Meetings, Quizzes and DIY

It's been rather a tiring weekend so far, but really rather good. I'm feeling really tired and drained today, but not in the same narky way I was the other week, maybe because a lot has been achieved and the tiredness is through effort rather than indolence.

Friday began early. I went to work half an hour earlier than usual to make sure everything was ready for the meeting. The meeting itself went as well as could be expected, perhaps better. I think our preparation paid off, as we managed to get our points across in a well organised manner, so that we didn't come out wishing we'd mentioned something we'd forgotten about. We were pleased to see someone from human resources there too, taking lots of notes, which means we might stand some chance of things being changed.
It was wonderful to see the stunned look on the head of service's face as I reeled off the statistics of days we've been left short staffed since January... I don't think she ever expects us to be as organised as we actually are. I think it's important to let them know just what we've been through so far, as they always ask for the figures and examples, at least this time they were ready. Obviously we couldn't know about the things they've discussed about our workload already, and it's reassuring to hear that some of the burden at Bracknell will be taken by the branch libraries (I think we also made some constructive points about how things can change for the better, if they'll listen) and not necessarily be a central job. Of course, we managed to rile the head of community services, our boss, a bit, but that was only to be expected... and it is always a joy to watch! We'll see what comes of it all, if nothing else, it has been said.

Friday night was Vic and Mark's quiz night, which they'd organised as part of their fund raising efforts for Great Ormond Street. I know they were both a bit worried about how well it'd go, how many would turn up and stuff, but they needn't have been. It was a tremendous success overall, with the Forest Suite of Bracknell Sports Centre being packed full of full tables! It was wonderful to see it all work so well, and that so many people supported them. Special thanks go out to Tim, who came along from Bristol for the evening, was put on the team with the library ladies (he got a glimpse of my life there!) but seemed to have a great time despite it. Of course, he should have come with us, and we should have sorted that out, but it seemed to work anyway!
The night itself went with few hitches, even the first meeting between Mum and Dad and Steve's Mum and Dad went really well, with them all saying how lovely the others were (and I was pleased to see them and Susan and Robert there to support us, that was lovely of them). The Library Ladies won on the end, which delighted them and Margaret also won tickets for Wookey Hole in the raffle, so they did really, really well (actually the support from everyone at work has been tremendous and I'm ever so grateful to them all. They're a special group of people!)
Overall, it was a great fun night, and they raised a massive £1400 or so in one evening, which is really astounding!

Yesterday, we (or rather Steve) managed to do some DIY, when the shower pole was replaced without too much bother! We picked up a big pile of paint colour charts too and spent an hour going through them and making a few plans... I don't know when we will get round to doing anything with them, but the plans are being made at least...

Anyway, it's a lazy Sunday morning here. We watched School Reunion again, and thoroughly enjoyed it too, Steve is busy making another video and me, I'm still in my dressing gown! How decadent!

Current music:Pink Floyd: Shine on you Crazy Diamond
Current favourite episode of the new series: School Reunion
Current favourite Robot Dog: K9