Last Day At Work

It's hard to believe - but this is my last day at work for a while. 

I've been so busy this week trying to get things finished off that it's rushed up on me. I started saying goodbye's to people yesterday, which brought it home to me - but today is probably going to be a bit strange. 

I've still got stuff I need to finish up before I leave, but I'm pretty sure I can get it all done. There's also the gathering around the desk thing to do - they're always more fun when your doing the gathering around someone elses desk :>)

I've worked with some great people over the last 8 years or so. The last year has been particulalry memorable - we acheived a lot - and it was fun. I can't remember laughing quiet as much. 

Anyway - must go - I've got my last day at work :>)

A Week To Go!

Another long gap between posts - but there's been plenty going on. 

I've got just a week to go now before I leave work for the final time. I'm rushing to get things ready, and time is really starting to run out. 

The past week has actually been really great. The team I work with were nominated for three awards at the company's first annual award ceremony. It was a black tie event at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, with a champagne reception, a three course meal, the awards ceremony, and music and dancing afterwards.

We didn't win any of the awards we were there for - but right at the end they announced the team as the overall team of the year - couldn't have asked for a better result than that. 

Several very short hours later, the music stopped and we went to the casino for a few hours. I finally got to my hotel room at 4am. 

There are pictures - I just need to get them and put them on here. 

A late start, a late breakfast (excellent company again), and the rest of the day off was just what was needed. 

And then to top it all - we had our end of project party on Friday. Drinks, a meal at Goa Spice, more drinks, and then After Dark (man - what an experience that was). Home for 2:45am (I think). And I've got it all to do again next Friday when it's my leaving do. 

Quite a week - and one more to go. 

Trying to get ready for the party - spend time with the people I'm going to miss - and get everything ready to go. I still can't believe how much there's left to do. But what the heck - it'll all work out I'm sure. 

Till next time...

Where does the time go?

I've just realised that I'll be leaving the UK in just over a month's time! For such a long time it seemed like a long way off - and then all of a sudden the time's gone. I've been pretty busy at work, but have just taken a few days off to try and get things done. 

I think I've pretty much got everything I need - I'm probably at the point where I could pick up the rucksack and set off. 

There's still stuff to get sorted - mainly financial - and then I want to try and get around and see as many people as I can before I go. 

I've noticed that the conversations are starting to change. I guess the reality of it all is starting to sink in - it was just an idea before. I'm also back to thinking of all the things I'll miss - and I must admit there's been times when I've wondered whether I should just change my mind. It's natural I guess - stepping into the unknown can be a scary thing. 

I'm also finding that I'm starting to get less organised. It may be surprising to some people - but it does take effort to be organised - I'm not really a natural at it - I have to make myself be that way. 

What's scary is I have no idea what I'll be doing in South America. The guide book's here - I just haven't opened it yet and planned a route. Which is definitely something I'd have done before. 

Perhaps I'll get around to it in the next few weeks :>) 

More Shopping

I went to Harrogate today and bought some more stuff. I've pretty much got everything I need to go, and if I had to could go with what I've got. I still need to sort out a few things like malaria tablets and glasses, but apart from those kind of things I've got everything I need. 

What Credit Crunch?

I went to Manchester today to buy some stuff. It was incredibly busy and there seemed to be plenty of people spending - and here was me thinking we were in the middle of a financial crisis. 

I can't say too much - but I'll be glad to be taking a break from Financial Services for a while. 

Anyway - I ended up buying a Backtrack 50 from The North Face. I asked nicely and they gave me 10% discount :>)

Having got it home - all I can say is - it's small. I've put most of the stuff I'm going to be taking and it fits - but there's not going to be much spare room. On the plus side - atleast it still feels light - and it's small - which means less stuff to carry.  

I also bought a shoe bag, and plan to run over to Harrogate to try and buy the rest of the stuff I need. 

A free weekend feels like a luxury at the moment - although every day will be a weekend in just 26 days time.