It’s early on Sunday morning, and I’m sat quietly in a hotel room in Central London. An unusual spot, perhaps, but I’ve taken Bryan away for a couple of days as an end of term treat. It’s lovely that we can still do things like this, and I’m making the most of it.
We travelled further down the south coast for Bryan to meet up with his siblings, who he adores, and then we came to London on Saturday morning. I’d hoped we could see some street theatre, but there were a couple of bursts of rain, so we decided to retreat back to our hotel room and relax. As it turned out, both of us were rather exhausted and in bed asleep earlier than planned – but we clearly needed it.
Today, we’re doing a trip to the Natural History Museum. I’ve been wanting to see the cast of the new dinosaur skeleton found in Argentina for a while now, so this is a good excuse. It’ll be nice to just wander round and explore our living history.
It’s nice to do simple things like this; sharing experiences with my rapidly-growing son, and just enjoying his company for as long as he lets me!
Life returns to normal after half term, but we have another week to enjoy first; I’m working for three days (unavoidable), so Bryan gets some opportunities during the week as well. Being a single parent can sometimes be difficult to balance all of the holidays (there are quite a few to keep track of), but there are loving grandparents and holiday clubs there to support us, so that’s a blessing.
I’m on a reading week from university this week, too, and I’m already missing it. Every class allows me to learn new things; even though I’m a writer, I most certainly don’t know everything about the subject, and my course is really giving me new opportunities to broaden my mind. I need to make sure I’m still open to learning, because if I ever sat in a classroom thinking, “Huh, I know all this”, that’s the moment I need to be given a reality check by everyone I know.
I love being challenged to broaden my mind, and i do think this is going to really help expand my writing skills – so that can only be a good thing.
Now, I’m afraid this week’s column is a little shorter than usual, as Bryan has risen from his slumbers and is itching to get some breakfast (so am I, to be fair), so I’d better get a shift on.
I’d be interested in knowing, however, what your favourite experiences have been? Bryan and I once went round the Jack the Ripper Museum in Whitechapel which was fun. I also love the science museum and taking Bryan over the 02 (we walked over it) was an experience – he strode confidently ahead while I trod more carefully. Lots of lovely memories.
Right, I said I was going early, and now I will. Bryan is standing at the door to our hotel room, staring at me. Message received, Bryan.
