My office move is complete and not only was today my first drive to my new Station, this was my first time driving in snow.
It was NOT nice.
This morning wasn't too bad. There was a light covering on paths but the newly gritted roads were fine for driving on. I got to work at 7.30 with no trouble at all.
However, by 9am, the snow had mounted. By 12 o'clock the snow was probably about 15cm deep and a message from HQ was sent to say that all none operational staff were being sent home. This was it- my first drive in snow. It. Was. Horrible.
My route home contains hills- fairly steep hills at that, and of course if I could get up them- I also had to get back down. The roads through Walsall centre were fairly okay, it was only once I reached the main crossroads that it all started to get interesting. Although painfully snow, I got through the town centre and up the first hill without any trouble. I was feeling quite proud of myself so far in fact- pulling off in second gear, taking the down slope in first and the journey was going fairly smoothly though I was panicking behind the wheel. However, I wasn't even half way home and this three mile stretch had taken me about 35 minutes. My normal commuting times is 25-30 minutes! The roads after the first hill had gotten progressively worse in that time, and when I finally reached hill challenge two I could feel Franko's tyres slipping slightly. I stayed calm, reduced speed and brought him some pretty awsome (if I do say so myself) clutch skills to control it going up the hill. Hill three, was lurking about 10 minutes round the bend an I started to see my first people skidding around and cars stopping at the side of the road. I navigated the down slope of hill three pretty perfectly, passing a number of people struggling to get up on the other side. The next hour, involved painfully slow, ankle aching clutch use as poor little Franko drove along at 15mph maximum. Hill four was all downhill and here I felt my ABS kick in. Skidding just feels awful- you feel the car being pulled in opposite directions but it's good how much of your driving instinct kicks in and you just do what you need to whilst bearing in mind all the advice and tips for winter driving. The last hour was the worst. The roads were just treacherous and I was getting really hungry and thirsty. People were skidding, sliding and I felt like little Franko was struggling to keep in an adequate gear for the inclines and grip. Aside from the odd Wanker, most drivers were sensible and took it pretty easy.
The snowier side roads close to home were actually moderately better and provided some welcome grip from the slush I'd been sliding in for two hours. I pulled in and covered up Franko in his snow blanket. He did pretty well considering he's just a little 1.2. :-) I'm considering investing in some Snow Socks for him.
I have rarely been so relieved to just get back home in the warmth. It took just over two hours. I'm proud of myself for managing to get home safely though I have to admit to feeling incredibly anxious the whole time.
Stay safe out there folks! Where's my cuppa....
Showing posts with label commuting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label commuting. Show all posts
Friday, January 18, 2013
Monday, December 03, 2012
Reflections on 2012 part 1.
The year is drawing to a close.
I started off 2012 having left my best friend and partner of 8 years*, my home, alot of my belongings and the place where my heart and soul had resided for a year, impressing its gentle watermarks into the walls, surfaces and ambiance of each room. My mum was recovering from her breast cancer surgery, and my job was once again potentially under threat at a place where I'd found many friends and felt like one of the family.
Everything felt upside down. I was exhausted and mostly in tatters and about this time last year I had already decided that something had to change.
By January, I was back at my parents home, sleeping in a cold, back room of the house on a sofa bed. I started looking around for other jobs around this time too. By March, I was getting interviews for new jobs and after a few successful ones and two job offers I opted for a new job in Walsall, a promotion, and all round challenge. It was to be my second huge step into the unknown so early on into the year and despite the fears and conflictions I seized the opportunity as a new start.
During these months of interviews and CV's an job spiel, two things happened- I learnt how to juggle (!) and I met L* who was working down the coridoor in a temporary office. L has become my biggest smile of 2012. In him, I have found a true best friend for life and I owe him an awful lot for his stoic support, kind words and encouragement over the year. I love him dearly and hope I never ever lose his friendship.
In contrast, during this time I met a second person who would be my biggest mistake of the year. I also thought, this person- who I won't even grace with an initial, would be a true friend. I shared a great deal with them and, perhaps mislead by the sadness and instability in my life at the time, I leant on them for support. Instead, my trust was betrayed and I got caught up in bitter mind games resulting in nothing but let down, hurt and confusion.
I started my new job at the end of April.* The timing couldn't have been better as I needed to get away from the pressure cooker of friend-politics that had been building. After three years communting by train, I had to step away from time tables, platforms, reading newspapers and books in a carriage and healthy, brisk walks- and swap it for a 25 minute commute of sitting still staring at a road surface. I felt lost, stepping away from the comforts of my good friends, my work family who I had loved seeing daily- into a cold, old building in a very different area of the West Midlands. At a time where I craved stability and order, I found the transition hard but was relieved to find that my new working team was friendly and welcoming.
Resolution 1: Be more active.
Despite my friendly team, the job itself has brought about a new perspective of policing, people, culture and criminality. Instead of working on the peripheries of policing in a supportive role, I've learnt an awful lot from being thrust into the thick of actual police work. It's opened my eyes and altered some of my opions, and this in turn has added to my angst and fury at this odeous, bile-inducing- Government's policies. It's left me very resentful, as I'm sure regular blog readers will already know with many of my posts this year taking on a political rant tone in utter disgust at some of the unjustified impositions this Tory government has created.
Resolution 2: Be less angry.
May saw the birth of my little neice- Natalie*; another small blossom of newness, hope and smiles in an otherwise tumultuous and rocky time.
In late July, early August, our family cat Oscar had to be put down*. He was a friendly, clumsy, 14 year old black and white cat who had seemed well up until the week before his death. He had a deteriorating heart condition due to his age. I'm glad that I was with him when he was put to sleep. I held him, stroked his head as his eyes closed, and kissed him goodbye with a thank you for his life in our family home. He's left a small hole. Our remaining cat, Phoebe misses him, and she has been changed by his absence. She seems lost sometimes, and anxious of being alone- something I can very much relate to this year. I miss him too.
Living back at the family home after almost ten years of independence hasn't come easy. It's had an impact on my family relationships, some of which I will discuss later*.
My creativity hasn't gone by the wayside this year either. It's been a busy, chaotic year but I've managed to find time to complete some sculpture projects amidst it all. I think one of my resolutions next year will be to make more time for creative projects. That means more photo's. More clay. And learning a new skill.
Resolution 3: Be more creative.
My main trip of the year was my visit to Brugge with N. It was a beautiful place and it was great taking photographs, breathing clean air into my lungs, and just experiencing being somewhere so quaintly, stunning. Whilst I don't think the two of us felt completely relaxed, images and sights will remain alive in my memory with fondness and warmth. Highlights included a fantastic Dali exhibition, and seeing works by Miro and Picasso in smaller exhibitions there. I also really want to go back to Brussels next year for a weekend and spend time visiting the many art galleries and museums as we only dropped by for a couple of hours on our way home.
Fast track a couple of months and I feel more settled in my job. My team friendships grow almost daily, and I feel that each passing week brings me closer into the fold. I am aware that my job will only be for another 12 months, but I'll try and make the most of being where I am for the time being; gathering as much training and knowledge as I can ready for my next step and challenge. As the year closes, I'm starting to miss my home again. Whilst I have much to be grateful for, I still have things to aim for, things I need in my life in order to feel whole again. I've entertained the thought that perhaps that bit of emptiness is okay,that it may always remain and that all I actually need to do is learn to appreciate and step back; to make more time for the things I enjoy, to laugh more and spend time with people I care about and who care about me. This year has taught me all those things are vital and while I'm entering the christmas period feeling wary of sadness- at a time where everyone turns to family and I'm still not sure where I belong- I'm also hopeful that what I've learnt this year will help me make better decisions and be a better person.
Truth be told, I was dreading this christmas away from home, away from a loving partner, and looking back on the difficulties of the year. But, my brother, his wife and my little neice will be joining the family Christmas this year for the first time and I hope that it will be special for that alone.
I'm going to be diving into some of the topics I've discussed here in more detail in the run up to Christmas.*
Resolution 4: Blog more.
I started off 2012 having left my best friend and partner of 8 years*, my home, alot of my belongings and the place where my heart and soul had resided for a year, impressing its gentle watermarks into the walls, surfaces and ambiance of each room. My mum was recovering from her breast cancer surgery, and my job was once again potentially under threat at a place where I'd found many friends and felt like one of the family.
Everything felt upside down. I was exhausted and mostly in tatters and about this time last year I had already decided that something had to change.
By January, I was back at my parents home, sleeping in a cold, back room of the house on a sofa bed. I started looking around for other jobs around this time too. By March, I was getting interviews for new jobs and after a few successful ones and two job offers I opted for a new job in Walsall, a promotion, and all round challenge. It was to be my second huge step into the unknown so early on into the year and despite the fears and conflictions I seized the opportunity as a new start.
During these months of interviews and CV's an job spiel, two things happened- I learnt how to juggle (!) and I met L* who was working down the coridoor in a temporary office. L has become my biggest smile of 2012. In him, I have found a true best friend for life and I owe him an awful lot for his stoic support, kind words and encouragement over the year. I love him dearly and hope I never ever lose his friendship.
In contrast, during this time I met a second person who would be my biggest mistake of the year. I also thought, this person- who I won't even grace with an initial, would be a true friend. I shared a great deal with them and, perhaps mislead by the sadness and instability in my life at the time, I leant on them for support. Instead, my trust was betrayed and I got caught up in bitter mind games resulting in nothing but let down, hurt and confusion.
I started my new job at the end of April.* The timing couldn't have been better as I needed to get away from the pressure cooker of friend-politics that had been building. After three years communting by train, I had to step away from time tables, platforms, reading newspapers and books in a carriage and healthy, brisk walks- and swap it for a 25 minute commute of sitting still staring at a road surface. I felt lost, stepping away from the comforts of my good friends, my work family who I had loved seeing daily- into a cold, old building in a very different area of the West Midlands. At a time where I craved stability and order, I found the transition hard but was relieved to find that my new working team was friendly and welcoming.
Resolution 1: Be more active.
Despite my friendly team, the job itself has brought about a new perspective of policing, people, culture and criminality. Instead of working on the peripheries of policing in a supportive role, I've learnt an awful lot from being thrust into the thick of actual police work. It's opened my eyes and altered some of my opions, and this in turn has added to my angst and fury at this odeous, bile-inducing- Government's policies. It's left me very resentful, as I'm sure regular blog readers will already know with many of my posts this year taking on a political rant tone in utter disgust at some of the unjustified impositions this Tory government has created.
Resolution 2: Be less angry.
May saw the birth of my little neice- Natalie*; another small blossom of newness, hope and smiles in an otherwise tumultuous and rocky time.
In late July, early August, our family cat Oscar had to be put down*. He was a friendly, clumsy, 14 year old black and white cat who had seemed well up until the week before his death. He had a deteriorating heart condition due to his age. I'm glad that I was with him when he was put to sleep. I held him, stroked his head as his eyes closed, and kissed him goodbye with a thank you for his life in our family home. He's left a small hole. Our remaining cat, Phoebe misses him, and she has been changed by his absence. She seems lost sometimes, and anxious of being alone- something I can very much relate to this year. I miss him too.
Living back at the family home after almost ten years of independence hasn't come easy. It's had an impact on my family relationships, some of which I will discuss later*.
My creativity hasn't gone by the wayside this year either. It's been a busy, chaotic year but I've managed to find time to complete some sculpture projects amidst it all. I think one of my resolutions next year will be to make more time for creative projects. That means more photo's. More clay. And learning a new skill.
Resolution 3: Be more creative.
My main trip of the year was my visit to Brugge with N. It was a beautiful place and it was great taking photographs, breathing clean air into my lungs, and just experiencing being somewhere so quaintly, stunning. Whilst I don't think the two of us felt completely relaxed, images and sights will remain alive in my memory with fondness and warmth. Highlights included a fantastic Dali exhibition, and seeing works by Miro and Picasso in smaller exhibitions there. I also really want to go back to Brussels next year for a weekend and spend time visiting the many art galleries and museums as we only dropped by for a couple of hours on our way home.
Fast track a couple of months and I feel more settled in my job. My team friendships grow almost daily, and I feel that each passing week brings me closer into the fold. I am aware that my job will only be for another 12 months, but I'll try and make the most of being where I am for the time being; gathering as much training and knowledge as I can ready for my next step and challenge. As the year closes, I'm starting to miss my home again. Whilst I have much to be grateful for, I still have things to aim for, things I need in my life in order to feel whole again. I've entertained the thought that perhaps that bit of emptiness is okay,that it may always remain and that all I actually need to do is learn to appreciate and step back; to make more time for the things I enjoy, to laugh more and spend time with people I care about and who care about me. This year has taught me all those things are vital and while I'm entering the christmas period feeling wary of sadness- at a time where everyone turns to family and I'm still not sure where I belong- I'm also hopeful that what I've learnt this year will help me make better decisions and be a better person.
Truth be told, I was dreading this christmas away from home, away from a loving partner, and looking back on the difficulties of the year. But, my brother, his wife and my little neice will be joining the family Christmas this year for the first time and I hope that it will be special for that alone.
I'm going to be diving into some of the topics I've discussed here in more detail in the run up to Christmas.*
Resolution 4: Blog more.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
PUNK-ture!
Franko had a puncture on Friday. It was a slow puncture and after having to call out the AA to fit the teeeeeney spare wheel I didn't even know I had- it became clear just what had caused it; a great big nail in Frankos tyre. Poor little Franko looked terribly pathetic with his tiny little spare wheel. It reminded me of Nemo's lucky fin.
Having no car, and being on a training course in Birmingham this week meant resorting to my old mode of commuting- Train! I've missed the train. I miss being able to read, people watch and listen to my own little soundtrack. I even miss my walks to and from the station even though I haven't missed the soaking wet clothes from walking in the rain. Having said that, I've also had to get a bus the last two days and I have to say it's one of the most DIRE experiences now, getting a bus. FULL of smelly, wierdo's and irritating children. The seats are dirty and damp, and there's ALWAYS an obligatory empty bottle or drinks can rolling around on the floor up and down the bus which no one wants to touch in case they get infected with disease. VILE.
After waiting for three days to get his special size tyre delivered (at a cost of £100!?!) I've finally got him back on the road. I bought him a lovely new cherry air freshener, a boot bag, and a nice car cover for the winter to protect him from the frost and snow, all for being good at the garage while he got fixed. :)
Welcome back Franko!!!
Having no car, and being on a training course in Birmingham this week meant resorting to my old mode of commuting- Train! I've missed the train. I miss being able to read, people watch and listen to my own little soundtrack. I even miss my walks to and from the station even though I haven't missed the soaking wet clothes from walking in the rain. Having said that, I've also had to get a bus the last two days and I have to say it's one of the most DIRE experiences now, getting a bus. FULL of smelly, wierdo's and irritating children. The seats are dirty and damp, and there's ALWAYS an obligatory empty bottle or drinks can rolling around on the floor up and down the bus which no one wants to touch in case they get infected with disease. VILE.
After waiting for three days to get his special size tyre delivered (at a cost of £100!?!) I've finally got him back on the road. I bought him a lovely new cherry air freshener, a boot bag, and a nice car cover for the winter to protect him from the frost and snow, all for being good at the garage while he got fixed. :)
Welcome back Franko!!!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Pause.
Nearly three months since my last post.
You could say I'm in limbo. No real place to call home. Still struggling to get clarity on what I want and what is right for me. I miss my home immensely but I guess you can make anywhere a home.
Having said that, the last three months have brought about some further changes. I managed to land myself a new job, which I've now been posted in for three weeks. I'm exhausted from training course after training course... but ultimately, I think this will be a really challenging and interesting job that I can really develop into. Plus, despite Teresa May's best efforts, my job "should" be secure for at least two years. I think that's as secure as a job is going to get under this government. Score. What's not so good is the fact that moving away from some good friends at my old work location is making me feel even more isolated. My friends provided me with the laughs, alcohol and chats that were keeping me going... and now I've moved away from them too. I know my new team will fill that gap eventually, but that takes time, and right now, having something solid, continuous and stable was such a welcome thing.
Because of my new job I've had to ditch my rail commuter pass, and get myself a car. He's a matt black Fiat 500 called Franko, and he's awesome. He has blue stripes and although he's not too fast, he turns heads and makes an impression. I love seeing people walk passed him in the carpark and comment on how awesome his paint job is. :-) He makes me smile. And I need that at the moment.
I have to say I am NOT liking driving to work. I miss the train journey; the space to snooze, read, spy, people watch, listen to my mp3 player and lose myself for a while, absolve myself of the responsibility of transporting myself from one place to another... now I have to sit in the same position for 30 boring minutes, a slave to a set posture and a radio station. It's restrictive. However, I'm not unaware of the advantages- no waiting around, no 15 minute walk in the freezing rain before and after my journey, being able to wear heels to work! And of course, showing the world Franko.
My little neice is due in 9 days time. Unfortunately seeing as she will be born and living in Japan, you could say my Auntie skills won't be particularly well utilised, but it's exciting nonetheless.
I spent yesterday painting a friend's nursery wall which winded up looking pretty awesome... it was nice to be around paint again. I have some creative projects on the horizon, which means I also need to get my shit together and sort out accomodation so that I can work on these projects effectively. I have two cake toppers to do for August, and some band artwork to work on too so I'm really looking forward to "finding myself" again by immersing myself in creative practice again.
These things are good for me. I need these things.
You could say I'm in limbo. No real place to call home. Still struggling to get clarity on what I want and what is right for me. I miss my home immensely but I guess you can make anywhere a home.
Having said that, the last three months have brought about some further changes. I managed to land myself a new job, which I've now been posted in for three weeks. I'm exhausted from training course after training course... but ultimately, I think this will be a really challenging and interesting job that I can really develop into. Plus, despite Teresa May's best efforts, my job "should" be secure for at least two years. I think that's as secure as a job is going to get under this government. Score. What's not so good is the fact that moving away from some good friends at my old work location is making me feel even more isolated. My friends provided me with the laughs, alcohol and chats that were keeping me going... and now I've moved away from them too. I know my new team will fill that gap eventually, but that takes time, and right now, having something solid, continuous and stable was such a welcome thing.
Because of my new job I've had to ditch my rail commuter pass, and get myself a car. He's a matt black Fiat 500 called Franko, and he's awesome. He has blue stripes and although he's not too fast, he turns heads and makes an impression. I love seeing people walk passed him in the carpark and comment on how awesome his paint job is. :-) He makes me smile. And I need that at the moment.
I have to say I am NOT liking driving to work. I miss the train journey; the space to snooze, read, spy, people watch, listen to my mp3 player and lose myself for a while, absolve myself of the responsibility of transporting myself from one place to another... now I have to sit in the same position for 30 boring minutes, a slave to a set posture and a radio station. It's restrictive. However, I'm not unaware of the advantages- no waiting around, no 15 minute walk in the freezing rain before and after my journey, being able to wear heels to work! And of course, showing the world Franko.
My little neice is due in 9 days time. Unfortunately seeing as she will be born and living in Japan, you could say my Auntie skills won't be particularly well utilised, but it's exciting nonetheless.
I spent yesterday painting a friend's nursery wall which winded up looking pretty awesome... it was nice to be around paint again. I have some creative projects on the horizon, which means I also need to get my shit together and sort out accomodation so that I can work on these projects effectively. I have two cake toppers to do for August, and some band artwork to work on too so I'm really looking forward to "finding myself" again by immersing myself in creative practice again.
These things are good for me. I need these things.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Breathe.
I felt amazing on the way home today.
It was sunny and warm. I sat on the edge of a raised flower bed (my usual spot) with my legs stretched out in front of me, waiting for my train at the station. I was listening to some amazingly cheesy 80's rock on my walkman. On the train, passed open fields, listening to Arcade Fire and I felt so uplifted. You would NOT have believed it was the end of September. Such a beautiful day... I felt so uplifted. I had thoughts of cruising in an open top car, my arms stretched upwards, singing to the songs I was listening to... free and happy.
I know I'm a long long way from that little vision... but it was a moment worth savoring and sharing.
It was sunny and warm. I sat on the edge of a raised flower bed (my usual spot) with my legs stretched out in front of me, waiting for my train at the station. I was listening to some amazingly cheesy 80's rock on my walkman. On the train, passed open fields, listening to Arcade Fire and I felt so uplifted. You would NOT have believed it was the end of September. Such a beautiful day... I felt so uplifted. I had thoughts of cruising in an open top car, my arms stretched upwards, singing to the songs I was listening to... free and happy.
I know I'm a long long way from that little vision... but it was a moment worth savoring and sharing.
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