Driving - 29 January

I didn’t sleep well on that sleeper couch. Turns out that only the half designed for sitting is properly cushioned, the other half is a bit harder. And there’s a hard ridge in the center – so I tried to balance on the tolerable half.

I woke up early again. Still fueled on nerves and not much else. I messaged Rose “Are you free?” she replied “I’m free! But I have not yet been served!” referencing a TV show we both thoroughly enjoy: Are you being served?

Saying goodbye to Rose was difficult. I think it helped that my mind is running on empty – coherent thinking has been deteriorating to the point where I have to write everything down. I’ve neither eaten properly nor can I sleep. I’m not really feeling anything, except stress.

I received a message from the owner of my new home, wishing us a safe trip!

The truck left as soon as they had loaded the couch, my driver and I had a last coffee at Rose’s and then we were off as well. We checked the tires, added some oil, checked the water, filled up and drove ….

We didn’t have tools left to change the front door lock – sigh, so they score a Yale lock off me! I considered messaging her an explanation, but decided I don’t care. I just put a single key on the counter and messaged her “I’m out” She tried calling me. My service provider is notoriously bad in cars – it doesn’t ring, only pops up ‘Missed call’ afterwards. She messages “TX you did not put the latch of front door on? So I just get in with normal key” OMG, seriously? Firstly, no, unlike you, I’m NOT stupid! I wouldn’t close the latch so nobody can get in. And secondly – just how in the world do you think I could lock the ‘normal’ lock? Thanks to you, only ONE key exists – you lost the spare keys, remember? And I gave you my keys yesterday! Remember? I replied ‘You have the only key. It is open.’ I saw another missed call from her – I don’t care what she does now. I’ve decided to put the nightmare behind me and move on. I want my deposit back – and I want that soon – but to me, that subject is closed. If she writes any crap, I’ll just reply ‘Whatever’.

And we drove … and drove … all day.

We caught up with the truck and all met up at Craddock where the two drivers had some chicken take away and cold drinks. We stopped across the road from KFC – and there were trees laden with cranes! I counted 8 nests! When I opened the car door, the smell of their droppings was quite strong! I wonder how much chicken goes into the food sold at that KFC?

Initially my driver wanted to stay behind the truck, for safety, but that didn’t last long. He couldn’t take driving half speed for very long, ha ha!

Some time later, the side mirror of my car started to flap! Like it was going to fall out any minute! We stopped at a shop and got some Prestik (it’s a white type of plastic clay) to hold it in place at least till we get to Pretoria.

I had tried calling my boss several times, when we had stopped, but – as usual – he didn’t answer. I messaged asking him “Where do I sleep tonight?” No response. I tried again when we stopped at the shop – three times in a row! No answer. Fortunately he called back while we were still out the car! I’m sleeping at his place, tonight! Sigh. Ah well, it’s just one night.

Rose messaged that she’d been to visit the mips, they are fine and happy to see her. She spent nearly an hour with them. I’m very, very relieved they are not acting up over the separation and all the strange happenings! Not that there would be anything I could do, if they had.

Shortly after Colesburg we hit a road block. Not a problem for us – but what about the truck? What if they insist on checking the load? One person can’t tie the tarpaulin and the netting back, afterwards – and the police won’t care or help! My driver asked very nicely to please let the truck pass, it’s loaded with just furniture, as I’m moving from PE.

We got lucky. When the truck stopped, the driver was waved on with the words ‘Your boss told us about you.’ Phew! That could have been a major issue!

We drove on and on and on.

I messaged the owner and told her the truck will sleep in Bloemfontein and start early, should arrive between 8 and 9, and asking her what time she’d like me to be there tomorrow morning. 7 o’clock. Gosh! That means I’ll HAVE to get up and going at six, to be on the safe side. But okay. She replied that she’s looking forward to meeting me! So am I!

We drove on and on and on.

We stopped around five for a meal. I called Rose to let her know what’s happening, since I doubted I’d have a chance to write, let alone post this blog.

We drove on and on and on.

I took some photos of the night lights of Jo’burg – all blurred, of course. And of those alien e-tolls. It was quite late when we hit Jo’burg, so there wasn’t much traffic – thank goodness!

We arrived at my boss’ place at 22:25!

Just a quick chat, then shower and bed. Shower. Sigh … firstly, both my boss and his wife are quite short. I’m not. Fortunately I wasn’t planning on washing my hair anyway, so I didn’t have to crouch Ha Ha! But then the hot water … it’s not getting warm … I’m letting it run and run and run. It’s one of those mixer handles, and I can’t tell which side to turn it for hot and which side for cold. Eventually I give up and just take a cold shower. Well, it’s not like it’s ice cold.

I’m exhausted beyond belief. I can barely think straight. But I can’t sleep. I get up and go outside for a smoke. Every time I’m opening the sliding door, their dog barks! It’s in their bedroom … sorry, but you wanted to safe the cost of a B&B. The last time I looked at the time it was twenty to two …

Moving out

What a day! It’s over – that’s the best I can say about today. I woke up quite early – so did the guys! They knocked on my door at seven already, so I had to put mippies into their carriers. Ziva and Lady Jane took it in their stride – well, after I dosed them all with CalmEze again. But Mewthos? He went absolutely ballistic!

He had no problem with the carrier, as such – but carrier means being carried to the vet … and that wasn’t happening, so what nightmare is this? Rose came up early as well, by that time I had already taken Ziva out of the large carrier and put her in mine on her own. She just curled up and napped. Poor Lady Jane was sharing with Mewthos and he really went nuts! He did cartwheels in the carrier, clawed Rose, rolled onto Lady Jane, scratched the flooring … just went nuts. When I finally had a chance – the two workers had arrived, I had to sort this that and the other while the mips were in their carriers and Mewthos was performing his worst act ever – eventually, when I had time, I took him out and held him in my lap. And dosed him again and again and again with CalmEze. Finally, finally he calmed down!

Then Move-A-Pet arrived and I just had to take a break and get my marbles back. Rose and I had a coffee, then Rose had to go.

I packed, the guys carried everything out and loaded the truck. When everything was out, I started cleaning. There’s a patch on the bedroom wall, behind my furniture, where the paint is coming off in great big flakes! The wall behind it is completely damp!

I cleaned, and cleaned and packed and cleaned some more. I cleaned a lot of mippie paw prints off walls! I washed the floors in the laundry corner and the kitchen. I washed the windows. I wiped the skirting. I brushed the carpets in the bedrooms as best I could. By three I was finally as good as done … agent twat called, telling me what time she’ll come for inspection.

I cleared my stuff out of the wardrobe – since she wanted to check those, whether I had cleaned – then went down to Rose to eat the Sushi the guys had brought for me.

A lovely patch of sanity while I had my Sushi at Rose’s! Then the agent … she saw that damage in the bedroom, which put her in a bad mood. She took that mood out on me! Went on about dust in one corner and wiping the skirting behind that glued-on cabling! For Pete’s sake, beech! As she left, she instructed me to call her the instant the flat is empty, since she’s got people who want to see it, and the carpet cleaner needs in and …. Hello? Excuse me? Are you adding these 3 extra days to my deposit? If not, then you actually have no right to access the flat! I’m still paid up until the 31^st! Of course, that only occurred to me after she’s left!

Then Romeo showed up! Poor, poor, poor darling Romeo! He sat outside the gate for some time shocked that the bowls were gone! Eventually he came inside … no furniture! He went to the kitchen … nothing there! He stood there looking for a minute, then came back out. Then went back to check if the kitchen had returned to normal … then came back out. Repeat again and again. Once I got up and he went filled with hopeful excitement to the kitchen, expecting THIS TIME it would be back to normal … I just didn’t know how to explain. He’d come for lovies, then go back to the kitchen. Eventually he sat on the counter, curled around the catnip shaker … and it looked like he had tears in his sky blue eyes!

Then I cleared everything still left in the flat, packed my suitcase, had a shower and visited Rose! I won’t talk about Wasabi!

As I went down to Rose’s I took my front door mat with – Romeo and Frankie love that one, since there’s catnip on it! I also gave her the last of the catnip in the shaker … Romeo followed, again getting excited. Poor, poor darling!

Frankie also said goodbye to me! He came up to me and let out a short, quiet meow. Then sat on Rose’s lap.

I’ve left out stuff, I’ll fill in the gaps when I have my PC back. This laptop is overheating already, after just a few minutes of working on it. It gets so hot, I couldn’t put it on my lap, even if I wanted to!

My boss called this morning & we sorted out the petrol card. He called the driver tonight, asking him to leave at four in the morning! I’m sorry, but I’ve worked hard all day, four is too early for me! The truck can’t leave without the sleeper couch, I’ll be sleeping on just now …

Day 96 of 97, Sunday 27th January

Just after nine Ziva decided she wants to go outside … but accepted a single ‘No, my girl’ and made no issue of it. I worry about her. I shared my steak with her, as usual – but she acted a bit strange, almost as if she fears I’m being too nice? I wonder if her last ‘owners’ were being special-nice before throwing her away? Or maybe she is just scared because she can’t understand how all this change, all this packing can be a reason for my increased calmness and niceness – change means unknown, and cats aren’t optimists by nature. They stay alive by fearing the worst – aided by their imagination, which allows them to plan and develop strategies.

I’m beginning to wonder whether I should keep them shut inside today.

Nah, let them run and play today! I’ll have enough on my hands keeping them inside tomorrow and in our new home! And they don’t go far now … they stay in the bedroom so much, it’s a bit worrying.

That’s why I’ve decided to keep them in their carriers in the bedroom until they are collected, not in the bathroom. And I’ve invited Rose to come and sit with them during that time, as well.

Speaking of Rose, I had some time yesterday evening and wondered whether I should post the photos. I decided to finish the mat for her egg basket instead! I didn’t write that last night, since Rose reads my blog – and I wanted to surprise her! I did! She’s very happy with it!

When I went to bed, the headache returned, and became worse almost by the minute. I think that must be stress, though I don’t really feel stressed? Anyway, I took another cocktail, at half past midnight. And woke up at six this morning!

All my mippies now sleep in the bedroom. Mewthos and Ziva cuddle on the bulging suitcase – I’ve put a towel down for them. Lady Jane came and curled up in the empty suitcase.

Long to-do list for today. The freezer is defrosting, I’ve taken everything I had left to Rose. Laundry is folded and packed. I just called the driver, they’ve passed Bloemfontein and should arrive around five.

I’ve packed the last left-overs off the desk, next I set up the laptop and then pack the PC. But first, I take the fridge left-overs to Rose.

Okay, PC is packed, but that blerry monitor won’t fit into the box! I need to somehow separate the stand from the monitor – and I can’t figure out how! No instructions came with the thing, so … a lot of unpleasant words were shouted, scaring my poor mippies.

I’m now on the work laptop – but I forgot my Facebook password, so … I’m afraid I can’t open Facebook. Yeah, not much of a loss … I can post to my blog, so that’s the important thing.

Cor, I’m exhausted! Don’t ask me what exactly I’ve done the past two hours, lots of odds and ends, bits and bobs. I spent some time with mippies in the garden, Lady & Ziva are not leaving the flat. Ziva is on her suitcase, Lady Jane on the window sill. Only Mewthos has no comprehension that anything bad could possibly happen to a cat as cute as him! I don’t know whether he just has such faith in me, or whether he lacks the mental ability to think ahead! When I see his attempts at catching prey, I’m inclined to believe the latter! Not that it matters, what he lacks in imagination, he makes up for in love! He is an absolute love-bug!

I’ve packed a lot of odds and end, cleaned a few bits here and there, got things ready. There’s still a lot to be done, though. Sigh … But frankly, I’m exhausted. I’m done for the day. I’ll wash the dishes and make myself dinner, but that’s it. The rest of the cleaning will have to wait for tomorrow.

Mewthos and Ziva came in around five, but I couldn’t find Lady Jane. So, I shut the two in the bedroom and set out to go downstairs to look for her … when she comes to join me, from inside! Ai, ai, ai! Since I’ve packed the PC, the rules no longer seem to apply – mippies stroll across my desk and curl up to sleep on the table; just as they please!

I give them their treat and try to take the CalmEze voluntarily … nope! So, we do it the hard way! First I grab Ziva, squirt two loads into her mouth and then I put the Seresto Collar on her! She wriggles and glares at me like a worm on a hook! Next Mewthos – same mission. Last Lady Jane – just as much of a mission! What a palaver over their collars!

And now Ziva has retreated into the cat carrier! Ai, ai!

I called the driver again, he’s got some 120 or 160 km to go, he says he’ll be here in an hour, so I take a shower. Feeling somewhat better now, but this headache is still growing again. It’s been building all day.

This laptop is a pain to work on. Firstly, I don’t like laptop keyboards, and then, this thing is so old, it overheats every hour; and the battery is pretty much useless. Well, it’s just for two nights.

Quarter past seven the driver arrives. Cats into the bedroom, put something on, and outside to open the gate. They park the truck inside – it’s a bit tricky to get the truck through the drive-through gate, since there’s no drive way – just the curb. Fortunately the truck can drive up that single step – my car can’t. It’s the same with Rose’s gate, but hers is right next to the garages, so she just cuts across that.

We have a quick chat – I’m sorry, but I’m really exhausted and just want to wind down for the day. They brought the licence for the car, but no petrol card … I try to call my boss, but, as usual: No answer. Apparently they haven’t eaten, so I give them the key to my car so they can go and get something. We arrange they’ll start around eight tomorrow morning.

It’s almost eight now, and I’m just about ready to go to sleep, already! I’m not sure why I’m feeling so exhausted – I didn’t work flat out today. I guess between the physical work, the mental scheduling and planning and the stress of ‘what did I forget?’ – that is what’s hitting me now.

And: Until they were all three safely indoors tonight, I could not rid myself of the fear that one of them might get spooked and get lost! Well, they didn’t. All three are safely CalmEze’d, collared and inside! I better pack everything off the desk and get to bed as well …

Day 95 of 97, Saturday 26th January

I went to bed, but couldn’t sleep. My mind continued to fret over details: what, when, how? The headache also increased, and by midnight I decided to take my migraine cocktail.

I woke up at seven, which tells me that the effect of the cocktail was used to fight the pain – leaving nothing to affect my sleep. I woke up headache-free … of course it’s starting to build again, but very, very mildly.

It rained quite heavily throughout the night, mippies are not happy about the big wet outside. It’s not raining anymore, but everything is soaking wet, with puddles everywhere. They went outside, but keep coming to me to complain about conditions outside!

I’m not really getting started today. It’s lovely and cool, so ideal weather for hard work! And yet … I just don’t have the get-up and go! I think it got up and went away during the night.

I’ve decided to borrow Rose’s large cat carrier and put the mippies into the two carriers into the bathroom on Monday morning. And also leave the grass mat and litter box in place until they’ve been collected.

I have had my breakfast, with Mewthos – ha ha! He’s sleeping on the bulging suitcase in the bedroom, but when I started making breakfast, he came to mip at me! So I shared. Now I’m preparing my little external hard drive so I can pack the big one away. Oh, and I’ve paid February Rent.

My laundry is hanging to dry. The vacuum cleaner is packed – well, mostly, I don’t have the strength to separate the pipes. I thought I’d scan that article on the Floods in Port Elizabeth in 1968 while I wait for the externals to finish copying – but then I remembered that I have a ‘document’ setting on my camera, so I photographed them, instead. The magazine is also larger than my scanner, so the photo’s will work better – though, obviously, not as good quality. But I’ve tested it: I can read off the photos!

And that’s everything off the ‘Tuesday’ to-do list done! The last list is only items I might forget, like paying the rent.

Oh, and remember I thought I saw Lady Jane jumping off the top of the fridge? Yeah, I have proof! She put paw-prints all over the wall on top of the fridge! Sigh! Don’t ask me how I’m going to be able to clean those off, even after the fridge is removed!

Printer is packed. So is the steamer, so are the induction pots and pan. And the external hard drive. And another box of kitchen stuff. I’m running out of tape to seal the boxes! And there’s all that cleaning still to be done!

Mippies are … worried, I think. They are never far from me, and even Ziva is sleeping on her suitcase, rather than in one of her favourite places outside. Five o’clock and the Mew-Siren goes off! So, I shut the door and give them the special treat I had prepared: I had taken two of the chicken stock bags out of the freezer last night. At first Ziva turns her nose up at it, so I open a sachet of chicken and gravy for her – she climbs into that, as do Mew & Lady; after they lapped up all the stock I had cooked! Then Ziva also starts enjoying the soup / stock! As well as the bits of chicken meat included in it!

I’m so tired of packing, I’m ready to start unpacking! Three more days! Tomorrow, Monday, Tuesday – and Wednesday I’ll be in my new home, unpacking! No more deadline! No more “What mustn’t I forget?”! No more lists! No more stress! At this point in time, I’m incapable of thinking beyond that.

I particularly don’t want to think about just how much I’ll miss Rose! I just don’t want to think about that … And mippies will miss Rose! So much! She is so much part of their lives – they enjoy her garden more than mine, they visit her every day, Ziva greets her as happily as she greets me! And Ziva! She’s been in Rose’s car before she ever came near me! Rose has been feeding her before I did!

Day 94 of 97, Friday 25th January

Poor Ziva! She’s insists on sleeping on top of the suitcase, but it’s full now, so it’s bulging a bit and she keeps rolling off. It can’t be comfortable, yet she doesn’t stay on the bed, after I’ve lifted her onto that. Poor girl.

I slept well enough and woke up quite early, but only got up at half past seven. Mew-mew was cuddling me so sweetly, I didn’t want to leave!

He still mewls for attention a lot – and the poor little mite has a fat lip again this morning!

Well, it’s Friday. Last chance to make arrangements involving businesses. But all those arrangements are already in place! So, today I can devote to packing the last bits and bobs and cleaning! But first, there are a couple of items I’ll need to do pretty much last-minute, which I might forget, so I’m making a list of those.

List is in progress. I’ve started sorting through the photos since my last photo-blog, so that’s also in progress. I’ve finished all packing required in the bedroom – now I just need to vacuum under the bed.

When I took a break, my phone rang! What a lovely surprise! One of my closest friends called and we had a lovely, long chat! We shared pet anecdotes, laughed, and caught up on where we are, respectively – just a lovely interlude during the hectic hurly-burly!

Then I finished the bedroom. I vacuumed under the bed, got the blanket, which I normally tape over the dining table to protect the surface during moves and now I just need to tie the ropes around the drawers of the furniture in the bedroom. Then, all that’s left is to pack my suitcase, pack the bedding and the blankie off the window and go!

Tied the doors on the one cupboard, where I packed cushions. Got the suitcase out. Next mission: Bathroom!

Rose arrived and brought me some fresh milk, which I had asked for! She tells me that she nearly locked up Lady Jane when she left this morning! Her Ladyship had strolled in and was playing quite happily – with no interest in leaving! She had quite a time getting her outside, so she could go!

I just got the itinerary from Move-A-Pet! Gosh, they only collect them between 9:00 and 9:30! Which means they’ll have to stay shut in the bedroom for 2-3 hours while people carry out all the boxes and furniture from the bedroom! And they can’t take anything from the bedroom until the cats have been collected! Crikey – that might be a problem? Especially since I may have to stay in the bedroom with them, to keep them calm! And hope like hell that no twit opens that door? That’s risky!

No, I can’t take the risk that Ziva shoots outside when some dumbo opens that door! Especially, since I may have to take the car to get the tires. Can’t really send one of the few workers available, while I sit in the bedroom playing kitty entertainer! So, I’ll ask Rose if I can use her big cat carrier and shut them into the carriers while I wait for them to be collected. Dang, that’s also not the best solution, since I’d have to put the litter box in the bedroom – and hope I can tell when one of them wants their litter box!

Shut them in the bathroom and sit with my back to the door? Sigh – I think that’s the only viable solution. Unless I somehow find the time and can arrange to deliver them myself on Sunday evening – I don’t see that happening.

Sigh, I love these last minute surprises!

On with the motley. Bedroom is completely done. Blanket is taped to the table top. Gardening stuff is packed – as much of it as can go into boxes. I’ve planted the Lavender – they had ample time to grow some roots. If they’ve slacked on their duties, I’m not taking responsibility! But, just in case, I took another cutting and planted that as well. Funny how it’s always the plants everybody says ‘grow like weeds’ that I struggle to grow. Like mint. And lavender. Well, new garden, new start. I’m not giving up!

I took the last boxes out of the garage – and found mail from my aunt in the postbox! What a lovely surprise! Ha ha, it’s a Christmas card! Well, it came all the way from Alaska. I had better write back and let her know that I’m moving.

My boss just called and his response to the Chinese offer was ‘No! Just, no! There are too many ‘ifs’ and too many risks … just: No.’ What a relief! Like I said yesterday, my only fear was that he might consider a contract for me as a ‘foot in the door’, but he isn’t interested. I told him about the money coming his way and he did thank me! It may not be much, by his standards, but it’s a lot by mine. Oh, and the guy he’s sending with the truck driver is someone I’ve also known all these years! Bargain! He’s also a quite experienced mechanic, so he can check out the car and make sure it’s in good condition for the drive!

I’ve almost completed the to-do list meant for Tuesday, which actually leaves me on schedule. Not ahead, but not behind schedule, either.

Rose just got back and she had made an absolutely awesome surprise for me! A lovely little succulent garden in a pot! She took cuttings from Ziva’s favourite Spekboom, and some desert roses and, and, and so many little plants and bits – oh, it’s just too darling for words! I think it would be absolutely fabulous in my new bathroom!

I think I’ve done enough for today. I’ve pulled out all the Cosmos in the garden, so that’s done as well. I still need to clean the bathroom and pack the surplus. Ditto kitchen. And on Sunday, defrost the freezer, pack the computer and the printer and just clear the last bits out of the lounge. Oh, and clean the walls & windows in the lounge and passage. Sigh, still a lot to be done …

Bathroom is done. Just the bath itself and the floor still need to be cleaned. Now I really think I’ve done enough for today. And I didn’t even make time for breakfast, I just had my cookie! Okay, so I had a few, but that’s still not breakfast.

Which probably contributes to the headache which has been growing all day long, just getting worse and worse. The weather is somewhat funny today, partly cloudy quite literally! One part of the sky is cloudy the other part is clear! There have been some drops coming down earlier today, just a few – like a teaser.

Shortly after five the mippies are mipping around, Mewthos in full siren-mewl and Lady Jane just looking hopeful … it’s so early! But they’re damp, too, so I suppose I might as well shut them in for the night. They are so engrossed in their munchie that I can give Romeo a treat as well, without either mip shooting outside. Ziva doesn’t let me wait long, either, so now it’s half six and they’re all happy! Well, except for Mewthos, of course. His lip is swollen again and he’s mewling! He is Mister Greedy Chops!

Phew! What a day!  I’d actually like to take a bath tonight. Now I wish I hadn’t been quite so enthusiastic with my packing – I’ve already packed the cushion I use for my neck on the rim of the bath.

Aaahh! That’s much better! Nice hot bath followed by a refreshing cool rinse! I feel like a person again! I’ve had something to eat as well – I’m afraid no proper dinner, just a fried piece of meat. And I’ll finish with an ice cream drowned in custard! It’s probably going to be a race again: Mew, Lady and me each helping ourselves – but I have a spoon! Only Ziva isn’t so cheeky – although her neck grows longer and longer, she won’t take food off my plate! At least not while I’m eating off it!

Day 93 of 100, Thursday 24th January

I had pegged a blankie to the curtain rail to give me the psychological privacy – since nobody can actually look into my bedroom, anyway. But I feel better for having it up. Also, it does keep the – currently full – moon out of my eyes.

I couldn’t sleep last night, my mind just kept popping up little post-its ‘don’t forget to …’ and such. Mewthos curled up next to me, Ziva stayed in her suitcase. Later, I carried Ziva to the bed – and she shut the suitcase! Since it was at the foot of my bed, I had worried about accidentally shutting it with Ziva inside, so this worked out perfectly! She curled up with Mewthos on the bed with me.

I woke up before six and got up right away. I’m enjoying the cool, quiet morning with the occasional cuddle demand from my mippies. Ziva is keen to go out, and comes to mip at me asking ‘Is it time, yet?’ every now and again.

The day started overcast, but the clouds have been clearing and I fear another hot day – I hope not, they had forecast 30% chance of rain this afternoon, so I really hope the skies won’t clear completely!

Nine o’clock, the bedroom is nearly finished and I’m taking a break, when Frankie comes to visit! While I’m sipping my coffee, I hear Rose calling Frankie – she wants to go out and would like to shut him in until she’s back. But Frankie isn’t moving, he hasn’t received his nippies treat, he sits waiting for it! I have to unlock the gate and walk him down the stairs before he responds to Rose’s calls!

I’ve called my other neighbour to let him know the move is happening on Monday, and ask if he was able to get hold of the other gardener. He’ll call me back in an hour. If not, I’ll google a local temp labour agency and hire two workers for the day. That’s something I couldn’t have done, if I had moved this time last month!

Feather duvet is packed. And I’m starting to feel the heat already – not too many clouds remain in the sky.

Agent called – WOW! This was the very first nice conversation I’ve ever had with her! They are deducting the cost of re-painting part of the lounge ceiling – but, frankly, when I first saw the non-smoking clause in the contract, I was willing to add a clause that I’d pay for any damages caused by my smoking; though the owner would have none of that and insisted on the non-smoking. It won’t cost much, since it’s just a coat of paint – they don’t repair or maintain, they just patch and paint. They asked when it would suit me for their repairman to come and look so he can give them a quote – apparently they also decided to install aluminium windows? Anyway, I told her anytime today, as I’m not planning to go out at all.

I did mention that ALL tenants have always smoked inside for the whole past five years – but yeah, I’m the one they ‘caught’. I’m in no mood to argue, anyway. Predictably there was no reaction to the comment that their tenants used to flick their butts into Rose’s garden! I also took her up on her offer to use their contractor to clean the carpets – firstly, since the place will be empty for 3 days, that gives them plenty of time and secondly, their contractor is obviously cheaper – since they have a contract. The windows I need only clean on the inside – they don’t expect me to clean the outside, which is an unexpected bonus. I’ve learned not to expect reasonable from them, so when they are reasonable, it’s a pleasant surprise! It’s a rare event, anyway.

Oh, and apparently she had lied to me, again. When the owner wanted to inspect before I move out, she had started waffling about it’s the law that they must do the exit inspection before the end of the month, waffle, waffle, waffle. That wasn’t the exit inspection – that was just stepping over the tenant to kiss the owners behind! Exit inspection can only be done AFTER the tenant has vacated the premises. I am so tired of this sh-it! We arranged that I’d call her Monday afternoon and she’ll pop in to do the exit inspection with me. I told her I’d be sleeping on the sleeper couch that night so that we can leave early Tuesday morning. Another surprise: she then asked about MY convenience regarding the keys! I told her I can hand them over Monday afternoon, as I still have the Yale lock, the padlock and two body-guards sleeping in the truck outside.

Awww, Mewthos just came in and brought me a pet! A teeny tiny little green hopper! He just brought it in, put it down and made sure I was happy, then he went back outside! Isn’t he too darling?

My neighbour called back to say he was not successful in getting hold of anyone. So I called Hire Power SA. At first they said they don’t do that kind of work, but when I explained, she said she’ll see what she can do. Now I’m almost out of airtime, again! Sigh. Rose is right next door to Spar, so I SMS’d her to ask if she can bring me some. She’s replied, and I can relax!

Mail from the owner, she received the deposit and has paid it into a 32-day fixed account, so I should get some interest on it! What an angel! This lot also put it in a high-interest earning account, BUT they then charge admin fees matching the interest!

OMG! I don’t know what to think or what to say. I just received a call from one of the guys I’ve worked with on several projects in the past – one of the Chinese companies is looking for a Site Secretary. For the East London project. Starting ± June! For about two or three years! I’ve been hoping and praying for a call like that since June last year! But now?

Part of me wants to jump at the chance of staying in my beloved Eastern Cape – as far away from Pretoria as I can! But that’s all! I wouldn’t be working for Germans, but for Chinese. I wouldn’t be a Site Secretary, but a Personal Assistant. Sure, I could negotiate an increase in rate – I’d have to, because rents in East London are ridiculous! And in two, maybe three years, I’d be right back where I am right now!

But am I now not right back where I was before the Port Elizabeth project? I had tried my best to add value to the business in Pretoria – but it was a total waste of effort. None of my suggestions were even heard, nor any of the justifications even given a glance! I had prepared a 30-page report, detailing efficiency improvements – which my boss never even opened, let alone read!

Although, at that time, projects was still his big money-maker, and he expected a substantial share of the Pretoria project – which fell totally flat! He got no more than the crumbs left by the main contractors. Which is why he has restructured to make the manufacturing – which was covered in my report, and was nothing more than a side-line for pocket money at the time – his main income. So, I am hoping that this time, my contribution will add value … I don’t know, I can only hope.

The Chinese, however, would want me to do very basic admin work, nothing challenging and nothing of any real interest. How do I know this? Firstly, because it’s what he told me on the phone, since that’s all he thinks I do and secondly, I’ve worked with the Chinese on this project, and that’s the kind of assistance they asked from me – and had to be referred back to me, when they needed assistance with matters they assumed are beyond the secretary’s scope of ability.

So, to summarise: On the work side, both unknowns – I honestly can’t tell, yet, which would be better. And what about the home front? Hasn’t it been my life-long dream to get out of Pretoria? I’ve been working on that all my working life – starting with Durban in 1996 … but like a Yo-Yo I always seem to end up back in Pretoria!

I only agreed to this nomadic life-style because it wasn’t meant to be nomadic. The plan was to get to East London and build something up after-hours, so that, once the project is complete, I could stay. But I learned that East London has only one business: Mercedes! All industry in the entire city is either directly or indirectly linked and/or dependent on Mercedes! And to be perfectly frank, I no longer have the energy, nor the ambition to start my own business, freelancing my skills.

I moved back to Pretoria, since there definitely wasn’t any chance for me to be involved in the Port Elizabeth project, but I would be a great asset on the Pretoria project. Basically, I was ‘parked’ or ‘shelved’ until the project was due to start – which is why none of the work I did was taken seriously … which, in turn, is why I grabbed at the chance to escape and work on the Port Elizabeth project!

Port Elizabeth offers far more opportunities for me to freelance my skills – but I have come to accept that I simply do not have the ambition any more. I much prefer being employed, letting someone else worry about how to earn my keep. I would much rather put all my spare time and energy into my home, spending time with my mippies, working in the garden, puttering around the house – than earn extra income by spending my spare time on additional jobs!

My only real concern is: What will my work be like in Pretoria? Will it be the same fiasco it was last time? Is there, finally, a place at work where I fit, where I belong, where I have purpose?

And if not, will my home fill that gap?

I believe it will! I think I could handle being nothing more than office decoration from nine to five, if I come home to my happy world! Filled with cats, cooking, gardening and creative outlets! And – unlike East London – in Pretoria I do know people; I may not have any close friends, but there are people who want to see me. Some have already asked to see me, once I’m settled in. In East London, after everybody left, I was terribly isolated – and even I started to feel lonely.

So, on the whole, my choice would be to continue the current plan and move to Pretoria. I am looking forward to taking my first bath in that heavenly bathroom! And to be able to start actually building a garden for keeps – maybe not my own, but not one which I know will be demolished after I leave! Although I am hoping to be able to settle. For good.

But the choice is not entirely my own. There is one major factor my boss will consider when he makes his decision: having me contracted to the Chinese could give him a foot in the door for the East London project, after all! And project work is more profitable than manufacturing, since it’s his specialty. And a foot in the door could open possibilities for the company.

I tried to call him, after I received the call – as usual, he didn’t answer, so I left a message telling him the gist of what I had been told, ending with “I don’t know what to say … I just don’t know.”

First, I needed to make up my own mind, as to what I want. Where do I want to be and what do I want to do. That’s taken me two hours!

In the middle of my musings, the contractor showed up to do the measurements he needs for the quote – first, he parks outside Rose’s gate, then shouts at her what he wants … he was supposed to call me to arrange a time. Anyway, I come out and let him in. He seems to be under the misapprehension that this entire block is owned by the same person, who wants Aluminum windows in the entire block of flats! He spoke to the agent – and I disillusioned him. Still, he seems to think that all windows will be replaced … he’s been climbing around to get measurements of all the windows.

Not my circus. Not my monkeys.

Shame, poor Mewthos was in the bedroom when this man arrived, he was mewling pitifully, frightened out of his wits! I went to him and he shot out through the door … into his tree! After this guy left, I found both my minis in that tree! They weren’t quite ready to come down, yet. I tried to coax them down for quite a while – letting them know that I do want them home – but eventually I gave up. Lady Jane is here now, on her window sill, guarding me!

If my boss calls, I’ll hear what he has to say – he’ll probably ask me what I think or what I want; that is why I absolutely had to take the time out of my deadline-busy schedule to be absolutely sure of my answer. I’ll suggest he contact the German lady who lives in East London – she did try Site Secretary for the Germans, but that didn’t work out (which is why I got the job). It didn’t work out because she is exactly what most people expect when they hear ‘Secretary’ or even ‘PA (Personal Assistant)’ – whereas the Germans are a very rough and tough bunch, especially at the start-up of a site where they expect knowledge and skills which no normal Secretary has. Like putting together a complete Health & Safety file within days … I could always provide back-up for tasks of that sort. On the admin side, however, she’ll be far more satisfactory than me!

The labour agency just called back, unfortunately she couldn’t find anyone who is available on Monday. She referred me to two other local agencies, who might be able to help.

But first, I call Move-A-Pet. They still haven’t replied to my mail. Ah! I thought so! They haven’t replied to my mail because they didn’t receive it. We’ve sorted that out now, she’s got my mails and will let me know. She said that delivery Thursday could be a problem, because they already have pets on that flight – but she’ll see what she can do. I told her Friday is just as fine with me. They are in a lovely cattery, so they are not traumatized, and another night won’t be a problem. Anyway, I have paid for five nights, so from my end at least, all is well.

Now to find labour. First recommended agency: Number does not exist. Second one “oh, maybe if you call the manager?” Call him – he will see what he can do for me, if I call him again at five, he’ll let me know.

As I’m typing the above, a thought skids across my mind: Why not ask they guy who called about the East London project, if he knows of some workers for Monday! Wouldn’t that be ironic? Asking the guy who tries to get me to East London to help me go to Pretoria? Well, hold thumbs that five o’clock brings a solution! Time is running out …

After all that, I went downstairs and joined Rose at the bottom of the steps – but first: Where’s Mew-Mew? Sigh, still in his tree – or rather, on the roof of the garage next door! He is being difficult about coming down – being silly, contemplating jumping off the roof onto the driveway! I’m dancing around the tree trunk like a pole-dancer from the chunky club trying to lure him towards the right direction! Ai, ai, ai! He goes on the tree, then, instead of coming down, he climbs up … and back onto the roof … he knows very well how to get down, he’s just playing silly buggers with me! I’m playing along … and eventually he comes down!

He is still sulking, though, that I didn’t climb up the tree and carried him down – I really must get an apple-picker for him! He’ll love it! Ha Ha, his own little elevator with a cushion!

I enjoyed a relaxing time with Rose, chatting and watching mippies! Romeo arrived around five – which meant it was time for me to go upstairs to call the labour guy.

I called and: He’s got two good men available on Monday! He’ll bring them himself – I can pay them directly, cash! Yes, they are expensive, but if they are as good as he says, they’re worth it! Phew! That’s a big relief!

I’ve already watered the garden, so now I’m catching up on my game for a bit – Lady Jane was in the chair behind me until a few minutes ago, but there’s no sign of Mewthos! He’s been around while Rose and I were chatting, though he didn’t come to me – but would stalk past me! I think he’s still sulking, though I really don’t know why.

Mewthos comes running in followed by Ziva … and Romeo. I give them their treat, but Ziva rushes outside – I yell, which keeps her outside, I’m afraid! Lady Jane is sitting on the wall between Rose & Tontos’ owners – she is NOT coming inside, she is busy planning on jumping into the garden next door! Where there are dogs. And I can’t get to her! And I don’t know how she can come back. This is not the first time, and won’t be the last – better let her try now, when I’m at least aware of what’s going on; and the dogs won’t hurt her, since they’re used to cats. She’s not used to dogs, though! She’s been sitting on that wall, poised to jump for fully five minutes – and still won’t listen to me!

Rose to the rescue! She heard me calling and came out – and manages to grab her Ladyship and scoot her towards my stairs! No, she’s not going upstairs, but sits down for a wash! Same procedure as every other evening: shut mips in bedroom, down stairs, get errant mip, carry up stairs, shut in bedroom, lock gate, lock door, let out mips. It’s half past six.

I was in the middle of my own dinner – Mew & Ziva came in when I started cooking. I’m still not allowed to eat without sharing! Teeny tiny piece for Ziva, teeny tiny piece for Mew-Mew, teeny tiny piece for Janey, big piece for mommy – pop big piece into mommy’s mouth then walk with the teeny tiny pieces to the food bowls and put them down. Repeat until the plate is empty, then place the plate on the floor for mippies to pre-wash!

Then I’m having a lovely chat with an online friend in Scotland! Unfortunately the link to the ad no longer works – place is ‘Sold’ – but one of the other fellows had saved a google search, and there were all the photos! I downloaded the main ones and sent them to her via FB Messenger.

I’m really tired now, it’s the early morning after a sleepless night. Mewthos is being cranky again – he’s also still got a fat lip. He’s had that all day, I suppose it’s somewhat uncomfortable. Just the bit between the lower incisors, it’s a little bit swollen. It comes and goes. My best guess is a mild allergy to something he puts in his mouth – maybe those green grasshoppers? But then he wouldn’t have had it this morning, before I opened the door. Ai Mew-Mew! My little bag of trouble!