Monday 11 May 2009

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

Well hello groovers, yup, it's me, back from the dead so to speak. First I want to say thank you all for the mails asking where I was, also for my birthday cards too. Love ya Erin!

Flo is fine, she's enjoying her bingo and what else social services can throw at her. Just someone tell me how to get the old biddy to wash please? Phewwwwww. I'm going to pick her up for a weekend again soon, so watch out for a blog ok?

From now on you'll see me again and I'll start reading yours too..... That's a promise! I've missed you all so much you wouldn't believe it (wipes eyes lol)
No honest, I have but there's a reason I've not been around, so read on ok?

Well, me and the man will have been together for 29 years this year, wow a long time by anyones standards. We met when we were young uns and used to shag like rabbits, 247 365! How times have changed........sigh. 
When I first knew Phil he worked for British Gas as a fitter and I still remember the day he caught my eye as I sashayed past on my way back from being a junior window dresser.  He was getting something out of his van and he winked at me as I walked by. BOING! Instant stiffy.... I walked past like I wasn't interested but looked back when I was at a safe distance incase he was taking the piss.

Who would know after all these years we're still together hey? He hated that job with a vengeance. Lunch always consisted of playing footie in the yard while Friday was stripper day down the pub. To be one of the boys he used to be the first on the stage having the girls dip their tits in his drink...... Good fun huh? Don't think so!
Well, it all got to much for him and he did the knowledge to become a London cabbie. For two years he was up at 4 am every morning and went around London on his moped noting roads, streets and monuments.
In the evening,EVERY evening, I did the call overs with him and frequently fell asleep only to be woken up by a slipper thrown across the room at me. To this day I still remember the first call over. MANOR HOUSE TO GIBSON SQUARE!

Society changed over the years and what was a good job which paid extremely well when the going was good, turned into a nightmare. His nights started to change and he was picking up drunk or drugged up bankers and city boys who were abusive. They must have known something we didn't, well, we all know now don't we????

The credit crunch, recession, call it what you want has taken it's toll on his earnings and he's been bringing home less than what he was all those 26 years ago.
We sat and talked and to be honest, the long hours and low earnings were taking it's toll on him and our relationship, so he decided enough was enough and looked for another job.  

Today after six weeks training, he passed his last exam, a check flight. Yup, he's become cabin crew for one of our most popular airlines. I can't say as he can't even e mail his photo to his family around the world as it's instant dismissal!  Let's just say, it's not the world's favourite airline, but does Stelios ring a bell with any of you Brits?
It's only a 6 month contract which could be renewed, but it may tie him over till things get better.
So every night when I've been home I've helped him revise and get his 'wings'. He got his certificates last week and then as a 'newbie' has been helping out and has done 8 flights. Today he passed his check flight with flying colours if you'll excuse the pun!

He's gone from being a loner with a small select group of friends to an out going person, the transformation is amazing.

I'm so proud of him for doing this at 51 and so proud that I can be part of his life changing experience.
I'm sure you will all help me congratulate the get up and go in him that got him where he is now. I AM SO PROUD!

I love ya Phil, not just today, but for ever.

Gaz......Podgy poof. xxxxxx 


21 comments:

Sage Ravenwood said...

Ok, you do know you could of just posted a few lines and we would of all been lining up to offer support along the way right? Hopefully you won't forget it all too soon. I've missed you dear friend.

Most of all a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!!! to Phil!!!(Hugs) Love Ya both Bunches! (Hugs)Indigo

Yasmin said...

LOL Gaz I bet he looks a treat in Orange, so glad he's settled with a new job and is happier. Nice to see you posting to, perhaps the social can help with Flo and her bathing..lol but good to know she's thriving.

Take care

Yasmin
xx

doogs6 said...

Wow, pass my congrats onto Phil. I bet he enjoys the shorter journey to work now too.

So when do we see him on the airport documentaries? :)

Marty said...

Hi Gaz,

Welcome back and congratulations to Phil. I think with things being what they are these days, his story -- about landing a new gig and reinventing himself -- is kind of inspirational. I hope others who have been let go are as lucky to land on their feet.
Best,
Marty

Anonymous said...

This really makes me smile because I know men younger than him saying they "don't fit into the workplace" anymore,at least not into something they want to do, or feel they will be paid well for, as if that is it, done. Well, you have to make yourself fit. I applaud Phil. It is really hard to offer yourself up to something totally different at 51.

Glad Flo is enjoying the elder activities if not the bath gel & loofah sponge.

Thanks for sending this update to me because I was so missing your posts. ~Mary

Anonymous said...

If you're happy - I'm happy. Sounds like things are good with you, your love and your life.....happy to see a post from you :)

Holly said...

Hi Gaz!
I've missed you!

Leigh/BlueDragonfly said...

(((Gaz))) It's good to see you here. I've missed your wit and commentary.

Congratuations(and hugs) to Phil for landing on his feet(wings)! Life's full of surprises, and I'm sure he appreciates all you do.

I'm glad to hear that Flo's doing well. How about a belated mother's day gift of some bath accessories-a gentle hint.

I was on "break" from journalling for a couple of months and really missed it, but just couldn't get back in the groove, so I started the 31 days/31 posts challenge for May-yep now I'm writing every day! Stop by...

:) Leigh

Marie Rayner said...

Way to go Phil!! It's not easy to start over when you hit your 50's. I should know. I was so happy to see a post from you GAZ. I have missed you. You're my favourite poof ever, and that's the truth! Looking forward to another post from you SOON! XXOO
MAJ

LYN said...

HI BABES!!
I HAVE BEEN WAITING WITH BAITED BREATH TO FIND OUT WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON..I GOT ALL YOUR TEXTS BUT AS YOU KNOW MY REPLIES NEVER MAKE IT TO YOU...HOW EFFIN ANNOYING IS THAT??
CONGRATS TO THE 'OL MAN!! THAT'S QUITE A FEAT AT ANY AGE!! BLESS HIM...OH HOW I LOVE A MAN IN UNIFORM...LOL
HOPEFULLY YOU'LL KEEP US SMILING A BIT MORE NOW..BLOGGING IS ABOUT AS EXCITING AS WATCHING PAINT DRY THESE DAYS!!...
LOVE AND KISSES FROM YER MISSUS!! XX

Sheila Y said...

Missed you, congrats to Phil and his happier transformation. Sheila

Angie said...

What a great bloke is Phil. Congratulations to him on reinventing himself when so many would have just curled up.

And you too Gaz, your love shines through with every word. Looking forward to you popping up on my Dashboard again. I missed you.

love, Angie, xx

Anonymous said...

I thought you'd split up and run off with Flo

Linda George said...

Good to hear from you, I have to admit, I've been as bad about blogging, so much going on, so little time and I still can't get my head round this new system.

I love to hear how much you two still love each other and what a fantastic thing, for Phil to make such a change at his age, he's only five years younger than me but I don't think I could have done that five years ago.

Linda xx

Anonymous said...

lol Gazzy welcome back hun

Let me guess, I bet I know

BLOODY BRITTISH AIRWAYS?

* cough*

oops... Did I say that out loud? Lol

By the way you have missed alot since you've last read up on me months and months ago! hehe I guess we both got alot of catching up to do!

-- Christopher

http://life-accordingtochristopher.blogspot.com/

D said...

nice to see you around my friend... you've been missed and thought about. I've been going thru hell but seems to back to normal or so I hope. LOL

Congrats to Phil! I'm thrilled for him and you

love ya

Cathy said...

Dont you just think sometimes "geez I'm lucky in my life" you have a great forever-partner - who must look totally awesome in his uniform - and what cajones to get that job ahead of the younguns, bless em. So good seeing you in Blogtown again darlin.

Lazarai said...

Awww, what a GREAT story of true love, Gaz!! Congrats to Phil....I give him huge kudos for taking up a new career at 51. You two are a GREAT pair and will be together for life, that's for sure!!

Sorry it took me a while to get here -- I've just been to Aruba for a week with some of my best girlfriends. WHAT a hoot that was! I missed my hubby and kids, but hell, who am I kidding? I'd love to be back on that gorgeous beach with a drink in my hand....LOL.

Anyway, stay in touch, okay Mate?

hugs,
Carol

Anne said...

Darlin, As we say in the South, "HOT DAMN!"

Jayne said...

Gaz

Sorry i seem to have lost contact with you and many others since AOHell went down on us.
Grrrrrrrrrrrr.

I am so proud of Phil........ CONGRATULATIONS and GOOD LUCK.
Owww.....now i wonder Stelios..... could it be E**YJ*T....lol.

Good to hear from you and hopefully i will be able to keep in touch.
Take care
hugs Jayne xx

Jayne said...

Forgot to say
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY..... I hope that you had a great time what ever you got up to.
hugs Jayne x