Not yet two thirds of the way there… :-(

I arrived at the DSA test centre in Barnsley at 1.30pm!  Well before the apppointed 2.15pm appointment for my part 2, ADI driving test.  Thanks to Paul, Sharon, Michelle M, Michelle L, Mike, Jane, Zoe, Wendy… I had been practising a-plenty.  I sat for ages reading a magazine thoughtfully provided by the centre (like a dental waiting room) and went to the loo 3 times!  Met the pleasant Lady examiner who looked at my appointment letter and driving license but ignored the other document I had been told to take, the certificate for passing the Part 1 tests.  We went to my car ready for the 5 maintenance ’show me, tell me’ questions when she realised my car is a Mark 2 Renault Clio.  More than I knew.

I couldn’t take my test because I did not have my MOT certificate on me to prove the bonnet catch works.  End of. 

I have a stonkingly awful migraine coming on as I spent the whole journey home silently crying, then blubbed like a baby on the phone to my Dad.  He had had to calm down before phoning himself!  If an MOT is required for this type of car, as a document before a test takes place, WHY DID THEY NOT SAY SO IN THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED NOTES?!!!!!  I don’t blame the Instructor College for not telling me as they teach using their cars, which most people borrow for the Part 2, though they recommend using your own car if possible.  I do not get on with the Vauxhall Corsas they use so opted to use my own car, but of course they don’t know what model car their students drive.

My loving hubby helped not at all by texting me that he ‘told u to take mot just in case’.  A hug would have been better, once I got home.  Anyway, I used to keep documents in my old car, then the car got stolen with them all in, so now I don’t.

On the plus side the DSA centre in Barnsley are to get in touch with the DSA booking centre and I will get a free new test, and this does not count as one of the three attempts allowed.  I have contacted the DSA who confirmed this and will be sending me a date within 72 hours.  The dates showing are in October but they, apparently, hold some back so it should be sooner.  Just as well as we are so brassic I don’t think we can afford the petrol money for me to practise much before this one.  Dad has offered to help out, and we may have to take him up on that offer.  As soon as I pass this test who wants to buy a Renault Clio?  Pretty good nick and going for good value for money….?

Driving Myself Around the Bend AND Up the Wall

Got to write this ‘cos my sister’s making me… moaned ‘cos I’ve not added for ages.  Which is true.  I’ve been busy practising.

Session 8 of my Trainee ADI course has been had.  I was told to keep my Part 2 test (the driving one… remember?) and that I should keep practising.  I’m taking this as a compliment as the bloke who was sharing my lesson (the Instructor College put two trainees in the car to share each near 4-hour lesson during this element of the course (although ours lasted 4 1/2!); makes a lot of sense as you can practise yourself and assess the other – I plan to offer such lessons to my future students… more on my official website when I get round to making one!) was told to postpone his and practise more.  Mine is on Thursday and his not until 9th September, so I must be showing some potential.

Am absolutely cacking mesen though (like the Tyke dialect?).  I HAVE to pass.  We have no money to pay for me to do a retake so if I do not pass this Thursday then that’s it, no more hope and a HUGE debt to pay.  We already cannot afford to live.  We’re robbing Peter to pay Paul and it’s all catching up.  Had to get a loan just to pay utility bills, which will come around again next April.  So I need to be earning plenty to cover bills and pay off the debts accrued this year.  Who knew Librarianship was not the road to riches ;-P.

And this time financial shite is not of our making.  It’s lack of a proper rise for the last 5 years (I have tried everything to get them to pay me my worth and now I just think screw em.) and the rising living costs.  Our holiday is happening because I paid for it last year, and yes… I can hear my Dad smugly saying “I told you so” because I chose to spruce the house rather than save some of the wodge we made last year when we sold the Bradford house.  I think he may have had a point, I have a lovely home which will be of little comfort when it’s repossessed!  (Not that we’re near that stage – before my sister has a coronary).

So wish me luck, send me positive vibes and thoughts and karma.  There’s no reason why I can’t pass, I am capable, I just need to concentrate fully for the 1 hour, practise as planned, and hope there’s no horrendous road conditions on the day!

Doncaster has Pride

Took the kids to the Doncaster Pride celebration on Sunday.  We also took part in the Walk of Unity.  Was disappointed to see our ‘esteemed‘ Mayor (the voted in one, the tosspot who has ignore the Vote of No Confidence and continues to destroy my lovely adopted home town) hijack it to be photogarphed by the local media heading the Walk and then spoke from the stage to start the proceedings.  About 2 people clapped, you could see the tumbleweed.

But my lasses and their friends thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  They were amused by the fantastic outfits and entertainers, confused by the “that’s a Man, but he’s dressed as a lady” peopl in the crowd and over-excited to the point of tantrum by the over-priced and miniscule fair.  The latter will be avoided at all costs next year.  My lasses were inappropriately in full make-up and dressed to the nines… it seemed appropriate.  All 6 of the kids with us were photographed on the steps of the Council Offices from where the Walk started, holding their flags and grinning.  Hope it makes the newspaper.  Wonder hwo the other ‘Mums-at-the-school-gates’ would react…

It was great; 2nd annual event in this town and hopefully more to come.  Good mix of people.  Hope my 6th former who organised us taking part in the Walk will do so next year, although it seemed you could just turn up too.  The kids haven’t actually asked what it was all about yet, so I’ve said now’t, feel free to advise me on how best to explain it all to them… I just don’t want them announcing things at the school/Nursery just yet…