Post #89: "It's Abridged I Tell You!" - Audiobook Issues

So ... I fully admit that I am a middle-aged fusspot, but hey, somebody's got to be. The latest example of this is my use of Audible, Amazon's audiobook site, which I have a rolling annual subscription to, loving as I do, the ability to listen to my favourite books, narrated by talented members of the acting profession anyplace, any time, anywhere.

One of my favourite authors is the late, great Ruth Rendell, who wrote a series of psychological novels under the pseudonym, Barbara Vine and with the exception of one title The House of Stairs, are all available to purchase on the Audible Android app.  Me being me, of course I've read each one at least twice in print form and thereby lies the rub, Gallowglass was missing the final one or two chapters, thus completely changing the conclusion of the novel.  I don't currently have my paperback edition to hand as I think that it's languishing in the loft, along with a whole load of the rest of my books, but in the 'unabridged' audiobook, they're definitely missing.

I am currently on the telephone to Audible about this and they've promised to 'escalate it to their back office!'  A total first world problem I know, but I'm an Aspie.

Post #29 - Dealing With Seasonal Illnesses

My cold began on Saturday, it's now much worse.  I'm staying in the warm though and amusing myself by listening to audiobooks and of course, podcasts.  I'm pretty darn sure that I caught it from my son though as we tend to have the same constitution.  At least it'll get me out of attending my son's Cub Christmas Production tomorrow - I'm sorry to miss it in many ways, but after the December 2013 incident I dislike such things.

Post #11 - Diversity and Inclusion at Work

It's currently after midnight and I cannot sleep.  This sometimes happens to me, so I either read something really boring (such as the Radio Times's many articles about a) Benedict Cumberbatch, b) Doctor Who or c) Bake Off), listen to audiobooks or write.  This time I have chosen the third option.

Work - it's a funny old concept for an Aspie isn't it?  Apparently only 15% of people on the Spectrum are in full-time employment, which is pretty low if you stop and think about it.  Why?  Well, from what I know, it's a minefield out there and employers find it hard to place Aspies in roles and the staff themselves, well they struggle, that's for sure.  That's one of the main reasons why I'm working on a communication/training session to inform both the ASC staff themselves as well as their line management.  I've a lot to achieve in the next few months, but you know, I don't think I'm being corny by saying that it's hugely interesting and amazingly rewarding.

This afternoon I was interviewed by our Internal Communications team regarding my role as Chair of the Asperger Syndrome Group at work.  I cannot really say who I work for, nor elaborate much further, but let's just say that it's the public sector and they are still very good at accommodating staff with additional needs.  I hope that I gave a good account of myself during the interview; I was wearing turquoise leggings under my Trinny and Susannah (via eBay from their exclusive QVC range fashion fact fans!) dress and it's too short on me, hence the need for leg coverage.  You don't really need to know that do you?  Oh, I'm an Aspie, forgive me - my mind shoots off in all different directions at times.

I also attended a 'casting call' to find enough people to fulfill the roles for other Diversity projects.  There weren't many people present (well, apart from the panel and the organiser) and there was talk of a representative from RADA to come in and provide some voice/projection coaching, so I'm definitely up for that one.  I hope it's glasses on a lanyard time!

*Edit* - it never happened - I became too ill to participate.