I know I bang on about this sometimes, but manners really do maketh the man/woman in my opinion. I’ve recently had two students bang on my door and ask where a particular room was. Neither said please, or thanked me for the information. I set up some iPads for taking the register and emailed the team responsible; you guessed it, no thanks. I also lugged some kit across the campus for a team that I don’t even work for; our team kindly loaned them some kit. I emailed to say I’d done it; not a single acknowledgement let alone thanks. I get paid, and it’s my job, but not a single thank you? So rude…

I attended our other campus to invigilate an exam last week. The student had emailed to confirm her attendance, and I was joined by two academics that had to interview her. I waited. And I waited. After an hour past her start time, I declared that I had other to work to do and drove back to the other campus. Three people, including me, had to travel. A room had been booked. Admin staff was there to meet and greet her, and she simply didn’t bother to turn up. I simply cannot believe how rude some people can be sometimes.

One day, whilst collecting my son from college, I was being harassed by another driver. He was desperately trying to get past me despite all of us being in stationery traffic and he kept telling me to move over. Our windows were open. I told him I was already on the line and couldn’t go anywhere, and to mind my paintwork. He and the woman in the car with him kept telling me to move forward so I crept forward a little, and they cheered me. My son, bless him, told them to go away and not to be so condescending. He didn’t word it that politely and even swore at them. It was nice of him to stick up for me so I didn’t chastise him about his language. I know I’m biased, but he has very good manners and I rarely have to remind him. We have a good relationship and Sunday he said something that had me weak from laughter. Let’s just say he takes after his Mum and has a pretty warped sense of humour.

This afternoon I’m going to visit my sister and do some housework for her. My boss has approved a half day. I had planned to go on Sunday but yet again there were road closures for a sporting event. We’ve had other road closures for the rugby during the week, and it’s becoming a royal pain. I think we should close all the roads in the area this Sunday, and have a day when everyone can walk their pet without risk of being run over. Somehow I doubt the local councils will go for that…

The fine weather has left us for now and we have high winds and lashing rain. Sunday night I was woken 3 times by the rain lashing against the house. The weather may improve later in the week, but for the next few days at least we have rain. It’s pretty mild outside though very cold in the house and office. Hope you all have a good week.