19th June 08
I have a new cat! Well, still a little kitten really. I know, I know… I said I wasn’t going to, but I have a big mouse problem in the house and Doglet is just too hapless at catching mice! I don’t want to try catch the mouse with sticky paper (don’t ask, it’s completely disgusting!) so, in an effort to rid the kitchen of mouse poo – I’ve resorted to borrowing Malin’s cat. I specifically asked her just to borrow it for the mouse problem and she will take it back when I leave. How awful, I’m talking about the cat likes it’s a commodity. Shame on me. It is lovely though; just a wee little mite. I will take some photos when it has gotten used to the house and me and isn’t so scared! She only arrived this morning and already I can foresee ructions between the Doglet and her! Mmmmm….. will have to see what I can do about that! 

23rd June 08: 21.04Hoorah! Hoorah! Hoorah!! After 4 days of Kitty being insitu, mouse has been caught!! Everybody sing with me;
dum, dum, dum, dum – one mouse bites the dust!
dum, dum, dum, dum – one mouse bites the dust!
I came home this evening from dinner and was just about to step into the bathroom for the fifth shower of the day (yes, it’s really quite hot!), and I must of startled the mouse who went dashing off to its usual hiding place in the lounge. Little did he know about my secret weapon!
I saw the mouse scampering.
I heard the frenetic patter of tiny footsteps.
Then the cat trots past with said mouse firmly ensconced in her sharp little teeth, with a look thrown at me that said clearly – stay away, it’s MINE!
Result. I knew the assassin strategy would work.
Yeah – ok. So I do feel sorry for the mouse. But it’s survival of the fittest out here in the country. 

25th June 08
Had annual review at the school yesterday and felt pretty pants about it. There hasn’t been much progress in the great scheme of things, and although there are many reasons why – I can’t help but feel responsible. The good thing is it has given me some much needed motivation and renewed enthusiasm. Hoorah! Today I feel I have had a really good day at work, been busy all day – even giving up the usual 3 hour lunch break! Feels great to be busy, I hope it lasts and I hope I can stay strong and persuade/cajole/browbeat my colleagues into working with me so at least some of the proposed activities will continue when I leave.
Which is only 9 months away!! I didn’t think I would be looking forward to this so much – but I really am!