When I first arrived here at school, there was a really good social aspect to life in the village. At my previous school, staff would get together on a Friday evening for a swift half at the end of a week's teaching; here, work never seemed to end, so we just drank on any old day of the week. This constant frivolity dropped off two years ago, to the detriment of general morale (but to the benefit of our livers, I suppose). This means that life is now boring. Last term we made a concerted effort to revive our social life with the invention of ImbSoc - "Imbibing Society". We meet on a Tuesday and Thursay at 6.00pm (in line with school's alcohol policy, which prohibits drinking before that time) for a quick cup of tea half or two. It makes life seem far more sociable, as we get to talk about things that aren't school related; we get to share all the scandal and gossip; and we get to have a good giggle about things that need laughing at.

It does make Thursday evening on duty quite fun though.

'Twas the second briefing weekend for our gOLD project this weekend, and also D of E expedition. Talk about torn between competing commitments! As it happened, I ended up at GOLD (not just because I fear the GOLD lady more than I fear the headmaster...) and had a good time. Am sleepy now, but that might be to do with the late night last night and the substantial number of pints that I drank this evening in the company of good friends. It might even be related to the hearty mutton stew I ate too. Best go and collapse soon, given that I'm meant to be teaching about the balance of payments tomorrow, and that subject scares me at the best of time. Hey ho.

I';ve just had some spam mail from a bloke called "Pythagoras Shoe". I'm now considering changing my name by deed poll.

School and lessons and things start again tomorrow, so tonight we went out for several pints and a big fat curry. At least, "big and fat" is how I now feel. Perhaps I ought to do some healthy eating for a bit, especially given the frockage that's due to happen in a few weeks' time. I'm not sure I'm looking forward to the next few days: there's a lot happening that I need to deal with, and I'm not sure I have time. It will all be ok by Monday though.

I've just been cat-slapped by My Cat, and I wasn't even huffing her. She's a contrary madam at times. Mind you, it was a cat-slap with love - not a claw in sight - so I reckon I can forgive her.

Guide camp starts tomorrow morning. I haven't packed yet. I have found all sorts of other exciting things though, because trawling the interwebnet was more important than stuffing my sleeping bag. Harrumph. Will have to start early tomorrow morning instead.

Why is it, when I have two major loads of paperwork to do and a pile of coursework to mark, that I am so bloody good at procrastination? I hate being unable to prioitise. Pah.

I was icky-sick yesterday and instead of spending the day sorting out Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and Guide camp I spent the day huddling under a duvet (and sometimes under a cat) whinging and feeling down-ight sorry for myself. This morning I feel far more chipper, and also very very hungry - I've not eaten since Sunday evening. It may be good for my waistline but it's not good for the soul. Harrumph.

Holidays are such fun. I get to eat, drink, sleep and generally mooch around in a dressing gown all day, which manages to occupy my time quite nicely. Yesterday, however, Julia, Jerome and I headed to the hills, hired bikes and had a good 12-mile ride. My bum aches now.

Before then, we headed down to the big bright lights of Reading and London, where we went to various museums, gallaries, theatres and restaurants. We also did a survey of posh-shop food halls: I was disappointed by both Harrods and Fortnum & Mason, as there was nothing for sale there that we can't get in good local delis. In the end, we got to Borough Market and spent a very happy two hours walking, looking and eating: cheese; salami; bread; ostrich burgers; scallops; and Rob had an oyster. We bought an ostrich egg for Anthony (Rob's brother) which proved to be a good source of amusement at his Green Wing party on Friday night.

We're off digging this afternoon (compost to move, potatoes to put into soil, peas and the like to plant) and then I have a big pile of GCSE coursework to mark. I'm looking forward to that one!