Image: Ravinder M A Sue's son has moved out. Now she should have lots of time to dedicate to studying but not before a quick holiday...
Recently I helped my son and his girlfriend move house, an exhausting all day affair, lifting and carrying numerous sized boxes and bags - all of which demonstrated various stages of suitability for the task expected of them. Some pieces of furniture were walked to the new abode whilst others were taken in my car, the piece de resistance being the bed. The divan, in two pieces, was stacked one on top of the other in the boot so that the tailgate couldn't be closed and I could see absolutely zip in my rear view mirror.
Recently I helped my son and his girlfriend move house, an exhausting all day affair, lifting and carrying numerous sized boxes and bags - all of which demonstrated various stages of suitability for the task expected of them. Some pieces of furniture were walked to the new abode whilst others were taken in my car, the piece de resistance being the bed. The divan, in two pieces, was stacked one on top of the other in the boot so that the tailgate couldn't be closed and I could see absolutely zip in my rear view mirror.
At the same time the mattress was balanced on the roof. No roof rack or any means of securing it, just the centre of gravity and a prayer holding it in place as I drove very gingerly, hazard lights flashing. My son walked beside the car and every so often he would yell "car coming" and I would pull over to let it pass before taking up the snail's pace once more until eventually gliding to an unceremonious halt outside their new home.
I was lucky enough to have a week away in Spain with my friend before the start of the new term and was surprised to witness Easy Jet showing few qualms about selling alcohol to passengers on board. In fact I would go as far as to say some were actively encouraged to purchase extra rounds, consuming as this particular party did, four cans of Stella and two vodka chasers. I know this because I was sitting right next to them. The chances of my getting any shut eye lessened with their every sip. They weren't aggressive or excessively rowdy, just incapable of sitting still, spending their time standing in the aisle loudly chatting and generally being a pain in the arse at five in the morning.
I was lucky enough to have a week away in Spain with my friend before the start of the new term and was surprised to witness Easy Jet showing few qualms about selling alcohol to passengers on board. In fact I would go as far as to say some were actively encouraged to purchase extra rounds, consuming as this particular party did, four cans of Stella and two vodka chasers. I know this because I was sitting right next to them. The chances of my getting any shut eye lessened with their every sip. They weren't aggressive or excessively rowdy, just incapable of sitting still, spending their time standing in the aisle loudly chatting and generally being a pain in the arse at five in the morning.
| I sound like a contender for Grumpy Old Women and it is a case of sour grapes if truth be told because the same airline some time ago threatened to confiscate alcohol that I had sneaked on board! I feel it demonstrates the passenger safety mantra to be a bit of a ruse, when you can't imbibe your own drink but they will happily and eagerly sell you their own at considerably inflated prices. | I feel it demonstrates the passenger safety mantra to be a bit of a ruse, when you can't imbibe your own drink |
The rebel in me decided that I would not struggle into uni on the first day of term to hear a welcome back speech by the new head of department. This transpired to be the only event of the day for me and when coupled with diversions that take you miles out of your way because of major road works in and around campus, I concluded that I am a mature enough student to make an executive decision of this calibre, and didn't go in.
Particularly when I was made to feel like a bit of a criminal the previous day. I went to the Sociology building to look at timetables displayed, so I was advised, on the notice board in the common room. But the building was all but deserted save for some builders who were exiting as I entered and who then retraced their steps to challenge my authority to be there.
Thank goodness they did, or I would have been locked in! They had acquired a key to enable them to do what only builders can and were about to shut up shop and go home for the day.
I never did establish whether timetables were displayed but luckily I then bumped into a fellow student who told me all the details were online, something I dread hearing. So once again I am now engaged in electronic battle. My heart sinks as I grapple with the intricacies of a completely updated totally redesigned webpage where I can find nothing. (What was wrong with how it was – I liked how it was. I had grown used to how it was). I have three days in which to get to grips with how it now is and turn up on time at the right venue for the right lecture. Simples.
Squeamish Sue
Particularly when I was made to feel like a bit of a criminal the previous day. I went to the Sociology building to look at timetables displayed, so I was advised, on the notice board in the common room. But the building was all but deserted save for some builders who were exiting as I entered and who then retraced their steps to challenge my authority to be there.
Thank goodness they did, or I would have been locked in! They had acquired a key to enable them to do what only builders can and were about to shut up shop and go home for the day.
I never did establish whether timetables were displayed but luckily I then bumped into a fellow student who told me all the details were online, something I dread hearing. So once again I am now engaged in electronic battle. My heart sinks as I grapple with the intricacies of a completely updated totally redesigned webpage where I can find nothing. (What was wrong with how it was – I liked how it was. I had grown used to how it was). I have three days in which to get to grips with how it now is and turn up on time at the right venue for the right lecture. Simples.
Squeamish Sue
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