The BBC have a feature called 10 Things where they give snippets of information that help to round up what has been in the news this week. I am going to do something similar here to round up the life according to Julie, in and outside of the NHS.

1. The weight loss is progressing well and I have now lost 10 ½lb. I am feeling positive about the whole losing weight thing and I am in the right mindset to carry on. I have (as mentioned earlier in the week) been feeling a bit down for various reasons and this has not caused any trips to the shops where chocolate is sold in large quantities.
2. I have been given the go ahead to review my job description and to look at getting my pay back up to the level I am protected on. This will then mean I can receive the wonderful pay awards from the government. This year’s 2.5% in 2 parts is still eagerly awaited by all those entitled to it. The unions are still arguing, we are still being asked for our opinions and it looks like the pay rise might happen sometime in the next millenium!!
3. Today I am off to attend a consultation event organised by the National Childbirth Trust on the future of women’s and children’s services (including maternity). This whole meet the public and discuss stuff and listen to them kind of thing is new to me and is extremely interesting though slightly nerve wracking at times.
4. My teenage son is now what we in the UK call in the 6th form. He has finished his compulsory education and is now concentrating on relatively few subjects in more depth. Part of his time is spent in school and the rest at the local further education college. I have noticed that he has developed a more mature attitude to the whole thing and is already working quite hard. He has also submitted application forms for part time jobs around town, something I am keen for him to do now. He is a major drain on resources, though of course I love him dearly!!!
5. Led Zeppelin are reforming for a concert and teen son has registered on the site. I guess the chance of his being successful is quite slim, but tickets for this event are going to be £125. That is a lot of money for a couple of hours of entertainment.

Thats the first 5, the next 5 will appear later!

It is now later, about 13 hours later and here are the next 5:

1. I am going to have to get back in to the swing (or step) of the Lateral Thigh Trainer. Having used it every day for about 3 weeks I have now barely been on the thing for a week. I don’t want to be like all those people who start something and then don’t carry it on (but I might be!)
2. I have written a summarised form of my dissertation for my director at work as part of a new piece of work I am going to be doing and am now considering trying to get it published and perhaps accepted to speak at a conference. It would be a shame if all the work stayed as something on a shelf.
3. We have been notified about our graduation. Well actually we found out by accident because the university forgot to tell us! It is on November 12 at the Barbican in London.
4. My parents are keen to attend as is hubby of course. I guess you never stop being proud of your kids!
5. It is hard to think of 10 interesting things about yourself and what you are up to when generally you feel you lead a dull life!