Monday, July 24, 2006

Something in the air

I'm wondering if it's that time of year, or there's been a significant change in the weather or if I've missed a beat or two along the way.

Recently I have been receiving a spate of emails from men I've chatted with in the past. It usually was friendly "investigative" banter that either went no further or fizzled out, and (I assumed) we moved on. But my assumption, as I now realize, was wrong.

I have been contacted by at least five or so people in the past few months, and they seem to come in waves. At first I thought it was a Spring thing, but Summer is well on its way and I'm now contending with someone else who won't take "no" for an answer.

Usually it goes: "we got on so well together and I remember you were a nice person etc, I'm wondering if you're now married. Give me a call/drop me a line". One person asked if he could see me again, and now one person, despite fobbing him off, is persisting that I pursue a "higher calling" with him as his wife! On the one hand he apologizes for being "insensitive", but with the other he's saying that I should chuck anyone I'm seeing as I fit the credentials of what he's looking for!

Problem is, I've heard way too many men over the years say that I'm what they're looking for...and then behave like crap and bring wahala.

Some people, particularly some men and their approach, will ever cease to amaze me.

Friday, July 07, 2006

A kind of blue

Today saw the conclusion of my two-week knowledge booster course. I met some interesting people, had a great time, laughed and whinged together, shared new experiences together and when it ended...we were all reluctant to leave! We exchanged email addresses and no doubt some of us will keep in touch.

On Wednesday I found out that my application to my third choice was unsuccessful. In a way I'm sad about that, on the other hand it means that I'm now down to my not-quite-wanted 4th option, which I assume will go the same way. I will prepare to move at the end of the month, I will look for a new job (in what sector though?) and I will apply to do a course in September.

On the upside, at least I've done the booster course so I won't have to do it again. And at least I've know the course leader in one institution so that if I do apply he will know who I am. Camilla asked why didn't I try contacting my first option now that clearing is on, and I said if they didn't want me before, why would they want me now?

In fact I don't think I will be calling anyone; too many things to do over the next few weeks. I haven't even got around to cancelling some of my services yet! I mentioned to my brother that I'd get a phone installed when I move in, the way he looked at me you would have thought I said I was going to rob a bank! I told him maybe he can live without a phone but I couldn't. In any case, I would be the one paying for it and will have it disconnected when I leave.

Thoughts of moving can be so tiring...

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Here comes the sunshine

Well I guess this blog is aptly named for two reasons: having to get up around 3am to get to the airport in time to meet my brother, and the predicted heatwave we are to expect over the next few days.

It went according to plan; I managed to pack 4 more boxes whilst my sister sat and watched. It was deliberate - I told her that, rather than piling up papers in different places and pretending to tidy up, I could get more done simply by her presence. Had less than two hours sleep and got up around 3:30am, left home less than an hour later, got the bus in time and it did make it to Kings Cross Thameslink in 10 minutes! Quite impressive if I must say so.

I got to the airport in good time, but then had to wait over an hour as his plane landed late. At first I was beginning to think that I had missed something, an hour later he came out of arrivals overloaded and, for some unknown reason, it never occurred to him to get a trolley for his things, even though he was leaning at a 45-degree angle with his bag. I despair. However, I did enjoy watching people going by. By and large it was relatively easy to recognize the Caribbean and African people leaving arrivals. Most of the time I was right - Africans wear formal and casual clothing in a very different way to Caribbean people. Can't quite put my finger on it but it helped me pass the time :)

Having been sleep deprived, having to entertain guests who stayed unexpectedly and then running around to find something for them to eat...to say I'm "shattered" is an understatement. But at least I get to hone my hospitality skills!