Life on fast forward

Back in London

Hi all, I have made it back in one piece as of last Wednesday and have divided my time into a) recovering from the inevitable jetlag and b) running round like a madman getting set up in this city again.

But the running around paid off - I had a job interview with the same care agency Nicola works for on Thursday. They did reference and police checks and by Friday I was called back with 2 clients that I will be providing day visits to over the next month. They had nothing live-in at the time, and I'm slightly greatful for that since I can ease into the job slowly, while still having my own space and time.

Although saying my 'own' space is a bit misleading, I have my own accomodation sorted out near London Bridge, but it's a roomshare dorm type thing; cheap cheap with free internet and all amenities so I don't have to worry about buying my own linen or cleaning products. Or doing any cleaning other than the dishes I dirty. I think I'll be doing enough housework for my clients, I definitely won't be bothered doing any of my own.

And saying my 'own time' is also a bit misleading as I'll be working afternoons, evenings and weekends. So the time I have will be mornings (yay, sleep in!). I'm hoping that I'll still have the energy after work (finish at 9.30pm) to go to a salsa club and dance. I think the brain chemicals produced by dancing might actually keep me sane, as well as acting as a very fun form of exercise.


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UPDATE - 11/03/08

I haven't added to this entry in a while, I was waiting for something interesting to happen so I could take some pics, but no such luck.

Anyway, I've been working hard (50+ hours a week) and still trying to go to salsa and practise poi dancing, so there's always something to do and someone to talk to around the hostel when I'm not out and about.

I've also been practising my cooking, I cooked a bread and butter pudding yesterday to take to the lady I work for and she liked it (she's English, she should know). I've never even tried one before, so I wasn't sure how it was supposed to look, but luckily it was an easy recipe. I'm actually being modest, I'm a pretty good cook now, making gravies and sauces from scratch, inventing new ways to make sprouts taste good, baking fish and poultry to perfection. Now that I have time during the day, I really enjoy it!

The evolving Plan

My plans have changed slightly since having a think about what I really want. I have a few places on the 'must see' list (Morocco, Africa, Turkey, Mexico) but I would really like to bring some of my earnings home, so I don't think I'll be doing the full 2 years away. After doing the volunteer work in Africa, I think Camp America would be a bit much. And if I really want to do something like that, I can sign up for the Girl Guides or something and take kids camping in our beautiful country!

So the first half of this year will be work work work. I hope to take a few weeks in May to see more of the UK, and then once August rolls around I'll be taking a well deserved holiday in the European summer before going to Tanzania in September!

If all goes well, I'll have summer in UK, summer in Africa, and then come back to summer in NZ in January. The longer I'm away, the more I appreciate how good life is back at home. I miss being able to go swimming, tramping and spending time with friends and family - and since having a taste of home in February I miss it more!

Anyway, stay tuned - I might not update this very often because it would be quite repetitive (work, eat, sleep, etc...), but as soon as I have something to report, you'll be the first to know!


Love and hugs,

Linden

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