First things first, I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone that's been around for the past couple of weeks. Seems a lot of people read my last blog and made a conscious effort to find out how both I & my mum are - certainly didn't go unnoticed and I genuinely appreciate it. She's in good health and I'm sure the fact that she's having people round for dinner and the abundance of flowers and cards that have turned up are a positive sign despite playing havoc with mine and the old man's sinuses. I don't think there's much more to say on the topic, so... thank you.
Online Dating... Why?
Being one with a plethora of opinions about, well, almost everything, I seem to be getting questioned on the nature of online dating recently. Personally, it's something I've never done, but I'm neither for nor against it. People have various reasons for signing up to dating sites in the first place and a few of my friends definitely demonstrate the benefits no matter what you're looking to get out of it. Without delving into detail, if you're looking for something serious, lasting and opening your catchment area to beyond your local area - there's multiple sites that are laden with equally minded people from all corners of society. On the flipside, if you're looking for something more casual, laid back and simply easy.. well, it doesn't get much easier. Tell someone you'll meet them at Reading festival, treat them to a can of Fosters and they'll stay the night in your tent (you know who you are, good work!)
Not that I like taking credit for anything...
A friend of mine asked me best part of two years ago if I'd had any experience with online dating. Besides hearing of friends that had used it and having a look at POF (I think I have a really, really incomplete profile somewhere?) I'd never actually (and still to this day haven't) used it, nor intend to. After a couple of hours discussing his success rate, his messages and how he came across however, we took a bet on how many replies he'd get to a message I designed for him. I think I might have shot myself in the foot given that if I was to start online dating, I probably couldn't use it myself, but hey ho, creativity is a blessing right? I'm in two minds about sharing it on here but I'll err on the side of caution and keep it to myself (well, ourselves, technically). Regardless, he sent my message out after putting his own little spin on it (important to stay true to yourself!) and the next time we met, I was more impressed than I thought I'd be. In an average of ten messages he was lucky to get two replies.. using what I'd modelled for him, he had four dates lined up for the following week. Safe to say I'd dropped myself in the deep end and I'd be spending many a Tuesday night dissecting the results of his dates - but he had a fairly refreshing presence about him and to this day it's safe to say taking a new angle worked wonders for him.
He's currently dating someone not necessarily regarded as 'his type' but he seems pretty smitten, and given that I hear more about her than I ask for, I'm chuffed for him (you're not letting her read this are you..? Sorry fella!). Without doubt his experience is probably the most satisfying and rewarding element of online dating that I've been somewhat 'involved' with. Safe to say, if I was ever to partake in it myself, I'd be asking him for a word of advice or two. Funnily enough, his new better half is also the one that asked the question "Why doesn't Rick do it?" - I'll answer that at the end of this post.
On the flipside..
I have two friends, ironically, same age, similar backgrounds, social circles and the like that have entered the world of online dating. One has been using it for a while with various successes whilst the other is fresh to the whole concept and to a certain degree; I'm not sure if she knew what to expect.
My early and fairly naive view of online dating that anyone partaking in it has to have 'something wrong' with them in some way. Bit harsh giving it a blanket impression but to a degree I don't think I was entirely misled. There are a lot (probably more than I imagined) of genuine, sincere and honest people that use online dating for a multitude of reasons including time constraints, geographical issues and the challenges of breaking the ice face to face. There are however, a huge collection of social oddities and misguided individuals that tend to take the time pursuing options that they probably shouldn't. It's a good ego boost for some though, so they're not all that bad to have around. Besides, everyone loves a compliment, and they're pretty harmless. The old saying states there's "someone for everyone", so good luck to them.
...
I think I fell asleep when I was writing this two weeks ago and I've lost my trail of thought but someone asked me to post it regardless, so here it is. I guess the long and short of it is, online dating is a huge minefield littered with individuals that all have their different reasons for being part of it. Personally, I don't think you can ever truly judge someone *without* face value, but I guess it's a good a means of an introduction as any. Its also far too easy to use as a means of making up for your latest failed relationship..
If you're into online..? Good luck to you. In the meantime, I prefer the real world!
Monday 29 October 2012
Sunday 7 October 2012
Long, Long Overdue..
What a weekend. What a month. Well, maybe more like three.
I guess this blog post has been well and beyond overdue. I've spent my Sunday on call (more on that later) tidying, clearing out and rediscovering some things I'd long forgotten about. Notably a leaving card that reads - "It's been good getting to know you, so please stay in touch! Good luck in your new job. Don't get complacent on the blog updates, you know how much I enjoy them!"...
Talk about guilt trip.
Working Sundays.. that must suck, right?
So, I'm sure the majority of people that tend to read this given the opportunity are well aware I'm somewhat settled in a new job. After 6 somewhat lengthy years in the wonderful world of retail, I've made a fairly smooth transition into the demanding, exceptionally fast paced industry that is temporary recruitment. In complete honesty and transparency I couldn't have seen myself doing it ~7 months ago but I genuinely couldn't be much happier. After sinking deep into the comfort zone of the same area manager and the same contacts in the retail industry since the tender age of 16 it's a pretty daunting experience facing up to the prospect of working with people you don't know in a completely different job role to the one previous. That being said, as daunting as it may have been, there's so many positives to look forward to. Not only the obvious pay difference (which, lets face it, all of us work for), there's a change of scenery, potential opportunities and career development - far more positives than negatives to say the least.
I'm incredibly fortunate to be working on a busy driving desk based out of Swanley given it's one of the company's longest running and undoubtedly one of the most successful. Thursday gone was undoubtedly a highlight of my 12 weeks with Swanstaff. The year is targeted by quarters and after a lot of quick learning (by that, I mean being dumped in the deep end whilst my newly acquired manager spent my third and fourth weeks sunning himself in Kos), and an abundance of cigarettes, it was announced that we'd more than achieved our target and earnt a healthy bonus due to be paid at the end of October. On a personal level, it's a huge incentive for me to keep performing - a reasonable lump sum bonus pays off one of my debts. One down at the end of the month with two to go? Happy days. Bring on the Ferrari come August.
Don't get me wrong though, every positive has to have some degree of negativity to balance it out. One essential factor in providing staff to several different industries is accessibility. Some of our clients work 24/7 and therefore we're required to be available to meet those demands. On call isn't so bad though, once every 5 weekends and one night of the week, which is generally pretty quiet providing everyone in the office has done their job properly throughout the day / week...
I've got plenty more to write but when I'm almost guaranteed a 4am wake-up call and I'm due in the office at 6, it's probably best I get a couple of hours shut-eye. Look out for an update! Ciao for now.
Famous Last Words
Given the blog was on a pretty spectacular note throughout; it doesn't take much to bring someone crashing back down to reality. Tuesday's are supposed to be like every other Tuesday. A little £5 pub poker game with banter, laughs and good company. I thought it was going the same way and despite a pretty early exit from the poker, I was in my usual high spirits.
Unfortunately, nature has an incredibly twisted means of dealing a pretty nasty hand. I got a text telling me "not to worry" despite the fact my mum was in hospital.. Not sure about anyone reading this but I think that's pretty good reason to worry.
After an incredibly sleepless night, blood tests at 4am and so on, I struggled through work on Wednesday. Safe to say my head wasn't really where it should've been, but on the flip side, there wasn't much else I could do. Sitting at home was probably the worst of my options regardless.
I can only assume tomorrow will be much of the same when she heads "downstairs" as the (and this is going to sound rather sinister), 'regulars' would call it. I'm not a fan of hospitals as it is, but seeing your mother (a very youthful looking) 60 years of age in a ward with women all closer to 80, it's a pretty surreal experience - and one I don't think I'll ever enjoy.
I don't think I could face being there tomorrow so I've opted to work through it and take Friday off to, I dunno, 'support' her recovery? With any joy she'll be out on Saturday; just a little scattier than usual given present company.
Sometimes I think we're a little too quick to neglect how much family can really mean to us. It's certainly nothing short of a wake up call and I'm not ashamed to admit that I have no idea what I'd make of the situation if it was a little more serious than its proves to be. I'm usually a little more reserved with my emotions and feelings in general, but I have nothing but the utmost respect, admiration and love for the woman that made me the man I am today.
I guess this blog serves as a pretty effective outlet afterall... Sorry this one doesn't come with a happy ending.
~ Rick
I guess this blog post has been well and beyond overdue. I've spent my Sunday on call (more on that later) tidying, clearing out and rediscovering some things I'd long forgotten about. Notably a leaving card that reads - "It's been good getting to know you, so please stay in touch! Good luck in your new job. Don't get complacent on the blog updates, you know how much I enjoy them!"...
Talk about guilt trip.
Working Sundays.. that must suck, right?
So, I'm sure the majority of people that tend to read this given the opportunity are well aware I'm somewhat settled in a new job. After 6 somewhat lengthy years in the wonderful world of retail, I've made a fairly smooth transition into the demanding, exceptionally fast paced industry that is temporary recruitment. In complete honesty and transparency I couldn't have seen myself doing it ~7 months ago but I genuinely couldn't be much happier. After sinking deep into the comfort zone of the same area manager and the same contacts in the retail industry since the tender age of 16 it's a pretty daunting experience facing up to the prospect of working with people you don't know in a completely different job role to the one previous. That being said, as daunting as it may have been, there's so many positives to look forward to. Not only the obvious pay difference (which, lets face it, all of us work for), there's a change of scenery, potential opportunities and career development - far more positives than negatives to say the least.
I'm incredibly fortunate to be working on a busy driving desk based out of Swanley given it's one of the company's longest running and undoubtedly one of the most successful. Thursday gone was undoubtedly a highlight of my 12 weeks with Swanstaff. The year is targeted by quarters and after a lot of quick learning (by that, I mean being dumped in the deep end whilst my newly acquired manager spent my third and fourth weeks sunning himself in Kos), and an abundance of cigarettes, it was announced that we'd more than achieved our target and earnt a healthy bonus due to be paid at the end of October. On a personal level, it's a huge incentive for me to keep performing - a reasonable lump sum bonus pays off one of my debts. One down at the end of the month with two to go? Happy days. Bring on the Ferrari come August.
Don't get me wrong though, every positive has to have some degree of negativity to balance it out. One essential factor in providing staff to several different industries is accessibility. Some of our clients work 24/7 and therefore we're required to be available to meet those demands. On call isn't so bad though, once every 5 weekends and one night of the week, which is generally pretty quiet providing everyone in the office has done their job properly throughout the day / week...
I've got plenty more to write but when I'm almost guaranteed a 4am wake-up call and I'm due in the office at 6, it's probably best I get a couple of hours shut-eye. Look out for an update! Ciao for now.
Famous Last Words
Given the blog was on a pretty spectacular note throughout; it doesn't take much to bring someone crashing back down to reality. Tuesday's are supposed to be like every other Tuesday. A little £5 pub poker game with banter, laughs and good company. I thought it was going the same way and despite a pretty early exit from the poker, I was in my usual high spirits.
Unfortunately, nature has an incredibly twisted means of dealing a pretty nasty hand. I got a text telling me "not to worry" despite the fact my mum was in hospital.. Not sure about anyone reading this but I think that's pretty good reason to worry.
After an incredibly sleepless night, blood tests at 4am and so on, I struggled through work on Wednesday. Safe to say my head wasn't really where it should've been, but on the flip side, there wasn't much else I could do. Sitting at home was probably the worst of my options regardless.
I can only assume tomorrow will be much of the same when she heads "downstairs" as the (and this is going to sound rather sinister), 'regulars' would call it. I'm not a fan of hospitals as it is, but seeing your mother (a very youthful looking) 60 years of age in a ward with women all closer to 80, it's a pretty surreal experience - and one I don't think I'll ever enjoy.
I don't think I could face being there tomorrow so I've opted to work through it and take Friday off to, I dunno, 'support' her recovery? With any joy she'll be out on Saturday; just a little scattier than usual given present company.
Sometimes I think we're a little too quick to neglect how much family can really mean to us. It's certainly nothing short of a wake up call and I'm not ashamed to admit that I have no idea what I'd make of the situation if it was a little more serious than its proves to be. I'm usually a little more reserved with my emotions and feelings in general, but I have nothing but the utmost respect, admiration and love for the woman that made me the man I am today.
I guess this blog serves as a pretty effective outlet afterall... Sorry this one doesn't come with a happy ending.
~ Rick
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