Living again and it feels great

[gemini20]

I’m down in rural Worcestershire looking after my sister’s dogs and cats while she’s on holiday this week and as I have plenty of time on my hands I thought I’d check in with a brief update.

A couple of months ago when I last started a thread here I was existing rather than living (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=21657.0) and was struggling to find reasons to carry on. Thankfully I’m pleased to report that life has definitely got a whole lot better since then and I’m fully back to living in the moment and enjoying my life again.

The connection I made with a member of staff after one of my talks in school has turned into numerous dates and recently we spent our first night together. He is fantastic company and we are really enjoying being with each other. He has absolutely no concerns about me being positive which for me is so encouraging after years of ‘I really like you but….” conversations with straight men. I’m not one for looking too far forward when it comes to dating/relationships so I have no idea what might happen with this guy but for now I’ll continue to get a kick out of someone finding me sexy again!

On the work front I have another busy academic year coming up – there are nearly 40 schools already booked in my diary up til December with a further 20 in the diary for 2009 and that’s before I’ve done any marketing this year! It is good to know that schools here in the UK still see HIV/AIDS as a subject worth dedicating time to in lessons.

Health is fine at the moment despite one or two issues. I have become quite ‘yellow’ since switching back to Reyataz but I think I probably notice it more than anyone else; a scan last month revealed ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids which was a surprise and I’m awaiting a follow up to see how much they have ‘grown’ before decisions are made about a course of action for those. I get my latest blood results in a couple of weeks to see if the switch of meds has managed to keep my numbers heading in the right direction.

And finally when I was feeling very low I knew that my fail-safe method for pulling myself together would be to commit myself to a trip at the end of the year. To that end I have recently paid for a flight to Australia for Christmas and New Year – a 4 ½ week trip to stay with my friends in Sydney (even treated myself to business class flight!). It will be the perfect end to this somewhat turbulent year and a wonderful start to my 40th year on this planet and 18th year with HIV.

So that’s where I am right now – such a turnaround from June that I thought it would be nice to share some good stuff for once.

Best wishes,


Emma

[Alain]

Dear Emma,

So nice to hear that life as turned around for you.

I am so very happy to read your update and this guy sounds wonderful.

Good for you regarding your trip and how exciting it will be.

Take good care and keep us posted, Alain.

[leatherman]

Emma, I'm really glad to hear that things are going much better for you.

like i tell people, the only problem that can't be fixed (or at least made "better") is death. everything else can get better; but it takes some work (hard work sometimes) and patience. sounds like some patience on your part is paying off. and the hard work you've done sticking with the meds. 

it's also good to hear that you have so much work lined up. And that great trip later on! I know that I get through a lot of the bad times myself waiting (there's that patience issue again) for something planned for the future. Looking forward and not backwards makes life much more bearable. Right now, even though I'm still searching for a new home, I'm looking forward to starting my "new life" (the one without Jim  ) soon - and hopefully before the creditors come and gooble up Jim's house from underneath me.

and you're dating?!?! WooHoo! Lucky girl. 

much love, as always, from me and the boyz (woof, woof!)

[BT65]

Emma, I'm glad things are going better for you (and especially about your new fella).

[AlanBama]

Honey, your post made me smile today.   I am so happy to see you feeling better and to know that things are going well for you.  A new guy!  WOO HOO!

Remember sweetie, you're GREAT.  (you just forget that now and then, but that's ok, we're here to remind you.)

Love & hugs,

Alan 

[Peter Staley]

Em -- thanks for the update.  I'm really happy to hear about the good turn your life has taken.  You sound great!

xoxo

Peter

[dixieman]

Emma, Thanks for sharing some good news... sincerely, John

[Texan38]

Emma,

That's sooo wonderful to hear!!

Cheers, babe! 

Mark