This month I had to do something that I haven't had to do in ages…STUDY! The last time I found myself studying it was to be nationally certified personal trainer back in 2004. I have to admit I do enjoy the process of studying. It is something I always have; its the exams that I don't appreciate nor excel at.So what am I studying for this time? I am studying for my "Life in the UK" exam which is part of the Indefinite Leave to Remain process. Its a lot to take in… history of the UK from 1088 to present plus all the government, politics, judiciary stuff, etc. Can you see which section I find more interesting?!
The bit on the American Revolution was especially eye-opening :-)
I did think during the process; maybe I should go back to school. I would love to get another degree. I honestly would..but don't think I could do the whole exams, papers, etc. Or could I? We shall see. I have rather enjoyed the process of studying, sitting in coffee shops, terraces, restaurants reading, note taking…and Skyping (okay that is not part of the process, but fun as heck to catch up with my girls)
Right now I just need to focus on this exam, getting my ILR and then I will be free to do anything (even go back to school if I so desire) :-)
I blame all the studying to date. I discovered something rather wicked this month, libraries are fun. My friend works at the British Library and despite KR's many visits I have never been to the BL until now. Various museums around London hold what they call a "LATE". The BL held a LATE for their Propaganda exhibit. It was a wicked evening actually. They completely transformed the entrance of the BL and made it into a party with badge making, food, drinks, live music and live entertainment. The exhibit itself was rather interesting and gave a unique view into the various forms of propaganda; from the "Your Country Needs You" to "5x a Day". Propaganda hasn't just been political in nature, but had held many forms in many countries. For my first visit to the library…I have rather enjoyed it and looking forward to returning for another "LATE"!
All the studying paid off as I passed my exam. It was rather anti-climatic if I must be honest. You study the 180 pages, take notes, do the practice exams…all for what. For 24 questions. It took me at most 8 minutes to take the exam and within minutes I had my "certificate" - - I PASSED! I wanted to know what my score was, how many I got wrong, but sadly if you pass that is all you get. Annoying, but what a sigh of relief.
To celebrate, I went out for Pancakes with my study partner and then enjoyed some whisky and indian food with the Bensons. That was then followed by a kick-ass random day of champagne, hat shopping (side note, I never knew fancy hats could cost that much) followed by more champagne and hot dogs. Yes sounds like an insane combo, but it actually works. There is a new restaurant that has opened on Charlotte Street called Bubble Dogs and they serve just that - - Bubbles and Hot Dogs. It is a strange combination, but it works and they are delicious :-)
After the weekend of pure indulgence it was time to burn off some calories and what better way than by laughing. Months ago we bought tickets for The Book of Mormon. I had heard a few things about the show, but pleased I didn't know too much as I was pleasantly treated to a evening of non stop laughter. The Book of Mormon is simply brilliant! If you have a chance, I highly recommend seeing this show - you will love it.
I really don't want to ruin it so I am not going to say anything more about it. Its not meant to be offensive…just funny. Every religion has its peculiarities and if you can't laugh at it what can you do? I say think until they make one of the Gita or Mahbharata :-)
Armed with my "Life in the UK" certificate and with my not so cheap hat...it was off to do a very English thing… go to the races. Not just any races, but the Royal Ascot horse races. There is something special about the Royal Ascot races and the tradition attached to it. Sounds very old fashion with rules and regulations on what you can wear down to the length of your dress, neckline, width of your hat, etc but I rather like that tradition stuff. I wish there was more of it around. I know things are meant to evolve and stay with the times, but there is something about keeping up old traditions.
Don't know if it was the champagne, the outfit or the atmosphere, but I really got into the whole horse racing and betting thing. Messed up on my first bet, but thankfully won that one. I went on to win the next 4 races and a total of £180 :-) It was a great afternoon at the races which may have been influenced by some good horse selection. In all seriousness, it was great afternoon as I was with great friends with champagne, plenty of food and great fun! And heck the queen was there…its always a good time when the queen is there :-)
After "hanging out with the Queen" there is only one thing to do… watch DM2! Even more is to watch it twice in one week. We have been counting down the days to DM2 and probably watched every trailer and preview available. We had plans as a team to watch the movie on opening afternoon, but when I saw there was a preview showing I just couldn't resist.The first one is always the best, but I truly could not stop laughing with the second one. There are some classic scenes in the DM2 and the minions play a larger role in this movie. How can you not enjoy a movie with minions :-)
In between my Minion watching however was a lovely week with Neil Mama & Aarti Mami. They were in town with some friends. Sadly I was unable to attend their Scotland leg due to work and ILR application stuff, but I am so pleased that I got to see them multiple times while they were in London town. We started with dinner at La Perla; nothing like some spicy beer and mexican food to kick things off. We then continued our tasting tour of London with visits to Mango Tree, Souk and ended with a special dinner at Hakasan. The food at Hakasan is lovely, but I am not a fan of places that clock watch and pressure you out the door. Just takes away from the dining experience and I am all about the dining experience especially when I am with family celebrating my Dad's birthday. I wish that week could have gone on for longer. It was so lovely to have family in town :-) Looking forward to their next trip.
The month ended with "Noni playing the Blues". She had been taking harmonica classes and this was their final showcase. It was incredible to see some of the performances and I am so incredibly proud of my girl. Its not easy performing in front of people, worse yet is inviting your friends and family, but she did it and she was brilliant!!I am so pleased that I went out to see her show and very much looking forward to seeing her next one. She did inspire me to pick up playing again. I would love to play the upright bass again. I miss playing that instrument; my baby!! Maybe when I get a bigger place I will treat myself.
Who knows maybe Noni and I can start a blues band :-) HAHAHAHA wouldn't that be something.
Its been a lovely month of family, exploring, new experience and being happy.
Hope you all are smiling and enjoying the summer. Its here, get out there it will be over before we know it.
Love you all and miss you more
xxx
T
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| HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! You would have been 71!! |