Malawi connections

The week began with us heading off to see mates over from Malawi and then later on that day seeing another pal, T, who is over for the long break. It was lovely to chat and find out about things that have happened, stayed the same and changed. It made me feel a little sad to not be going back at the end of August. There's a lot to miss. But things sound tougher for many people. 

We also saw another Malawi connection this week, K and her son who came over and we got the chance to swap stories. She really helped A through her English GCSE and we used to play a lot of poker together, so it was a lovely but all too short catch up. 

On Monday morning I found A up and eating breakfast downstairs - very unlike her this holiday. Turns out Scruffy had brought her a frog at 5am. So she was very awake. We must ensure our bedroom door stays firmly shut at night. I do not want these gifts. 

I went for a decent medium sized walk with U this week and she treated me to a very nice coffee and cake for my birthday. This was purchased from a shop I have driven past countless times over the years and never thought to go into. A treasure trove of goodies in there and at reasonable prices. It's quite near my current school so I might be popping in more. 

The big day of the week was of course A-level results day. The girls had done their best not to think about it too much but when they did I could see the worry in their faces. A was at the advantage of having some sense of her coursework grade for art. She looked at her email once up to see that she had a confirmed place at LIPA. M wouldn't look. 

We headed over and happily both girls decided to go in. Coming out with one of their history teachers in tow. Both did really well but both had elements they were proud of and disappointed with. But after a few moments to process they were both laughing and finding out about others they know and how they did. A lovely brunch later and they were doing well. Both having a lazy rest of the day before heading off to a Spoons in Muswell Hill for celebrations. 

It was a slightly busier week leading up to my birthday. I had an art therapy session in the morning following the jump on the bed for presents tradition. I got some super presents, one anti wrinkle cream! A accompanied me on the bus and tube, my first ride on a tube since the op. It was a good session and of course this trip included us popping into my favourite Farringdon cafe for tea and I had a bacon roll. Once home I had a little nap and then I was treated to a pedicure for my birthday. Very needed. Then after a good girly chat in M's room and then a funny group call with my mum and sister, a hasty application of makeup we headed to the pub for birthday drinks. 

A lovely set of friends made it feel very celebratory and we joked and laughed. Eating expensive pizza with the birthday money I'd been sent and I stuck to a coming drink and plenty of water as it was so hot.