We kicked off the new year with an INSET day, much to the relief of everyone frantically trying to remember where their classrooms were and wondering what on earth they're supposed to be teaching in the coming weeks and months. Faces looked tense and everyone seemed to wish they were still at home or on some exotic island topping up their tan. So when everyone was stood waiting for tea/coffee my boundless enthusiasm as I bounced into the room might have been a little much. I think I was sufficiently hyper to scare one of the art teachers out of talking to me until after Christmas and my comments of: 'I'm so excited to be back!' were greeted with: 'you sound like you mean it' 'really?!?' and 'Oh, fuck off'.

I've spent the whole day with a great big grin on my face desperately keen to start the year in style. I listened intently to the new head addressing everyone at the start of the day whilst many of my colleagues were waiting for her to slip up so they could moan about her. I acted out a pantomime skit whilst using the photocopier - the despairing lows when it chews up the paper, the dizzying highs when you clear a jam - I think I missed the imbecilic machine over the holidays. I showed off my new notebook for writing things down in staff meetings. I grabbed my tutor group folder with delight and pride. I said a cheerful hello to people I barely know. I'm not sure how long it will last, but the thought of starting the best job in the world again for another year leaves me trembling with excitement.