Sorry for the absence.

Hi guys, really sorry for not updating in over a week and a half. It's just that my computer's adapter failed and I had to wait for a new one to come. Also, I was royally screwed by Royal Mail because of a mix-up in their redelivery system. Thomas Maxwell knows more about this in our little expedition to Roundtree Close: The Royal Mail's lair. 

Things have been very hectic for me. I have officially canceled my Wing Tsun classes because I found that I was unable to cope with 3 nights of my week being taken away, and $80 a month for it. I think I spread myself too thin over my time in UEA, with mentoring, Scouting (which I may stop soon), volunteering, youth group at church and the Masters degree. I have 3 essays due in for the 15th of December and have completed one and a half at this point of time. I really hope I can score good marks for Perspectives on Globalisation and Development Perspectives, however for GDD I will be exuberant with a mark of 60 as I am not so good with that module. So far it's been manageable with my level of understanding on par with the rest of the students. Sometimes I feel like I know nothing when people in lectures and seminars talk about things outside the reading list. I guess I'll have to work very much harder if I want to get a distinction this year round. 

I have applied to the Overseas Development Institute with the blessing of Dr Edward Anderson, who has been a significant source of help and support during my time at UEA. Officially, my personal tutor is Dr Jonathan Pattenden, who is the programme adviser, but I feel that I am closer to Ed in personal and academic terms. This does not in any way reflect in Dr Pattenden's capabilities in being a personal tutor; it's just that I went to Ed first for help and developed a rapport with him. Also, the fact that he is more grounded in Economics and that I did my first degree in exactly that adds to the connection.

I dyed my hair 2 weeks ago, and donations have been flowing in albeit at a staggered rate. Once this overly busy week is over I will be approaching people individually with fundraising requests. Sorry to impose, but I'm sure the loss of 1 or 2 pounds won't hit you as much financially as the rise in tuition fees. I think it's possibly time for me to stop and return to my essay writing after this very short update. Just letting people know that this blog is not dead, and will continue to exist for many more months until I go for my internship (should I be lucky enough to acquire one). I would be very happy if i got an internship either with Hope for Latvia or the Consumer Unity and Trust Society, but will concentrate on more important things for the time being: essays. By the way, to the person who blatantly plagiarised Aneel's work, I bid you caution wherever you step academically this year. You will not go unpunished for your sins.

I will leave you here with a curt good bye and good luck with essays and exams (if you are a student reading).

Clement