Wednesday 20^th December, 2017 1800

Ok, you know in the end rather than teach the school a lesson (which apparently I could have done, it would have meant the practicum being rescheduled) but as always I thought of the students. It would have inconvenienced them.

I also looked on the bright side – if I tested them all today I have next Wednesday off! That means I can have a cracking Christmas dinner evening on boxing day without having to get up early!

But hell, I am never doing that again. Aside from my being brain-dead at the end, in order to get through them so quickly it meant testing them in the class rather than in private and I don't like that. I am sure the students would prefer privacy as well but needs must in this instance.

Of course, with everyone listening to my questions and without a shadow of doubt formulating their own replies should they also get a repeat question, I had to invent thirty different topics so every person in the class had an unknown subject. Not as easy as you may think although a little easier with English majors. On the other campus I am restricted to about six questions because they can't understand the other ones.

I did get a call at lunchtime from Vice-Dean Li in response to my irate text last night. She apologised as she was responsible for having me informed of the completion date and it was she who forgot about the clash of exams. She then offered to reschedule but of course by then I had already completed two of three classes, no way was I going to not finish the afternoon class. For one thing, it would mean I would have to clamber the seven floors again just for about ten students. No ma'am, if I am going to knock myself bandy due to the school cocking up then I shall reap the reward of a day off!

It's done now.

Adriana called last night. She is considering coming to my home tomorrow afternoon (cancelling a French tutorial to do so) and eating with us. I am going to try making Admiral's pie, an easy enough task in the UK because you can buy boneless fish. Not so here. I have a skinless and large white fish in the freezer and I hope I can poach it and detach the flesh from the bones well enough to use it along with peas and prawns for the filling. Now I have the pancake bug I reckon dessert is sorted too.

I told her to arrive (if she is coming – she is supposed to call tonight to let me know) at 1730 but oh no, if she comes she wants to come early to watch me cook. I can't think of anything more boring. The way I cook could be likened to an intermittent Graham Kerr. A bit of work then go and sit down to have a drink before returning again to do some more work etc. She is even intimating she will stay the night even though I informed her I will get up at 0500 on Friday. We shall see what transpires. My guess is she will indeed come.