A Christmas Miracle!

I suppose I should say "A Christmas Fortuitous Development!", seeing as how I don't believe in the supernatural, but it just doesn't have the same ring to it.

You see, I thought I had to work on Boxing Day because the recruitment agency stressed that it was important for me to be able to work then - they almost made it sound like a deciding factor in getting the job. But when I asked my boss at National Rail, a really nice guy by the name of Andre, when I should show up on the 26th....he just looked at me kind of goggle-eyed before saying "What are you talking about? That's a bloody Bank Holiday, none of us are working that day, let me tell you".

So huzzah! It seems that I shall be off to Broadstairs for Christmas after all. I shall do my damndest to remember my camera this time.

My first day at National Rail was pleasant enough. I met all but one of the people who work there and they all seem like pretty relaxed and kind people. Everyone seems to start work around when they are scheduled, leave for lunch whenev's and you get a whole hour (from an eight hour work day this is a decent chunk!). This is great because it gives me time to explore and thus I found a good sized library nearby, so I can feed my book habit and leave my wallet more intact than it would be otherwise.

The training in Bristol was dead easy and I have to say it was pretty cool to be able to charge my food expenses to National Rail. My instructor told me that NR is really good about taking care of their employees and so far I'd have to agree, especially since I'm only a frigging temp!

After the terrible stress/pay ratio of all my jobs in Canada, all this is a huge breath of fresh air. I guess these must seem like pretty mundane details to get excited about, but let's face it - it's the little day to day things which can either keep you feeling good about your dayjob or drive you crazy in short order.

I reckon I'll wrap up with this nice picture of me that Mark took during the second day of shooting for "Tonight We Fall In Love". All jokes about narcissism aside, I think that it is a really nice shot - which just goes a ways towards explaining why I respect the guys abilities as I do and would work with him again in a second.
Have yourselves some wonderful holidays everyone!

BONUS LINKS WHICH MIGHT DEFLATE THE SENTIMENT EXPRESSED IN THE PREVIOUS SENTENCE

Want to help the environment while getting yourself off of annoying mailing lists?

It may say "The New American Dream" but this is something for people of all nationalities who want to help save the planet.

This is a bit dry, but an important development in helping to get us off our asses and try to stop shitty things like all the dang polar bears drowning and the regular bears ceasing to hibernate.