My Life That Happened In #33…
Episode #32
… June 2026
Monday 1st
Work was different, as I was given the chance to work in a different area. I have done a similar job in another section, but this time I was using a different truck, and I didn’t like it. The work was dropping and filling pallets, when generally, it’s just dropping.
I took advantage of the practice and worked on the intricate movement. Trying to improve on what I can already do, and for the most part, I did okay. The only main problem was that I couldn’t work fast enough, and I explained this when I found out I had to fill pallets as well. My manager wasn’t concerned; they just wanted me to increase the airspace for other pallets.
After lunch, I sorted out the paperwork but couldn’t complete it. So whatever is left, I am hoping my counterpart will finish; if not, I will do so tomorrow. The rest of the shift was spent helping on the shop floor.
Getting home, I forgot about going to post more of my wife’s items she had sold. We also needed to get some milk and some other provisions, so that is what we did.
One of the post boxes was full, so we went to Lakeside Mobility to post it there instead.
Getting home, we put our items away and then allowed ourselves something to eat, after I headed into the office to finish this week’s video.
Relax
I had completely forgotten about the wrestling PPV. So after finishing my latest upload, I made something to eat, sat down to watch the wrestling and then continued with this month’s new blog. I should have published last month’s blog, but I am so behind that I am doing what I can with the time I have. The wife needed a nap, so I went into the front room and continued with my PPV.
I went to bed late and woke up feeling like crap.
But that hasn’t stopped me from finding the next sound for my next video, and I am nearly ready with my life blog release tomorrow.
Tuesday 2nd
I didn’t know what to expect coming in, as I saw no indication of any trailers outside when I parked up. But when I started, two had already arrived. Another trailer I was concerned about had changed its time.
I had another idea for a new poster design with information to help people when working on the bay. So I set to work on that while doing my usual jobs.
For the most part, it was a nice shift, and then it started raining, a little at first and then a downpour later that lasted most of the night.
Making a start on the annual SOP reading. This is where everyone is reminded of the company’s policies and procedures. I came across a spelling mistake that I will need to follow up on. There is a hell of a lot to go through. It will take a while.
When the last trailer arrived, I had to get drenched going out to see the driver, which meant I had to expose my arms when I was back inside and taking my jacket off. I did feel sorry for the driver. They had to stay outside and unstrap everything inside. When I returned to them a little later, they were wrapped up in towels and blankets.
I was reminded later of a meeting before the end of my shift. So I made sure all of my work was done before attending.
The Routine
At home, I went through everything I needed to do before I could relax. This included making my meals for the next couple of days.
Today would have been book club day, but that has been moved to next week. Not happy, but glad I can rest.
I woke up better than normal, but I still need to go to bed earlier, maybe tomorrow. I couldn’t get everything finished the way I wanted it. But I can finish it all tomorrow.
Wednesday 3rd
We took our time with the trailers. Made sure that everything was done. I continued with another side project, and I think it’s done; I will need some feedback to be completely happy with it.
There was a brief discussion about the development centre I will be attending at the end of the month. We talked about my possible next steps and what my manager thought I would be better suited to. This was the same direction that was suggested when I started, and I am still interested. But if I go down this route, I will also have to make sure the money is good.
If the dream is to come true, I have to make sure everything fits right.
They said that I would be missed, but I need to keep progressing, as they also felt it was their time as well. Their confidence in me makes me proud of myself. I am still waiting for the but…
I told my manager that the blog was published, and they set to work reading it. They made me aware when they asked a question. I forgot to add an image, so when I got home, I made sure to add it. I also highly recommend the chicken balls.
Today has been cooler. It has been nice. I have been feeling better as well. Bloating has been my curse for the past few days.
Need to Learn
I ended the day by continuing to teach myself something I should have already known, but I am determined to get it right. I did ask for some help and took in what I should be looking for. That helped fix my solution, and I gave my answer to my manager. They said they would sort it as I was on my way home. I am glad I am making progress.
Before coming home, the missus sent me a message saying she wasn’t feeling well and needed me. So as I walked through the door, I heard music coming from the bedroom, only to find the missus in bed, eating while watching Gavin and Stacey.
I left her to it; she was enjoying her comfort, and I got myself ready to relax. At the same time, I finished and started uploading next week’s video and thought about buying a new watch for my collection, only to find another one in the suggestions at checkout. So now I don’t know what to do.
Before bed, I updated my blog and got my book report ready. It was nearly time to publish.
I am stressed.
Before going to bed, I noticed my electric toothbrush wasn’t charging, so I went to bed a little later than I wanted to try various ways to get it charging again, to no avail. So I woke up knowing I had things to sort out before I left, but first I had to fix the problem I had with the toothbrush.
I checked my warranty after thinking it had expired, only to find I had an extended one. So I am happy about that. Logging on to the Oral-B website, I set everything up so I could have it repaired. This included printing off the forms I will need for the packaging.
During this time, I wondered: what am I to use to brush my teeth? I knew I had done it before; I used it like a normal toothbrush when it ran out of charge. But again, I shouldn’t have worried, as there was enough juice in the battery for another brush.
Buying
Then I wondered what to use after I sent it off, so I researched a few electric toothbrushes. After a short search, I found something I can use as a backup in the future and, hopefully, something I could use. Well, when it turns up. So I bought it. Then I freaked out that I had purchased it through PayPal by using the wrong setting. So I stressed even more about that.
I tried to do my exercises. It helped a little, but it peaked again as I got ready for work, and I gave some of that stress to the missus.
I calmed down enough to do what my wife told me to do: send an email to cancel the toothbrush. At the same time, I apologised to the missus.
This helped me enough to publish my book report and watch the latest Jenna and Nicky. And to finish and start uploading my latest video. I left for work a few minutes later than normal to finish watching the video and try to relax a little more.
At work, before my shift started, I ate my breakfast. As I didn’t have time to update my blog, I wrote in the journal part of my traveller’s notebook.
Thursday 4th
Walking into work, I found out that a trailer had been rebooked, so we were down to two instead of three. Cool.
Also, some more good news: the items I requested have arrived. Fair enough, they were cheap, but I would probably have done the same. We have new staplers, as someone nicked our ones and replaced them with a semi-working one. That came with staples. We also got a label maker, some Tippex pens and two new bolt cutters. There were some other things I asked for, and I have been told I can get them from within the store. And one other item, I will need to talk to someone about.
Again, we took our time and got the job done. I was able to finish my side project, but I may get some second opinions.
At lunch, I received the email saying they had cancelled my order, so I can try again when I get home.
Never Stopping
After finishing the final trailer, I had another go at a thing called LOCAL LOCAL. Basically, we get a list of products that could be a problem. And we have to find them, and even if we cannot, we need to update the information. These things flag up on the system as discrepancies. We will keep getting emails about it until they are fixed.
I am insistent on getting this right, so I have set myself the task of trying at least one a day until it is stuck in my head. Today, I worked out one. Fixed it. The second one, I found the problem. I knew what was needed to fix it, but I didn’t know how to implement it. I did wait to speak to my manager near the end of my shift, but I ran out of time.
Before leaving, my manager gave me one of their sleep mouth tapes. I have tried something similar in the past, but I haven’t used a branded version. We will see what will happen.
Couldn’t rest when I got home; I had to pack up the toothbrush and send it off for repair, and the missus had another package to post.
How to Pay
I also took the time to understand how PayPal credit worked and then bought my new toothbrush. But then, somehow, I added an extra travel bag from the one I was getting for free. So, again, I had to email them to cancel it. They seemed fine with it, and by the time we got home from shopping and posting, it was sorted.
I went to bed much later than I wanted, and I was hoping I would sleep longer. But that wasn’t the case; I woke up before my alarm would have gone off, and after trying to get back to sleep. My mind was going into overdrive, so I got up. I did have a weird dream I couldn’t get my head around, but that doesn’t matter now.
My head needed compression, so I put on one of my beanies.
I needed to get everything down that has been happening, but I kept getting stuck online shopping. It took me twenty-plus minutes to copy and paste one thing.
This missus found this little chap, and I saved it from the vacuum cleaner.
Friday 5th
I wanted some coins as charms for my notebook. It took a while, but I found them. A bit pricey, but it will be worth it, I hope.
I did have to restart my upload because it was cut off halfway.
I have been at this for a few hours now, I have finally caught up with myself, and I am now hungry. Time for some food and relaxing.
One more note for now. I may have found my next phone. I saw a video about it yesterday, and it looks like they have fixed the line problem.
Making some food, I sat down and watched the first episode of a TV series my manager recommended: The Gentleman. I loved the movie, and from what I am gathering from the first episode, it is linked to the film through the drug business.
I watched two episodes; they weren’t bad. We will see how the rest of the series goes.
It was eventually time to create my meals for the next couple of days.
I tried to make a start on some more of my book reports, and, well, I started. Before bed, I had a bath and read my book.
I used the mouth tape, and it was weird not to have a sore throat when I awoke. But I have tried this before, and maybe I will go back to it again.
This missus sold another of her items, and I have offered to post it.
While I was following the video, I thought I would show you the exercise videos I did each day. If you would like, you could try them out. Here is today’s:
Saturday 6th
At work, I was given the night off from gatekeeping and sent to work on the forklifts on the shop floor. I was able to relax a little bit by listening to some music. Later in the shift, I had to step away to cook, but I didn’t mind that.
Before the shift, work had placed another trolley full of half-dead or mostly dead plants for the staff to take. So I grabbed three, I think, deemed worthy of trying to save for the missus.
Near the end of the shift, I was given a task that was a tad mentally draining. But all things considered, I think I did a great job. I had never done this before. One last task was to make sure all the paperwork was up to date for the past week. There was some missing data, but I managed to fix it before leaving.
On the way home, I had to pop back to Tesco to post a couple of items for the missus.
Arriving home, I waited for my new toothbrush. And then…
But we have a problem. The brush handle vibrates, and after a few minutes of holding the handle, I had pain in both of my hands. So I will have to send it back for a refund. I sent an email.
My wife has an interview today. She’s not happy to go outside at the moment, but it needs to happen. As I need to go to bed, she will have to adventure on her own.
She woke me up later to tell me they had changed the interview date and didn’t email her. So she missed out. She was upset about it all. And I don’t blame her.
Wake Up
I woke up a little groggy. I received an email back from SURI stating that, due to policy, they can’t refund an open box. So I read the policy, and that may be partially true; the main thing they were getting at was what I believe to be the exchange part of the policy. I do have to pay for postage, though. I now have to look for another toothbrush. Yae!
Today’s exercise video:
Replying to them, I corrected what they said, and after sending that email, I was thinking about covering my arse, so I sent another email to SURI and thought it would be a good idea to write a statement.
Hi, I just wanted to add a statement about what has happened since I received the toothbrush for both of our records. I should have added this to my original email.
The toothbrush arrived just before midday, and I opened it straight away. After going through the box, I turned on the brush and felt the vibrations for the first time. I had not been told about this feature in the handle.
At no point did I use it for its intended purposes as an oral cleaner.
After several times turning it on and off, I started feeling pain in my hands. This was when I decided to return the brush and put everything back into the box as I had received it.
This was when I emailed SURI.
Thank you
Andrew Harbourne
P.S I was wondering if this detail has been brought up before. Long-term exposure to vibrations causes many medical conditions. And can irritate existing conditions.
Maybe place a warning on the website.
Sunday 7th
We were left to our own devices tonight; there were no managers in. We did have a duty-trained person, who was asked to run the shift, but it didn’t matter. I was gatekeeping. There were only two trailers due, and they had already arrived, and we were in the process of finishing off, so we could start tipping.
Later on, I cooked, and I then continued with my paperwork and went through, sorting any emails and messages I had.
I tried again with the LOCAL LOCALS, and I am still confused when trying to find a solution to a problem. I worked out two of the problems; the rest do not seem to have a solution, except… Oh well! Fair enough. I still have a lot to learn, and generally I can accept “oh well!”, but not in this case for some reason.
I will get it in the end, I hope.
They’re Here!
At home, there is an emergency! We have spider mites! These little bugs infest plants, and luckily, we haven’t had to deal with them before. But now the missus is on full Defcon 5 and has started war: searching and destroying any infected leaves, cutting, and spraying with the last of my isopropyl alcohol. Cleaning and creating quarantine zones.
As I was sending back my just-bought SURI. I had to find a new brush to replace it. And in the end, I chose a downgraded version of my present brush an i05. My present brush is an i08. I chose it in the end because I don’t have to buy different heads; I can use the same ones. And I know the heads are expensive, but I know a guy.
I did go to bed a bit later than I wanted, but I had a call from my brother. He had a request. The one who doesn’t like the internet. Wanting me to search the internet for a new rugged dumb phone. I was a little annoyed by this, but I said I would have a look. I have found two options.
We will have to see what he thinks.
Before bed, I checked my phone. There was an email. I looked at it. STUPID! I will never learn. So I read it, and it was connected with cooking, asking why I cooked extra items. I explained and apologised if I had done something wrong. I am waiting for a response. Now time for bed.
Monday 8th
I woke up before midnight, and the wife caught me up on her invasion. My wife has removed the infected leaves and has thrown them away, and those same plants have been moved into quarantine.
For the next month, they will need to be observed and cleaned to make sure no eggs or mites are missed.
The two recruits have been given a once-over and seem to be doing well. One is already growing a new leaf, but sadly, the little one didn’t make it.
I received an email back from SURI, and they have changed their tune. They have accepted what I have said and have asked. They have already sent me a label. But for my own arse-covering, here is the brush being reboxed (I edited out the addresses and barcodes):
I also received an answer about the cooking. I am now not allowed to receive requests for what to cook. That is going to go down well.
Head Exploding
My wife was giving me too much information, and I was already overwhelmed and overstimulated. I was going to crash, and I slowly had to tell my wife what was happening, and she slowly eased back. It wasn’t until I had sat down and had something to eat that my head started to relax.
I watched another episode of The Gentlemen. Some doomscrolling led to writing this blog.
Calling my brother, I told him about the two I had picked out. He told me about his phone having a small amount of charge left. So I offered him a choice of the two old phones I have from my father-in-law, while he waits for his new phone.
When I found the phones, I checked to see if they charged and started cooking my dinner for the next couple of days. The wife woke up to restart her grow lights. She was a little early, but I suggested doing an online shop before we had to pop out.
We never did an online shop, but got ourselves ready to go out.
While we were getting ready, I finished my latest video and shared it with the world.
Just after ten, we left and went straight to Tesco’s to drop off and pick up our parcels. There was traffic everywhere. Apparently, there was a car crash on the motorway, slowing everything down.
Going Outside
Next stop: Lidl.
We hadn’t figured on spending so much. But we left, and we quickly popped into Home Bargains for a couple of things. I called my brother to find out where he was so I could drop off the phone. It turned out he was at the gym, so after finding out where it was, we went over and gave him the phone. At the same time, he chose his new phone, and he bought it there and then.
He asked if I could drop him off around Mother’s, so I obliged.
Coming home, we got stuck in traffic, and it took an extra half hour.
But then we arrived at the ultimate sacrilege. Someone was in my parking spot. I approached the bloke in the car and asked him to move as he was in my spot. He seemed to take offence at this, saying he was waiting for someone. I didn’t care and asked him to move again, and he got a little more upset. So I said to him, ‘I’m not here to cause aggro, but I want you to move your car.’ He calmed down after this and moved his car.
We put away our shopping, and I made my breakfast for work. As it was getting late, I had something to eat, watched another episode of The Gentleman, and went to bed after reading a couple of chapters.
Waking up, I got on to updating this blog and started creating my next video, and I actually finished it. Just need to export it, and then I can start uploading it.
Here is today’s video I exercised with:
I have done all this work, but I still haven’t finished my book report. I will need to sort that out tomorrow.
Tuesday 9th
Work was okay. Four trailers came in today. The third came in really early but was tipped in the order it was supposed to, and the fourth came in slightly later than it should have, but a senior manager came and finished that off when we had run out of time.
I tried to help by setting things up for the senior manager, but the cues weren’t taken. And it wasn’t until I returned for the book club that I found out that some things were missing.
The book club was different today; it was a week late. Apart from the senior manager and me turning up at work, we had to video call with three others. A laptop was placed on reserve for us, but in the end, I used my phone. There were some technical difficulties with sound, and I wasn’t going to spend the whole session trying to fix it.
It won’t be until the end of the week when we pick the next book, as our host is not due back until Thursday. The next genre picked is horror.
New Toy
Back home, I was able to relax and have something to eat before bed, and a parcel arrived.
I woke up feeling groggy. I went to bed late, woke up an hour early, and fell back asleep again just as the alarm went off. Continuing with my blog, I also went through my emails and found a photo of my brother’s new phone being delivered.
Today’s exercise video.
I continued uploading my latest video and attempted to finish my latest book report, but I will probably need to finish it in the morning. Now I get to try out my new toothbrush and get rid of the cheap wooden thing.
Leaving for work, my book report is going well, and my latest video has been uploaded.
Wednesday 10th
Today I am done with it all. The trailer I left yesterday has not been finished, and I am not happy. Stress levels are high, and I need to sort this out now.
I know I shouldn’t worry and let it go. But I can’t help it. While I am working on the bay, it’s my baby, and I need it to run smoothly. Yes, I make mistakes, but I know I can fix them or learn how to. But the senior manager doesn’t know. When they should.
My manager asked me to write an email. Explaining everything that went wrong. That’s what I did while doing my normal job. Until my manager took over one of my jobs. Being left to do one job helped calm me down a little, and my pocket full of sweets was also a great help.
Another pain was that I was called to cook at not the greatest of times and a little later than I would have liked. But it did help me by getting me away from the loading bay.
We were able to fix everything in the end, and now it is all back on track. I can leave knowing I did okay.
More Food
Back home, we waited for the boilerman to come and service the boiler. For an old girl, she has a clean bill of health. This left me time to catch up on this blog and start making my meals for work. A little behind, but I am cooking up a roast joint.
I have done well; I have written my next book report, and all I have to do now is finish my dinner, and then I can go to bed.
Before falling asleep, I finished my latest read and did some shopping. I was focused on a challenge with a task that was never announced. The manager gave me one of their mouth tapes. Saying that £5.99 a month for a box of 30 was a good deal. I was not convinced and was proven right when I went to AliExpress: 150 for less than £5.99, and so I ordered 300 for less than a tenner.
I woke up to find my wife continuing with her crisis. More of her plants have been infected, and she has lost some of her favourite plants. I can only support her. Give her advice when needed. And hope for a decent outcome.
Today’s random workout:
Plugs
My toothbrush died while I was using it, so it was time to charge it. I have a plug attachment I bought a little while ago that I was using on my other brush, so while it wasn’t being used.
I started watching Jenna and Nicky, but ran out of time. But I left for work with my book report blog published. And I have picked out a new book.
On the way to work, I popped over to Tesco’s to pick up my latest buy, which I bought on Vinted, for my notebook, which I want to update. The road in was blocked off by a new road being laid; the traffic left me a little later than I would have liked.
Thursday 11th
Work was slow. But I liked that. I was gatekeeping until I was needed on a truck for a little while. I requested, if possible, to work on some of the paperwork that everyone needs to do before the end of the month. It was agreed. But I had to wait until someone came in to take over.
Today, the cook didn’t call in sick, so I was able to continue with my reading.
I tried my best to get through as much as I could; there is so much to read. Reading until I was asked to help finish tipping a trailer.
Unable to continue with my reading, I went and completed the gatekeeping paperwork. My coworker was called away. After that, I attempted another start on the Local Locals. I didn’t have the time I wanted to finish them.
One more day.
Back home, I finished Jenna’s and Nicky’s latest video and relaxed until it was time for bed. During that time, I started on my next book report.
My head isn’t great.
I tried a different yoga video today and found I wasn’t ready for the intensity (left video), so I left it and tried another. This was better (right video).
I have received a text from Oral-B. They have fixed my electric toothbrush and have posted it to me.
Friday 12th
One trailer was ready when I arrived to start my shift. My manager also arrived, and I informed them of my purchase of mouth tape. They started putting it down, but as soon as I showed them the listing, they changed their tune. Thinking about how to make some money from it. Which I understood.
During my time receiving the trailers, I also tried to catch up with my SOPs, and I was having trouble. The lighting reflecting off the page was making it harder to read the paperwork. So I walked away from it and decided to search for the original files, well, the updated versions. And slowly but surely, I found them all, and I even found out that one of the paper versions was missing.
Side-mission completed. I decided to share my work with everyone I work with. I hope I didn’t forget anyone.
Everything else went smoothly enough, and while we waited for the plants’ delivery, they never showed up before my shift ended. A meeting was scheduled, and I rounded up the troops to watch the live broadcast.
No Rest
Back home, I got changed and headed back out again. The missus sold another item, but we had to go out of our way to post it.
By chance, there is a chemist next door. We could do two of the things on the list at once.
Next stop: Tesco’s and the Evri pickup point. And then some provisions from the shop.
Returning home, we rested and ate some food. We enjoyed a couple of episodes of season 5 of Clarkson’s Farm.
Whilst we relaxed, the post arrived, delivering my repaired electric toothbrush.
Giving it a once-over, I realised they had updated the software. So the screen images are all different. Nice!
A little later, I remembered to look for the spare plug I used for the charging lead. In the middle of my search, I detoured into tidying my office drawers, getting rid of a disintegrating wash bag I was using for my USB wall plugs. I did eventually find the plug in another set of drawers in the front room.
Tiredness slowly took over, and it was a little late. I went to bed and read my book before falling asleep.
I woke fresher than usual, and I was glad for that. After hydrating, I went into the office to start on this blog, but it never happened, and I ended up doomscrolling for a while.
A message from the book club has arrived. I need to pick and vote for the next book.
Saturday 13th
The wife went to bed, and I grabbed something to eat and decided to finish off the rest of the series of The Gentlemen. It wasn’t bad. It wasn’t the best either, but it was an okay watch. I will continue when Series 2 becomes available.
Before deciding to have a nap, I went back and forth with this blog and some more doomscrolling.
Around tenish, I was up again, and we sat down and had something to eat, and I made us both a cup of tea.
But just before that, I picked out some books I may read over the next week.
Before getting on with what we needed to do, we watched another episode of Clarkson’s Farm, and my AliExpress order arrived.
Apart from my new eye mask, all of the items are for my traveller’s notebook upgrade.
Before adding these latest items, I had to learn how to retrieve part of this blog I wrote earlier. I went back onto this page, and it had disappeared.
Thank you, YouTube!
The wife was waiting for a plant from DPD. They said we weren’t in yesterday. We were, but that’s the postal system for you. After the missus called them back again today, it turns out that they had lost the plant, and there was nothing they or we could do about it.
So we are now waiting on a response from the seller.
It is a dead heat for the next book. Two votes each.
I wanted to work on a few of my blogs. But in the end, I did nothing. We sat down together, watched all the released episodes of Clarkson’s Farm, had something to eat and just watched things on YouTube. The wife eventually went to bed, and I stayed up watching random stuff.
Sunday 14th
I eventually went to bed, woke up early, and decided it was time to get up when I had had enough rest.
The wife is a bit cranky. She is not well and is still worried about her plants. So in the end, I left her to it and got to a safe distance.
I have got to take control of the distractions. I have done fifty other things and still haven’t started on my main objective. Writing this now is a distraction, but I can’t help it. I have to get this out of my head before I can continue. Needing a drink, another distraction.
I settled down after a while, even with more distractions and interruptions from the missus. It took a while longer, but I got back into my blogs and continue to catch up before another interruption from the online shopping I ordered.
We have one Iceland shop coming around 2.30 pm and an Asda coming around 7 pm. I am hoping this will sort out our food situation over the next week, as we have to go away tomorrow.
I managed to get through and write two book reports.
Only two more to go.
Things to do
I was getting a little antsy about packing, and the wife had brought over the laundry, so I started collecting my clothes and items ready for my suitcase.
I was getting really tired, but I continued and started updating my traveller’s notebook.
My notebook wasn’t completely working for me. The elastic strap is too tight, and I wasn’t using it the way I needed it. So I had to take it apart and start again.
Although happy with the results, I still want to add a couple more things. I have items already in the post from AliExpress.
The shopping came; we put it away, and I then had my bath. The bath helped with my tiredness. I then grabbed some food and rest, and I ended up staying up longer than I wanted.
Monday 15th
Today, it is happening, but I still haven’t been to bed. So near 1 a.m., I went to bed and slept until just before six. I really need to get some decent sleep. But I am wide awake, and I will use this while I can to get ready to leave.
This week’s video.
We started packing, and the wife started to panic about not having enough time to finish everything.
My brother called while I was getting myself ready. I called him back, and it turns out that he has already scratched the screen of his new phone. I could only advise him so much about maybe getting his screen polished and protected. And maybe buy a case.
A few hours later, we made our move outside into the world. I set up my large screened sat nav. And started on our way. First stop at Sainsbury’s.
But just before that, the DPD deliveryman brought the plant that we were told was lost. The wife quickly went through her routine to get the plant ready so we could leave.
The wife needed to get something from there, but I was there to pick up the latest edition of my watch collection. I was picking that up at Argos. The watch I had been waiting for was finally at a price I was willing to pay.
My new watch is a Casio F91WC2AEF.
Getting back into NeNe, we made our way to the next destination. The journey was nice and uneventful, and we arrived a little early as the cleaners were still pouring bleach all over our home for the next few days.
Our new home is Static Caravan 175 Hillside, Allhallows Haven, Rochester, Kent.
While we were waiting, I checked out the newest coin I found in my letterbox before leaving. I attempted to add it to my notebook, but the hole is too small. I have a solution that can wait until we get home.
The place seems slightly smaller than the one we stayed at in Claction, but that doesn’t matter. We are here to relax our minds and bodies. Well, we are going to try.
Inside
Outside
Settling in, I set up my laptop and tried to begin my blog. For internet access, I brought my modem from home so we could have WiFi this time, and it seems to be going well.
I didn’t update the laptops before leaving, so I completed that when we arrived. While setting up my blogs, I found that both the spelling and grammar apps were still running. I also found out that one of the programmes was showing over three hundred mistakes or recommendations.
So I spent the next few hours going through the mistakes while my wife watched the shows she brought with her.
The next book club book has been chosen: Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill.
After I had had enough of my blog, I went out with a drink and some crisps and started on the reason for this trip. To read on the decking and relax. While the sun was up and the temperature allowed, I read until it started to get cold.
And then when I was ready, I went to bed.
Tuesday 16th
I woke up too early, and the sunrise wasn’t letting me go back to sleep. Even my head was jumping in. So I decided to get up and catch up on my reading, and I might take a nap later.
That didn’t happen.
It is probably nothing, but the wife woke a little later, and she is quiet. She won’t tell me what is going on. I am starting to get concerned, but I will wait until she is ready. It didn’t take long. It turns out she isn’t feeling comfortable. I can understand why. She isn’t happy with the stains, and to her, the place feels dirty. She is also missing her plants.
Stress levels are rising.
The missus returned later and settled my head. She set up camp on the sofa and is trying to have a nap.
Back to it
I also have to step away as I am spending more time behind this keyboard. And my tea has gone cold. So, I made another and got to reading.
I made a start on a couple of books I had already started that have taken a while to finish, and when I had had enough of them, I read another book. I finished it within an hour. It’s a graphic novel, so it’s a lot easier to read.
The missus is still asleep. I might join her; the tiredness is creeping back in.
I had a little nap, and the wife woke up and cooked some breakfast. My brother called. He invited us to an open day next month at an allotment he goes to.
A couple of hours later, we went for a walk to the beach. It’s nothing special, but nice enough.
We walked along the beach and through the back way to the arcade area. We played a few games and, by chance, met with an old family friend.
We had a look in the local shop, but nothing took our fancy, so we walked back in the heat to our temporary home.
We settled in, and the missus picked her next movie. I continued with my reading. It was still hot. I adjusted the garden furniture, so there was some shade. As I was relaxing in the environment, I started a new book.
We had some food, I read some more, and we decided to settle in for the night and watch a show or two before bed.
Wednesday 17th
It was still early when I woke up, but at least it wasn’t 4 am early. The missus decided to sleep on the sofa as her bed was wobbly. As it was book report day, I started the first couple of hours editing, publishing and sharing my latest post.
I caught up with the latest video from Joe and thought about food.
When the missus woke up, we sat down and had breakfast together, and that’s when we found out about Jeremy Clarkson and decided to watch the final two episodes of the Farm show.
The missus got a bit upset, as it was a little too close to home, but we still enjoyed the programme and hope Jeremy will be okay. This all happened last year, so I can only assume he is a lot better.
However, no one knew about his diagnosis until the release of the latest episodes. We will only find out either if he drops down dead or in the next series of The Farm.
We returned to our duties. My wife sat down to watch some movies, and I went back to reading on the deck. I had to change the seat I was using, as after a while, my bum would hurt. I tried a pillow, and even that would only work for a while. So I resorted to how I had done it before when we went to the Orchards. Grabbing a couple of sofa pillows, I swept the decking and got myself comfortable again.
During my reading time, I moved the table with the umbrella around on the deck. Hoping I would be under a shadow. And even though I thought I was covered, I still forgot my basic rule whilst in the sun.
Keep covered up!
My arms are now red and a little sore, but I have a remedy. It takes a while, but it is simple. No creams. Cover the area with cold water, often. The idea is to remove the heat trapped in the skin, and the constant covering of water does that. Creams trap the heat in the skin, causing more damage. This is just my opinion, but it seems to work.
We had dinner a little later and settled in to watch The Rookie until we were ready to go to bed. But not before finishing another book. Arms raised in success!
Thursday 18th
I woke up not having a full night’s sleep, but I am getting closer. I want to try to finish a couple more books. It is possible, but I need to pick them out and get to it.
Whilst having a cup of tea, I continued with this blog and thought about going home. Today was our last day, and tomorrow will be a little busy as I need to get everything ready to go back to work. I have enjoyed our time here, but as the missus has felt, something is a little off.
Last night Jenna Phipps released her latest video. I decided to watch that while the missus went through her social media.
Challenge Defeated
We are still a bit tired. The wife had a nap, and I read another book. It was a short story I read on my phone, but the thing is, by finishing this book, my challenge is now complete.
I spoke to my book club about it, and they told me I could easily do more. My new challenge has been accepted.
The heat in the caravan was getting a bit much, and I didn’t want to go outside on the decking. But around half three, the clouds opened up, and it cooled everything down for a while.
So for the rest of the day, we watched some of our shows and had dinner. It was after nine when the wife announced that she was packing up. This was my cue to get ready to leave. We had packed everything in the NeNe by about ten, and we were home before eleven.
I did what I always do when we get home. And that is to get everything packed away as quickly as possible. The missus never likes this, but it makes life easier when we get up in the morning.
I had a quick look at my latest purchases that arrived today. And so far, I am happy with them.
Friday 19th
I woke up not feeling amazing, but I was home, and I had things to do before I had to go back to bed. The missus was up a few minutes later, already in GO mode. I had to calm her down a little before she commenced her inspection and cleaning duties on her plants.
I have to get my dinner ready for work and do as much as I can to relax. I’m not sure I feel it for some reason. But I will work it out.
I also worked out that my spelling and grammar apps are slowing down the blogs I am writing to a standstill. So when I have finished writing, I will then turn it on.
Breakfast
Dinner
The missus is in full plant mode, and I am trying to stay out of her way while she is on the warpath.
So before my bath, I settled down with my blogs and created my latest video. It went a slightly different route than I had thought of, but I feel it is needed.
Woke up without having enough sleep. But I will be fine.
I have started uploading Monday’s video, and it is going well. The missus is slowly winning with her plants, but was caught off guard when she found some texts on an old phone from her dad.
Today’s exercises:
The wife wasn’t feeling great. She was exhausted from her day of plant caring. I finished sorting myself out and went to work.
Saturday 20th
Back at work and didn’t care that much, as I wanted to be away a little while longer. Although the work itself was a little easier than I thought it would be. Some paperwork had been returned. There was missing information, and other paperwork had to be completed. So I spent some time catching up, as I had a person to back me up with receiving.
Having to cook was a nice distraction, but it is becoming a thing now, and it really shouldn’t be. I did cock up with an email for this as I forgot to send the photos with it. A colleague told me this later, and I sent an update.
The rest of the shift was easy enough as we spent the time catching up on training. I am still behind on a lot of it, but I am working my way through it.
I did forget about sorting my brother out, but I have rescheduled, and I know it has annoyed him a little, but life just got in the way.
Nothing to report at home, as nothing happened. Just resting, and I have to get NeNes window fixed as soon as possible.
I woke up a little better than usual. Drinking some water hydrated my throat, and then I got back to my blog. I didn’t need to worry about my video as it was uploaded successfully.
Today’s Video:
Sunday 21st
Another night at work, we didn’t need to worry about rushing to get everything done on time. We had two trailers in, and they were both nearly set up and ready to go.
I moved the pallets that had built up since I left for my holiday. This also included emailing a manager, as they were using the bay for storage. I don’t like that. But I have no control.
I was told earlier that I would be cooking. So when the time came, I went upstairs.
I am tired. The heat, I believe, is to blame. It doesn’t help that I am cooking, but I am trying to stay away from anything hot, but that is not completely possible.
I can feel my temples going, which is normally not a good sign. So I will need to keep an eye on that. Sticking my head into the cold fridge is helping a lot.
Plants
Before the shift started they was another trolley filled with plants for the employees. So I called the missus to tell her what I saw, and then grabbed all of the Orchids and put them into NeNe. Someone else took the garden plants, and my manager decided they would try to bring a couple back to life. I gave them as much advice as I could.
My wife would have given them a better course on what to do. But I think I did okay. I am hoping for the best.
At home, I brought the plants in, and I am still not happy with NeNe. The driver’s window is starting to slip, and I need to get it fixed asap.
I am not well. My head is still not great, and I end up going to bed with some drugs (pain killers) to help me relax enough to sleep.
Monday 22nd
I woke up, and my head is still not great. It feels like I have a cap on my head without wearing one. But I made a promise, and I have to go and visit my brother. I don’t want to go out, I would like to rest on my day off, but family duties and all that bull.
When we were away, I bought a couple of things my brother wanted. Yesterday was his birthday, so I am hoping it will come today.
Getting home, the wife got ready for bed, and I settled down for a while to rest my head until I was ready to cook my meals.
An update on the plants:
Out of the five I brought home, only two seem to be on the fight back.
For dinner for the next couple of days will be:
My other brother texted me asking if I was interested in some Take That tickets. It turns out that he has a code to get some free tickets. It seems like a good idea to make some money.
This week’s video:
I contacted Thurrock Autos about NeNes window. I am waiting for a quote. They are unable to fix the key barrel and were advised to call a locksmith.
Before bed, I began the latest book club book. The book I am trying to finish feels like it is taking forever.
I have slept as long as I was allowed. So I continued with the new book. When I had had enough of that, I got up. It’s still early, but I am hoping I won’t be too tired for tonight.
I have done well so far. Completing a new video for next week. And nearly finished with my next book report.
Exercise for today:
Tuesday 23rd
Our first trailer of the night never showed up. This was due to the trailer not being finished in time to send out. The next trailer showed up half an hour late. So we had to reject that one. The other two showed up, so our tipper had something to do.
I was sent elsewhere to a job I hadn’t done in a while, and I gave a brief lesson on how to do it to another, and we had most of the work done before dinner.
The heavens opened up. However, the mugginess remained. The heat made my head foggy for a while, but I trundled along as best as I could.
After finishing what I was doing, I was able to get back to my actual job until I found out that my access was gone because of an update to the Operating system. So I am unable to keep up with a job that is essential to keep the upstairs happy.
The contractors are back. I am hoping they finish soon, so I don’t have to worry about dust and them trying to take over my area.
No rest yet
I cannot stop yet. Getting home, my wife is waiting for me as we pop to the shop, as we are running low on certain items and the missus wanted to have a quick look at B&Q’s houseplant selection.
Rushing back, I had to drop NeNe at the mechanics to have her window fixed. Checking in just before I went to bed. I was told NeNe was going on a test drive and to call back in half an hour. This was, of course, a lie. Why would you test drive a car for a window problem? A little later, I was told they were waiting on the part.
In the end, nothing happened. I went to collect her so I could drive to work tonight. This was due to the main part never showing up. I had to be woken up around four to pick her up.
I had to prove to my wife that she was stealing my socks. Originally, I bought a set of five, and the missus liked them so much she had to borrow a pair. After she bought some in her size. Over time, I bought some more. Mine were going missing, and she denied it. So today I had had enough and searched her drawer. Pulling out more and more pairs of socks that she denied ever taking.
So now I have most of my socks back, and my drawer looks a bit fuller now. But of course, she still won’t admit that.
This heat is terrible. I woke dehydrated, hot and bothered. Good news, I have finished creating and uploading my latest video, so I can continue catching up on my book reports.
Exercises for today:
Wednesday 24th
A bit of a change up at work as I put to work on a counterbalance to tip a trailer. I was fine with it as long as they knew I wasn’t the fastest, but I think they were desperate. Everyone else was on a day off or holiday. Also, they placed someone who is generally a driver as the gatekeeper.
I was shocked at first and then enjoyed it as the shoe was on the other foot.
I first noticed it when they started to hold their head. And then I watched the stress levels build. So I was amused while I continued driving and playing my music.
After lunch, I went back to my paperwork and had to explain a couple of things to the gatekeeper of the day, some things they needed to do in the future.
When the plant delivery arrived, I had to watch out as the contractors were moving about, but by the time I was ready, they were gone. I was approached by a higher manager. They asked if I could speak with the auditor and answer any questions they may have about my work. I said it should be fine, but it may run over my time. We will see.
Going home, I dropped NeNe off at the garage again and hoped they would be able to do the jobs I asked of them.
The heat was building as I got home. And I made a start with my meals for the next couple of days. I wanted to have what I had the previous days, but I didn’t have enough mash, so I used rice instead.
Breakfast
Dinner
Eventually, I called the garage before going to bed, and they said the part hadn’t arrived yet. So I went to bed.
Barely an hour later, they called, stating the part had been delivered elsewhere and wondering what I wanted to do. I got dressed and went and picked NeNe up. Now I wait for a call when the part arrives.
Waking up, I remembered I had to publish a book report. So I did that while watching the latest episode of Jenna and Nicky.
Thursday 25th
One of our delivery companies screwed us over a bit tonight. They brought a trailer that was rejected two days ago. That wouldn’t be a problem except that it wasn’t the one we were expecting, and the one they were supposed to bring would be brought tomorrow. The problem with that is we weren’t expecting a trailer from them tomorrow.
My fault as well. I should have checked before they left, but they didn’t put the trailer back enough for us to tip to get ahead.
I spoke to the higher manager, and I was hoping they could rearrange this on the system before I come in tomorrow.
One of our tippers dropped a couple of pallets and damaged another, so we had to spend time separating all of the stock. It took a while. It was a pallet of bowls and plates.
Even a manager helped out for a while. I had the impression they really wanted something to do, as they were ready to tip the trailer that had screwed us a bit.
They didn’t know I was there
I wasn’t needed at the end of the shift. The audit team came into my area, reviewed, and left. Not a word in my direction. I left eight minutes after my time. That was fun.
The contractors have nearly finished the work; they have to do some extra stuff tomorrow, but we now have air conditioning in the loading bay. It does feel nice, but I am going to need to up the temperature a couple of degrees. 18C is a tad cold.
Nothing to do at home but rest and relax. Nodding off on the sofa was nice, but also annoying, trying to listen to what the wife was saying. Another update on her plants.
She was a little more excited about a delivery that arrived. A corm (seed, sort of, a ball that grows on the roots of a plant), she has been wanting one for a while. The missus only has to grow it now.
This heat is ridiculous. It’s bad enough I have to wake up with it still light outside, but I have to deal with this heat as well.
Today’s exercise video:
Friday 26th
The managers were dealing with the trailer that arrived yesterday. I came into another person who was receiving. There was a decent amount to do, but nothing we needed to be worried about.
I was asked to accompany a colleague to an investigation meeting. I was honoured to be asked, and I believe I did my best to do right by them.
The meeting took longer than expected, but by the time I got back, everything that needed to be done was finished. The next big thing was moving the pallets from one side of the loading bay to the other as the contractors needed to add some more wiring. And we were working on that when they arrived.
Before I left, I gave instructions to the higher manager just in case a driver turned up for the remaining trailer.
Concern
I recieved a message from my manager concerning the Development Centre meeting on Tuesday. The email said it was cancelled. Well, it said the assessment was cancelled, which confused both of us. So the only solution was to email one of the people I spoke with before about the meetup.
I recieved an answer, I was happy, turns out the evening session was cancelled.
There was no rest at home or even a chance to change my clothes. My wife was waiting for me in the car park. She had to quickly run (walk) back in to get some bags, and we first went to drop off a package at Evri.
We worked out that it wasn’t a lock box but a store drop-off. I have to admit I was a little annoyed by this. But anyway, the next stop was Lidl’s, and we topped up what we needed.
Before entering, I spotted some snake plants on sale, but in reality, double that price; however, for what we got, it was, I believe, still a good deal.
Next stop: B&M. Followed by a visit to the delivery point where we were supposed to have gone to for the missus package.
On the way back, I forgot that the missus wanted to go to B&Q again to get the plant she left behind a few days ago.
I have to admit, they have a nice selection.
We went home, had some food, and after a long while, I went to bed.
Saturday 27th
I woke up just after midnight and settled into the sofa. About an hour later, the wife went to bed, and I was left to doomscroll for a while until I remembered there was wrestling to watch. I also grabbed some to eat.
Having another look for a mini ereader. I know what I am after, but the one I want hasn’t been released yet. It should be this year, but they have changed the date once. So I am wondering if they really will release it this year.
I tried to nap, but my wife disturbed me, and in the end, we got up. The missus needs to pick something up and drop something off at the Evri drop-off point.
We didn’t need to go anywhere else, so we went home. I have an urge for a burger. I will have to wait a bit longer.
Both having something to eat, the missus went about her day and I eventually went into the office.
I didn’t Know!
I needed a fan as I was getting uncomfortable with the heat, so I asked for my father-in-law’s fan. After setting it up, I was wondering why it wasn’t working so well. It turns out I had it the wrong way. I had no clue. It was my first time using it.
The missus was sorting out her plants again and getting emotional about having to cut them up. I did my best to try to make a good thing out of a bad situation.
But her recent purchases seem to be doing well at the moment.
I have taken a different route with Grammarly. Again. Having had enough of the lag, I researched my problem on Google, and it was suggested that I stop using the extension and use the desktop version. So that is what I did, and the difference is like night and day.
Later on, we had some food and watched our shows. I made another attempt to write another blog, but I couldn’t do it.
Sunday 28th
I ended up going to bed a little late and woke up early as well. I relaxed for a while and decided it was time to meal prep.
Breakfast
Dinner
After getting myself to a point of being ready for bed. I made something to eat and watched the latest wrestling PPV.
Waking up, the heat is still there. Great!
For a while now, I have been thinking about upgrading my broadband. The main problem is that the line isn’t connected. I have a landline but not fibre. So I have had to rely on mobile internet, and honestly, it is shit. I have had landline internet, and that is even worse.
I am not sure how it all works. But I want to get a line fitted. I will need to do some more research.
Today’s Videos:
As I entered work, I found another trolley full of plants and pots left for the staff to take if they wanted them. I helped myself to some of the pots as the plants weren’t to my liking, and I knew the wife wouldn’t have wanted them.
Monday 29th
I started tonight by printing the results of the daily chance to win a prize. There were seven days’ worth of winners, and I knew that not everyone checked their emails, so I made sure everyone could collect their prizes if they wanted to.
The AC was fully up and running on the loading bay, and I was able to zip up my jacket and feel more comfortable.
I wrote an email to the company that left their trailer behind, asking them to collect it.
A driver arrived an hour late, expecting me to roll out the carpet for them. They were deeply mistaken.
There were plenty of small jobs needing to be done, and we got through most of them so I will continue with them tomorrow.
I believe I have finished my side project. I will need some proofreaders before heading upstairs. But I think it’s nearly time.
At the end of the shift, I was one of the lucky winners, so I went upstairs and grabbed my prize, and I also collect the managers at their request.
At home, there was nothing to do but rest, eat and wait for bed. I did stay up a little later than I would have wanted so I could spend some time with the missus. I also found a bite on my leg, and I think they tried my knee as well, but my leg is noticable.
Woke up hot. I didn’t turn on the fan while I slept, and awoke to a little sweat. My own fault, really.
I want to start on my next video. But I am not sure what I want to make. I have an idea. We will see.
Todays Video:
There was a little time before I left, so I thought I would add the extras I had bought from AliExpress that arrived the day I returned from my holiday.
I am not convinced about the magnetic bookmarks; I may need to buy smaller ones in the future.
Happy with my progress with my latest video should have it finished tomorrow.
The air outside seems cooler as I walk to NeNe. I don’t know why it’s so hot indoors.
Tuesday 30th
Four trailers in today, and three were here when I arrived. One, for some reason thought it would be a good idea to arrive at 8.30 pm. Not at midnight when they were due, and still expect special privileges.
I am happy I have finally finished another book. I can now concentrate on the book club book.
Discussing with my manager. It was agreed that I should finish at seven so I could prepare for the Development Centre later. And I could get my meal prepping done and rest up beforehand. All I had to do was get the paperwork done in time. That was easily achieved as the tips were finished by then.
When I returned, I could get paid instead of using my free time.
Todays meal prep:
Breakfast
I only made one meal for dinner. I will make another tomorrow
Before leaving, I remembered there was some wrestling to watch, so I skimmed through that until it was time.
The Development Centre was not how I thought it would be. I wasn’t sure what to expect. We were set up in a room, and from there we had a couple of tasks to do. First, we were set in a group, then on our own. We were then asked a couple of questions. We will get some feedback over the next couple of weeks on what they believe my next steps should be.
I’m concerned I may have sounded aggressive. I was looking for confidence, but I can never tell sometimes.
I’m not feeling great. I woke up with a headache. And I am still tired. It has been a long day. At the moment, I could do with the night off, but I am hoping the exercises I will do in a little while will help clear my head a bit.
It has helped a little, but I am having to wear my tinted glasses to hopefully help.
I haven’t done too badly. I have finished creating my latest video and I am currently exporting it to upload before I leave.
Thanks for checking on me. Maybe I will see you next month?
