the second i walked into the canteen, it was like eric idle saying “cheer up bwian – you know what they say?” Suddenly, I felt happy again – people saying “happy new year, matt” or “thanks for that brandy”.I was among friends, able to go where I pleased. I chatted to trish, my culture lecturer, and all the worries of the world were gone. she made me laugh, for the first time in a couple of days, by telling me about her friends devil-cat; I told her about my worries, and she rminded me that everyone has such worries, not just cripples.

moping about the house for four weeks must have made me rather twisted and cynical. now I have all term here to look forward to: going to brandies, getting pissed, talking to friends, seeing two of everything. theres also lots of interesting work to do, essays to write, films to watch. I have soome great books to read, including “the history of tilm” by mark cousins. I began this on saturday, and it promises to be a very intereesting read.

so, in short, I feel back to my old self – no more moping, feeling sorry for myself: if i do, you know its high ime I headed for Brandies.