As we drive by

As we drive by, we forget courtesy, we forget to say Thank and God bless you and mean it! I almost didn't allow this car to come in front of me on N3 before van Buuren this morning. By the way, that's the spot I saw that horrible accident last week Friday. Anyway, this can had indicated, I mean I had just allowed another car to come past, I had done my good deed for the day. DONE! So I begrudgingly allowed the car though, and the driver, actually flicked hazard lights and raised her hand to thank me, acknowledge the gesture. I am pleased. Now that is the moment I felt I had done  my deed. Thank you Lord for people who are still grateful in this day and age. It was actually an elderly lady ;-)

Hosting

Hosting visitors is never easy. Whether in the comfort of your own home, well especially not at work, where you don't know where everything is. On getting to the airport tired, sweaty and all, with my own plane being delayed, I waited for our 4 visitors. I got to receive the call from the Shuttle, and waited to show them to the shuttle. This bus took them to Pretoria, I was feeling sad for them by then, thinking they don't even know where they are going, they are being ferried off, it's so late, there's not even food waiting for them.  Saturday they were left on their own. They told me however, that they went to Menlyn by taxi. That was nice of them, adventurous. Sunday, very early in the morning, I went to get them from the Guesthouse after checking if our venue was ready and speaking to Prof re: coffee and stationery and stuff. I really appreciate Thandeka for making that possible, stationery etc. The process took the whole day. Monday morning, same thing, fetching them, taking them for errands (even met Jabu at Hatfield)etc. Tuesday, only Joachim agreed to meet with the OUT team, the others were disgruntled. Granted! We had not given them a good experience. They were not given a stipend, had not planned for supper. I mean it was  a disaster! Then Obs had the audacity to accuse me of not doing my work. That Prof. took it for granted that as a marketing person I would have all things sorted, all boxes ticked. I didn't, I dropped the ball. I felt horrible. I tell you I have not been getting good sleep from Friday until Wednesday when I dropped the last two at the airport. Yes, you heard rigth, on my holiday, my family and I came to Pretoria to fetch the delegates to the airport because of Unisa redtape. and again, I felt responsible. I felt I had to make things right, but of course the damage was already done. Our visitors felt unwelcomed, felt disappointed that their trip was worthless. They had not even reached the objective of getting a paper out. Even at the congress, Neil had pinched their money, saying because  they ate supper at the Papu meeting, Papu launch and then congress party. I didn't want to state these visitors titles at the beginning, because that's exactly what happened to me. I only knew them as students, only on interacting with them do I find out that they are actually Established scholars: Joseph - a Deputy Vice Chancellor, Jessica - an Associate Professor, Lusajo, a senior lecturer and Joachim a Psychosocial counsellor. Yho! Don't judge a book by its cover. Don't underestimate the origins of an individual. Ubuntu must be preached for everyone, it must practiced regardless of the title. Thanks for the lesson.

Watching from the other side of the street...

I can't believe it's been so long since I last wrote anything. So much has happened in the interim. I have been working at the PsySSA Johannesburg office for quite a bit. Nosipho is no longer working there, which is a pity cos she knew everything about the running of that office. With the Congress coming along, we worked very hard and at times only left the office after 17:30, which is something I'm not used to anymore. It was a different, but interesting side of things to look at. A bit of a side conversation happened, where i was somewhat offered a job at PsySSA offices. As interested as that sounds, I don't think I want it. What will I be? What role will I play. I really would like to keep the Research side of things going. It's funny how, the reason I write today stems from a conversation which took place about 3 weeks ago!!! On an academic level, I've had to ask my supervisor to give me time to compose myself. I asked to be allowed to present at the Congress. With some nudging she agreed. That was an amazing experience on its own. I left Johannesburg on Monday, 15 Sept, Obie took me to the airport, that was really sweet of him. Well not after having to bring me to Unisa to do some last minute planning and bring assignments. The Congress itself was great. Meeting people, being revered, when people see you and say it's nice to see the face, from my sting at the PsySSA office. On Thursday I was so anxious and nervous, I couldn't attend many presentations. In between all that, I had to plan the Africa delegates session, Joburg/ Pretoria leg. Yho... That's a discussion for another post. All went well, if I may say so myself. I even got a contact for work that can be collaborated. I am happy.

Put my feet up

As much as I couldn't afford to :-) I put my feet up on Sunday. I went to the Methodist church for a service there, instead of attending church with Obie. Came back home, cooked lunch, and sat to watch TV.Yes, I don't know when was the last time I could do that. When Obs came back from church, he ate then went to sleep. I watched Good Deeds and The Bucket List. Both thought provoking beautiful movies. I really enjoyed that. I think in my heart of hearts I am ready to let things be. I will be forwarding my notice of intention to submit on Tuesday, 30th September. It really finalises the journey. I must really start thinking about the way forward.  I am optimistic, scared, but optimistic. T is still the highlight of my life, so lovely I tell you. I really am blessed. Thank you Father God!