The grumpy thread

[AMC Rebel]

Been thinking about getting a small tent. Looked in the free Mountain Warehouse catalogue - what the actual flip is a showerproof tent? Isn't that like offering a chocolate fireguard considering the British weather?

[Eddie Honda]

what the actual flip is a showerproof tent?

A Wendy house?

[Skizzer]

I'm late to the party as usual: bloody hell Phil (literally). Get well soon.

[captain_70s]

Well done on not getting horribly killed, Phil. Sounds like a nightmare, hope you get your arm back to a functioning state in good time.

 

 

I could theoretically move right now at the drop of a hat. No SWMBO or children or anything, just me, my stuff and my car, but I'm really struggling to pluck up the courage.

You should probably do it. If things are shit currently then changing the situation is only going to either make things better or maintain the shitness in which case you've lost nothing. LOGIC.

 

 

I have a similar problem to yourself but on a slightly smaller scale. Not really going anywhere with my job and money is tight BUT it's tolerable and the bills get paid. Main issue now is the last of my Aberdeen based mates has moved away and my social contact with people is now nigh on non-existent. I spend too much of my time sitting around staring at the walls and trying not to spend money, it's driving me crazy. Becoming increasingly aware that my youth is over and I spent it doing nothing interesting and now my 20s are half over and I've done nothing of any real interest in them either.

 

Friends are saying I should move to Glasgow, cos that's where they mostly live. For a similar cost of renting my current house I could live in an alright area in a rather crap flat or have a nice flat in a somewhat crap area, I could probably sell the Civic/1850HL as I'd likely never need to drive anywhere and keep the 1300 as my only car. The concept of "going to the pub with mates" would no longer entail at least 2 hours of driving for most of the people involved. Also I'm not bad on the pull in Glasgow, probably because lasses in rural Aberdeenshire only like two sorts of bloke, loaded oil workers or burly farm hands.

 

but I've spent nearly 5 years at the egg packing factory as a "senior operative" doing a bit of everything, primarily mechanical maintenance/repair, but having no qualifications in anything other than IT tech support. I feel my chances of getting a job that pays a similar wage to mine without me sentencing myself to 70 hours a week are slim. Also, I've lived in the countryside since age 8 and the year 2000, I don't know how well I'd take to city life... I'm also a very small and muggable sort of chap.

 

Ultimately I fear I'm too good at talking myself out of things and am going to end up living a perpetually lonely life in a house with two spare rooms and a driveway full of cars I can't afford to fix and a job that I think is tolerable but I'm increasingly sure is a lie to myself.

 

 

TL;DR: Sacred of making huge move in life. Moving from shit bit of Scotland to a different shit bit of Scotland.

 

 

[eddyramrod]

Another vote for Move.  I did it, and I'm the most timid/least qualified person I can imagine!  Mind, I had to come back after too few years because I hadn't been able to get work, but you know.......

If I had suitable qualifications I would definitely be considering USA or Canada, even at my advanced age.  Yes, I'd probably end up in a shit low-paid job, if any at all, but spot the difference from here?  That's right, there isn't one.

 

Phil, you need to fire your stunt double, he shouldn't have left you to go through all that!

[Split_Pin]

I was invited to apply for a job at another bank a few weeks back and went for the interview on Thursday. The prick from the recruitment department phoned me back today and started the conversation off with "how do you think it went?". I fucking hate that, it's a total amateur way of starting off a feedback session. He then went on and gave me one small positive from the interview and about fifteen negative points. Aye, thanks very much for that, you've already taken the wind out my sails, no need to knife them up as well.

 

He finishes by saying we will keep you in mind if other positions come up to which he received a KTHXBYE in return.

 

Fucked my confidence right up that has. I'm more annoyed because they asked me to apply for it.

[oldcars]

I was invited to apply for a job at another bank a few weeks back and went for the interview on Thursday. The prick from the recruitment department phoned me back today and started the conversation off with "how do you think it went?". I fucking hate that, it's a total amateur way of starting off a feedback session. He then went on and gave me one small positive from the interview and about fifteen negative points. Aye, thanks very much for that, you've already taken the wind out my sails, no need to knife them up as well.

 

He finishes by saying we will keep you in mind if other positions come up to which he received a KTHXBYE in return.

 

Fucked my confidence right up that has. I'm more annoyed because they asked me to apply for it.

I worked for a bank for 6 months it was hell. I would take 15 negative points from a bank as a positive. You must be good.

[purplebargeken]

I had something similar a few years ago for a hospital post in Essex. Goodmayes I think. I'd met the manager several times, spoken to him on the phone a few times. My experience was spot on, just what they were looking for, etc, etc. Went for the interview, they roasted me above and beyond, it bloody irritated me, some silly cow phoned to give me feedback a couple of days later but also told me I was not successful. I told her I was too busy to take her call and that I would phone her back when it was convenient for me. I never did.

[Supernaut]

Well done on not getting horribly killed, Phil. Sounds like a nightmare, hope you get your arm back to a functioning state in good time.

 

 

You should probably do it. If things are shit currently then changing the situation is only going to either make things better or maintain the shitness in which case you've lost nothing. LOGIC.

 

 

I have a similar problem to yourself but on a slightly smaller scale. Not really going anywhere with my job and money is tight BUT it's tolerable and the bills get paid. Main issue now is the last of my Aberdeen based mates has moved away and my social contact with people is now nigh on non-existent. I spend too much of my time sitting around staring at the walls and trying not to spend money, it's driving me crazy. Becoming increasingly aware that my youth is over and I spent it doing nothing interesting and now my 20s are half over and I've done nothing of any real interest in them either.

 

Friends are saying I should move to Glasgow, cos that's where they mostly live. For a similar cost of renting my current house I could live in an alright area in a rather crap flat or have a nice flat in a somewhat crap area, I could probably sell the Civic/1850HL as I'd likely never need to drive anywhere and keep the 1300 as my only car. The concept of "going to the pub with mates" would no longer entail at least 2 hours of driving for most of the people involved. Also I'm not bad on the pull in Glasgow, probably because lasses in rural Aberdeenshire only like two sorts of bloke, loaded oil workers or burly farm hands.

 

but I've spent nearly 5 years at the egg packing factory as a "senior operative" doing a bit of everything, primarily mechanical maintenance/repair, but having no qualifications in anything other than IT tech support. I feel my chances of getting a job that pays a similar wage to mine without me sentencing myself to 70 hours a week are slim. Also, I've lived in the countryside since age 8 and the year 2000, I don't know how well I'd take to city life... I'm also a very small and muggable sort of chap.

 

Ultimately I fear I'm too good at talking myself out of things and am going to end up living a perpetually lonely life in a house with two spare rooms and a driveway full of cars I can't afford to fix and a job that I think is tolerable but I'm increasingly sure is a lie to myself.

 

 

TL;DR: Sacred of making huge move in life. Moving from shit bit of Scotland to a different shit bit of Scotland.

 

You have 3 potential Aberdeen-based mates right here on this very board! Me, 17-Coffees, and Tayne (although I've still not managed to hunt down Tayne).

 

But yes, I've considered the whole idea of moving elsewhere in Scotland / the UK, and I've also grown up in the countryside then moved into Aberdeen, and that's it.

However, I like Canada, and I'm coming round to the idea of going big or going home, if you will. If you're only halfway through your 20s, you're younger than me! I'm 28, not far from 30...

[Rocket88]

You have 3 potential Aberdeen-based mates right here on this very board! Me, 17-Coffees, and Tayne (although I've still not managed to hunt down Tayne).

 

But yes, I've considered the whole idea of moving elsewhere in Scotland / the UK, and I've also grown up in the countryside then moved into Aberdeen, and that's it.

However, I like Canada, and I'm coming round to the idea of going big or going home, if you will. If you're only halfway through your 20s, you're younger than me! I'm 28, not far from 30...

Why not rent some ramshackle old property between all of you, and park shite all over the place...................

[richardmorris]

Seemed to be give a muppet a car day today. Either they were hungover or sleep deprived from the shortest night.

[dave21478]

Ten years ago I was stuck in a rut in a mediocre job in Aberdeen....wait...is there a pattern forming here?.... It was ok, pay was fine but nothing outstanding but further advancement was impossible.

I jacked it and moved to France. Granted I do have family nearby here which made things easier.

 

Was it the best thing I ever did and cured all my problems? nope. 

Its been fun, no doubt, but here I am now in another dead end job earning "ok" money but not enough to do what I want with cars and stuff, stuck in another rut and every step I take makes my rut that little bit deeper and harder to get out of.

 

The real problem is I am a prick. I am unsociable, I dont enjoy other peoples company for more than an hour or so. This makes it very hard to get on in a world where you are judged on how you appear, who you know and how interesting you are.

 

I need to change again... Dunno what though, the thought of going back to Aberdeen and getting a job in some factory or office is just too much to bear.

[Asimo]

Opened this thread to moan about the stupid places car makers hide fuse boxes but reading Philibustmyarm's tale has made me forget all that. 

 

Get well soon! Now, you need to get yourself an automatic and a claims lawyer......

[purplebargeken]

What the heck is it about Aberdeen? Hey, at least you are in France and in the company of interesting cheese and rabbit stew.

[chaseracer]

...cheese and rabbit stew.

 

Sounds lovely.

 

[richardmorris]

Rabbit stew can be a grump too. Bought bunny the other weekend from farmer's market. Viewed Jamie Oliver YouTube vid on how to portion said bunny. Casseroled with red wine, stock, herbs, onion etc for about three hours. And very nice it was too. But it's a hell of a faff for two people - and the shot was everywhere- think farmer used a blunderbuss! I think we should eat more game as it's sustainable and environmentally friendly and especially very tasty, but small bunny isn't worth the effort. Go for a big wabbit!

[chaseracer]

Go for a big wabbit!

 

 

[dave21478]

What the heck is it about Aberdeen? Hey, at least you are in France and in the company of interesting cheese and rabbit stew.

 

I hate all cheese that isnt cheddar. I hate wine, I hate coffee, I hate Pastis and I hate cigarettes. I dont fit in well here.

[purplebargeken]

You need to move to Aberdeen.

 

I don't like cigarettes but by gum, I'd move back to France this evening if I could. The only place I have ever felt at peace with.

[Jon]

As a context to Phil's little issues and my lack of communication on the subject (I've been busy with work), I had a call from him late Monday afternoon to say he'd just arrived at hospital after a spot of bother at work and he wouldn't be surprised if he'd broken his arm. It was a courtesy call to let me know that he'll be unlikely to help swap the Visa's head over for a few weeks. That was pretty much it! Presumably that arm of steel is to supplement his sizeable metal testes.

[dome]

 

I have a similar problem to yourself but on a slightly smaller scale. Not really going anywhere with my job and money is tight BUT it's tolerable and the bills get paid. Main issue now is the last of my Aberdeen based mates has moved away and my social contact with people is now nigh on non-existent. I spend too much of my time sitting around staring at the walls and trying not to spend money, it's driving me crazy. Becoming increasingly aware that my youth is over and I spent it doing nothing interesting and now my 20s are half over and I've done nothing of any real interest in them either.

 

Friends are saying I should move to Glasgow, cos that's where they mostly live. For a similar cost of renting my current house I could live in an alright area in a rather crap flat or have a nice flat in a somewhat crap area, I could probably sell the Civic/1850HL as I'd likely never need to drive anywhere and keep the 1300 as my only car. The concept of "going to the pub with mates" would no longer entail at least 2 hours of driving for most of the people involved. Also I'm not bad on the pull in Glasgow, probably because lasses in rural Aberdeenshire only like two sorts of bloke, loaded oil workers or burly farm hands.

 

but I've spent nearly 5 years at the egg packing factory as a "senior operative" doing a bit of everything, primarily mechanical maintenance/repair, but having no qualifications in anything other than IT tech support. I feel my chances of getting a job that pays a similar wage to mine without me sentencing myself to 70 hours a week are slim. Also, I've lived in the countryside since age 8 and the year 2000, I don't know how well I'd take to city life... I'm also a very small and muggable sort of chap.

 

Ultimately I fear I'm too good at talking myself out of things and am going to end up living a perpetually lonely life in a house with two spare rooms and a driveway full of cars I can't afford to fix and a job that I think is tolerable but I'm increasingly sure is a lie to myself.

 

 

TL;DR: Sacred of making huge move in life. Moving from shit bit of Scotland to a different shit bit of Scotland.

 

No harm in looking at what's on offer in Glasgow. I moved from darkest Ayrshire to Glasgow and it was liberating-not being the wierdest one at parties, not being looked at like a second class citizen because of your clothes/music taste/not liking the same shit the great unwashed do.  I loved it and still do, although I'm now in Fife. If you have mates there spend a few weekends down there, get a feel for the place and see what you think. 

[MarvinsMom]

sadly i like wine, 

 

and beer.

 

and cigarettes,

 

that is all.

[Split_Pin]

Jesus shit Phili_B sounds like you were chewed up and spat out. All the best for a swift recovery.

 

That contraption you have to drive looks like Nicholas Cugnot's Steam Gun Carriage of 1759 and just as dangerous.

[Split_Pin]

I worked for a bank for 6 months it was hell. I would take 15 negative points from a bank as a positive. You must be good.

I've worked for them for 17 years now and I can tell you that things don't improve after 6 months at all.

[AlabamaShrimp]

About 20 minutes ago I got into bed.

 

Crack!

 

The big bit of wood down the side split length wise from where it's joined to the headboard. Stupid thing is only connected with 5 very loose screws through a metal plate on the broken bit but 2 giant bolts on the other.

Why weren't the bolts made to go straight into the side of the wood not a crappy metal bit?

 

Anyway fixed it. It's now being held up with a 2 ton jack. Nect thing is bodge it with tons of wood, screws and glue or actually go by a new bed?

[philibusmo]

I've now been discharged from hospital. I have a follow up appointment in about 2 weeks to check up on my thumb, have my cast changed and stitches taken out. My thumb still isn't working properly but they think it's tendon damage which should get better over the course if a week or so.

 

Once again, thank you all for your kind words and sympathy. It means a lot and kept my spirits up knowing that I had a bunch of weird old car fondlers rooting for me.

[STUNO]

Yes Phil, I was able to solve the dilemma of visiting you or helping Jon today. But when the brain kicked in I realised I should have answered your call for a lift home from the hospital. Jon's brake job has not gone well (french car)but he will no doubt tell you about it. Now just take it easy fella.

[philibusmo]

No bother stu. I got a lift from my bosses wife and they bought me a load of food so it all worked out alright.

 

I'm now just chilling at home feeling very lucky that I'm still alive and have both of my arms.

[Split_Pin]

That's progress at least, still sounds like a scary event though!!

[Asimo]

 Nect thing is bodge it with tons of wood, screws and glue or actually go by a new bed?

 

You need an Autoshite bed like ours,  2 layers of 3' x2' pallets under a KingSize mattress.

20 years of 28 stone and not so much as a squeak, and all for zero cost.