2 Little Things

1.  I came home to the photo at the right this week.  The flowers were from a clinic visit (visits are always complete with flowers for guests no matter how much it is insisted otherwise) which usually, and unfortunately, turn into a wilted mess after 24 hours due to the environment.  Minu somehow saved these AND cleverly found a new vase.


2. My new business cards came in this week making things very official.  I've met a few people who have asked me my role on the project.  'Chief of party' doesn't roll off my tongue unless it is followed by a long-winded story of how the previous chief of party was ill and left recently, we are closing soon and I was here and familiar with the project and staff and really, bringing someone new out would take so much time, wouldn't it?, etc. etc. I do it without skipping a beat.  In the middle of the story I realize the person is nodding politely and a voice in my head says 'why are you telling them this? all s/he asked is your role!'

I have convinced myself the questioner is thinking 'YOU are the chief of party?  How old are you?'  Which s/he might very well be.  Most chiefs of party have 15 years of experience so I can't be blamed in assuming they will raise an eyebrow.  What really happens is after they have listened to me ramble on they give a polite smile and say 'well, congratulations.'  Let's see how long it will take before I'll be able to answer the question without the caveat.  Until then I'll let my business card do the talking (dual sided in English and Bangla)!