...you've just got to be strong....

I have had an amazing week in many ways. Firstly, I have been on an emotional roller coaster, and very very down, but am starting to gain a perspective again, slowly and painfully, but getting there. The week started out with a trip to Secunda and the first day of training began in earnest. 33 people was my christening number! ordered to be there, so not very enthusiastic, but we warmed up to each other quite soon and at the end of the day, I got some nice evaluations. the one thing you learn in training is you cannot please everyone!!

I don't enjoy being away from home, but staying at a very nice hotel in Secunda, and eating in a lovely restuarant with a glass of red wine, outside in the summer air overlooking this beautifully kept lake with lawns really caps a hard day. the rooms are very nice and comfortable, with free access to internet, so it's generally not too bad. I tuck into bed as early as possible with a good book, and relax!! A bit lonely, but what can you do?

Day two was also very full and hectic. 39 people this time, a full class. At the end of the day I am exhausted, but I can go home because Wednesday's training is me being a delegate and involved in a terrific team of people. Wednesday was also a long hard day, which ended in a party - a sort of valentines theme, with some of the talented people singing - goose bumps stuff!! I was so proud to be a part of that team, they have really done something very right. Lots of great team spirit and enthusiasm there. I had to write an exam, don't know my results yet, so watch this space!! it could be bad news though because I was not able to attend the training all the way through, so some of it was guess work. The team each got a laptop and a caddy car to use - Wow! It was heartwarming to see people previously unemployed being so wonderfully spoilt, and motivated and to see them smile and feel their appreciation. What an experience. Such love and kindness is not often witnessed in the business world. And, I was part of it!!:) The venue was Esselen park - built by Italian prisoners of war and used by the railways now as convention and training centre -it is a very grand set of buildings and magnificent gardens - the train is a picture on the wall, and the other picture is the party.

Thursday was also spent back in Secunda. the venue was challenging- a huge empty theatre basement, with no acoustics and huge desks which formed a barrier between me and my 30 delegates. My voice was lost into the concrete pillars and HIGH ceilings, and the huge empty stage behind me echoed as we talkied. I battled to hear the delegates an they battled to hear me - frustrating is an understatement, and I found myself more exhausted than ever after that.

any way, the good news is - I will be away next week to my very favouritist spot in SA, which is my secret where. I will tell you more when I am there. I cannot wait :) a whole week there- heaven. MMmmmm... watch this space - a restoration is about to take place.

Here is a picture as promised of Bagheera. He lies right by my feet everyday. He learns very fast, and can come on command, sit right in front of me and lie down on command already!

I have enjoyed the chat, so will be back soon again, this blogging can really be so fun. Bye, Shirley