Just over a week ago, I started working at my new job (won't write where I'm working as I don't like advertising company names online whilst I'm there).
I'm manuscript administrator (or at least temping under that title), which pretty much involves putting manuscripts through the editorial processes online:
- sending them to the editor
- making sure correction are put in place
- ensuring people are reviewing it
- sending it on etc.

It's a huge jump to what I've dealt with in the past and a terrific learning experience. Everything's done using an online system so my desk isnt swamped with paper.
It's extremely interesting and an excellent job except for one thing.

If this job doesn't immunise me to gore films, nothing will.

To cut a long story short, I deal with medical papers, some of which have extremely graphic images. And my job involves looking at them because I have to ensure the figures are clear, the files aren't too big and the pictures aren't wonky. I really don't mind this as I'm fed up of feeling squimish and I'm thinking this might help pull me out of that state of mind. However, I come across some pretty nasty stuff, especially when dealing with the emergency medical stuff.The first piece I encountered which made my boss (who sits two desks behind me, facing my computer - my back to him) laugh, because i gave a really loud squeak apparently when I encountered it. I was scrolling down the page quite happily when I suddenly caught a glimpse of the image and my stomach hit my throat. I then took a deep breath and continued looking at the paper. Lets just say the image stayed with me for a while after that. I told myself, if I could handle THAT I could handle anything.

Until it came to the eyes.

Now, most of you who know me, know I have a huge issue with eyes. I had a bad experience when I was a kid and since then I never been able to endure seeing graphic images of eyes. Due to the papers I work with I finish my work load fairly quickly (1 batch I deal with the whole lot, but that involves a lot of waiting for replies, the other 2 I only deal with a small section so finish in super quick time).
A quick explanation being, in my previous job I had such a large work load which I usually had to finish by the end of that day or week, I'd have to teach myself to speed through things whilst doing a good job at the same time. So now I've only got this one duty to concentrate on, I'm able to use that speed to perform these tasks. Of course when the article requires it, I take my time and really look over it, but usually I'm looking for something which is very easy to catch onto, so it doesn't take long.
Anyway, as I finish my work load, they get me to help my colleagues who have tons of work to deal with themselves. One of which involves dealing with eyes. Yeah...it's not pretty. I came across one paper which contained actual operation pictures. To say the least, I couldn't bring myself to look at more than one without needing to throw up. It's possible I may be able to immunise myself against gore in that context but that was a little too much too soon.Apart from that the job is great. The people are really lovely and really made the effort to talk to me and get to know me which made it easier to get comfortable. They've also arranged a meal out for lunch with a large group of people as a welcome for me for next week which was lovely. And it seems within the week I've worked there I've already managed to impress my line manager as he took me aside for a meeting and said he was impressed with the speed at which I'd picked things up AND as he'd checked up on the work I'd done, I was doing the job well as well as speedily. Let's just hope it stays that way for a while.

In other news, have come down with a bastard of a cold. It started as a light cough progressing over time, worked itself into full phlegm fest (sorry) which means if I tried to talk for more than 15 minutes, I'd loose all use of my throat to a coughing fit, which was not nice when trying to make pleasant conversation.I then woke up this morning to find my sinuses inflammed and my nose completely blocked. I'm really hoping it doesn't hit me big time as I'm in the early stages of this new job and I'd rather impress them than take time off work, but if it's called for I will take a day just to recover as my job entails attention to detail and looking at a computer screen with eyes streaming doesn't seem like a good idea.Liquids, cough drops and early nights ahoy. Yay.

On top of THAT:...yes there's more...
my final wisdom tooth is finally emerging. And it's not pretty. The other day I very nearly called in sick due to the pain I felt in my cheek and at around 4 in the morning, I woke feeling the entire left side of my face in complete pain.
I've learnt that if I keep my mouth/face still for a long time, and then start moving/talking, the pain is excrutiating. So sleeping for 7 hours or so, means PAIN when I wake up.
I popped by the pharmacy the other day, and bought a tube of...numbing...stuff (to give it it's technical term).
I'd love to have them removed...unfortunately, they're so deep and the roots so big, my dentist has told me it's better to endure the pain of them emerging than go through the pain of operation.

One of these days I will be in strong health again...honest. But fortunately, I'm enjoying my job enough and getting on well enough with the girls I work with to pass the days well, and forget my cold and wisdom tooth ouch.