You know how people always seem to dread Mondays? Well, in my case it has to be Wednesdays instead. There is something about Wednesdays that seems to make people call or visit more often. We know why we get more mail because it seems it takes postal workers until Tuesday night to recover from their rough weekends but that doesn’t explain the upsurge in calls and visitors. Unless, of course, they are all getting past their hangovers too!

Seriously, I feel like my office is a giant pressure cooker, the steam rising each day, and sooner or later it is going to explode. We are under a serious amount of stress at the moment and I’ve seen quite a few people in tears over the past few days. I’m determined not to let it get to me but it is so hard to stay out of things when you see others struggling to juggle their loads. Oh, but I finally got my contract - two months late!

I bought #1 Nephew’s birthday present today - he’s going to be ten in Sept but I needed to get it sorted out before then. I bought myself a fabulous limited edition CD and DVD with Elvis’s early concert performances so can’t wait to play that.

Cruise port: Paris But No Hilton

I sorted out the mess with my family tree site and found two tiny files in a photos folder that was set to 777. I knew about the risks but figured since I was the only one visiting that site, I’d be safe. One of the files looked like it was something to do with SHELL so I’m assuming it was used to get into my site somehow. Anyway, I’ve locked down all files and folders and will just have to activate them when I’m working on the site in the future. Honestly, you can’t do anything anymore….

Hackers should be decapitated… Oh, yes, I’ve been watching a programme about The Tower in London… Off with their heads!

Caledonia’s Tips: The Week Peek of London Eye
Read more about The Cyber Cruise Event

As soon as I went online this morning, I discovered my family tree website had been suspended because some idiot hacked into Cpanel, changed the contact e-mail and proceeded to send large quantities of spam. I’m currently working with my host to get the account unsuspended and have been changing passwords on all other domains. I’ve no idea how access was gained because I use pretty strong passwords (yes, I know nothing is safe) and generally keep a vigilant eye on my sites. I noticed a new WP fix, so thought I may as well go ahead and upgrade that as well.

I really wasn’t in the mood for this today since I feel decidedly under the weather. I think I may have eaten something that disagreed with me since I’ve had stomach cramps all the night and feel generally nauseous. I was planning on going gallivanting this weekend but don’t feel up to it just now and it’s just as well since it’s pouring with rain (again!).

I can’t believe it is August already! July was so busy for me it just flew by! We had a rough time at work, mainly because the senior management keep approving too many holidays at the same time which leaves us with hardly any staff. We are currently about three weeks behind with our registrations so that means we are constantly getting calls from lawyers asking why we are being so slow. I realise that means nothing to you since you don’t know what I do but if you are registered here (or I’ve friended you in LJ), watch this space. Anyway, it meant we were a lot busier than usual at reception and to add to the woes we had an increase in fees which caused a whole lot of hassle for us. As if this wasn’t enough, we also had the start of our much needed recruitment drive and I was constantly being interrupted to look after interviewees. Two of them are headed for our department and they started last week much to our surprise because we were expecting them at the end of August. They both seem very organised and it looks like we finally have two members of staff who will care about what they do and actually contribute.

I’ve also not received my new contract yet and considering I was promoted over two months ago that is pretty ridiculous. I know I won’t get my wage increase this September because I have to be in the post for 6 months but I certainly don’t want to lose out next year. I find myself trapped in the middle now because with next year’s increase I will be able to seriously consider buying or renting my own place but I want to be able to do that now! I saw a fantastic flat for rent last week and it would’ve been perfect but I can’t afford it just now. Prices for houses are ridiculous in the UK right now and if you are on your own like me, you may as well pitch a tent in someone’s back garden because that’s all you are going to be able to afford. Something needs to be done and something soon.

A colleague of mine got married yesterday and I can hardly believe how quick the months have flown by. It seems like only yesterday when she started planning this wedding. She was getting married nearby so we were able to take a late lunch and go see her arrive. She looked absolutely beautiful - the very picture of a radiant bride. I feel kinda envious really because she has her whole life ahead of her and I just suddenly feel so old and out of touch with everything. I know exactly what the problem is though. The bride and I used to have a fantastic working relationship and when S (the lazy girl I’ve spoken about before) came on the scene, everything changed. You wouldn’t imagine how one girl can make so much of a difference but she has demoralised the whole department badly and The Bride is so soft, she can’t see it and allows herself to be used. I get so angry when I see it happening but have to keep my mouth shut. I feel so strongly about the whole thing, I didn’t feel comfortable attending the wedding reception last night.

But, I have a long weekend since it is a bank holiday on Monday so I’m going to relax!