Gap Year

Alasdair has not only decided to defer his degree in Law by a year, but he has already gone ahead and arranged it with Glasgow University. I am a bit concerned about this; partly because he has no plans lined up and also because I'm worried that I am partly responsible for his decision. I have always thought that a gap year between school and university is a good idea, as long as it is a positive and learning experience. I went to university when I was only sixteen which I think is far too young. Jamie was only seventeen when he went off to Dundee and although he seems to be getting on well now, he had to repeat 2nd year which was tough for him. I have always wondered if he would have got through better if he had taken a gap year to mature a little. So I have always said that I think taking a gap year is an excellent idea and now Ally has gone and done it! I am taken by surprise. James is not happy about this at all. He feels that Ally has not thought this through and is concerned that he will not go to university at all. James also feels that I am responsible for putting the idea in Ally's head. Alasdair is wildly optimistic about the whole thing and is hoping to get a job in an embassy somewhere exotic. I have explained to him that I think that this is extremely unlikely because it is such a competitive area, but he is unconcerned and is sure that he will find something. Ultimately it is Ally's decision and we will support him, however I think that we all have a lot of discussion and planning ahead.
On a lighter note I did a bit of baking tonight using my new Kitchen Aid mixer. I made a Madeira cake and it has turned out quite well so hopefully I will be doing a lot more baking in future.