A big sporting day today.  And, let's be under no illusion, there was no way that homework, revision or any other form of school work was going to get in the way of it!

Early on, the two races in London Marathon (surely Snickers - ok, sorry) were won by Toshihiko Seko (Japan) and Greta Waitz (Norway).  Then in the afternoon, I watched the Milk (League) Cup Final as Oxford United defeated QPR by 3 goals to nil.  The goals were scored by Hebberd, Houghton and Charles - a great name for a fictional legal practice if ever there was!

And even after all that, we had still had time to go out in the car as a family.  We took a trip up Cardingmill Valley, some spectacular views and if I remember, some quite hairy, narrow roads with long drops to one side.

A spot of French revision for today, I had my first exam - a verbal French one on Tuesday!  Gulp!

Both Liverpool and Everton won today, so things were still just as tight at the top of the League.  I went to see Shrewsbury Town versus Wimbledon.  This game resulted in a 1-1 draw, and although I make no comment on it, Wimbledon must have been playing their particularly ugly brand of hoof-it football.  Shrewbsury's Gary Stevens, no not the same one as played for Spurs, but another Gary Stevens, was sent off too.  As I noted, 'dirty t**t.'

A momentous day today.  The Head of the Fifth Year announced to us that Friday 9 May was to be our last official day at school.  He stressed that should we be required to attend by any particular teacher that it would be in our interests to do so.  By my reckoning at the time, this meant Chemistry and Physics only...

Another one of those days today.  That is, a boring day, save from the two fire alarm tests that we had at school.  It must have still been cold as I complained that it was 'b****y cold outside with just a pullover and shirt.'  In German we had a school inspector.  Images involving authority and the word 'german' just didn't occur to me at the time obviously...

Today I missed some of my Physics lesson.  I went to a YTS information meeting with the careers adviser.  I chose to look at the Engineering and Clerical categories.  Now considering that I wasn't YTS material, oh no sir - I had plans... big plans, this was most likely a cynical ploy to avoid a lesson, and Physics at that.  Not bad , not bad.

Liverpool climbed back to the top of the league by defeating Luton 1-0 away.  Everton had played the night before, in the same neck of the woods, seeing off Watford by 2 goals to nil.  Points were equal on 76 each with goal difference +43 versus +39.

Here is the full entry for today.  I know this is a little lazy, but here goes...

'Maths was long - wanted to get out.  Chemistry - a dos.  Played tennis in games.  Rained after and before and during tea.  Nothing to write except - Physics h/wk last done.'

I think that I'll do some editing for subsequent entries, eh?  This particular one is a bit wonky to say the least - but I suppose it was written as a stream of consciousness, and a sixteen year old's at that.  It just goes to show, that things that are presented as a stream of consciousness do require quite a deal of editing.

Here's a thought for you.  I think that I was Jim Royle before he was.  Here's why, first entry... 'Back to school - not so bad eh?  Not so bad - my a**e!'

I did my French speech, which I didn't know very well, and considering that exam was only next week that's a bit silly by me really.  In the evening, I watched Now, Something Else, starring Jeremy Hardy and Sarah Crowe (the first bride in Four Weddings) and written by Rory Bremner and Ian Brown.  I also watched the Joan Rivers show, Can We Talk? One of the programmes was 'brill' the other wasn't.  You decide, I can't remember.

Oh no!  The last day before back to school.  In reality, it was the last push for us.  With our 'O' Levels looming large on the horizon, we probably only had a few weeks left as regular school goers.  Looking back now (2-Jan-2009) it seems like such an innocent time.  I'm not dismissing issues that some kids have with academic expectations, but if my job consisted solely of preparing for and taking exams, I'd be extremely happy.  Of course this is completely unfeasible, academic qualifications are a means to an end and not a means in themselves, but you get my point.

Any parents tempted to live vicariously through their children, or put undue pressure on them to perform well in exams, please back off, exams etc are NOT the be all and end all.  Life is about living, and ultimately it's about what you do, not what a few pieces of paper say you're good at remembering.

Anyway, I got wet during the delivery of my papers, but enjoyed some dry, sunny weather when it was time to go back out to collect the money.  Today I had a great day, taking £116.42 in total.  In footy news, Man Utd entertained us all by losing 2-0, at home, to Sheffield Wednesday.  Ha ha.

The race for the League Championship was really hotting up now.  Both Liverpool and Everton keeping the pressure on.  Liverpool demolished Coventry City 5-0 at Anfield, as Everton beat Arsenal at Highbury.  Although still level on points with 73 each, Liverpool's 5 goals may just have swung the goal difference in their favour at +42 versus +37.  Shrewsbury Town had a lovely day by the seaside, beating Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 at the Goldstone Ground.

I did very little homework - but was feeling rebellious, 'who cares' and noted also that my French exam was 'pretty soon!!!!!!!' - that's seven exclamation marks.

At last I had finished (surely phinished) my Physics homework.  I noted also that I had better start my Chemistry homework 'or else' - remember, back to school on Monday, that's only a weekend away.  It was 'nearly a nice day up till dinner'.

I then went on to complain about somebody, let's call him Teddy.  Apparently he was here all day, and 'Gordon Bennet he's a...'   Mmm, spurious to say the least.  But anyway, at least Auf Widersehen Pet was on again and this week it was 'grate'.