Doing...

When I was in the states, I finally decided to purchase one of these.  I'd been thinking about it awhile, and after debating over it, finally decided that in my current situation- traveling a lot, not really having a permanent place, etc.- that it was worth it.

When I got back to Swansea and did some research into covers, I realized that they were all expensive-or bright neon pink.  Boo.  So, I decided to make my own cover.  Or two.  I looked online for some tutorials, and found this one on the Thimble blog.

I decided to make one with the elastic strap and no flap and one with a button closure.  Very easy and very fun.  And did I mention free?  I already had everything I needed to make them.  Save $50/£35?? Yes, please!

The last couple of weeks have been spent preparing for my UK driving test.  You see, you can only drive on an American license for the first year you are here, and after that, it's time to take the test.  It's made up of 2 parts- theory and practical.  It's a pretty long and somewhat stressful process that I won't bore you with here, but if you want to read more about it from another American's perspective, read this three part series: provisional license, theory test, and practical test.  I also thought this article was a fun perspective on the whole experience.

I can honestly say that I had only spoken to maybe 4 people who passed their practical test the first time, and with a first-time passing percentage of about 39%, that wasn't surprising.  I passed the theory test and then proceeded to take a couple of driving lessons so I could get a better idea of what the examiners would be looking for.  You see, here everyone takes driving lessons.  It seems to be a pretty big business.  But then again, they don't have driver's ed in schools, so I guess it makes sense.  Anyway, after 3 lessons- and practising backing around a corner, parallel parking, reversing into a parking bay, looking in my mirrors all the time, driving the actual speed limit, putting on the parking brake every time I stop for more than 5 seconds, and knowing what to do when I have to pass a horse on the road (and yes, that happens regularly), I was ready to take my test.  I wasn't actually that nervous by the time I got in the car with the examiner, and before I knew it the 40 minute test was over.  And guess what??  I passed!  I'm glad to have that over with!