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I finally have the referral date - it's next week at St Thomas hospital.

It's closely becoming a likelihood that it'll all go ahead. Though I'm excited, truth be told I'm a little intimidated by the idea. But it's something I've been wanting to do for years, am I'm thoroughly looking forward to it.

It is with much sadness that I must announce Project Flying is temporarily on hold. As some of you know, I have a non-trivial medical history.

A few weeks back, I had the medical examination with the Aviation Medical Examiner. He said that though I passed each of the basic criteria, he didn't know enough about NF to sign off a pass and so issued a deferment, pending more information. Frustrating, but understandable.

A couple of weeks later, I receive the letter from the CAA detailing the extra information needed. (He'd told me himself what was needed but I chose to wait so that I had it in their own words). I was then able to book an appointment with my GP (which I've since had), and she was then be able to arrange for a referral. The problem with that is the nearest specialist place is in a different PCT to my own so my PCT is likely to be unwilling to release the money.

So in summary, it is going ahead - it is not cancelled (and likely won't be unless the CAA are excessive twunts) - but no progress will be made whilst I endure PCT politics.

Writing this has given me an idea, but it does go against my principles somewhat. I am a big fan of the NHS, even with their failings. I am considering arranging a private consultation so that I am not at the mercy of waiting lists and PCT wrangling.

Last Thursday saw the fantastic Lilith Vile play in the Witchwood. This was a fantastic gig, and I was glad to have finally made it to that venue after hearing so much about it. The music was fabulous; I'd only ever previously heard solo demos, so the sounds were a lot richer than I'd previously heard.

In geek news, I see LiveJournal have now enabled tagging of entries. I've gone through my journal and tagged everything from mid 2002 onwards. Got bored though - shall do the rest some other time.

Hmm. Coming up to the end of June already. It'll be my birthday before I know it. (July 24th) I've no plans so far - is anyone interested in doing something? I'm completely open to suggestions: an event in Manchester, in London, Berlin or somewhere else? It'll be sometime over the nearest weekend rather than the day itself

You stupid moaning bint. Why not try going shopping WHEN THEY'RE ACTUALLY OPEN? ahem

I'm working in Aberdeen on Wednesday and Thursday, and in Southampton on Friday. At least I'm flying to Aberdeen - otherwise I think the drive would have killed me.

Just got back from week 3 out of 4 for this RT course I'm on for flying. It's been going very well and the exam is next week.

clicky

Relaxing, yet busy. I went flying on both Saturday and Sunday which was great after a 7 week hiatus. Both lessons went very well, so much so that my instructor said it won't be long before I can think about going solo.

Watched Eurovision, for my sins, and as expected it was full of clearly political voting. I was hoping for NorwayWogan's sarcasm was fantastic; at times I really did wonder if it was the acts or the event itself he was ripping.

Sunday after flying went to Dan's place for an afternoon of gaming which was excellent fun.

I really must sort myself out a diary or PDA. Hmm - a thought. I have a Palm m500 somewhere though stopped using it because I found Grafitti to be too slow to be practical. I understand there's a FITALY keyboard (software, I think) available which would help speed things up.


( meme - because it's been a while )
Clicky

Depsite having a shitty week, I had a rather good weekend.

For once, the weather was not against me and I managed to have a flying lesson. I took dineleeeee and scrumpyncheese with me to the aviation viewing park and a number of photos were taken. It was a bitterly cold day,but I was wrappedup warmfor the flight. It was fantastic, and I can't wait to go again this weekend. Themost surprising thing was the low takeoff speed.I had thought it would be in excess of 100mph, but we took off at around 70kts. I startedhaving lessons 10 years ago and though my practical skills had dropped off, I remembered alot of the theoryso we covered quite a lot of content, ending up with spin recovery.

Sunday was a curry at myfavourite place with members of The Geek House and it was as excellent as their usual standard. I also managed to find someone to write the program I mentioned a while back, so that was productive.

mhw: I introduced a few more people to In C by Terry Riley. It's become one of my favourite contemporary pieces of music.

Got home far too late, bearing in mind that I was due in Herts. the following morning. That would have been a two day job, but I managed to complete in one so headed home.

On Monday, the documentary was shown. I skipped most of it though, due to self consciousness :-/ I got a load of phonecalls from various people and didn't get off the phone properly until midnight. Thanks for you rcompliements, everyone. Yesterday I spoke with some of the crewto catch up with them and let them know that I enjoyed working with them and liked the final result. I'm going to miss them, and am looking forward to when I can next head to London and play catch-up.

Busy yet productive day at work, so I ought to press on.