Harajuku Girls

Last night Shoes and I decided to go grocery shopping, since the weekend where we supposed to do nothing has somehow turned into a weekend where we're doing a whole bunch of things, and there's no time left for the basics. Sainsburys was really empty. Looking at the fresh produce, I now know why no-one shops on Thursdays. I could scarcely believe the state of some of the things on the shelves. The lettuces were labeled "display until Saturday" but two days before the axe is due to fall on their sorry lives, they look as if they've been ravaged by leprosy; great holes where crisp, dewy leaves are supposed to be and poo-brown edges instead of white.

Then it was off home to change and go to gym. Shoes is on a mission now, after slacking over the holiday periods, and I am sticking to his side like glue, as it's far easier to go with someone than to try and motivate myself on my own. Sometimes - many times - that task is simply too big for me. We got home from shopping at 7:15pm and were at gym by 7:30pm, which meant we were going to eat supper really late. We'd decided on pizza mid-shop as it's the quickest thing to make. The thing is, eating pizza at 9pm was probably not the best way to keep off those kilos that we'd just worked so hard at burning.

On my lunch break today I went to another coven and met the director, Mr Congeniality. Really nice guy. So helpful and sweet, his good intentions were tripping over themselves on their way to wrap me in their warm coat of security. Why do I always get my hopes up with these people? I can't help it. They seem like your best friends when you first meet them, like they'll move heaven and earth to get you your dream job. Had to shake my head violently on my way out to clear it of all hopes and dreams. Luckily it was raining, so passers-by may just have thought I'd got water in my ears.

There's an hour and a half of the day left, and then Scarf and I are off to go see Gwen Stefani at Wembley Arena. We are both acting like excited teenagers about this. Gwen is possibly the funkiest female artist to walk the planet (Scarf is huge on funkiness), and her songs are extremely catchy, annoyingly so if you don't like her. I even hear Shoes singing "There ain't no Hollaback Guuurrrrrrrl" when he thinks no-one is listening. It should be a great night out.

She Works Hard for the Money

I have an interesting update on my work situation. L recently got promoted to Planning Manager, as I posted previously, and her former PA position is now open for a permanent candidate. They have a temp in at the moment, and they will start interviewing for her post possibly next week. At the same, they have decided to make my post permanent. Once again I was offered the job, and not only that, but sort of begged to stay - what can I say, I am just the most charming PA to walk through these doors. Mostly my team like me because I am unable to keep my mouth shut. When I am not entertaining them with my sparkling conversations with S or engaging in witty verbal sparring with Grumpy Pants, the oldest and most sour person in my team (although he's only pretending to be, he's a giant softie underneath and he truly loves my lack of diplomacy), I am talking fashion with the girls or dirty with the guys - how could they not love me? Anyway, despite all this obvious adoration, they're still kicking me out on my ass.

I should make another mention here that they have all repeatedly rallied for me stay and take this role permanently, and I have repeatedly refused, so the kicking out on ass thing isn't at all as nasty as it may sound. I won't commit, and they want me to, so we're at a stalemate. I've been through my reasons for not going permanent here before, so I won't bore you with them again. Besides, talking about why I am not going to make a career at the LDA puts me to sleep, and then as I nod over my keyboard people could come up behind me and read this irreverent post and perhaps kick me out quicker than otherwise intended.

What I will say is that I have experienced a sudden streak of motivation to find a new job, powered by the fear of floundering in London unemployed. I am seeing a couple more agencies (covens) this week, although by George I do hate them. Their snobby attitude, their goal of many candidates, superfast turnover; it's not conducive to finding your perfect job, it only helps if you're desperate and willing to take the first thing they throw at you, which is of course what they are counting on. Nevertheless, I will enter the lairs of evil again and try to burn my image into their retinas so as to leave an impression lasting more than say, oh, 30 seconds. I've considered dressing up in an unusual costume, or being really loud and/or overenergetic, but am afraid either of these tactics might get security sicced on me. Or worse, Agency Blacklisting. Not that there is such a thing, but can you imagine? Like Credit Blacklisting, only worse, cos not only are you not able to get a job through an agency, you would also end up with Credit Blacklisting automatically due to your lack of funds and subsequent inability to pay your rent/credit card bill/Sky TV account. Nightmare.

I never hold out much hope for these visits, possibly because I am so vehemently negative about tham in the first place, but don't challenge me unless you've been through it - it would try the patience of Mother Theresa.