WHILE listening to Whipping Boy sing about being young, a time when "no one has a past that catches up on you", I reflect on the events of my week and ponder their words. Today is tomorrow's past, but it is also yesterday's future and this, in my opinion, is the more positive outlook.
Yesterday's future has now arrived and the third level which has been the focus of attention for so long is now, almost incredibly, just two weeks away. For so many of my friends, there is only one week before college commences and for Edwina, Freshers' Week starts tomorrow.
Now that an inevitable transition is taking place, it was great to have some friends over to celebrate my birthday last Sunday, an enjoyable night which marked the beginning of a memorable week. The next day, during lunch break, as my last week in the county council started, Kevin presented me with a delicious chocolate cake with the appropriate number of candles lighting, while the staff of the Roads/Sanitary Services section sang Happy Birthday to me. This was a kind thought and a nice surprise.
Having abandoned Tim Pat Coogan's Michael Collins and having finally tired of ploughing through Sophie's World, an absorbing summary of philosophy through the ages, I have embarked upon a voyage of exploration through the intriguing The Essential James Joyce.
Because I studied Emma for the Leaving Cert and not A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, reading Joyce is a new experience for me and I am hoping my enthusiasm prevails throughout the novel.
Tuesday night was a quiet night for me and before my weekly dose of Friends and my not so weekly dose of The X Files, I went for a brisk walk with Mum.
Thursday seems set as a day for important events in my calendar of late - the day of my results and my debs'.
The debs' proved a great success and was enjoyed by all. The panic of preparations on the night was certainly sufficient to get the adrenalin pumping, but eventually my hair, make up and other arrangements had been seen to.
Monica came, Dad took photos and as soon as Christopher arrived, looking smart and sophisticated in his tux, we left for Jenny's house where her mum had organised a reception for all before we went to the hotel.
The night was everything we had hoped for, with a nice meal, Sixties music, followed by disco and hours without sleep. I thought it was a particularly special night, not only to see so many familiar faces - people I had not seen all summer - but also the teachers who had been so genuinely committed to us during our six years. They eagerly enquired about our hopes for the future, while enjoying the night - and some even ventured so far as to learn groovy dance moves to the latest songs.
Friday was our last day in work and the other students and I went out for a Chinese meal together, with Paul, of course, ensuring that Susan and I had a full portion of dessert.
