A fresh start?

Once again, I need a swift kick up the backside, as it has been faaar too long since I wrote on this blog. I apologise. Since I last wrote, I have had my birthday to tell you about, my computer breaking and leaving me stranded, Christmas, the return back and whatever has happened since.

In short, for my birthday, me and my friend Aisling, spent the day around Lyon, generally enjoying ourselves, followed by a bottle of wine, pizza and a film. Sounds a bit tame, but was just what I needed as the next day my friend Rachel B decided to arrive after spontaneously deciding to a week before. I showed her all the sights and, of course, a few french bars. It was lovely, and I am eternally grateful for her coming to visit, it really made my 21st birthday. In December the main, and most annoying news, was that after having sent off a piece of work, my computer charger broke, leaving me laptopless, bored, and I even had to resort to buying a radio. I recovered from it, I now have a charger, and feel much better knowing that there is life beyond Facebook! At Christmas, I went home, and had a lovely family Christmas, it was so good to be back in England! I had an unbirthday celebration with all the bestest friends I could ever ask for, as we went out for a meal and then a few drinks. Once again, thank you soooo much to Rachel B for that. She's so good to me! New years was awesome too. All of us, at the legendary Wunderbar, with many a cider and a general good feeling. I appreciated this evening so much, as I truly felt at home. I also went to Southampton to see all my lovely friends there, and to wish my friend Dave a very happy 21st birthday. We went to Laserquest, which was a laugh, and had a few drinks. It was genuinely awesome, and once again, I felt like I'd never left. This made coming back that much harder, because I had no reason to leave home when I felt so comfortable with all the people there. However, I am no quitter, and came back all the same! Another Sotonian student has arrived this semester, and has moved into my building, which is really good. I no longer feel so alone here. Thanks Andy! Since then, Lyon has been pretty much the same as always. I have had to say goodbye to some dear friends I met in an Erasmus class last semester though. They were here only a semester, so they have, unfortunately, had to leave. All of them seem keen on improving their English though, so I have told them that they all have to come to England!!!

Since then, I have had somewhat of an epiphany. I am in France. There are lots of places in France. I should endeavour to see more of them!

Yes, I love Lyon, and it is a truly great city, but now that I only have lectures on a Wednesday, the rest of the week becomes somewhat dull. It's great that I don't have much to do, but it does mean that I also have to motivate myself to do things, which is a struggle. I do have a project to do, but 6 days a week is a bit much for that, and I do find the weeks, especially weekends, to drag a little, and living alone isn't helping this. So, the task I have assigned to myself is to try and see as much as I can of this beautiful country, as I am hardly making the most of it sitting in a room in Lyon trying to think of something witty to say about the very little I have done this week. I have done so many touristy things here, and I think it's about time I became a tourist. Last semester was about settling in, and I have decided that this semester is about enjoying myself! So, I am starting with a trip to see a good friend from Southampton, Katharine, who is in Carcassonne (south of Lyon, not far from Toulouse if that means anything to anyone). I am going there this weekend, and I am really looking forward to it. There are other places in the pipeline, and at the moment, I'm not even bothered if I have to go on my own, but obviously, if anyone wants to join me then they are absolutely welcome to! I can't wait to get out and see some of this place. It will be great.

My sister, Anna, also got engaged recently, congratulations for the millionth time! She is planning her wedding for September and has asked me to be a bridesmaid! Yay! So, coupled with the need for structure, and the fact that I have to get into a pretty dress in about 8 months time, I have decided to try a bit of an eat healthy/actually be active drive. Who knows how long it will last, but hopefully writing it here for all to see will provide some motivation!

So, I think that's it for the update at the moment. There are a few things left to tell you all, but I don't wish to bombard you now!
A+
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