The crack in the pavement

So I’m in a taxi coming to work last Tuesday and thinking about the fact that (a) I was a bit late for work (b) I hadn’t blogged for a while and what on earth could I write about? (c) The sun newspaper never printed anything about Sierra Leone in July so I couldn’t be a VSO with 15 minutes of fame (or should I check yet again on the website??) and (d) why had I STILL not joined the UN gym (for the outdoor pool!) when half the latest group of VSOs were already members in less than 4 weeks and I’d been here 7 months (and I live closer to the UN than anyone and dented pride! else!!!). So I had lots of really important stuff on my mind.

The only thing I made a decision on was that it might be amusing to do a summary blog of all the daft things I had thought, did and said, since I arrived thus demonstrating how much I know now and how far I had come in this challenging environment in the last 7 months!!

So decision made, I started to mentally list the ridiculous incidents, like thinking that the previous occupant of my room was too lazy to fix the two giant holes in the window nets but had just covered them with wood panels instead, Whereas in fact these were covering the holes that you are meant to use to put your arms through to actually open and close the windows!! Anyway, I arrived at the Youyi Building (my work) and jumped out of the taxi whilst continuing to write the blog in my head, then took a step straight into the sewer between two flag stones. I was lucky not to break my leg and get away with only cuts and bruises. But no gym joining for a couple of days! The moral of the story… look where you are going of course and never think that your own stupidity reduces with age and experience, it doesn’t!

Birthday Bash!

Last Tuesday I turned 45 years old which means I am half way to 90 and can look forward to arthritis, memory loss, repeating the same stories continuously (have I written this blog before??) varicose veins and droopy boobs. Interestingly as soon as I reached this age, I discovered a rather large vein beginning to stick out of my right leg! Does the fact that I know myself fairly well and I’m a little wiser and knowledgeable than in my 20s make up for this slow deterioration? No it bloody doesn’t!!







Anyway back to 28th Sept 2010 and celebrating my Birthday in West Africa. In 2009 I was in the UK, 2008 I was in Miami, Florida and can’t remember further back than that! On 'B' day was at work and didn’t tell anyone, but in the morning I was in a meeting with most of the senior ministry staff and they all sang Happy Birthday to me which was nice and a bit bizarre! I had some calls from home which was a bit emotional including from my Mum and Grandma and Otto. Gran just wanted to know when I was coming home.
The working day was therefore OK but ended badly when I couldn’t get a lift home and couldn’t get a poda or taxi either. So, I walked home in a strop which quickly dissipated as I watched people sell things and greeted passers by on the way. Also, the storm that threatened did not materialise. Later I went to Senegalise (an African restaurant on Wilkinson Road) where 19 of my closest friends (!) had turned up to celebrate with me and this even included chocolate cake, a candle and singing (and prior to this an outstanding baracuda kebab!)!! As no-one can really send me a card here, I had a small but perfect collection of 6 cards, from home and friends here but the dearth of presents and cards hardly mattered as I had a great night. Thanks especially to Natalie for organising it and to John and Allie for the lift!

Also thanks for the 50 or so messages on Facebook and numerous emails! I might be far away but I was very touched at how many folks remembered, makes turning 45 almost bearable!!! Thank you.

There doesn't seem to be any photos of me, so here's the cake instead!!