hallelujah! One week down...

Just a quick post, is too hot to hang around for long!

Work is going WELL - I met with my RA and it was just email that wasn't working, he understands all and has organised a LOT of group interviews - we start on Sunday and are doing two villages, so four groups of 8 people! All that week I am out doing lots of these and should have about 120 participants by the following sunday, a few days before we come home. I will go and observe and I think Kuna likes me to be there anyway, he has a friend to help take notes (arg, paying two people?!) so we shall see how necessary that is but hey... all is good! I have sent off a questionnaire to a big org that had massive influecne in the tsunami so await the response (already had contact with them about it) and have asked a few other contacts to do it, though will follow that up monday. Have realised that hanging around locally and chatting to peeps ad hoc won't work as most of the restaurants have been pulled down and are being rebuilt! Is the quiet season here and actually has a faintly depressing, wilted air that DB and I are keen to be away from. However, in all it is going really well. I am white as white can be as I stay out of the sun (working actually if you believe it!) and haven't had a day off yet as such, though my working hours are less the nine-to-five considering I can't wake much before 10am yet... Am not ill yet! Have been studiously avoiding anything dodgy at *all* and am getting a bit tired of my very limited menu! BUT beanie has learnt to kick this week so am delighted! Even DF has felt it! We are 17 weeks now - nearly half way! Exciting. I am pleased cause my bump isn't as big here (maybe because am eating less cr*p?!) so can hide it easily. Am not keen on people knowing, I like my secret bump!!

So all is good. am completely relieved though I was so worried it has taken a day to sink in that I am probably going to be ok with a) the research and b) being well. Am dying for some meat though! Am going straight to macdonalds at dubai airport on the way home I tell you - I know its vile but I can't help my needs! ;0)

SO as we have a power cut (these comps run by special generator) I am forced out of my hot, temporarily fanless and AC-less concrete box and into the world - so am off to chill by the pool for the avo!

Next week we are going to about 9 villages and doing 18 interviews so having a day off while I can ;0) No emails to respond to, work is under control or can be done later so for a couple of hours I am on a wee break.

One thing I can say about the return trip is how much easier it is! I am more confident, I have a clear focus and clear questions I want to ask, I have a strict timeline and if my RA couldn't help, I would have to get serious about another plan asap. Meeting my RA etc has been fine, not as nervewracking as before and I am much more assertive and confident in my work and dealings with people. Last time definitely feels like it was a scouting and assessing trip - then you go home and suss out what you need to find out, and come back and get it done! Is soooo much easier this time around!

laters all!

x J