Wednesday 22^nd May, 2019 2130

As is my wont these days, my weekend was spent at home, everywhere is too crowded to enjoy going anywhere.

On Monday I did make my first ever apple turnovers using my cheats' puff pastry. I was pleased with the result but not as much as the two girls, who ensured the only taste I got was one left for me to eat the following day instead of at dinner. My stomach curse was upon me when it came time to dish up so a few forkfuls of macaroni cheese were all I had.

Today in my classes I felt I was simply wasting my time with kids who have no interest. Even worse, when I show them part of a film (and I show them good ones that English majors do appreciate) and look around the room, I am lucky if three of them are watching, the rest are viewing something on their mobile phones. I was growing ever more keen on moving to Gansu Agricultural.

Until that is, Brenda called.

Another year, enhanced salary and a move to teach on Peili and/or main campus to teach English majors was mine for the taking, along with an understanding the school was aware I wanted employment to take me up to summer 2022.

What a volte-face!

The new offer is not quite as financially attractive as GAU's but it's a case of the devil you know and I certainly know all the deans, I bought them all gifts from Europe last year! A huge bonus is not having to move home (cancel that order for cardboard boxes and bubble wrap!) and no need to buy an e-bike just to get around another huge campus.

Money is not always the main consideration after a certain age, as I have stated before, security of tenure is paramount in an ageist land at my tender years.

So I ain't going nowhere, as the youth would say. At least for a year and then we will probably play out the same game again! At least if I let GAU down nicely tomorrow I may still have a Plan B next year – they seem to actively seek teachers with experience rather than Peace Corps volunteers or gap year students.