Subversive Act #2

I introduced unbleached paper at my work. Many areas have used it for a long time, and that's not just my old work place, the Natural Resources division, who you would expect to use environmentally friendly resources, but also the transport and education areas. But when I suggested to make the move I was met with resistance by the admin team who predicted an outcry. So I replaced the paper in one of the trays in one of the office printers with the unbleached 'Classic White' and gave people instructions on how to access this tray when printing. I can feel my power growing. The sky is the limit.

Bragster

"Excellent oral hygiene" said the attractive dentist to me. He continued to hum along to the Foo Fighters on the radio. "The best today". It was his last appointment of the day, so I had actually had competition. I can't believe how proud this made me.

Subversive Act #1

I introduced a regular huddle in my unit - an informal 15 min catch-up, where everyone gets a say, no matter their seniority. I mainly suggested it because I was new and didn't know what everyone else was working on.

People seem to like it. It might even flatten the perceived hierarchy. And it's spreading: The division head is now holding a biweekly huddle as well. What will be next? Will I take over? Can I be stopped?

A Sample of the North

I spent a lovely weekend dancing in a mansion in Durhamshire. Accommodation options were limited and it had taken me a couple of afternoons to find a B&B in the next village, just under 2 km away on back roads. To me, this was actually a win-win situation, getting a dancing holiday and a walking holiday in one weekend.

The area was lovely too, and the people as friendly as their reputation. When I tried to explain to the bus driver in Newcastle where we needed to get off he didn't understand me, but another passenger did and got off the bus one stop early just to make sure we got to our B&B ok.

At the B&B we met the nicest hosts ever, and when I told them that it would be just me and my friend instead of the three people I had booked for, they reduced the price for us considerably. They also offered to give us a lift to the mansion if needed.

But I was happy to walk, and my friend couldn't find good arguments for a taxi. It wasn't raining. But we didn't make it far on the back roads to the mansion when a Mini Cooper stopped next to us and a couple of fellow dancers offered us a lift. This happened a few more times that weekend, and only once did I get to walk back, one starry night at 4 am in the morning.

Moths

After a long discussion with my flatmate about minimalism, reducing the number of belongings, and spring cleaning I had this sudden urge to order many things from Icebreaker, maybe also because it was on sale and I just love merino wool clothes. But then today we had guests with moth problems at home. Moths love merino wool too!

These guests are now banned from the flat of course, but I am worried. What's a good moth deterrent?

Boss Trouble

My boss keeps breaking bones! After almost having recovered from a cracked rib (*click*) he now broke his ankle. I'm again on my own, continuing my power trip, building my empire, and infiltrating the government.