Guess who's back?

Well this is a bit awkward, I didn't intend to take a break from this blog for several months but it just kind of happened. Its easy at times to come up with lots of different topics to write about but actually sitting down and writing is much more difficult. I must confess that there has been other things contributing to it as well. I know it will sound silly but it has been a bit frustrating for me seeing other people finally step up and write articles or make videos about having TCS and getting copious amounts of praise. I started this blog because I struggled to find anything from people my own age. I write this blog in my free time along with managing the Facebook group. In a way it seems like certain people are being singled out for praise when writing or being an activist is their main focus, whereas the rest of us are just trying to get on with things. On many occasions I also seem to be in the minority when discussing issues like surgery, hearing aids and of course Wonder.and that can be tiring.

Of course I have also been busy with my PhD, I am now approaching the end of my second year. After having been out doing so much sampling last year I haven't needed to do much this year so its been a bit strange. I've completed another large section of work.and hope to add another published scientific paper to the one that was published back in May (please note that I do not expect anyone to pay for access to it but I'm including it below so you can see).  Its crazy to think I'm close to starting my final year, I'm going to need to get all my lab work finished and start thinking about actually writing my thesis, which I'm sure will be a delight...not.

My paper on hawthorn

It's not all work though, after having a number of drum lessons I decided to take a break since I didn't have a drum kit and wasn't progressing much due to not being able to practice. I ended up doing a lot of research and ended up getting a rather expensive but totally worth it Roland electronic drum kit. Unfortunately don't have room for it in the house my dad very kindly built me a wooden platform in the garage which we then put some leftover carpet over. I've been having a lot of fun playing on it and you can plug your ipod in so I've been attempting to play along to some of my favourite songs. At some point I will probably get lessons again.

Sitting at my drum kit

Unlike the good old days of school and my degree I no longer have months off during the summer. I did go to Majorca for a week with my family which was lovely but it now seems like a long time ago. We spent a fair amount of time on the beach which was nice though a bit of a downgrade from the beach in Florida last year. There was however a lovely breeze which kept things from getting too warm and the food was very nice.

Thanks for reading and again sorry for the gap between blog posts. You will need to bear with me, as I've said I write this blog in my spare time and that's when I like to relax. I have some ideas for things to write about so hopefully I will have some more updates soon.