Yep, late again. It’s Ok folks, no classes until 1530 Monday. Why am I up so late? The bloody rugby. No way am I watching the Wales/France match because it starts at 0400 my time but I would like to watch the England/Ireland one tomorrow at 0100.
Did my shop today - literally bus in, shop and bus back - and encountered Richard when I was riding home. I think he is convinced I changed all his classes to the same room on the fifth floor because obviously I would prefer the lower floors. Nothing could be further from the truth but in fairness he said he didn’t mind, as indeed he shouldn’t because were I his age they could have sent me to the eighth floor. The reality was that I thought being able to leave your bag and books all term in one classroom to save you lugging them up and down was best for all.
Immediately afterwards I met Mum and Bruce, a Chinese teacher. Mum didn’t say much (unbelievably she is starting to moult and it’s not that warm) but Bruce did and it was nice that he said that my having to leave at 60 was “bullshit”. not that it will help me but I know I am not alone in my thoughts.
On Kevin’s suggestion I tried to enrol Jane (ex-Prof Fang’s assistant, now the new dean’s assistant) into helping me with a dinner to discuss matters. If it ever happens it will either be the best money I ever spend or my farewell and thanks party. I am getting to the point where I am starting to care a little less.
Anyway, not unexpectedly, Jane doesn’t feel able to come to the meal. Whether that is because it would place her in a difficult position or not I don’t know because presumably she is now the new dean’s assistant. I am not inviting the new dean because I know she doesn’t like me and the feeling is entirely mutual. I expect no quarter from that direction.
So I am trying to get Prof Fang, Director Xu and Miss Yin to be free one evening next week and agree to come for dinner. I have sent an email to Anthony but have yet to receive a response to my asking him to arrange a mutual time. Quite why he has email I know not, for he checks it monthly I think and his phone if you are lucky daily. I have told him I would invite him also but I don’t want to put him in an uncomfortable situation. If he feels fine with it then he is of course welcome.
Joan came tonight but purely to use the “hotel” for a shower! I don’t mind, she is busy studying for upcoming exams but she did pass CET6. She was disappointed that her score was not good but it was a pass and a pass is a pass. TEM4 beckons next month. Everything she needs to pass with flying colours is here but if she chooses to study with her dorm-mates what can I do?
As it will soon be March I tried to register on a job website. I have no recollection of ever registering with said website (they are probably the most respected by western expats in China) and it said my email was already in use. Ok so I tried to log in with every password I could think of to no avail. Emailing them produced a PHP error (whatever that is) and so currently I can’t apply to any jobs, not that I want to until I know for sure I need to but I want to check them out. There is a high school job with double plus salary compared to that I get now, plus others that look attractive. I will contact the site tomorrow (Kevin gave me an email address) so I can perhaps re-register.
Don’t want to leave but I need to know for sure and then I need to plan. I have to try to stay though.
I had the steak and bacon pie I found in the freezer tonight with mash and gravy. Absolutely marvellous and not something people who can go to the corner shop and buy sausages, a snake and pygmy pie or a pasty would appreciate. From where I am sitting it was heaven.
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