I emigrated to the U.K. in March 2003, after living all my life in Melbourne, Australia, to be with David, who had come over 13 months earlier. We married on the 12th of July 2003, and I was granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK in September 2005. David and I live in London, with our family and our cat, Madam.
I have suffered from chronic illness, off and on, over the last 15 years, with the most recent, prolonged, and debilitating bout starting in late 2001. In 2004 I was referred to the rheumatology department at the Whipps Cross Hospital in London, who confirmed that I have a chronic illness, fibromyalgia. In March 2008 I attended the pain clinic at St Thomas's Hospital and was put on Lyrica (pregabalin) which has shown to be effective in Neuropathic pain. So far it's been improving my fibromyalgia symptoms and I am hoping to be well enough in the near future to return to work, although I am already looking for a telecommuting job I can do from home.
A couple of years ago I became interested in, and started collecting, ball-jointed dolls. It's an expensive, but fascinating and creative hobby, despite the limiations of my health, and I have met many lovely and talented people around the world through it, and I am a member of the online BJD communities Den Of Angels, Angels Of Life, and Resinality. It has also led to an interest in other dolls, like the Antique French and German all Bisque pocket doll Mignonette, and other antique and vintage dolls including vintage Barbies. I'm also interested in British history and archaeology, especially industrial archaeology, particularly of London and the railways of Britain, and I love gardening, despite my limited ability.
Rock music is my first love though, and when I was at my most ill I could not listen to it without experiencing discomfort. However, now that my health is improving I find I can enjoy music again, and I'm going to see bands more. You can find some of my writings on rock music on Rocknerd . I also contribute to Wikipedia, have a semi-public blog on LiveJournal, and photos on Flickr.
e-mail
Page last updated
10th of April 2008.