So, as the end of the decade draws near, and the half way point of my PhD is approaching fast, I finally have the time to sit, think, and write about the past few months or so where I never seem to have had a moment to myself.

My PhD is obviously the biggest thing in my life at the moment. I’m glad to say that it seems to be going well, I’m getting results, and while there have been a few setbacks, I’m on my way to obtaining that seemingly elusive doctorate. While I really want this doctorate, I’m not sure I want my PhD to end either. Partially because I’m enjoying it so much, mainly because I don’t want to write that thesis! Still, I can’t complain at the fact I even have a PhD place, there are plenty of people out there that I know that don’t have a job at all, relying on the state – and many many more besides, so I’m grateful I’m in my position. I can’t wait to get my first paper out, but first I have to write it. I guess there are two sides to every coin – but hey, what can you do?

Home isn’t bad either. I moved in July to be closer to the Uni, with a friend of mine. Sure, there are things that niggle at me, but then, that is the price you pay for house sharing. She isn’t a bad house mate at all. I annoy her, she annoys me – but then, I think we generally understand each other.

Course, not everything is hunky dory – it’s that feeling of being used rearing it’s head again. Whether it’s one of your so-called friends being two-faced and trying to discredit you behind your back, or just being power mad and trying assert their imaginary authority over you for whatever reason, it’s not fair. In the same vain, those who don’t really care about your personal feelings about whatever, from inappropriate insults to the little things, need to be knocked into line. But then, I think those people in my life who act like this will get their come-uppance sooner or later – so it really isn’t worth worrying about them much. Why should I? I’ve got most of what I want in my life at the moment.

So I won’t. I’m concentrating on the people that matter most in my life. The people who are willing to listen to me when I’m down, and not only use me to rant to and ignore thereafter. The people who are willing to put up with my idiosyncrasies, just as I am willing to put up with theirs. The people who will do something unexpected, like buy you a box of Malteasers as a Christmas present, or send you a Christmas card from the other end of the country, when you were expecting nothing from them, and make you feel bad because you haven’t done anything in return.

Heh, I’ve descended into a rant again – oops. Then again, I’m not writing this because I’m upset, or angry. I’m writing this because I’m happy, content for the first time in a long while. Sure, there are a couple of things that would like yet to fall into place – but I know they will. I know my situation is better than many others in the world – that is enough to make me feel better.

Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to you all – may 2010 be good for you all!