In December, after my 'temp' assignment ended in an office mailroom, I applied for the available position full-time, only to realise a few weeks later that the company were cutting costs and no job existed.
So, for the next three months I applied for various jobs, one being work in the mailroom of Hewlett Packard. Sadly, this is a job I also did not get, despite being selected for second interview.
But, to my surprise, they rang me up out of the blue saying a position had opened up in their facilities department and if I was still interested. Of course I was!, and I started there last Monday. I have now have a full-time job. It is closer to home, and it is also the workplace of my Wife.
My job is a bit of all sorts. I have a desk in the mailroom, and I help out there, but I also work around the building, fixing paper jams in copiers, loading up printers with new ink etc. So there is always something different to do. What I do like, currently, is the uniform. Jeans, trainers and a polo shirt. I will miss the free cans of pop from the previous job. But this is a full-time deal, and more money too. I think I can live with that ...
This week my Wife and I have been left alone. My Mother in Law (Mom) went on a cruise to the Bahamas, with a one day stop over at Disneyworld. As awesome as that was, having the house to ourselves was SO nice. She had a wonderful cruise, and I'll hear all about it in the next few days.
Sunday, 25 March 2012
Friday, 2 March 2012
A nervous wreck
This week I've mostly been focusing on Sunday morning and the derby. But I'm not going to write about it here, instead read my thoughts here:
http://www.sportposts.com/2012/03/newcastle-fan-in-exile/
This is my second time I have been 'published'. Can I call it being published? It's only online, not like it is in a newspaper or book. Anyway, I think it is pretty cool.
I have more photographs to show you. Here is the Valentines card Vicky got me. Isn't it tiny:
http://www.sportposts.com/2012/03/newcastle-fan-in-exile/
This is my second time I have been 'published'. Can I call it being published? It's only online, not like it is in a newspaper or book. Anyway, I think it is pretty cool.
I have more photographs to show you. Here is the Valentines card Vicky got me. Isn't it tiny:
Fellow expat Mark told me that Newcastle had brought out another limited edition ale, and Vicky was able to find it for me:
Mark has his own blog, http://americaletter.blogspot.com/ , and has a far better way with words than I.
This will be Newcastle's third limited edition ale I have found here, which is awesome.
A few days ago, I received a red cross parcel from Blighty:
Many thanks to my friend Steve Robson for these chocolates.
HINT: Anytime you think of me, or miss me even. Send me some Mars Bars or Ringtons tea bags. Much appreciated!! ;-)
Monday, 20 February 2012
Zombies and Beaches
Zombies and Beaches
Last Sunday saw the restart of a favourite tv show. The Walking Dead. The quality of the writing is superb, and the zombie make up and 'special effects' ie gore, is of the highest quality. It is remarkable how a show like this is in the mainstream media.
And to celebrate the shows return, I saw it at the Cinema!
http://drafthouse.com/winchester
The tickets were free and on a first come first served basis. They used the television channel feed so we got the adverts, but it was a thrill to see it on the big screen.
Wednesday I had a second interview with HP. This time a telephone interview with three people. It was all over within about 20 minutes and I think I did well. I had over prepared the previous day and had numerous notes all laid out, but I did not need to refer to them. I'll find out at some point if I've been successful or not.
The next day I spent the day at Vickys office as we were then on a road trip to Virginia Beach.
Click the link for a map: http://g.co/maps/r7hp4
Vicky wanted to meet up with an old school friend as they were moving back to California. Originally the plan was to stay in two hotels. The first one near to the court for Vickys juty, and the next hotel in the same area as her friend. Fortunately the jury duty was cancelled, and she rebooked. And the new hotel had a hot-tub! $170 for three nights, thank you very much.
Being February, the place was almost a ghost town, but we managed to find good places to eat, thanks to meeting up with an old work friend of my Wifes.
This is the view from our room. Looks just like Tynemouth!
On the Friday we went to the cinema, and I had my first IMAX experience. Journey 2 was the film, and I was very impressed with the screen size and audio.
Last Sunday saw the restart of a favourite tv show. The Walking Dead. The quality of the writing is superb, and the zombie make up and 'special effects' ie gore, is of the highest quality. It is remarkable how a show like this is in the mainstream media.
And to celebrate the shows return, I saw it at the Cinema!
http://drafthouse.com/winchester
The tickets were free and on a first come first served basis. They used the television channel feed so we got the adverts, but it was a thrill to see it on the big screen.
Wednesday I had a second interview with HP. This time a telephone interview with three people. It was all over within about 20 minutes and I think I did well. I had over prepared the previous day and had numerous notes all laid out, but I did not need to refer to them. I'll find out at some point if I've been successful or not.
The next day I spent the day at Vickys office as we were then on a road trip to Virginia Beach.
Click the link for a map: http://g.co/maps/r7hp4
Vicky wanted to meet up with an old school friend as they were moving back to California. Originally the plan was to stay in two hotels. The first one near to the court for Vickys juty, and the next hotel in the same area as her friend. Fortunately the jury duty was cancelled, and she rebooked. And the new hotel had a hot-tub! $170 for three nights, thank you very much.
Being February, the place was almost a ghost town, but we managed to find good places to eat, thanks to meeting up with an old work friend of my Wifes.
This is the view from our room. Looks just like Tynemouth!
On the Friday we went to the cinema, and I had my first IMAX experience. Journey 2 was the film, and I was very impressed with the screen size and audio.
Monday, 13 February 2012
A little trip
Not much happening here at the moment, but on Wednesday, Vicky and I will be driving down south to the town of Norfolk, Virginia. We are visiting a school friend of my Wifes, and they have not seen each other since High School. Initially this was to be a weekend trip, but Vicky has been called for Jury duty for one day. We were horrified when she received the letter, especially with the trip to Norfolk, but the place is somewhere half way between, so we've compromised with a hotel. At the very least, we're both sharing a road trip, and we'll treat it like a mini-holiday.
More random recent pictures:
More random recent pictures:
Pepper watching telly
Sunday mornings are just too much effort
Sushi should NOT be on my chair!
I enjoyed my first Blooming Onion at the Outback Steakhouse, and here we have a kit to make your own. I did not buy it!
I found these Japanese imported kitkats!
I took this picture of Sushi one morning, one of my favourites so far
Friday, 3 February 2012
Random pictures
Here is another set of recent photographs from Facebook:
As always, click on the picture to enlarge them
On a recent trip to Martins supermarket, I found these strange items:
Icecream for dogs and a stuffed Turkey/Duck/Chicken 'thing'. But look at its price!
As always, click on the picture to enlarge them
This was seen in my Wifes work canteen. I didn't try it ...
My drawer in the fridge!
On a recent trip to Martins supermarket, I found these strange items:
Icecream for dogs and a stuffed Turkey/Duck/Chicken 'thing'. But look at its price!
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
FA Cup weekend!
Newcastle were on the telly here, showing live on Fox Soccer Channel. With the five hour time difference, kick off was 12.15.
But for me, the day started much earlier.
Around 3am the dog did her usual 'I want to go outside' noises of wagging her tail against the bed and growling. Back to bed and my alarm went off just after 6.
The first match I watched was online. I've paid a subscription to Foxsoccer.tv, and at 7am I watched the first half of the Chelsea vs QPR match.
No dog for company, she had done the sensible thing by taking over my warm spot in the bed. Breakfast was a cup of tea, and a bowl of cereal.
Second match today, on the television was Liverpool vs Manchester. Followed by Derby vs Stoke. All games were with English commentators.
I won't write my thoughts about Newcastle's game, but it was great to see live.
Sunday I watched the Arsenal vs Aston Villa game, and this time the house was full of people! Vicky's Sister Liz, her partner, and the 4 children came over to watch the game. They brought food too, and we played the board game 'Game of Life' afterwards. I hadn't played this since I was little. This was Vickys board game and it was Disney's 'Haunted Mansion' version.
Deadline Day
Every year, it's the same, sky sports news gets everyone sucked into being glued to the tv to be scared / excited about selling or signing players. Last year was hell when the on/off shananigans about Andy Carroll resulted in him moving west to Liverpool.
The channel goes over the top, and even I know the presenters are pretending to read texts on their mobiles about signings. But we all watch it. Well, I do.
This year, I thought I could avoid it, but Fox Soccer Channel here in America showed it from half seven in the morning till 8pm at night. They took a break half way through to show the Everton vs Manchester City game.
Later today is the Newcastle vs Blackburn game. This isn't being shown on the telly, but on ESPN3.com, and is only available to me through the cable company we have our tv with.
But for me, the day started much earlier.
Around 3am the dog did her usual 'I want to go outside' noises of wagging her tail against the bed and growling. Back to bed and my alarm went off just after 6.
The first match I watched was online. I've paid a subscription to Foxsoccer.tv, and at 7am I watched the first half of the Chelsea vs QPR match.
No dog for company, she had done the sensible thing by taking over my warm spot in the bed. Breakfast was a cup of tea, and a bowl of cereal.
Second match today, on the television was Liverpool vs Manchester. Followed by Derby vs Stoke. All games were with English commentators.
I won't write my thoughts about Newcastle's game, but it was great to see live.
Sunday I watched the Arsenal vs Aston Villa game, and this time the house was full of people! Vicky's Sister Liz, her partner, and the 4 children came over to watch the game. They brought food too, and we played the board game 'Game of Life' afterwards. I hadn't played this since I was little. This was Vickys board game and it was Disney's 'Haunted Mansion' version.
Deadline Day
Every year, it's the same, sky sports news gets everyone sucked into being glued to the tv to be scared / excited about selling or signing players. Last year was hell when the on/off shananigans about Andy Carroll resulted in him moving west to Liverpool.
The channel goes over the top, and even I know the presenters are pretending to read texts on their mobiles about signings. But we all watch it. Well, I do.
This year, I thought I could avoid it, but Fox Soccer Channel here in America showed it from half seven in the morning till 8pm at night. They took a break half way through to show the Everton vs Manchester City game.
Later today is the Newcastle vs Blackburn game. This isn't being shown on the telly, but on ESPN3.com, and is only available to me through the cable company we have our tv with.
Thursday, 26 January 2012
It's compulsary son
Tuesday Vicky, Mom and I saw another Broadway show. La Cage Aux Folles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Cage_aux_Folles_%28musical%29
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115685/ (American film remake)
I will let you check out the links above for the plot, but I have to start by saying this show was fantastic. It had everything, from guys dressed as girls, wonderful musical numbers, and even some audience participation.
The most fun part was the 'mother', Albin. Or Zaza to give him his drag-queen name.
The older readers of this blog will also recognise the name George Hamilton. Playing the night club owner.
This poster set the scene for the show we saw:
Waiting for the show to start, one of the drag-queen's walked amongst the crowd and had a bit crack with people, and right before it started, he was on stage talking to the audience.
We had an unrestricted view of the stage as my Wife had been able to obtain seats in one of the box's! Through a colleague of Vickys, these seats were free.
Here are pictures from the production I found online:
http://www.playbill.com/multimedia/gallery/3191/?pnum=1
This is two Broadway shows I have seen, and I really want to attend another one this year. There are lots to choose from, Maybe a classic like Phantom, or a modern one like Spamalot, or the Book of Mormon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Cage_aux_Folles_%28musical%29
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115685/ (American film remake)
I will let you check out the links above for the plot, but I have to start by saying this show was fantastic. It had everything, from guys dressed as girls, wonderful musical numbers, and even some audience participation.
The most fun part was the 'mother', Albin. Or Zaza to give him his drag-queen name.
The older readers of this blog will also recognise the name George Hamilton. Playing the night club owner.
This poster set the scene for the show we saw:
Waiting for the show to start, one of the drag-queen's walked amongst the crowd and had a bit crack with people, and right before it started, he was on stage talking to the audience.
We had an unrestricted view of the stage as my Wife had been able to obtain seats in one of the box's! Through a colleague of Vickys, these seats were free.
Here are pictures from the production I found online:
http://www.playbill.com/multimedia/gallery/3191/?pnum=1
This is two Broadway shows I have seen, and I really want to attend another one this year. There are lots to choose from, Maybe a classic like Phantom, or a modern one like Spamalot, or the Book of Mormon
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