Gigs, Exams, Coursework and Parking Tickets.

Another Monday then. Bit of a big day today, I had my exam for the end of my 1st year of degree, exciting!

I think it went alright, I usually choke up in exams and find it difficult to play the most simple things, things that I could do perfectly the night before. It happened to an extent this morning, I wasn't as good as I am on stage or in by bedroom (of course) but I think it was good enough, better than my other exams earlier in the year. The tutors were nice and understanding that it was 9am and I've spent most of my time doing coursework, they helped me out by giving me a nice third piece to play. We had eight tracks to learn, we chose two in the exam and the tutors chose 1. Results should be out in by the end of summer although we probably won't get it till autumn!

So I've got 3 days including the rest of today to get my coursework finished, I've done about half and I don't think it'll be too difficult to get done, I might even try to get it done for Wednesday rather than the Thursday deadline. This term has been quite dissapointing, most of the essays seem a bit pointless and there has been a distinct lack of playing. I think there should be more performing on this performing degree!

I played a short set with Jof last Friday in the middle of Reading town centre at rush hour, it was brilliant! It was acoustic, which was odd, but it was even odder using only a snare, bass drum and a ride cymbal, made me really think about what I played in each song. It went really well, we managed to get a bit of a crowd going from passers-by and a few strangers complemented once we'd finished. Jof, Jenny, Rachel and myself went for a lovely meal at Pizza Express after and a drink in a pub before me and Rachel headed back to the car...

...To discover I had been given a parking ticket. I didn't agree with this so today I have appealed. Apparently I should have had a permit, but according to the sign I could park there on a week day after 5.30 without one. Apparenltly not. I think they worded the sign purposely confusing so they make some money from confused motorists like my self. If the appeal system works they'll agree, change the sign and write off my ticket, if, like I expect, the system does not work and this is just another council that likes to squeeze every last penny from anyone nice enough to visit their little town, I shall pay the £35 and spend the rest of my days complaining about everything, including the bird poo on the pavement, to the council. Fun for them!

I hate councils. I suggest you do too.

Enough ranting, back to coursework. Have a nice week :-)