Work news and odds and ends
Now, it just isn’t funny that it is already 9 days since I last wrote. That’s shockingly shocking.
I had a very fruitful week at work - a few breakthroughs after a bit of a hard slog the last few weeks while recovering from the flu and reaching a spiky point in my assignment.
My manager was on holidays so I was able to do some work on the computer which is used for email. I removed McAfee virus scan and installed Norton but it wouldn’t install properly - kept closing down so I couldn’t scan for viruses and there was a problem with email scanning.
Last week, I had found out how to download the updates to Norton manually with floppy disks from the web so I had those.
After a bit of Internet research and trial and error, I installed the updates and was then able to scan the computer. It came up with 12 viruses, 8 which it could repair and 4 quarantined. I recognised the names of them as the ones people had mentioned on the Internet to others who were having the same problem.
I was mighty pleased I’d got the updates. When Sarayeth returned I explained it to her and it was a concrete example for her to see why it is so important for WMC to get an Internet connection.
The outcome was that she decided to get an Internet connection for the email PC. I was really pleased about this - it will mean a lot for them and is a big step. It was something I wanted to achieve before I left.
I will help them install it and train them on using the Internet as well as downloading the updates for Norton.
A couple of other things - the training on using email has been confirmed for next week - 12 trainees and 4 sessions. We have to hold them around the email computer so no practicals next week - difficult but better than nothing I guess, not many more options.
I’ve started planning another project to do desktop training sessions with each department so they get some intensive assistance and practice as well as an opportunity to organise and clean up the computers (badly needed).
I have been writing up the report for the Excel and PowerPoint training this week. Positives were that most people said they could complete each of the tasks I surveyed and said they understood more and felt more confident with the software. But most said the training sessions were too short, not enough time to practice.
It is good they are keen to learn more and I have made some suggestions about future training in the report.
Speaking lots of Khmer at work with my colleagues - happy with my progress, can even say whole sentences now, feels very satisfying.
I picked up my hand-made shoes yesterday. They are fantastic - I love them, turned out exactly as I wanted. I am going to enjoy wearing them and am keen to get some more made.
Planning some travel later in the year to North-eastern Cambodia (indigenous tribes), Southern Laos and Vietnam. I can’t believe we have been here for 5 months now.
Found a new bar on Fri night, Teukai which I mispronounced at first - Hean corrected me and told me it means gecko in Khmer. It had a great atmosphere - tucked out of the way, excellent music and cheap drinks so will probably receive some repeat business from us.
Last night, pretty stuffed so went to bed early. Have been getting through a swag of book. Ana got some from a friend so I have been working my way through those. Some I don’t think I would have read if I had the choice but ended up being quite good - Rilla of Ingleside (!), Bridget Jones’ diary and currently, Pied Piper (Nevil Shute). Room with a view before that was excellent and How to be alone - Franzen, not sure of first name - very good.
Today spent Interneting and thats about all of note.
Looking forward to this week - Sonia’s birthday and we’re going out on the town on Friday night and having a quiet girls’ night on Thursday night (her actual birthday). I get to wear my new shoes on Friday and we’re going for a manicure and pedicure on Thurs - can’t wait!
well signing off here as I’ve been here at this internet cafe way too long.
Adios and farewell.
Ruth e xx
Miss Phnomer in Cambodia
