Sunday 16th September, 2012         0010

I was done by just after eleven yesterday morning, just as well because I was tired, a quick shop for pig bones and trotters, a bit of lunch and then home for a nap. It was really annoying because I set the alarm for 90 minutes (didn’t want to spoil tonight’s sleep) yet I woke again after less than an hour. Still, no need to get up at any fixed time later and absolutely nothing to do except give the floor a clean and once done, call K to come and do my internet shopping for me.

We chatted by the shops in the evening and by chance Sky happened by. She hasn’t been to clean this week so naturally I asked her why not. She’s too busy this semester and so has to quit. That’s fine and the last thing I want to do is impede anyone’s studies, but two weeks ago I specifically asked her if she was carrying on and she informed me if she was packing it in she would give me notice! Guilt bested her because she agreed to continue until I find a replacement, although I said just this week will be fine and I will find another by the weekend. I can’t see a problem finding someone considering I will have at least 250 new faces to teach and the job takes no more than 90 minutes a week and pays treble what Lottemart does! Not only that, one of the perquisites is that whoever takes the post gets free conversational English lessons!

1530

A productive day so far. Internet shopping done apart from a couple of items K needs to research on her own laptop and a problem paying for it using mine for some unknown reason. I was going to order a case of tonic water so I could have a few G&Ts but the tonic cost more than a bottle of mothers ruin and the delivery charge was more than the tonic! I ordered a bottle of port instead.

On my way back from bludgeoning fish I came across Meryl and Vivian, both going in different directions. Meryl was rushing off to teach her private student but Vivian stopped for a chat. I asked her if she wanted to be my cleaner but she refused because she teaches kids at weekends. However, an hour later she changed her mind and is now my new Mrs Mop. Currently I am arguing with her over pay. She doesn’t want any. She just wants to improve her English. Bless her, but she WILL take the money!

2045

This is going to be my earliest night for months - I am shattered and I don’t really know why. Took the dogs out just off campus earlier and spotted the freshmen queuing for their text books so on the way back I stopped to introduce myself to a few of them then met Kevin by the shops for a beer and a natter. He is staying downtown tonight so he left early which is just as well. Animal food is cooked, Bolognese ready in the microwave to have with bread and butter and Robin as always is outside being extremely vocal. If she doesn’t come in at ten when I call her then tough, I am not in the mood to keep going out to coax her and she will have to stay out all night. Again.

Monday 17th    1300

She did stay out - I can only hope everyone else can’t tell if the barks are hers or other dogs. Despite that, I did get an early night which was much needed and I intend to repeat tonight.

I have had my old class this morning and after lunch I have my first new faces. Kevin re-checked his timetable and found he has been given another two classes, bringing him up to 8 a week. What is most odd is that they are freshmen and the norm has been that one teacher takes them all. It simply goes to show how many more students they have enrolled and I think they really need to put strenuous effort into finding another western teacher to share the workload. God help me if Kevin clutters off next year and they fail to even replace him!

I checked my schedule again to remind myself which days I had 6 lessons. Tuesdays and Fridays are my dreaded days now, but western Wednesdays can still be managed with some planning, although I may just do them fortnightly in view of the workload. Thursdays I could manage easily as I have a free day but Kevin teaches downtown in the evenings then.

1830

The class with the first of the newbies went well, indeed I hope all the rest go as well. It was a slightly larger class than I like at 32 but for the most part they were attentive. Having said that, we weren’t actually doing any real work and for many I am the first foreigner they have met, and certainly the first foreign teacher they have had. I confess to being surprised when, as I entered the classroom, I was treated to a round of applause! I couldn’t help but swiftly point out that they were clapping someone they may end up not even liking - although I sincerely hope that will not be the case. During the break many of my old students came to see me - there were two lots in the rooms either side of mine - bemoaning the fact they miss me, as indeed I do them.

So, heavy day tomorrow. I can’t be bothered cooking so tonight will buy some skewers and heat them in the microwave later. Goodnight for now.