Wednesday 28th November, 2012          2130

Well weather-wise it was most unusual and nothing like the forecast. Chilly this morning, pleasantly warm at noon but an hour later sodding freezing. By early evening we had light rain so I hope tomorrow is better as I want to ride to town.

Ollivier reminded me this morning that it is his birthday on Saturday and that he is paying for a prawn hotpot for me, Kevin and our guests so as it has been a while since I have been for one I am anticipating it with much joy. Christmas day has also been settled, we will go as a sixsome for a steak meal and I am happy to say Kiki has said she will come as my partner both to the birthday party and that.

I did have a humorous episode after today’s classes. One of this afternoon’s students - Autumn - told a little story a fortnight ago in class. I encourage my lot at the start of each class to relate an interesting tale and hers was how she had overspent her monthly allowance from her parents and at that time only had 30y with which to eat for a fortnight. Obviously nobody anywhere can feed themselves on 20p a day so during the break I had taken her aside and offered to lend her money until December’s allowance arrived. She was horrified that she thought that I thought that was why she told the story (which I didn’t) and refused my help, saying her room mates would see her right.

Anyway, after classes and sitting having a beer, I pondered on what I would eat for dinner tonight. I really didn’t fancy campus food and would have liked some sweet pork, so thought it would be nice to invite Autumn. She is no raving beauty (although attractive anyway and seems like a really nice lass) but I sent her a text asking if she would join me for dinner. I was dumbfounded to receive a reply along the following lines:

What a good idea if you were my friend, but you are not and your method of pursuing a girl is very poor. Bad luck on you.!

Initially I thought “what on earth??” but then realised the truth of the matter and sent another message saying I wasn’t pursuing her, it was simply that I knew she didn’t have any money, I wanted to eat out but not alone and craved some company. And by the way did she know who I was?

It was as I thought because the next thing I got was “Oh are you Steve? Please beg my pardon!” She thought I was a male student she didn’t know. Sadly she had dance practise until nine-thirty so couldn’t come, but I did have to chuckle. I will invite her another day. As for me, I have ended up with a takeaway of boiled rice, aubergines & mince plus some pork pieces which I will reheat after I have done the pet food. Thrilling.

And guess what? I found out tonight that the student union want me to star in the Christmas concert on the 18th - as Santa Claus! I guess they asked me because they don’t have to provide any padding for the belly! Two of the most important things I have to do are to give a (provided) gift to the Chancellor or Vice Chancellor (whichever attends) and a bunch of flowers to Professor Fang. This will be the second time I have been Santa, the first was at a children’s party in 1988. I wonder if this time anyone will know it’s me……….