Whoops…….

My last missive seems to have stirred up a little activity…….sorry about that.  I was simply trying to explain to you all what it’s like when you fall off the edge of the world and nobody notices……I shall be jolly cross if there aren’t several weeping beauties, dressed in black, standing at the side of my grave for my funeral……at least 3 I think, who nobody knows – but that’s another story/fantasy entirely.  As an aside I’ve planned my funeral in great detail and it includes rather a lot of money behind the bar of the Picturedrome and a jazz band, it’s just a shame I shall miss it !

Where was I ?  Oh yes, apologising, I didn’t mean for anyone to think I was becoming depressed or anything, I just thought you’d like to know what I was thinking at 3.30 one morning when I’ve been out in the desert (all be it in a very nice hotel….I know) for 4 months – just that, nothing more……..mostly.

So that you’re all in the loop, Mrs G has very kindly been around drumming up moral support from some of you (and some of you have been morally supportive all on your own I hasten to add) and I’ve had some lovely e-mails and messages which I have enjoyed answering immensely, and I hope that we can all find the time to continue to chat in that way until I get back and even beyond.  One of my correspondence hit the nail on the head when they pointed out that blog are very impersonal, and I agree entirely.  This one has been a good opportunity for me to keep lots of people generally informed and more importantly, I think, to allow me to think that I’m talking to somebody different most days.  I was trying to explain to someone (actually several someone’s I think), that my experience could be likened to working with one’s wife all day in the same office and then spending all the other time, meals, gym, weekends, etc. with them as well (apart from the sex obviously) – eventually someone is going to get bored with it……it’s a wonder that we don’t get on each others nerves more often frankly (my work colleagues you understand, not my wife……..).

We have entered the phase of the project now where some of the other worksteams (there are about 20 altogether, of which mine, Facilities and Security, is just one) are finishing and leaving.  For a variety of reasons there was a staggered start with some beginning way back and already having left, and some starting just before Christmas and some just after.  I started in the first week of February and my 5 month programme, which is running on time currently (ish), is due to finish on the 30^th June and I’m flying home on the 1^st July (well, that’s the plan anyway !).  When I say due to finish on the 30^th June I should really have started with “and I’m flying home on the 1^st July” cause it’s fair to say that right now that’s more important to me than finishing (I should point out that I’ll be ready to finish but I’m not sure I can round up the Emirate cats that I’m supposed to be herding, and trying to get them to sign anything at the moment is near impossible !).

So this week we have had two of my friends go home having finished, and I’d like to call them friends now, having spent so much time in each others company without killing each other, and although I’m unlikely to ever need PR & Communication advice (unless I need to call on the services of Max Clifford that is……) I’m sure that we’ll find time for a drink somewhere in the world – probably London.  The other leaver was the Procurement chappie, and he and I have become a bit thick over the last few weeks and I’ll definitely be sorry to see him go.  He was one of the few grown-ups in the office and probably a very good influence on me…..most of the time.  I think I’m more likely to come across him in the future for a variety of reasons, not least because his next job is in one of my favourite places so it would seem like a good idea for a visit…..must remember my golf clubs !

I’m going to leave you all now because I need to get some sleep as I’m still in Dubai and will have to get up at 5 in order to get back to the desert in plenty of time for work…..blah blah blah !

The inventory looks pretty much as it always does except I’m currently skint due to the cost of the family booking at the desert hotel being taken from my pay this month (which was all catered for) and the cheque for the AED2.5k for my teeth from the insurance not arriving yet – it’s supposed to be here any day now…….I hope it does because the £20 I’ve currently got may not see me right through the month !

I’m sure I’ll survive in all ways, especially with all my friends around me, either in this virtual world or in the desert fantasy in which I live !  Bye for now – and thank you all again.