Update and stress

I spent last week with my sister and her family as it was my nephew's 4th birthday. It was fantastic being able to spend some decent time with them all as I haven't really seen them much in the last few years when I was at university. It's horrible not really knowing your nephew and niece that well, but I feel that I now know them a bit more. I even became my niece's best playmate for a couple of days after engaging in hop scotch - which my dad kindly fobbed on to me! - and a blanket-over-your-head-means-I-can't-see-you game. I will post some pictures up when I can, but at the moment things are so upside down I don't know when that will be.

On a bit of a negative note, I had to take Willow to the vets yesterday as she had developed a sudden red sore on her side which had spread to her lips. She'd obviously been licking it incessently and her fur had started to fall out in clumps. The vet said it was a hot spot, or rather severe wet ecsema. She's now got some cortisol spray to apply onto the area so it should start to clear in the next day or two. The vet said it could be due to a number of reasons, but I think it is stress brought on my her inconsistent and unsettled life right now - Gareth and I appear every few days then disappear, last week Mum, Dad and I vanished for a week etc. It doesn't help that Willow and I are probably over-bonded and I think she's not dealing with being apart from me well. The stress theory would also account for her losing 1kg of weight in less than two weeks. I've increased her meal ration which I'm sure she will be pleased with.
I'm now left wondering if I should move back in with my parents if Willow isn't coping. I know I should probably not have my living base dictated to by my dog, but I can hardle sit her down and explain to her that yes, the situation at present is not ideal, but I'm looking for a job and then we can all move back in together. She just doesn't understand why things are the way they are just now.
She's not happy, and neither am I. I hate living away from my own dog, and I hate feeling like I'm getting nowhere in changing it.

Job Centre

I had the depressing experience of signing on yesterday. To be honest, I felt more like a cattle about to be branded for all the social skills and warmth the staff have.
Apparently they are supposed to help you find work, when I asked what else I could do to increase my chances, the advisor merely suggested the Job Centre machines. Does that mean I've been wasting my time on websites, newspapers and trawling town for 'wanted' signs? They are not terribly concerned with what job you get, just as long as you get a job - I wasn't even asked what my degree is in, which surely would have helped to match me to jobs? I also need to go in the day before visiting my sister to sign a 'holiday' form and change a meeting date, despite me telling them that I was going away over that time. And they wonder why so many people are angry about their systems?

Night out

Gareth and I met up with an old school friend and his wife a couple of nights ago. At first it was a little odd as none of us has seen each other properly for 5 years since Gareth and I went to uni. But we soon relaxed - I'm sure the alcohol helped with that (although I only had a glass of wine and a Bailey's at the end of the night - sometimes I get drunk very quickly on small amounts, and as I didn't really want to make an ass of myself I erred on the side of caution!)
I swear you get over 25 and then you can't handle late nights like you once did. By midnight my mind and body was screaming for bed! We stayed a bit longer, then headed back.

We've all decided to make more of an effort to see each other, especially as Gareth and I don't know if we'll stay in Plymouth. Plus, I'd like to get to know them better as so much time has passed we've all changed a lot.

I can't believe the Union Rooms charge entry to get in - it's not like it's a club or anything!

Boring update

Still no luck on the job front. Although most of the closing dates are approaching so hopefully I will hear something positive soon.

Glyn is doing well at club, especially considering I've not been able to train him as much as I'd like - it's awkward travelling to and fro between houses as the dogs are staying with my Mum until we can find somewhere to live. It really highlights how unsettled things are just now, but it is a good motivator; neither Gareth or I like living away from our pets! Draco (the snake) isn't particularly bothered. He has light, heat, and mice so nothing's changed much for him!

To be honest, there's not a lot happening, hence the long gap between posts.