"On My Word - Unleashe Rant..."

As a result of wanting to get several issues off my chest, this could be a long post...

Working 9 To 5...
First up, the new job; it's with the NHS, developing databases and reports for laboratory data. So far, I make it 12 weeks since I started - if I play my cards right I could beat my personal best for time in a job (19.5 weeks). My contract was recently extended so that's a start. Generally I've received very positive feedback for all my hard graft. I think I'm just making up for lost time when I was unemployed and doing bugger all with myself except moaning on this very blog.
To an extent I've been liking the job (enjoying is a bit of strong word to describe work) and am still basking in the glory of getting offered it at all. Turned out I was very lucky - after 6 months unemployed, and with no chance of getting a good reference from my previous job (for reasons I wont go into), career-wise, things were looking bleak indeed. One day, when on S1Jobs, I decided to broaden my search criteria and search in Ayrshire, not just the Glasgow area. The first one I saw was for database developer. I sent my CV, was called for a brief interview (INTERVIEWER: "Can you do it?", ME: "Ok."), and a few days later, had the offer! No questions asked, no references requested.
So far it's not quite been the social hub I was hoping for, but there is at least enough chat to make it bearable. Some of my fears of such a job have been confirmed, i.e. a bunch of quiet guys sitting looking at a screen for 8 hrs per day, hardly saying a word. It is like that to an extent, but there is some conversation, just not as much as I'd hoped. I suppose it is work after all, and we're not there to chat, laugh and have a good time (welcome to the "real world" - sigh).
Despite this I'm happy with it and because I concentrate so much on the project, I'm one of the worst culprits for disappearing off into my own virtual world of SQL and periodically checking email, hoping for the offer of a Nigerian farmer to give me a share of his father's gold in exchange for my bank details to temporarily hold the wealth.
I was pleased to hear we will be getting moved to another, bigger office shortly, so that should freshen things up a bit.

It's Life, Jim, But Not As We Know It
The major downside to all this is that I'm back living in Prestwick. After leaving my previous job, I moved back with my parents for a temporary period. After having lived in the city, I just find it depressing; in Glasgow, there is always a buzz of activity, a vibrancy about the place, a feeling like things are going on. In comparison, you go into Ayr town after work and it's like a ghost town. I have no intention of living in Ayrshire for more than a few months. However, there may be the chance of a permanent contract at my current place, so I may at least keep working at the same place for a while. I'll cross that bridge if and when it comes.
What I think I will do is move out of my parents' again - I really miss the independence, being in control of your own life, as regards shopping, washing etc, doing your own thing without feeling you have to answer to anyone. It would be best all round I think. I'll look at renting a place in Ayr for the time being, that way my commute will be cut down. I also miss having likeminded flatmates whom have similar interests to me and are of a similar age/attitude. Also, the process of going round to view flats is something I find enjoyable. If I see any French or Polish people, however, I'll steer well clear (for reasons I wont go into).
It might be a bit of a gamble but if it goes tits up, then there's always housing benefits to fall back on if I'm struggling to pay rent.

Antisocial Behaviour
Generally my social life at the moment is poor. My best friends are myself, my DVD player and my TV (how sad is that), with the occasional PES tournament. I've become a bit reclusive, and it's getting a bit dull. I just feel a bit isolated, and nearly everyone at work has spouse/kids etc and nights out are about as rare as a total eclipse of the sun. With the dark winter days, there's not much incentive to go anywhere, and living in Prestwick, I don't particularly want to venture out anyway, so it's a bit rubbish in that sense. I've seen a lot of films recently, particularly over the festive period, and purchased several DVDs, most recently I'm Alan Partridge and Knowing Me, Knowing You. Comedy classics.

Caffeine Detox
For the first time, I was thinking of having a readers' poll. I was considering going on a caffeine detox for a week, as I probably have been drinking too much tea and coffee. In fact I think I've had a constant supply of caffeine in my bloodstream for as long as I can remember. What do you think, readers, should I go cold turkey on the caffeine? Cast your votes. ROCK AND ROLL!!!

P.s. some degenerate fool suggested that for this blog I should have a guest blogger to contribute some material, and so for next weeks instalment the blog will take a slightly different format. If you can email me your contribution (duncaaan@hotmail.com), I will pick the best one and publish it next week, for all to see. Rock and roll.