My Life That Happened In #21
Episode #20
…June 2025
Sunday 1st
Getting my things ready for work tonight.
We have found a new place for the blanket box, and we were able to move more things around, so there is now extra room in the new chest of drawers.
A new video has been made and will be uploaded for tomorrow.
Monday 2nd
There wasn’t a lot to report today. I went to work, and I wasn’t gatekeeping today. It is a nice change, but I don’t like sweating that much. I got ahead of my first aid duties.
Getting home, I took my wife to work and watched a new show called Murderbot. I am actually enjoying it. I also tried the ASDA version of a Gala Pie. Mixed with some potato salad and coleslaw, it wasn’t bad. I would try again.
Tomorrow I have been put forward for extra canteen training. We will see what that entails.
The mosquitoes have not given up on using me as their local blood bar. I will have to go back to eating inside Ne Ne during my lunch break, which is a shame.
Tuesday 3rd
Another day at work, but with some extra training. The way I used to perform my canteen duties has changed due to complaints, not about me, but the way the food was prepared, and this new approach is more effective. Fair enough, I will be doing a bit more than before, but I believe it will be worth it.
The plan is to try a dry run tomorrow and see how it goes.
Another shift in my rota starts tomorrow.
I AM SO FUCKING ITCHY. Last count, I have 29 bite marks all over my body. I can’t wait for it all to stop.
Today was the first time I was able to finish the paperwork without any help. I am proud of myself. My paperwork can only be completed up to a point, as I am still waiting for access to certain site systems to continue.
I wasn’t sure I would be able to upload my Life blog on time, so I waited until just after I got up for work and was able to put the finishing touches in before heading out.
Wednesday 4th
The dry run went well. I will need to complete some online training before I continue with the canteen work. I am happy with the progress, and this is a lot safer on the gut.
Getting home, I was tired, but I needed to get some toiletries. So, taking the wife to work, I popped to Superdrug and stocked up on what I needed. I also snuck into Greggs for some sausage rolls. Heading back to my wife’s work, I bought her her favourite vegan sausage in a roll before making my way home. Going against my wishes, I popped into Waterstones, and I felt bad about myself for going in. I walked out without buying anything, but I still didn’t like that I gave in so easily.
My body is still recovering from being bitten by mosquitoes. I am trying a couple of creams to help with the itching, and in about a week, they should be nearly gone.
Thursday 5th
Today is my day off. So I’m relaxing, resting and writing a little as well.
Taking my wife to work, I thought I would install my new blind spot mirrors on my side mirrors. I also attempted to install my new rear wiper, but after cleaning as much as I could and then reviewing a YouTube video, I realised I was missing a piece of equipment to help remove it. I will buy one and try again later.
Friday 6th
A lot happened today at work. I had to do some online training. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have been able to cook the food for my coworkers. I completed the training, and an hour later, I prepared the food.
I had to make up some of the details as I was cooking because these ovens didn’t have all the settings on the touch pad. Unknowingly, I did cook too much, so I was trying to get people to take food away with them, but everyone had their fill. I did pretty well.
My first aide duties are now complete. Later on, a delivery arrived, and I was asked to tip my first trailer on a counterbalance.
Saturday 7th
There was a little confusion today. I was asked to be on canteen duty, but when I arrived, the lady who normally does it was there. So, I returned to my normal duties.
As I’m still a trainee myself, I was asked to train someone else on how to do my job, which I thought was nice. But because of this, I was also able to get some more counterbalance practice.
For some reason, my local Post Office doesn’t open on a Saturday. When I found this out, I had to find another one close by, which was an actual Post Office, as many are just drop-off or pick-up points. All this aggro to return the wife’s stuff. And I had to pay for the privilege to park as well.
My wiper removal tool arrived earlier than expected today. Not complaining, just happy I can get the job done quicker. I am also looking for a bag to buy for the boot to store some of the tools I have been using in Ne Ne.
Sunday 8th
Today is my first anniversary of working for my present company. And after this year, I have learned about the various roles I have taken on in my job. I have also learned how part of the company, which I have been allowed to see so far, works. What is shown and what I have seen. This is pretty much the standard and norm wherever you work.
For the most part, I am happy with what I have got and what I have achieved so far. There have been kinks in the road. That is normal. And I have things I would like to achieve. Again normal. I just have to work out how to get there. At the present moment, I am learning, and from what management is telling me, it’s a stepping stone that will help me understand how some of the company works, which may help me move forward when I take my next step.
The only downside I can see is that they are looking at me as a yes man. In a way, I don’t mind as I will appear on their radar a little more than others. They must understand that I say yes, it was convenient to me at the time I was working, and it doesn’t interfere with anything outside of work.
As soon as it does interfere, I will say no.
Cooking
I wrote an email asking for help and instructions on cooking at work. I can cook the items okay, but I realised today that I have never cooked a roast potato before, except from a packet, and that never bothered me until now. The ovens are prepared with listed items already pre-coded, and all I have to do is press an Item on the screen and let it cook. But some of the items aren’t on there, and that’s where I need help.
We will see what happens.
I finished my book, which was a shock to me. I didn’t think it would finish so soon, and I had nothing to read on my second break. The book is titled: The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie. Now I need to get a copy of the sequel.
Monday 9th
Day off today, and I have things to catch up on. This blog is for one, and I need to update my Book Report. My latest video, which I made a few days ago, needs to be uploaded.
I forgot to update Goodreads with my new book I am about to start. Okay, that is done.
After taking my wife to work, I decided to finish replacing the rear windscreen wiper with my new clamps. It was a bit awkward trying to use the clamps, but it came off. But not without scratching the paintwork on the boot door. So after finishing with the wiper, which I think is a vast improvement. I got some of my touch-up paint, after cleaning the area and touched it up.
Tuesday 10th
Confusion at work today as no one knew if there was someone to cook. Luckily, the other backup, apart from me, stepped in. Leaving me to finish my work.
I am updating this blog, and then I also need to publish my latest blog, while writing another blog, while I cook something to eat. It seems to be going well at the moment. I need to finish quickly so I can watch my wrestling before I go to bed and read some more.
Wednesday 11th
There is nothing to report today. Apart from stabbing a splinter into my finger, everything was pretty quiet.
As I was placing a pallet on the ground, I felt a piece of wood go into my finger. I had no way of stopping it as I was halfway through the motion. When I had the pallet down, I spent a minute or two trying to take it out and cleaning it all up.
Waking up tonight, my finger is a little swollen, just adding it to my other bumps and bruises.
Well, at least I get to watch Jenna and Nikky finally get their windows installed.
I have been following them for over a year now, and their progress has been slow but relaxing. I wish I had the money and ability to do what they are doing.
Thursday 12th
Another quiet day at work. No canteen or gatekeeping duties. A nearly relaxing day with some exercise. But I was still tired when I got home. After driving my wife to work, I had something to eat and tried out a new series from The Librarians. Not sure if I like it.
I did buy some storage bags for Ne Ne. Over time, I will add what I need to the car that will help me in the long run.
Friday 13th
I chose to look at this day as a day of good luck. The origins of this day would agree with me.
It was dead at work today. I finished not just my work but also that of some others, who were needed elsewhere. And I was still able to go home early.
Upon arriving home, I relaxed as much as possible, and before I finally went to bed, I preordered a couple of books that are scheduled for release in November and March of next year. I was disappointed as I missed the release of another that came out last month.
At the moment, I am planning a day out to a book shop or shops. We will see what happens, so I am creating a list of what I would like to add to my not-quite library yet.
Today was the start of my days off, so I allowed myself to stay up a little longer and read more of the book I am currently reading.
Saturday 14th
I woke up just after two this morning and have been up ever since. After some doom scrolling on YouTube, I decided it was time to get on with my blogs and create my next video. I am listening to the track now as I write. It’s nice and doesn’t interfere with my typing.
The plan is to go to the shops to stock up on supplies. The wife isn’t in the mood. I told her that it has to be done. She then realised that she had something that needed picking up that she had bought. So it’s okay to go out now.
While she got ready, I was able to create and start uploading my latest video to the various sites that I can schedule for now. The rest will have to wait until Monday.
We were just out for about an hour, and we returned with a new plant and this:
The hat is reversible! This plant is a Zebrina Alocasia.
Sunday 15th
Not much sleep today, but as we weren’t doing anything, it was okay. We have decided on a place to rent for our holiday. We are just waiting for confirmation, and then we can mentally prepare for the holiday. It all happens next month.
All I have to do now is get things ready for work and go back to bed.
Monday 16th
Work was quiet today, and everything was done pretty quickly.
We got a reply from the people we wanted to rent a home from for a few days. They said no. The reason was stupid: why advertise if you still have a sitting tenant?
Tuesday 17th
Busy day at work today. I was gatekeeping, and the work was nonstop. Which was good, and even with the stress, it was fun. I wasn’t sure I could get it all done in time. But with five minutes to spare, I finished everything I could and went home.
At home, I rested, took my wife to work and finished by going to bed with my book.
I think I know what is causing the bonking noises in Ne Ne. I will buy the replacements and see if I am right. They need replacing anyway.
Woke up tired tonight. Tomorrow I will have a day off, so I am hoping to rest a bit.
Wednesday 18th
Another slow day at work as a couple of trailers were a no-show. I did ask to be allowed to go home early due to the workload. But it didn’t happen.
Getting home, I noticed my wife on the sofa. I thought she was meditating, which was odd because she didn’t like the idea of it. I left her to it while I sorted myself out and in doing so, found that she wasn’t meditating but in a sort of panic as her vision was going funny. The wife had been taking Naproxen for her shoulder, but she gets high on a single dose, and I think this may have led to her having a bad trip. But in having this bad trip, she succumbed to having an anxiety attack.
She knows what to do, so I left her to it and helped her when she needed it. I also called her work to let them know she wouldn’t be coming in.
A little while the missus was back up and about and on her way to bed, when we had a knock on the door. A visitor arrived, and we weren’t expecting her until tomorrow. The wife who set it up got her dates wrong. So I continued with the visit. I know the wife wanted to go to bed and sleep, but the visitor said it would only take about ten minutes, so I thought we should just get it over with as quickly as possible.
Ne Ne is getting new tailgate struts to replace the rusty ones, and I will need to go to the mechanic to sort out the knocking. I will get to the bottom of this.
Thursday 19th
Day off. Relaxing and catching up on my writing. I had to get rid of a flying thing, without killing it. But I did have to run outside in my boxers without anyone watching.
I bought a birthday present for my brother. It is a book, an omnibus of a collection from the John Carter of Mars series. I hope it turns up in time.
We have finally found a place to stay for our holiday. I have had to pay a little more, but we are going to have a bit of both worlds that we were after: A Cabin away from people and four beaches to choose from if we want it. Even though our aim is just one.
I woke up tonight to find my new boxes have arrived for Ne Ne. I am a little disappointed as they bent the bags. The material isn’t great, but if they are going to be displayed in the car, I don’t want to see a bend mark on the bags. I’ll try and set them up as I go to work.
Friday 20th
Another slow day at work. Everything was done too quickly, and we ran out of work.
When I go to lunch, all I ask for is some peace and quiet. Not to be bitten another fourteen times. I had my car door open and I tried to swat as many as I saw, but that didn’t help. Please stop the itching.
During my second break, I tidied up the boot, and I like the new look.
I got my dates mixed up and forgot it’s my brother’s birthday tomorrow. When I woke up, I called him and apologised, then made arrangements to meet up and discussed a trip I had been planning, which included him coming along.
Saturday 21st
A productive day at work. I was gatekeeping, and when that was done, I spent some time on the trucks, where I practised moving pallets around.
I had my lunch with the car door closed today, and every now and then, I caught those flying needles buzzing around the car.
Began reading a new book. Legends and Lattees, and I have made great progress.
I woke up groggy tonight. It’s probably due to the heat and being a tad dehydrated. So I had some water and did my 10-minute Yoga session before getting ready for work. It’s helped to clear my head, but I am not completely there yet.
I’ve started uploading Monday’s video, one less thing to worry about tomorrow.
Sunday 22nd
Another day at work, and I came home to relax for my day off. Before going to bed, I helped the missus with our propagation boxes. I hadn’t looked at them since we made them, and I was curious about how we did. I believe it went as well as expected, given our limited experience. A few of the plants didn’t survive. But we got a good supply of rooted plants.
The wife took her time, and I helped with potting the ready plants. I went through and gave the other another chance to see if they needed a bit more time. But I am happy with the amount that came out of it.
The plants are now joined with the rest of the mob.
Monday 23rd
Relaxing at the moment and updating my blog. And finishing some of my uploads for this week’s video.
Early in the morning, I popped over to see my brother and thought I would treat him to a breakfast stick at the Big Blue Bus. He was thrilled. It was late birthday feast I felt he deserved as I have screwed up the dates.
When I arrived, he had a stack of books he wanted to get rid of and asked if I was interested in any of them, and I found a series of Moriaty books. So I took them.
Dropping him off afterwards, I drove to McDonald’s and picked up a breakfast for the missus as I didn’t want her to feel left out. She hadn’t slept well, and she needed a boost.
Before taking the missus to work, my new struts arrived, and I went to install them after returning. It didn’t go completely well as a couple of clips refused to go back on. I have placed them to one side so I can come back to them later. I will have to be careful with the door.
Tuesday 24th
Busy first day back at work. I liked that. Coming home, I relaxed, but I still ended up going to bed late. I have to control the doom scrolling on YouTube.
Wednesday 25th
I was lumped with some work that someone couldn’t be bothered to do. I don’t mind, but I ended up getting frustrated as the job didn’t go as planned. Some of the work was missing, as well as some of the paperwork. I was able to fix most of what the other person did and worked out most of what was wrong. So it took a little longer than expected.
I also ripped a couple of small chunks off my hand for my troubles.
Thursdays 26th
Busy day at work today. I was so busy I forgot to do an important thing. The manager tried not to have a go, but he did. There are no complaints from me, as I was fully engaged in a task he assigned to me.
I finished another book today, and have returned to my to-be-read bookcase for my next book. I will get through them eventually.
People at work want me to go to a do outside of work hours. I have never seen any benefit in going to a place outside of work hours and mixing with people I spend most of my time with, instead of relaxing and preparing myself for the next shift.
I spoke to my brother about it on my break. He says it can be beneficial. And I can see the potential benefits. But at the same time, I can see the other side as well.
Friday 27th
Another busy day at work. I depressed myself today, feeling I may have gotten too big for my boots. Overstretched myself with the people at work. Nothing serious, but do you ever get the feeling that you have maybe gone over the line? Even a micron?
I could be completely wrong and have this all backwards.
So, for today and looking forward, I attempted to improve my self-awareness and control.
A driver asked for help with closing his trailer doors, and we managed to close three of the four handles. But as the base was fully closed, we left it at that.
I did have to learn a new part of the gatekeeping system, but I will have to double-check with another colleague. The way I was shown, I think there may be another way of doing it. If not so be it.
Saturday 28th
Nothing to report today. Waking up around midnight, I watched wrestling and doom-scrolled YouTube videos. American Auditors seems to be an ongoing theme I cannot get rid of.
Is there such a thing as heat-related car problems? Before this summer heat arrived, a few months ago, Ne Ne started making bonking sounds. But since the heat came, the bonking has faded away. It is still there on occasion. But after warming up, it goes.
I will need to investigate.
The wife eventually woke up, and while waiting for a food shop to arrive, we ordered some more from another shop.
The wife decided to finish off the last of the propagation plants. We now have a few more potted plants, and hopefully, they like their new home.
When we were done, I went off to finish another book, and the wife ordered pizza. Even though I had just bought a lot of food. But oh well, she was paying.
I finished my book, and afterwards tried to write another blog. About 6 pm, I went to sleep as I was exhausted.
Sunday 29th
Again, just before midnight, I woke up and settled in for some more relaxing. I forgot a wrestling PPV was on, so I made some sandwiches and watched it.
I think our pizza from yesterday might not have been prepared properly, as we both had a bit of food poisoning. The wife was a bit worse than mine. In these cases, the only real cure is rest and drinking some milk. I had my chocolate milk that came in the shopping we ordered. The wife went back to bed.
I’m back at work tomorrow, so I will start getting things ready for my return, including arranging the dates for our holidays next year.
Packed lunches for myself and the missus have been made for the next couple of days. So I finish off the latest video and upload it.
Monday 30th
The heat is getting to me. I walk around work feeling nice and warm, but I’m constantly sweating. And there is no getting away from it. At least at home, I can strip off and relax in the fan-filled room. But even that is not enough.
Work was busy today. I also forgot my hairband, I felt unprofessional until a lady friend gave me hers as she didn’t need it. I was glad for this. A colleague and trainer has been helping me understand certain aspects of my job, which I am still learning.
I’ll see you next month. Thank you for the visit.
Stay safe. Learn some new things. But have some fun.
