If only there were a way to convey to you textually the grin that's currently perched on my face. The gods are indeed smiling on me lately. Everything seems to be coming together beautifully in my social life, personal life and career. The latest item in a string of good fortune has landed squarely in my lap and I'm left once again stunned at how awesome the world can be.
For the last few months I've been heading up a project at work. In truth, it's a difficult (and, in places, tedious) task but there's a lot of responsibility and reward attached to it. The upshot of having taken it on is that it's presented me with the chance to go on and develop it further. In order to do this, I have to go to America. If that weren't good enough, by 'America' I actually mean 'California'. Actually, no. That's not entirely true. California and Florida. For a couple of weeks.
Only one word, my friends: awesome!
I'm really, really excited about it. My first ever business trip and it's to the two places in the US I've always wanted to see. I feel blessed, truly.
And it gets better. I've discovered how much I actually love snowboarding. It's such amazing fun. My Saturday at the Chill Factore was such a thrill - I can't wait to go hit some real slopes. Incidentally, if anyone fancies a trip next season then Andorra is a promising location. Just let me know if you're interested and we'll make it happen.
Finally, and most importantly, I feel like my depressive cycle is at an end. The love and support from friends and family has been rock solid throughout and I've come through everything feeling an improved individual. (This article, stolen shamelessely from Gimbo, raises an excellent point: Depression is there for a reason - it makes you see that something has to change)
So, then. Good news all round. Now then, who wants some cheap Apple kit from the US? Form an ordely queue! :-D
Wheeeee! Happy smiley feel-good yay!
Ahem. As you may have gathered from that short outburst, I'm in rather a good mood. Before I outline why, I'd like to direct a heartfelt thank you for all the words of encouragement and general outpouring of empathy I received after my last blog post. You guys did a superb job of putting a smile back on my face. Thank you, thank you, thank you :-)
Now then, as promised I shall illuminate upon happy things.
After researching the logistics of learning to snowboard, I have decided to get an afternoon's professional teaching at the superb snow dome in Manchester before heading off to some proper slopes. Gnarly!
Also, with supreme organisational skills from Sarah, I have a holiday booked in Gdansk (Poland) for March so my itchy feet will enjoy a healthy scratching and my thirsty liver a good dose of Wodka.
In housing news, I've signed a contract to move into the House of Mac in July so will be enjoying the illustrious company of Steve, Amy, Ben and Elmo for the 08/09 academic year. Very excited about this!
Finally (and the reasoning behind the post title), I will be having my very first hip hop dance lesson with Bash and Ope this evening and I really can't wait. Anyone who's been clubbing with me will have been privileged to witness my graceful flailings and will (with politeness subtracted) agree that I need real lessons ;-)
So all's well! Busy schedule, fun times, great friends, feeling connected and optimistic. Let the good times roll!
Be quick to create, before they dissipate.
At this rate, it'll all be too late.
This sudden spate of fate will deflate.
But keep on pumping, the thoughts are still thumping,
Your mind is dry humping while your heart is pumping.
Desperate to make something with your deep, dark dumping,
You force rhymes for these lines to prevent the rhythm from slumping.
And now your poem is writing itself, isn't that neat?
A self-descriptive, mostly pointless literary feat.
These words can't justify their existence - they're obsolete.
But you empathise with them because their honesty is sweet.
So feed your new pets with all the words in your world.
A flag of love, peace, respect and resonance is unfurled.
And yet now, as the penultimate line is uncurled,
Your brain is bemused at all the nonsense it's hurled!
I was chatting to Gonzálo (a nice old Spanish builder who's doing some work on the house) and he told me Swansea's nickname is "The Graveyard of Ambition."
With days like these, it's easy to see why... Why am I here, again? ;-)