So, I was meandering around my dashboard just now and noticed that I have more followers that I used to. And some of you, I don't even know IRL. So thanks. That was a happy moment.

Those of you that know me know that I've been trying to lose weight for a variety of reasons, both health and personal vanity. I am pre-diabetic, which is basically a resistance to insulin and thus raised glucose levels. Losing weight can hopfully sort that out and all the other hormone problems I have at the same time. Vanity wise, I'm getting married in a couple of years (31 months!) and I want to look good for the wedding. But I have a problem with scales.

Mostly, they don't go upto my weight. I have looked everywhere, and the only ones I can find are £60+ and I just can't afford it. So all I have to go on is the fact that I feel slimmer. And that depends entirely on how cheerful I feel at the time.

But recently I have started a weightloss program with Kirklees weight management service where I attend a weekely meeting about trying to get into better eating pattens and control what I eat rather than lose weight, although that is in the long run what the goal is. The thing is, they do have scales that go upto my weight. Which means that I can actually see my weight change week to week. For nothing else, being able to see I'm losing weight, and knowing what I did right or even the opposite is a relief.

There is nothing more depressing than trying to lose weight and not knowing if you are succeding. You just give up, because there is no proof that it is working and well, whats the point anyway? Then you comfort eat and then you feel bad about it, and thats one of the comfort eating triggers so you eat more. Eventually, you just get depressed and stop even caring about uni, or your hobbies. There have been days where I've just stayed in bed and stared at the ceiling, because I don't even want to read.

So yes, recently I've been losing weight and knowing I have been and I've been reading more and knitting again (I will master those circular knitting needles) and actually enjoying the company of my friends. And I've only just realised that I have been depressed, albeit mildly. It is so much harder to see from the inside. I'm just glad things are looking up. I need to be interested in working this year. Thats quite critical to my plans afterwards.

Final Year!

Finally. A couple of years after most people I started school with, I've started my final year at uni :) I'm very excited. And I'm afraid that might well mean a lot of emoticons and exclamations until I settle down.

Well, I'm excited and I'm not. This year is actually quite scary. It's worth two thirds of my whole degree, and how I do this year will reflect on what I do for the rest of my life. Saying that, so long as I actually work as much as I have this year just gone, I should be fine. I'm working at a 2.1, or I was in my second year. But the exams this year are 3 hours long, which is HORRIBLE. Having to sit still in one place for three hours at a time? And repeat it four times. Sigh.

But my dissertation is looking quite exciting, and I may have a part time job as well, so things aren't that bad. And neither are the actual lectures now we're getting into them. The first two years we learnt what makes biology tick and how it does it. This year seems to be the techniques we use to determine this. And there's an immunology module that is looking very fun. And it will help me apply for the jobs I want.

Jobs. Yep. I've been back at university for one whole shiny week and now I need to be looking for jobs. Although there are a lot of Graduate Training Programs out there, and one in particular that I'm keeping an eye on.

The NHS nationwide each year train about 180 (gulp, not very many!) recent graduates in what effectivly becomes a modern apprenticeship to become a clinical scientist in your field of study. There are a couple I'm interested in, the training for a clinical geneticist and the training for a clinical immunology and histogenetics. And in most cases, once you're in the NHS, you're in it for life. The applications for these positions used to open in November and close in February, but this year they're changing the way you apply, and they won't put up the new details :(

But enough about Uni an Jobs. I was pointed in the direction of an amazing webcomic the other day. Here's episode 1: Axecop This is written by a 5 year old boy, and drawn by his 29 year old brother. It's a hoot. I wish My imagination was this good still.

Anyway, I must be a good little final year student and get back to work :D

Have fun with Axecop!