A Breath of Fresh Air

        I've been hauled up in the house these last few days feeling exhausted and rubbish, due to different circumstances, so yesterday I ventured back out to university and it was great to be out in the fresh air again, and do something rather than sit waiting for the time to pass - although getting more time to speak to my family was nice!

        It was an extremely long day and it is taking an extra toll on my body, but I was glad to be out and about. I started up at 7.30am (which really shouldn't be allowed) and spent the morning snoozing in my Uncle's office; not very productive but it had to be done, with the added bonus of a hot chocolate. Then I sat down for some lunch and headed up to the lab and spent the afternoon with Bri. There wasn't much to do as Bri is holding off on some lab work until she has figured out what to do, a good idea in my eyes, as it is key to her research - sadly she's had a rubbish week in terms of her research, so hopefully she gets the break through she deserves!

        The day night before I found out that I was going for a meal with Uncle Ian straight after university, as he had to take a guest speaker out for dinner when she arrived in Maine. He also informed me of his lab drinks he had to go to beforehand. So I got dropped at Margarita's, and sat with Erin at the bar (cheeky), whilst Ian went to collect Victoria from the airport. We were joined by Jess, and a couple of others a little while later. It was so nice just to chat to Erin and Jess, as I haven't really done much just going out and relaxing with people. I also found out that I had some things in common with both of them, on certain subjects *cough cough*, which was actually really refreshing to hear similar opinions to mine!

        At 6pm Erin and myself walked across the road to Woodman's to see if we could get a table for 8 people - there is usually quite a wait for tables, let alone one for 8 people - but just by chance, the lady was able to arrange a table of 8, and we were able to sit straight away. Erin and I texted everyone to head over, and about half an hour later we were all sat around chatting - the dynamic of the group was great, and even though I don't know them all really well, I got on well with them all, and had a really nice time! For starters Ian ordered fried calamari, spinach and artichoke dip with toasted flat bread, and an onion blossom; unfortunately, I can't eat any of these due to the gluten, so the lovely waitress got me some celery sticks so I could try the dip, and although I wouldn't personally choose the dip, it was delicious! For my main dish I ordered haddock pomodora (haddock baked in tomatoes, basil, garlic and olive oil, served with rice and carrots). This was completely the opposite of what I usually order (I normally play it safe with a burger), but my oh my it was so so good, and I polished it off in a flash! The desert was also heavenly - chocolate lava cake, what more do I need to say?!

        The evening really exceeded my expectations, as I was worried about going to my Uncle's lab drinks without him being there, and sitting awkwardly at a dinner with people I didn't know well, but it was relaxing, lovely and such a nice change from what has become my usual day to day goings on.