The time is near! 12 weeks on crutches and I started to walk again yesterday. I plan to ween myself off them over the next week or so, so that September I can finally get my life back.

Sorry for playing the smallest violin, let’s focus on the positives. Dissertation done and ready to print out. Started to learn the ukulele, though not sure where I’ll find the time to put the practice in! I can finally get back to the gym, stop having to pay for taxis everywhere – heck, just walking to the fridge will be a joy.

In year one I regretted not joining enough clubs and societies, and through a chance meeting have heard about the kayaking club, which I intend to find out more about.

September will certainly be an intense month! Self-rehabilitation – social, physical – and the construction of my PhD proposal proper, all to complete by the start of fresher’s week, when I learn how to teach a module – lots to be excited about.

Ending on a rather cheesy note, this summer has certainly been testing at times, and has really made me reflect on things, and certainly not to take health for granted! Watching the olympics only inspired me to throw myself back into all aspects of life, and I really hope that this rubs off on my attitude towards my PhD – sure to be one of my greatest challenges yet.