Another Chapter Done ...

Hey Hey, 

What a week. Could I cram any more in? Me thinks not. But I will sure as hell give it a good go this week as well. I should probably explain myself really shouldn't I?

At Lunch last Monday, discussion turned to how rough I looked leaving the Friday beforehand, all in haste with a cup under my chin to catch any vomit and a taxi-cab awaiting me I was certainly far from feeling my perky self. Still not feeling great I knew I would have to come back to work at some point, and there is only so much lolling around on the couch that one can do when ill. So there I was, in the canteen I had come to know and love. A real home from home. I had encountered my first flings with Mr. Warehouse in that room, a few near arguments with others and even a rare heart to heart with Mr. CWG. 

But now my conversations with Mr. CWG were more job related and as such were directed at a position that had become available literally across the road from our Depot in Kempston. You see, Mr. CWG drinks with the owner of the establishment in his Local in Marston Mortaine, and just so happened to mention that they were recruiting for a position similar to what I am doing now as a Service Desk Coordinator for a security and alarms company. Taking the opportunity, I called the offices and asked for some more details. Twenty-minutes or so later I had sent over my CV and by the end of the day they had asked me to come in for a chat after work. Not expecting this at all I trundled over the road after finishing work, hoping no-one from my office would notice and enquire as to where I was going. Thinking it was just a chat I hadn't braced myself for a full blown interview in the offices. I aced it, and despite my deepest apologies for being still slightly infected and wearing Black Button UGG Boots to an interview I didn't know was an interview, less than forty-eight-hours later they offered me the job. 

Dumbfounded I just stared at my screen on Wednesday afternoon, unable to speak. What had I done!? Suddenly I felt my legs become jelly and my stomach drop out of my belly. Was I about to do this? Looking through the contract they had sent over I quickly worked out that the salary would mean I would be better off by about seventy British pounds every month. "But was that enough? Was it worth it? Was it really deserving of leaving all of this behind?" I thought to myself. Immediately I called Mr. Warehouse and as soon as he answered he said what I wanted to tell him. It was like he could read my mind or something. Weirdo! However the boyfriend was less than useful when it came to discussing what I was going to do and how my options now looked. My dearest Mr. Warehouse is not one for talking things through and would have probably rather me just drop it in conversation along the lines of "So this weekend we are doing this and that weekend were somewhere else and Oh I got a new job and did you know were fresh out of Ketchup?"

Confused I called my Dad that night, hoping I might be able to get some more sense from him. Slightly better than Mr. Warehouse, my Dad was positive and I took away from our conversation that no matter how much I had been belittled, patronised and scrutinised throughout the last few months - I still had it. Although ever the realist Dad proposed the facts that I needed to really consider. What happens if I get sacked? What happens if I don't like it? What happens if I can't do it? All these things running through my head, coupled with the mere fact that seventy-quid is not a lot of money to leave a permanent job role I have been cushy in for over two-and-a-half-years I was seriously frazzled. But my early night made no impact on how I felt and whilst the morning always brings with it a new light to see something in, I was severely tired and needed to start thinking quickly about what my decision would be. 

Speaking with yet more close friends and family including Miss Tweedle-Dee, Miss Tweedle-Dumb, Miss Hackney and Miss Sugarcoat (yet another close work colleague I have yet to introduce you all too), the reoccurring subject line was that whilst the money was not great in terms of moving, seventy-pounds a month extra was still an extra seventy-pounds a month I didn't have last week and wont have next week. The thesis was that if I was unable to progress where I was in earning more money or more responsibility to be taken more seriously then it should be time to move. I had been considering it for a long while and with the current situation I found myself in I couldn't think of a better time to make the leap. 

Besides I had always said to myself there was never any point in learning to drive whilst I was at my old job, simply because affording a car and living alone, or even with someone would be a stretch if not impossible to do. I enjoyed my luxuries too much and I suppose with this new move I can not only afford the lifestyle I love so much, but also keep up with a car as well. The opportunities are endless and as Miss Sugarcoat put it herself - I am full worth the twenty-four-plus annual salary I am asking for, but it would seem a little odd to go form earning just under eighteen to another five-thousand-pounds a year in one jump. I need to make baby steps and work my way up to a salary I can not only live comfortably and happily on, but also a salary I can start to build a future on, a family and a home life. 

But on the other hand it will be ever so devastating when I do go. As I said at the top of this weeks post, its my home from home. So much has changed since I walked through those doors in April 2013. It was where I saw out my last days with Mr. Cheese (so glad you could make it, long time no see), went on to have some awful dates including Mr. Rockclimber, Mr. Krusty and countless other Mr's that didn't make the grade. Mere months into my probation period I met Mr. Warehouse and from then onwards spent many, many a dark rainy night cuddling in the canteen, away from the prying eyes of his family whom he worked alongside. Our love blossomed in those walls, out from the tea stained floors and breeze block walls came something that I now cherish so deep. Not only that but I have all my work family there and all the wonderful people that I see sometimes not for weeks or months at a time but all in the knowledge that I honestly love them all. Crazy cousins from sales, my office sharing sisters-from-other-misters, weird uncles from other divisions and even my embarrassing office Dad and Grandad. 

I will miss everyone so, so much. Miss Sugarcoat and Miss Hackney and Miss Gravy all but to name only a few. Some of whom I never spoke about on my Blog and others I am glad frankly to see the back of. My engineers whom I deal with on a daily basis, calling up and handing out jobs, asking how the wife and the kids are, sending out Birthday and Christmas cards, sending treats at Easter and Christmas also, all in which I have got to know so very, very well. Even my sales reps, who annoy the fucks out of me on an almost weekly basis, some more than others of course. Again I have wheedled my way into their lives as they have with mine, sharing in every detail of their holidays, families and moments, good and bad. All of them will be missed though, for we are a little family, a unit and a force to be reckoned with on a night out! Speaking of which ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

An All Rounded Weekend ...

Evening All,

So after last week's roller-coaster of emotions with the slightly overdue epiphany that maybe I should give men a rest. What with the likes of Mr. Cheese, Mr. Rockclimber and others to add to the list it is unsurprising that whilst I want and adore the attention, my heart is still uneasy with the absence of part of it. Since our last encounter several weeks ago things have been getting easier for me after Mr. Cheese and I went separate ways, although as anticipated it would not be the last time I see him as there is still some items of mine Mr. Cheese has to return. I am hoping to get them soon so as not to drag our last meeting out. 

Irrespective of Mr. Cheese I have found a new lease of life. I now spend my evenings cooking and cleaning and setting up my little home in the suburbs and am revealing in life's perks at present. My goodness I need to get out more - I'm one step away from being surrounded by cats and becoming that lady who screams at eggs in the supermarket! This week has been a hard one. After being shown the ropes I have been left pretty much to my own devices in my new job as Credit Control Administrator. It is tough being the new kid in the job and whilst I love the people I work with and the company itself, I really worry that I'm going to miss calling business' up and demanding money that is overdue. Nevertheless the wage isn't bad and the hours are good so I cant complain too much. I seem to be picking things up quickly but with only a few days left before the lady I'm covering leaves for her maternity-time I'm panicking I wont be able to pick up everything.

Friday after finishing work I made my way to my hometown of Dunstable to meet with an old friend who is a bride-to-be in less than four-month's time. A few months ago she approached me with the proposal of being the photographer for the Wedding. Shocked and honoured I agreed but the idea of being solely responsible for photo's that will not only last a life time but will span generations is daunting. Selfie I can do, and do very well too, but Wedding photography I'm not so sure on. I will give it a go and will attempt my very, very best but if they look like a four-year-old just stole a Canon then don't blame me. Despite my reservations I went round the soon to be Mr. and Mrs. for dinner and to discuss protocol and bounce ideas around. It was a wonderful evening and got me ridiculously excited for the big day. I think I may need an assistant and might have to call a few favours in from some old college pals, because come-on the Champagne isn't going to drink itself!?

Saturday was a hectic and busy day as Dad picked my up to help decorate the hall for his girlfriends 50th surprise birthday party that evening. I was excited, not just for the party but also just to be able to spend time with my Dad. Most of the time whilst setting everything up we never said a word to each other, but it was just nice being in the same room as each other, enjoying the silence we shared. Saturday night though was a different kettle of fish as Dad had left me in charge of the venue and its guests totalling nearly one-hundred and fifty. Pacing around the hall I was beginning to panic. I was meant to have a text to let me know they were on their way. Just as I was about to have a bathroom stop something buzzed in my palm. Daddy! Both him and the birthday gal were on their way. Less than two minutes now to turn the lights down, music off and every single man women and child silenced. Thankfully all went swimmingly and I pulled off the show, well, sort of!

After the stresses of anticipating the last guests of the evening I could relax and taking a sip of my drink I knew tonight would be good. By the end of the evening myself and Miss Tweedle-Dumb were on the dance floor throwing some shapes that would make a raver look mad. Feeling tipsy from all the alcohol we had sneaked in I didn't care for the empty dance-floor and wiggled about to some of my favourite songs, much to the dismay of Miss Tweedle-Dee who sat at our table wishing we would stop the cringey moves. After hours of dancing, consumption of cake and party food as well as lots of mingling we called it a night and headed home before my Father roped us all in to the cleaning up. 

Sunday morning came as a freezing cold breath of fresh air as I awoke on the small floor space of Miss Tweedle-Dumb's bedroom floor. Appreciative for the bed but not so much for the temperature I rolled over only to be greeted by her beady eyes glaring down from her duvet whilst chowing down on the leftovers from the night before. Between laughs and giggles, inside jokes and past awkward moments being relived we wasted several hours lying in talking and chuckling. Finally we made the decision that we would go into the local town and hit up some Sunday shopping, but by the time we got there it was only a few hours to closing time. A scrumptious roast dinner from Mummy Tweedle-Dumb and afterwards I finally made my way home to Bedford. 

What a weekend! And to think that it is already February. Where has the time gone? Where does it go? Before you know it I'll be writing to you from somewhere muddy, recovering from a hangover and living with the regrets of the days and nights before because this year I am going to my first ever festival. Roll on Reading Festival 2014!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

A Move, A Promotion And A Dating Dilemma

Hiya, 

So after last week's fiasco involving the ever-alluring Mr. Cheese, my life in other areas has well surpassed my expectations. 

Ripping myself from my bed sheets I realised horribly that it was a Thursday morning again and not a Friday as I had hoped for. Asking myself what I should wear today I threw on a skirt and shirt combo and headed out the door to my car share. The day itself ticked along nicely until lunch whereby I had planned a lunch-date with my Dad's girlfriend who works just round the corner from me. Almost instantly conversation turned to Mr. Cheese and his disappointing absence from my world. Spending nearly an hour consuming ourselves with men problems I needed to return to my office and so we left. Upon arrival at my desk everything seemed normal. As the time dragged on more people started returning from their own lunch breaks. I thought nothing of it. Then I noticed people gossipping and a slow buzz took over the accounting department as mouths were twitching with a hum of knowledge. Now a few weeks ago it was apparent that our Administrator would be going on maternity leave very shortly to have a bouncy baby boy (well I'm hoping that they don't test him on the bouncy front, pretty sure that would kill the little mite). The company had started interviews for her role and I decided I would apply. Only I was too late. By the time I got to my manager's office to talk to her, the vacancy had been filled. No worries though, I already had a job I loved and would apply for something else if and when it came up. 

Within a few days there was a new face in the office and someone new to share the banter. Nevertheless a fortnight later here I was, at my desks, my fellow workers getting worked up about something. All of a sudden a colleague appeared by my side. Nothing unusual. "Probably some question I could help with" I thought, although I was secretly shitting myself thinking maybe I had done something wrong and that was the end of the line for me! Quite the opposite really. After turning to address the slim-figured women I was asked if I wanted the position of Credit Control Administrator? Stunned I asked why as the position had already been filled. It was then I found out what everyone was nattering about. The lady whom had been taken on in favour of 'yours truly' had disappeared and it was thought that she had simply done a runner on her lunch break, never to return again. As a grin started splitting my face, I knew I had bagged myself that illusive permanent job I had been searching for. Well for a year at least. Over the coming days I was told that the company would match my salary and I would benefit from holiday pay, sick pay and the option to join a pension scheme. Now truth be told most women tend not to return after a baby but even if the mom-to-be does come back I will have been grateful for the experience and appreciative for the opportunities it has given me. Today was my first day shadowing and I now have a further fortnight to gain all knowledge before the labour ward calls on the young-parent. 

So that's the work life, now onto the lurve life! Since the separation from suave Mr. Cheese, I have found myself bombarded with suitors from every angle; Dating websites, apps and just generally meeting people. Just so happens that between moving house, socialising with friends, going out with work, unpacking and bagging myself a career I have also managed to finally squeeze in a date. Whom you may ask? That little fortuitous Mr. Rockclimber. Following a lengthy conversation consisting of messages, SnapChat's and the odd text over the past three-months we finally decided enough was enough and that we needed to meet each other. 

Wrapping up warm and making sure that the new place was clean and tidy I forced myself into the cold, nearly-midnight air of Bedfordshire. "What are you doing?" I thought to myself. Truth be told I didn't know. What I did know was that it was very cold and I was meeting a man who I had been talking to for the past twelve weeks in a pub a short walk from my new flat at a very late hour in the evening. Upon meeting we shared a hug and ventured into the warmth for a beer. Conversation of good sorts followed - Food, the weather, friends and some funny little anecdotes I have also shared with you lot. But I think it was safe to say that I had pretty much made up my mind as soon as we locked eyes. Whilst I yearn to move on from the indecisive Mr. Cheese I am unable to. I wanted so much for Mr. Rockclimber to be a welcome distraction and a new lease of life for my young, wild and lustful intentions. Regardless of this fact he did indeed stay over that night, purely and simply because he was unable to get back home until the following morning. To answer your burning question - Yes we did. Strangely it was everything that I would have asked from a bed-partner; Romantic, hard, rough and yet so unbelievably soft and gentle with his hands that I swooned under his touch. But nothing. Nothing at all. I wanted to feel something. But all this encounter do for me was make me realise that my lactose-intolerance is not cured by finding someone else. Sadly I feel that Mr. Rockclimber and I wont work out. 

In fact, I wonder if I ever will sometimes - Meet the right one that is. Life was so uncomplicated and smooth running with Mr. Cheese it hard to imagine him not in it any more. I wish so hard that I could be simple and just "go with the flow" (Maaaaan) but I can't. I'm a girl. A women. I like cuddles and snuggles and bubbles of the belly variety. Mr. Cheese and I had a love-story to rival Disney; But instead of skipping off happily-ever-after, I'm indulging myself in any possible activity to take my mind off him - Secretly hoping he'll be beneath my window one day.

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Languishing Laughs

Heyy, 

I hope that all is well in the world of you this week. I myself have had a slightly more upbeat and optimistic seven days since we last spoke. I have started packing, only two boxes I know but nevertheless it is a start and should be congratulated by a glass of wine in which I am sipping as we speak. This week in terms of the house I have visited my new abode yet again and look forward very much to moving in this weekend. Although I must admit the added stress and worry about money has got the better of me, and, knowing I wont be able to afford the large fees for moving in I have taken out a credit card. I am well aware of the implications that may arise from such a heavy responsibility but I plan to pay it all off within the first three months of moving in. Besides I have to - I have Kavos with Miss Chocolate to attend in the summer of 2014! Boy, Booze and Beaches! What more could a newly solitary women in her early-twenties ask for?!

This week has been better for a number of reasons. One of which is a new face! Mr. Rockclimber who I spoke of before Christmas and New Years if my memory doesn't fail me has been on the scene pretty much since Mr. Cheese and I went on our little break. Mr. Rockclimber however gained his name as he asked me on a date rock-climbing. I declined due to the fact I had only just found out about moving and subsequently though through no forward planning spent the weekend with Mr. Cheese. After New Years, he approached me and started small talk and now we have a date planned for Friday night - Just hours after I move in to Palais de A.Lou - A palace is much better than a Chateau! He did try to tempt me to go rock-climbing again, but I have no idea what I would wear so again aquested his request.

My other saving grace this week has got to be the bestie visiting! My little dumpling Miss Tweedle-Dee was ill over the weekend so was unable to join in with the ridiculousness however Miss Tweedle-Dumb was fit as a fiddle and in prime shape for a evening of giggles and drinks. Arriving at the station to meet her after a hard Saturday afternoon doing nothing but watching TV about current affairs and general crap Miss Tweedle-Dumb and I headed straight to the pub. After ordering food, failing several times as they seemed to be out of everything other than chocolate cake we sat down to have a nibble. Conversation almost immediately turned to the obvious - Mr. Cheese. Now since last week nothing much has changed in terms of updates, but with less than a week to go I am starting to feel apprehensive about our meet up with Mr. Cheese. And whilst I don't know for definite, I am sure that Miss South-Africa has made another appearance, especially after Mr. Cheese's vaguely coy plans for Sunday just gone. Nevertheless I tried my hardest not to speak of him, despite it taking up alot of conversation over the weekend. I think I know already what the answer is this weekend and should really prepare myself for the worst as I can't see this ever being resolved in a way I will be satisfied with. 

After a bite to eat the cigarette lounge called to us and so Miss Tweedle-Dumb and I retired before getting the next round of drinks in. Talk now turned to the recent events in her own life and the high possibility of moving overseas to be with her boyfriend who just got a job in Austria. I am excited for her, my dearest Miss Tweedle-Dumb, although it terrifies me that I struggled when I was just up the motorway in Northampton with Mr. Workaholic when that started heading south so god only knows what she may feel like in a country she has never even been to. Whilst I wish her all the best I silently hope that I have many more fond memories with her here in the land in which we grew up. It wont be forever I know that, but its scary not having your mom-therapist-stylist-sister-joker-lover-dancer-drinker pal and agony aunt right by your side. What am I going to do on a night out when I need a poo and I have to have help out of my play-suit?! What am I going to do when a boy breaks my heart (again)?! Oh my dear Tweedle-Dumb.

As the weather turned gloomy and wet we returned inside, only to find solace in the dessert menu. After scouring the small section for a good twenty-minutes I got tired of waiting and hummed a well know tune from an old TV programme called Countdown where by contestants have to make the longest word out of a whole bunch of letters selected by none other than Carol Vorderman (not Voldermort) - One of Britain's sexiest telly-cougars! Just as I finished my vocal chord, Miss Tweedle-Dee looked at me in horror only to notice that without thinking it, we had sat next to a huge poster of none other than Carol Vorderman herself. Bursting into hysterics we laughed for a further quarter-hour until we settle on pancakes and waffles. Finishing our desserts, stuffed to our rib's we noticed that the room was slightly warmer. Why? Well it seemed that a nice bit of eye-candy had fallen onto the fruit-machines and was making us both hot under the collar. Instantly we started coming out with all sorts of outrageous and cringe-worthy chat-up lines to approach him with and although none of these were put into practise, they were still funny to laugh at how unbelievably pig-headed men can be. As the last orders were called we headed home and after lots of chuckles and snorts we fell into a deep sleep next to each other for the last time before moving into my new flat.

And so after a date dilemma with Mr. Rockclimber where by I was basically blown off for a simple nose bleed his mom had, Miss Tweedle-Dumb and I had a morning of Sunday shopping and then came home to pack. We did one box. Between us. Ooops! But nevertheless I had a good week and weekend. I have a busy one ahead of me though. Tomorrow I am round to Daddy's for dinner; Wednesday is the cinema with the Tweedles and some friends; Thursday is packing and Friday is move day! Friday night I have a date with Mr. Rockclimber and Saturday I plan to unpack. Sunday however is the day I am not so much looking forward to as I have to return to my old place to host the showdown of the year. Cheese vs. Moi! Who will win ... Nobody knows! Although I am anticipating since we have both been winning with the whole open relationship thing for so long one of us is bound to loose and I have a funny feeling I should get my gloves on early. But you never know, life has a funny way of surprising me so we shall just have to wait and see what happens when I write this next week from my new home!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx