Saturday, June 25, 2016

Relief at last

Portrait of the author as an aspirant barrister 

After two years of slog, hard work and other things that bring a gentleman of leisure such as myself out in a rash - I have finally finished all my exams.


Not only have a finished all the exams, I've also, contrary to expectations, passed them all. This was interesting as this was the first occasion I've ever really thought I'd failed an exam.  Very little of the material that I had prepared for appeared on the paper and I was obliged to cobble some sort of answer together out of memories of tutorials, my own scattered reading and prayer.  It seems to have worked. I also did rather well in Evidence, which was hands down my favourite subject - so some good feelings there.


This means that while I'm not legally qualified to do anything as such, I am legally educated and will, once I've graduated, possess a Diploma in Legal Studies. This is not the start of a career change, I'm very happy where I am, but it will hopefully help me improve what I am already doing.




As a treat, I got myself a copy of Gordon of Khartoum's memoirs in their first English edition.  I've long been an admirer of the man and I am looking forward to reading this very handsome volume from 1885.


The book was the princely sum of two pounds thirty and after postage and all the rest was about a tenner. Cheap at twice the price and though I've only scratched the surface yet, it's shaping up to be a fascinating read. 

It would have a fella painting camels if he wasn't careful. 

51 comments:

  1. Congratulations, hard pounding but a well earned and deserved victory.

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  2. So when do you get a wig?

    Well done!

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    Replies
    1. I will have to complete an additional two years of study to do that, not something I will be diving into immediately.

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  3. Congratulations, my friend! With exams successfully negotiated, paint camels if the mood strikes!

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  4. Congrats Conrad.
    That has to feel good.
    Regards,
    John

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  5. Hurrah!!! Always knew you would pull it off. The gift to yourself is well deserved. Enjoy a drink or two of something medicinal in celebration in addition. You've earned it.

    Best Regards,

    Stokes

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  6. Congratulations finishing your exams with positive marks, and for the excellent book find!

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    Replies
    1. It is rather good. A book to be dipped into I think, I'm reading it in conjunction with Mike Snook's on the subject.

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  7. Heartiest Congratulations on your results, and a most suitable well earned reward.

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  8. Bravo Sir, many congratulations and enjoy, what kooks like, an excellent read!

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    Replies
    1. This kook is very fond of it indeed. Thank you.

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  9. My sincere congratulations, young sir. I have always felt that education is the bestest thing there is.

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    Replies
    1. It's amazing how much of it penetrated when you think about it.

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  10. Congratulations ! , Gordon's an interesting chap would like to see a 'modern' biography of him but don't think there is one , Tony

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    1. There's an entry in Byron Farwells Eminent Victorian Soldiers of which I have a print proof copy.

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  11. Congratulations! Now go get blind drunk! Oh yes and well done on the book choice.
    Cheers, Peter

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  12. Buy yourself a rich, expensive present, lad! You deserve it. With many congratulatory best wishes I wish you Godspeed back to the war games table.
    Jerry

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  13. Congratulations! Being myself part of the legal community too, cannot but say welcome aboard!
    A toast to you, sir.

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    1. I am but a tufty and unhandsome fledgling rather than a full blown legal eagle. I did not know you worked in the law Suber.

      A toast to you too.

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  14. Congratulations Conrad! Always immensely satisfying to finish something like this.

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  15. Well done Conrad,
    my wife attained a similar qualification, so dont turn into the likes of her. I never win an argument.

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    Replies
    1. Against the wiles of God and wives, what man can possibly hope to prevail?

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  16. A heartfelt congratulations on your well earned achievement! Be sure to take some time and savor the moment. Remember...if all else fails...just binge watch "Rumpole Of The Bailey"!

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    Replies
    1. So noted. Good on blood stains, not great on Landlord and Tenant.

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  17. Passed all your exams eh?

    Shurely Shumthing Wrong Here as my friend Big Tam would say.

    Never mind, keep up the pretence and something better will follow along soon enough!

    Always remember that painting camels is a penance that should only be inflicted on the downright naughty.

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  18. Firstly, well done, secondly, your post is apposite as I only just visited St Paul's last month and took the opportunity to pay my respects at his tomb...

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    1. Thank you very much Steve. It gladdens my heart to hear that he is still remembered - he was an astonishing man.

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  19. Congratulations on the exams; good that you rewarded yourself. Painting camels IS fun and is highly recommended.

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    1. On that authority how can I not paint camels?

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  20. Congratulations on the exams, good that you rewarded yourself.
    Painting camels IS fun and is recommended.

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  21. Congratulations on passing your exams! Painting camels will lead to madness, which is fair enough, as "Chinese" Gordon was as mad as a fish.

    Regards, Chris

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    1. If he was mad Chris, it was a noble madness, but I'll put the camel painting to the test.

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  22. Congrats on an outstanding accomplishment!!!

    I've read lots on the Sudan over the years but have yet to read that one. I'm looking forward to your review.

    Cheers,
    JB

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    1. Thank you very much JB. The review might have to wait a while.

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