h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Happy St Andrews Day!

I usually do a review at the end of the year - at family get togethers on New Year's Eve I'll get everyone to talk about the best and worst bits of the year just past. So I feel I should do something similar for the month just ended, and examine the different areas of my life.

Work: Driving me mad at the minute. I regularly cry on the way into the office, and am paranoid about how others see me. Largely the result of a new boss who has delagted a nasty piece of work to me, involving staff re-organisation.

Love: Happily married! Had the most wonderful memorable wedding at Gretna Green.

Money: Pretty dire. 2 mortgages, one salary. Plus the rates people didnt know about my Belfast house until this year, so I'm paying double there until March. The thought of daughter heading to 3rd level education next year, possibly in London, fills me with dread.

Health: Mine's OK. I'm maintianing my weight, getting to the gym, though not as much as I'd like, and enjoying cooking healthy meals. Dear husband is not so strong, and that's a worry. I'm not sleeping the best, though a large part of that is a puppy who wakes at 4.30 am. I started a course of Zumba Tone classes, but only managed to get along to 2 of them.

Social life: Really enjoying Scottish dancing, had a ball at the St Andrews ball with an old friend, went out for drinks with some biker friends, and am looking forward to the residents Christmas do this Saturday.

Family: Daughter is a tower of strength - I'm constantly amazed at her resilience and generosity. But she costs a fortune, especially in dance classes. But has a chance of taking part in the opening ceremony for the Olympics next year! (Fund raising quiz sheets available on request). Haven't heard much from son, in his final year at Central. That's probably good - he only contacts me when he's in trouble or needs money. Big dog, little dog, cardboard fish - the menagerie is coming along. The reef aquarium looks great, Max is well settled (though still hates bicycles), and Mini is getting there (apart from waking at 4.30). My Mum was delighted when all 3 of her daughters managed to get together for a birthday celebration.

Other: I'm just about to finish Johnny and the Bomb, which will complete the trilogy - much more than I normally manage to read in a month. And really looking forward to the Manchester meet next year!

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I didn't realise work's really *that* bad. You put a brave face on it.

s for the not so good stuff - and for the good and great stuff

Johnny and the Bomb - a great book.

Glad to hear you're surviving, Bea.