Sabbatical

Hi guys,

Sorry I've not been in touch for a while, but I've not been myself lately and I didn't feel like getting out of bed, never mind updating my blog. On the 30th January, just when we all thought my dad was OK,  his condition deteriorated and he went into cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, this time, they couldn't revive him and so he passed away. I have no words to express how I feel, because I've never known anyone die before (my grandparents passed away when I was too young to understand) and the emptiness is just so unbearable. I've spent most of my time walking around my local nature reserve, crying. I try not to do this at home, because then it starts Mum and Lila off,  and I don't want to upset them any more than they are already.  Mum's been quiet, and she's been spending a lot of time with her friend, going out to the local bingo and shopping. She keeps coming back home with all these things that we don't need, but I know she's doing it to take her mind off things.  Lila is much the same, although I know she is just putting on a brave face, because I heard her crying in her room the other night.  I don't know when I'll get over it.

The whole situation has made me realise that life's too short, and I've decided that I need to re-evaluate my life, as I've known for some time that my job isn't satisfying me any more. I think I've outgrown journalism. I need to do something more meaningful, but I don't know, as yet, what that could be.

Ben started to get annoyed with me for being so depressed all the time. He was OK, at first, but the other night he said that it had been almost two months and I should be over it by now. I was hurt that he could say something like that and I realised that I didn't know him at all, really. It was his looks I fell for; he was the image of my hero, Dave Grohl, but deep down I knew this wasn't enough any more. I'd called Lila shallow enough times for going out with men just for their money, yet here I was, doing the same thing because of the way somebody looked. He was a great cook, too, I'll give him that (and you know how much I love food), yet I've lost my appetite recently and Ben, too, didn't seem so appetising any more. So, I dumped him. It had been going well between us, but looking back, I knew it was only shallow fun and that there wouldn't be a future in it.

I now know that going along with the flow leads to unfulfilled lives, and before you know it, you've let important things slip by while you've been too busy having fun.

Sorry if you were expecting my usual cheery blog post, but I think it may be some time before I feel able to write anything lighthearted; therefore, I am going to leave this blog for a while. I've decided to go to America and stay with Lily for a bit. She says I can stay as long as I like. I've saved up enough money for the air fare, and my boss has agreed I can take six months off, unpaid and they will leave my position open. If I need any longer, then I will lose my job,but, at this point in time, I'm not sure if that's a bad thing. I won't be working with Lily this time, I'm going to try and get a waitressing job or something similar, just to keep me going and help Lily with food and bills, but I just need to get away. Being at home reminds me too much of Dad, and there's a big world out there, waiting to be explored. I might check in, every now and again, but I feel it may be some time before I'm able to blog regularly again.

So, until next time (whenever that may be...)

Callie signing off

xxx

Back to work blues

Hi guys

How are you all on this lovely Sunday evening? It's been gorgeous here in the UK this weekend. It has felt like Spring with the lovely sunny and mild weather we've been having.

Yesterday, I went to our local nature reserve with my new guy! We had a nice stroll and he surprised me with a picnic. He had it in his backpack all along and I had no idea! Turns out he's a great cook outside of the workplace too! He'd made some gorgeous tuna salad wraps, some cheese and pickle barms and some quiche. He knows me well, already, because he also brought strawberries and some blueberry muffins. We washed it down with a couple of cans of lager that he'd also had the foresight to fetch along. All in all, it was a perfect day.

Last night, I went out with Lila. She'd won some tickets, in a local supermarket's raffle, to see a show and so we went. I don't usually like musical theatre, but it was something different. It's my New Year's Resolution to try something new, at least once a week.

Oh yeah, I'll leave the best until last...I got that job I interviewed for last week. I start tomorrow, so, like most of the population, I am dreading going into work tomorrow after a relaxing two weeks off (well in my case it was more like four months off, LOL!) and I also have New Job Fear, which is when you feel extra dread because you have no idea what it's going to be like and whether you'll be able to last until 5pm before wanting to poke both your eyes out or whether it'll be so much fun that time will fly and you won't want to tear yourself away. I hope it's the latter. Fingers crossed!

Anyway, if you are one of those unfortunate souls who is going back to work after an extended festive break, then Good Luck to you; I hope it goes well. Just remember - after a few hours it'll feel like you've never been away!

Anyway, I've got to go and get a nice hot bath to try and relax me, so, until next time...

Callie signing off
xxx

Happy New Year

Hi guys,

Hope you had a great Christmas and New Year. Did you have fun, last night? I did, for once. I usually hate New Year's Eve, but last night was amazing. I've been meaning to update you on my new romantic situation, but it's been going so well I didn't want to jinx it!

Do you remember I told you about Lila's new job in the American Diner and how she was going to try and set me up with the manager? Well, it worked! I am so in lurve, guys.  I'll tell you how it all happened...

I went to the diner with Lila and she introduced me to the most perfect specimen of manhood I have ever seen. He looks exactly like my hero - Dave Grohl. He is gorgeous. When Lila said she was going to set me up with her boss, I didn't have high expectations, because Lila's taste in men is nothing like mine, but she did good this time! I think her exact words were something like, "I told you he looked like that singer you like, didn't I?" Well, she did tell me, but I didn't believe her! I don't want to gush all through this post, but he is just lovely. He is polite, he's a total gentleman and he treats me well. The fact he is manager of an American Diner, is just a bonus ('coz I get to eat the most yummiest food ever for free!).

Last night, Ben - that's his name, by the way - was working and so Lila, Erin, Ella and I all had our tea there and once the diner closed, at midnight, we all went on to a nearby club. Ben loves the same music as me and he knows he looks like Dave Grohl and he makes the most of it! I am just so happy. I am hoping that 2013 is the year that my love life finally gets sorted! Keep your fingers crossed for me, guys. The only thing I need to focus on now is my career. I've got an interview lined up at another local newspaper, next week. I'll let you know how that goes, but until then...

Callie signing off

xxx

 

Bah Humbug

Hi guys,

Hope you're all feeling full of the joys of Christmas. Now don't get me wrong, I love Christmas..I just hate the hustle and bustle that comes with this time of the year. I've just got back from my local shopping mall and I feel like I've had all the stuffing knocked out of me (pardon the turkey pun!) It took me three times to drive around the car park before I got a space and I was tempted to go back home, but I really needed to get my Christmas shopping done today, or else it will be even worse! The shops get busier with every passing day and I hate shopping at the best of times (unless its for new clothes, but I haven't been able to afford any for ages!)

I managed to get everyone something, except for Dad. He is so hard to buy for and I can't even buy him his favourite stuff this year (chocolate, whisky and ciggies!) for obvious reasons mentioned in my last post. I'll just have to get him a sweater or something and I can go online for that, although Lila ordered Mum a perfume set over two weeks ago now and they keep saying there are delays with the post because of the snow we had last week!

I'm going out with Lila tonight. She's just started a new job in our local american-style diner, as a waitress and because she's done the last two Saturdays, she's got the night off and so she's taking me there and using her staff discount! Excellent! She said their buffalo wings are great! Yum Yum. She also said that the manager is quite cute and he doesn't have a girlfriend. I thought she was going to go for him but she's trying to set me up with him instead,  because...Get this....He's too young for her! That is, he's below fifty! Haha.  I'm quite looking forward to it even if I don't meet him as it's a change of scene and I haven't been out in weeks.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend and I will catch up with you all again soon.

Until next time,

Callie signing off
xxx

 

Where has the year gone?

Guys,

What can I say? I'm so sorry I've been neglecting my blog lately. So much has been happening, you won't believe it all,if I tell you!

Firstly, I went to New York again to visit Lily. She was supposed to come visit me but, now that I'm back at my mum's house, there was no room and so she paid for my ticket over! How great is that? She is loaded though. They pay her a great wage, because she's appreciated. Anyway, it turned out not to be so great because I got there just as everyone was being evacuated because of the hurricane and I spent two weeks in Maryland with her aunt Bessie (no, she's not the one who makes the frozen chips!) and then, when I got home, my dad got rushed into hospital with, yet another, heart attack and this time it was worse. He stayed in for another couple of weeks and he's only just got back home now, but the doctors said he really has to cut down on his smoking and fatty food or else the next time could be his last. All my dad could say was, "Fancy telling me to do that over Christmas! That's the best time for fatty food and fags!" I do think he's scared though and is just putting on a brave face. He looks pale all the time, though, and I worry that this Christmas may be his last. Sorry for depressing you - I know that this column should be lighthearted, but life has been so stressful lately I've found it hard to look on the bright side and that is why I've neglected this blog.

I also split up with Nick, again, but this time it was him who broke things off. Just when I was starting to really fall for him, he told me that it wasn't working out. I thought we were getting on great, but he said he didn't feel ready for committment and that our recent trip to America made him realise that he wants to go back there to work. He's decided to buy himself another winnibago and spend the rest of his life travelling around the USA. So I'm single, yet again.

Anyway, now that things have settled down in my life, I'm hoping for a nice, quiet Christmas and I hope to update my blog at least once per week.

It's great to catch up with you all again. Until next time,

Callie signing off xxx

Don't worry I'm back!

Hi all,

Sorry I haven't posted for a couple of weeks. I've been away! It was very impromptu, but then that's me, isn't it - full of surprises!

I can't even remember how it all happened, really. I was out on a date, with Nick and it was going well. I must be growing up, a little, because his receding hairline isn't bothering me as much as it did, probably because he has a great sense of humour (although a little sarcastic, at times) and we have other stuff in common, too.

We were engrossed in some sort of conversation about America and he admitted that he missed it and would love to go back, some time. I jokingly said something about how I wanted to go back, too, as I really enjoyed my time in New York and then he said we should go together. I thought that would mean saving up for a while and going next summer when the weather would be nice, but he suggested we just jump on a plane and go for it! It didn't work out quite like that, though. It didn't matter for me, because I'm still currently between jobs, but he had to sort out some time off with his boss. It turned out most people had already taken their holidays and so we just went!

We decided on Las Vegas, in the end, because I'd already seen New York and Nick wasn't bothered about going there and he wanted to go to Arizona, where he used to live. I decided it would be more fun to go to Las Vegas and we could go to Arizona for a couple of days in between as it was nearby.

We had a great time. I really think I'm starting to have feelings for him. It's not a soppy kind of love, but then I don't think I've ever had that with anyone and so I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. Erin says I'm selling myself short and I shouldn't just go out with the first person who shows me any interest (lovely, eh?). We ended up having a huge row because I reminded her that her growing collection of exes was proof that soppy love didn't last, anyway.

I've also decided to really make a go of my freelance journalism career and I've already started working on some freelance writing jobs, mostly for internet marketers who don't have time to write their copy because they're too busy raking in the cash and lazing on beaches all day long.

I'm going to go now because I'm going out with the girls tonight. I only got back yesterday and I feel like I've not seen them for years! I think Nick is glad to have a bit of a rest from me, anyway!

So, guys, I hope you've been having a great time while I've been gone and I hope you haven't missed me too much! I'll catch up with you again soon, but until next time...
Callie signing off xxx

Birthday blues

Hi guys,

I feel so naughty because I've just got out of bed! I have an excuse, though; it was my birthday yesterday! I got so drunk last night. It all started perfectly innocent, I went out with my folks to a pub/restaurant for an afternoon meal. I had steak and chips and a pint of shandy. My mum had baked a birthday cake and she'd taken it to the restaurant earlier and so it was a nice surprise when the waitress brought it to our table. I blew out my twenty-four candles and made a wish (not telling you what it was, though, or else it won't come true, will it?)

Afterwards, I went back to my apartment with Lila and we waited for Ella and Erin to arrive. We then hit the town. I think I only bought one drink, the rest were bought for me by either one of the girls, or some of the many men who I seem to vaguely remember! Bad, aren't I? You can't blame me, though, you only get a birthday once a year! (unless you're the Queen, of course).

I got some great presents. Mum and Dad got me a new laptop so I can do some of my journalistic reports on it. It even has a camera so I can do some video blogs. Great! Lila got me a lovely make-up and bath set and I look forward to using it tonight, while I attempt to get rid of my hangover.

It is supposed to be a full moon tonight and, apparently, because I'm an early born Libran, it is supposed to be best for me if I stay in tonight and hide away. I don't usually believe in all that stuff but I'm in no fit state to be seen outside of my house tonight, anyway.

I got a surprise birthday card from Nick. It gave me a little tingle inside, strangely enough. He said that he felt bad about how we ended things and he wants to meet up again for a birthday drink. I sent him a text to thank him and we are going out on Wednesday. I'm so nervous. I'll tell you more about it next week, but until then...

Callie signing off xxx

Temporary state of affairs

Hi all,

Hope you are enjoying your weekend, so far. I've had quite a week. On Monday, I went back to the office from Hell and stayed there until Wednesday. I was booked for the full week, but if I hadn't walked out on Wednesday, I probably would have killed somebody - namely, Amanda (the annoying one who thought it was terrible that I couldn't get a "proper" job). She was saying it again on Tuesday, so I lost my temper and shouted, "You're right. This isn't a "proper" job, is it? At least I'm only doing it temporarily though; you have to work here forever!" You should have seen her face; her mouth literally dropped open and, for one moment, I thought she was going to cry. Stupid cow. I have no time for patronising people. Anyway, on Wednesday, PA came over and told me that the report I'd spent all morning typing up, was "amateurish". I totally lost it. "What do you mean by that?" I'd asked and she replied, "I expected a lot better from an ex-journalist." I had to stop myself from thumping her, but then Amanda chipped in. "I know; she's been working on it all morning, too. Linda usually finishes them in about half that time." Agghhh! I had no patience for any of them, so I told them that, in this day and age, that I didn't expect to be treated with such a lack of respect and that they should find somebody else to work for them. I then phoned my temp agency and told them about their poor attitude toward temp workers and they agreed to release me from the contract. I then had a couple of days off and Friday I was sent to work in a Vets as a receptionist. That was more like it, seeing all those cute little animals. I loved it. And the vet was quite cute too. He was married though, so no romance, unfortunately.

One good thing happened, though. I was talking to the other receptionist, Charlie, and she said that I should become a freelance journalist. I hadn't thought of that. There are a few things happening, in my local area, next week and so I will be doing some articles and posting them on my blog.

Until next time,

Callie signing off
xxx






 

Temporary insanity

Hi all,

Sorry I didn't post last week. I was too exhausted. I've been sent here, there and everywhere with my new temp agency. It's good that I'm earning money again, but it's left me way too tired to apply for jobs and my social life is dwindling, too.

I got a couple of days off last week, at least and so I sent some applications off for a couple of journalist jobs.

I'm dreading Monday, because I'm getting sent back to a place I've been working at for the last couple of weeks and there is an annoying woman who works there. I've had to bite my tongue several times; it seems that there is a consensus amongst certain types of people, that all temps are stupid.
I actually heard  two girls talking, while I was waiting at the vending machine, and one of them said these actual words..."It wasn't my fault, the temp did it!" and the other girl said, "Useless cow, I dunno where they get them from." I had to stop myself from thumping them. I didn't know whether they were on about me or not, but they were still insulting! That's the attitude of people, though.

Another girl in the office (where I am forced to work), gave me a pitying look, the other day, and said, "Ah, can't you get a proper job. It must be hard these days." I wouldn't mind, but she's younger than me and she was talking to me like she was my great aunt Ada!

Anyway, this stupid woman is the chief executive's PA and you'd think she was the Queen of England the way she acted. She came over to my desk, last week and said, "Mr Byron is in a meeting all morning, which means he isn't to be disturbed, understood?" I nodded and gritted my teeth at the same time. I was engrossed in my typing, when Mr Byron came over to me. "I'm expecting an important call from Sherwood's Tiling. Please make sure I get the call, " he'd said. He was much more polite than his PA (I think it's short for Pain in the Arse!)

So, as expected, this company called and so I had to go up to the meeting room to disturb the meeting. PA came out and started shouting her mouth off (all she needed was a tiny moustache and her arm in the air) and so I told her that Mr Byron had asked me to interupt, but she was having none of it and sent me away.

After the meeting I told Mr Byron what had happened and he went mad at PA and then she came and gave me grief! I'm dreading Monday. I know I don't have to go in there, but I really need to pay my bills and it keeps me busy. I don't know how anyone can work in an office like that though. I'm only there because the last admin assistant went off with stress (can't think why!).

So, tonight I'm going out with the girls, because I think I deserve it! I hope you all have a great weekend and until next time...(unless I've been sectioned!)

Callie signing off

xxx

What's a girl to do?

Hi all,

Hope you are enjoying the sunshine. It's weird how Septemember seems to be our new summer, here in the UK. I've spent the morning lazing around in my mum's garden. I stayed there last night. I know you must probably think I lead such a boring life when I stay at my mum's on a Friday night - and you'd be right, actually.

My life is boring, right now. I've been looking for work and have been so worried about paying my bills that I've not been eating (there are perks to this, for example, my new flat stomach! Yay!) and so my mum and dad came down yesterday, dragged me out of my apartment and flung me in the back seat of their car. To anyone watching, it probably looked like kidnap; it certainly felt like it!

They were just worried about me. They ordered in some fish and chips and we had a good night watching "Jack and Jill" (Adam Sandler cracks me up!) and drinking beer. It was ok, actually. Even Lila was on her best behaviour! I'm starting to think that I could actually give up my apartment and move back in with my folks, if the worst comes to the worst.

Anyway, I'll tell you what else I've been up to. I registered with some agencies and I almost karate chopped a stupid blonde bimbo, who looked as though she'd just left school, because she had the nerve to tell me (in a patronising tone) that she didn't think they would have any work for someone like me, because, although I had office experience, most companies want somebody who is reliable and she didn't think journalists were. She said that if I got a better offer then I would be off and she couldn't have somebody like that on her register. I wanted to kill the bitch, but instead I just told her that I didn't want to work for condescending, arrogant women like her and it was her loss. It was so funny to see her gaping mouth as I shimmied out of the door - stupid cow!

I did manage to sign up with one temp agency, though. They were great. It was a man, I spoke to, though, and I did the usual fluttering of eyelashes (I know it's sexist, but these are desperate times!) and he said that they got a lot of typing assignments, which would suit me and so I'm waiting for the offers to come flooding in. I might actually get to meet some nice men at some of these office, who knows? It could be fate.

Anyway, I'm going round to Ella's house tonight. She is returning last week's favour and having the girls round to her house for drinks and nibbles, tonight. I told her I'd need much more than nibbles, now that I've got a stone to put back on!

I'll catch up with you next week but until then...

Callie signing off

xxx

What have I done?

Hi guys,

How are you all feeling? I bet, if you live in the UK, that you are looking forward to a nice bank holiday weekend. Unlike myself; I won't appreciate it now that everyday is a day off for me! I can't believe that I quit my job. It has only just hit me what a stupid thing I did. I have tried all week to find another journalism job, but there haven't been any vacancies in my line of work in my local area.

My mum went mad when I told her. She said that I was welcome to move back into my old room, but that I would have to abide by her rules and put up with Lila. I don't want to lose my apartment. I love my independence! But the truth is, I haven't got any money coming in at all. I went into the dole office last week to see if I qualified for benefits. There was this horrible man sitting behind the reception desk. He had a big fat belly and a ring through his nose and his arms were covered in tattoos. When I walked over to his desk, he wouldn't even look me in the eye. I was so angry that he obviously thought he was so much better than me, so I stood up and I shouted, 'Why don't you have some respect and look at your customers!' And if that wasn't bad enough, he continued to look at his computer, and still, without looking me in the eye, he said, 'You are not entitled to any money, miss .....(I'm still too embarrassed to tell you my surname!) because you left your last position of your own accord. You will have to wait 13 week before we will review your claim.' I was still angry so I just continued to shout at him. 'It was enforced dismissal! My boss was a bully! How dare you sit there looking down at me. I could do your job - but I don't want to sit there all day looking down my nose at unemployed people just because I've got a job! If it wasn't for people without jobs, you wouldn't have one!' I didn't care that people were staring, but I was bothered when two security guards came and grabbed me under each arm and marched me out of the office.

So, I'm not allowed in my local dole office anymore. Not that I'm bothered about that. I will just have to think of something else. Right now I've got more important things to think about, like getting my ingredients ready for my girls' night in tonight. Now that I'm not working, I can't afford to go out and so I'm having the girls round tonight for a big pot of chilli and some glasses of wine. Hopefully, one of them might know of a job opening or something - and if they don't at least it's something to cheer me up.

Anyway, I won't depress you guys any longer. Have a great weekend, wherever you are and until next time...

Callie signing off

xxx

The world's gone mad

Hi Guys,

Phew. I haven't had a minute to stop and even breathe since I've been working for Melissa.
I can't believe that I first thought she was nice when I met her at interview; she's a total cow. Helen, who came with me to the Olympics, told me that everyone calls Melissa the 'smiling assasin'. I didn't know what she meant, at first, but then she told me loads of stories of how she makes people think she is lovely at first and gives them a couple of weeks to settle in and then she gives them all the horrible jobs and starts picking on them. Well...that was me, last week. After I got back from the Olympics (which was amazing, by the way), I was so tired and ready to go to bed for the whole weekend but Melissa had other plans. She made me go away with her to a remote village in Scotland. Apparantley, there is a woman living in a converted windmill, who everyone thinks is posessed by the devil. There have been stories in the local papers about her head spinning round and goo coming out of her mouth. Now firstly, I didn't believe that for a minute and secondly, if for the slightest reason it was true then there was no way that I wanted to go and see it for myself. You know me - I'm a total scardy cat! Anyway, I didn't get a choice did I. It turned out that I was Melissa's new scapegoat and she wanted to watch me get frightened to death. Lovely.

So, Melissa drove us all the way there and I was forced to listen to her boring music. She loves Ed Shearen and to me it is just total drone (no offence, Ed, but I much prefer Placebo). She didn't speak much, but every now and then I saw her give me a patronising glance.

Once we got there, she told me that I was to knock on the door and ask for Mrs. MacBridie and tell her we'd come to interview her. I asked Melissa if she knew we were coming and she said that if she knew, there was no way she'd have agreed and that we were going to ask her there and then. Anyway, I knocked on the door while Melissa stood miles away and this normal old woman answered. I asked her if she wouldn't mind being interviewed as it seems that she was a local celebrity and we wanted to take her story national. She invited us in for some tea and scones and, to be honest, I wasn't scared at all. Apart from looking a little bit witchy (long grey straggly hair, thin skeletal body and wearing lots of black) she was quite nice. Anyway, once Melissa knew there was nothing to be scared of, she started asking the woman loads of questions about what she thought about what people were saying and the woman said that just because she didn't look like other elderly women, people have started rumours and she was quite happy to let them think all of this evil stuff because it meant she got to be left in peace and there was no danger of any hoodies beating her up.

Once we'd asked her the questions (I could see Melissa was disappointed that she didn't try and turn us into frogs) we got up to go but then the woman wouldn't let us out. She said that we had some nerve coming into her house and accusing her of being a witch and as punishment she was going to keep us prisoner for a bit. When Melissa got out her mobile phone to call the police the woman grabbed this pole thing from the fireplace and started hitting Melissa with it. She knocked the mobile out of her hand and took it. She then threatened to beat me up unless I gave her my phone (which I did, obviously - the woman was a total psycho!)

After that she told us to sit down and she just sat there staring at us and giggling. I must admit, the giggling did sound kind of evil and I was starting to get really scared. The woman then opened the cupboard above the television and got out this mini cauldron thing and told us that she was going to do a spell and put a curse on us. She started chanting in some strange language and I swear I nearly puked up. Melissa was pale and I thought I saw her body shaking.

After about an hour the woman stood up and said we could leave. 'And don't come back again!' she screamed after us. I don't believe for one minute that she was posessed by the devil, but I think she was a total nut job who needed to be locked up for good. I kept wondering what would have happened had she not let us go? I told Melissa that I didn't think these sorts of assignments were a good idea but she freaked out and said that if I didn't want to go to see evil people then I was in the wrong job. I told her that if I'd wanted to work with psychos I'd have joined the police and then she said that if I wanted to stay in this job that she'd be sending me on all the demonic cases. I told her that it was totally unfair of her to do this and she said that she could do what she wanted because she was the boss. We travelled the rest of the way in total silence (except for Ed Shearen) and then when we got back home (last night) I told her that I'd had enough and she could find a new mug to give up their lives for that job.

So there, I have no job, I've had no sleep and I've probably been cursed. Great, eh? Other than that I'm feeling quite good. I'm going to go back to bed now because I'm totally exhausted and fed up and until next time...

Callie signing off

xxx

Missing in action

Hi guys

Listen, I'm sooo sorry that I didn't update last week. That was because I was stuck in the middle of nowhere. I only got back yesterday and as it was Lila's birthday, I didn't get chance to sit down for a minute. Anyway, work sent me to see this married couple who live in the mountains in Wales. I won't mention the town (in case it reveals the identity of the couple involved - however, once I tell you what is unusual about the couple, I am sure you could find out, if you wanted to, who they are) because I am bound by the official secrets act, but there was no mobile phone signal, no wi-fi, no tv, no anything really. The only thing it did have going for it was the local pub - weirdo city! I love to people watch but the people here were like something out of Royston Vasey.

Anyway, this particular couple were unusual in that they had both changed sex. When they met he was a she and she was a he (confusing, I know!) but they both realised that they were unhappy and as they both wanted to change to the opposite sex, then they could still stay married as man and wife. Phew! Despite the uniqueness of this assignment,  I found them to be the most lovely couple you could hope to meet. She (or should I say he?) was a great cook and I think I put on almost a stone (I stayed for almost a week) and he was lots of fun. We went hiking up the mountains and even though I hate doing outdoor pursuits, time just flew by.

I won't bore you too much with their life story (and I don't want to get sued by my employer either!) and so I will tell you about my plans for this week. Tonight, I am going out with Erin and Ella and tomorrow I am being sent to London to do some coverage of the olympics. Most of my colleagues have been and so they are sending me and another girl, Helen. Helen is ok. She keeps herself to herself most of the time, but I haven't had a problem with her. She seems a bit girly, though, that's the only problem. She's always got the latest designer bag and her highlighted blonde hair always looks immaculate. Sometimes, I think she must look at me and wonder what's wrong with me. I don't care though. Melissa hasn't said anything about my unique look and so I don't care.

I am a little fed up at the mo, though, if I'm honest. I don't like the way that Melissa can just send me to the other end of the country without any notice. What if I do meet a nice guy and settle down and have kids. This is no life for a wife and mother, is it? Maybe it's time for me to think of a career change.

Anyway, I hope you guys are all enjoying the snippets of sunshine we've been getting lately, even though it's decided to pour down with rain as I sit typing this.

Until next time,

Callie signing off
xxx

Quarter-life crises and balding men

Hi guys

What a week I've had. I need some good luck, or something to look forward to. Ever since I started my new job, things have been going so wrong. I've just finished writing up a piece I did last week. I got sent to an old mansion house, which is one of the oldest buildings in a nearby village and is supposed to be haunted. Melissa sent me along with one of my most boring colleagues, Mandy. I'm not being horrible (well, I am really...) but she is the most boring person I've ever met in my life and I'm including Nick in this, so you can tell how boring she is, can't you? She is about 40 and she acts like a nun, or something. She looks and acts much older than she is. We went to the house on Thursday, which was quite nice weather-wise, and she still wore a fleece jacket and a mid-calf length tartan skirt, which made her ankles look like tree trunks. She's got this red hair, but it's not a nice shade of red. Davina McCall wouldn't say nice things about Mandy's particular shade on her hair-dye adverts, put it that way. It just hangs in little limp threads around her shoulders. She wears circular rimmed glasses that she has a habit of looking over, so why bother wearing them? She is the ultimate frump. She talks dead slow, too. Honestly, I'm always yawning when I'm with her. I try to be all energetic and bouncy, but she still drawls and drives at 20mph in a 30 zone.

Anyway, I just wanted to give you a picture of the boringess that is Mandy, before continuing with my story. We went into the house, with our cameras and notebooks and Mandy started complaining about being cold. I was boiling, but she stood there shivering in her fleece. "I can sense paranormal activity," she'd said and I just shrugged my shoulders and tried to stop myself laughing as she started touching walls and going "Ooooh, Can you feel it, Callie?" No, I couldn't feel it. When I'd gone to the care home with Nick, I could feel it, but nothing was happening in the mansion house. It was just a plain old house.I reckon Mandy was trying to pretend just to get a good story.

Anyway, after an hour or boredom, we got back to the office and Mandy said that she would write up her experiences and I was to write up mine and on Monday we would collate the writing into an article. She said that if mine wasn't exciting then she would jazz it up a bit. In other words, they are making up stories to sensationalise them and attract readers. That is not the sort of journalist I want to be. I think I'm having one of those quarter-life crises that I read about recently. What if journalism isn't for me? What else can I do? Aaaaghhhh! I'm in crisis mode - help!!!

Today, I have written the truth - that the house, although old, was not in the least bit scary and if it was haunted, then maybe the ghosts come out after dark.

I'm going out with Erin again tonight. We went out for a meal last night and she told me that she was going to end it with her fiance, today. I tried to tell her that she is a committment-phobe and that the only reason she is dumping him is because she is scared of ending up with a baldy and that is just shallow. I also read recently that there is a new test people can do to see if a man is going to end up bald. If they sell them in chemists, I reckon Erin will be using it on new boyfriends. At least it will save the poor fellas from the humiliation of being dumped once their hair falls out. I am not that shallow. I have to find a decent fella to actually go out with and ask me to marry him before I start worrying about baldness.

Anyway, I best go now. I'm going out for a run while the weather is nice and then will have to shower before our night out. I can't wait to find out if she's decided to give it a go with him, though knowing Erin, the poor guy will be dumped for good.

I will catch up with you next week but until then,

Callie signing off

xxx

Moany Monday

Hi all

I am soooo tired. Hope you are all ok on this gloomy, wet Monday. I have been working literally all weekend. My boss decided it would be time to send me on a 'jolly'. Yep - a jolly. That's what she called it. I think her exact words were something like, "I thought it was about time that you went on a jolly. It's not fair that you're stuck here all the time while the others have all the fun. It's all expenses paid!" I didn't really get a choice and so I had to agree. I'm sure there is some law about having reasonable notice before having to give up an entire weekend but I was too fed up to argue. Anyway, jolly was not the word I would use to describe a rubbish weekend, locked up in a B& B (bed and breakfast) all by myself.

They sent me to this B & B near to some woods where people have reported UFO activity. I am quite interested in all this stuff - I love the X-Files, but I didn't want to have to go traipsing round woods in the dark, all by myself. I could have been murdered or anything! I wasn't murdered - as you've probably guessed, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this, but you can understand how scared I was, can't you?

It would have been perfect for Nick but I'm still not speaking to him, otherwise I might have suggested he join me. He would have had to pay for himself, but he's not short of money now he is some super journo in his new company.

I put my wellies and waterproof reflective jacket on and took my camera into the woods on Saturday and last night, because I didn't see anything on Saturday. I wasn't alone when I got there because there were loads of tourists with tents and everything, just watching the sky. At least I was getting paid extra to go, I wouldn't volunteer to spend my nights UFO watching. Boring. These people must have no life (no offence if you are one of them!).

Some of the people were nice, though. There was this lovely old man, Fred, who'd brought a flask of soup with him and he poured some for me because I was freezing. He told me that when he was little he saw a UFO and he said an alien put its face up against his window and it looked a little bit like ET but it was grey instead of brown. I didn't want to say anything, but I expect he was dreaming at the time - sleepwalking or something.

I did get to see something last night but it wasn't proof enough for me. There was a mist in the sky which glowed a bit and then disappeared. So, I didn't even get any photos. Melissa (my boss) was a little disappointed and she said that she would send someone else next time. As if it's my fault that the UFO didn't show up!

I'm going to the gym in a bit because I feel so flabby at the moment. Since starting this new job, I've not had time to exercise and there's always someone bringing cakes or biscuits into our office and I just stuff them into my mouth on auto-pilot. Coincidently, I read an article in the paper recently that said women who work long hours or who have high pressure jobs start to put on weight - Why didn't I think of writing this! I'm seriously slacking.

Anyway, I'm gonna grab my gym gear now and until next time...


Callie signing off

xxx

The Smiths were so right...

Hi guys,

How are you all doing? I hope you are doing better than I am. All I can say is...'I was looking for a job and then I found a job and heaven knows I'm miserable now....' - which is a line from the Smiths' song Heaven knows I'm miserable now. My new job is not what I'd expected at all. I should have stayed where I was, boo hoo, wail wail etc. I hate it. My boss is a right bitch and my colleagues are stuck up arrogant snobs who think they're better than me just because they've been there longer and have MBAs and so on. I could get an MBA if I wanted one -  I just don't want one. You don't need one for journalism anyway. Richard Branson and Sir Alan aint got them - they've just got great business sense. Agghhh! I'm feeling so stressed. I've just finished typing up copy for tomorrow because I didn't get chance to do it on Friday and, unlike my old workplace, if we don't get stuff finished on Friday we have to take it home and do it.

Just kill me now. I feel like going back to my old job on my hands and knees, clutching my handbag and saying 'please, Sir. Can I have some more?' and hope my old boss takes pity on me. I'm too proud for that, though, and my replacement looks just as much fun as my new colleagues. I was going to call them workmates, then, but they're no mates of mine. I just hope that as the weeks progress, I will start to settle in and they might start treating me a bit better.

Oh yeah, and Erin finally dumped her fella. She has a serious case of committment phobia, but at least it means I now have someone to go out with on Saturday nights. I couldn't go last night though because I was working and I was exhausted. We're gonna go out tonight, but Erin won't drink much because it is a school night - literally for her! She is still working at the same school as her ex but she has applied for a couple of other jobs. I warned her that she might go somewhere worse, but she doesn't care.

Anyway, I hope you all have a great week ahead and I will update you on my escapades next week. Until then...

Callie signing off

xxx

Screwed-up Sunday

Hi guys

I'm typing this with my left leg covered in plaster and bandages. Why? you may ask - well, it is all Lila's fault, as usual. I wanted to have a little leaving do on Friday, the only problem was I didn't want to invite anyone I worked with, because I don't like them and I can't wait to leave, so Lila kindly offered to organize a meal in town followed by drinks at the local rock club. She'd invited Ella and Erin (who, yet again, was free to join us now that she'd been separted from her fiance's hip) and so I decided to take Lila's advice and dress girly for a change. I bought myself a nice dress from the high street, which was blue with little daisies printed on it and I bought a pair of high heels. They were a dark blue, made to look like denimn, with high, wooden, clog-like heels. Admittedly, it did take me a while to get used to walking in them,  but by the time we reached the restaurant, I was walking like a pro (not that type of pro!!!).

It was quite a good night. The wine and the gossip was flowing. Erin admitted that she wasn't ready for marriage and that she had fallen out of love (or should it be lust?) with her fiance and so we told her that if this was how she was feeling then she had to call the wedding off. She said that she couldn't do that to him and that if she did she would have to face him in work and that would be terrible. I told her she needed a new job, then, but she said that it was so hard to find work these days that she should stay put. I sometimes feel like putting a bomb up her arse because she just won't get motivated to do anything. It's not fair on her fella either.

We went into the rock club and one of my favourite songs came on and so I forgot I wasn't wearing my docs and I ran to the dance floor and that was when my heels decided to splay in different directions. I skidded on somebody's beer they'd spilt on the floor and landed spread eagled near some skinheads. It would have been physically painful if I hadn't been so embarrassed. My embarrassment sort of blanked out any pain. The skinheads helped me up but I couldn't stand and that was when the shooting pains started. They had to call an ambulance. Everyone was staring and it was just horrible. I'm supposed to be starting my new job tomorrow. I'm still going, but it will be on crutches. I knew there was a reason I didn't dress girly. I don't care if men think I'm a lesbian anymore; I just want to be comfy and not break my ankle when I'm on a night out.

It took me a while to get used to the crutches, as well. I think I've finally gotten the hang of it, though. It's ok when I'm at home because everything is on one level - it's stairs that are a problem. I'll just have to hope the lifts work tomorrow. And that is most of my goss this week. The gang at work got me a card and a photo frame with all their ugly mugs in it. I don't know why they thought I'd like it. Obviously, I wasn't popular enough for them to put into a collection for me. I shouldn't grumble too much. Tomorrow is the start of my new career and I've just got this amazing feeling that it will be the start of something special. I will update you next week, but until then...

Callie signing off

xxx

Singalong Sunday

Hi guys

How are you all doin'? I'm ok. Last week in work was horrible. My boss is giving me all sorts of horrible jobs to do, just because I'm "leaving him in the lurch" (his words, not mine), such as sorting out the filing cabinet and waiting on all the visitors he's had recently. He interviewed for my replacement last Friday and I have to train up this geeky lad, all next week. I am so not looking forward to that.

I went out with the girls last week and it was great fun. We went to this transvestite bar first, which is always a good laugh. The only problem is that most of them look better than us, lol. Anyway, we went to this rock bar and Erin actually admitted that she felt too young to be settling down with her teacher guy. I knew there had to be something wrong, otherwise she wouldn't have come out by herself. She's been glued to him ever since she started that job. I told her it was just wedding jitters and all that but she went all quiet and weird. Ella was on top form and even before we got into the club she practically had her tongue down some poor unsuspecting guy's throat. He looked like Meatloaf. She likes that type - can't think why.

I didn't meet anyone. Typical. Lila says it's because men don't like women who look like lesbians (again, her words, not mine). I wouldn't like to get insulted by Lila because words come spewing out of her mouth before she's engaged her brain and most of the time she isn't trying to be insulting at all. I have nothing against lesbians, by the way and I know that some of them look extremely feminine;  it's just that, as I am not one, I don't wan't men to get the wrong idea. Lila says she's just trying to help. When I asked her to elaborate she said that I should grow my hair and stop wearing clumpy doc martens. I told her where to go, after that. There is no way on Earth that I am giving up my docs; they're comfy and they could come in  useful in the offchance that I may have to kick a deranged attacker who might want to murder me on my way home.

I can't wait to start my new job. I might get to meet a nice guy, there. I'm going out tonight with Lila. She's dragging me to the karaoke bar, because we haven't been for a while. The only problem is that the England match is on. I will have to wait until that's finished before I can get up and scream my lungs off. I hate the footie. I can't wait until it's all over. Lila likes watching football in the pub. She says it's a great place to meet men. I suppose it is, if you want a fella who likes to do nothing more than sit in a pub, swigging beer, burping and farting while he watches something I consider to be boring drivel. I don't know why she wants to go anyway considering she has a sugar daddy on the go.

Oh well, I am going to go get a bath now and then I'm gonna go up to my Mum's, have a Sunday roast before hitting the town with Lila. If you do like the footie, then I hope you enjoy it and "Come on England!" - I suppose I gotta show willing and all that. Until next time,

Callie signing off

xxx

Sizzling Saturday!

Hi guys

How are you? I am better than ever! I got the job! I got the job!Yipeeeee! Yee haaaaa! and all that....
I am so excited. I think I've spent the past week with a permanent smile etched on my face. I went to the interview last Monday and I was soooo nervous. I took my portfolio with me, which has all of my articles in it and I even dressed in a smart black trouser suit. It was a woman who interviewed me. She was lovely. Her name's Melissa and she's gonna be my new boss. She loved my work and said I would be joining a team of young, fresh talent and I should fit right in. She offered me the job on the spot and, obviously, I accepted! and then she showed me around the office where I will be working. I didn't get to meet everyone but there were about 4 or 5 people busy typing. They looked up and smiled at me and the atmosphere was just so laid back.

I felt so good handing my notice in. "Who's going to do Callie's World now?" was all that he said when I dumped it on his desk. "You'll have to change the name now." I'd replied and he'd just shrugged his shoulders and muttered "Congratulations." And that was that. I've got to give two weeks notice and then I'll be off to "The Rivendale Echo." I can't wait.

I'm going out with the girls tonight to celebrate. Erin is actually coming on a night out without her fella. Methinks the rose coloured spectacles have fallen off. I will find out later, of course.

It's a good job I've had something to smile about otherwise all this football on telly would have driven me mad! Why do they keep moving all of my favourite soaps around. It's not fair how my whole telly-watching routine has been ruined. Four whole weeks it goes on for, too - and then just when I think telly is going to get back to normal the Olympics starts! Oh well, hopefully I will be too busy with my new job to worry.

Anyway, I best go and get ready for my big girly night out. I hope you enjoy the week ahead and until net time...

Callie signing off

xxx

Gross-out Sunday

Hi guys

Sorry it's taken me until now to post. My internet connection went down on Thursday night and I was going to get somebody to sort it (because I have no idea about techie stuff. I used to ask Nick - but after last weekend we're not on speaking terms) but Erin, trying to be nice, told me she'd get her fiance to help me. Fat lot of good he was. He's supposed to be an IT specialist, but he spent ages last night faffing about with all these wires and in the end he gave up! I suppose he tried to help, but if he is supposed to be a specialist and teaching our future generation, then there's no hope for us! So, today, I had to spend nearly £100 for someone to sort it out because it's out of hours. Oh well - rant over. It seems to be working now.

Anyway, about last weekend...

As you know, my neighbour, Rosie, organised a lovely get-together in our communal garden to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. She and her friends had done a great job decorating all the gates with bunting and setting out the tables, covering them in Union Jack flags. They had a stereo system connected up with some old songs playing and it was a great atmosphere. I'd invited Nick, but as soon as he arrived I could tell he didn't really want to be there, he had such a grumpy face. And then I remembered how I'd felt about him when he'd first come to work with me. I thought he was the most boring person ever. I'd only agreed to start going out with him again because I thought he'd get me a job in his place and he'd let his hair grow and he didn't look that old anymore - he actually looked quite cute. Anyway, for some strange reason, he turned up last Monday with his head shaved. I could see flecks of grey in it and he looked old again. I didn't want to say anything to him, at first, but the more drinks I had (followed by Rosie's notorious sherry trifle) I got a little bit tipsy and told him what I thought of him. I think it was something like, "God, you are so boring! Stop being such a miserable git and join in, will ya!"  I think his reply went something like this, "All you ever do is moan! I don't have to have a permanent smile etched on my face, you know, like some weird clown." And I'd said something like, "I don't think I've ever seen you smile. And what's with the hair! You look like a convict." I think that was when he slammed his drink down and shouted, "Don't call me!"
It was a little bit embarassing, I must admit. We haven't spoken since. I think I should apologize, but I doubt he will answer my calls. He is just so boring, though. Being with him at the party was like pulling teeth (Not an analogy I can use with Liam, though, considering he probably quite enjoys pulling teeth.)

So...after Nick had stormed off, Liam came over and sensing my distress (at being dumped in public) he came over and asked if I wanted to go to his apartment. At the time, I thought it was a great idea, because I felt I'd spoiled the party, a little. I told him that I didn't sleep with people on the first date and he said that it wasn't a date - but anyway, it was a huge mistake going into his apartment. I got to find out what a weirdo he is ( I could write an article about him).

Firstly, I noticed a smell of bleach, like a hospital smell, as soon as I walked through the door and the walls were so white it was almost clinical. All of the furniture looked like it had come straight out of an IKea catalogue and there was no dust or marks anywhere. My black TV and shelving unit has permanent dust on it that never comes off no matter how hard I clean, yet his black techno things were shining and mark-free.
He got us some wine and put coasters underneath, which every other man I'd dated didn't bother to do.
We had a good chat while we watched some coverage of the Jubilee on TV. After a while, I needed to go to the toilet. That was when things went downhill. On the wall next to the toilet was a poster entitled, "Choose your pooh" - not the most romantic thing to look at, I thought. It was gross. There were different shaped ones called different names such as grapes, corn on the cob and mashed potato. Apparently, if yours is like gravy, you have a problem. I gagged and was almost sick and then, when I went to wash my hands, I was greeted by another poster, stuck above the sink, describing the ins and outs of plaque, complete with a picture of someone's grubby teeth with bacteria on them. That's when I did have to be sick. It was just too much.

When I got back to the living room I asked him where I could get a drink of water and so I followed him into the kitchen and that, too, was clinical. His stainless steel things were actually stainless. I'd always thought stainless steel was a lie - mine are all covered in fingerprints and other gunk that just won't come off no matter what I do, yet his were all gleaming. I know he's a dentist and everything but this was all just too weird for me. After I'd drank the water, I made my excuses and left. It still gives me shivers to think that he lives in the apartment right above mine. Why can't I meet any normal guys? Maybe it's me who's too fussy. I should lower my standards - I'm not getting any younger! I could get an older guy, like Lila has. I've been calling her Sugar Baby - there was a thing on TV the other day about women who date older men - they call them Sugar Babies. Sounds quite nice, really. Doesn't make it sound pervy at all.

I'm going to Mum's later for Sunday dinner - although it's usually Sunday tea, by the time she's got it ready. I might stay overnight, because I have the day off tomorrow. I'm going to another interview. It's doing a similar job, but for a bigger paper. Fingers crossed.

Anyway, I'll go now but until next time...


Callie signing off xxx