Sun and snakes

 Following on from a very good party on the Friday I had a bit of a non day on Saturday, but the poker game at the end of the day was good fun, despite my shockingly bad playing. On Sunday, there was a planned power outage and I got up grateful that the sun was shining and that we have a gas hob ready to make myself a cup of tea. My course starts in October so I figure I should enjoy the sense of no rush or of really having anything urgent to do. A small bird of prey was calling as I got the water in, watered the seedlings and listened to More or Less on a podcast, my family sleeping soundly while I began to decide where I was going to put the currently thriving basil plants. 

The working week has not been quite so relaxing, the short terms mean each week is always full on. I had to be very firm with some staff, who despite the training less than a week ago let a total stranger wander around on his phone. I had to be even more firm with my HPQH provider because I had the third email asking for my payment which I have paid, in full and in August. This time I was very clear and asked for my email to be referred to the manager of the department. Sorted within 2 hours! I was gently firm with a member of staff who I had to issue a verbal warning to mid week, he was like a sorry little boy, apologising and promising a change. I won't hold my breath, because although I know he has needs I don't think he has fully accepted the issue. But he did at least promise to book an appointment with a therapist that he had been seeing before. 

I've enjoyed my teaching this week, the students here are such a delight and really seem to care and listen. I have a lovely timetable too. Although it has been changed a few times, now at least it is settled. I'm still teaching Ayla, she's happy enough, absolutely knackered after her first day back - hard after nearly two months off. I played a little badminton on Monday and with all the walking about school I too have been feeling tired. 

One of the cats brought another snake into the house - biga managed to save this one. It was a harmless one, which almost all snakes in Malawi are. He has working hard and helping not just our new staff but also other new people to Malawi. 

I think my favourite day of the week was Thursday because we had school show auditions. The first time in what feels like forever. A sung really well but was very nervous. But I think she'll get a good part. 

I'm currently at K's house, sitting with my feet in the sun drinking tea. Bliss.