Plugging in the Toaster - finally some good news!

[Toaster]

For those that know me well and others interested, I have been off work for some time since my crash in 2008.... I hastily returned to work with a head injury after a few months and had to end up fighting ACC for support, which was lost.

So after getting stuff all since then via WINZ I got myself medically cleared and back into job hunting recently.

After feeling rather drained and powerless, I was today offered a temp 3-4 month role today working for one of our government ministries in Wellington with a view to keeping me there for future roles. Not huge money, but is a helpful opportunity to start getting back on my feet.

Also another interview tomorrow for a permanent role elsewhere that would get me back to Auckland eventually... I am hoping I can time these to run together if the temp role doesn't extend or open up other opportunities.

The important bit.... keeping the bike! At least for now! The Toaster is plugged in again!

[Genie]

well, that is fantastic news. well, done with your perseverence, but why I ask would you wish to live in Auckland?

[SMOKEU]

Good luck, take it easy on the bike.

[Toaster]

well, that is fantastic news. well, done with your perseverence, but why I ask would you wish to live in Auckland?

House up there in the country... been living there since 2005. Currently rented out that place for 6 months while friends build their home nearby.

[Pussy]

When you said "Toaster plugged in", I thought......


Oh, never mind.... I'll get me coat....

[Quasi]

well done Toaster. Nothing like the feeling of starting to regain the power back in ones life, of taking the steps that allow one to be in control again. Sounds like you have had a pretty torrid time but you are well on the road to being the master of your own destiny. All the best for the interviews and for moving forwards in the direction you want to go.

[mashman]

So it was you that bumped YOUR head. All the best man.

[Maha]

That is good news Cam, so now you can give up the 'All Male Pole Dancing Review' night job?

[CookMySock]

Good news bro. Back on track!

Steve

[Toaster]

Good news bro. Back on track!

Steve

It would be even better if I was on a race track!

[DJSin]

Great news Toaster - head injuries are bad news and I think people are surprised how long the effects last.

It's great that you are in a position to return to work and I hope it is the beginning of you being able to return to normal* life

*normal is a relative term, is anyone's life normal :)

[Toaster]

Thanks, yeah I completely underestimated the impact the head injury had (no pun intended).

[IdunBrokdItAgin]

Congrats Cam.

Maybe you can now spend some cash souping up that underpowered bike of yours. ;-)

Joking aside mate - well done - it is always a nice feeling getting offered a job.

You can't move to Dorkland though - we'll have no huge busa to be the tail-end charlie, on the tuesday rides next year!

[EJK]

Charge back up!

:sunny:

[rainman]

Congrats Toaster, may you go from strength to strength.

[sinfull]

Top news man !! Pleased to hear it !!

[Gone Burger]

Hey this is all great news Cam Well done, I'm thrilled for you. Best of luck for your interview tomorrow, and for the position that you have taken on.

It sounds like a very challenging couple of years for you, and to come out the other side with such a positive outlook is quite an achievment.

Home will always be home (I know that through and through), but when you do end up heading back to Auckland to your home, you and your busa will be missed.

All the best these next few weeks, and then months, and followed by years. I firmly believe good things do happen to good people, even if they do take their time. Next few years might be the best yet.

[Mom]

That is such good new Cam. Dont you listen to my rude hubby, I will chastise him suitably later :blip:

It is a long row that you got given to hoe, but I am sensing maybe you are nearing the end of it. Take it slowly though, really, despite the frustrations one foot in front of the other is what you want to be doing.

Work :banana: :wari: :wari: :banana:

Opps...

[PrincessBandit]

When you said "Toaster plugged in", I thought......


Oh, never mind.... I'll get me coat....

Gawd, there always has to be one doesn't there? You are a naughty man John!

Great to hear Cam, hope it all goes well.

[Toaster]

Congrats Cam.

Maybe you can now spend some cash souping up that underpowered bike of yours. ;-)

Yes it needs a bit more kick! Maybe a turbo?

Actually I rode an early model v-rod Harley yesterday. It felt like I was riding a scooter two up by comparison to my usual ride!

[turtleman]

Good news, Cam. Hope it all goes well for ya, and even if you do end up back in Aucks, I'm sure the Welly crowed haven't seen the last of you, anyway...

[Crasherfromwayback]

Yes it needs a bit more kick! Maybe a turbo?

Actually I rode an early model v-rod Harley yesterday. It felt like I was riding a scooter two up by comparison to my usual ride!

Hahaha...been meaning to ask you what you thought of that V-Rod!!

[Tank]

Great to hear Toaster - its just one more wee step forward - they will come faster and faster. Bloody good on ya!

[Toaster]

Hahaha...been meaning to ask you what you thought of that V-Rod!!

I was in a bit of a rush to get back for the interview so had to rush off.... a role for which the Busa is perfect..... rushing off! Thanks for loaning me the v-rod for the day Pete. The team at Wellington Motorcycles did a great job on the service too. I always find everyone really helpful and friendly there.

The V-Rod? The mods that the previous owner had made were not suited for my size. The way that bike was set up for a much shorter rider with peg risers and monkey bars made it quite cramped for me. It was nice to sit with the soles of my boots in the breeze again like I had on the big M109R, but on such a blustery day I really felt the wind in the chest! The crosswinds through SH1 past Tawa really caught those solid billet wheels, with (as you mentioned) the front end catching it like a sail.

The high sweeping handlebars were not my cup of tea. They came too far back towards my chest and made cornering rather more challenging than the standard bar would have done. The straight bar used on the new black V-Rod muscle was much more like my style for cruisers. I had the bike parked up and took some photos which I will post up later, so people can see what I mean by the comments.

Speaking of comments, the V-rod certainly got some nice comments from passers by while outside a cafe - as it certainly looked the part, but I found the expected Harley Davidson sound sadly lacking with those standard pipes. I did notice it struggled to get any decent mileage out of the tank, but it was only partially full anyway and the needle always tend to drop quickly from half on any bike. I also have to remind myself that my usual ride does 400km per tank in cruise mode and goes like a cruise missle in any gear, anywhere when the desire is there.

For what it is, it was a cruiser set up for a more mild mannered rider of shorter stature. Whip off those awful quiet pipes and give it a bit of grumble and I reckon it would sell itself easier. Compared to the new V-Rod we looked at in the store, I love the way they have evolved. The styling on the new V-Rod Muscle version is fantastic and it had that aggressive look I really warm to. But like Lions and kittens, the roar needs to come with a cruiser, not a faint meow.......... if the chance comes up, I would be keen to see one of those new bikes testing out those new pipes they now come with from the factory. Great new layout!

Comparing that older V-Rod to the Hayabusa? It just doesn't compare at all. They were indeed worlds apart, but its always fun to play on other bikes. The new V-Rod looks stunning and would be best parked along-side a Hayabusa in any garage! If only!!

[Rockbuddy]

Hey Cam good to hear things are working out, we miss you up here in the mighty Aucks

[Toaster]

Hey Cam good to hear things are working out, we miss you up here in the mighty Aucks

Thanks mate. I had hoped to make the Westpac Fundraiser ride but was caught up with a course down here. I hope to be back up that way in late June, depending on how by Wellington vs Auckland work options turn out.

[cc rider]

When you said "Toaster plugged in", I thought......


Oh, never mind.... I'll get me coat....I supose you will be wanting the jumbo box of popcorn :shifty:




Congrats Toaster, I hope everything goes well for you & your family :)

[Toaster]

Thanks all for the comments :)

[Pussy]

Thanks all for the comments :)

Even my one? :)

[Toaster]

Even my one? :)

Cheeky blighter!

[MotoKuzzi]

Working for the Govt?? Nice work!!

[Toaster]

Working for the Govt?? Nice work!!

Yeah working on a project for a few months. I have not worked for a government agency since I was in the police back in 2006. What happens after that project who knows! They seem rather keen to keep me in the team long term, so will see how it goes. But it would be nice to get back to North Auckland eventually. I enjoyed the country life and more settled warmer weather too much. Will see what happens to a more permanent role in a different agency in the next couple weeks that will mean a shift back north mid-year.

[Toaster]

Great to hear Toaster - its just one more wee step forward - they will come faster and faster. Bloody good on ya!

Funny you should say that mate.

After a week of work there as a process analyst, they offered me the role of project manager for all their projects... nice jump in net pay of 75% too!

The only kicker is that I am technically a "temp" and am paid above the top of their salaray band for a permanent equivalent. Fridays news complicated things somewhat too, with an offer from NZ Customs to join their ranks. Not as good pay and a similar life to what I had as a cop, but a return to Auckland and a career path back into investigations etc which is a passion of mine. Tough decision ahead!

[cc rider]

Toaster, so happy to hear you 'smiling'. Nice to have a choice though, aye. Best of luck with whichever employer is lucky enough to win you.

What sort of investigation work do/did you do?

cc

[StoneY]

Hey Toaster.
Just seen the thread (doh..been low profiling) glad to see your getting back to life again bruv.

Might ask ya to peel some of ya investigation skills off and give the wellington BRONZ Executive a bit of advise if your keen?

Ill PM ya why/where/etc

But really good to hear its back on the track (life) at last bro, good shit

[Toaster]

I got your pm mate. Sorry I couldn't make that meeting at short notice. I dont get home until late as I take the train from the CBD to Kapiti. Let me know if you need any help as you work through it. I will be around a while longer yet.


Hey Toaster.
Just seen the thread (doh..been low profiling) glad to see your getting back to life again bruv.

Might ask ya to peel some of ya investigation skills off and give the wellington BRONZ Executive a bit of advise if your keen?

Ill PM ya why/where/etc

But really good to hear its back on the track (life) at last bro, good shit