Surprise!

It was. It was slightly marred by the birthday boy popping into the loos before making his grand entrance... but he made it, and he was surprised.

It was the best night ever. Nick and I took advantage of the left over glasses full of Cava that we had poured for the guests, so had a pretty much free night.

We danced most of the night. The DJ was a bit of a stereotype, and wasn't great at not leaving a gap between tracks - nor did he have the greatest selection of music, but he played a lot of oldies, which we loved.

I was slightly shocked that none of the little children knew "Nelly the Elephant", so I decided to spare their embarrasment at being left exposed on the dance floor, and led them in a kind of Ring a Roses crossed with the Hokey Cokey style dance.

There was no hangover, but there was a stack of food left. I think my goats cheese and onion tartlets were a bit too much for the Cheshire lot, but it meant we got a whole load leftover for us! There were leftover brownies and cookies too, so I have brought some into work, all gratefully received.

Today, my mantra is: "I want to be slim and elegant"... I have spent the last 3 weeks eating and making merry, and not doing any exercise. I am half a stone heavier, and feel like a heifer. I also have a major spot outbreak, not seen since the days of my adolescence.

Gym tonight: I will run as far as I can. And when I can't run anymore, I shall do some weights and sit ups. I have just under 4 weeks to get back up to half marathon fitness. And it's the toughest race too, with the appropriately named Long Hill Road on mile 8 to 9.