NFR NFC 2017 - The friendly thread for lovely people

[Quark]

1 minute ago, dizzymoo said:

Ah yes Q,  but I'm afraid it doesn't pay the bills!  Counselling is like a pyramid selling organisation.  There are a few people at the top who make a decent living from providing training and supervision (both compulsory requirements for counsellors to be able to practise).  The actual money comes mostly from trainees and paying clients at the bottom of the heap.  There's a bit of paid work funded by employers, which I benefit from, but it only covers 4-8 sessions, in which I'm supposed to work some sort of miracle.  Recently I had a client via this route who'd witnessed a horrific traumatic incident at work (which was barely mentioned in the referral information).  When I asked her if she'd had any specialist support for post-traumatic stress she looked at me oddly and I realised I was supposed to be that support! 

How's your career search going?  You may know about it already,  but someone recommended a book called 'What colour is your parachute' as very helpful in finding your vocation.

I guess it's all about the balance between cash and life.  Like most things really.

Mine's interesting.  Going to an open day at the local agricultural college and got myself in touch with a load of friends (and friends of friends) who work in the industry in one form or another - tree surgeons, landscapers, designers, general gardeners.  Going to start having conversations about what it's actually like, and also what the job options are beyond "gardener", as I know there's more to it than that!

It's still just one of the possible options thus far, but looking at courses available and routes in it's the first thing in ages that's made me go "oooh that looks good".  Still doing the workshop in a couple of weeks, but saw no point in hanging around!

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

50 minutes ago, bennyhana22 said:

Just back from seeing La La Land with Mrs Benny at a lovely arthousey cinema in Birmingham with waited service and all!

It was blooming' marvellous and a wonderful way to spend a Friday afternoon!

You should see it. All of you!

Ben

Was that The Electric Cinema Ben?

[bennyhana22]

7 minutes ago, Yoghurt on a Stick said:

Was that The Electric Cinema Ben?

No, it was Everyman in the Mailbox, Yog. Mrs B had a mojito delivered to our sofa an'all! 

Highly recommended!

Ben x

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

3 minutes ago, bennyhana22 said:

No, it was Everyman in the Mailbox, Yog. Mrs B had a mojito delivered to our sofa an'all! 

Highly recommended!

Ben x

Oh, I've heard of that one. One of my friends went there twice recently. He said that he had the best bottle of rose that he has ever drank in his life there. He was so enamoured of it he took a photo of the label so that he could source it elsewhere. It's been years and years since I went to a cinema. I may have to go soon though as I'd really like to see Trainspotting 2 on the big screen.

[bennyhana22]

6 minutes ago, Yoghurt on a Stick said:

Oh, I've heard of that one. One of my friends went there twice recently. He said that he had the best bottle of rose that he has ever drank in his life there. He was so enamoured of it he took a photo of the label so that he could source it elsewhere. It's been years and years since I went to a cinema. I may have to go soon though as I'd really like to see Trainspotting 2 on the big screen.

It really was lovely - partly as it was nigh on empty! Sound was EXCEPTIONAL, which made a great musical even more magical. Possibly best cinema audio I've yet experienced, actually...

Ben

[Purple aki squat]

28 minutes ago, bennyhana22 said:

It really was lovely - partly as it was nigh on empty! Sound was EXCEPTIONAL, which made a great musical even more magical. Possibly best cinema audio I've yet experienced, actually...

Ben

You should try the Odeon, not one of the old ones where the entrance stinks of piss but the new flashy ones. Can't hear yourself think in there. Try catching the next fast and furious instalment and prepare to be amazed. 

The toilets are nice too and you can still hear the film so you won't miss any plot twists.

[bennyhana22]

3 hours ago, Purple aki squat said:

You should try the Odeon, not one of the old ones where the entrance stinks of piss but the new flashy ones. Can't hear yourself think in there. Try catching the next fast and furious instalment and prepare to be amazed. 

The toilets are nice too and you can still hear the film so you won't miss any plot twists.

I really like it when they do that!

Loos at Everyman were considerably nicer than mine at home. I have three teenagers, mind.

Ben

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Nothing to do with cinemas, but the best loos I've been in were at The Octagon Bar at The Clarence Hotel in Dublin. Talk about posh. These are closely followed by the loos in The Burlington Hotel in Birmingham. My third favourite loo experience was at the Wychwood Festival when I sat in a portaloo on a hot sunny day with a drug sweat on me, and felt surprisingly at ease within myself despite thinking that I may expire at any moment.

There, I'm glad I've got that off my chest. You may think otherwise.

[H.M.V]

33 minutes ago, Yoghurt on a Stick said:

Nothing to do with cinemas, but the best loos I've been in were at The Octagon Bar at The Clarence Hotel in Dublin. Talk about posh. These are closely followed by the loos in The Burlington Hotel in Birmingham. My third favourite loo experience was at the Wychwood Festival when I sat in a portaloo on a hot sunny day with a drug sweat on me, and felt surprisingly at ease within myself despite thinking that I may expire at any moment.

There, I'm glad I've got that off my chest. You may think otherwise.

Clarence is owned by U2, they used to come into the restaurant where i worked all the time. Weird that one of the biggest groups in the world would walk to our restaurant and the likes of charleen from Texas arrived in a blacked out van with security for dining in a private room. 

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

1 hour ago, H.M.V said:

Clarence is owned by U2, they used to come into the restaurant where i worked all the time. Weird that one of the biggest groups in the world would walk to our restaurant and the likes of charleen from Texas arrived in a blacked out van with security for dining in a private room. 

Yes I'd heard that it belonged to U2. It was a Sunday afternoon when I went in there. I'd had a fine weekend. One of my brothers used to work there and I used to go over nearly every two weeks for about a year. It was as cheap as going out in Birmingham as my accommodation was free and flights were (probably still are) very cheap. I recall taking my manager over there once. He's never been to Ireland before. As we were walking to the pub on Saturday morning, two cars crashed in to each other in front of a load of fruit and vegetable stalls. Two men got out of the respective cars and started shouting at each other. Then one of the stall holders picked up a bunch of bananas in each hand and went up to the arguing drivers and handed them a bunch each. Then all three started laughing, the one went back to his stall, the other two to their cars. Then the two people in the cars drove away laughing, while the stall holder looked rather pleased in to the bargain. My manager, displayed a look which clearly indicated that he'd never seen the like of it before. My brother then said 'Welcome to Ireland', which kind of says it all about the place. It's been a while since I've been over - must make amends on that one.

 

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Following on on a theme, I'd just like to announce that the eejits have landed. And this is the first song that they've decided to put on (see below).  Thought it was OK to use this there gap that nobody was using to post it within. As it were.

 

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Well, that was some night last night. Finally got to bed about 10am this morning. Had a nice night with friends though. Have had about 3 hours sleep and feel fine, if a little pissed still. Currently waiting for the arrival of some bloke who is travelling from Newcastle to Birmingham to buy some specialist tools off me. Looking forward to the money inwards situation. My wife and I have never had a meal out except for when on holiday, so we may actually go out for a meal tonight, but will see first if the hair of the dog agrees with us.

Hope everybody's having a lovely weekend.

 

 

[Babylon sister]

Hi everyone, I've been a bit wiped out this week so I'm just catching up with all your news. Belated birthday greetings @H.M.V, secret rooms sound very 50 shades   I too have considered a phone sex for some extra cash, (and still do) I'm just not sure I could keep a straight face and I don't think the punters would appreciate raucous laughter. @Yoghurt on a Stick I saw trainspotting 2 at the cinema this afternoon, it was brilliant, do try and get along to see it. How was the house you went to see the other day?

 

Think I'll have a glass of wine while cooking dinner tonight, Davies in charge of the music  and it's an oldie, foxtrot (genesis). I love vinyl  hope you're all having a lovely Saturday xxx

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

35 minutes ago, Babylon sister said:

Hi everyone, I've been a bit wiped out this week so I'm just catching up with all your news. Belated birthday greetings @H.M.V, secret rooms sound very 50 shades   I too have considered a phone sex for some extra cash, (and still do) I'm just not sure I could keep a straight face and I don't think the punters would appreciate raucous laughter. @Yoghurt on a Stick I saw trainspotting 2 at the cinema this afternoon, it was brilliant, do try and get along to see it. How was the house you went to see the other day?

 

Think I'll have a glass of wine while cooking dinner tonight, Davies in charge of the music  and it's an oldie, foxtrot (genesis). I love vinyl  hope you're all having a lovely Saturday xxx

Hello Babylon sister,

I went to see the house and is far less to do on it than I thought there would be. Just a case of a new kitchen and bathroom really. The problem is that there are oceans of people interested in it. The estate agent has asked that people put in their final bids by Monday at noon. I have already sent a bid in which is £15.6K over the estate agents guide price (which seriously under valued the property in any instance). I don't think I'll get it though as I can see people putting in up to £30K over the guide price. However, you never know. It would be a steal at the price I put in though as the last house to sell in the road was a similar house and went for £80K more than the estate agents guide price for this property. So, plenty of room to make money. Time will tell.

[Babylon sister]

39 minutes ago, Yoghurt on a Stick said:

Hello Babylon sister,

I went to see the house and is far less to do on it than I thought there would be. Just a case of a new kitchen and bathroom really. The problem is that there are oceans of people interested in it. The estate agent has asked that people put in their final bids by Monday at noon. I have already sent a bid in which is £15.6K over the estate agents guide price (which seriously under valued the property in any instance). I don't think I'll get it though as I can see people putting in up to £30K over the guide price. However, you never know. It would be a steal at the price I put in though as the last house to sell in the road was a similar house and went for £80K more than the estate agents guide price for this property. So, plenty of room to make money. Time will tell.

Hope it goes your way yog, sounds like it would be a good little investment without too much work needing done. The house we're in was a repossession, it went to closing date, we weren't the highest offer but we were able to settle quickly and that swung it in our favour, so you never know. 

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

10 minutes ago, Babylon sister said:

Hope it goes your way yog, sounds like it would be a good little investment without too much work needing done. The house we're in was a repossession, it went to closing date, we weren't the highest offer but we were able to settle quickly and that swung it in our favour, so you never know. 

Thanks Babylon sister. I should know either way by the end of next week. If I don't get this one it'll not be the end of the world - the city is full of houses after all.

[guypjfreak]

Happy weekend all 

[bennyhana22]

16 hours ago, Babylon sister said:

 

Think I'll have a glass of wine while cooking dinner tonight, Davies in charge of the music  and it's an oldie, foxtrot (genesis). love vinyl  hope you're all having a lovely Saturday xxx

When I was young, my Dad (who had by then buggered off to Canada) recorded the (up to that point) entire Genesis back catalogue onto old medical education cassettes and sent them to me in a shoebox. One of my most vivid childhood memories. I used to listen to them on my old mono cassette player, whilst in the bath. Foxtrot was the first one out of the box, and so will always had a special place in the heart of my life's musical journey. Gabriel at his most Gabriel, I'd say. I still love the record today, even though I am very unlikely to play it (just too much new wonderful music being made every day!). It'll never replace The Lamb at the Top of my Genesis Pops, but then very few records will ever displace that from my desert island.

Ben

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

15 minutes ago, bennyhana22 said:

When I was young, my Dad (who had by then buggered off to Canada) recorded the (up to that point) entire Genesis back catalogue onto old medical education cassettes and sent them to me in a shoebox. One of my most vivid childhood memories. I used to listen to them on my old mono cassette player, whilst in the bath. Foxtrot was the first one out of the box, and so will always had a special place in the heart of my life's musical journey. Gabriel at his most Gabriel, I'd say. I still love the record today, even though I am very unlikely to play it (just too much new wonderful music being made every day!). It'll never replace The Lamb at the Top of my Genesis Pops, but then very few records will ever displace that from my desert island.

Ben

You were lucky Ben. Very lucky. The first record that I remember my dad buying was Benny Hill singing Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West). Is it any wonder that I am musically stunted!

[bennyhana22]

33 minutes ago, Yoghurt on a Stick said:

You were lucky Ben. Very lucky. The first record that I remember my dad buying was Benny Hill singing Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West). Is it any wonder that I am musically stunted!

What's nicest, Yog, is that the mentorship has long-since come full circle. I'll now give him at least two albums a year, usually from my Albums of the Year list of the leftfield, experimental, alternative shit that occupies the vast majority of my listening time!

Have you recovered from Friday night yet?

Ben

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

16 minutes ago, bennyhana22 said:

What's nicest, Yog, is that the mentorship has long-since come full circle. I'll now give him at least two albums a year, usually from my Albums of the Year list of the leftfield, experimental, alternative shit that occupies the vast majority of my listening time!

Have you recovered from Friday night yet?

Ben

I wonder how it would go down if I gave my dad some leftfield, experimental, altrernative shit to deal with? I guess I already do in one way - it's called my life! lol

I have fully recovered from Friday night / Saturday morning thanks. I went to bed early last night and was probably asleep by 10.30pm. I'm having to drive to and back from London later this afternoon. I'm dropping stuff off for my stepson. I can't say that I'm looking forward to that experience, especially as involves the M1 motorway. The M40 is a far nicer road, if indeed roads can be nice.

[bennyhana22]

16 minutes ago, Yoghurt on a Stick said:

I wonder how it would go down if I gave my dad some leftfield, experimental, altrernative shit to deal with? I guess I already do in one way - it's called my life! lol

I have fully recovered from Friday night / Saturday morning thanks. I went to bed early last night and was probably asleep by 10.30pm. I'm having to drive to and back from London later this afternoon. I'm dropping stuff off for my stepson. I can't say that I'm looking forward to that experience, especially as involves the M1 motorway. The M40 is a far nicer road, if indeed roads can be nice.

Give him my love, Yog

Ben x

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

7 minutes ago, bennyhana22 said:

Give him my love, Yog

Ben x

At first I read your post and thought you were talking about my dad! To say I found it perplexing is an understatement. There's no excuse for stupidity like that, so I apologize profusely. You are, of course, talking about my stepson. Yes, I'll pass on your best wishes. He's got nice accommodation now with people his own age. He likes his job and can work from home whenever he wants. So, things are looking good for him, which makes a nice change from the young man who wouldn't even get out of bed to sign on when I fist met his mother. My word, that last sentence made me sound like a Daily Mail journalist. I just ,mean that he is in a nicer place in his head than he used to be. Mind you, he did manage to get out of that bed to go to the USA and become, albeit temporarily, a virtual gigolo for three months. I bet he doesn't put that down on his CV!

[mr gumby]

3 hours ago, Yoghurt on a Stick said:

You were lucky Ben. Very lucky. The first record that I remember my dad buying was Benny Hill singing Ernie (The Fastest Milkman in the West). Is it any wonder that I am musically stunted!

I'll see your Benny Hill, and raise you Shakin' Stevens.

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

4 minutes ago, mr gumby said:

I'll see your Benny Hill, and raise you Shakin' Stevens.

 

You win.