pmsumner

When I went back to work after my holiday to London (which I didn't write about, my bad) I found that they've changed our shifts again. Let me go back a bit to explain.

OK, in the T-Mobile Dearne Valley, TDMS teams were two. One on 8 hour shifts, the other on 10hr shifts. This gave flexibility and stability for the resource planners and a bit of choice for the people on the two teams. All good. Then when TSC took over, they decided that 8 people per team was too few, and combined us both into one team on 10hr shifts. I can see why they did that.

Now, TSC/T-Mobile resource have decided that well - having us in one team means they can't be as flexible as they need, and having 16 people logging on/off at once is screwing with their plans. So what have they done? Yes! Split us into two teams again. Not only that - but they've moved us from 10hr shifts back onto 8hr shifts.

*applauds*

Wow, I am astonished at the resource team's utter incomptence. You'd think wouldn't you, that when making changes to teams like they do, that they'd at least TRY to forecast what problems that would cause. I don't think they even bothered.

On the plus side, our new shifts are fairly cushy. Tuesday-Saturday either 1000-1830 or 0800-1630. Means evenings are all free, does mean that if I want a weekend (incl Sat) off I need to use hols on it. Wonder how long that'll last until they decide that they've done it wrong again?

Right, holiday - a long weekend in London then a few days in Scotland.

Travelled to the parents by train on Friday and almost immediately went out to find the Prince Edward Theatre and watched Mary Poppins from fabulous "Grand Circle" seats (front row of the gods) which gave us a great view of everything. The show is astonishing in parts, all round good stuff and well worth watching.

Walking on the way home through Soho was interesting! Quite weird to be heading home when the majority of the people round us were heading out - but seeing a blacked out people carrier with the number plate "MA51 TER" was quite amusing ;)

I can't remember exactly what we did and when, but in general:

• The science museum
• The natural history museum
• Take out sushi
• Wagammama's
• Meeting Jane's friend Catherine and boyfriend.
• Dinner on Jane's birthday at Cafe Rouge along with pink champagne (thanks Dad!)
• More walking than I knew was possible

Travelled home on Tuesday. Then to Scotland on Wednesday. Found Lambert's house. Talk, put on clothes and go to see Nightwish in concert. What can I say about that other than "wow"? :) For having heard very little of theirs before, I enjoyed it a lot.

Jane started to feel crappy on Thursday but we struggled onwards to be tourists and went to Glasgow Cathedral. I only ever seem to remember why I am disappointed by that place when I go there. It has so much potential and there's so little there. Unfortunately she got no better and ended up sleeping a lot of the day while I went out to the pub with Lambert and work colleagues.

Friday was Edinburgh, drove there to see the pregnant Kate - met with her in the Elephant House cafe. Lovely place, can see why JK would have done some writing there. Driving home was an experience - decided to avoid the A1 as much as possible but it was dark by the time we set off. Unfamiliar windy roads and darkness don't make for a quick drive ;)

All in all, I had a good time. Would have liked to spend more time in Glasgow with Lambert and Becky but schedules and Jane feeling pants made that impossible. Have to go back :)

I know it's a good thing to be doing, but it takes so long! I like mondoarchive to do it, so am glad at least I have that working.

My feet are cold. I think I need a new house with proper carpets and underlay and no vents under the floor. Brrr. The house has a back boiler (in the living room) so it was obviously decided that there was need for lots of ventilation in here, but that makes it goddamned cold.