The Wheels are Turning

On Wednesday, Maddie and I made a trip back to Chesterfield College again to see Sharon, the Head Registrar. She is a lovely woman with a very soft-spoken voice and very polite. She explained that since I have only been here in the UK for three months that I am still classed as an International Student, and therefore I am expected to pay more than the normal rate. She also said that after 2 years, I would be paying as what the locals do, and a year after that I will be able to avail of the free courses offered by the British Government. I took note of how she made it sound like three years is just around the corner.

When asked what course I am interested in, I said IT is on top of my list, and Maddie explained that I already am good with computers but I need a formal certificate to prove it so I can get a well-paid job, and one suited for my skills. I can’t be so sure as to how obvious my shock was and at what level did it show on my face when she quoted us the tuition fee for Level 1 NVQ in IT and NVQ in Business Administration. I’m sure I heard £3,600 and £5,000 (350,000-500,000 pesos), I just couldn’t recall which course is priced more ridiculously than the other. Maddie didn’t sound so shock, perhaps she didn’t want me to know, or Sharon for that matter.

I don’t really know what to think of all this. On one end, I am delighted that I have a chance to go to College and perhaps continue to University, and on the other hand I feel guilty for being a burden to my parents-in-law. I have been the reason James had given up his spot in University of Manchester, he spent the money what was given to him by his parents on our lavish wedding, his parents had paid for a specialised Solicitor to make sure I get a VISA to come here and when I did they gave us a lift from Birmingham Airport to live here at 184. And now she is going to pay for my tuition fees. When she asks me what I want to do for a course, I don’t know what to say, not because I don’t know what I want to take up, but because I know how much the course of my choice will cost them. And no, it’s not a loan, which makes me feel guiltier.

It’s her birthday on Tuesday and I guess I have to wait for her next one so I can get a little something from my own fruit of labour in England. For now, a card, which James and I have bought two weeks ago from the Card Factory will have to do.

The weather has improved a lot these past few days. Today, it was about 27 degrees. James and I walked down to Brim to the Doctor’s to collect my prescription and the chemist just around the corner to it to get my free contraceptives. Apparently, I’d have to see my doctor again before I can get my next lot of meds, but that is three months away. I wonder how my life will be like by then. Hopefully I'd be more at-ease to venture out on my own. But then again, even back home I don't really go out on my own. In fact, I hardly ever go out at all.

The first book I borrowed from the local Library is by Jackie Collins, who, apart from my mother, is my favourite author. It's her new book and it's the only one in the shelves that I haven't read before. It's called Drop Dead Beautiful. It's really no different from the other books she has written, but I like the way she indulges the readers. Personally, I get into a completely different world of my own and I get to just focus on the book and get lost in it, since it's such an easy read. I've enjoyed reading Grisham, Clancy and Dan Brown's books but Jackie Collins is completely different. Sometimes it's just nice to sit down and read a book and get entertained by a unique sarky humour what comes naturally to Jackie Collins. I've returned the book two weeks ago, and I'm starting on one of Madeleine's favourite book called Polo by another British writer. So far, it's very light and racy, kind of like Jackie Collins but I think this one is more on the serious side than a bit humorous. Shame, because I really dig sarcasm ^_^

Anyway, it's past midnight here now and I've got to warm the bed next to my husband. I fear the turning off the lights before we go to bed, because all I see is the house in the Philippines and my cats meowing at me, and all I could think of is what I would be doing if I were there instead. I bless the day Meg came to live with me for a while, and left me three lovely kittens, who have grown into meddling cats, but ah well, they gave me lots and lots of joyful memories. And when the lights are out, in complete darkness, the white fur and the blue/green eyes glow right at me...