Of Chelmsford & Harlow

T

his week I have been Quite Busy. I've been back in the town I grew up in, Chelmsford, and back in the town in which I was born, Harlow.

I've been here in Good Easter for many weeks now, but this week I've been actually into Chelmsford for two full days. The first was Wednesday, when I met Graham, Siggers and Malton for lunch etc. Twas a bon occasion — went into Phones 4 U, where they broke out a live 5800 for me to play with (all I had to do was sit through them trying to sell me it). Graham also presented me with his gift to me for my 21st. They're Dr Who cufflinks (the red diamond logo from Tom Baker's era), tres bon, and they'll be treasured and oft-worn, so many thanks indeed to Mr Rutland!

The second of my trips was today, to help Malton out at KEGS (my dear old school), where he and Craig are nearing the end of a summer-long installation of 220 brand new computers (that's very nearly every one in the school!). It was great to see inside the brand new Sixth Form Centre, and it was particularly great to see Vicky, Lorraine and Roy, from whom there were surprise visits. That image is the 2nd floor Common Room. My brief thoughts about it are on facebook: 1 & 2

Also, this week: upgrades! As I mentioned, I tried out my new phone (& music player), the Nokia 5800, and I'm very happy with my choice, so now I just have to run out of credit and order my new contract :D More importantly, I've been gifted my choice of laptop as a 21st gift — I'm very, very thankful, and am actually quite impatient for its delivery. Relatedly, Thursday was a visit to my Nanna in Harlow, with Mum, for gardening and furniture moving — twas good to see her, to help her out, and to get away with some nice bits and pieces into the bargain! Including a fantastic carriage clock, which, like my signet ring and cufflinks, I shall be keeping very carefully indeed — as one does with special gifts for a milestone birthday.

But soon...

...back to Southampton!

Huzzah!

This Summer I am Mostly...

Today's post feels a little forced. Maybe because it's essentially a complain, the writing of which is at odds with the euphoria of organising my music but being distracted by listening to Disney...

Anyway, this Summer, I am mostly... ...doing nothing. I failed to get a summer job and a place in Southampton, so I moved back to my parents' and... ...failed to get a summer job. And, Lord, how I wish I was back in Southampton doing the same nothing. Because there, I have friends and Chaplaincy, and any level of activity I wish in walking distance. Constant textual contact with a few friends (one much more than others) has of course been a great comfort, but I still long for September to start.

I think in my first and second years I did tend to do, by and large, as little as I am now — but then at least I still had friends, coursemates, flatmates, GameSoc, pubs, etc. etc. I think I've changed in this respect — I have to be reasonably busy now — sure, I can curse busy-ness when I have it and it makes me fail to watch TV I want to, but really, I crave it. I certainly do now.

But thankfully, a few weeks ago, there was an oasis of activity in this long stretch of boredom — a jolly to London with some of my very dearest friends. But I think I'll write that up tomorrow, when I'm not sleepy, sweaty, dopey, warm, or any of the not-positive dwarfs, so as to do it proper justice. It'll probably cheer me up no end also. So...

...next time: the jolliest of jollies.