Monday 15th Apr

An early start to the day as I have to get the eldest to town for 8am to sit her Driving Theory Test. We board an early underground train and get a seat, but you don’t see a lot of happy faces at that time in the morning. I drop the eldest off at the test centre then wander round to see what changes have been made, since I was last in the area. All I can see is three new coffee joints, a couple of mini supermarkets and a Travelodge. Well that’s progress for you. I take a seat in Starbucks by the window (though I must admit I didn’t buy a coffee), and watch the commuters or worker bees/drones as they pour out of the station and up the street. Some come in for their morning caffeine fix but few look happy. I know its Monday but whose image is this society created in I wonder, if most people appear miserable?

Unfortunately the eldest having cruised through the multiple choice section she was worried about, failed the hazard perception section by one mark. She is not happy, neither am I, not because she failed but because it’s another £31 to sit it again, plus travelling. I drop her back at school then go home and rebook the test for Friday morning though this time it’s a different test centre 20 miles away, but 8am again so another bright and early start. Fingers crossed or it will have to wait until June after exam season. The chap at the supermarket till this morning told Mrs P he failed his theory test five times! Not a ringing endorsement, but it obviously happens. We just need a touch of luck.

After lunch I take my car for its MOT. I sit waiting for the hour it takes, and can’t help thinking - despite the fact its running well and is giving me no problems at all – “Oh please pass”. The longer it takes the more pensive I get as I see £ signs racking up. Eventually I’m called over to be told it has Passed, but they still point out a couple of things. I think these places must be contractually obliged to highlight things in the hope you’ll part with money, even when you pass. One point raised was a “minute” movement, in something that I thought was meant to move. Not big, not small, but minute. Clutching at straws me thinks. I am glad I passed because if we had had two fails and things come in three’s, what would be next?

Having been jay-le-taxi for the youngest, in the evening I go to football and get rained on. I think I may very well be getting worse at football at the moment, but it’s a decent run out and I nearly break into sweat, so job done.

Yours enjoying 12 months MOT

Jay