Gay people in positions of power

I’ve got into the habit of picking up a couple of croissants on my way to the office because my general lack of organisation in the morning means I often don’t have breakfast at home. I go to Gregg’s and there is a lovely gay guy that works in there. Now I’m not saying it’s because I’m a lesbian (it is) but he always gives me a lovely warm greeting and then, chooses two of the just-been-baked croissants from the back. (When really, he’s supposed to take two off the shelf.) To be fair though I always smile, say hello and take the time to ask him how he is so I’d like to think personality plays as much of a part as sexuality. But it’s just a really nice exchange to have each morning with someone who is effectively a stranger. Some people though are very rude and so I think any politeness is generally very welcome. I was thinking therefore in what other positions of power would I like gay people to do me favours? (Take your mind out of the gutter…) But, and this is a good indicator of my level of affection for baked goods, I could only really come up with a bakers and as you've now discovered, I'm all sorted on that front!

Anyway, our computer is fixed! My partner’s dad really is as clever as he looks. I’m so relieved. I haven’t really given it a test-run and I still need to check my remote access works but it’s looking good. It didn’t actually take all that long and we didn’t need to re-install everything as we were told we would, so that was a relief.

I’ve just paid my parking ticket. I should be in a grumpy mood but surprisingly I’m not. There’s nothing I can do so I just have put up and shut up… and I’m certainly not hoping my payment chokes them…

Tomorrow is our staff Christmas lunch. Should be good fun even though I work with some very odd people. I did think about leaving the car at home so I could have a drink or two but I decided against it. Besides it’s not like any of them will really drink so it might be embarrassing if I was on my 4th pint before we even got to the starters…

Dirty robbing bastards...

It’s official. I’m a doofus. I got a parking ticket! Yesterday we had to get to an appointment and we were running late, it was a residential street, approx. 7pm and I thought I would be ok. I wasn’t! I have to pay £60 (or £120 if I don’t pay within 14 days).

Traffic wardens really are parasites. I’m of the view, that you need traffic wardens (there, that surprised you!) because as a breed, car drivers are generally quite selfish. ‘I’m not disabled but I can’t bear the thought of walking so I’ll park outside the shop, mounting the kerb meaning anyone with a buggy or a wheelchair can’t pass on the pavement, but with the backside of the car sticking out causing cars to slow down and back up…’ that sort of thing. When you see someone being an idiot, parking dangerously, causing a blockage etc., etc. you think well they need to be moved on and someone has got to do it. But I’ve got three tickets now and at no time was I causing an obstruction or parked dangerously. In one case my ticket was for not displaying a permit – I was – and the person that gave me the visitors permit has written to the council saying how disgusted he was that I was issued said ticket when I did everything that was expected of me. But last night, I was on a yellow so I won’t be contesting this ticket because I was in the wrong. However they are still parasites. What happened to common sense and decency? What happened to benefit of the doubt? What happened to, this is a quiet residential street and she or he isn’t in anyone’s way…?

I have a meeting in less than an hour and I’m not sure I can rouse myself. I chair the meeting (I’m a very strict chair!) and I feel I should show enthusiasm otherwise how can I inspire enthusiasm in others? I’ve bought everyone doughnuts and mince pies so hopefully that will kick everything off in good spirits. But I suspect I need a very large and very strong coffee before then.

Tonight I’ve decided I want to wrap presents. I’ve bought quite a few now, but there are still one or six I need to get. I may have to venture into a shop – I’ve done all I can online. The thought terrifies me. People become crazed and single minded when they do Christmas shopping, and they have no problem hurting you if you stand between them and whatever it is they want… ‘tis the season to whack you in the ankles, jump the queue, stockpile food, buy expensive plastic crap and body slam strangers who happen to be in your way…

Ho, ho, ho!