12 July 2012

every day the bucket goes to the well

Can't sleep.

New job nerves? ;)

101 comments:

ryo said...

Seems like it's been a while since you had trouble sleeping. Hope it is new job nerves -- then after you've done it a bit you'll be back to sleeping properly.

Glad to hear you had a nice day off. Good luck at work tomorrow!

ryo

Greg Lestrade said...

It doesn't seem like the bad sort of being awake... I'm just... awake.

Anonymous said...

*shoos the sheep in your direction*

A comfy bath, warm milk, and the recognition that you really can't plan for the new job until you know more about what it entails might work.

Well, that or playing guitar half the night.

;D

rsf

REReader said...

Do you think it would help more to get up and do something for half an hour, or to just close your eyes and not-sleep rest?

(There's always warm milk. Or an anti-histamine or two, which has been working for me lately, a bit.)

Maz said...

I've been sleeping for shit lately, too. Hope you're just awake, and can relax enough to go back to sleep soon.

pandabob said...

Lates today? Hope you got a bit of a lie in. Sherlock willing of course.

Hope you all have a lovely day :-)

Small Hobbit said...

Hope it goes well today, L. Do you get to work with one team or will you be shunted round wherever you're needed all the time?

Anon Without A Name said...

Hope you're managing a bit of a lie-in today, before starting the new job and shifts.

Hope it goes well :-)

REReader said...

Have a good first day on the new job/assignment, L!

Greg Lestrade said...

SH - I think I'm being shunted a bit, but with a team of people who are being shunted, if that makes sense! I think we're extra muscle, plus I'm Bronze Command for incidents I attend, so we're sort of on-call a lot, I think.

My new BMW has a LOT of power, too. Goes like shit off a shovel, despite it's size.

REReader said...

I'm sorry but--what's Bronze Command mean?

Sounds like you're more or less reconciled to using the car rather than your bike, then... :)

Greg Lestrade said...

Bronze command is the lowest in the command structure for an 'incident' or op. Because, for instance, there could be more than one sergeant, or inspector, at a scene, so rank isn't enough to give a command structure. So we work a Gold-Silver-Bronze structure. It's other name is Strategic-Tactical-Operational. So I'd be in command at the scene of the incident, until, if it was very serious, I was outranked by another Bronze Commander, when I'd hand over. I'd be given my direct orders by Silver, who would be given them by Gold. Who, if it's serious enough, would take them from central government, who would then be Platinum. Bu that doesn't happen often.

Sadly the bike doesn't come with lights and siren. Or enough space for kit.

REReader said...

Ah! Thanks for explaining. It sounds all very--like the scenes would be pretty chaotic. Which I imagine they could be.

(Sadly the bike doesn't come with lights and siren. Or enough space for kit.
Or enough space for more than one passenger--who may not know what to do, or whom you might not want to get to know quite that well. :) )

Are you out and about this evening?

Sherlock said...

Can I have a ride in the car? Can I turn on the lights and siren and have you got CS gas and can I have some and a baton and what else have you got and if you're not doing anything and waiting for things to happen you could make my moose!

REReader said...

Have you been having a good time with Mycroft back home, Sherlock?

(I suspect setting off the siren without an emergency going on is strongly frowned upon, but it must be exciting to do, so I completely understand why you'd want to! :))

ryo said...

That's a brilliant idea! L -- is there enough space for moose creation at the Yard? :)

On a vaguely related topic, I went to a "Citizens Police Academy" (regular citizens learn about what the police do and how they are trained and the various units and things -- is there anything like that in the UK?) and they told us that part of the training for carrying a tazer or(I think) pepper spray or the equivalent is that they had to have it done to them. Fortunately, we did not have to do it in the CPA. :)

ryo

Greg Lestrade said...

Errr... there isn't really, no. Not generally. Sounds interesting, though.

Happily we don't have to be tasered or CS gassed, no, although I've caught the overspray off gas before - which is a tiny fraction of the real thing, and yeah, I wouldn't want to do it again.

Sherlock said...

I like the siren because it's loud and there's different noises it makes and it makes people being slow get out of your way, except Lestrade says it doesn't always because some people are cretins.

REReader said...

Those certainly are excellent reasons for liking the siren. Except for the people who don't get out of the way, that can't be fun at all, especially when it really is an emergency. (We have that problem here, too, and with ambulances, too. It's very not good.)

pandabob said...

Are you having an interesting day Sherlock? I always do my best to get out of the way of sirens as quickly as possible but I do really like to hear them when they aren't for a bad reason.

I hope you're not working too hard Greg ;-)

Greg Lestrade said...

To be fair, Sherlock, some people try to get out of the way, but if the emergency has blocked a road, say, in London, gridlock occurs very fast and there's nowhere for traffic to go.

It's just the cretinous ones who are cretins ;)

Did you have a nice dinner?

Not working too hard, no. We're mainly getting to know each other and getting up to date with case files, obbos etc. I think I'm on obbo tomorrow.

pandabob said...

It sounds sort of excitingly different Greg but I'm sure it's pretty mundane really! I'm glad you're not working too hard though, I hope home time comes quickly :-)

REReader said...

Has anyone here seen the new "Where the Hell is Matt?" video? It's really quite wonderful, go watch it!

(If you aren't famliiar with this video "series", there's an explanation here. :))

REReader said...

(Hmm, video link didn't work, sorry. It's here: http://youtu.be/Pwe-pA6TaZk)

REReader said...

(And there's more about Matt here, on his website. :))

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm free! First shift survived intact. I shall get home (hopefully) before John is in bed. I shall sleep. I shall get up tomorrow and have a whole morning to do as we want...

bloke could get used to this!

pandabob said...

in some ways it's not a bad way to work :-)

I hope John's still up although he probably wouldn't mind being woken with a 'kiss' ;-)

Greg Lestrade said...

He'll be woken by a soaking wet boyfriend dripping all over him - it's lashing down again.

But he probably still wouldn't mind, great soft sod that he is.

REReader said...

Not bad, L, congrats! (And no, I don't think he will mind in the least. If he's asleep so early. :))

(But don't you have a different shift day after tomorrow? Or do you have off?)

Greg Lestrade said...

Yeah, nights after tomorrow. Then what would be a day off and earlies...but I've got court.

Now I must go, or I'll never get home. Need a snorkel, not a bike helmet...

tally ho!

Anonymous said...

Try not to drown on the way home!

rsf

Anonymous said...

Sherlock, I don't think I'd take any tear gas from someone even if they offered. I'd be afraid of leaks. You see, when I was in the military we tested our ability to put on a gas mask correctly in a big hut they filled with tear gas. Then they made us take the masks off, and we all got miserable, but I got the most miserable, and I still think that it was what made me get asthma.

rsf

Anon Without A Name said...

RSF - easier said than done, I imagine, with the weather we've been having. It didn't rain here on Monday; it's the only day it hasn't rained in well over a month :-(

REReader said...

Then what would be a day off and earlies...but I've got court.

:(

I mean, I understand that they can't reschedule court for you, but you really do need to rest sometime, especially after being on nights! Do you get any time off between?

Jaws said...

Sherlock, I love sirens too! I was a volunteer paramedic for 2 months and the ambulances had 4 different noises, AND you could use the radio as a loudspeaker to tell people to get out the way! I used to sit up front and push the buttons, I don't think Greg will let you in a police car but it's worth a try!
We used to blast loud Middle-Eastern music and the sirens as we rocketed down dusty desert roads in a shoddy ambulance, ah nostalgia :)

Jaws said...

Oh, and Greg, if you still can't sleep, maybe watch your painkillers? I joined the Insomnia Club last week, my doctor said it was probably my painkillers/anti-inflammatories, it stops some people sleeping. I certainly hope you're asleep now!

Anonymous said...

Drat. Insomnia is apparently contagious. *summons sheep back again*

rsf

REReader said...

I know it, rsf. (I'm sorry you're having trouble sleeping. :( )

Greg Lestrade said...

Well it's sunny right now, so I'm definitely going for a run after dropping Sherlock. Might even get the good doc to join me - possibly Mycroft, if he wants.

Then I thought I might set up a tagine for everyone to eat tonight when I'm at work.

Small Hobbit said...

If you take the doc just make sure he doesn't disappear in any puddles. Enjoy your run.

Greg Lestrade said...

SH - I got in trouble for that! Well, for laughing at it...

I took some dental floss to throw as a life-line. Happily he made it around with only minimal dampness.

Anonymous said...

Had to google tagine, which didn't help much as Wiki gives me both a Moroccan version and a Tunisian version. Both sound tasty, though.

Did Mycroft go riding too?

rsf

Greg Lestrade said...

This one was sort of moroccan-based.

I'm off to Obbo now. I hope something happens...

REReader said...

Not that I want you to be bored, L, but if something happens I hope it's nothing too dangerous. (Until you get get home, but then it would be Danger-ous rather than dangerous, anyway. ;))

pandabob said...

Has anything happend?

I hope it's not too boring it's a long time to sit and watch nothing!

Greg Lestrade said...

Things have happened - nothing exciting, just...well, the person we're following has actually done things, which is far more interesting than when you just have to stare at their front door/in their window for hours on end.

I'm doing my best to look entirely nonchalant, looking in a shop window, messing with my phone now, like everyone else...

Mycroft said...

Is watching people easier now than it used to be, with the excuse of texting on your phone?

pandabob said...

better than nothing I guess Greg, I kind of love the fact that updating your blog works as a cover, who'd have thought this place could have so many uses ;-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Mycroft - yeah, I think so, a bit, at least. Still hard to be subtle about it, though.

KHolly said...

That's a good question Mycroft. I'm never suspicious of people who randomly stop to mess with their phones. Annoyed with them for stopping in the middle of the sidewalk yes, suspicious of them doing it no.

REReader said...

I agree, KHolly, it's just soooo common for people to be talking or texting on their phones on the street that I never think twice about it. Also, no one looks crossways at a person talking to themselves as they walk down the street--you just look for the bluetooth earpiece. :)

And if L stops posting in the middle of a sentence, it means things are getting interesting. (If he's able to click "publish", that is!)

Greg Lestrade said...

it's okay the first few times, and in busy areas, but like all observations, harder when there's not many people around, and when you've been following the person about quite a bit. We keep swapping who's watching, but still.

as the shops and offices are shuttng and people are going home, it's getting trickier.

Kholly said...

I remember the first time I encountered someone on the metro with a Bluetooth phone. At first I thought wow he is the best dressed crazy homeless guy I think I've ever seen. Then he turned his head and I saw the ear piece.

REReader said...

The first time I saw a bluetooth earpiece I was all, "Wow, Uhura!" :D

Best luck, L...

Small Hobbit said...

And of course it's the perfect disguise for those of us who occasionally talk to ourselves anyway (I do it on the basis that it's the only way to get a sensible answer).

L - I can see it could get difficult after a while. Especially if the person you're watching is aware that people might be watching him/her.

pandabob said...

how's it going Greg? I hope you're still doing enough to keep you awake :-)

Greg Lestrade said...

Got a bit complicated

REReader said...

Everything okay, L?

pandabob said...

I'm not altogether sure that's better than boring but I'm sure you'll sort it :-)

Sherlock said...

Are you coming home everrrrr? Carla called today and I told her about Charles Babbage's brain in a jar and she said that sounded kind of gross and I said it wasn't and then John made me give him the phone.

Greg Lestrade said...

I am, but not before you're in bed. What did Carla want?

Sherlock said...

She wanted to come and visit.

How many days do you have to not be here when I go to bed?

Greg Lestrade said...

And is she going to?

I'll be late tonight, because nights have to book on, then come and find us for the handover, then I have to get back to the yard and get my bike. Tomorrow and the next day I'm on nights, so need to leave you before you go to bed and won't be back til morning, maybe before you're up, then I'll be around more.

Danger, I'm soaked. Hope you're ready to warm me up :)

Sherlock said...

I don't know, she didn't ask her mum yet. She said she wanted to get you on her side first but you weren't there.

John says I have to go to bed now. :(

REReader said...

Night night, Sherlock.

Anon Without A Name said...

Good night Sherlock, sleep tight.

Greg Lestrade said...

Night Sherlock. Hope you're in bed already. Get John to tell you a story if you're still awake ;)

see you in the morning.

John H. D. Watson said...

I don't know any good murder stories!

Happy to warm you up, and dinner too if you haven't eaten. Are you leaving soon?

Greg Lestrade said...

I'm sure you must know about a horrible disease or two that would do.

just waiting to be found by the night team.

I might smell when I get home. if the rain isn't so torrential I'm washed clean. SOrry

John H. D. Watson said...

Horrible diseases...that's not a bad thought.

Smell of what?

Greg Lestrade said...

bins. did a bit of searching earlier. got bin juice on my jeans. and legs. and arms. and hands. probably hair. think i'm immune to smell now, but am probably quite awkward smelling.

Greg Lestrade said...

am free!

John H. D. Watson said...

I'll let you know. I'm sure you'll want a hot shower anyway after the rain though. This can stop any time as far as I'm concerned.

Excellent.

Ttid said...

Make sure who you're tailing doesn't smell you coming Greg. I thought when they said you can smell the filth coming they weren't being serious lol. Can't be very nice out creeping around on dark rainy nights like this.

Greg Lestrade said...

what can stop? Rain? You're telling me. Hot shower and hot food wuld bouth be good. leaving the yard now. home soon.

Ttid - I was worried they might! And no, it's not. Got to be done, though.

John H. D. Watson said...

Rain, yeah.

See you soon. Missed you today.

pandabob said...

partners who work shifts makes life hard don't it John :-( ( not the partners the shifts before you think anythingelse Greg) I hope Greg's not on this new shift pattern for too long :-)

Are you and Mycroft enjoying your one on one time? I should think it's doing you both the world of good :-)

pandabob said...

(I'm not sure that even counts as english sorry for the awful typing!!)

Greg Lestrade said...

Missed you, too. Will give you a huge hug and kiss... before or after shower is your choice. Locking the bike, will squelch my way through front door any minute.

John H. D. Watson said...

Anonybob - Yeah, but it's also nice in an odd way. I get him all to myself when he comes home.

pandabob said...

I used to like the late night secret time as well John, kind of nice compensation ;-) enjoy yourselves after (or during)his shower ;-)

(ETA captcha says 69 who'd believe it?)

Greg Lestrade said...

You won't get me to yourself next two nights/mornings... I daresay I'll walk straight into the morning chaos that seems to be called breakfast in other homes. (and then try to duck out of it and escape to bed, leaving you to deal with it all!)

John H. D. Watson said...

Best of luck with that... I'll try to keep Sherlock under control, but it's not easy on the weekends.

Greg Lestrade said...

Ha, yeah, I did groan when I saw what days I'd managed to get that shift on...

I'll book a hotel. tell reception that if a dashing Doctor turns up, he's welcome to make a housecall. But if it's a harrassed Nanny, with wards in tow, to keep my room number a secret...

Am now 100% less bin-juicey. Now smell of...whatever that shower gel is. Watermelon or something.

REReader said...

See you tomorrow night, then, L!

And have a lovely Saturday, all, looking at things in jars... :) Shabbat shalom!

John H. D. Watson said...

Bin juice may be worse than bodies for smell. You're much better now. Dinner?

Greg Lestrade said...

Mmmmmm. Is there tagine left, or am I getting beans on toast?

John H. D. Watson said...

There is indeed tagine left. Sit, I'll heat it up.

Greg Lestrade said...

Did you like it?

I refuse to beg. I may roll over. but only if you rub my belly.

John H. D. Watson said...

It was delicious! I cooked the couscous...under Mycroft's supervision. It wasn't that hard though.

but only if you rub my belly.

Maybe after dinner...

Greg Lestrade said...

Mmmm.

Love you, Doc.

Night blogreaders. Think the Doc's going to give me some dessert, if I'm good... at least a belly rub and a scratch behind the ears...

REReader said...

Sweet dreams!

Anonymous said...

Dessert or just desserts? Virtue should be rewarded after all. At least when it stops smelling of bins.

rsf

Greg Lestrade said...

Ah, another glorious July day. Shorts and t shirts and sunbathing in the park? Oh, no, my mistake. It's grey and pissing down again...

Anon Without A Name said...

This weather... I just... argh.

Greg Lestrade said...

I've put my shoes in the airing cupboard to try and dry them in time for tonight.

Should just invest in wellies instead...

Anon Without A Name said...

I don't suppose your action!copper uniform comes with a wellies option...?

Greg Lestrade said...

Ha, no. I haven't worn it yet, anyway, except to make sure it fit!

Maybe I should swap it for a frogman kit...

Anon Without A Name said...

I'm absolutely not going to comment on the idea of you wandering around London in tight black neoprene... although I imagine the flipper could get a bit awkward :-p

Anonymous said...

I've been reading about some folks from MIT who are making dress shirts that won't wrinkle and will wick sweat away -- maybe you should suggest that the next generation of uniforms tie into that tech so they'll dry off really quick once you get inside.

http://alum.mit.edu/pages/sliceofmit/2012/07/06/the-nasa-influenced-dress-shirt/

rsf

Anonymous said...

There's a game my friends like to play every so often - Crazy or Bluetooth?

Post a Comment