Billy Young's Blog, page 6
March 21, 2015
21st March 2015
The sun is out today which allowed me out into the garden. It gave me the chance to prepare my tub for the coming growing season. Magz has a new sack for her tomatoes but I will need to get some more compost for it. I didn't have enough plus I will need more for some of my own tubs, especially for the Oregano and Thyme one. It has always been on the low side so adding more would only be good for the herbs. I'll hopefully get some compost this week. It is still a little frosty on the odd night so I haven't thought of planting anything. I will give that another couple of weeks at least possibly even a month before I do that. Though saying that I could plant onions which I need to get first. Magz will get them this coming week from the pound shop in town. Yes I said the pound shop. It surprised me the first time that I saw it too but the onions they sell do alright in the tubs I put them each year. Cheap with good strong flavour, what more can you ask for. One thing I need to do is sort through all the seeds I have and begin planning out this years crops. Things like what kind of lettuce for summer salads, hehehe.
The thought of summer always warms the soul. And today I could smell the changing season in the air. I also saw it in my trees and bushes. New buds of growth are swelling quickly like they were getting ready. Which they are but it is such a good time of year. More so on a day as we have today with the bright sunshine warming your back as you lightly toil to prepare the containers in readiness. The sounds of the neighbours drifted in the air over the tall hedges just added to the tranquil feel of the day.
The thought of summer always warms the soul. And today I could smell the changing season in the air. I also saw it in my trees and bushes. New buds of growth are swelling quickly like they were getting ready. Which they are but it is such a good time of year. More so on a day as we have today with the bright sunshine warming your back as you lightly toil to prepare the containers in readiness. The sounds of the neighbours drifted in the air over the tall hedges just added to the tranquil feel of the day.
March 14, 2015
14th March 2015
Well the cold last most of the week. It didn't stop me from my search for a job which I spend several hours a day doing. Mainly on the internet. And yes I am still getting bother with spam from employers that I have applied to. Though it is only the odd one not all of them. I think I would lose my mind if it were. Most times you never hear back from employers to tell the truth and the ones that spam you are probably not the ones you would like a job from. Well after all if the are will to spam people, which is illegal in this country, then they aren't likely to care about employees rights. Still at the moment I really want to get back into work. Money being the main reason but also the fact that being jobless leaves days so empty. By which I mean that there is so little to do. I know gardening season is close at hand as I have noticed the stirrings of spring. I do look forward to getting out into the garden though with the small garden I have it doesn't take much to keep everything under control. It is just about perfect when I'm working as it only takes a few hours on days off to keep the weeds from over running the crops. On the hotter days Magz helps out by watering the plants when I was working. So in many ways it is just the right garden for me when I'm employed. I just think there isn't much for when I am in my present position and I might struggle to keep myself busy. Hopefully a job will come my way soon.
March 7, 2015
7th March 2015
I've come down with the cold. It is at that annoying stage where its sitting at the back of my nasal passages and causing me a minor headache. Being the last in the family to get it everyone else is basically unsympathetic to how I'm feeling. Which really is the norm I suppose. As you know though I hate it when illness strikes but who does? You just have to let it run its course though. Sadly that will be several days going by how the rest of the family suffered it. Calum made the biggest moan while Magz was the sickest. That is to be expected considering her health isn't that great to begin with. Sadly the Flu shot she got in autumn didn't give a great deal of protection this year. Luckily now she is on the mend just as I start to feel the rough runniness that signals the beginning.
Gardening season should be upon us soon. The garden is in need of some major tidying. I also need to get out to spray the trees to improve the chance of getting some fruit from the cherry trees. I already pruned the cooking apple tree a month or two ago but lazily left the trimming on the green. The rain was starting so I just wanted to get in doors before the heavens drenched me. I did put it all in one small pile so my excuse isn't that great. And I should have went out by now to clear the grass of the twigs. I just been to lazy to tell the truth. Or rather I just haven't been able to motivate myself beyond doing a daily job search. It is like the energy I had when I became jobless has now drained away. With it days have drifted by leaving me wondering where they have gone. Maybe I will regain so of that energy as the gardening season sweeps in. At least I hope I do.
Gardening season should be upon us soon. The garden is in need of some major tidying. I also need to get out to spray the trees to improve the chance of getting some fruit from the cherry trees. I already pruned the cooking apple tree a month or two ago but lazily left the trimming on the green. The rain was starting so I just wanted to get in doors before the heavens drenched me. I did put it all in one small pile so my excuse isn't that great. And I should have went out by now to clear the grass of the twigs. I just been to lazy to tell the truth. Or rather I just haven't been able to motivate myself beyond doing a daily job search. It is like the energy I had when I became jobless has now drained away. With it days have drifted by leaving me wondering where they have gone. Maybe I will regain so of that energy as the gardening season sweeps in. At least I hope I do.
February 28, 2015
28th February 2015
As you know I have been playing Elite Dangerous for a couple of months now. Over the past three weeks I have been travelling out into the great dark unknown and arrived back in occupied space last night. I had been intending to go a lot further than I eventually went, which was about nine thousand light years. All the data I collected earned me over eleven million credits in game. I used just over half to upgrade my ship to the best I could. New changes on the way in game will mean that I need the extra strength the top shields will give when flying around occupied space or even on the way out through the five hundred light year badlands which surround human space. Also there is a lot of talk of aliens being introduce in the future to the game. That will make deep space more dangerous to those of us that enjoy the exploring side of the game. So having your ship fitted with the best now makes more sense just to give you that little bit of security.
My job hunting continues with little to show. Online applications are still driving me mad but I'm persevering in the hope that it will lead to the next job. But it is wearing as the weeks mount up and still no job. The early energy of decorating, cleaning and generally doing things around the house has now ebbed away. With its going so I find it harder to find the motivation in the mornings. I suppose that is why I have enjoyed losing myself in the exploration of the Elite Dangerous galaxy.
My job hunting continues with little to show. Online applications are still driving me mad but I'm persevering in the hope that it will lead to the next job. But it is wearing as the weeks mount up and still no job. The early energy of decorating, cleaning and generally doing things around the house has now ebbed away. With its going so I find it harder to find the motivation in the mornings. I suppose that is why I have enjoyed losing myself in the exploration of the Elite Dangerous galaxy.
February 21, 2015
21st February 2015
Is it just me that get annoyed at applying for a job with a company and having to register with their site? What do the company directors think or do they? Shouldn't the government do something to save us from all the ads these companies then decide to send us even when we made sure to opt-out of this.
As you can tell I have fallen foul of the dread application for jobs through company sites. Not that I mind applying for jobs this way. It is that if the site isn't badly designed and a chore to get through, it is that they have hidden dangers. These dangers can be company filling your in box spam. The first one you think "oh" in a hopeful way. On opening the mail you soon realise that it is nothing but an add. Within a few days the in box has more spam coming not just from the company you applied to for a job but all their friends too. At least that is how it feels. I know their is laws against this but who enforces the laws. Not the ministers elected to represent us. Not the police, they would probably charge you for wasting their time as they see it as civil matter. The government ombudsman who will look into you complaint. Not that if applying for a job you really want to make a complain about the company. Which I suspect these companies know, hence why they do this.
But what is in it for them. Don't they see that those looking for jobs on the bottom tier of their company is not likely to see this in a good light. If anything they are going to dread ever working for such a firm. Of course I haven't got the job and in most cases that will be the same outcome for others. So all that these companies have achieved is to alienate those that might be future customer. Or if you are one of the not so lucky ones, employees.
As you can tell I have fallen foul of the dread application for jobs through company sites. Not that I mind applying for jobs this way. It is that if the site isn't badly designed and a chore to get through, it is that they have hidden dangers. These dangers can be company filling your in box spam. The first one you think "oh" in a hopeful way. On opening the mail you soon realise that it is nothing but an add. Within a few days the in box has more spam coming not just from the company you applied to for a job but all their friends too. At least that is how it feels. I know their is laws against this but who enforces the laws. Not the ministers elected to represent us. Not the police, they would probably charge you for wasting their time as they see it as civil matter. The government ombudsman who will look into you complaint. Not that if applying for a job you really want to make a complain about the company. Which I suspect these companies know, hence why they do this.
But what is in it for them. Don't they see that those looking for jobs on the bottom tier of their company is not likely to see this in a good light. If anything they are going to dread ever working for such a firm. Of course I haven't got the job and in most cases that will be the same outcome for others. So all that these companies have achieved is to alienate those that might be future customer. Or if you are one of the not so lucky ones, employees.
February 14, 2015
14th February 2015
How quickly days begin to merge when you are jobless. Each day you have to remind yourself what day it is. If you don't you soon begin to feel like your losing days. I had that feeling mid week. Until then I had been finding things to keep me active, spring cleaning and decorating the kitchen but there is only so many jobs around the house you can find. When working you forget how boring unemployment really is. The endless day stretching on forever and the lack of money that hamstrings your attempts at improving life. Not that minimum wage makes it alright, just better than state aid.
One thing that I have been able to afford is to get some seeds. It is still a couple of months till the gardening season starts but not to early to get seeds. Winter has left my side fence broken again though I'm not sure if fixing it again is worth it. If I had the materials I would replace it completely this year. Sadly even with a job I don't think I would be able to pay for it. My son is offering to get the wood though I don't think he has looked at how expensive it really is these days. I'll wait till he does then let him off lightly. Who knows though he may surprise me, hehehe.
Talking of jobs I've be applying mainly online. Man some employers seem to want to think about there online application process. They are a real nightmare more aimed at those in a higher pay bracket than I am. What happened to the days when a simple CV would do? Now there are questionnaires to allow the employer to see if you are suited to the position. Not that we can simply answer as we expect the management to wish us too. It isn't like they are hard just pointless and really I can't see how they would really help anyone make a truly inform decision. I suppose though it is more a tool to thin out the crowd though an annoying one for those of us that must fill them in.
One thing that I have been able to afford is to get some seeds. It is still a couple of months till the gardening season starts but not to early to get seeds. Winter has left my side fence broken again though I'm not sure if fixing it again is worth it. If I had the materials I would replace it completely this year. Sadly even with a job I don't think I would be able to pay for it. My son is offering to get the wood though I don't think he has looked at how expensive it really is these days. I'll wait till he does then let him off lightly. Who knows though he may surprise me, hehehe.
Talking of jobs I've be applying mainly online. Man some employers seem to want to think about there online application process. They are a real nightmare more aimed at those in a higher pay bracket than I am. What happened to the days when a simple CV would do? Now there are questionnaires to allow the employer to see if you are suited to the position. Not that we can simply answer as we expect the management to wish us too. It isn't like they are hard just pointless and really I can't see how they would really help anyone make a truly inform decision. I suppose though it is more a tool to thin out the crowd though an annoying one for those of us that must fill them in.
February 7, 2015
7th February 2015
I've started decorating the kitchen. Magz had gotten the paint in last year but I never found the time to do the work. Well being out of work now and searching for a new job gives me the chance to get the kitchen out of the way. First coat of paint went on the walls yesterday. Tammy helped me which was nice. I did the cutting in while she used the roller to do the bottom half of the walls leaving me the top half to do. As the rugby is on today, Ireland v Italy, we aren't giving it a second coat till tomorrow.
Earlier today I went down town to get Magz birthday card. I'm expecting things to very tight over the next few months as I'm expecting sanctions from the jobcentre. As I still haven't heard back yet from them I don't know for how long they will refuse to give help. That will mean claiming hardship payments. If you have never had them that means keeping Magz and myself on less than thirty pounds a week.
So why did I waste cash on birthday cards an such. Well it wasn't Magz that walked out of a job. She doesn't deserve punishing but will be struggling because of my actions. So I spent a few pounds to get her something to cheer her up and celebrate her birthday. I got it now while I still have a few quid left because her birthday isn't till next month. By then I will be totally skint.
Of course that does depend on those that decide if I am to be punished for leaving my job. But they seldom care about the reasons. I know because it isn't the first time I would have been sanctioned. The last time was when I was sacked. And the time before was because I quit a job, though on that occasion I did get a job within two weeks. Yet the still banned me from getting benefits even though I was no longer claiming them. The government does love its pound of flesh while they feather their nests.
Earlier today I went down town to get Magz birthday card. I'm expecting things to very tight over the next few months as I'm expecting sanctions from the jobcentre. As I still haven't heard back yet from them I don't know for how long they will refuse to give help. That will mean claiming hardship payments. If you have never had them that means keeping Magz and myself on less than thirty pounds a week.
So why did I waste cash on birthday cards an such. Well it wasn't Magz that walked out of a job. She doesn't deserve punishing but will be struggling because of my actions. So I spent a few pounds to get her something to cheer her up and celebrate her birthday. I got it now while I still have a few quid left because her birthday isn't till next month. By then I will be totally skint.
Of course that does depend on those that decide if I am to be punished for leaving my job. But they seldom care about the reasons. I know because it isn't the first time I would have been sanctioned. The last time was when I was sacked. And the time before was because I quit a job, though on that occasion I did get a job within two weeks. Yet the still banned me from getting benefits even though I was no longer claiming them. The government does love its pound of flesh while they feather their nests.
January 31, 2015
31st January 2015
I think I'm driving Magz up the wall this week. I've been on a cleaning spree all week. Not that the house isn't kept clean but you know how corners soon fill up. Then as time passes those hidden corners become forgotten even though they might be right under your nose. Of course it is annoying for Magz as I'm disrupting her routine in my search to keep busy. And when I'm not cleaning I've been search for another job. Sadly we all know how hard that can be. I am now hoping to hear back from several employers. Yeah I know I'll probably not hear anything unless I'm invited to an interview. It isn't because of ignorance that this happens these days but simply because there are just so many people looking for work employers are swamped for every post that becomes available. Unfortunately for those unemployed for a long period it is often another rock that weighs them down. Lets hope that I can find another job quickly. Having been unemployed in the past for a long time I know how easily it is to lose the motivation to even get up in the morning. Days can merge into the same grey mess of life and often you lose track of time. I don't want that to happen so that is why I decided to start clearing the forgotten corners. When those are all done then I will need find something else that needs done. Magz is already hinting that the kitchen needs a lick of paint. She does have a point though. So....
January 24, 2015
24th January 2015
I walked out of my job this week. On Thursday to be precise. Why would I be so dumb? Well as you know we had overtime this week but most of it was cancelled last week. Thursday though was still to be confirmed if it was still going ahead or not. I didn't find out until Wednesday afternoon that it was still. I was the last to find out as everyone else had been told earlier, I believe the day before but for some reason I wasn't informed. Anyways I took that fine enough then on Thursday towards the end of the day I learned that I was expected to roll over and do a further half hour on top of the two hours I was doing. This was simply down to the supervisor not explaining that the extra three batches would mean production would go over and in turn I would be working over. What really made me walk out was when I ask the supervisor about this at which he just ignored me by walking away from me. He had heard me but wasn't interested in answering my queries or complaints. I admit I acted angrily and rashly. I should have went to the office but knew if I did I would probably say the wrong thing. That wouldn't have been that good. I simply have had enough of the lack of communication plus the simply disrespect shown.
So I am now amongst the jobless again after four years of work. I expect that I will find myself banned from signing on because I left my job. They don't care your reasons these days as I have found out in the past. Last time was when I was sacked this time it is worse, I quit. Yeah I made the problem so I will have to live with it.
So I am now amongst the jobless again after four years of work. I expect that I will find myself banned from signing on because I left my job. They don't care your reasons these days as I have found out in the past. Last time was when I was sacked this time it is worse, I quit. Yeah I made the problem so I will have to live with it.
January 17, 2015
17th January 2015
It has been snowing in my part of the world. I'm not a fan of it but Magz loves it. She couldn't stop herself from going to the front door last night to watch as it fell. I just wished she would come indoors and close the door to keep the heat it. More fell today which makes me dread Monday morning as it will make getting to work harder. It was bad enough heading home last night. Even the bus driver wasn't happy. It's always the same when it gets wintry as people seem to forget how to drive. Yeah you do have to be more careful in icy conditions. But come on do you really have to slowdown to the point where pedestrians are walking faster than you driving? When you do that you become a greater hazard than the snow. By all means take a bit more care just don't go overboard as some of us are wanting to get home for the weekend.
I have finally got my Cobra Mk III in Elite Dangerous. I also equipped it with a fuel scoop so I can go out further exploring. I check out how it works on youtube. I thought it best before setting out, that is tonight's plan. Of course I will try it out close to habited space so I can get repairs easily. One thing is watching for heat damage as you circle a star to get fuel and I have suffered from that before by not getting out the stars way quickly enough after jumping into a system. I think most of us have had that as newbie's to the game. Anyways wish me luck for tonight.
I have finally got my Cobra Mk III in Elite Dangerous. I also equipped it with a fuel scoop so I can go out further exploring. I check out how it works on youtube. I thought it best before setting out, that is tonight's plan. Of course I will try it out close to habited space so I can get repairs easily. One thing is watching for heat damage as you circle a star to get fuel and I have suffered from that before by not getting out the stars way quickly enough after jumping into a system. I think most of us have had that as newbie's to the game. Anyways wish me luck for tonight.
