So, just in case any of you are confused, as I said in my last journal, I'll be hanging around FA for people who are only here. In terms of new work, that will be on Weasyl, as the site layout is much kinder to text submissions.

Anyway, my dissertation is finished, bringing an end to my academic life for the moment, perhaps. I'm unsure whether to go for a masters of PHD, as I haven't exactly had much in the way of suggestions from staff. I know it's probably just a thing that they're not allowed to tell people what they should do for fear of complaints, but it would have given me more confidence in undertaking that path if they thought that was the case. I'm not exactly the type to get angry about advice. As far as I'm concerned, there is no good and bad, only good.

Still, this means that I have to go out into the real world, and get a job. In all honesty, I'm both scared and excited by that. I want the responsibility, and I want to get a wage. However, my lack of self-confidence in that regard leaves me feeling that I'm not employable, so we shall just see. My parents have on many occasions that they're not going to kick me out or charge me rent, so that's nice of them, and I'm grateful for that. I think a lot of that comes down to the fact that they are satisfied that I'm making the best decisions I can, and that we get along better as adults now. Like most things, I'm trying not to worry, and see what will happen.

On a side note, I may potentially have work at a local diving school here in Cornwall. I walked in to refresh my EFR (Emergency First Response) skills, and they were really friendly, and seemed keen for me to give them a hand. If this turns out well, I'll be really happy - as I would have pretty much just walked in and talked into a job. So yes, confidence boost.

Writing wise, I feel like I'm in a good place. I have a total of three epic poems I'm working on, a rewrite of a novel, planning of three others, and a novel series. The new addition is poetry, which I'm actually starting to think I may be decent at. A lot of this comes down to support from the FWG, who have proved to be a really friendly bunch. I'm deeply grateful for meeting them.

Although I won't got into it, I've also finally made peace with my sexuality - that is, not worrying what others think.

In regards to the mental health issues... those are on the up to. I still feel bad sometimes, but I try to keep myself occupied, and mostly, due to more contact with people who keep my spirits up (online and in reality), I'm feeling like I belong, which helps. I haven't had any days for a while where I don't get out of bed, so that's good. I mean, it doesn't get rid of the issue, but it feels less large when other compounding issues are taken out of it. I know some people may not like the fact that I have been to my GP about unrelated issues and not talked about it, but I'm glad I did not. I found out from one of my flatmates that he cannot join the army because of mental health issues that temporarily came up when he was discharged due to an injury. Even though he saw a doctor and was not given medication, that avenue is closed to him.

That's pretty much it. I'm surprised that this fandom has allowed me to meet some really awesome people who help me be a better person, whether they actively try to or not. Some will know who they are, some may have an inkling, but I really am grateful to know you, and I want to try give back that feeling.

Peace all.