busy day setting exams and sorting out admin task while helping students cope with their anxieties about presentations tomorrow - im sure they'l do just fine but they don't have as much faith in themselves as i do. chatted to the most well balanced of the 3rd years and perhaps revealed too much about my own anxieties but i think its ok, she's not a gossip. funny how its easier to chat with some of them about relationships than it is to talk to my colleagues. my american cousin is having grief from an external colleague - another academic in his field - it seems like he is the victim of an unprovoked attack on his character, really vindictive and unpleasant. a year ago i would probably have thought he had it coming but i like him more now so feel for him. this business can bring out some very strange jealousies.

started the day my bumping in to the muppeteer again - just outside my office.. twice in as many days, it must be fate! lovely chat about nothing at all really but it set me on course for a good mood all day. now back home its arsenal on the telly (itv4) against sevilla. once again wenger is resting players (gallas, ade) but hopefully cesc will be fresh and keen to do well in front of a spanish crowd. we have qualified already but it would be fantastic to see a great gunners performance.. bound to be 0-0 then