Did it

Yes, against all odds, coursework all handed in, on time (just), last Friday as required. Unbelievably stressful, can't even begin to think why I/we put ourselves through these things. I mean, what purpose does it serve? And what is the point? I've started so I'll finish – kind of sums up why I'm carrying on with it. Over halfway, so that has to be good. Certainly felt good getting shot of it all. Nice to spend the rest of the day socialising for a change too (even if I did end up feeling rather ropey the next day).

Yep, the whole of Saturday more or less a right off, and I could've done without a last minute babysitting request – about the last thing I wanted to be doing with a hangover. But I owe lots of favours, so had to say 'yes'. Working at the Acorn later that evening not much fun either (to be expected seeing as it was a Jimmi Hendrix tribute band)! But was more to do with me being in such a state. Wendy on form though and desperately keen to get this Fi and Leigh birthday party idea of hers up and running. So this Saturday it is – 1970s theme, fondue and all things cheesy party. Should be a hoot, and I'm sure I'll rally round and be much more enthusiastic about it all next week. But too exhausted right now to think parties.

Did the dutiful mother taxi service thing today that involved several trips to gymnastics comps and nippers and back and forth in between. The in-betweening meant that I missed 3 out of 4 of Lucy's rotations, only catching her doing the beam apparatus. And bless her little cotton leotard, she was that close to being the outright winner in her age group – must have been hundredths of a point in it – just like last time when she ended up coming second overall. She did pick up gold medals for floor and bars, and silvers for beam and vault though, which I think is pretty damn impressive. More to the point, she was grinning her head off the whole time and wasn't even slightly phased about not winning the trophy – a really positive/good sportsman attitude. I'm ultra proud of her – such a star.

Promised a mate I'd turn up for their private view over at the Great Atlantic Mapworks gallery in St Just, so zoomed over there after having dumped the kids on the doorstep at home (literally). Coastal abstracts which I really quite liked – would happily have one up on the wall if I could afford to buy that sort of thing. Took a stroll down to Cape Cornwall to stretch out the cramped up legs, take in the sea and breathe in the salty air. So restorative and reminds me again why I live where I do. Makes me want to paint, or at least try and do the landscape justice in words. Tricky though. How do you capture a sense of place?