I don't like Mondays!

Before I get down to the nitty gritty, I must apologise for not keeping up with my blog last week. I had nothing to write about as I didn't attend college. No, I wasn't being naughty (which I do like being at times).

I had to attend a conference at the Prison Service College based in Rugby and didn't know until the last minute. This caused me quite a headache as I was supposed to be completing a mock exam paper in readiness for the real thing 10/17 December.

It was really important that I attended the said conference as the subject matter will have an impact on my future career in the Service. It was a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea. I think I would have rather been at Burton College than listen solidly for someone lecturing for 6 hours.

I managed to arrange with the tutor to send me the paper so that I could complete this at home. Which she most kindly did.

Today was one filled with trepidation. I have been quite stressed this last week knowing that the paper has to be marked and I must admit my heads been mashed.

The afternoons session was fairly low key as always. It wasn't too bad, quite a lot of the class was missing so there wasn't so many interruptions. We actually finished at 14:45 and I was home for 15:00 hours.

I was quite glad really that I could come home because I needed to chill a little before tonight. I decided to "have a blow". Its nothing kinky, but what is termed in brass band speak, as playing your instrument. I think I have mentioned previously that I play in a brass band.

I do find that "having a blow" is quite therapeutic and relaxing. I have not been able to practice as much as I would have liked because I have neighbours who live either side. I have just had a lovely conservatory built and its like having my own music room. I can now play until my hearts content.

Feeling quite chilled I made my way back to college and once the session started, I submitted my work to the tutor for marking.

I told her that I had struggled and towards the end of the paper I had lost the will to live. I felt really chuffed when she said well done and that most of it was correct. This has given me the boost that I needed ready for the real thing next week.

The tutor has given us a couple more mock papers to have a go at before next week (with answers supplied) this will help highlight problem areas.

I am feeling quite positive tonight and as I am writing my blog I am sampling a bottle of the good old red stuff.

Cheers!