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.
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