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The last few newspaper articles have been less about my passion for organ donation and more about the recent publicity on hospital bugs. I was unaware that this angle would be so prominently used. Or even aware that much debate on MRSA and other hospital bugs have been making headlines.

I would like to highlight that Harefield's standards were amazing, and I will follow up with more tomorrow as I have not been feeling great today - and feel like I have a lot to say on this matter. Have a good night, and..my story is....to be continued. X

A friend of mine, recieved a 3rd call for a double lung transplant -but, it turned out to be a false alarm. It brought back my memories of all my 3 false alarms, and all the mixed emotions that one goes through. I feel a little sad today because of this - it really brings to light just how many people are waiting and how short organ donations are available. There is nothing more I want than people to get the gift of life - that I was so fortunate to recieve.

It's tough, as no one except the people close to you can fully understand the build up of perhaps gettings a chance for a new lease of life. The tears, excitement, fear, happiness and so on. I remember getting so anxious - that my breathing became so fast and erractic and I started to go into panic...it was so scary. I was finding it hard to slow my breathing down.

Hearing this news today, has really hit me hard - but one must remember that whilst the gift of life never happened...someone else somewhere is grieving their loss - and just the day before Christmas too.

Peace and happiness to you all...and I will be going out shortly to cheer myself up and get my famous Latte at Starbucks...he he..with cinnamon sprinkles..and a touch of nutmeg now too!

My advice today is :- KEEP SMILING, STAY HAPPY, AND POSITIVE ENERGY WILL SEE YOU THROUGH ANY DIFFICULT SITUATION! XX

And even though I feel sad..but will heed my own advice, I am still happy that I can help others who are going through what I did too...it's good to be able to talk to someone who has experienced same...so you realise..you are not alone, and it's ok to feel the array of emotions. Smiling now....cheerio everyone...and

I wrote this poem as an alternative Xmas Greeting to all my friends, and thought I would share it with everyone else too. I will also write another poem before the year is out. Peace and love to you all. X

Live,Love,Learn and Laugh

It's Chrimbo time,

Festive fun, food and wine.

Lets pull a cracker together..ha ha, I win.

.A yellow hat, silly joke and a yo-yo on a string.

Eat until your buttons pop,

Or your zip etches down a stop.

Time for family and friends -

Remember the good times and makes ammends.

Enjoy the season with lots of fun

And celebrate New Year gone past one.

Parties, dancing, mistletoe kisses on 1, lots or none.

Just remember live, love, learn, and laugh -

And go full out and not by half.

Wishing you all lots of happiness

And good health -

Oodles of love and nothing less.

To dreams that come true

So no sadness, tears, or feeling shades of blue.

Give me a smile,

Come on, don't let me wait a while.

As it's time for me to glow,glam up, and go for gold.

Breathe, beam, and be bold.

Live life then give my life,

Put my feet up - no worries - no strife.

Cheers to 2007, peace, happiness,and all the best!

Good news, I am feeling much better and my cold has vanished into the Winter breeze. So much is happening this month with Birthday's, family functions, spa day for a friend's hen day, and dress fitting for me as a Bridesmaid. My best friend is getting married in January next year - and I didn't know if I would be alive for it...but I am and this will be the 1st time being a bridesmaid ever! Also, Jon's Birthday is on Christmas Day!!

I have been busy too making Xmas cards and Birthday cards...so some of you may recieve a Justine stylie card, otherwise ...please don't get offended if you get a regular pre-bought card though.

It has been like a mini - holiday for me having a month off until my next check up...quite nice really. I feel that I want to start work again next year and feel better and that the time will be right then to do so - will be 6 months post transplant. It's exciting at the prospect getting back into the real world. I only want to work part-time and keep up my hobbies whilst having a balance and quality of life - so I keep well too. Who knows what I will do..cashier in a chocolate shop...(or hidding behind a counter scoffing all the chocs)...receptionist for a garage...(or in dungarees covered in oil underneath a Mazda MX5 convertible in Jade...my dream car!)...being a pet trainer....in extraordinary pets...snakes/spiders/ferrets.....never in a million years....hmm..so watch this space!

What do I want from Santa this year?....Loving music..so many CD's that I would like to purchase, mulled wine...and why not!?....Vouchers for shops never gets boring - as you can treat yourself to whatever you want....Luxury toiletries...a girl just loves to be pampered..he he...well I do..he he. But, to be honest what I really want for Xmas is new lungs for James, Laura, Emily, Grazyna, Clair and many others that are still waiting!!And those waiting for other organs too! XX

December 2006