25th June, 2010

This is quite a momentous week in the world of Hen. Whilst I was sitting in the Headmaster of Uppingham’s study yesterday trying to convince him that my son Bob had so much to offer and contribute to the school ( besides poaching techniques and how to prepare rabbit skins ) my phone vibrated in my pocket. I applauded myself at my foresight and thought with relief of the last time I had been in similar circumstances, meeting the headmaster of Oakham, but had forgotten to put my phone on silent. My rather eccentric ring tone blasted out and I had to answer a call from a lady who had driven down from Derby and with whom I had arranged a rendevouz outside his house in order to attempt to sell her my 5 year old Volvo T5. Needless to say Oakham School was quickly ruled out as an option. On this occasion it was Sophie who embarrassed us and severely compromised our pretty slim chances of securing a place for Bob. The Registrar, an exuberant and good looking young man asked us if we knew any current pupils. As it happens my god-son is at the school. The Registrar recognised the name, but said he couldn’t put a face to it. “He has beautiful blue eyes” said Sophie bizarrely. Bob and I cringed and the Registrar went red. Anyway, it was a text message from Hen “I’M ON MY GAP YEAR! WooHoo! Xxxxxx” I don’t know who she is trying to kid. Her “Gap Year” is meant to end on August 11th when she registers for her foundation course at Leeds College of Art. Perhaps I am missing the point. Whatever. She chose to celebrate the end of her A level exams yesterday lunch time by nipping into town at Rugby and having her tongue pierced.

I had another altogether more disconcerting text from her earlier in the week.....

“Yo Dave” it read “Give me a ring if you could when you have a free moment, and if you know anything about shares? Xxx”

What?????!!!!! Don’t even think about responding to that one any of you.

So Friday it is and the weekend is welcome after a particularly tiring one. Spent a night in town for a desk dinner celebrating our outstanding achievement coming 2nd in the II Survey for Asia this year. More than one person has asked me if I am off to Glastonbury which I like to think reflects upon my own youthful exuberance. Nope. I am not. Tonight Spandau Ballet are playing at Newmarket so how could I miss that.

PS Overheard a conversation from a colleague over from HK which amused me though it may lose something in the relating. He was giving someone instructions about what to do when leaving his flat. “Lock it and leave the key in the shoes outside the front door. They’re flip-flops.” Yup. That’s one key safely stashed away.