h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

This is my first foray into a new world, filled with potential and possibilites, wonders and wierdness (this alliteration business isn't as easy as I thought)

A New World

I'm fairly new to the net, having only had a PC for a few weeks during which it's only been used as a glorified kaleidoscope (ooh - pretty colours). I thought it was about time to "get out there"

I recently started a new job in the accounts dept.of a local government authority and it appears that, due to government policy, the majority of my colleagues suffer from various personality disorders and mental abberations which suggests that I was not hired solely for my accountancy skills.(Interview - "So, tell me about your mother")

I am making new friends at work and, due to government policy, am finding a surprising amount in common with them.

In one week, I will be taking in a new lodger and expect that I will have to change my habits more than I would like. I feel that my pet slugs will have to confined to a fish tank.

To add to this, I have just bought a new can of air freshener and I'm not impressed with the freshness of my air.


Spinoff

Welcome to h2g2. That's not an official welcome by the way, I'm just a run of the mill researcher not an official welcomer. I was surfing the Who's online list and got here. Where I noticed we have some things in common and some things definitely not!
In common:
- I've only had a PC for five months and, from your journal, felt much about it, (still feel much about it), the way you do.
- I used to work in a local government accounting department and what you say sounds familiar. For the sake of my sanity, after 16 years, I got myself a part time accounting job outside local goverment. I have to say it was government policies that were the problem for me too, not the council.
(They really asked you to tell them about your mother?)

NOT in common:
- Pet slugs???
- I've never bought air freshener.

I hope you enjoy it here at h2g2,
Wz.

Hi Wazungu

Sorry about the delay in getting back to you but I've been having problems with ISPs.

The stuff about slugs and mothers were jokes but everything else is true. Especially about my workmates.

e.g. The reception desk is manned by someone in Star Fleet uniform, my manager dances on the desks and we recently had to break down the door to the union office as the rep wouldn't let anyone in.
Council policy seems to be solely concerned with political correctness at the expense of providing a useful service and spending contol is non-existent save for what minimal control I and my colleagues are allowed.

I may sound a little bitter in that last sentence but I really do enjoy going to work (for a change) and hope to make a difference (You know - one man fighting for justice in an uncaring world, movie of the week type stuff)

At least it's never dull.

Air Fresheners - Try one : It may just change your life
(but not peach blossom)

Spinoff

Addition to my reply.

I've just visited "The Waterhole" and realise that air fresheners may well change your life but not in a good way.

No offence intended.

Spinoff

Delays in replies are no problem! One of the things I like here is that conversations can carry on over days and weeks. I haven't had enough online time to do everything I've wanted these last couple of weeks.
Shame about the mother question. Last week I was asked to suggest a couple of questions for an interview. I nearly gave the boss that one. But I came up with something about management information instead. Getting the right person for this particular vacancy will make life a lot easier for me, so I decided to be dull and sensible.
Personally I would love to pay my council tax to a Star Fleet officer.

Your Council sounds a different flavour from mine. BTW I still live in the same area so its still "my" council. They were more concerned with parochial politics and keeping the council tax low than in providing good services. Spending control wasn't too much of a problem. Any officer keen on providing reasonable levels of service had a problem though.

Enjoying work is great, I don't see why you shouldn't make a difference. You're in a field where it's possible.

Air fresheners make me sneeze! No offence taken.
Wz