Tiff; So, how do you feel about being a grandfather? We've decided to try and have a baby
Tiff's Dad;Really? which of you? And I don't need the details!
Tiff; Me, with a little help- we have a friend that is donating
Tiff's Dad; Oh yeah? Well then, I guess I need to start buying baby clothes.
Tiff; no pink frilly stuff, please
Tiff's Dad; Yeah, right- I'm going to find a wee little t shirt that says "tough"
Right then, It appears Tiffs Dad has no qualms about lesbians raising babies:)
Monday, December 24, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Turkey Basters
Yesterday's post really was a joke,it was not day two, we are several weeks into the process of daily checking, and we ARE impatient, but we are relaxed, happy and excited
.
So it turns out tiffs sister went through IVF with her husband to get their daughter. She was, therefore, particularly happy and supportive when we told her we have a donor and were going to start trying for a kid. After much squeee-ing and congratulations, she took a sip of coffee and then a deep breath and said "I've gotta ask- its a really personal thing, so say no if you are not comfortable"
I'm laughing at this stage as we'd already had the discussion around friends and family who would be asking graphic questions, and how we'd handle it - (frank disclosure in most cases)- we understand that people are naturally curious, and it is not everyday you are close enough to someone to ask the question.
Tiff; "yeah, sure, go ahead"
Sister;"So are you going to try naturally, or go through a clinic?"
Tiff; "Neither-we're going to take the product home in a cup and do it ourselves"
Sister (with a delighted sound) "Turkey basters?! People actually DO that?!"
Me "Well not actually a turkey baster- there's a bit too much air in a baster, yanno"
Tiff "Yeah, its just a syringe".
We've actually been asked about turkey basters by most people now, and no one seems to think about the overkill aspect, but I expect their will be a few cracks made at our x-mas gathering this year when I actually DO have to baste the turkey.
So; the mechanics (for us);
We monitor Tiff for hormone spike to determine ovulation, then for the next three days drive to the donors hour for a coffee and visit with the family. At end of visit, donor leaves room, probably with his partner for assistance, and returns with a DNA sample in a medical sample jar.
We say our goodbye and leave, with jar nestled between my tits.
Why there? Two reasons- one- sample will keep for two hours at body temperature. Two; Donor- a close mate for years has determined that if he does not get to at least do this the fun way, he at least gets to delight in the idea of his junk on my tits.
It's a small price to pay :)
At home, cosy and comfy in our own surroundings, we use a syringe to deposit the sample literally at the cervix opening.
Then, all that is left to do is remove syringe and ensure Tiff has a good time with external help.
Then she stays still for 15 minutes or so.
At home insemination has a good success rate in part because you can be more relaxed then in a clinical environment. Some people still chose the clinic route because it is essential for them to have a impartial witness to confirm there was no sex between the donor and the mother.
The donor will also help us by freezing samples before he gets his vasectomy in a year or two. Using a bank for storage means a yearly storage fee, and a mess of paperwork to cover what happens to the sample it is not used by us. In our case, if we don't use it , it will be destroyed. Our donor is very adamant that he is donating only for our use.
I think that's the basics. But if I've missed something, ask- we're happy to answer.
So it turns out tiffs sister went through IVF with her husband to get their daughter. She was, therefore, particularly happy and supportive when we told her we have a donor and were going to start trying for a kid. After much squeee-ing and congratulations, she took a sip of coffee and then a deep breath and said "I've gotta ask- its a really personal thing, so say no if you are not comfortable"
I'm laughing at this stage as we'd already had the discussion around friends and family who would be asking graphic questions, and how we'd handle it - (frank disclosure in most cases)- we understand that people are naturally curious, and it is not everyday you are close enough to someone to ask the question.
Tiff; "yeah, sure, go ahead"
Sister;"So are you going to try naturally, or go through a clinic?"
Tiff; "Neither-we're going to take the product home in a cup and do it ourselves"
Sister (with a delighted sound) "Turkey basters?! People actually DO that?!"
Me "Well not actually a turkey baster- there's a bit too much air in a baster, yanno"
Tiff "Yeah, its just a syringe".
We've actually been asked about turkey basters by most people now, and no one seems to think about the overkill aspect, but I expect their will be a few cracks made at our x-mas gathering this year when I actually DO have to baste the turkey.
So; the mechanics (for us);
We monitor Tiff for hormone spike to determine ovulation, then for the next three days drive to the donors hour for a coffee and visit with the family. At end of visit, donor leaves room, probably with his partner for assistance, and returns with a DNA sample in a medical sample jar.
We say our goodbye and leave, with jar nestled between my tits.
Why there? Two reasons- one- sample will keep for two hours at body temperature. Two; Donor- a close mate for years has determined that if he does not get to at least do this the fun way, he at least gets to delight in the idea of his junk on my tits.
It's a small price to pay :)
At home, cosy and comfy in our own surroundings, we use a syringe to deposit the sample literally at the cervix opening.
Then, all that is left to do is remove syringe and ensure Tiff has a good time with external help.
Then she stays still for 15 minutes or so.
At home insemination has a good success rate in part because you can be more relaxed then in a clinical environment. Some people still chose the clinic route because it is essential for them to have a impartial witness to confirm there was no sex between the donor and the mother.
The donor will also help us by freezing samples before he gets his vasectomy in a year or two. Using a bank for storage means a yearly storage fee, and a mess of paperwork to cover what happens to the sample it is not used by us. In our case, if we don't use it , it will be destroyed. Our donor is very adamant that he is donating only for our use.
I think that's the basics. But if I've missed something, ask- we're happy to answer.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Heather has two mommies.
There is a baby, maybe two in my future. Tiff and I have decided now is the time to start trying.
She will carry- I've already had a miscarriage, and at 39 I'm not the wisest choice, not when Tiff is just 32 with no known issues.
We have a close friend who's offered to be donor, and we plan self insemination at home by ourselves. The donor will also contribute to a sperm bank on our behalf in 18 month or so when he has a vasectomy- he is already father to several and his partner would like to stop taking the pill as a means of not having more.
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of planning. Tiff has removed her implant, we've seen the GP, started her on a folic acid supplement.
We've a referral to a lesbian Obstetrician at the Mater Hospital, which is good, as we will be going interstate to NSW for the birth, and Tiff has already decided the Mater in Sydney is where she wants to give birth. We still need to find an interstate Dr willing to coordinate with the Brisbane ones leading up to the birth.
Why the travel for birth? In NSW, we can both he recognized as legal parents on the birth certificate, where in Qld, that is not possible. It's vital to us that we have equal recognition, so Tiff will take the last month of her pregnancy and spend it in NSW. With 43 flights between Brisbane and Sydney a day, and me working next to the airport, I'll just have a bag packed and be ready for a call in the first weeks, then spend the last week down there with her.
We've dreamt big, and have picked out nursery furniture, though we have stopped short of complete madness by not dropping 3 grand on furniture before we are actually pregnant. And a ridiculous amount of punk/goth clothing on a wishlist. We've both agreed we wish to go fairly unisex- though not to the extreme of those who try to raise a genderless child. We have names picked out.
We are impatient, excited, and utterly terrified:)
She will carry- I've already had a miscarriage, and at 39 I'm not the wisest choice, not when Tiff is just 32 with no known issues.
We have a close friend who's offered to be donor, and we plan self insemination at home by ourselves. The donor will also contribute to a sperm bank on our behalf in 18 month or so when he has a vasectomy- he is already father to several and his partner would like to stop taking the pill as a means of not having more.
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of planning. Tiff has removed her implant, we've seen the GP, started her on a folic acid supplement.
We've a referral to a lesbian Obstetrician at the Mater Hospital, which is good, as we will be going interstate to NSW for the birth, and Tiff has already decided the Mater in Sydney is where she wants to give birth. We still need to find an interstate Dr willing to coordinate with the Brisbane ones leading up to the birth.
Why the travel for birth? In NSW, we can both he recognized as legal parents on the birth certificate, where in Qld, that is not possible. It's vital to us that we have equal recognition, so Tiff will take the last month of her pregnancy and spend it in NSW. With 43 flights between Brisbane and Sydney a day, and me working next to the airport, I'll just have a bag packed and be ready for a call in the first weeks, then spend the last week down there with her.
We've dreamt big, and have picked out nursery furniture, though we have stopped short of complete madness by not dropping 3 grand on furniture before we are actually pregnant. And a ridiculous amount of punk/goth clothing on a wishlist. We've both agreed we wish to go fairly unisex- though not to the extreme of those who try to raise a genderless child. We have names picked out.
We are impatient, excited, and utterly terrified:)
Monday, August 13, 2012
Semi-Charmed kinda life
A month ago, I changed jobs. Two months ago I was terrified, having handed in my notice at the job I have held for the past year. A job that was stable, payed well and provided me plenty of future possibility. A job with a company who's ethics I loved, with great benefits and bonuses. The moment I passed the notice in, I began second guessing and doubting. I even spoke with the CFO about withdrawing the resignation. He encouraged me to do so, they offered me a raise if I would stay.
But my reasons for leaving were sound, and could not be removed with the addition of a raise.The ongoing stress due to constant micromanagement and interference from my bosses boss, and his constant changing of the rules and complete lack of support- but consistent ability to take all the credit were things that would remain, no matter how much I was paid. Added to that the fact that I know all 5 of my co workers were looking for work elsewhere and my main reason to stay- a great fondness for my team- was in doubt.
I've been gone for a month. And it seems like longer. The new role, while not at all challenging, which may in fact border on boring- is in the least peaceful. And that is something I value highly. I've added a few grand to my former salary, and gained and extra hour in my morning, which I've been filling with a little cleaning, a leisurely breakfast and a little exercise. In a few months, when the boredom is more prominent, I'll look around for a course to do to stimulate my brain.
We started weight watchers 3-4 months ago, and are consistently (but not rapidly) loosing weight. I've lost 12 kilo's and Tiff has lost 19 kilo's. Just sensible meal planning, no serious amount of exercise added yet. We have bought a zumba kit and are seeking a yoga class we can attend though.
We've been spending big on big-ticket items. A new Laptop for Tiff, a new Tablet for me, a home gym system and a big screen LCD flat screen web enable TV. So we are in turn spending more time at home, which is wonderful, as I love my place.
I've also recently been reminded how many incredible people I have in my life. I really am blessed in the friends department. Ex's who will drop everything to drive across the city to help me move those big ticket things up our ridiculous set of stairs, friends who step in when we need to re-home a cat, friends who organize fantastic cooking classes, friends who put up their house when we we are in their neck of the woods and need a place to stay- even on weekends when they actually are not at home, friends who offer up their time to mentor us both as we expand our fetish interests. I am humbled by how many hands have reached out to us lately.
I am grateful for each and every one of you.
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Bucket-worthy.
Sitting at my desk at work crying a little. Because an old friend of mine from high school just received flowers on her birthday. From her husband, who died of Cancer about a year before her last birthday. When she got flowers last year, she assumed it was an order placed before she died and though nothing more of it. But now this year again. And shes happy about it, but also a little sad, wondering how many years they will continue.
Knowing him, I'd not be surprised if he's paid, in advance for 50 more years. Too sweet.
Knowing him, I'd not be surprised if he's paid, in advance for 50 more years. Too sweet.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Quaint, but more then a little appalling
Tiff and I booked back to back Dr appointments in a after hours clinic this week. Me, to have an implanon birth control implant removed and another inserted, and Tiff to have her first inserted.
We were given three pages of forms to fill out for background health info, as we'd not been to this clinic before, and then the Dr saw me first. Dr was young- we disagree how young, but I say late 40's, Tiff thinks early 50's. Still, young, not foreign, and obviously, well educated. He was cheery and friendly and asked me rudimentary questions about allergies, and whether I smoked, then sent me to pharmacy next store to fill the script for the new implant.
While I was off, he saw Tiff. Since she did not already have an implant, he told her it was imperative she be certain she was not currently pregnant before insertion. When she agreed she was not, he asked her how she could be so certain. She then informed him she does not have sex with men. After a moments silence, he told her. "Well then, that would make you a homosexual" and made a note in the computer for this. Then said "right- so you are single?" And Tiff informed him that no, in fact, the last girl he saw was her partner. He then grilled her on smoking, drugs and alcohol abuse before asking her why she wanted birth control in the first place. She justified this by telling him she wanted it because it regulates and reduces the menstrual cycle.
When I came back and she told me all this, I was both amused that he thought her being a homosexual made her well dogdey, and he had to ask her far more involved questions then me regarding substance abuse. We had a moment in the waiting room of giggling because I pretended to be shocked by this revelation "What"?! You are homosexual? Why did you not tell me this? Sheesh!"
But I was also shocked at how old fashioned his terminology and attitude seemed.
When I went back in to have my implant implanted, his attitude had done a 160. He was gruff and abrupt, and gone was the warmth. He was professional, and removed the old and implanted the new, but with no friendly banter whatsoever. He did ask me if I was "Aware that my friend was not straight", and I laughed and said I was aware, as we were a couple, to which he only nodded. I presume he was fact checking in case she was puling his leg? So I told him we preferred Gay/Lesbian, or even Queer to homosexual- which he made no response to. He did not, I noticed, make a note in my computer record that I too, was a homosexual. The plight of the Femme- no recognition, I tell ya!
His manner of treatment of Tiff also really got my goat because, had he bothered to read the three pages of background info- or asked us both the same questions, he'd have had a little eye opener. Tiff is a goody two shoes. I on the other hand, had info filled in about recreational drug use of several varieties.
He just never bothered to check, maybe he thinks it is something good little straight girls aren't into?
And so the search for a Dr in our new area continues!
We were given three pages of forms to fill out for background health info, as we'd not been to this clinic before, and then the Dr saw me first. Dr was young- we disagree how young, but I say late 40's, Tiff thinks early 50's. Still, young, not foreign, and obviously, well educated. He was cheery and friendly and asked me rudimentary questions about allergies, and whether I smoked, then sent me to pharmacy next store to fill the script for the new implant.
While I was off, he saw Tiff. Since she did not already have an implant, he told her it was imperative she be certain she was not currently pregnant before insertion. When she agreed she was not, he asked her how she could be so certain. She then informed him she does not have sex with men. After a moments silence, he told her. "Well then, that would make you a homosexual" and made a note in the computer for this. Then said "right- so you are single?" And Tiff informed him that no, in fact, the last girl he saw was her partner. He then grilled her on smoking, drugs and alcohol abuse before asking her why she wanted birth control in the first place. She justified this by telling him she wanted it because it regulates and reduces the menstrual cycle.
When I came back and she told me all this, I was both amused that he thought her being a homosexual made her well dogdey, and he had to ask her far more involved questions then me regarding substance abuse. We had a moment in the waiting room of giggling because I pretended to be shocked by this revelation "What"?! You are homosexual? Why did you not tell me this? Sheesh!"
But I was also shocked at how old fashioned his terminology and attitude seemed.
When I went back in to have my implant implanted, his attitude had done a 160. He was gruff and abrupt, and gone was the warmth. He was professional, and removed the old and implanted the new, but with no friendly banter whatsoever. He did ask me if I was "Aware that my friend was not straight", and I laughed and said I was aware, as we were a couple, to which he only nodded. I presume he was fact checking in case she was puling his leg? So I told him we preferred Gay/Lesbian, or even Queer to homosexual- which he made no response to. He did not, I noticed, make a note in my computer record that I too, was a homosexual. The plight of the Femme- no recognition, I tell ya!
His manner of treatment of Tiff also really got my goat because, had he bothered to read the three pages of background info- or asked us both the same questions, he'd have had a little eye opener. Tiff is a goody two shoes. I on the other hand, had info filled in about recreational drug use of several varieties.
He just never bothered to check, maybe he thinks it is something good little straight girls aren't into?
And so the search for a Dr in our new area continues!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Back in my day...
I'm 38. And I'm truly getting old. it is official-I'm now of the older generation.
I know this because yesterday I nearly assaulted two kids on the train, having to resist the urge to knock their two heads together.
Because they were stupid.
For more then thirty minutes I listened to to boys somewhere between 18 and 20, have a series of conversations, the usual banter, nothing awe- inspiring.
The conversation itself was not the issue.
My issue arose from the fact that whenever one dude said anything the other (and this worked in both directions) amusing, the other would SAY "lol". This happened many times over. I lost count in my rage.
You see, my issue stems from the fact that we, as primates, have developed a means of expressing mirth. it's called "laughter". (Or, in the milder cases, a "smile").
I've known the age thing was coming on for about a year now. My ex husbands girlfriend (whom I absolutely adore, by the way) is also much much younger(that's the way it goes, right?), and her vocabulary also makes me shudder, though I have never felt the urge to cause her harm in an effort to teach her proper diction! She will shorten words such as "totally" into "totes". I find such alterations jarring as they interrupt the flow of conversation for me, but I can get over it. I just keep telling myself that this is an evolution of the language and try not to think of it as devolution.
But to introduce as a word "lol" without any outward flicker of expression to accompany it?
is that where we are headed as a race? To the re-expression of body language. Mechanical beings without expression.
Ah well, without the presence of laugh lines, perhaps the next generation will retain their youth into their old age.
And I'm sure they will then find something equally as irritating about the youth of their day as well.
Maybe kids then will want to do something really perverse, like socialize in meatspace.
I know this because yesterday I nearly assaulted two kids on the train, having to resist the urge to knock their two heads together.
Because they were stupid.
For more then thirty minutes I listened to to boys somewhere between 18 and 20, have a series of conversations, the usual banter, nothing awe- inspiring.
The conversation itself was not the issue.
My issue arose from the fact that whenever one dude said anything the other (and this worked in both directions) amusing, the other would SAY "lol". This happened many times over. I lost count in my rage.
You see, my issue stems from the fact that we, as primates, have developed a means of expressing mirth. it's called "laughter". (Or, in the milder cases, a "smile").
I've known the age thing was coming on for about a year now. My ex husbands girlfriend (whom I absolutely adore, by the way) is also much much younger(that's the way it goes, right?), and her vocabulary also makes me shudder, though I have never felt the urge to cause her harm in an effort to teach her proper diction! She will shorten words such as "totally" into "totes". I find such alterations jarring as they interrupt the flow of conversation for me, but I can get over it. I just keep telling myself that this is an evolution of the language and try not to think of it as devolution.
But to introduce as a word "lol" without any outward flicker of expression to accompany it?
is that where we are headed as a race? To the re-expression of body language. Mechanical beings without expression.
Ah well, without the presence of laugh lines, perhaps the next generation will retain their youth into their old age.
And I'm sure they will then find something equally as irritating about the youth of their day as well.
Maybe kids then will want to do something really perverse, like socialize in meatspace.
Friday, March 09, 2012
Going Commando
We do “casual Fridays” at my office. And with the summer weather now tapering off, and the days “cooling off” to the mere high 20’s (77-84F), I decided to drag some Jeans out of storage this morning. So I’m standing in my walk in closet, trying to be quiet as the girlthing is still asleep, wiggling in and out of jeans I have not worn in about a year trying to find a pair I like. I fell over only once, after getting a leg stuck, but even me crashing into shelving and tipping over in an ungainly heap on the hardwood did not rouse the gently snoring boobs in the bed.
Having settled on a pair that was comfy, I buggered off to work. After a 40 minute train journey into the city and having drunk enough coffee to wake up sufficiently, I step off the train onto a breezy train platform to realize I am not wearing any underwear. I went from “trying on for size” to breakfast in the kitchen having skipped the step of underwear.
Now, for years, underwear was optional for me. But for past year or so I’ve gotten back into the habit of wearing them every day. And apparently that’s where my comfort zone is now. Because I have now spent several hours since this breezy discover completely and utterly focussed on the lack of underwear inside my pants. I’m careful when bending to sit, avoiding bending or squatting, and generally imagining myself in a multitude of situations which might lend to my jeans splitting and my arse hanging out for the world to see.
Is this paranoia?
Or worse yet, the gift of premonition?
I only hope I make it through the day with my dignity intact
Having settled on a pair that was comfy, I buggered off to work. After a 40 minute train journey into the city and having drunk enough coffee to wake up sufficiently, I step off the train onto a breezy train platform to realize I am not wearing any underwear. I went from “trying on for size” to breakfast in the kitchen having skipped the step of underwear.
Now, for years, underwear was optional for me. But for past year or so I’ve gotten back into the habit of wearing them every day. And apparently that’s where my comfort zone is now. Because I have now spent several hours since this breezy discover completely and utterly focussed on the lack of underwear inside my pants. I’m careful when bending to sit, avoiding bending or squatting, and generally imagining myself in a multitude of situations which might lend to my jeans splitting and my arse hanging out for the world to see.
Is this paranoia?
Or worse yet, the gift of premonition?
I only hope I make it through the day with my dignity intact
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Records night
Fantastic night out. Lots of old faces, plenty of pervery to watch- and partake it- even the rain did not ruin the good spirits and enthusiasm. Great atmosphere.
Was meant to be partaking in a record to place the most amount of clothespegs on a scrotum, but got most of way to event before realizing in had forgotten the pegs. Pulled into a late night convenience store and was lucky enough to find one with pegs on the shelves. Tiff and I stood there debating for a few moments about how many packs of 50 we should get. So I'm standing there holding several very large (I mean in a physical space sort of way)packs and wondering aloud "I'm not sure- how far can a scrotum stretch you reckon?
The two boys working in the shop were a little pained, and I think very happy when we finally left. And I'm glad I bought both packs, as I needed them. Also landed a record for landing 1862 cane strokes in ten minutes.
Two of my favourite pervs are still sleeping in the spare room, and another friend(and former housemate) who moved away a year ago is on her way to mine, having driven for past three days straight from Tasmania to move back to Qld. Very much looking forward to the catch up.
Hopefully Tiffs brother will come over today to to fix my car, as the fuel line is is busted, split or otherwise leaking to the point of being undrivable.
I'm thinking I need a massage, or maybe just head out to a film- need to unwind a little and shut the brain down a bit as I am still far too wired.
Was meant to be partaking in a record to place the most amount of clothespegs on a scrotum, but got most of way to event before realizing in had forgotten the pegs. Pulled into a late night convenience store and was lucky enough to find one with pegs on the shelves. Tiff and I stood there debating for a few moments about how many packs of 50 we should get. So I'm standing there holding several very large (I mean in a physical space sort of way)packs and wondering aloud "I'm not sure- how far can a scrotum stretch you reckon?
The two boys working in the shop were a little pained, and I think very happy when we finally left. And I'm glad I bought both packs, as I needed them. Also landed a record for landing 1862 cane strokes in ten minutes.
Two of my favourite pervs are still sleeping in the spare room, and another friend(and former housemate) who moved away a year ago is on her way to mine, having driven for past three days straight from Tasmania to move back to Qld. Very much looking forward to the catch up.
Hopefully Tiffs brother will come over today to to fix my car, as the fuel line is is busted, split or otherwise leaking to the point of being undrivable.
I'm thinking I need a massage, or maybe just head out to a film- need to unwind a little and shut the brain down a bit as I am still far too wired.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Bursting!
Belly is too full of too much Indian food. Blergh!
Had a "stop-start, rewind" kind of morning. Got up early, left the girl dozing in the warm comfy bed, headed to train station to see train puling away. Pulled over, went to call Tiff to tell her I would be taking the car to work, only to find I left my phone at home. Drove home. got phone, told the now awake girl I was taking car, and off I set for the drive into the city.
5 kms away from home, I noticed the digital readout of gar consumption had gone down by 30 kms. Turn around, go home again, park the car on the road and have Tiff come out and drive me to work in the other care, because mine clearly has a leak in the fuel line.
Three attempts to get out of the house almost had me call in sick. Almost, but curiosity got the better of me. The axe is still falling in NSW, so I'm still not sure what the fallout for my accounts will be yet. Once I know who's been cut, I'll have to prepare a few things and get to know some replacements, then train them to see things my way:)
What a day, what a week. I'm glad there was good food, ready access to good wine, and a fantastic girl to snuggle with at the end of it all.
Had a "stop-start, rewind" kind of morning. Got up early, left the girl dozing in the warm comfy bed, headed to train station to see train puling away. Pulled over, went to call Tiff to tell her I would be taking the car to work, only to find I left my phone at home. Drove home. got phone, told the now awake girl I was taking car, and off I set for the drive into the city.
5 kms away from home, I noticed the digital readout of gar consumption had gone down by 30 kms. Turn around, go home again, park the car on the road and have Tiff come out and drive me to work in the other care, because mine clearly has a leak in the fuel line.
Three attempts to get out of the house almost had me call in sick. Almost, but curiosity got the better of me. The axe is still falling in NSW, so I'm still not sure what the fallout for my accounts will be yet. Once I know who's been cut, I'll have to prepare a few things and get to know some replacements, then train them to see things my way:)
What a day, what a week. I'm glad there was good food, ready access to good wine, and a fantastic girl to snuggle with at the end of it all.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Gearing up
It's Thursday night, the weekend is so close I can taste it ticking the back of my tongue like chocolate ripple ice cream.
I've a weekend planned that might wind up being a messy one, given the stressy week that has been, and the amount of wine on my wine rack.
We have three known house guests coming this weekend, all here in town to attend Queensland's biggest perve event of the year, a kinksters version of Guinness records. I'm only participating in two events this year- placement of the most clothepegs on a scrotum (not mine, obviously!) and also in a tandem caning event. I'm also a DM for the night. Records night typically includes 100-150 people- which to my friends in London will seem like a small party, but it is big news here, and always a spectacularly fun night.
So the house is messy, the vaccuming needs doing, beds need making, and all I'm concerned about is cramming enough wine in the fridge to chill and looking forward to unwinding with some of the most bizarrely fun people I know.
Cheers!
I've a weekend planned that might wind up being a messy one, given the stressy week that has been, and the amount of wine on my wine rack.
We have three known house guests coming this weekend, all here in town to attend Queensland's biggest perve event of the year, a kinksters version of Guinness records. I'm only participating in two events this year- placement of the most clothepegs on a scrotum (not mine, obviously!) and also in a tandem caning event. I'm also a DM for the night. Records night typically includes 100-150 people- which to my friends in London will seem like a small party, but it is big news here, and always a spectacularly fun night.
So the house is messy, the vaccuming needs doing, beds need making, and all I'm concerned about is cramming enough wine in the fridge to chill and looking forward to unwinding with some of the most bizarrely fun people I know.
Cheers!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Safe on First!
Drama drama all round at work today. Bottom line- I am safe until end of financial year, June 30 when there may be further cutbacks. Have also been warned that there may be wage freeze instated, but that current pay scale, current bonus structure will remain as per contract. Surprised to find it was not all underlings that went- those out the door in our (head) office included management. Some did not take it gracefully, partaking in a little sabotage by way of deleting documentation which would make the handover easier and needing to be physically escorted off premises.
We lost 30 people- I'm still waiting for final numbers for New South Wales, which is the state I manage the portfolio for. They are already trying to manage the natural expectation that people will jump ship in the coming months, by indicating that those who stick it out will be rewarded. I've faith the company will make it through- they have successfully weather three other economic slowdowns by recognizing the issues in advance, and taking steps- like now- to cut back before it becomes an absolute necessity.
I like my work, I'm happy to stick around for now. Temp wage freeze is not off putting- I'm payed 10 grand more then my last role, and I'd rather HAVE a steady wage then nit pick about 60 bucks a week, especially with the indication being that at end of freeze, raise is immediate with an extra thrown in to thank people for sticking around.
Tension filled times at the office, and happy there is a little breathing space for me.
Great commute home, chatting with co worker for half of the journey that we share, and wound up debating whether really well hung midget men can tuck their willy into their sock, and how that must be a really fucking odd sensation for them. Half the train car got quiet to listen in and be amused by us.
Came home to a fantastic full roast dinner. NOW I am slowly beginning to remember the joys of a partner who works shift work. She is very good to me. Now if only I could convince her to put out three times daily...
We lost 30 people- I'm still waiting for final numbers for New South Wales, which is the state I manage the portfolio for. They are already trying to manage the natural expectation that people will jump ship in the coming months, by indicating that those who stick it out will be rewarded. I've faith the company will make it through- they have successfully weather three other economic slowdowns by recognizing the issues in advance, and taking steps- like now- to cut back before it becomes an absolute necessity.
I like my work, I'm happy to stick around for now. Temp wage freeze is not off putting- I'm payed 10 grand more then my last role, and I'd rather HAVE a steady wage then nit pick about 60 bucks a week, especially with the indication being that at end of freeze, raise is immediate with an extra thrown in to thank people for sticking around.
Tension filled times at the office, and happy there is a little breathing space for me.
Great commute home, chatting with co worker for half of the journey that we share, and wound up debating whether really well hung midget men can tuck their willy into their sock, and how that must be a really fucking odd sensation for them. Half the train car got quiet to listen in and be amused by us.
Came home to a fantastic full roast dinner. NOW I am slowly beginning to remember the joys of a partner who works shift work. She is very good to me. Now if only I could convince her to put out three times daily...
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
I should have stayed in bed
The girlfriend went back to her first night shift in months last night, after months of daytime classwork. So I slept only fitfully all night, as the bed felt big and empty without her.
Woke up too groggy to contemplate breakfast so poured a coffee in a travel mug intending to eat at the office.
Got to station in time to see the train pulling away. While waiting for the next train, I realized I had left my coffee on the kitchen counter at home. Normally 50 minute journey took 95 minutes, due to multiple long stopages waiting for faulty signals on the tracks.
Got to work to be told of massive, company wide non voluntary redundancies. Our dept is one of lucky ones- we are losing at least 3 of our 14 team. And the kicker is we do not know who. They are planning to tell people on a one to one basis throughout the week. I'm fairly certain that I am secure, but until the announcements are all complete, I won't feel safe. And the suckful thing is even if I am safe, someone I know will be upset before the week is over.
It was a rough atmosphere to work in today.
And come home to find another drama from the real estate agent, who is trying to oncharge us for an emergency plumer bill.
Tommorow will be better. Right?
Woke up too groggy to contemplate breakfast so poured a coffee in a travel mug intending to eat at the office.
Got to station in time to see the train pulling away. While waiting for the next train, I realized I had left my coffee on the kitchen counter at home. Normally 50 minute journey took 95 minutes, due to multiple long stopages waiting for faulty signals on the tracks.
Got to work to be told of massive, company wide non voluntary redundancies. Our dept is one of lucky ones- we are losing at least 3 of our 14 team. And the kicker is we do not know who. They are planning to tell people on a one to one basis throughout the week. I'm fairly certain that I am secure, but until the announcements are all complete, I won't feel safe. And the suckful thing is even if I am safe, someone I know will be upset before the week is over.
It was a rough atmosphere to work in today.
And come home to find another drama from the real estate agent, who is trying to oncharge us for an emergency plumer bill.
Tommorow will be better. Right?
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