Uuuurgh toothache. I've had an underlying infection around my wisdom tooth for about a year, but have been terrified to have it removed because my last dentist said 'don't ever have another wisdom tooth removed at the dentist. You have to insist on having it done in hospital.' However, this dentist said it wouldn't happen. Nowadays, having it removed in hospital is not really an option, so I have agreed to having it removed by the specialist who comes to the surgery. I now have an appointment for 28th Feb, but today the paracetamol isn't really touching it. Not great news as I'm going away for a funeral in West Sussex on Monday.

I also had to book two appointments for a crown. I had to pay a 50% deposit for each procedure, so parted with £525. FIFTY PERCENT DEPOSIT! And the receptionist said it may end up being more than double this.

Take a deep breath...

I've just finished my weekly review on the SlimmingWorld podcast, posted on our local SlimmingWorld FB group. We have a new podcast every week from two SW members (one is a consultant as well). For those who don't know (is there anyone who doesn't know? lol), I started SW on 21st Dec 2021 and hit my 2st weight loss target on 12th Sept the following year. I honestly never thought I could lose what I called my Menopause Weight, and I'd tried! I'm still at target but am having to be careful because I am almost 3lbs below it. I'm finding it hard to find the right balance to maintain as opposed to losing still, but I'll get there. It's weird forcing yourself to eat more when you're not hungry. I already eat a lot! My best achievement is dropping 10 cholesterol points and getting down to the 3% risk bracket for cardiac events. 

Today was another great day, writing-wise. Last year (can't even remember when but early on), I submitted the synopsis and beginning of a serial for PF. They asked me for the first instalment which I sold. I submitted instalment 2 and about two months later it came back. The editor asked for major changes. She wanted me to drop one of the Points of View. This meant a complete rewrite. I did this and could subsequently see why she wanted me to do it. I resubmitted. Another gap of many months (a writer has to have patience and not chase things up, even though they may want to explode because of all the waiting) and today I sold instalment 2. I had held off rewriting instalment 3 in case there was still a problem with no. 2, but now I can get on with it. However, it has been so long since writing it, I will need to reread the 10,000 words so far before attempting the major rewrite of no. 3.

Wish me luck!

Writer's Tip: always remember that no matter how desperate you are to know how your 'baby' is faring, the editor has a million things on the go. Never wait for a response to something. Start something else.