Growing Pains

Much has passed since the last time that I wrote on here, which is not really any excuse for my lack of communication and explanation. After returning from the Scattering, there wasn't much to do at home for the week; the weekend picked up, however, because I was working in Number 18. It was just quite nice being back at some kind of work, keeping busy all day and having people to talk to that aren't the family (not that I don't also appreciate them).

Next was: The Road Trip. Which was myself and a couple of Ry's friends (without Ry, which I will explain) going up to North Wales. We camped out in Snowdonia, and it was one of the worst nights of my life. Cold, splattering rain that came at us from a 90 degree angle because the wind was so strong. Tents battered by gale forces. I slept in a tent with Madrid and her boyfriend, Ry's best friend, Lank. It was a very long night; the next morning, we went for a walk. Also in horrendous weather, so I was soaked through by the end of it, but still stunningly beautiful. At first I really didn't want to go, but we seemed to follow a Yellow Brick Road of sorts and I'm actually really glad I went. After the walk, we headed down to my house and stayed here for two days. That meant more walks, lots of drinks, a game or two of articulate and a meal in the pub - good fun, I was glad to have them, but I also couldn't stop myself constantly wishing that Ry had been there too.

They left on a Thursday morning, continuing the Road Trip down to London, but I stayed home because that was the day Dad arrived. We spent three days with him pottering around the house, cleaning up and such because someone will eventually be coming round to take photos of the place (we're selling it, part of The Divorce, not something necessary to go into). After that: France! France was good fun, we arrived back two days ago. Nanny J came with us (Dad, Bing, Smily and myself) and drank too much wine which annoyed Father, and there were a few tense moments and arguments that we knew were always on the cards. On the other hand, there were also a lot of laughs. It was nice to get away from everything for a couple of days; I got a tan, I bought a hat, went swimming with Bing. That's one good thing about The Divorce - it has definitely brought us kids closer together.

Two days ago, we got back to the UK. Last night I went to Squared's (my namesake) boyfriend's birthday party. That was good fun, even though I didn't know anyone apart from the two hosts. I also didn't really try very hard to get to know anyone, but that's probably because everyone was stoned and drunk, or had something to do with the idea that I'll never meet them again. Or that it will be a long time before I next do meet any of them. But still, lots of fun. I learnt a new drinking game - Cheers to the Governor! - and had a good dance, before making a floor-nest-bed with Squared to sleep on. Woke up this morning feeling a little worse for wear, but I've got some chill days now.