Things I've done with my time off uni: a retrospective

Why a retrospective? Because at this point, things are beginning to kick into gear for my return: we're beginning to talk about a project; we've already talked about accessibility of accommodation and my department; and the "yep this one's good" letter has been requested from my GP.

So what have I got done?

• sorted out my medication: my mental health is now generally well-managed, and my pain is acceptably-managed
  
• applied for DLA, and appealed the subsequent decision
  
• accessed NHS funding for a wheelchair, plus applied for a grant for magic wheels
  
• sent another round of letters in The Saga Of Fiona Fucking Blake
  
• written fic plus misc crafty endeavours
  
• started learning Javascript and volunteering with Dreamwidth
  
• I'm about to be in my first Lashings show, and have booked tickets for the Edinburgh Fringe
  
• set up an LGBT+ library

... and, of course, a large number of other bits and bobs.

Most of these - including getting my meds sorted out - were completely incompatible with getting a degree (or possibly staying alive), but have made a massive improvement to my quality of life and ability to, you know, do well when I return.

I'm finding things a little emotionally wearing at the moment - Facebook is full of status updates along the lines of "degree finished, HERE I COME ABERDEEN PHD" from people I matriculated with, and that's bothering me much more than I expected to - but oh my goodness, taking a year out was the right thing to do, and: I am fundamentally okay.