A bed of roses

So, I had two evenings out this week - nothing exciting, though!  Both were church related meetings - the first was the church council, the second was an audit of a course on mission.  I was very pleasantly surprised by the open attitude of the tutor.  I can tend to get reverse-judgmental and believe we're the only church in the world that's open and accepting of everyone - you know, like Jesus was!  And, in fact, nobody in the room challenged the tutor, so hopefully they're all open and loving.  They are all there because they're training for ordination or readership; I'm there to support my LML work.

Speaking of which, we had a bit of an incident on Tuesday.  I gave my set of keys to my right-hand person so that they can open up early for our member who is wheelchair-bound, and lock up when we've finished.  I had already left because a) I had to get back to work and b) I don't have keys anymore.  They had a meeting with the Rector after the session, who hurried them off whilst said wheelchair bound person was waiting for a taxi, in the rain.  It was quite a while after the session had finished, what with tidying up and chat and I don't know when the taxi was ordered.  Anyway, we got the inevitable email from the person who wanted to make sure the same thing didn't happen to someone else.

I don't know how I feel about it.  I'm actually a bit shocked that they were bundled out and left to wait in the rain (even with an umbrella) - but they could have booked the taxi for a specific time, rather than calling the company and waiting on the vagaries of taxi drivers.  And they are a regular member; it could have been someone new to the group, and it could have been their first impression.  But if it had been a nice day, it wouldn't have been a problem!

Anyway, it happened.

Tuesday evening, I got a bit of a scratchy throat which, by Wednesday morning, had turned into a low level cold.  I've soldiered on through work supported by Lemsips, again.  I had a similar one towards the end of last year.  Over the last few years, I've had one big illness that has kept me off work.  Not sure which I prefer...  But we have a new sickness policy that monitors how many times you've been off work.  It's just...  If you're ill, you're ill!  Ongoing conditions are accounted for, though.

Also had a review of my PDPR with my new line manager.  They seemed surprised when I said I wanted to leave - but they changed jobs from the 'other' University after about 20 years there and at about the same age (my deadline is my 50th birthday next May), so they understood my need for a move.  The review went well, and I made it clear I still want to see the role developed, even if it's only so it's a nice package to hand on to the next person!

Had a final coffee with my work mentor, who has a job at the 'other' University.  At the start of the relationship they said, 'mentoring is a two-way process', but I think, in the end, they got more out of it than I did (and I did get a lot) because it reignited their faith and they've been coming to 'A Taste of God' on Tuesdays!  Who knew I could be an evangelist?!  (ROFL)

And tomorrow, I'm leading and speaking at St Bride's.  I think someone is trying to make me a vicar by stealth... *peers vaguely Heaven-wards'

The son was 29 the other day and we had the traditional chocolate orange marble cake (not very marbled but VERY tasty - best cake I've made in years).  He has an interview on Monday at a place he isn't sure how to get to, so he and I are on a magical mystery tour today to find it!

And that's life at the moment.

 Looks like I've picked up a cold somewhere between here and Cardiff.  I am NOT impressed - although Beecham's, water and a good night's sleep have definitely helped.

Last night was the 'induction and installation' for our new team rector.  It seems so long since we appointed her but she's finally here.  It was a really good night - and the Bishop danced!

Otherwise, yesterday was pretty uneventful.  I worked my way through the Feywood and down to Giruvegan, and am considering taking a break from the story to do some hunts.  I also haven't managed to locate the urn containing the map for Cerobi Steppes even though the whole thing is now highlighted.  I must have run past it *sigh*.  I am loving FFXII:ZA as much as I expected to.  It really is the best game in the series as far as I'm concerned, at least of those that I've played.

Well, that's all for now.  Toodles, DW!