Em That's a great idea to look into relaxation options. I'd be interested to hear what you find out. My scheme is ironing to internet whale music, which is surprisingly effective, but I'd be glad to have some more ideas if you have any to pass on.
Cag well done for enjoying your leaving party. I still dream and daydream about my old friends in my last job. If you feel low for a while, just hang on in there. The brain chemistry takes a time to get into the equilibrium again after a loss, but the good times will come again once you're into your new life.
I get my electronics stuff mostly from ebay, but there are a lot of different shops online too. If you google Raspberry Pi and Arduino then that will get you to the right places. The BBC have just commissioned a new tiny computer and are going to make a tv series about it so it might be well worth you finding out about that and joining in. I think the machine costs about £13.
Well done on the councelling lilac. Great news.
We're pottering along here enjoying our holiday. Ds has developed a belter of a temper and I'm not sure whether it is a growing up thing, or if the gluten-free fish fingers that we're introduced this week are turning him into the hulk. He's doing lots of climbing in parks though and really enjoying it.
I've been relatively sensible about money. 