I'm still alive.

Today, I was made redundant. The Americans would say I lost my job. Well, I did lose it. The job, that is. I didn't really do well in the work, I was not so suited to an office atmosphere, but at the same time, the management also took my job from me.

I was told that I am a hard worker, they appreciated that I was always willing to take anything they asked of me (however menial) but that I was not suited to the profession. They didn't feel I was taking on the work out of enjoyment. Which is true. But still hurtful and sort of humiliating.

I cleared my desk. Told my coworkers. Left early, understandably.

Called the requisite people-parents, C. Decided not to wallow and got my stuff together for a bike ride.

Went to meet PM for the ride and trail clearing we had arranged. Got half-way to the meeting place...and broke my bike. The chain was sucked back since it wasn't shifting gear properly. It was stuck between my rear mech and the spokes.

Carried my bike as far as possible and found PM. Trying to fix my bike in a field with no tools. That was interesting.

Some of the exchanges with passersby:

'That looks bad.'
(Well...yea.)
'You should probably get some tools.'
(Really?! Hadn't thought of that, Captain Obvious.)
'Do you need me to call for help? Yanno, like a paramedic?'
(How is that going to help? Do paramedics now fix bikes?)

Finally, PM and I decided that he couldn't fix it in the field and we would have to go back to the flat. C was out and I didn't know where to find the necessary tools, so just told PM to find what he needed and fix it...

30 minutes later...I have a twisted rear mech hanger, sheared spokes and frayed nerves. But the bike is fixed.

We decide to scrap the ride. Pub sounds good. A drink later, some laughs. The day is almost passing as acceptable.

Off to jump into the unemployment pool. Til tomorrow.