It's kind of blown my mind that we're now looming towards the end of March. This year is going just as fast as the last one, if not faster. With that in mind I want to make sure I don't waste it and am getting planning!!

Work-wise; I've applied for a full time Counselling position. I'm not sure if I'll get it because unfortunately I don't have much in the way experience which is key for the job; and that's something that will only come with time. But I've made the decision if I don't get it I'll be returning to university to complete a course in Genetics Counselling. Having a specialty should give me an edge; and I think it would be such a rewarding job. Sometimes clients come in and their problems are very trivial, very small in the grand scheme of things.

Part of the problem is the social networking generation. We're all so used to interacting online that when it comes to a real life social situation people don't know how to act, how to communicate effectively. That's why when it comes to things like depression people tend to struggle more that they should - they can't get the help they need from friends because friends aren't sure about the right thing to say - so they end up coming to counselling for smaller problems; which then makes it difficult to empathize with them. At least with Genetics counselling the problem will always be severe; plus the bigger the problem, the more rewarding helping with it.

Outside of work stuff; my writing is coming along - slowly but surely. My laptop broke a few weeks ago so computer access is limited which has put a bit of a freeze on things, but a new one is on my birthday wishlist and as soon as it's up and running I'll get back to it.

I've also decided to start a new blog that's more focused around fashion/girly stuff. You can take a look at it here; obviously posts are limited at the moment. I've seen a lot of 'What I Wore today' blogs and it's similar- I'll post outfits and also post things I've bought, sales, where the bargains are. That sort of thing. Just another little hobby!  You can read it here.  It needs work design wise.etc but again probably something I won't get round to until I have a new laptop!

On the topic of hobbies exercise is going to be a big addition to my life this year. Now that my heart is all better I want to keep taking care of it. I want to be fitter, and I want my body to tone up. I'm starting with exercise DVD's from home - then when the weather gets better - back running and climbing again too.

I'm keeping my social calendar as full as possible too. Last weekend I went out to town with a few of my old course-mates. It was a lovely night, seeing everyone was really nice. Some of them have kids now which blows my mind.

Last night we ventured out for Jake's birthday which was a nice evening; a mix of his old school friends and newer friends but it was nice to see everyone. Next weekend we're doing Sunday lunch with another couple which is becoming a new favorite past-time. I've found I really enjoy cooking for people and it's so nice to have a nice meal, a glass of wine where you can talk properly. I'm growing weary of going to bars where you have to shout over blaring music. Yes; I realise I sound like a grumpy old woman but sod it; I feel old, may as well act it! Then in the next few weeks I've got a housewarming for another uni friend, then it's my birthday.

All in all, should be a good few weeks. :)

“It never rains but it pours.” 

My life of late has been this exact phrase – everything’s happened at once. But in some ways I’m glad. A lot of the bad stuff that came to a climax has been going on for months. Burden’s that I’ve been carrying for a long time I’m finally free of. i have said to a lot of friends that my hope is I have a rough two months so that I can get it all out the way – and I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

Health wise I’m doing well. I had my review appointment at the doctors and they were able to give me the ‘all clear’. My operation was a success, and my heart is in full working order. My scars have healed to the point of barely visible too, so I’m not left with an unsightly reminder of what I went through. I’ve said this a few times I know; but just again quickly; a massive thank you to friends who were around for me during my op/recovery period. It meant so much to me. The operation has also motivated me to get my fitness at its peak. I’ll be easing myself in but the plan is to have a regular exercise regime to help myself stay as healthy as I can be.

What else has happened? My nan passed away last week. I didn’t talk much about her to anyone but she was very ill for a very long time. The word burden sounds harsh and unpleasant, but there is no denying the emotional drain that situation can have on you. Especially to someone like me, I like helping people, it brings me pleasure. So to watch someone I care about in pain, suffering – and me unable to do anything except maybe offer company – it’s not easy. I am sad, she was an amazing woman. She lived a truly tragic life but never gave up, even at the end she held on to the point medical professionals were astounded. Her strength was inspiring, but I am relieved that she’s no longer suffering. It was an unpleasant ordeal, death always is. But it’s a part of life, so I’m dealing with it in the best way I can, and plunging myself into being there for my family who maybe aren’t so headstrong on the subject. I actually spent a lovely evening with my dad sorting through old photographs. Some went back as far as 1950's when my nan was around my age. It was surreal,   but it kind of got me thinking. In 60 years who will be looking at my photos. Will they stand the test of time?
A definite 'to do' list for this year is to take more pictures; and also to print more. I have a few albums but more can't hurt.

Other stuff happened over the last couple of weeks too, I can’t say too much on but it’s given me a clearer head, taken extra weight of my shoulders. I’m hopeful for the next few weeks, few months. Exciting stuff lies on the horizon both in home life and work life. I feel more like myself on many fronts, not just health wise but I feel happier in myself too.

I had my review in Counselling and my feedback was glowing. It made me so happy, I’m still on a high from it. Doing something I love as a career is a pleasure, doing something I love and being told I’m really good at it is incredibly rewarding. I already said in my last blog that I knew the direction I wanted to move forward with my life work wise, and this has just re-affirmed it.

At the start of this year I was confused, upset and unsure of everything. Now I'm happier, feeling more confident about who I am, where I am and what I want - it's very nice. Given that I have my social life back, my next blog will have a bit more of what I've been up to, and less of the vag waffle, promise.