iPod and lists

I'm back in Juba and it's hot hot hot! The BBC says between 22-35 degrees. Toasty.

Things feel a little different being back this time. Before I left in December I was feeling fairly run-down and very ready for a break - it was a long 13 week slog of adjustment to a new home, a new job and a knew way of living. I've come back positive and with some tricks up my sleeve to keep me preoccupied in my spare time at the weekends. The new developments are two-fold:

Firstly, I have an iPod Nano which I do believe has changed my life - is that a little too dramatic? Let me explain. I can now listen to music; every day! I had no idea how much I took that for granted when I was in the UK. I've also discovered the world of Podcasts - I could listen to Radio 4 programmes all day without getting bored, and it helps me feel like I'm keeping a-breast with the outside world. And whatsmore, the new iPod Nano has an app which gives you information on your "work-out sessions" - I tap in 30 minutes run, it counts me down to the end, measures my time, pace, distance and calories. It even logs my work outs and lists my 'personal bests'. I can now indulge my quantitative statistical obsession as well as listen to some banging tunes to keep me moving. Winner!

The Mighty Nano, yes!

Secondly; lists. I've discovered that I like structure - a list of things to occupy me at the weekends, to tick off one by one and help prevent me from feeling "stranded" in the absence of a workday to be getting on with. Even if the list is: "1) finish book, 2) wash underwear", it makes a big difference to me psychologically when I wake-up and I know what I can be getting on with.  I've found that this has encouraged me to take control of my surroundings a bit more - make my bed when I get up rather than leaving it messy, sweep my floor even though the cleaners will be in on Monday to do it, water the garden, even though we have a gardener. It gives me a great deal of comfort to have a bit of control over my surroundings. It seems in our culture it's become 'cool' to be 'spontaneous' and 'take each day as it comes', but I'm lobbying for the re-emergence of the noble beautiful 'structure' and 'planning' as a way of life - anyone with me?!

This is my list. It's the wrong way up. Don't scrutinise it too closely, that would be embarrassing.

(In case any of you are getting worried, I went out on Saturday and Sunday with friends and went to the pub last Thursday evening, also with other people... although have no photographic evidence!)

This blog is really only to let you know that I'm back, and that I'm doing well. I've been asked to write a blog about "what I actually do out here", as it seems this is a little bit of a mystery to many people. That will be my next blog. Also, there's been quite a lot happening in Jonglei State recently, which you may have noticed in the news, I feel I should write something about it - that'll be in 2 blogs time. I'll put all this on my list. Until then.

This is a picture of me looking happy because I had a swept floor and  just completed some wedding admin. Just for the record, the dress is two sizes too big for me, but I don't care because I got it in the sale!