After being dropped off in the waiting area by the porters, usually it's literally only five minutes before being taken through. There was some confusion this time about what type of anaesthetic I was supposed to be having etc. and I think the longer you have to wait, the more anxious you become. When I was younger I used to scream at the top of my voice all the way to the operating table, but now I'm nowhere near as scared. I know that I am in safe hands and everything will be fine.
On more than one occasion - after having had a small operation or just a GA - I've instantly been sat up chatting and eating a McDonald's, but this one unfortunately didn't go quite so well. I've written about vertigo before, and how utterly horrible and debilitating it is - this time was no different. I felt it as soon as I came round, that feeling of being aboard a steadily rocking ship, and immediately knew that it was only matter of time before it really kicked in. As I suspected, the world did a full spin just as we were heading up the corridor on the way to the car.
Having not opened my eyes for the whole of Christmas Eve, it was touch and go as to how the situation would be on the big day itself, and so it was such a relief when I did open my eyes at 3:00am to find that the world had finally stopped spinning! These episodes can last a lot more than 24 hours, so this really was a Christmas miracle.
The day was lovely, and having my Nana staying with us made it all the more special. Santa was extremely generous to us all, and even Lexi had a few presents to open on the morning! He also knew that I was very passionate about my keyboard and music, and so brought me a recording/editing program for my computer. Because I can't press down many finger when I play, I do a lot of recording a layering the parts in to make the music sound fuller. My Dad prepared a spectacular Christmas feast - as always - and I could maybe be even go as far as to say that it was the best Christmas ever!
Lexi in a Winter Wonderland!
One of the things I love most about Christmas - apart from the chocolate of course - is seeing our family, and believe me, that's a lot of people! Uncle Martin, one of my Mum's brothers, came all the up from Brighton for a night-stop. I really love seeing him, as he was one of the first people to take me seriously about my dream of going to university in California. He directed me to Fulbright Commission and various other websites that may help me to get there, so I guess one of my New Year's resolution is to get in touch with them and see what they have to say. It might seem a tad early, but with all the extra things that would need organising, I don't think that's possible!
One day in particular we had an extremely busy house, with nearly all of my Dad's side of the family coming to visit! It was another great day, with yet another spectacular buffet, lovingly prepared by my Dad.
The Griffiths Clan!
On that day we were also visited by my friend Angelique and her family. You may remember me mentioning my amazing friend from Holland who we met at a Union J concert in 2013, and have since kept in contact with and seen a couple of times in the past year. We both love concerts/festivals, and also happen to both be huge fans of Ollie Marland! We all look forward to seeing Angelique and her family in 2015.
Ollie, Angelique and I at Fusion Festival - Summer 2014
What a fantastic end to a fantastic year! I really do hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and wishing you all an amazing 2015.
Make this the year that you truly fly beyond your dreams.
Write soon,
Tilly,xox
