There have been a few pluses and minuses this week. Last Friday I turned on my laptop only to discover it didn't work. After taking it to the computer shop, I neglected not to inform John (we are on first name terms now, on account of my computer ineptitude) that during one night of watching internet porn, I spilt Pepsi and whiskey over it. Thankfully due to some data backup, I have a brand new laptop with a build in webcam and an extra hard-drive. Sadly I am now out of pocket by 350 quid unless the insurance comes through.

Its what I get for being a clumsy bastard.

I managed to meet my ex-girlfriend (well my ex-ex-girlfriend) in the local pub the other day. Its always difficult because I haven't spoken to her in a year and although we are still good friends it was slightly uncomfortable... However after a few drinks, it was a generally pleasant experience. She has moved house closer to my parents now and is still studying to become a primary school teacher. Yes, I am still single. Tragic isn't it? Since I've returned, the Rudds Arms across the road from me has undergone a swanky new image and looks very chic from the departed decor and crap food it used to serve. "Brand new concept" is basically marketing speech for "its not shit anymore, honest!" It was about year since I went there and I remember getting up at 6am to watch England lose to Brazil in the World Cup. Try the Buttered Chicken if you do go. Its beautiful.

Finally a few of us French narcs have managed to blag ourselves into the big time in the middle of Picardy at the end of August. The company who let out villas, overbooked us - so we are now going to be staying in a rather quaint 7 bedroom, two-up house overlooking the vast plains of former WWI battlefields. Nice. This will be the fourth trip to and from France I will have made during the summer. Zut alors! Luckily my student card and my nous of the French transport system is a lifesaver.