I got myself a job in Ireland after about a week of searching, which was really good going by all accounts, considering the major employment recession currently gripping Ireland. All being told, though, it isn't the most glamorous of jobs - working in the books and magazines section of a multi-purpose newsagents/bookstore/toystore, but it is a lot better than no job what so ever.

The hours are your usual 9-6, for which I am on my feet the whole time - something I've got to get used to once again. I've been coming home cursing aching feet everyday since I started, and feeling generally very tired. But I will adapt soon enough and all will be well and grand.

At the interview I was told that members of staff who show desire and initiative will find themselves climbing up the internal career ladder quickly, which is music to my ears. About time I settled and started a career - even if it is only in a bookstore. Now that Clare and I are settled in Ireland in our own place, I can truly start thinking about career and climbing the ladder.

I don't really miss home that much at the minute - but I do miss my close and immediate family. I can't at the moment say for sure whether my ultimate long-term future does indeed lie here in Ireland or England, and that is something Clare and I will address. However, I am - and we are -  very happy here for the mid-long term future. Who I am really missing at the moment, though, are my two dogs. You never really realise how attached you are to your pets until you aren't seeing them frequently. Still though, I hear they are as happy, playful and, yes, annoying as ever, and that is a delight to know.

This was a bit of a random update thrown together. I do mean to check LJ more frequently, but inbetween moving back to Ireland and having to find a job, I really haven't had the time so far. I will endeavour to do so more often.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouAK24pq_vw&feature=related" target="_blank">Clicky</a>

It is early evening on Saturday, and on Monday, Clare arrives. The time for her visit has soon rolled around, and with that my move back to Ireland with Clare the following Monday. I cannot wait! The past few months have been difficult and hard, but we have eventually come through much stronger, and can now realistically look forward to our future together. We have been together now for approaching 4 months, and we have come a long way, and fallen some distance, in that time. It is very different from previous relationships - not in a good or bad way, as each was good and bad in its own manner, as is this one - and is a relationship I am enjoying and can't really see an end to. There are no underlying differences between us, as there have been with me and others. We connect very well, not only as friends, but as much more than that. It is nice.

Only another full day to go..

I woke up this morning in a very good mood, as I instantly said to myself "only 8 days left at work!" The better thing about it is that only two of the eight are the late (1:00PM > 6:00PM) shift; four are the early (8:00AM > 1:30PM), including my last two days at work. I can't believe how fast it has crept up on me - and I'm bloody delighted about that. While returning to Britain was, without doubt, the right thing to do, it was also very difficult and not something I will be doing in any great hurry. It is nice to see home, Derbyshire, and the family; to be able to switch on the news and check the cricket scores; to surround myself with all that is familiar. But the time truly has come to leave that behind and start a new chapter, a chapter that involves Clare and I moving into our first place together. It is a big step to take, but one we are both eagerly anticipating, and not one we are second guessing.

I was thinking that when I get back to Ireland I may try and get myself into the local cricket team. Will be a great hobby for me!

Today I handed in my notice at work (I have 9 working days remaining) in preparation for me moving back to Ireland. The house that Clare and I are moving into becomes available at the end of the month, so that shall be when I am returning. Clare said it was lovely house that would suit is really well for our first house.

We have a date in mind. It will be the 28th July when I head back over. Since I returned to England I have been sending most of my wages over to Ireland so I should have a fair bit waiting to tide us both over. Clare has been saving a lot of her wages too, and with her already having a job, money shouldn't be a major issue until I get myself sorted.

I also want to apologise for not posting or leaving comments for the past while. I tend not to go online that much these days, but I will attempt to become more active in the future!

Cheers folks!

I handed in my notice at Dunnes yesterday, and it felt so, so good! I had a job interview yesterday at a hotel for position of food and beverage assistant, which bascially means bar work and taking bar food orders (which means lots of tips), which may not be glam, but neither is stacking shelves at night, and it is in the hotel trade, which is what I really enjoy.

I was assured I'd do at least 25 hours a week, and the majority of weeks will be over 30/35 hours a week, which is excellent. The shift times are also much better: 0900 to 1700, 1200 to 2100 or 1700 to 0100. Sometimes there may be a 0300 or 0400 finish, but those are rare, and I can deal with those, as I know two out of three shifts I will finish during the day.

The hotel, I forget to name, is called the Quality Hotel, and is about two miles out of town. I'll be buying a bike so I can cycle to work every day, which will help me keep fit. The hotel looks really nice, and upon completion of the mandatory three month porbationary period, I get free, unlimited access to the gym and leisure centre facilities. Hell yes!

I'm in such a good mood knowing I'm finally moving on. Next week is my last week at Dunnes, and I find my shift times for my first week at the hotel next Wednesday.

Fergus told me at work last night that my intended transfer over onto the day staff has fallen through, as the guy who I was swapping with isn't considered strong enough or good enough, by the new HR manager, to be on the night staff, so basically until they either recruit more staff, or fire an existing member, or a stronger member wishes to do night work, I'm stuck.

Well, that's what Fergus said. I have other ideas, for I'm getting a copy of this week's local paper off of Clare and scouring the job pages. Apparently there are a good few decent jobs going at the moment, so now is the time.

Hopefully the interview I had (which I feel did go well) will bear fruit.

Anything to get off of the bloody night shift.

Dear Jeremy,
I don't really know how to tell you this, but uur romance is over. I think I realized it when your dwarf bit me in your camping car and I saw you ignore my avocado plant. I'm sure you're man enough to understand that your Honda sucks. I'm returning your memories from the military service to you, but I'll keep your left ear as a memory. You should also know that I will tell the authorities about the apartment buildings.

Good luck on your short-term leave from jail,
Andrew

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Arrogance of the West? Maybe so, but, at least I won't be going behind bars.

Who are ya?! Who are ya?! Who are ya?!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7328892.stm

I've got a job interview this Friday at the hotel across the road for a receptionist position, and I'm hoping beyond all hopes that I get the damn job and can finally ditch Dunnes for good.

While it can sometimes be a laugh there, I do feel stagnant there. I can do so much better, and that place was only ever meant to be somewhere where I can just earn some money after first arriving here in Ireland. It was never to be a permanent fixture.

Hopefully I will get offered the Whites position, and then can give my notice at work, and look forward to a job with real prospects and challenges, not one that involves stacking bloody shelves.

Also, I was idly looking at places where I can move into - my own apartment. Clare was looking with me today, and we saw some really good ones at really good rates, actually. No immediate plans to move out, however - just testing the water and seeing what it is out. I want to save for about two or three months first, so I've plenty to fall back on when I move.

Good to get things in motion.