Well... Scotland are officially out of the World Cup.
Within minutes of hearing the news of Scotlands exit, Steve Clarke resigned. I genuinely think that's a shame. He took Scotland from a team that simply made up the numbers to one that could actually compete. Every manager has decisions that fans disagree with, but he gave us belief again, and that's not something we've had very often. Whoever comes next has some big boots to fill.
"Supporting Scotland is a bit like assembling flat-pack furniture without the instructions. You know it'll end in frustration, but you keep coming back anyway."
Maybe I'm Not as Thick as I Thought
One thing that surprised me recently was discovering my IQ is around 130. If you'd asked me a year ago, I'd have laughed and assumed somebody had mixed my paperwork up with someone else's.
Years of anxiety, dyslexia and constantly doubting myself have convinced me that I'm average at best. Even now, knowing the results, there's still a voice in my head saying, "Are we sure they didn't make a mistake?" It's strange how difficult it can be to believe something positive about yourself after spending years believing the opposite.
Sometimes the hardest person to convince you're capable... is yourself.
The Farm Continues to Grow
My Farming Simulator addiction shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. My little save has somehow evolved into a multi-million-pound farming empire in Kinlaig with a growing fleet of John Deere tractors.
There's something nostalgic about driving John Deere equipment because they're the first tractors I ever learned to drive on my uncle's farm. It's funny how a game can bring back memories you haven't thought about in years.
University Is Getting Closer
I've been buying more books for university and recently joined the local library. While wandering around I discovered they have an entire dyslexia section.
Honestly, that made my day. It felt like someone had thought about people like me. Small gestures can make a huge difference, and it's reassuring to know there are resources waiting when I need them.
Finally... Some Answers
After more tests and appointments, I officially received a diagnosis of Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD). The consultant's letter included the line that it's "often difficult to treat."
No shit, Sherlock.
Still, despite the less-than-encouraging prognosis, having a diagnosis is better than endless uncertainty. At least now I know what I'm dealing with, and I can focus on managing it rather than wondering if something more sinister is lurking in the background.
Life has been a strange mixture of disappointment, reassurance, nostalgia and cautious optimism lately. Football lets you down, books lift you up, tractors somehow become therapy, and sometimes the biggest victory is simply getting an answer you've waited months to hear.
"Life rarely gets easier. You just get better at carrying the awkward bits."
Baz's Words of Wisdom
If a sheep looks at you for more than five seconds, it's judging your life choices.
Never argue with a satnav. It has no feelings and still somehow wins.
And finally...
"A tractor can get stuck in a muddy field, but it'll still end the day doing more work than most people on Facebook."