Hellish Saturday
Town, shops, back home, bus to work. I sort of had feelings - as I think we always do - about looking forward to home-time. These feelings were helped when we went up Ninewells Avenue on the 13, using Solo (47)259, and the bus started to waddle across the road... apparently the driver's electrics went, causing a problem with the power steering (i.e. there was none), and everything else derived from the power. You'd think this might be a hint?
I got to work. I started taking calls. About an hour and a quarter into my shift, and I had a problem which I could sort of understand (why some staff wouldn’t understand it), but as far as I was aware, there was no “temporary fault” type reason for this happening. I had to wait nearly 5minutes for assistance on one call, and went back to the customer and got screamed at.
Next I knew, I'd "frozen" over my pc for about 20 minutes. Next thing I remember was someone telling me I'd been crying over my pc for well over half an hour, and asking me to go off and take a break. I did so, but was still unable to return to calls after the rest, so I ended up being sent/going home with approval just before 1600. I almost felt that, despite being there nearly four years, I couldn't do anything...
… so, I got home. Time for a bit of a kip before looking around on what happened. There are many things that could have caused this – but all the factors combined into one. I spoke to several friends when I got online, and some thought I’d gone back to work too early… you know when you think you know your own mind? Maybe it's time for a new job after nearly four years, and while there have been a huge number of procedural and system changes at work this year, I must thank the two on-duty team managers (they changed around at 1500) who were on today, as you looked after me rather well, when I really didn’t know what had hit me. Thanks again, and I hope to see you all again soon.
A quiet Friday
Most of my regulars know I don't work on Fridays, and with nothing special this week, just a chance to relax.
Back to work
Back to work today! As ever, had a “back-to-work” interview, where both the agency person and my own manager said, “you still sound a bit different”, then asked if I was really well enough to come back? I was certain that I was, as the coughing & choking was largely a problem when getting up in the morning etc. Compared to how I had been, I was now fine. So, completed the day, no huge problems, relatively happy to have done a full day’s work, then back home. Attendance investigation to follow on Monday, but that should be ok – I don’t see any other way I could have handled this.
Wednesday Recovery
Today was another day of attempted recovery. Most of the problems have now gone – my speech is almost back to normal, I’m only coughing & choking some of the time, and I can actually get a good sleep now without waking up every few hours! I’m not sweating, the cold has gone, my inhaler use is back to what it was before, so I feel about 90% ready to go. I called off today’s speech therapy appointment – just in case! – but I plan on going back to work tomorrow. For work purposes, I’ll be fine.
Tuesday's bad
Today, finally got to see one of my own doctors, who basically thought everything would continue to improve if I carried on with what I’m on at the moment – so he gave me another two days of the steroids and left it at that (to make seven of each). To take your minds off my recent plights, here are another couple from AD2-jokers…
The other side of the Fairy Tale Once upon a time a guy asked a girl, "Will You marry me?"
The girl said, "No".
And the girl lived happily ever and went shopping, dancing, drank martinis, always had a clean house, never had to cook, had sex with whomever she pleased.... did whatever the hell she wanted, never argued,didn't get fat, travelled more, had many boyfriends, saved more money, had all the hot water to herself, never had pubic hairs under the toilet seat lid, watched girlie movies, never had football on, never wore fricken lacy lingerie that went up her ass, had high self esteem, never cried or yelled, felt and looked good in sweat pants and shirt, and burped, swore, & farted all the time. The End.
The New boss
A large company, feeling it was time for a shakeup, hired a new CEO. This new boss was determined to rid the company of all slackers. On a tour of the facilities, the CEO noticed a guy leaning on a wall. The room was full of workers and he wanted to let them know that he meant business!
The new CEO walked up to the guy leaning against the wall and asked, "How much money do you make a week?" A little surprised, the young fellow looked at him and replied, "I make $300 a week. Why?" The CEO then handed the guy $1,200 in cash and screamed, "Here's four weeks' pay, now GET OUT and don't come back."
Feeling pretty good about him self, the CEO looked around the room and Asked, "Does anyone want to tell me what that goof-off did here?"
From across the room came a voice, "He was the Pizza delivery guy from Domino's."
Monday's not too good either...
I was off work again today, as I wasn’t feeling hugely better. The Out-of-Hours (see Saturday’s blog) did say to see my own doctors, if no improvements after 24 hours. There was some, but not a lot of improvement. Although I didn’t need to use my inhalers as much, the coughing & choking was there, so I called to try and arrange an appointment early this morning. Got offered one for tomorrow, at 0900. I accepted this, but then got a call back (I’m not normally answering the phone right now, but as I recognised the doctor’s number on caller display, it was worth doing so). They said that my appointment had now been cancelled, and offered me one for FRIDAY… adding another three days to it! After a brief explanation of what happened on Saturday, I got offered (eventually) an appointment for 1640 tomorrow. I’ve since learned that the NHS Scotland standards say that I should be able to be seen by a doctor within two days, which I’d deem to be acceptable, i.e. not the above.
Not a fun Saturday
So, what can I say about today? Following the last few days, realised I couldn't go into work like this, so called in sick. Then, getting sweats, and my inhalers aren't lasting for any more than a few minutes. Every time I move or do anything, I start coughing and choking. There's stuff going everywhere (like you really wanted to know that), so there is yet more irony - as if there hadn't been enough this week. Now, for out of hours medical services, you first phone NHS24 i.e. a call centre. So I wasn't well enough to go into my own, but I had to call one for help. The god of irony is working overkill on me right now, I swear it! They managed to find my records (which was good, given that my voice was rather low), and after a few questions, asked me to attend the out of hours practice in Dundee, less than a mile away. Easily just a short bus ride away - in the circumstances, it's not suitable for a walk! I arrived, got buzzed in, and then as I arrived, the hoover was going. That set my head off...
Expecting to see the place mobbed, I was very suprised to find that I was the ONLY patient in the waiting area! As part of the diagnosis, they checked my blood pressure and pulse, only to find them substantially raised on normal. This was blamed on the decongestants that I’d been taking over the last few days (in a vain attempt not to miss any work), so that is something else I now need to lay off! That was caused by a simple, over-the-counter remedy that is sold everywhere. Now, if I’d kept taking these all weekend until whenever next week that I got my own doctors, what would have happened? I dread to think!
I was in and out in just over 30 minutes, with prescriptions for steroid pills and antibiotics. Even met a couple of friends in Boots, whilst going for the medicine on the way home (well I guess I had to, didn't I?), and then headed for home to recover.
There has been a lot of criticism in the press etc. against NHS24 (it's called NHS Direct in England & Wales), although I can only say in my experience, that it worked well. I'd hope I never have to use the service again, but that's in a good way! If I ever had to, I'd have even less hesitation than I did today.
The ultimate irony?
Following the last few days of running around mad, I’m now well and truly suffering as a result! I went out early afternoon, bumped into a friend, kept choking and coughing so couldn’t speak for more than 10 minutes, and the ultimate irony – my voice is now even lower than ever! Ha ha! NOT funny…
In the meantime, here’s another weird one from El Reg, to keep you lot amused… whilst I try to recover for work tomorrow…
Here's a cautionary tale for those of you who like to indulge in a bit of light sunbathing in the privacy of your own patio: make sure you ring Google to see if they're planning a satellite pass-over before whipping off your top:
No sooner had the poor Dutch woman pictured here popped up on Google Sightseeing, than Digg got hold of her assets. This immediately prompted a heated debate - sadly not on the technological threat to privacy - but rather as to whether or not she really was enjoying her leisure time as nature intended.
Sadly, we may never know. Dutch TV quickly identified the address and moved in for the kill, dispatching a team armed with grabs from Google Earth to the sun-worshipping resident's domicile. Luckily for her, she wasn't in. ®
Another bizarre day
Another bizarre day in my life, and this morning, my throat is feeling a little bit sore!
Before work, a dash to Perth and back, to pick up my copy of the local bus service tender results (see other post). So, Citylink there and back (for time sake), and I made it to work in time. By the end of the night, I’d developed a really bad throat, and I’m sure I’ve picked up something…
… do you see the irony in that?
P&KC Tenders
Perth & Kinross Council recently retendered most of their subsidised local bus services, along with some “aspirational” stuff. I did like the idea for a direct Service 333 between PRI & Ninewells using “high quality vehicles”, but as this report shows, the council wasn’t able to buy everything they asked about. They did put out a lot of options – eighteen on one route – which kind of shows why they didn’t buy everything. For example, the proposed new Services 8 (new parts of Tulloch – Perth City Centre), 21 (Perth City Centre bus), 115 (Kings House Hotel – Crieff), and 302 (Scone Park & Ride Express), were not awarded. A few victories are the provision of services from Blairgowrie to Pitlochry on Saturdays, as well as some enhancements on certain routes, and provision of low-floor buses on the 23/24/27 and 47/47A corridors. Perth Park & Ride Service 301 stays with Smith & Sons, but now on a Minimum Subsidy basis rather than Minimum Cost. This means the operator keeps the revenue, rather than it going to P&KC, so has actually reduced the subsidy paid for the route. With the Megabus/Citylink huge expansion at Broxden Park & Ride, this has added quite a few new passengers to the 301 over the period of the contract.
The main announcements are that…
Stagecoach in Fife/Perth 17 (Perth – Dunning – Gleneagles) - daytime to be retendered, evening retained by Stagecoach Fife, Sundays retained by Stagecoach in Perth
Sweeny’s Travel 18A, 18B, 18C (Auchterader – Crieff) won by Crieff Travel
Docherty’s/First 19 (Perth – Blackford/Stirling) evening service remains with First, Sunday service moves from Docherty’s to First. The daytime 19A, 20 journeys, plus the odd subsidised 19, stay with Docherty’s.
Stagecoach in Perth 23 (Perth – Aberfeldy), 24 (Ballinluig – Pitlochry), 27 (Perth – Pitlochry) stay with Stagecoach Perth, with low floor buses
Stagecoach in Perth 47/47A (Crieff – Stirling) won by Crieff Travel, with low-floor buses
New Service 52 (High Carse – Perth – replacement for current 54B) no bids received at all!
Stagecoach Strathtay 63 (Blairgowrie Local) retained by Strathtay, with an extra afternoon peak round trip to all points.
Smith & Sons 71 (Coupar Angus/Blairgowrie – Bridge Of Cally – Tarvie) won by Strathtay. Saturday service increases from three to four journeys, two of which extend to/from Pitlochry, with revised times. Coupar Angus (placing journeys for S&S depot) likely to be removed.
Overall, no major changes, no (huge) surprises, and plenty to keep us wondering until the changes, which commence on Monday 8th January 2007.
When Suzy Met Sally...
.... sorry, but I've resisted the temptation to use that, over the last few weeks! Yes, another of the weekly speech therapy appointments at Ninewells, so went up. This time, there's a twist. The therapist (Sally - in case you are wondering why the title!) points out that she'd only just got over a throat infection. By the end of the session, mine was running a bit sore. By the end of the nine-hour shift that followed at work, my throat was rather sore. What do ya reckon? NO... I can't take time off!
Arbroath, Dundee, Perth, Kinross
Today’s travels took me around a bit, and once again, all using a Stagecoach “Super” range ticket – this time a £10 DayRider (shows “ADULT SUPER MEG” issued from the conductors machine!) Started early on the 0745 from Dundee to Arbroath Service 73A, with Volvo B7L 16934 (704). After that, took former Dart 304 on the 43 back from Arbroath Lordburn to the bus station, then 16935 (705) on the 39 from Arbroath to Dundee. After stopping briefly at home, went back out for more, with Volvo/PS type 20863 on the 16 from Dundee to Perth, then unusually advert liveried MAN 22253 on the 56 (it’s livery is to advertise Fife Constabulary & Crimestoppers, and the 56 largely runs through Perth & Kinross-shire), then taking Volvo/PS 203xx (one of the R-reg batch, but I didn’t note which one). Driver questioned the ticket, and then bizarrely, another driver got on at the next stop! Presumably the driver (who was helping on an elderly passenger) was also travelling on the 23, which was heading west, although that bus had a driver… never did work that one out!
Anyway, that took me to Cupar (believe it or not, most convenient interchange, as the 36 interchange was minus one minute or something tight), new Volvo coach 53256 on the X24 form Cupar to Glenrothes, then MAN 22372 on the 37 from Glenrothes to Kirkcaldy, Volvo B6LE 31494 on the K2 from Kirkcaldy to Templehall, “Kingdom FM” liveried 20318 on the K5 from Templehall back to Kirkcaldy, MAN 22367 on the 37 from Kirkcaldy to Glenrothes, and then somewhat unusually, Volvo/PS type 20327 on the X54 from Glenrothes to Dunfermline. This is a Dunfermline depot bus, and according to tickets dropped on the floor, it had already done some 74’s that day. So, presumably (as it was late) the Glenrothes coach got replaced by one of these. The irony is, 20327 was meant to be going to Strathtay a few months ago – one of the six – but in the end, only three Volvo/PS types came to Strathtay, with three Volvo/Plaxton Interurban coaches coming too, because the later were fitted with seatbelts. So, 20327 was repainted and given new lettering- including “Strathtay/part of the Stagecoach Group” – with the Strathtay bit removed with a chisel! – and a replacement SiF logo plastered on top. So, the bus now says Stagecoach/in Fife/part of the Stagecoach group”… looking a little odd. You can see all today’s pictures here.
Strathern, Stirling, St Ninians, Springkerse, and Strathmiglo
A good day out today. I had some stuff to do, postponed from Tuesday, was well as moving one that I have for next Friday, up to today – well, I was going to be passing anyway, so would be rude not to (and not cost-effective either!) I’ve got some more in similar, but different, areas for Tuesday coming too. I started by taking Stagecoach Strathtay former 167 Mercedes on the 54 from Dundee to Perth, then Stagecoach Perth Volvo/PS 20151 on the 15 from Perth to Crieff.
In-between my trips in and out of Crieff, I had a bit of a walk-around. I went down to the site of the former Strathtay Scottish (Alexanders Midland before that) Crieff Bus Station & Depot. Use as a station/depot ended in 1993 when Strathtay was privatised. When I was looking for it last in Summer 1997, it was still the original building, but a "Penny Lane" supermarket. Finding it yourself is easy - from Crieff High Street, go down Church Street (see the road has been cut away - presumably to allow bus access in years gone by), and follow to the junction of Church Street and Pittenzie Street. On the other side of the road, is a new housing development. On the left hand side, it's now a Co-Op supermarket! From the
Pittenzie Street side, it still resembles an SBG property, but some of the windows (may?) have been bricked.This next picture is at Church Street. This used to be the front side of the bus station. This part has ben partially rebuilt (it would appear) and has also been resurfaced.Where the line of cars are parked up against the side of the building, I am sure that there used to be a canopy here, for when the bus station was in use. These were the pickup stances. This final picture shows a bit of the slope involved.
After this, I came back along the High Street, had a look around the Library end of town (managed to stay away from the sweet shop - this time!) I went back up to James Square/High Street, and saw Volvo/PS 20173 arriving in Crieff from Stirling. This was also my bus in that opposite direction – well, at least as far as Dunblane.
The bus stop northbound at Dunblane Perth Road has a “CALEDONIAN EXPRESS/NATIONAL EXPRESS” logo still on the lamp-post, from the late 80’s/early 90’s. CALEDONIAN was all in Blue, but NATIONAL was in alternate colours – so, the red was N T O A. Unfortunatly, given seventeen years or so of time, the red appears to have faded, and now shows only A I N L EXPRESS….
I then had a look “upwater” on the Allan water – which we’d already crossed near Greenloaning, and we’d cross again at Bridge of Allan. To get to Stirling, took another Perthshire bus, with Docherty’s Solo YN 04 XZC on Service 20 from Dunning, via Dunblane to Stirling. When we arrived at the new university roundabout, we turned and headed back towards Bridge of Allan, before cutting through a few streets, the Pavillion, and then onto Cornton Road.
After that, had First 65717 on the 38 from Stirling to St Ninians, then 65714 back on the same. Crossing the road, I know I sometimes “black out” and momentarily lose concentration – once or twice a year. This time I was fully concentrating. I was crossing behind a car that was waiting to move, but I was crossing across a “keep clear” zone. Some sad motorist screamed the horn at me, insisting he wanted that bit of the road – oblivious to it being a “keep clear” zone – and I bet he lives closer to it than I do!
Had a go to the Springkerse Retail Park on the new Stirling Park & Ride, using Harlequin’s new Optare Solo YJ 06 FKZ in both ways. No pics, as it was facing the sun at the Park & Ride, but the route itself is interesting. You go through a restricted road, passed a military truck depot, and then passed the sewage works, before getting to the far side of the retail park. The other one was doing the same, in reverse. The service is advertised as running from 0630 every 12 minutes – so you’d think it would be 06, 18, 30, 42, 58 past the hour – no, in fact, at 00, 12, 24, 36, 48 past the hour from P&R! Never mind, still plenty of time for each trip. There appears to be another car park, with similar building, along the route at Forthbank too – maybe something for the future. This was my first ride on one of the 37 seater “stretched” Solo’s, which appears to be a bit big from inside! You can see the rest of the pics here.
On the way home, I had two more PS types - 20328 on the 23 from Stirling to Cupar (via Strathmiglo - hence the last of my comments in the list above!), and then 2030? (303 I think) on the 42 from Cupar to Dundee. After a quick look in the bus station, I headed home. I feel like I’ve had a crash course in SMF, SQL, as well as my monitor/display drivers playing up once more, all this week! The problem with the users on board not showing as online, could be (according to their site) be fixed with a code change – and it was! They were most impressed, especially when I told them that just one word being out of place had caused the problem…
Not too alert today
Yes, I'd had late nights this week. Yes, I'd had an early start or two. I'd only did one shop this week. But, needless to say, today it all caught up on me, and I was knackered!... so off work, but this will give me the chance to prepare for tomorrow out...
Ninewells & beyond
Another speech therapy visit at Ninewells this week. This week's subject was a bit easier, and I can see the potential for experimentation with the customers! I got out with enough time to spare just a little, and I went to Tesco in Charleston for food (including "breakfast" and "lunch" etc.) before going to work. Then, home at night. Slightly better bedtime tonight... now that most things are working, but they remain a handful of unresolved things, that will be in time.
Tuesday at home and beyond
After being up late, I ended up reshuffling some of my work for today - today's has gone to Friday, and one of Friday's has came to today instead, to allow me out the house for a bit! This then lead to more adventures in webhosting throughout the evening, and after I got the nameservers changed, I was able to setup the required subdomain to allow the board to go into a folder (there is only one domain pointing to here, unlike some of my own where there are more than one - making this a little tricky). Once again, a late one, and then... at the last moment... the new subdomain would not work, as it kept "looping" to a test forward, which I had removed! So, ticket to the new hosting company (within less than 36 hours - good by my standards), and later they said NFF (no fault found). Just before I went to bed, I opened Internet Explorer rather than Firefox, tried it - and got in! It's one of these weird ones where some people could get into it, others could not...
Out & About
Another day of heading out to one side of town, then to the "day job", before coming home.
During the day, it had become apparent that my web host had gone down. Apparently, the Americans on the new board had said this wasn't the first time either. (Later, it appeared that this appeared to be more "down" because this was around the time of the nightly backup, and the back up drive was running things slow). So, she's wanted to move the board onto their own server. That's all fine, in theory, even if I'd never done it before! The SQL database work and moving the files took until 0330 into Tuesday morning – and then a snag, in that I couldn’t get into that particular domain on my host to change the nameservers! Oh no……
Friday in town
I had a "quiet" day. I woke up at 0900, went back to bed after checking the bank balance. Yes I had been paid - but I wanted to check. I was underpaid last week, but in a separate incident, I wrote my phone sign-on code (2710) on my timesheet, not my pay number (7264), and only he latter is for the agency. They worked it out - as you know I've been there long enough! Got back up, checked email - another three jobs from the company who contacted me yesterday! This means I now have three for this Sunday, and another for two weeks time.
Went out, got a few bits & pieces (including pictures of a former Perth yellow Olympian, seen at Strathtay Dundee), spent some time catching up on the blogs, boards and stuff!
I also did my 10 point business plan if I win tomorrow’s lottery. This was devised after thinking some people (myself included) would just blow the money, and have no plans or what to do it on. At least with me, you know it wouldn't go on whores or beer. The thing is, now I know how I'd be able to use any winnings to help the greater people my world. If I win £10 for three numbers, all my ideas might be a little difficult...
Had a quiet day, but for the second Friday, there was still a lot to do!
Thursday
I had a shop visit to do in the north of the city, so I left town a little earlier, went via there, and had lunch (and bought food for taking to work) whilst I was there. Have subsequently heard from another mystery shopping company that I'd applied to, offering me more work. They pay rather well, so it is profitable! I guess once you can do it for one contractor, you can do it for anyone. Some things are, however, easier than others. One of the other contractors is starting to get a bit weird on things like dates, and the system working etc... and it randomly loses work. If I could get a bit more work from this company, I could make more locally...
More Ninewells & work
At 1045 this morning, I had my second medical appointment in 24hours, as I go to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee (just 4 miles away this time - not 94 or so!) for the third week of speech therapy. Last week's stuff I seemed to be doing ok on, this week's seemed a little tougher. Never mind, another week to practice, and back again to try the second half of the subject. Also got some notes on how to not lose your voice i.e. do's and dont's. Then was going to go to work, but got out a bit easier, so I had enough time to go back to town (not home), then get food, and onto work for 1300-2200. Former Strathtay 223 took me into town, unusually on the 13...
Glasgow's Miles Wetter!
I had two of the brand new Volvo/Plaxton Profile coaches of Stagecoach (Fife) on the way to Glasgow. Dunfermline will be using one into Dundee on the 0820 journey, which is a one-off run before it continues to the X24/X26 - which is the route that these buses will end up on. So, I took 523251 on the X54 from Dundee to Dunfermline, then 53250 on the X24 to Glasgow. As a result, got in 15 minutes late. The combinations of a slightly slower engine, and drivers not wanting to be the first to smash the new toys (it was very heavy rain and poor visibility) meant the delay was equal to two months before, when we had a road smash! Anyway, nice buses.
Visit to Sandyford - got on fine. Monthly "drop in" usually sees 16-18 visitors - there were 24 of us this month! They've increased my (o)estrogen further (now 4x day) and we'll look at it all again in two months.
My meet up with a friend for late lunch changed when he sent me a message saying he'd called in sick to work, but I ended up going up to his house and helping him back to health!
I came back into Central Glasgow had tea, then picked my way home back to Dundee via the X26 Glasgow - Dunfermline (Volvo coach 52423), X54 Dunfermline - Glenrothes (Volvo coach 52422), 24 Glenrothes - Cupar (Volvo/PS 20329, which was scheduled to be withdrawn by this point), and 42 (MAN 22406) . Glasgow was mostly underwater, and the local newspaper was offering a free umbrella with two purchases... good timing anyway.
I DID'NT wake up this morning...
Really tired this morning, not helped by the fact that I woke up a few hours late due to me mis-setting the alarm! Work for today changed to tomorrow and next week, but I got out in time for the day job. The "new system" which I whinged about not being trained for, well I whinged to the right person (Kathrine), and got an hour of going through it with me! Suffice to say I had to exit using the bad route i.e. "x" at the top right hand corner four times! because I was still getting used to it! Last hour, every system possible failed, right up to the moment when I went home, when the last one decided to have one final shot at me! Found out I've got a new Team Coach called Nikki - well will have soon - one of the trainers who I get on well with. I paid her a nice compliment a few weeks ago (I can't recall what it was) so she still remembers it - which is nice. Kathrine (see above) is our new "technical Specialist" (i.e. under the manager/assistant manger type). I've been badged as "part time" because I am on a fixed shift of 34hours a week - rota is 37.5. Not that it's changed what I earn, which sadly (after nearly four years) is the main reason I'm there.
Another quiet Sunday
After work yesterday, another quiet day in the house. I'd spent the day quiet. I purchased a new domain for the new site last night, but I had to wait till today to make it work. I thought it was just propagation time - but apparently not, some kind of routing issue. All done now... with all this quiet time, you'd have expected me to have caught up with everything, clarified the lot, answered all the outstanding messages, but sadly not!
A day of positive things
Earlier in the week, my phone started developing this weird issue... I was holding off the bill, because I'd been expecting an adjustment on the packages (following discussion with my colleague/contact in High Level Complaints - go back to April/May time), and not had it yet. So, I called her before she went away on holiday, and she called me back. "What have they done to your line?" she started... anyway, once again, fixed it on the spot, and made the outstanding adjustment to the bill, and credited me accordingly for having to chase her! Should this be the end of it (for now) - well I hope so!
Went out for lunch - remember the one from Tuesday that was closed? - and having a run via Broughty Ferry and Monifieth, before heading back to Dundee. I had the evening online, speaking to many, and having generally a quiet day of it otherwise.
