Rudy - glad you got away. could you have assisted in dealing with the shit storm in any way? If not, best off out of it.
Good news, BTM, but sneaky bugger thinking that's an invitation to relax the rules!
Oooh, office politics, MrsW - I really can't be bothered to play the long game, nor could I rise above it - I'd definitely go for B too. I hate all that crap, but luckily I don't have to deal with too much of it where I work. My assistant finished today, so I sent a text to about ten local/mum friends, asking if they "knew of anyone" to replace her, and I've already had three people contact me. Including one person I know vaguely from NCT days, and she'd be good. But I have to think carefully about the "fit" because there are some strong characters around.
Anyway, thanks for birthday wishes! It's been lovely so far - breakfast in bed, three bunches of flowers (including an unexpected one from DB), chocs from the DCs and vouchers (Swarovski and Jo Malone) from DH (he's learning). DM has given me a Champneys spa day for two, with heavy hints that she's rather like to be my plus one. 
She and DSDad came over for lunch, which was rather more leisurely than we planned, so we didn't get away for our overnight jaunt until mid-afternoon, then got stuck in Friday traffic. And we are in.....Winchester! Nice oldy worldy hotel, with four-poster bed and enormous bathtub, meal booked at nearby restaurant which gets good reviews if only I hadn't been such a pig at lunchtime And in time-honoured tradition, DH is having a little pre-dinner snooze on the bed beside me.
Tomorrow we will do some shopping, some strolling on riverbanks, more eating, maybe visit the cathedral - no need to rush home to the rat race.