Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Approval process

Dad, is it okay if I buy a laptop? I really really want, nay, NEED one.

I used Amby’s ‘putie all the time when we lived together, and since moving out I realise how much I rely on having interweb access.

Reasons why I need a laptop:
  • I can’t email as often because I am so busy at work
  • I can’t blog as often
  • I can’t Skype
  • I can’t access Facebook (restricted at work)
  • I can’t access the Transport for London website to see if there are delays or track closures
  • I can’t do my regular weather stalk each morning so I know if I need an umbrella or my heavy coat
  • I can’t use Google Maps to find out where I am going
  • I can’t charge my iPod
  • I can't download episodes of the US series of The Office

So is it okay if I get a really cute, slim, lightweight, good brand with a warranty, fully loaded laptop for only £300?

Please…

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

I folded

Okay, so I lied when I said I couldn’t write a blog entry.

Last night I was lucky enough to snag a seat on a packed train, and nearly nodded off on my journey home. Until I espied a guy sitting in a four-seater with a look of sheer disbelief on his face. Opposite him was a fairly good looking man in his mid 30s, with the fashionable three day growth and shaggy hair, teaching himself how to do origami. He had a step-by-step book open on his lap and was carefully folding a little piece of paper to look like a peacock. Everyone in his vicinity was watching with great interest to see how it was going to turn out.

Oh London, how you entertain me!

I’m all writed out

Someone at work started a vicious rumour that I have excellent copywriting skills. This someone being Keef, my previous manager. This rumour resulting in my new position in internal communications.

In a mere six days in the job I’ve done a communications strategy, a memo, the foreword from the CEO for a strategic consultation document, an executive summary brochure for the same, a couple of all staff emails, a PowerPoint presentation, and a novel-length email to Jaala.

I don’t have enough words in me to also write a proper blog entry. Give me a week or so, okay?

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Luck is a vulgar thing

Except when it results in an extended employment contract, with a month off over Christmas, and a pay rise of £150 a week.

A couple of months ago my department moved offices to Canary Wharf. However, last Monday I was back at the old office as I had a meeting nearby. And while I was there the manager of the communications team – we’ll call her Lorraine – came past the bank of desks where I was sitting and asked my colleagues: “So who are Amanda and Josie?” I piped up and introduced myself, although we had met several times before. We had a little chat, a laugh, and she left saying it was good to know who I was.

Three days later my line manager (Keef) pulled me aside and said that Lorraine wanted to offer me a job with the internal communications team.

I know that this offer would have been based on the work that I have done at The Government Agency, and the glowing reference that I am sure Keef gave me.

But part of me wonders if the job was offered to me instead of Josie because I just happened to be there that day and Lorraine could put a face to the name?