about. Yesterday...as I have been out of the office most of the time....I spent some time preparing for upcoming events...so no essays done at all...priorities drive the process though. I thought i was going to be putting a report together at the end of the contract...which I am sure I will...but this report is so the Big Man can decide whether the Forestry Commission Scotland are interested in looking to source funding in order to extend my contract...so...it is very very important at this time ti get it right!!
CRUNCH TIME
Luckily I am well versed in spreadsheets and suchlike..so we shall see.
And...if I have any spare time...I can always catch up on paperwork for my 2008/2009 tax return....or do essays....or something else.
Tara
After the flat emptying in Perth, I went straight into an extremely busy period of sessions with clients...and...as I expected...I caught a cold from the effort of the flat work (in the peeing rain as well!!) which manifested itself in a very sore throat...not good for someone who uses their voice ALL the time and usually at a high volume. Last Wednesday was the busiest I have ever ever been...started at Middlefield at 7.30 for the breakfast club...then onto Woodside for the radio show...then to Mastrick for presentation to Healthy Working Lives group...first after my presentation training...to about 20 employers...pppppppaaaaaaarrrrrrrppppppppp...then straight over to Lads Club at Tillydrone for another wildlife garden...wild flower planting...then back down to Lochinch to drop the tools off...phew....then home...ready for another early start....phew.
I tell thee though...I may be busy...but I am very happy with it...I love it and just wish my tetchy throat would go away...knew it was going to happen but annoying nonetheless.
I have 5 more essays to go for Forest School...did one last weekend and had hoped to do another 2 this weekend...however...got a call from Forestry Commission...my counterpart there has been asked to put forward a report regarding my role and what has been happening with it...of course...he needs that information from me...and I want the correct information to work its way up the chain of communication..so I need to do it...that is what today is all about. Yesterday...as I have been out of the office most of the time....I spent some time preparing for upcoming events...so no essays done at all...priorities drive the process though. I thought i was going to be putting a report together at the end of the contract...which I am sure I will...but this report is so the Big Man can decide whether the Forestry Commission Scotland are interested in looking to source funding in order to extend my contract...so...it is very very important at this time ti get it right!!
CRUNCH TIME
Luckily I am well versed in spreadsheets and suchlike..so we shall see.
And...if I have any spare time...I can always catch up on paperwork for my 2008/2009 tax return....or do essays....or something else.
Tara
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