The discovery that there is sometimes a real live person at the other end of a customer services phoneline!

Last week a package arrived damaged in the post. I didn't relish phoning up to let the company know - however the phone was picked up after a few rings - it was a surprise to find I didn't have to test out various digits on my home phone, jump through hoops and put life on hold for an hour.

My problem was dealt with quickly and kindly, and replacement items promised.

In the post this morning there is a despatch note for these items. And on the despatch note is a nicely worded message from the lady who dealt with my phone call.

Small thing maybe - but a pleasant surprise in these times of anonymous call centres. Full marks to the company concerned (well - as long as the items get here!)

Lovely to read this, ClariNicki. Such a positive experience for all concerned, and I'm sure it will indeed encourage them to be more confident in performance.

Taking everything out of my room in order to move all the furniture around, so I could fit in the piano, followed by putting it all back in again. There's something very theraputic about having a bit of a sort-out.

I saw the Red Hot Chilli Pipers play live.

A good friend has returned after working abroad for 6 months

Losing some more weight!

Same!

I think I might know where your lost weight is... (looks at hips)

Aww, BM.

I can post on a similar note... My doctor made me happy today, with a few weight-related comments amongst other things.

Finding I still have 157and a half hours holiday to take before the end of March 09.

I'm a workoholic.

*goes to book some time off*

I am going to little daughter's first concert. She's just 8 and has been playing the violin 11 months. I hope I don't cry
Bev.

Achieving another personal best in cycling, and getting a short but easy contract with La Redoute

- hope it goes/has gone (delete as appropriate!) well!

Oooh, my eyes are going funny which may indicate an impending migraine.

Now this might not strike anyone as a Good Thing but...right now I think quite a few people could learn some things (like just how critically important I am right now) if I am unexpectedly off work for two days (which is inevitably what a migraine means).

Grandson is happily naming birds from the massive RSPB book and knows around a hundred! Not bad at all for a little lad of 21 months.

Your patch is much better for birdwatching than mine. Round here, it'd be 'Look, there's a pigeon. And another pigeon. Ooo, and another pigeon. Just a minute! There's another bird coming. What is it? Oh, it's a pigeon.'...

I love pigeons...

So if you come to London at some stage in the future, you'll be heading straight to Trafalgar Square I guess!...

I certainly did last time!
A pigeon in York...

A 'phone call just now! My step-dad does not need chemotherapy after all.

* I'm sure that pigeon was in my garden last week!*

Funny - I thought I recognised it too!

*has just been out to feed a cheeky robin*

good news about your stepdad DC!

I love pidgeons too! Fiona and I have a rather well-nourished pidgeon which follows us around the British Isles.

The prospect of seeing my singing teacher tomorrow - she's the soprano soloist for my choir's performance.

People - well, let's be honest, two people out of fourteen - actually doing what you ask them to do. They've done the training that's required, they've done the work assigned to them, they've contacted me with sensible questions when things haven't quite worked right, and they have clearly documented their feedback in the required place at the required time. These two are good people, and if they weren't the other side of the Atlantic I'd give them both a hug. Or some chocolate

The other twelve will doubtless not do any of what they have been asked (including the training, so if they do put in a token effort, they have to phone me up and ask moronic questions like 'I've logged in, now what do I do?')

I got my grade 7 results back...

wait for it..

wait for it..

94 out of 100!!

My best ever, to date.

That's absolutely brilliant fabnt. Many congratulations

Getting my leave card back and finding that my manager has granted me all that I asked for

Great news. Now you can get on with modelling frocks (or whatever else you were going to with La Redoute - unless there is another one that I don't know about!)

Congratulations, fabnt!!

"Modelling frocks"?! I sincerely hope not! Might stretch to a kilt, but definitely not frocks!

Oooh, kilts.



This thread has made me happy today!

Why aye lass!

(actually that sounded more Geordie than Scots )

Replace 'why' with 'och' and you might get away with it...

Ahh that works! Good call

(Yesterday, but didn't have time to post)

A really good concert, sitting on the front row of the altos, and realising that the A Level music class from my old school had come on a trip to watch us - so lots of my friends were there, when I thought no one would be. Also, seeing my old singing teacher and listening to her perform, and then getting to have a proper chat afterwards, when I haven't seen her in ages.

A very good rehearsal for a concert next week and a friendly visit to it from a Welsh Assembly Member too, who seemed very impressed with our singing and the fun that we were having.

Meeting up with my former violin teacher and making lots of violin related plans.

Only just seen this, fabnt. Many congratulations!

Getting home an hour earlier than expected, meaning I've had time to come on here, and I'll still get to bed half an hour earlier than expected. Result!

Getting a puncture.

My first since about 1986 - when I could helpfully just get my brother to do these things.
Anyway, I was already armed with spare inner tubes, pump, tyre levers, etc, just in case. Oh, and a printed out step-by-step illustrated 'how to fix a puncture'.
I was at work when I eventually noticed it (no wonder that last mile was such a killer), so have been able to sit down in the bike parking area and do it all.

And it was nice and simple and I managed it fine. So now I can ride home later on, happy that I can fix a puncture if I ever get another one...

Now I just need to get one of the strong-manly-types here to help me get the quick release thingy on my front wheel actually fully closed up again

Great to see there is another Kilt wearer on here



Sandy at Sidmouth Folk Week.

It's friday!!

Starting and finishing Christmas shopping! It took me hours and hours, and by the end it was getting a bit grim, but I love buying presents for people, and haven't bought anything in ages, so it was so fun! It's a load off my mind too!

Of course, now there's the question of how I'll eat for the rest of the year...

Must be nearly the end of term - I'm sure your Mum won't let you starve once you're home!

Glad you got it all done - I really must make a push to finish mine.

Well I hope not!

Good luck with yours!

Talking of Christmas shopping, I intend to do mine in one day next week.

Daughter's just told me she's passed her G6 piano with 128 - it's her 3rd instrument and she's not very keen, and really really wasn't keen to do the exam - but now she's all smiley.

Congratulations

Congratulations to your daughter, Susie!

That's great : congratulations are in order!