A little dryer

 I managed to get A and me off site on Sunday, we went to the same venue but didn't sit anywhere near each other. Both of us with other friends. Then, when we got home, I had a chat with an executive head and it went well. I liked him and the ethos of the school. I'll apply. 

Feeling the buzz of a good conversation I got ready for frisbee and had my best game. Getting two goals and feeling like I'd played well. That evening we had a front room full to watch the arsenal V Man united game. Nice to have them around I made a very nice risotto. 

The working week was mostly good, I was able to get around lots of classes and did my, now usual, talk to the A-Levels biology students about VHL. 

We had a slightly less awkward meeting about the school show, mainly because the member of staff who is not doing what needs to be done wasn't there. And then later in the week I was able to tell him we won't be using the band. 

Parents evening, and I was teacher and, when possible mum too. I do feel for the teachers who got me sitting across from them. It's interesting to see it from the other side. Most of her teachers say she is very likely to get an 8 and some saying a 9. Great but I hope that doesn't mean she'll put too much pressure on herself. 

I had a chat with a different Headteacher on Wednesday and am hoping that it went as well as it felt. I'll know on the 4th if I've been shortlisted. Then it will be a very quick booking of a flight to get back for the interviews on the 7&8th February. 

Thursday afternoon I spent a very long time waiting to talk to the tax man - the status on my self assessment says Scottish and not UK. No idea how that mix up happened. They said it was an unusual one. I will be very happy when I don't have to do these again. It would seem the computer read Blantyre as part of the address and decided it was the Scottish one. 

The cats have decided to turn their attention to catching rats in the house. Good in some ways but I did do a cartoon squeal and leap onto the bed when one was under the rug and tried to get out. A is much better in these situations. At least it wasn't a snake! 

We have also been sent our freight and flight allowance for the return home. That, and appointments for a drama teacher have made it all very real. 

Sadly on Thursday evening we heard that a student in a big international school here in Malawi, had taken their life. It's a full boarding school and a large group of students were due to come to us for a quad school sports event. That's been cancelled. It's such a tragedy and one that is becoming more common of late in Malawi. It's still a crime here and I think the worst thing I was told it's that the school rector will no doubt tell the school community that the boy is now in hell. 

That meant a rather somber end to the week but we managed a call to Cas and Simon, old friends of ours and a booze free Friday with nice food and good company.