Work
continues with a mixture of potential hope and a modicum of frustration. I was
asked to conduct a health and safety evaluation of a room to be used for
experimental purposes and bearing in mind I have no formal training, there was
no qualified electrician or fire officer either, I tried to ensure I could not
be held liable. This government announcement of holidays at the end of the week
and overlapping with the weekend is really confusing. This is also exam time
and the schedule was drawn up months in advance. So there are colleagues who
have to work during the holiday and are still expected to turn up for work on
Sunday. Had a little tête-à-tête with a senior manager after it was announced that
private taxis were banned from entering campus and the problems that would
ensue, particularly for families. But it turned out they only meant gypsy cabs,
though it didn’t stop some staff from experiencing problems trying to get on
campus in uni hired taxis. In trying to sort out the frustrations, decided I
should try and get on the Faculty Senate. A little more work, a lot more
headaches I’m sure, but hopefully exposed to better communication.
I
had a good score in a recent funding application, hopefully it will get funded.
The other funding application was not submitted by the research office, much to
my disappointment. It took several emails to finally get some answers. They
could have avoided the rhetoric had the just admitted the problem in the first
email rather than gloss over it. Don’t think Kazakhstani custom allows for
admitting you were wrong, but try and point the blame elsewhere. So I ruffled a
few feathers, but managed to smooth things over with the individual involved. The
others need to learn how to communicate with me. I can get feisty and highlight
their shortcomings; not a great attribute I grant you, but I am exhausted by the
admittedly not-that-frequent incompetent actions of those in managerial roles.
This
renting out the home remotely is not good for my anxiety levels. We have a
great managing agent in place who is keeping on top of things. But they
reported that damp patches are appearing on the chimney breast in the main
bedroom. I had sealed and painted the chimney
after it was skimmed and damp patches are now showing. Hopefully it is nothing
more than the chimney needs a lot of time to dry out and I should have used a
better sealant. And by trying to get on these problems straight away, hoping
that the tenants feel happy they are being looked after.
Some
good news. I had an MRI scan and they can confirm I have a brain! There’s
nothing wrong with it either, so the cluster headaches I’m getting appear to
have no root cause inside the skull. We’ve all been feeling a little under the weather.
Not sure if it is a bug going round, but decided I would try the activated
carbon remedy, which they use a lot in the former Soviet states. It does work
too. Well worth getting a supply on standby for food poisoning, a lot of stomach
complaints, radionuclear contaminated food, etc. Just got to get over the fear
of eating a black pill.
I
purchase a new pair of trainers and have to say... what a waste of money. I
recently traded up my Nike Dart 9s (inexpensive) for a pair of Adidas Supernova
Glide Boost (expensive). There’s almost no real difference in weight, thickness of padding.
The Adidas are better fitting, supposedly with more stability control and bouncy
material, but actually caused more painful issues during the run than the
Nikes. It could be that I need time to get used to them, but I came across this
report – alas after I made the purchase – which is well worth the read if you
want to buy running shoes for running: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1170253/The-painful-truth-trainers-Are-expensive-running-shoes-waste-money.html.
Of course, it could be that the Nike Dart’s were an excellent pair of running
shoes anyway. So I am still waiting for my bike to turn up. I now have the
complete set of clothing and all the accessories were delivered late yesterday,
so I am now prancing about in my fluoro gear and cycling shorts, but without a
bike. I get some strange looks I can tell you. Very impressed with Parcel
Force, which I had mentioned before. They appear to get through Kazakhstani
customs quicker than any other foreign company. So whilst I am waiting, I am
trying to build my fitness levels again by running and perhaps stupidly decided
that training for running the marathon distance is a good idea – hence needing
an expensive pair of running shoes, because there’s no way I am going to do all
the hard work and need “The new BOOST™ foam with its unique energy capsules
features a magical combination of functional benefits: Unlike any other foam it
gives a soft and springy cushioning and feels ‘alive’. It energizes your
running stride for more efficiency independent from the temperature and ensures
maximum comfort.” What a fool I am. My hat is off to Ali who is diligently
keeping up with her training regime for couch to 5k and she ran 25 minutes
without stopping; please bear in mind she has never run for that long
continuously.
The
weather last week was quite naff. It started snowing again and temperatures
dropped into the negative centigrade region. Then it was blowing hurricane
force winds, which had ripped apart aluminium sheet fencing round the building
site next door. Very concerning that you could get sliced and diced. But we had
braved the elements and Ali and Rebekah have been very cultured and went to ballet
the other day to see Swan Lake. Nearly said Swan Walk, but only the Horshamites
would get that and would not have been nearly as graceful either. They had a
good time at the Astana Opera House and we thank Wynter and Jennifer for giving
up their tickets. We’re now faced with the other 14 things to do on the top
attractions of Astana list, which doesn’t make for great reading outside the top 3. Still, we are
here so we are going to make the best of it.
Had
a chance to lead worship last Sunday. Doesn’t help that my voice is low and
therefore unsure beforehand whether anyone singing in the audible range are
comfortable or straining. Still, the expat get together has become important to
us. We’re faced with a lot of changes over the coming months with a number of
people moving from Astana or leaving the area. But this is the group we feel we
get the most out of for us and for the children. Definitely missing Kings
fellowship, although WhatsApp lifegroup keeps us in touch.
Experienced
our first water shortage. The taps went off late one day and didn’t resume for
24 hours. No notice and poor communication. We were told it was city wide and
would only be a few hours. Then it was going to be all day. Turns out it was
only our block, with no explanation as to why we were told otherwise. This is
Kazakhstan.
Ray
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