Well, right now I'm on my way to Glasgow. I'd booked today as annual leave a couple of weeks ago, but this wasn't what I'd originally intended to do with the day. I took it because we've got a friend staying at the moment, but as I've now applied for a job in Glasgow, I decided to try maximising my chances by going up there and meeting the current jobholder. I hope it proves I'm serious about this job - surely spending ten hours and a hefty wad of cash travelling to meet this guy will earn me a few brownie points.

It bloody well better.

Anyway, thus far the train journey is proving to be quite pleasant. I have a good seat, nice music to listen to, and some scenery to look at. I had to get up stupidly early this morning to catch the train, so I've dozed a bit as well. I wanted to travel up on the Sleeper overnight, but it seemed to be fully booked. This is a bit cheaper, anyway.

Just passing Stafford.

When I got to Raynes Park this morning, I picked up a Metro and was pleased to find they'd printed a letter I wrote them yesterday. It was following on from the comments of some twat going on about how Liberty are a "bunch of anarchists" for opposing blanket curfews on teenagers. Personally I'm sick of the way teenagers are constantly vilified and all assumed to be knife-wielding gang members, so I gave him very short shrift and defended the rights of all the young people who aren't thugs, i.e. the vast majority of them. There's far too many idiots out there happily surrendering our freedoms to a seriously over-interfering government, mainly because they seem to think we live in a world far worse than it actually is.

Got another three and a half hours before we get to Glasgow, so I'm going to snooze for a bit...

And so the day draws to a close...you find me once again on a train, this time returning home from Glasgow. Even if nothing comes of the day's activities, there is pleasure to be taken from the journey. I have all the good things I need - books, music, food, drink, scenery and an opportunity to just sit still and relax. Magic.

Virgin Trains serve up a rather good gin and tonic. Sipping away on one as the Scottish scenery passed by was very pleasant indeed.

Of the day itself...well, it went rather well. The visit to the station for finding out about the job went well. Everyone was positive and enthusiastic, there was a great sense of teamwork, and the job looks genuinely good. It's all about people and getting useful things done, and they're all done informally and positively. I want this job. I think I made a good impression - it's mission accomplished as far as I can tell. I got to talk knowledgeably about my previous experiences, ask intelligent questions etc. Good good good. I also got to see many of Glasgow Central's hidden bits, which of course was fun.

After this, I got to meet kirstygold in-the-flesh for the first time, and we proceeded to spend most of the afternoon eating, which was great. Lots of fun. I attempted to locate a Geocache to prove to her what all the fuss is about, but it was bit of a naff effort, as the closest one was a bit too far away. Next time, next time!

There was a bit of CHROS on the station when I got there, with quite a lot of trains running very late and the train to London before mine being cancelled. Despite this, my train left only a few minutes behind schedule and isn't very busy, so that's good.

I'm looking forward to getting home and sleeping. It's been a worthwhile but extraordinarily tiring day. I've never done a return journey to Scotland in one day before, and cramming around twelve hours' travel into a 24-hour period is hard work.

It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it. :)