Fire up the Quattro!

As an addendum to the last entry, we have a new thrill to add to the current levels of examination excitement in this household.

One offspring was due to sit an exam on Friday afternoon at 1.30. Feeling, a)relatively organised about the whole thing, and b)unduly relaxed; we felt that a 1.00-1.15 arrival at the school would stand the said person in good stead. Lunch was being eaten, last minute testing taking place when at 12.53 (it's relevant!), eldest child burst in to say a call had just been taken from exam candidate's friends, asking where they might be. The exam time had been changed and was due to get underway at 1.00.

Child concerned leaps for shoes, grabs pens, pencils etc, mother swears and fires up the quattro (I wish), 'phone call taker mans the gates and they're off. I apologise to all those living in the intervening villages - I did observe the 30mph where possible - but I'm relatively pleased to say that I have awarded myself the current unofficial land speed record between our house and my children's educational establishment.

We didn't 'burn rubber', but the ancient vehicle swerved to a magnificent running halt (there is such a thing, believe me) and deposited the teen without ceremony, nor a fare-thee-well. That GCSE candidate began the exam at the same time as others, but with a somewhat faster heartbeat.

The exam department had, in their infinite wisdom, apparently altered the timings 48 hours before. As yet, we have not had a 'phone call, message, text, e-mail nor any other form of communication from them informing us of the fact. I have nearly calmed down enough to feel that a 'phone call from me is now appropriate; especially in light of the 10 different papers due to be sat by the eldest offspring this week.  Next time you see a frantic looking, middle-aged woman belting along at inappropriate speed, you'll know that it may not be a medical emergency, but it'll feel like it to the person concerned!