Thanks

Thanks to those of you who commented and e-mailed about my last post. I promise that I will reply to everyone, I just haven't been in the e-mailing mood lately. I'm trying to empty my inbox so that it is more tolerable (I've gone from 800+ e-mails in my inbox - mostly read - to only 60). 60 is much more tolerable but right now I just don't want to deal with any of them.

My schedule is so light this week. S asked if I had a real job. It doesn't seem like it this week, or the past few weeks, but I'm sure it will return to normal sometime. As long as I keep getting paid, I'm happy!

The power keeps going out. Last night when I walked home the streets were dark and crowded. Shopkeepers were lurking in their doorways, selling candles, and kids were playing in the streets. Housewives were peering out the windows, wondering when it would return. I REALLY wanted to take a shower but couldn't. I was lucky enough to have 60% of my battery left so I watched Lost and ate some lovely dolmas from S's mom.

This morning it was out again, leading me to wonder how the summer will be here. I have enough water stockpiled to flush the toilet when the water goes out, but maybe should I get some more food that doesn't require cooking? There is always takeout I guess...

Spring is really here. The temperature is fluctuating between a bit too warm for spring and a bit too cool for spring. But the daffodils are almost gone as are the tulips. Turks are still bundled up in their winter coats and wool sweaters while I am trying not to sweat in my t-shirts.

Ok, off to do my regular 2 hours of work. I've been working 12 hours weeks. This week is shaping up to be a 8, possibly 10 hour week. Life is good.

I broke down

I guess I was doing pretty good with the whole not complaining thing. Maybe I wasn't entirely successful, but I definitely complained less.

Until today.

Today it all came out for some reason. And you know what? It made me feel worse. But it needed to come out so I'll let it come out again here just for good measure. And hopefully it will all be gone after that.

The driver is supposed to pick me up every Tuesday and Thursday outside the Metro station at 10:30. This pickup time has not changed in 3 months. Granted, my student does cancel somewhat frequently, but I always notify the school when he does.

However, the driver, for whatever reason, is never actually there at 10:30. Anywhere between 10:45 and 10:55 he appears, asking if I've been waiting long (um YES!) and looking somewhat surprised at my answer.

Today I waited for 20 minutes in heavy winds which blew around dust and other crap from the disgusting streets (not so good for freshly lasered eyes)...I hid behind my sunglasses, scarf and hoodie.

Then after my lesson, I waited in the heavy rain outside VF for the driver who promised to be there at 1pm. I started checking my watch every minute at 1:10 and then finally around 1:25 he comes walking up asking where I've been. Um, I've been waiting here for 25 minutes I said. He said no you haven't. I drove by and you weren't here so I parked down the street. He was angry that I didn't think that he would park 1/4 mile the street. Silly me!

Then, before my next lesson, I waited again. We have a set "4:05" departure time as there is a group of us going. However, 4:05 gradually become 4:10 and then 4:15, 4:30, etc. I went up to the secretary to complain. She actually got off her ass and found the driver! And we left. But not after I slammed my head on the van door.

I arrived to argue more with the secretary who drives me batty with his lack of English, his "Yes I do" answer to everything, his lies just to piss me off.

Finally I'm home. My body is tired, my eyes are tired and I have to wake up at 7:30am tomorrow and I'll get home at 8pm. All for 4 hours of teaching.

I need a vacation.

A good week at work

Something of an abnormality lately...The administrative issues at this school are too many to count and I've decided to take an approach of only worrying/caring about things that I can change. Some things are just the way they are (i.e. disorganized) and if I can't do anything to change them, why waste my time and energy caring?

So, with that philosophy in mind, this week has been a good week at work. A good week should consist of the following things:

Cancellations - I have 3 private students at Vodafone and although they are all very wonderful, it's nice when cancel from time to time (I still get paid). So far this week, I've had 6 hours of cancellations (2 from me - food poisoning?, 2 from my student, 2 weather related - less than 1/2" of snow scared my students into canceling).

Interesting course topics - The text books my 2 group classes use (Market leader) leave much to be desired. So, this week we are doing the "Culture" unit which is so much better than "Markets" or the other boring crap they think students want to/should learn about.

No transportation nightmares - We are lucky enough to have drivers to take us to most of our classes that are in-company which is quite nice providing that they are no a) early/late/not there b) know that they should pick you up and at what time and c) are not driving like maniacs. I lodged a complaint with the HR Manager and now all of the cars *should* have seat belts soon (Mom don't read this).

Free food - Whether it be Vodafone lunch (which is good in one location, decent in the other), free coffees from your students or other such treats, free food always brightens a teacher's week

Talkative students - Nothing is worse than having to discuss a boring topic - like "Markets" with students who have no interesting in doing so. Just pretend a little, for me.

6 more hours to go this week!

By the way people - I'm waiting for your comments and e-mails. It only takes about 2-5 minutes (or less depending on how many words per minute you can type).