Progress Report

I’d forgotten just how much hard work, work could be – especially if you are trying to fit in “life” as well!!

Things are beginning to ‘hot-up’. Tensions are high. Major Projects are reaching fruition and the fears and stresses of colleagues are palpable. Mainly that the ‘fruit’ will not be either ripe or ready enough for roll-out OR that roll-out itself will go pear-shaped…

I have also begun to plan/do the ‘staff engagement’ work that my job is largely about. And staff are simply fatigued; fed-up; cynical about there ever being an end to ‘change’; cynical about the nature of the ‘change’ they face. But at least I am beginning to really get back into it.

Plus ca change… I suppose. The same conditions that led to me having a meltdown still exist – in spades. But, I keep reassuring myself, I am better.


On the home front there is relief that Rebel Eldest appears to want to communicate meaningfully. She and I had what became a ‘hug-in’ last week. And it dawned on me that she appears very mature on the outside – but (like so many of us) is still a wee wain on the inside. Needing reassurance, support and guidance. All of which were previously on offer, of course – but all of which she has now decided she will take. As my auld Maw says: you can lead a horse to water, but you cannae make it drink….


We also have a car solution for my Dad (not to mention Rebel and the Lad – both of whom are learning how to drive). I’ll leave shortly to collect a new Renault Twingo Pzaz for them to share. Dad using it Mon-Fri and taking the Passat Sat and Sun. The kids having access to the Twingo at nights and the weekend.

It is a wee sma’ motor. No very braw. A bit of a wee toatie tiny box on toy wheels. Like a Dinky toy in fact. Hideous metallic blue. 4 seater. But delivering 65-75mpg on a 1.2L 16v engine. Don’t even need to pay road tax for it cos it’s one of them ECO cars… And aside from driving it back from the garage, I hope not to be seen dead in it… Ugh! street cred is now oot the windae!

Lad is dubious as to the benefits it will deliver – but given his sights were fixed on some souped up

Pimp-Mobile anything else is likely to be a bit of a climbdown…Thus he has decided he will embrace it as his route to highway heaven. All I can say is that with acceleration powers rivalling the Baby’s pedal-car the car insurance comes cheap!

Rebel is over the moon. And planning to kit it out with new mats and little stickers.

I can just hear the squabbles already… Dad oblivious. The Lad disgusted and changing the interior decor on his turns. Rebel certain of her good taste…

My pal of the messy divorce will be up and staying over from Sunday for a couple of days. I’ve booked time off (un-taken annual leave from last year which I feel positively guilty using!) and she and I will face her latest court case on Mon-Tues together. I am so eager to see her. I really miss her presence here.

But, tonight I am off up to Lanark to celebrate my sculptor pal’s birthday (it is she of the Gruffalo pumpkin fame) – which should be cheap good FUN. And that is always the best note to finish a working week on..