January Report

So, already its the end of my first month in Edinburgh. Time to reflect a little. What did I hope to achieve and how are things progressing? Bearing in mind its only 1 month, and a pretty disrupted one at that (with things I'm not going to talk about in this blog, but most of you will know what I mean).

Family: well, you seem to be surviving without me back in Sheffield. Surviving rather too comfortably, I think. Its strange being away from home, and contrary to popular belief, I do miss you all. I do also appreciate the extra burden you are under now I'm not there to empty the dehumidifier (I'm sure I had other uses as well...) It was difficult to predict how things would go, but so far, I think its going OK. As for wider family, on the Boddy/Crellin side there are various plans to come up and check I'm managing, and can still down a pint, and the Armstrongs are handily en route to Sheffield, and will be receiving flying visits on a regular basis - keep that kettle boiling! Pete, Lisa, Kate and Rachel win the prize for making it to Edinburgh first, even though they almost didn't call me!

Friends: I've really appreciated the messages of support, and all those of you who have kept in regular touch. I've missed the day to day contact with workmates, lunches and chats, and Tuesday nights with the boys. Those of you who promised to come up - get your fingers out! I know I don't need to sell it to you, but Edinburgh is truly a wonderful city. On the other hand, I've got a few phone numbers of friends of friends up here, and hopefully will get enough social life together to keep me busy. As for fellow students, to be honest, although they are generally friendly, they seem to be split into the noisy ultra-extroverts and the church mouse variety, neither of which clique really appeals to me. Stepan is the exception so far - great bloke.

Health and Fitness: This was a biggie for me. I needed to do something more active because my body was telling me that sitting in front of a computer all day wasn't good for me. For the first week or two, due to the amount of driving I was doing, things didn't change much, and in fact my spine seemed to be turning itself inside out trying to adjust to new bed, activities, routine, furniture, car, etc, etc. However, that's all settled down now, and I feel 100% better physically. Running 2-3 times a week, and joining the gym just up the road have helped too. Stress wise, for the first three weeks things were much the same, but over the last week that too has settled, and hopefully I'll be able to come off the beta blockers over the next month or so. That will be a big milestone for me.

Passion and Creativity: another biggie. I really want to spend my time doing something that gives me both of these. I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm getting this from the course, and I wouldn't expect to yet, because we are going over the basics, and I'm just learning techniques. Once I've got those firmly embedded I'm hoping I'll be able to use them to let myself go a little (in a good way, not as in develop a massive beer gut). Its almost like taking 1 step back to take 2 forward. On the other hand, after many years of "block", I suddenly find I can write again, effortlessly. If you have read the blog this far, then presumably you agree with me. This "unblocking" happened pretty much instantly, and you can't imagine what a relief it is just to be able to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) again. Once I've got enough time, I'll get straight back into "Harry" (the novel) and get it sorted. And published. So there. I've also got right back into playing the guitar as well. Fingers hardening up nicely, except where I've sliced them with my nice new knife set. Still, it stops them slipping off the strings.

The biggest plus so far? There are two: actually making it up here, and finding out there are other people who have felt the same way and done the same thing; and the support I've had from people, especially those who've said it is inspiring them to go out and do what they really want to do. And the biggest minuses? Being away from home, family and friends, and having to learn how a washing machine works.

Home sweet home. The garden and back view of 43, Blackford Road. Our pad is the basement floor, with french windows opening on to the garden - once the Arctic blasts give way I might be able to open them.