Sunday 24 November 2013

A Dark and Lonely Place.

Most of you will not know that I have been suffering from workplace bullying for about a year now. And last week I let it get under my skin and stopped functioning. As such I am now on medication for depression and have counselling on Tuesday morning. I have now put in a complaint in writing and asked for a transfer, but it did get me down big time.

I do not want any sympathy I am and will deal with it and bounce back stronger. I have a few times in the past and know I will in the future as well. But I have not even looked at a brush or model for about a week!

I merely state the above to explain my absence from blogging for the last week.

Ok the important stuff none of this head shrink shit wargames are far more important than that. Some of you will have already noted that I am included in the 4th Annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge. Which Curt runs from his blog (Link to Curt's Blog.) . I have sent myself the same target as both Ray and Fran Deliberately. This is not in anyway meant as a challenge to them personally but to encourage me to get my finger out as I was originally thinking of a target of 400 points. All the rules are on Curt's blog if you want to know how the points are scored entry fees and the like.

For example a single 28mm foot figure painted and based is worth 5 points, So I would need to paint about 120 of the blighters to reach my personal goal. There are bonus weeks which will give me an additional 50 points IF I submit the required themed model/models in that week. I may well need those if I am going to make the proposed target.

The Challenge starts on the 15th December and continues into March. I personally will be using it to paint the figures I want for the Rainhams Broadside game next June. So yes a new project is about to start. This one will become clear very quickly and I am quite excited by it as I have not seen the game at any shows in the past. You may have of course, but I have not. It will be inspired by both actual history AND a certain film. So no it is not Zombies, hard luck guys! But there will be Camels!

Thanks for reading and with luck I hope to be posting regularly again as I get over this blip!

Cheers Clint

31 comments:

  1. Sorry to hear about your work time woes buddy. I hope it works out for you. Good luck in the challenge!

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    1. It will work out for me, but it may not turn out as I would think in advance. Thank you Simon.

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  2. As I've said many times, to many folk - "Real Life Sucks", which is why it's great to have an escapist hobby to fall back on.
    Have fun with the painting competition and here's hoping you make your goals.

    (and yes, you have been missed)

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    1. Missed. Maybe you should aim next time! Thanks Jo always a pleasure.

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  3. You just focus on what is important and that you enjoy, see you in the challenge!

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    1. Cheers Mate. I have a load of stuff that has been hanging around and not getting done! So the challenge will do me good.

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  4. Will there be certain Mr Lawrence? Enjoy your painting , and keep strong while sorting the shit out

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    1. Well spotted that man. The Arab revolt 1916-18 probably run as a participation game! I have never seen it at a show so should be a little out of the ordinary.

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  5. looking forward to your challenge output, hope work problems get resolved soon
    Peace James

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    1. Cheers James. Work will probably get sorted one way or the other this week. Probably by me spitting my dummy and walking out. If it was a bloke I would have smacked them by now!

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  6. As Joe said, real life does suck. It is still sad to see bullies don't magically disappear after school. Well, hopefully that will sort it out! :)

    I admire the goal you've set for yourself - I never liked those challenges because I still firmly believe hobby has to come from a heart and not a date. Or, with other words, I'm not strong enough to care if I'd miss the date I'd set for myself! :P

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    1. In the National Health Service 54%of staff are bullied each year. So this should tell you where they go after school.

      As for the challenge I will work at my own pace and try to reduce the lead mountain. Thank you Mathyoo.

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    2. Wow, and there's nothing done to reduce that? That's every second employee!

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    3. Yes they are trying to reduce it. But it is easier said than done.

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  7. Good luck in the challenge, Clint!..and I'm glad yer back!

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    1. Thank you David. As mentioned above expect camels armoured cars Bristols (Just put a spurious boob comment in for Fran) and a railway in the coming months.

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  8. I remember you mentioning this before Clint, sorry things have gotten even worse!!! Good luck in the challenge!!!

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    1. Yeah I am now at the stage of Jacking it! As for the challenge I am looking forward to it. Got about 40 camels and riders to do before June so the challenge is a good place to start I think. Thanks Ray.

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    2. Worst that can happen now I have flagged the problem up is I don't get a transfer. Then they get my resignation if I can't live with it. Simples!

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  9. I will be doing a lot of different scales most likely so it will be my normal hodge podge and chaotic approach. I have a couple of things primed and ready. I'll just play it by ear. Thank you Loki.

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  10. Clint I have been in the Military for over 20 years and have been subjected to numerous forms of bullying plus having to deal with those under my command being bullied so I can completely understand your predicament. I know you said no sympathy but just know that in this day and age friends come in all kinds whether real life/Internet/blog or hobby and thoughts and best wishes are with you.

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    1. Thank you Carl, but it's only a job. My health will come first. I promise.

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  11. As Carl said, I know you said no sympathy, but as someone that has suffered and beating the Black Dog please know that you are not alone. You know how to contact me should you wish to talk about it with someone that has been there. All in PM or email of course ;-)

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  12. Clint I am very sorry to hear of your situation and I hope the transfer works out for you as it easy to do this and it show strength from the offset. Anyway good luck with the challenge there mate

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    1. What will be will be. Thanks Pete.

      And let's get back to talking about the important things like painting figures and rolling dice!

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  13. No worries mate. The black dog and me have met a few times in the past. I know when to stroke it and when to let it sleep.

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  14. Yes, it sounds like a dark place indeed. But it needn't be lonely while you have friends. Onwards and upwards!

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    1. Thanks Hugh. I know I have friends and I thank you for that. But that does not stop it being lonely. Depression saps your confidence and gives you a feeling of isolation.

      But I do thank you and all the others as well.

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  15. Sorry to hear that mate. Been there myself and it's not fun. Hope things turn around for you soon.

    The Challange looks like a darn good 'distraction' from real life and I look forward to seeing your entries once things kick off.

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    1. Thanks Lee. This is not my first time being bullied at work and I doubt it will be the last. Things will turn around and get sorted.

      Yes I think the challenge will do me good and it has come at the right time for me.

      I note you have a target of 200 points yourself. You would only need to get 4 bonuses for that. I think you could get 400 easy. Stretch yourself a little. Go On!

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