You're a total shambles, you're hired. Love Leeds Metropolitan University.

So I've got a job. Oh yes, all teaching and no research career for me. At least I can now start househunting yet again. One day I might settle somewhere for more than 12 months. The difficulty comes with wanting somewhere city central with 2 bedrooms, safe, secure, within walking distance of work and a supermarket (impossible in Leeds - where are the supermarkets? Central Morrisons is a dive), somewhere that would make a suitable home for a large dog, and all for £50/month. Suggestions greatly welcomed.

Yes it's been a while. Nothing to blog about specifically but pictures of the new sunflower garden will soon follow. How exciting! I still have reservations regarding the whole gardening hobby. I have always brutally scoffed at young gardeners, especially my sister, claiming that people should only start gardening once they are unable to produce their own offspring. Of course my involvement in the sunflower growing competition (which I will win*) directly invites my old insults to be thrown back at me. Mum already has chosen me some patterned wellies. Actually I own wellies, but that comes from growing up in the Shire. It's too messy in trainers.

I might start a highly exciting blog feature entitled, "thesis update". It's pretty self-explanatory. And unsurprisingly dull. The motive is that, much like a supervisory meeting (I imagine), if I have to report something, I will have to have something to report. I'm clearly resorting to trying any motivation incentive that I can think of.

My other new pastime is power walking. Harold Bishop eat your heart out. That expression's as vile as "keep your eyed peeled". Spring has brought about new hobbies, which would be fantastic if I actually had the time for them. As soon as I can give up research (thanks again, Leeds MET, for that opportunity) I should have time for all the other things that I would like to do: learn Spanish, perfect yoga (I do have a mat and a DVD though), learn how to sleep at night, re-take up dancing, get back to the gym on a regular basis, get singing lessons, travel the world, learn to drive and re-rake up playing the saxophone. Oh, and save the planet. It appears that turning out the staff room light isn't quite as effective as I'd originally hoped. I have been debating whether I should leave a polite "please switch off" note under the light switch. Obviously I have opted for not being a total wanker, but the light-leaving-on situation is increasingly riling. Who's with me?!

Moon. xxx

*I might not win. I'm not as competitive as some, and Ak and Tom have already demonstrated their determination with the task. I'm merely exited at having a square foot of earth in front of my house that is free of rubbish. Bet it attracts rats. Ah, I love the city.