Still more festive cheer

Another round of mulled wine and socialising. Very pleasant and well deserved if I do say so myself. After a morning of pfaffing around, avoiding the books, and pretending to be industrious, I finally settled down to writing Derrek's required essay on 'The Form'. Regurgitated the lecture notes more or less, but I guess he'll be pleased to have had such an attentive student, (worth all that laborious note-taking then after all). One holiday assignment down, several to go.

The morning really did just evaporate, although I did spend some time trying to co-ordinate the kids to hang out with their mates – both of them going into town; Billy managing to squeeze in a very short swim session with his friend first. They were supposed to see their dad, but he lunched them out, yet again. Felt guilty not doing some sort of holiday activity with them, but knew I had to make a start on my college work.

Kept resolute for long enough to finish the stupid essay before dashing to Tori and Steve's annual open house event – a permanent fixture on the Penzance festive calendar. Lovely to catch up with people that I hardly ever see (come to think of it, I hardly ever see anyone nowadays. Am going to make a concerted effort to entertain when I'm free to do so once more – what's life about if it's not being with your mates, and having fun?).

Cosy, warm house, with plenty of festive fare to munch on. Tried very hard not to talk about me, me, me, but not sure if I succeeded. Did enjoy listening to other people's news, and had I not been 3hrs late, would have had more of a chance to get round to everyone. Next time hopefully.

Billy had left quite early complaining of stomach pains again; Lucy following shortly after, complaining of boredom. Rosie never made it as she's been wallowing in bed all day suffering from a nasty cold, and a heavy dose of over-doing it, and Eddie had gone out to play pool with his mates, so I couldn't tarry too long – motherly duties to attend too. Least it meant that I didn't get too hammered, need to think about more writing tomorrow.

An early start whatever happens, as have to get tax sorted out for the new car, and the tax disc for the old one in the post also. Will be terribly sad saying goodbye to Brian – he's been in the family six and a half years now. Always so reliable; never broken down. We've been so many places together, slept in him so many times. All those festivals, camping holidays, trips to Devon, the Isle of Wight, Ireland for two weeks, and last summer, France. Not to mention the endless taxi driving of the kids, especially to the beach and back to take them surfing. The end of an era. If only Rusty could be as fantastic... but it's kind of a hard act to follow. Ok, so Brian's full of holes, the track-rod ends have gone and the steering's atrocious, (not to mention the fact that you have to literally bail out water every time it rains, and remember not to put anything on the floor unless you don't mind it getting really wet). But he has character, soul.

Not sure how I'm going to get on with Rusty – a little bit nervous to say the least. Another example of how resistant to change I am probably. An upgrade to a diesel estate car is bound to be for the better, but all I can see are the negative aspects. I should have more faith, trust in Rusty. Start off feeling excited and positive, and hopefully the transition will be a smooth one. We shall see. Have to sort out the slow puncture first, regardless, and try not to worry about parking!

Graham's invited us for breakfast at his tomorrow anyway, so that's something to look forward to. Think he's also offered to amuse my lot for a while so that I can get on with some writing, which is ultra sweet. Not that I deserve it. He came round briefly earlier with Rusty's non-working stereo, suggesting I put it in the freezer overnight as a way of perhaps eradicating a possible code that's preventing it from doing it's thing. Sat shivering, huddled over the keyboard in the semi-dark, grumpy as - just not in the mood. Was incredibly dismissive, bordering on rude, so glad he's not overly pissed off with me.

Was going to have a go at updating my reading blog tonight, but can't be asked now. Cup of tea, and then bed, more like it.