All Change

I PASSED I PASSED I PASSED! Yes...all the best drivers pass on the sixth time, sixth time lucky, SIXTH'S a charm and all that. Oh the relief - me, my nerves and my bank account are very happy. THANK YOU for being so supportive - I do have very good friends and family. The 'test conditions' didn't seem to lend themselves to success....:

- The examiner was one I'd had once before, back in March when I tried to pass with a bit of a freshly broken heart - he'd commented on what a good driver I was despite having to fail me. He was lovely, but did bring back a few sad memories.
- This was the only test where I can say I actually felt 'nervous'. I had a mental blockage when trying to open the boot for 'show and tell' - and grappled with it for a good few embarassing minutes before I managed to 'pop' it open (see, I know all the jargon: I am a proper driver).
- It was a hot day in London and the car was like an OVEN, and I didn't know how to turn up the air con. The examiner and I sat quietly cooking.
- The test and the one hour lesson before hand (the lesson was the first time I'd driven since my last failure about two - three weeks a go) happened slap bang in the middle of School Run - many stressed parents. Not good - got stuck in traffic and didn't have time to practise 2/4 manouvers.

But anyway, none of that matters now - I PASSED! Little car, here I come.

Abi's wedding came and went and was lovely. She looked beautiful, as did the whole event. The Fairy Cakes went down well, sigh of relief.

I'm not going to go for the Camelot thing yet (see post below) - I'm moving to Crouch End instead! A friend of mine is moving to Africa for a year, and so another friend and myself will be moving into her place whilst she's gone. It's a lovely flat, and my room even has a 'bunny balcony'. You will be invited round for dinner if you want to come - because this place is much better for entertaining and socialising - yay.

One more change (for now) - I have a new job. I am so sad to be leaving the world of World Vision (for now at least) - my job has been wonderful and my team are quite simply beautiful people. BUT it does feel like the right time to move on, and I think I've found the right thing to move on to. So, from the end of June, I'll be working for the Office of the Children's Commissioner in London - new challenges and a new context.

And I feel really good :o)

Sorry - long post. I'll stop now.
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Farewell Sunshine

...sounds depressing, but it's true. WHERE has the sun gone? I just went out and had to wear my winter coat and boots to protect me from the elements. I'm hoping it will clear up quick sharp, most definitely before Abi's wedding on Saturday. Speaking of Abi's wedding: the rehearsal fairy cakes (see picture on Flickr) turned out well and went down a storm...only 150 to make tomorrow! Good job I enjoy baking. Seriously considering pursuing an unofficial business sideline in Fairy Cakes - mine are just as beautiful as the ones in the Humming Bird bakery and other trendy (and over priced) bakeries. So if you know of anyone requiring them for weddings/events (I can do flavours/colours/decorations to order), think of me!

I discovered something exciting yesterday (in the London Lite to be precise). There's this organisation called Camelot Properties. Basically, you act as 'guardian' to some old and special building (castles, museums, big listed houses, converted factories etc.) - by living in it! Obviously they're kitted out as homes - it's really like living in a shared house (you're one of a few guardians), but much more interesting and a heck of a lot cheaper. The drawbacks are that you're caring for the propery, so no parties and minimal decorating freedom. Plus - no pets, so if I did seriously pursue it (which I might within the next six months) I'd have to hide Su in a wardrobe or have my parents foster her for a year or so :o( I know it sounds a little like legal squatting, but I think it sounds very fun!
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