OK, so its morning two and I am on the point of getting ready for work.

I haven't done paid work for nearly four years and before that I worked for myself, so despite lots of attempts at feeling positive, the nerves have begun.  I feel slightly sick - there is so much to deal with, not knowing what the job really entails, dealing with my lack of Arabic which makes me feel out of the loop, and occasionally having to come to terms with making unintentional cultural faux pas.

But this is my year of living positively blog so how to turn this one around.

The nerves may be good,  they will keep me on my toes and get me through on the joy of doing something new and meeting new challenges.  What is more, my colleagues have been patient, kind and tolerant.  They have taken time out to teach me their language and the possibility of mastering it is very exciting.  I have always assumed that I was useless at languages, ask my A Level French teacher, but maybe this time, when I really have to, I will prove her and myself wrong.

Five Positive Things before Work

1. the kitten managed not to destroy anything over night
2. I woke to see a glorious sun shining over the distant hills of Cairo
3. the wonderful babysitter of last week has left me with freshly ironed clothes
4. my husband is coming home tonight after a trip away
5. I have a friend who took the time to describe just how wonderful the first apples of autumn taste when they are new and crisp and juicy

Persephone in Cairo