This is my first ever Reasons to be Cheerful post. I regularly read my Mum's R2BC and thoroughly enjoy them. Seeing as she is hosting this week, I thought I'd give it ago (despite beingquite late with it), so here goes.
Perhaps my two biggest reasons to be cheerful are:
I have moved into a new house with two wonderful house mates that make me feel happy, welcome and relaxed at home, what more could you ask for?
Secondly I have received a promotion at work. In only six months I have managed to move up from Clinical Research Technician II to Senior Clinical Research Technician II! This involves a lot more responsibility, I'm in charge of running and organising certain studies amongst a number of other things. Quite frankly I am loving it!
Strangely enough I don't think that these two reasons to be cheerful are what have made my week. That was yesterday. I had a few of my new London friends round to my house for a roast dinner, some drinks and some good conversation. It was the first time I have done this since moving to London nearly seven months ago now and it really made me feel comfortable and settled. Here was a small group of good friends spending some time together and enjoying one another's company and it made me feel good!
So all in all I am beginning to feel like I am making a real life for myself up here in the Big Smoke. What better reason than that is there to be Cheerful?
Sunday 8 April 2012
Sunday 18 March 2012
On the Up
It has been quite a big week for me this week.
Things got much worse at home following a disagreement and I was forced to move out on Tuesday. I phoned my new land lord/house mate who was more than happy for me to move in that night, arranged for the Man with a Van to come round as soon as he could (saved a fortune on taxis, especially as I'd already paid a deposit on the van) and a very good friend (Lindsay) to help me pack and clean. All was packed, cleaned and moved within a few hours and I got my entire deposit back, which was surprising considering what a cow the land lady is.
So I'm settling into my house quite nicely. I'm allowed to use the living room, shower and have baths when ever I like, dry my washing some where that's not my room and even put the heating on. These were all things that I wasn't allowed to do in my previous place. So quite frankly this place is ten times better just for that. The house is over three stories and beautifully decorated. It's a three bed place, currently two of us here with the thirst person moving in at the end of the month. I have a comfy double bed and about four wardrobes, plenty of storage space. Although now I need more clothes to fill it!
My house mates are both guys, one (Johan) a nurse that I met through work (and also the landlord) and the second guy is called Nick and a long standing friend of Johan. I am very much looking forward to Nick joining us here and having a comfortable, easy going happy house hold!
I've spent the weekend finishing the unpacking and learning a bit about the local area, it's been a good one. It's soon to get even better. Dinner is being cooked for me as we speak which will be closely followed by a home facial and long hot soak in the bath, Bliss!
Not only am I settling into what promises to be a much happier and nicer place to live but I have some good news regarding work. After only six months working at Quintiles I'm up for a promotion! I'm just waiting to hear if it has all been approved by our global head, following that I'll be promoted from "Clinical Research Technician" to "Senior Clinical Research Technician"! To me anything with "Senior" in the title is a good thing!
The promotion obviously comes along with some increased reprehensibility. I'll be in charge of organising and running studies, allowing me to gain much more in depth knowledge and experience of the industry I've chosen to make my career in. Finger's crossed I'll get it, will keep you posted.
Everything is on the up, following my first six months in London (that's half a year already!! Crazy!) I'm finally settling into a decent place to live, am up for a promotion at work and making some true friends! Life is looking good!
Things got much worse at home following a disagreement and I was forced to move out on Tuesday. I phoned my new land lord/house mate who was more than happy for me to move in that night, arranged for the Man with a Van to come round as soon as he could (saved a fortune on taxis, especially as I'd already paid a deposit on the van) and a very good friend (Lindsay) to help me pack and clean. All was packed, cleaned and moved within a few hours and I got my entire deposit back, which was surprising considering what a cow the land lady is.
So I'm settling into my house quite nicely. I'm allowed to use the living room, shower and have baths when ever I like, dry my washing some where that's not my room and even put the heating on. These were all things that I wasn't allowed to do in my previous place. So quite frankly this place is ten times better just for that. The house is over three stories and beautifully decorated. It's a three bed place, currently two of us here with the thirst person moving in at the end of the month. I have a comfy double bed and about four wardrobes, plenty of storage space. Although now I need more clothes to fill it!
My house mates are both guys, one (Johan) a nurse that I met through work (and also the landlord) and the second guy is called Nick and a long standing friend of Johan. I am very much looking forward to Nick joining us here and having a comfortable, easy going happy house hold!
I've spent the weekend finishing the unpacking and learning a bit about the local area, it's been a good one. It's soon to get even better. Dinner is being cooked for me as we speak which will be closely followed by a home facial and long hot soak in the bath, Bliss!
Not only am I settling into what promises to be a much happier and nicer place to live but I have some good news regarding work. After only six months working at Quintiles I'm up for a promotion! I'm just waiting to hear if it has all been approved by our global head, following that I'll be promoted from "Clinical Research Technician" to "Senior Clinical Research Technician"! To me anything with "Senior" in the title is a good thing!
The promotion obviously comes along with some increased reprehensibility. I'll be in charge of organising and running studies, allowing me to gain much more in depth knowledge and experience of the industry I've chosen to make my career in. Finger's crossed I'll get it, will keep you posted.
Everything is on the up, following my first six months in London (that's half a year already!! Crazy!) I'm finally settling into a decent place to live, am up for a promotion at work and making some true friends! Life is looking good!
Tuesday 6 March 2012
Following a disagreement
Following a disagreement with my landlords (who also live in the flat, a married couple) today I was asked to move out at the end of the month. I have also been told that I am not allowed a receipt for the deposit I gave them, not very happy about that! So what has prompted all of this?
Things were going ok in the flat before Christmas, I didn't see or speak to them much but it wasn't too bad. After coming back from Christmas hols I was told that I am no longer allowed to use the living room, not that I used it much any way, but cheeky considering I'm paying rent. She is very controlling, tells me when I can and can't put the hot water on, where I can put my shower stuff etc., so this on top of the living room thing made being at home, awkward and unrelaxing.
Recently I had my partner up for just over a week, I asked permission first and gave them the dates, they said it was fine. He came and went. Tonight I am having a friend over for two nights. I forgot to say something to them so told them last night to which I was told there will be a charge of £20 a night. Obviously this caused some disagreement. Today I went to give her the money \she asked for and ask for a receipt that I never got for my deposit and was told no and that I have to move out! Bugger!
I almost have a place lined up, so hopefully it won't be a big deal, just can't believe \the way I have been treated. Am sure it will all work out in the end!
Things were going ok in the flat before Christmas, I didn't see or speak to them much but it wasn't too bad. After coming back from Christmas hols I was told that I am no longer allowed to use the living room, not that I used it much any way, but cheeky considering I'm paying rent. She is very controlling, tells me when I can and can't put the hot water on, where I can put my shower stuff etc., so this on top of the living room thing made being at home, awkward and unrelaxing.
Recently I had my partner up for just over a week, I asked permission first and gave them the dates, they said it was fine. He came and went. Tonight I am having a friend over for two nights. I forgot to say something to them so told them last night to which I was told there will be a charge of £20 a night. Obviously this caused some disagreement. Today I went to give her the money \she asked for and ask for a receipt that I never got for my deposit and was told no and that I have to move out! Bugger!
I almost have a place lined up, so hopefully it won't be a big deal, just can't believe \the way I have been treated. Am sure it will all work out in the end!
Sunday 26 February 2012
Feeling alone
Firstly I realise I am an extremely sporadic blogger, my last blog was Jan 10th, well over a month ago now. So I am going to make an effort to do more interesting things to blog about!
My partner came up to London this week to visit me, which is just what I needed (between feeling slightly home sick and my Mum being diagnosed with a tumour on her kidney) I needed the company and cheering up.
We had a brilliant week doing lots of sight seeing including the London Sea Life Aquarium, which is something we have been talking about for years. It was also just nice to be able to cuddle up and spend some real time together. I was obviously sad to see him off back to Plymouth today, but he has to go back and finish his degree.
After saying good bye I went to the gym, then filled my evening doing odd bits and bobs and watching films. It wasn't untill I just turned off the light to get an early night that it hit me. An overwhelming sense of loneliness. I have spent 9 days sharing my bed and every single hour of my day with another person, so that is quite expected.
I did not however realise how isolated I also feel living up here. The first thing I would normally do is call a friend, but most of my really good friends still live back home, and they can't always answer a phone, they have their own lives to lead. I'm trying really hard not to worry my parents (Mum especially) about me up here, so don't feel like I should be calling them. Plus I'm a grown woman, I shouldn't have to call up Mum when I'm feeling bad right? I realised that I have very few people up here in London that I could call upon in a crisis. I think this is what has made me feel so bad tonight. Feeling isolated and alone.
Saying all of this:
I know this feeling will pass and things will get better and easier. I have after all only been here a short while, but for now I'm not feeling too great...
My partner came up to London this week to visit me, which is just what I needed (between feeling slightly home sick and my Mum being diagnosed with a tumour on her kidney) I needed the company and cheering up.
We had a brilliant week doing lots of sight seeing including the London Sea Life Aquarium, which is something we have been talking about for years. It was also just nice to be able to cuddle up and spend some real time together. I was obviously sad to see him off back to Plymouth today, but he has to go back and finish his degree.
After saying good bye I went to the gym, then filled my evening doing odd bits and bobs and watching films. It wasn't untill I just turned off the light to get an early night that it hit me. An overwhelming sense of loneliness. I have spent 9 days sharing my bed and every single hour of my day with another person, so that is quite expected.
I did not however realise how isolated I also feel living up here. The first thing I would normally do is call a friend, but most of my really good friends still live back home, and they can't always answer a phone, they have their own lives to lead. I'm trying really hard not to worry my parents (Mum especially) about me up here, so don't feel like I should be calling them. Plus I'm a grown woman, I shouldn't have to call up Mum when I'm feeling bad right? I realised that I have very few people up here in London that I could call upon in a crisis. I think this is what has made me feel so bad tonight. Feeling isolated and alone.
Saying all of this:
- My Mum reads my blog so will now know everything and probably worry any way,
- It is really ok to call your up your Mum dispite being an adult
- I just need to get out there and make more friends
I know this feeling will pass and things will get better and easier. I have after all only been here a short while, but for now I'm not feeling too great...
Tuesday 10 January 2012
On the up
My first week back in London after Christmas has been a good one!
Am back into the swing of thing's with work and have a plan to spend some time in the Project Management office this week to get to know a few people up there.
I've had a fairly relaxing two days off. Bar spending three hours trying to put up some flat pack furniture which turned out to be faulty! I also finally had my hair cut, it was in desperate need of a sort out. I was quite nervous about getting it done, but the salon had some good reviews. The hairdresser was brilliant and I love the result, so here it is!
I have next weekend off, the same as normal people! So I have a few drinks planned for Friday night and am spending some time with a friend Saturday. So a lovely weekend planned.
All in all I'm doing quite well :)
Am back into the swing of thing's with work and have a plan to spend some time in the Project Management office this week to get to know a few people up there.
I've had a fairly relaxing two days off. Bar spending three hours trying to put up some flat pack furniture which turned out to be faulty! I also finally had my hair cut, it was in desperate need of a sort out. I was quite nervous about getting it done, but the salon had some good reviews. The hairdresser was brilliant and I love the result, so here it is!
I have next weekend off, the same as normal people! So I have a few drinks planned for Friday night and am spending some time with a friend Saturday. So a lovely weekend planned.
All in all I'm doing quite well :)
Thursday 5 January 2012
Birthday, Christmas, New year and other things
My last post was well over a month ago, so it's time to catch up!
I had my birthday at the beginning of December. My day was very relaxing, luckily had the day off, so I went to my floatation session I got as a birthday pressie. (For those of you who don't know what "Floatation" is, it's essentially a big tub with Epson salt water in it. The water is similar to that of the dead sea, so it's good for your skin and you float. It is very relaxing! ). After that I went on to dinner with a few friends. My cousin booked the restaurant, it looked a bit shabby from the outside but the food was amazing.
Christmas was the next best bit about December. I worked hard at getting past my "Brick Wall" in part by reminding myself that Christmas was around the corner. I spent Christmas eve and morning with my partner and his family then Christmas day with my family.We went out for dinner which was really good. Over all Christmas was quiet, peaceful and full of family and friends - Perfect!
New years eve was spent in a similar manner, Chinese take out and cuddles on the sofa with my partner! Again Perfect!
We are pretty quiet at work atm for various reasons, so lots of catching up on reading and training. It is a little boring but I am being paid to be there so can't really complain too much. My department head is back from maternity leave, we have never met, so I decided to introduce myself.
This turned out to be a very good thing. We chatted about my background and what my favourite parts of the job were, she then introduced me to the guys in Clinical Physiology. She told me it sounds like I might enjoy being part of the Clin Phys team a lot more than the nursing when it's time to move up the ladder. There is also talk of me training as the units Radiation Protection Supervisor! Department head is also finding out who I need to talk to about nursing accommodation, some space just for me without any one to tell me what to do :) So result!
Am feeling quite good about things atm, which is great. Hopefully I'm starting to beat London!
I had my birthday at the beginning of December. My day was very relaxing, luckily had the day off, so I went to my floatation session I got as a birthday pressie. (For those of you who don't know what "Floatation" is, it's essentially a big tub with Epson salt water in it. The water is similar to that of the dead sea, so it's good for your skin and you float. It is very relaxing! ). After that I went on to dinner with a few friends. My cousin booked the restaurant, it looked a bit shabby from the outside but the food was amazing.
Christmas was the next best bit about December. I worked hard at getting past my "Brick Wall" in part by reminding myself that Christmas was around the corner. I spent Christmas eve and morning with my partner and his family then Christmas day with my family.We went out for dinner which was really good. Over all Christmas was quiet, peaceful and full of family and friends - Perfect!
New years eve was spent in a similar manner, Chinese take out and cuddles on the sofa with my partner! Again Perfect!
We are pretty quiet at work atm for various reasons, so lots of catching up on reading and training. It is a little boring but I am being paid to be there so can't really complain too much. My department head is back from maternity leave, we have never met, so I decided to introduce myself.
This turned out to be a very good thing. We chatted about my background and what my favourite parts of the job were, she then introduced me to the guys in Clinical Physiology. She told me it sounds like I might enjoy being part of the Clin Phys team a lot more than the nursing when it's time to move up the ladder. There is also talk of me training as the units Radiation Protection Supervisor! Department head is also finding out who I need to talk to about nursing accommodation, some space just for me without any one to tell me what to do :) So result!
Am feeling quite good about things atm, which is great. Hopefully I'm starting to beat London!
Thursday 1 December 2011
Brick Wall
Life in London is going well. I am settling into a flat well and starting to personalise my room. I'm still enjoying my job and have had a permanent contract approved, just waiting for the contract to arrive through the post. So no more worrying if I am going to earn enough money to pay the rent, YAY! I'm relatively happy.
I am filling my spare time with sight seeing and making new friends. But why then do I feel like I have hit a bit of a brick wall?
I am feeling incredibly home sick, but it feels like more than just home sickness. I know I should just be getting on with things, trying new things and meeting new people, which I am actually doing. Tonight I'm off to watch some carols and drink mulled wine with a few people and tomorrow I'm going to try rock climbing. But for some reason, this just isn't helping me shift this "brick wall" feeling.
I have only been here 6 weeks(ish) and it does take time to really settle down. Perhaps I haven't given myself enough time yet. A few have said I'm putting too much pressure and expectations onto myself.
What ever it is, I'm sure it will pass. I'm going to keep myself busy and remember that I'm going home in 22 days :)
I am filling my spare time with sight seeing and making new friends. But why then do I feel like I have hit a bit of a brick wall?
I am feeling incredibly home sick, but it feels like more than just home sickness. I know I should just be getting on with things, trying new things and meeting new people, which I am actually doing. Tonight I'm off to watch some carols and drink mulled wine with a few people and tomorrow I'm going to try rock climbing. But for some reason, this just isn't helping me shift this "brick wall" feeling.
I have only been here 6 weeks(ish) and it does take time to really settle down. Perhaps I haven't given myself enough time yet. A few have said I'm putting too much pressure and expectations onto myself.
What ever it is, I'm sure it will pass. I'm going to keep myself busy and remember that I'm going home in 22 days :)
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