Today I received a letter marked Private and Confidential on the envelope. This in itself did not excite me. Companies have taken to using this sort of labelling as a trick to get you to open their junk mail. Anyway, as previous readers of this blog will know, I have been in receipt of other letters marked this way, with unwelcome contents.
This letter was different. Because I was expecting it. Because I already knew what it contained. Because it would change my life.
Taken in conjunction with my NIHR Senior Research Fellowship, this promotion to full Professor makes 2013 an outstanding year for me. I know that wiser counsels will advocate caution, the ‘be careful what you wish for’ brigade will warn me of the increased expectations and demands upon me in future. But for now, forgive me while I pronk about a bit, I am unlikely ever to repeat this run of heady success – so just let me enjoy the moment. Normal service will be resumed soon enough.
(and, before you think I’m getting delusions of grandeur, this image is described as a ‘Father Christmas throne – small‘)
Anne Bruton's Blog 
nice post and letter. i read your blog. thanks for making this.
Thanks for taking the time to read it and comment. Much appreciated.
Anne
Congratulations, had to look up “pronking”, but entirely appropriate!