| Is this thing still on? |
[18 Aug 2009|11:33am] |
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Wow... its been forever and a day since I wrote anything (Anyone still following will hopefully have noticed this by now). A LOT has happened in the intervening time, and I figure I should actually write up something do do with that. So, without further ado (Yeah, right), here we go...
I'm still driving trains. This is generally a good thing, despite having my first little 'incident' a while ago. Yep, I fucked up a little, and got my arse chewed out for it in a less than fun way. Basically, I moved a train in the yard without remembering to mention to anyone that I was going to move it. That in itself is a bit of a no-no, but the main problem at the time was the train comming into the depot in the other direction. Doh. We'd never have got anywhere near each other, but they dont like it when that happens, so cue drugs and alcohol tests, suspension from work for 3 months pending enquires, and more paperwork and meetings than I ever want to see ever again in this life (and the next, really). The upshot of it is twofold - I'm a lot more observant of whats going on around me, and I've been dubbed a 'Real Driver' by our current shedman (Who, as a driving veteran of a silly number of years, and host to more than a few cockups and whatnot himself, actually makes me feel a lot more confident!).
That all happened back just before last christmas, and was resolved early this year, so dont worry, its all sorted. But it makes me feel better to get it out in the open, so there we go. After reading that, what I'm going to say (type?) next might make you a little nervous...
I'm going to apply for mainline driving. Yup, I'm going to see if there is anyone daft enough to put me in charge of 120 tonnes of speeding steel on the Great Western at speeds of up to 90mph. This is someting I've always had in mind as the next step, but I never imagined the opportunity would arise so soon. I might be getting a bit ahead of myself here, as it might not even be worth me applying at the moment, in which case its more depot work at 5mph for the next few years. Either way, its not bad, but I'd really like to progress, both for the experience and the better pay. Oh, and the pay is important, as that leads onto the next part of this entry...
I'm finally looking at getting a place with Cat. Yes, after over 10(!) years of being together, we've never really lived together, aside from that little stint at Exeter Uni. Things have been getting SO much better this past half year, and we're taking things to new levels of seriousness. Hell, there have been things discussed that I never expected to hear for at least another 3-4 years, and iyts given me a new impetus to get myself onto the next level, so to speak. She's busy doing her osteopathy course in order to be able to earn good money in the future, and I'm going for the prestige (and paycheck) of mainline driving. Then theres the whole issue of looking for somewhere we can both live at some point, which is again something I wasn't ever sure I'd hear, but its getting more and more realistic each time we talk.
All this revolves around financial health, which relies on us getting our money sorted. Oh, and whether or not that bloody proton breaks more parts. I've only ever known... two, maybe three If you include the pickup (Sorry Phil ;O) cars as wantonly self-destructive. Everytime I fix something, something else goes that little bit more wrong. But the fun part is this. I cant afford a new car right now, due to the rather large insurance cost that would be applicable (I'm still in my first year here). So I keep patching this little silver funbug up. Someone find me a new engine and gearbox, would you?
Hmmm, now I'm actually thinking about it, there hasnt REALLY been a huge amount of stuff happened since I last wrote... Mainly the things above. But then, I'm sure more will happen soon, and I'll try and keep the creative juices flowing for future posts. Gonna need to call HR again later, so maybe I'll have an update later on how the application part goes.
Wish me luck! Update - After finally getting hold of someone in HR, I've been informed that there are no plans to be taking new drivers on anytime soon, and they dont accept speculative applications either. so for now, I'm stuck at the depot, which is no bad thing really. Just gotta keep my eyes open on the internal vacancy listing, and keep on grinding away. And a payrise is under negotiation currently, so its not all bad, and we'll have a new depot in a few years as well, with new traction to learn. Either way, things are going well enough, and I'm happy!
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| Yearly update time! |
[14 Jul 2008|03:10am] |
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Whoo-boy, is it time to write a random mess of prose, text and words again?
Ok, so... lets see... lets list the few important things that have happened recently.
1) I'm now a qualified manoeuverer (Yes, that IS a word, shush). This means I get to play with trains.
2) Umm... see entry one.
3) I got to play best man at a wedding again (And bust my knee a few hours before the ceremony... pain is fun!)
4) I fixed the water softener (Not really a major thing, but I'm running out of ideas here).
So, one major thing, one not-so-major thing, and one pretty much insignificant thing. Yes, life can be that exciting. But lets continue anyway, as I feel the urge to write SOMETHING, even if it is drivel about train training (Ya see what I did there?)
So yes, here we are. After many years of working for agencies, getting jobs, losing jobs, and generally sponging about the place making it look untidy, I have finally succeeded in getting myself a full-time permenant career. Yes, yours truely is now in charge of trains. Not just any old trains, but the small zippy blue things that reside in the Reading depot. For those who are keen, or just bored, look up 'class 165' on wikipedia (Non-link courtesy of Cant-Be-Arsed-To-Link-It skills).
Essentially, I'm a car park attendant, except those cars come in twos or threes, are attached to each other, and weight between 76 and 118 tonnes. And have no steering. And smell bad. And fall to bits often. The parking itself if fairly slow, being as the speed limit is (optionally) 5mph in the depot. Yes, I know they can do 90mph, but no, I have no desire to launch one through the blocks and onto the mainline, so dont ask.
All this for a rather decent £28.8k a year, all told. I'm happy with this, and theres that wonderful option of progressing evenetually into mainline driving, although I'm going to give that a few years before I do, as we'll be having a new depot soon enough, with the chance of being trained up on more types of units (Including HSTs! Imagine that! Me in charge of something that can do 125mph!). In any case, its taken me long enough to get to this point where I'm happy, so why rush off again and spoil it, eh?
Ok, getting tired now, as 3am isnt really when I want to be awake (Have work at 9am, yay for night-to-day shift transitions!) . I'll maybe write something else when I can remember to do so, but in case you're starting to drool on the keyboard from having read this for too long, I'll go away now.
Stay groovy, people, and till next time!
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| So, it has begun! |
[17 Feb 2008|02:24pm] |
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Slay Radio - Rhaa Lovely II (Mr Jones at the Op-Machinery) |
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Well, thats the first training week over and done with! Technically, it finished last thursday, but I havent really thought about posting until now, so its pretty much no different from my usual posting routine.
So yes, I've been through a PTS (Personal Track Safety, for you non-trackrats out there) recert, manual handling (for the 15th or 16th time in my rail experiance. And yet I'll still do it the wrong way. Human nature, innit?), fire training (We got to play with extinguishers! But no fire... awww...), and the inevitable day of corporate blurb (Which to be fair, was made somewhat interesting by the HR bods who went through it all with a humour usually reserved for a comedy club). Still, its all over, and now the fun part can begin.
On monday, I have my site induction for the depot. Here's the fire exits, here's the workshops, here's the toilets... nevermind all that, wheres the bloody trains! :O)
After the tour, I then get to shadow an existing manouverer (henceforth shortened to Mano, as thats the working title) and play co-pilot in the trains as he's moving them about. The downside is I get to do sod all to assist, just watch. But it'll still help for when I get to the training proper, in a few weeks time. They're still waiting to take on 3 more manos, so I'll be waiting a while. I'm stil having a hard time beliving I'm the only one to get through the process so far... out of at least 12 people, I got the job. What are the chances?
Still, its all going to kick into overdrive once we're traiing proper. I have a few weeks of rules (yay...) and at least six weeks of actual traction training (Another technical term... just read it as train driving), then the biggie... the Final Test(tm). If I get through that, I'll be passed out (Not literally) and will be given my own roster and can go play with the trainset by myself. Well, I get to move the buggers, someone will be co-piloting me to make sure I'm kosher for the first few weeks, and giving me pointers and such. But at that point, I can claim to be a train driver. Woot!
So yes, its all go now. I'll try and keep abreast (hehe, breasts...) of further developments, and write them all down with an accuracy of at least 2 days leeway.
Alrighty, more tidying of the room shall follow, or more likely, more ET: Quake Wars. Adios all, and till next time!
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| It gets worse every year... |
[13 Feb 2008|05:34pm] |
I am now officially 27. Please send money and commiserations to the usual address.
Thank you XD
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| The new life... starts... HERE! |
[28 Jan 2008|02:29pm] |
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Ok, first up, 10 bonus points to those who identify the title. Good stuff.
Next thing on the adgenda... the announcement of all things good and great. Yes, for those of you who didnt notice from the last post I made, I have myself a new job. This job is what I've spent the last 5 years or so looking for, and life has finally conceded and given me the opportunity I've been waiting for so long to achieve. The promise of along-term career, a decent pay-packet and advancement opportunities are the ticket out of here, so to speak. Its been a long and hard road, and not always paved with gold.
But I'm there.
Mind you, getting the job is only part of the equation. I've now got to put in all my effort, all my concentration and all my know-whats to succeed, and thats now the battle. I know I can be good at this, I just have to prove it. So yes, this is the one chance I have now to sort it all out, and do it well.
Bloody hell, this sounds rather heroic and poetic, doesnt it? Lets get back to normal LJ blurb, shall we? Ok, so yes, new job, and its all looking good. Medical on the 8th, followed by a massive 2 day pissup and a day to sober before I start my training on the 11th. Good start, yes? ;O)
Money... still trying to find out what the actual final number of pounds per annum I'll be receiving in my frankly anemic bank account, some say its 25.7k, others say 26-somthing, and in the interview, it was 27k. Confusing at best. Mind you, I've spoken to a nice lady at the HR place, and things Will Be Done(tm).
What else? Well... the possible chance of me finally getting a car? Well, yes, but I'll give you all advance warning before hand. At least the road will be nice and clear if you all bugger off and stay off like you've all said. Plus, as people have handily mentioned to me, I need to get the first years stupidly-high insurance bollocks out of the way.
What else? Well... I FINALLY get the free travel people keep assuming I already have (woohoo!) although its only with the First group, and not on all trains (Boo!). OTOH, I might be sad enough to get a cab pass and have a front seat ride to wherever it is I'm going (yay!).
Well, thats all I can put to screen without falling over from the sheer exhaustion of having to type things that dont relate to FPS shootemups, so you'll have to make do with this for now.
Adios all, stay groovy, and more when more happens!
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| The future... the wait... (Part 1) + (Part 2) + (Finalé) |
[17 Jan 2008|11:31am] |
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Act I - The Nightmare Begins
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Well, 15 mins to go, this could be a major turning point here. Wish me luck, and I'll let you know what happens, as well as what all this is about later on.
*Fingers crossed*
Act II - Nerves, Panic and Relief (17/01/08)
--------------------------------------------
Ok, so, interview over. And I think it went well. A massive attack of nerves on the way to the depot, then that weird calm and lucid feeling of the inevitable. Then I got there, and had to wait 10 mins for the room to be set up :O)
So... yes, aside from the usual questions of personality (I've got one somewhere) and experiance, nothing much else happened. We joked, we talked about the job, and I got on really well with the interviewers. I guess all I've got now is to wait and see what happens with the references I gave them, and possibly after that (Assuming it all checks out) the medical. I'm good with medicals, not failed one yet, and no reason to fail this time.
And if that all clears, and we're good to go... well... say hello to 27k a year as a manouverer at Reading West Upper Triangle!
Finalé - And thus the wait is over... (22/01/08)
------------------------------------------------
I GOT THE JOB! I'm gonna be a train driver! Wheee! Initial training begins on the 11th feb, and I've a medical to pass before that (easy), but I've got the job! The wait, and the stress, is all over now. I can finally let it sink in (Still hasnt at this point) but they think I WONT be a major danger to the public and general yard staff XD
That 27k a year is going to taste so weet, I can already feel it!
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| New Year, better start posting again... |
[09 Jan 2008|10:48pm] |
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Ok, so 2008 then. Great, another new year, more reminds I'm getting older, gfatter and grumpier. Awesome. So, where to begin? Well, lets start with the good stuff first. And that good stuff is this... I'm one step away from possibly becomming a train driver.
Ok, get back here, its not THAT bad. I wont be on the mainline, I wont be scaring passangers (yet) and I'll be limited to 5mph in a train yard. But its a start, right? Right? Glad to see you all agree here. Its been a long time happening, and those of you who've been following me with trepidation ulcer-causing worry-gland on overtime (You know who you are) are able to start relaxing a little, knowing that only an Act of Mike would screw things up at this point in the procedings.
Yes, I passed the psychometric testing. And I am indeed crazy enough to be a train driver. Not everyone made it though, 2 of the guys who took the test failed early on, leaving me and one other outwardly smiling in a nervous manner, while inwardly swearing at the evil stupid reaction testing program that was designed back in the days of steam-driven 286s. Also, a word of warning... computer games DONT sharpen your reflexes like people claim. We were both frantically button mashing, pedal stomping and bleep-identifying until we were both convinced nothing short of the computers exploding would cause us to pass.
We did fine, as it turns out. I dont know how, I dont know why, but we did.
So, all thats left as far as I am aware, is an interview with the people I already know quite well, and then to proceed with the training and crashing of simulated trains (assuming the previously mentioned AoM doesnt happen).
Ok, what else? What else has gone on in the life of me, the important person writing these rather delectable words. (See, I know big words too, stop laughing). Well, tell you the truth? Not a huge amount. Mostly trying not to freeze to rails (true), break my back with Kangos (also true) and learning how to unicycle (Ok, not true. But it would be fun). I'm slowly getting to grips with being more organised (In the same way Mike Tyson mastered tha art of public speaking). Things are improving, little by little, and I'm feeling slightly less useless than normal. Next up is trying to shift what appears to be a vaccuum packed dish of lard stapled to my front (Slight over-emphasis there) and getting back in trim. New diet (Ha! Hahaha! Hahahahahhaha!) and new clothes (They'll give me a uniform when I start, right?) and a new job.
Its now 23:00, and my brain is slowly dissolving. Not in alcohol, which I wouldnt mind, but in thought. Well, what seems to be thought. Either that, or a headache. One way or another, I'll have a better grip on reality and be able to post something alittle less inananananane, and more coherant (another big word! Thats what, 5 now?) .
So, without further faffing about and procrastination... I'm off to get a cuppa. Stay good and groovy, people!
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| Whee, I still exist |
[12 Nov 2007|07:33pm] |
Wow... march was the last time I updated? Nothing new there then XD
So, I havent died, fallen off the planet, or been run over by trains just yet, it would seem. I've been busy being lazy, and working for useless companies with no grand scheme. I can now drive, and have yet to actally do so since passing my test. I'm putting on weight I'd rather not have, and lacking the inclination to take it off again.
I've been to the US again since the last post, and sweated my nuts off in a suit for a good buddy of mine and his wonderful Mrs. I've somehow managed to not be murdered by my building society for the nth failure to pay my credit card on time, and I'm currently trying to get a job that could see all of my problems vanish in one fell swoop, if Lady Luck stops being an arse and actually helps me this time :O)
I've managed to fail spectacularly on my resolution to visit friends more often (sorry!) and succeeded in maintaining a cynical outlook on life, the media and everything. I have yet to play with explosives this year (Boo!) and managed not to electrocute myself badly so far (Yay!).
In short, I'm still here, still the lovable git you all know and (hopefully) adore, and I'm still taking up space and using all your vital oxygen. And still just as cheerful!
Well, I'll update later when I'm not half-asleep, and provide something possible more light-hearted and amusing. We shall see...
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| BIRFDAY! |
[13 Feb 2007|12:22pm] |
Well, I cant NOT post something on my birthday, really. So here goes...
ITS MY BIRTHDAY!
So today, am I am 26, as of 6:50pm. Technically, I started comming into this world yesterday, butI've always been an awkward bastard, and managed to complicate things by being...
1) premature
2) upside down
3) in danger of suffocating
4) getting in the way during the cesarian and getting stiches in my leg for my troubles
5) being born jaundiced.
So yeah, if anyone wonder why I can be REALLY annoying and troublesome on occasion, just look at how it all started. And if you dont belive me, I'm happy to show you my stiches.
(Anyway, enough of that... wheres the pressies? :O)
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| Full Steam Ahead! |
[25 Jan 2007|03:37pm] |
Ok,so last post, I wrote about a job possibility that I had applied for, and have been waiting since to find out what the result was. I've been for an interview, I've sent them the paperwork, and I've proven my knowledge of all things railway...
I GOT THE BLOODY JOB!
Right now, just after speaking to the MD of the company, I feel a million quid. I've an action plan sorted for the near future, and now things can REALLY begin to move forward! No more scrounging around for temp work anymore! No more wondering if I'll be able to pay off my credit cards and overdraft! No more wishing I had the money to take driving lessons!
The feeling of relief is absolutly overwhelming. I'm ecstatically happy, and even the lack of sleep I've been experiencing all day has lifted after this wondeful piece of news. La la la la la. Happy happy happy. Holiday concerning both weddings has been sorted, and I have time before I start to get equipment and knowledge prepared.
This is the start of a new year, a new job, and a new life. Cat, we're rolling, and NOTHING is going to stop us now!
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| 2007, be my lucky year! |
[12 Jan 2007|06:29pm] |
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So, here we are. First post of the new year, and its a post with hope and expectation in it. Oh, if only all my posts were like this ;O)
Some of you will already know that I currently work on the railways for an agency, doing gruntwork. Its alright, but I feel wasted and underutilised doing this. I used to be on Signalling and Telecoms a few years back, but that came to an abrupt end when things wen ta bit sour. I enjoyed that work (when we had any) and recently, I've found myself wanting to get back into that industry. So I joined up with the current agency, in order to find new connections, and to see if I could find opportunities to get back into my old job area.
And such an opportunity has now arisen. While working out and about, I've been talking to an S&T installer who works in the local patch, and quite a few others when working out and about in London. All these engineers have told me on no uncertain terms to get my arse into gear, and apply for a job with their copmpany, GM Rail. So, a couple of months back, I did. I spoke to the MD, and got the app forms sent to me. I filled them out, and updated my CV. Then, I was offered the opportunity at the agency of becomming a machine controller (IE. big money, and I get to play with road/rail machinery. Fun fun fun). This tempted me a bit too much, and I let the application slide. Stupid mistake... I should have gone for it then.
After a month or so, I felt that my opportunity had slipped away, and I was doomed to stay with the agency. The machine controller position still has yet to appear, and nothing much else has happened while I've been working with my current gang. THEN...
Two days ago, I ran across the same engineer, who asked me how my application went. I explained the situation to him, and he appreciated the decision I took. But... it seemed that GM were short on staff members, and needed a permanant assistant installer in the Reading area. The chance to recover and retry had presented itself! So I got home, downloaded the online forms, and filled them out, after speaking to the personnel department once more. The forms have been emailed back, and I now have a reply in my inbox asking me when would be best for an interview... :O)
This time, I'm not going to blow it. I'm going to sell myself in such a way that Faust would choose me over the devil. I am going to be a total rail whore, and I'm going to get this job, come hell or high water.
I turned down a job working on aircraft to work for this agency. At the time, it was an incredibly difficult choice, seeing as I could have taken it and lived in Exeter with Cat. I'm glad I chose otherwise, or this path back to my goal would never have materialised.
2007... you be a good year to me. This year, I want to learn to drive. I want to get a decent, well paid job. I want to rediscover old friends, and make new ones. I want to travel, and I want to start a new and beautiful life with Cat. This year, stuff happens. You just wait and see!
EDIT: Oh yeah, for those still wondering about the last couple of posts, all should be revealed soon, as soon as someone gets his bloody DSL installed and can help me with the setup :O)
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[13 Nov 2006|12:56am] |
Well, since everyone else is either doing it, or will do it, I thought I'd beat the usual rush to spam LJ with pointless and crappy memes. So, Happy November (Its not even december yet, fer chrissakes... christmas bah...)
 Dear Santa...
Dear Santa,
This year I've been busy!
In August I ruled Iran as a kind and benevolent dictator (700 points). In June I farted in an elevator (-6 points). Last month I punched ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) snow_kitty in the arm (-10 points). In September on a flight to Pakistan, I stole the emergency flight information card (-40 points). In November I gave solulo a kidney (1000 points).
Overall, I've been nice (1644 points). For Christmas I deserve a shiny red ball!
Sincerely,
Zakarius |
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| The Suspense (Expense?) mounts.... |
[01 Nov 2006|09:01pm] |
Ok, I mentioned in my last post that I was doing something daft. I'm still preparing for it. I have spent ungoldy amounts of money on things, and I'm gearing up to getting everything ready and rolling. Tghere is a lot to do, and I want to get things rolling asap.
Again, more as it happens. But for now, rest assured, all the hardware is now in place...
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| A reminder for the future... |
[08 Oct 2006|12:50am] |
Dear Journal...
I've just done something incrediably expensive and possibly VERY foolhardy. I've also committed myself to a course of action that, although I wanted to try, and still do... might all end in tears. Still, I'm going to see this through to whatever end it might accomplish, and whatever happens... no regrets.
P.S. To anyone worrying about me, I'm still alive, and no, this will NOT result in me being blown up/electrocuted/mashed/fried//sliced/diced/run over/frozen/irradiated or otherwise. I might go mad though. Further posts will reveal all in good time, kiddies...
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| All change please... |
[09 Jun 2006|01:46pm] |
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Chronblom - Heartland (Trancia |
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Okay... so I've decided NOT to take the job a Flybe. Something came up, an opportunity too good to pass up. And besides, its not often I get 2nd chances call me out of the blue, so I've decided to go with this, and see where it goes to.
I'm going back to the railways.
Yeah, you read that right. I had a call from an old agency of mine before I knew if I'd got the job at Flybe, asking if I wanted work. When I explained my tickets (Railway qualifications) had run out, they said it wasn't a problem, and that they'd re-train me, with extras. I declined after having gotten the other job, but I've always felt I was missing out on something. I mean, here it was, an opportunity to go back to an environment which I enjoyed working in. REALLY enjoyed.
It had been nagging at me for a while afterwards, and the doubts started setting in. I kept thinking more and more about it, and although my head was unsure, I know now my heart was saying "Hell yeah!". For a week, it kept me thinking, and the more I thought, the less sure I felt of things.
(With me, the more I think about doing something, the less chance there is of me actually doing it. There was the danger with my last job, I kept thinking about resigning, and decided that if I didn't do it there and then, I'd never go do it. So I did. So you can see now why the sudden change of heart.)
So, yeah. I though a little more, spoke to a few friends, spoke long and hard with Cat, and finally came to a decision. Its time to take a deep breath, and go with the harder, but more rewarding option. It means being away from Cat for even longer, but we've been through long times apart before, and we made it through.
And this is it. I'm about to call Flybe and tell them thankyou, but no thanks. I need a direction, and I think I've found mine at last. I know where I want to be, and this change will see me get to the starting line, and hopefully beyond.I can only go up from here, and thats the ditrection I want to be going in. The old me is finally on the way out, and the new me is comming on strong. time for a change. Time for somethnig new. Time do do things right.
And there is NO time like the present...
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| Career a-go-go! |
[05 Jun 2006|11:45am] |
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Woohoo!
I got the job I spent ages applying for, specifically the position of 'Aircraft Support Worker' at the Flybe hnagars in Exeter. This time I aim to pursue the job to its fullest, and concentrate on what I belive will be my lifetmie career.
Granted, for now all I'm doing is 'technical cleaning', which translates to 'hoovering aircraft, polishing aircraft, assisting other techs, keeping the hangars clean,' and various other duties. ButI dont care. With enough effort, and plenty of enthusiasm, I'm aiming to become a qualified mechanical/avionics engineer (delete as appropriate) in 2 years or less. Preferably less.
Its a major relief, as I've been jobless for quite a while now, and this stroke of luck is what I was after. It also means I can now settle down in Exeter on a more permanant basis, and with a little bit of time and money, I'll be able to move in with my Little Loved On(tm), Cat.
Damnit, I can never remember how to do those damn username link things.
Ahh well, time to get myself organised, and look forward to the future. I start on the 14th, wish me luck!
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