I’ve shamelessly stolen this post from Richard, but since he admits to having done the same, I don’t feel quite so guilty And it’s in a complimentary way..

Anyway, go read it. I’m sure if more people had their priorities this way round there would be less stress, worry and arguments. There’s a challenge, to live every day for the things that really matter, not just those which are more demanding. And I like the bit at the end too!

Today (or last night), it snowed in Swansea. Just as the weather man said it would do (which is a surprise in itself!). Anyway, I’m sure this isn’t news to anyone who’s read two very excited posts about it already, but hey, I thought I’d join in with the excitement.

There’s something about snow that makes everything seem peaceful and quiet. And it covers up all the imperfections in the world, smoothing everything out under a blanket of white. The sun is shining brilliantly here, bouncing off the ground, the lake in the park, the snowy rooftops. The local schools are out, and children are playing in the snow (and the students too, not to be outdone, are having snowball fights in the park!).

The only slight grumble I have is the timing of the snow. I’d love to be able to go for a wander and take in the view. But, I have a thesis to write (which I’m coming to the end of!). Grr, you might think (well, I did), but not a big deal. Well, I’ve been in Swansea for 5 years now, and it’s snowed twice in that time. The last time was about 2 and a half years ago. And guess what I was doing then?? I was about 2 days from my undergrad dissertation deadline!! If I was so inclined I’d think it was a conspiracy! And, in another amazing feat of comic timing, the heating in the house decided to break yesterday, just in time for the temperatures to plummet, leaving us all shivering.

Thankfully we still have hot water, and a pile of electric heaters generously lent, and despite the work I managed a short amble through the park this morning, and took some pictures.

Yay, life is good (even though I may not seem like I believe it sometimes!)

Are never easy. You’re always left wondering if you’ve made the right one, and what if I’d done so and so instead? Well, when they’re big important ones. I don’t spend nearly that much time deliberating about exactly the right time to put the kettle on (always, surely?). Anyway. You never know, and up to a certain point you just have to trust your instincts that it will all work out. That’s part of life, and what makes us human.

However, much harder than making these tough decisions is when the end result is taken completely out of your hands. When you think you have it all sorted, and you’ve spent all your time deciding, weighing up the options, and then the power to make the final choice is taken away. Then all you can do is sit and wait. Powerlessness is not a good thing to feel.

17,000 words!!!

It’s getting there. Latest feedback from supervisor was good which means I don’t have to re-write the whole thing There’s always been a light at the end of the tunnel, but now it’s getting brighter and nearer. I can see then end to this, which is partly good, and partly terrifying.

I only realised the other day that while I’m worrying about the thesis getting in the way of all the other stuff I’m worrying about, the reality of the situation is that the thesis is in many ways stopping me from worrying about the other stuff. It’s always good to have things to take your mind off it. For the moment, this is the thesis. Which is really good for the work. But I’ve realised that when it’s handed in, I won’t have anything to hide behind any more. Which is a Scary Thing.

I have a feeling I may collapse in a small puddle on the floor. But, even if that happens, I have fantabulous friends to pick me up and sort me out! And I’m trying to make myself remember that Him Upstairs is always there too.

I know that this is a time in my life when things will change- where I live, what I’m doing, and who I stay in touch with and remains part of my life. I have accepted this. It’s just that the prospect of finishing this thesis brings it all a little closer. And I’m scared.

The next year or two has the potential to bring with it so many new, exciting and learning experiences, and I should be (I am) looking forward to embracing them fully. I like doing new things, and the idea of going out there on my own and doing what I want to do it really exciting. And while I love a challenge as much as anyone, aren’t there some challenges that are too great? I don’t like to give up before I’ve started, and I’m not about to. But it doesn’t stop it from being more than a little terrifying.

I’ll get there one day, I’m sure. It might just take me a while.

Yes, they’re still coming. Just takes longer cos the damn work gets in the way…

Music…

Well, what can I say, for a certain folkie it was simply heaven…

We managed to be in Cape Breton at the centre of the local folk music calendar- the Celtic Colours music festival. We heard about this as we were booking the holiday and shifted things round a bit to be in the right place. We didn't make it to the actual evening concerts since they were so spread out, but, as I mentioned before, we did make it to one of the ‘after hours' sessions. These are informal concerts held in the local gaelic college, and start about 11.00pm after the normal evening concerts have finished. And they go on till around 3! The free bus service for ticket holders just happened to stop right outside our B&B! The music was great, I was a very happy folkie Many of the artists were local, and therefore unknown to us, but we enjoyed it just the same. Cape Breton has a very strong celtic music heritage, and this is reflected in the enthusiasm for the music among its inhabitants! In the same way that Scottish and Irish folk each have their own styles, CB music is different again. It's difficult to pinpoint how without knowing anything technical, but it just feels different. I got talking to a local woman (who just walked up and started a conversation- they're all very friendly! Admittedly she was a little drunk…) who said wherever she is she can pick it out, having grown up with it.

When we were in Halifax we were having dinner in an Irish pub and were pleased to discover there would be live music that night. Although sceptical as to what it could be, whena couple of guys turned up and produced a guitar and fiddle, we knew it couldn't be too bad. Some of the most interesting music I've heard, again CB traditional mainly, and played so well. We had to leave before the end to catch the ferry across Halifax harbour to our B&B. But not before I had a natter to the fiddler and got some tips on where to get some of this amazing music from

Oh, and this is part of a random song I found written in one of the visitor centres we visited. I just liked the words!

We talked till three, my father and me,
And the fiddle tunes flowed like the clear Margaree
“Never forget who you are son” said he
As I followed my brothers away

One thing I know, wherever I go
My heart's in Cape Breton; it will always be so
Whenever the fiddle rosins the bow
My first and last thoughts are for home

“Headin' for Halifax”
Alistair MacDonald. 1980

This afternoon I finished the first draft of the next two sections of the thesis and sent them off to my supervisor who is going to look at them for me over the next few days

Due to the deadline confusion I have a self-imposed deadline of the end of November (if I say it here there’s even more people to hold me to it!!). I have already sent off the first two sections (intro and methods) to my supervisor, and had feedback (which was good btw), and am determined to get the rest done in the time. So I decided to do the next two (results and discussion- most of the thesis) by this weekend, and told my supervisor I would email them by today. Hence rapid writing up of the bits I’ve been putting off for too long, and being tied to the ‘puter for most of the last two weeks. But now it’s done. I managed it, and it’s been sent. I should have them back middle of next week.

Meantime, I plan to; have some time off tomorrow morning (much needed), make the suggested changes to the first two sections, work out any other bits which need to be added and find the refs for them, scan in (again) the photos I want to include that aren’t digital ones (I did this already, but the university helpfully updated its system and they all disappeared!). How’s that for a plan. Gosh, I almost feel organised

And the word count now stands at around 15,500

I feel like I’ve lost contact with the outside world (including that of the net and blogging etc) recently. I’ve been somewhat tied to the computer, determinedly getting on with the thesis write-up. Which, by the way, has now reached 13,500 (ish), which is good going.

Apart from this, things have been more than a little busy in our house recently, with the arrival of our newest housemate! I’ve also been making reasonable progress with the driving, to the extent that the instructor wants me to do my theory test to ‘get it out of the way’ as he puts it. I imagine that in doing it, it would be more in the way than not, but there we are..

Anyway, I apologise for the lack of communication from this corner of the wibsite, normal service will (hopefully) be resumed, at some point. At least when I finish this thing (if not before). For now, encouraging thoughts this way would be appreciated.

I’ve broken the 10,000 word barrier! Half way, less than in fact, since I’m now on about 11,600. AND I’ve got my real condition maps- aerial photos with my slacks all marked out on them properly using the posh digital computer program! It feels like all my work has just come together suddenly, they’re tangible evidence of the last 5 months of hard work! Yay! Smiley happy, happy smiley folkie

And yes, I am aware that I’ve been tagged at least twice. So here we go.

Ten years ago: I was 13. We had just almost adopted a little girl, and experienced the inadequacies of the adoption system. The second most difficult thing I'd ever had to deal with. Following this- my 3rd year of secondary school- would be the most difficult, thanks to a certain girl who decided make my life a misery. An experience I didn't think I'd come through. But I did. In February I would move schools, and learn that there were people who wanted to be friends with me.

Five years ago: I'd finished my A-levels, and got the grades I needed to come to Swansea, my first choice University. I was working in an office saving money for my gap year placement in America, which turned out to be one of the best experiences I've had. I was enjoying the freedom of no homework/exams to worry about, and was really involved in church life. So many things to look forward to. A happy time

One year ago: The start of one of the hardest times since I was 13 (see ‘ten years ago'). I'd decided to come back to Swansea to do my masters. Shortly after my world fell apart, and I lost one of the most important people in my life, albeit only for a few months. I didn't know this at the time. I was also wondering whether the whole masters thing was really such a good idea, and considering giving up completely, while living in the worst student accommodation I've had. I got through thanks to a combination of stubbornness (simply refusing to give up) and the support of some wonderful friends.

Five yummy things: chocolate brownies, apple crumble and custard, my mum's (veggie) canaloni (for some reason the same thing tastes so much better when in a different shape, lasagne just isn't the same!), red wine, ice cream.

Five songs I know by heart: The sound of silence, Paul Simon. Matty Groves, traditional folk song. Manchester Rambler, Ewan MacColl. California Dreamin', Mamas and Papas. The Streets of London, Ralph McTell.

Five things I would do with a lot of money: Buy a little house with a bit of space and a garden. Pay off my student loan. Travel, everywhere, starting with the UK. Give some to my aunt and uncle (my mum's brother and sister) so they wouldn't have so many money worries. Give some to the Woodcraft folk (whose funding has been cut) which was a large part of my childhood and inspired my passion for the outdoors.

Five places I would escape to: Inominate tarn in the Lake District. In fact, anywhere in the Lake District. My garden (when I have one!). My room with a cup of tea and a good book. The company of a good friend.

Five things I would never wear: Fur. PVC. Pink lipstick. Killer heels (there's a reason they're called that!). False nails.

Five favourite TV shows: this is hard, not impressed with TV right now. Only Fools and Horses, A year at Kew, Ally McBeal, Waking the dead. Dr Who.

Five things I enjoy doing: Being with friends. Laughing. Climbing hills! Travelling and seeing new places. Music (listening to it, singing it, playing it, anything).

Favourite toys: rabbit; a well-love stuffed toy I've had since I was born, and is, surprisingly enough, a rabbit! Jigsaw puzzles. Lego. Um. Do swings count?? My imagination?

Five people: Um. Anyone who’s reading this and hasn’t done it already and wants to?? I think most people have been tagged already, at least once!