Today was an amazing day. I was incredibly happy all day long. I cannot recall when I last felt this way.

It probably started last night, we had Doodle over. Since I’m not singing so well at the moment, I asked if Doodle wanted to start piano lessons. I bought the books years ago and we just never prioritised it. He agreed so I went over the keys, notes, scales and basic theory. I got him to learn the first page of a beginner’s book. He practised while he was here and mastered the first song. We ordered pizza since Domino’s was having a 50% off if you spend more than £30 deal. We watched Spy Hard while we ate. Followed by a couple episodes of South Park.

I got a card through the door yesterday. One of our neighbours was organising a Halloween Parade for the local children. It was simple to not participate, but I really wanted to. So we rearranged our plans for today very slightly. Weasel stayed home to work and Doodle and I went to spend the afternoon with Stoat & Mal. Lovely lunch was had and delightful games were played. Stoat is an excellent gardener and I got to see some of his most recent changes – including a lovely new [to him] shed. Around five we gathered ourselves together and came home.

Weasel had put loads of lovely candles around to let everyone know we were participating with the Trick or Treating. We had dinner and played a few rounds of Apples to Apples. We’d get to answer the door every once in a while, I think we had 20 children altogether. They were all so cute. There were loads of cats, several witches, a fairy, a pumpkin and a couple of vampires. My very favourite though: a little girl with her hair in a side pony tail wearing all black and lacy gloves. I asked what she was and she replied, “A goth.” Completely straight faced. I about died. So cute! We need more goths in the world.

I’ve been so happy today. My cheeks hurt from smiling.

I can’t help but wonder if it isn’t because of the latest steroid reduction. It usually takes five days for me to feel the effects of its absence. I have hope.

This evening I’ve been looking up Celtic vine work that Weasel and I might be able to add to our tattoos. We got our tattoos for our fifth anniversary and since December is our 10th anniversary we want to do it again. These are our tattoo when they were new [I'm on the right]:

We are thinking of a vine pattern from the base around the rest of our ankles. If anyone has any ideas, I’d love to hear them.

My new Cognitive Behaviour Therapist is great. I had my first session with her on the 22nd and I’m cautiously optimistic. Much better connection than with the other therapist. I will see her again on the 5th. I’m to make a list of things I avoid and why. Very interesting.

I’ve been offered the swine flu vaccination, I’m having it on the 4th. I reduced the steroids to 2mg on Tuesday. If I can keep this up, I’ll be off them by the end of January. Still don’t have a date for my next dilation, but I’ve called and reminded them I exist.

Had a super, fabulous, fun weekend with Horatio. We had a lovely dinner out to celebrate our seventh anniversary. We went for a lovely drive just because I love listening to music in the car. We defeated the wonder that is Magic Ball on the PS3 [love!]. We ate very well, highlights include carrot, squash and sweet potato risotto and roast vegetable couscous. Watched some fun movies Coming to America and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. My body still rebels and gets very tired and sore following sex, but I’m enjoying it more and feel more inclined. Yay for improvement.

I haven’t been feeling well for the last couple of days [am okay now] so I watched some films I’ve had queued up for ages. I must talk about Fools Rush In. Firstly, I like Salma Hayek so I was excited to see her work. Secondly, I was curious to see Matthew Perry in a non-Chandler role. Thirdly, I knew it hadn’t been well reviewed or received by audiences, but I thought it couldn’t be that bad. Finally, it was that bad. The plot was completely unbelievable. But the thing that bothered me more than anything else? The birth of their daughter. Her water breaks and within the hour she has a baby. No epidural, no oxygen and the baby [her first!] comes in two pushes. There is no cord to be cut and no placenta. The worst part though? She gave birth on a bridge in a storm because they couldn’t move her. Pregnant women are not incapable of moving or being moved. On top of all that! There were strangers milling around watching! her be all screamy and grunty and she didn’t care!

I watched Rain Man yesterday and I’m just going to wonder why it was so acclaimed and be grateful that we have made so much progress since 1988.

Yesterday on my walk, I met two kitties. Today while I was cycling home from the shops, I met the second kitty again. We had a lovely pet and chat.

Daylights savings happened last weekend and happily it hasn’t broken the progress I made with getting into a more regular sleep pattern. I’m still heading to bed around 10pm for the most part and usually awake at or before 9am. This is a vast improvement and I hope I am able to maintain it.

I ordered three new knitting needles yesterday. When they arrive I have plans for a skirt and wrist warmers.

And those of you in the UK who enjoy gin, Bombay Sapphire is £5 off at Sainsbury’s at the moment. Yum!

Everything seems to have starting happening all at once. I’ve been feeling very overwhelmed. So quickly:

• Holiday in the Lakes was wonderful. Riding in cars is hard and I am glad I do not have to do it often.
• Bought new waterproof walking shoes in the Lakes as my previous pair were no longer waterproof. They’re fancy.
• Sign language classes are going really well. I’m enjoying myself rather a lot.
• Had a flu shot.
• Doodle turned 28 while we were away. He’s caught up with me again.
• I’m feeling more able to sing and I am trying a bit.
• Got a reference for counselling finally! I go on the 22nd.
• ‘Hosted’ my first book club meeting. I use the term loosely. I just have the library key, I let people in and I went ahead and handled the books.
• Checked with the Hearing Dog people since I hadn’t heard from them since March. I’m still on the list and I should have my home inspection ‘soon’.
• My lovely niece turned 13!
• My sleep schedule has been changing slowly. For the last two nights I’ve been in bed by 10, asleep by 11. I woke up at 6:30 yesterday and 9 today. I’m very pleased.
• Health-wise same old, same old.
• I finished Weasel’s hat. I’m starting this skirt next.

I hope to adjust to having a life soon. I’m unused to having and being able to keep weekly commitments. I am unused to being able to keep up with what’s happening. It feels so fragile, I’m scared of pushing too hard.