Still Sam

Why is there no in-between dinosaur courses. I've done the @UAlberta moocs and don't want to do a degree in it (at the moment). I need a middle thing. Like, just a year course or something like that. Google has failed to help me with this one. 🦖

If your mental health is struggling reach out to: Samaritans 116 123 CALM 0800 58 58 58 YoungMinds 0800 018 2138 ChildLine 0800 1111 No Panic 0844 967 4848 SANE 0300 304 7000 Get Connected 0808 808 4994 #mentalhealth #MentalHealthAwareness #COVID19 #Covid_19

@carborma I called her Christmas Claire as her name is Claire and I do like a good bit of alliteration

@HippiSam Santa Claire? 😅

In keeping with my tradition, I have no Christmas decs up. I may have started a new tradition...A Christmas Claire instead of a Christmas tree.

Although I also like my ammonite pendants.

Also, look at the amazing dinosaur jewellery set I made myself in my silver clay class. I love it. It's the best thing ever.

What in the world is going on! I know people buy shit for Christmas, but bloody hell.

Two thousand seven hundred seventy three!

@arqvalentindiez It's my.chronic.eds.life.

@HippiSam How is the name of your account?

I've created an Instagram account to chronicle my chronic illness. I'm finding it really useful and can't understand why it never occurred to me to do this sooner.

@lellielesley @RMBFLK Having other people understand definitely helps me too. Not having to explain everything, or always put on the "I'm perfectly fine, honestly, everything is fine" mask. Luckily my low moods don't tend to last long, & tomorrow I'll be bragging about seeing elephant seals and orcas.

@HippiSam @RMBFLK The joy of chronic illness. Totally understand where you are coming from. 'Normal' people have no idea how frustrating it can be.

It's my 3rd day at Sea Lion Island and unfortunately it's a bad day pain-wise. I wanted to go out walking again, but I think that will mean I don't manage to do anything for my remaining time here. Somebody remind me I'm doing the right think by taking it easy today...

@RMBFLK @lellielesley Thank you both. I know resting is the right thing, but christ I miss the days when I didn't have to reconsider everything I do and the impact it will have on my body. I'm going to take another painkiller and listen to your sage advice 🙂

@lellielesley @HippiSam I can vouch for this advice as well. Be kind to yourself :-)

@lellielesley You are so right. I purposely booked 4nights so I could pace myself. I'm just feeling really frustrated at my body for not being able to keep up with my mind. I even brought books, a sketch pad, paints and a puzzle book because I knew I'd have to take plenty of time to rest.

@HippiSam Oh definitely take it easy. There's so much to see immediately around the lodge so just go and sit with the Gentoo's and watch them or find a quiet spot on north beach and relax! Even just chilling out in the lounge and being pampered a bit is a nice experience.

@sthoeseph I don't see any of this myself - apart from Pink and that's only because I had short colourful hair.

I look like me again 🌈😍

@pybb1 Thank you 😊

@HippiSam Congratulations

I passed my driving test on Monday. That's me on the roads now! Yeah, I'm just a wee bit unsure...still, I've driven the work vehicle already. It's like driving a tank - especially compared to the car I learned in.

By tomorrow I shall no longer be blonde.

@Serem Thank you!

@Rita_Seagull Thank you!!

@HippiSam Well done Sam!! X