4 New Experiences in February

FEBRUARY turned out to be rather eventful, with quite a few novel and exciting opportunities. Of this I am glad, as February is normally a rubbish month. Here are some highlights:

A week of exciting emails
In one week I emailed a radio personality, a TV presenter and a dame. I received replies from all of them. This was all in aid of organising certain events in the year, and I have never worried about wording quite as much. It proved to be a fruitful exercise, and yielded unexpected results.

Receiving a commission
Because of these emails, I have been invited to write for an exciting upcoming project. I can't say anything else here, just in case nothing materialises, but I really hope to make the most of this opportunity.

Being endorsed
I have become one of four doctoral researchers in the College of Life and Environmental sciences to be endorsed by the University of Birmingham on the social media platform Twitter. It's an opportunity to network, to talk about science and research, and to provide a snapshot of life in research at the University. To hear me get excited about fruit flies, please do add me as a friend - I'm @bioSimonUoB. Regular nonsense continues to be posted under @srbishop.

Open mic alone
For the first time ever I performed solo at an Open Mic gig. At the beginning of the year I decided to make the most of the hobbies I enjoy and to make things happen, so I rashly booked a slot at Rowheath Pavilion last Friday. I sang three songs - the first alone and then two with my neighbour Lydia. I'm normally just there for accompaniment, and rather enjoyed the reversal of roles. Feedback was positive, even from my colleagues who (probably against their better judgement) came to support me. I have my colleague Sam to thank for her encouragement to play - ever since hearing the recording I made with The Band in my student days (phase I) she has been desperate to hear me on a stage. I am glad of her persistent requests!

It was the busiest Open Mic they've ever had at the Pavilion, which is encouraging and indicative of a lot of hard work by the staff there to promote the building as a community hub.

Rachel is currently away Down Under for a month, leaving me to man the fort here in Brum. The above are keeping me busy indeed, which is really helping me to get through.