DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

The Gallo Wines thing never really happened. I was supposed to go back to the Krypton Factor for the rest of the week but I had to cancel. I have got what some people might call flu, but is probably a very bad cold with aching bones and a thick head.

I’m closing down for the festive season. Due to lack of funds, there will be no company Christmas Party this year. Ba humbug and all that.
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ATCHOOOOOOOOO!

I’m working in Liverpool Street for a few days. I feel absolutely terrible. I am on the verge of catching the cold/flu/sickness/man flu thing that’s been going round. I was sneezed on at the Library and I was sneezed on at the Krypton Factor. It was only a matter of time.

The work didn’t come in today. The client put the meeting back at the last minute so I read up on Gallo Wines on their website. I felt too lousy to do any real research such as drink some, but I managed a half hearted browse round Spitalfields Market. I’m definately ill as I didn’t buy anything.
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LESS OF YOUR WINE-ING

An old friend phoned and asked if I was free for 2 – 3 days next week to work at his agency on a pitch for Gallo Wines.

“Right up your street” he said.

He’s got me so wrong. I much prefer the European stuff.
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JO'S GONE TO ICELAND (AGAIN)

I went shopping at Iceland again today. Had a look at their Top Ten Freezer Pleasers, but none of them pleased me very much so I just got some frozen peas, fish fingers a couple of tins of Branston Beans (they are WAY better than Heinz – try them), and some cheese. Another fiver well spent.
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THE SKY'S THE LIMIT

Back at the Krypton Factor again this week. I now have my own temporary security pass which makes things a whole lot easier. Well, easier until you try and buy lunch with it.

I decided to brave the canteen on my own today. There’s only so many Tesco layered cheese salads I can take. I really think Tesco are missing a trick. Their sarnies and salads are not a patch on Sainsbury’s. They need to introduce a salad bar and rethink their takeaway options.

There was a bloke outside the canteen roasting chestnuts on an open fire whilst someone played the bagpipes. It reminded me of Paris Hilton. Totally pointless.

Somewhere between filling my tray up and getting to the till to pay for it, I lost my security card. I had the holder in my hand, but the actual card had slipped out. I cannot begin to explain how serious this is. Almost as serious as misplacing the crown jewels.

After scouring the floor in the canteen with no joy, I had to report the missing card to security. Not just any old security, but the security on the ground floor, turn left, go through the double doors, keep walking, turn right, through the door, go to the hatch, ring the bell. Of course this was easier said than done as I couldn’t get through any doors without a security pass. Honestly - I just felt like getting in my car and driving home. But I couldn’t get to my car because I couldn’t get to it without a security pass.

It’s back to Tesco tomorrow, salad bar or no salad bar.
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ALL IS WELL

I’m back at the library this week (the nice local agency). Hurray! How I’ve missed Jeni Barnet and her righteous, mummsy banter on LBC at lunchtime.

I’m covering someone’s two week holiday so back next week too. 
I cancelled my dole application as things seem to be picking up.
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DOES ANYONE HAVE A HELICOPTER I CAN BORROW?

I wish lorries would stop breaking down on the M25. I thought it was just bad luck yesterday, but oh no. There was another traffic stopping lorry incident today. There’s never any evidence of these lorries when you do get moving. They’re an unexplained phenomena – like Pete Burns.

I’m averaging an hour late a day by the time I get to my desk and I refuse to leave home earlier than 7.30. It’s a 9.30 start and two hours is more than enough to be travelling either end of the working day. I’ve gone from 5 minutes walk to work, to two hours every which way but cruise.

Moaning aside, the work is nice and so are the people. It doesn’t seem that busy though. I’m wondering if I might be surplus to requirements but am doing my best to pretend otherwise.

I tried the canteen at lunchtime. It was amazing. Like a top notch restaurant with too much choice. I had fish & chips for £2.50. You could get seriously fat if you worked here full time.

The library called me today to ask if I’m available next week to cover someone’s holiday. I said yes immediately and thanked god for quiet offices, short journeys and parking spaces.
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