Batabase Secruty!!

Today I came across a rather worrying discovery! I learnt 2 new terms that I was not familiar with.

1) `Batabase` – which I can only think is a database of batter that is used when deep frying fish (and or sausages etc.). Given one of my former jobs, that would have come in dead handy! All my attempts to locate it or find more information on it have proved negative. Hopefully it will crop up at some point – I think the possibility of that happening is quiet high.

2) `Secruty` – I have no idea what the hell this is! My attempts to research this have led me round in circles so much so that I have disappeared into my own backside and come out again. It might be some kind of dodgy ware from what few results I have seen. Again I will have to keep an eye on it to see if it crops up again! Hopefully it won`t but again it might 😐

My first Apple device

Today I bought my first Apple device, an iPad. Not like me as I am a diehard Microsoft geek and would normally tell Apple loving fan boys where to go.

But, surprisingly I was actually looking forward to it, new technology and all that and a chance to have a play with it and not look like such a plum in front of students when I try and find my way round something I have not used before!

Sadly the whole experience was somewhat marred due to the arrogant fuckwitt that served me at PC world. I really should have ordered it on Click & Collect at the local Sainsbury`s but I wanted it there and then. I don’t know how many times I told him that I didn’t want this `Know How` support service crap, but it still ended up on my bill. Im sure that there are some kind of rules in place to stop this, but I could not be bothered to waste more of my time and money to complain, so I called `Know How` and cancelled the contract and called the bank to block any payments that might come off my card.

Still I guess that was the better! of the 2 options I had as the other one was a rather hyper Chinese lady running around the store like she was on speed trying to serve 2 customers at once.

What happened to the days of going in to a shop and buying something and getting what you asked for?

Well and truly up shit creak!

Well, 3 days into my new job and I get the phone call that I have been expecting.
My former employer seems to have been shafted by the people that were brought on board to force me out of the company.

Of course, I was only too willing to help – considering that the company was locked out of the entire computer system, there was nothing else I could do really.

It seems very odd to me that the people doing this were good friends with one of the Managing Directors, I mean why would you want to do that to a friend and to a company that is paying your wages? Very strange!

Anyways, I will do what I can to help them, not sure what I can do remotely with great effect but I guess I`ll soon see, but I do have certain ways of doing things that can be of benefit to me, so I might do a few of those.

Before I do help, I need to make a quick phone call and send a few emails……

New Job – I.T. Technician

Today I start my new job as I.T. Technician for the local College.

Last time I started a new job was well over 16 years ago. Have to be a bit honest and say that it`s a bit daunting as well as exciting.

It looks like I have a massive learning curve a head of me, not only new systems and up to date software to get used to, but also new working procedures, new staff, new buildings new everything.

Third Job Interview, IT Technician

Today I had a job interview for the job role of IT Technician at the local College.

Again I was stressing about having to go somewhere and have an interview, even though it was only a few minutes down the road. I was last at the College some 30 years ago when I used to go swimming, and from what I have seen today and have been told a lot has changed there.

I had my test, in which time run out far too quick, and then my interview with the Head of IT and the Head of HR, which was more enjoyable than I was expecting, and lastly a quick chat with the Bursar. I then left to go home after being told that I would hear by the end of the day if I had been successful or not 😐 More stressing!

While I was at home with T later in the evening my VoIP phone rang, my mind went into immediate `Is it the College or is it another recruitment agency ?` over and over what seemed like thousands of time. The phone had a local area code number on it so I picked up and said hello – it was the College offering me the job!!!!!

After my verbal acceptance I was told that the job was subject to two things – the second reference being received and a CRB check being completed.

I put the phone down and sat there not knowing what to do for a few minutes! I was well chuffed to say the least and didn’t have long to wait until I could tell someone as the wife had just come home. I then proceeded to tell everyone that I had got the job 🙂

Christmas is back on.

Second job interview, IT Technician

Today I had my second interview for a job ad IT Technical as a company in Harlow again. This time it was for a job at a reptile live feeds company. Seeing as I am a proud owner of a reptile, Yoda the Green Iguana, I thought it might add a bit of weight to my application.

I had to sit through a quick test answering some questions so they could build up a profile of me and then I have an interview with one of the Directors and the Head of Finance. The director seemed like a very nice chap.

I left feeling much better than the first interview I went on, but will have to see what the outcome is and if they want me back for a second interview.

First job interview, IT Manager

Today I had my first interview for a job as IT Manager at a company in Harlow. This will be the first time in almost 16 years that I have had an interview and to say that I am not looking forward to it would be an understatement 😐 but as I have been told loads of times, it’s always good to get the first one out of the way so you know what you are going to go through after that.

I doubt that I will get the job but I have to try, as I want to get back to work ASAP.

I had the interview with an External IT Consultant and the HR Manager; both of them were very nice people. Had to answer a few interesting questions about what I would do in certain scenarios but hopefully I didn’t come across and a complete bumbling idiot!

I will wait to see what the outcome of that is and see if they invite me to a second interview.

My 40th Party

Today is the day of my 40th Birthday Party.

I invited a whole load of family, friends, neighbours, and former work colleagues to celebrate with me.

I had quiet a few people turn up, all of the family that I invited and nearly all of my former work colleagues. Sadly it will probably be the last time I see most of my old work colleagues – Proper Boss Man and a surprise appearance from DMTH, Patsy and the seamstress, Fat Lad, Bustit, Matraco, BV, Handy, KT, RFER, and Sammy. Sadly the Muffin Lady and Smiller couldn`t make it, and neither could Doughnuts, which was a shame as I was looking forward to seeing them!

Proper Boss Man got well smashed and decided to heckle me as I was opening up my present. Thankfully DMTH was there to try and calm him down. To be honest I think he was well past that stage. It reminded me of the years gone by when we had the company xmas get together`s and when we used to do the same to him while he gave his world famous yearly speech, we just wanted to eat and drink so we made sure that he knew it ;). The good old days.

I had a great evening, I got a Zoo Experience Day as a present from family, which I am looking forward to doing at some point.

All in all a great night, one minor accident, thankfully no broken bones, and only one person properly shit faced!

Oh well, 10 years until I can have the next party!