Overcoming

This Census thing seems to be having an unexpectedly positive impact on my spirits. I think it's partly just that thing of feeling a bit busier, a bit more purposeful. Also overcoming fears and mastering something. I was sent to an area I found at first sight a little 'challenging'. Got a bit anxious about my car being vandalized, scary dogs and so forth. I spent a few hours knocking on doors there yesterday afternoon in the sunshine, and all was gentle. A little girl on a bike became my guide, finding the next house for me, knocking on some of the doors for me, giving a view on whether these or these people would be home. The scariest it got was a couple of people cynical and a little surly about the purpose of the Census. I got my doorstep routines off pat, and ended up quite enjoying myself. Then the car wouldn't start, and I realised I'd left my mobile phone behind, and the sun was pounding down, car like an oven. And by then I was very ready to go home, and rather in need of the toilet. I remained (for me) calm, and gave it a few minutes before trying the ignition again. And again, and playing the gas pedal a little, and - it started!! Not quite sure what this is about - it's happened a few times lately, but always starts at the third or fourth attempt. Anyway, I took this as a good sign, this obstacle so swiftly removed.

I've also got my preparation to do for the first teaching session with the medical students after Easter. It's about team working, and de Bono's 6 hat model. It's not the most exciting material ever, but I'm having a think about what I might add to it from my own experience of teams and groups. Again, nice to feel purposeful, and, well ... employed! On another very positive note I received a big cheque from the school for my work in March. It will pay off my overdraft anyway! Should get first Census pay on Friday, and then maybe I can begin to retrieve the financial fiasco.