I've been trying to think how to explain Friday but I have decided that actually that balloon picture says all I need to say really. We released them with little messsages tied to them for my donor. It's hard to know what to say, there aren't really the words.

It was a beautiful day, tinged with sadness, filled with happiness and gratitude. I wanted to do something that morning that I hadn't yet done, and that would've been impossible to do prior to transplant....so I attended an aqua aerobics class.

I absolutely loved it. It is however the most amusingly unattractive form of exercise I think I've ever participated in. Made even more amusing by the stylish sleek instructure standing on the side calmly demonstrating "and push through the water, in circles, now faster...keep those knees up!" whilst those of us in the water flounder about, panting and splashing in a pathetic attempt to look half as glamorous as she does.

It really was fabulous though and I kept up much better than I thought I would, so I'm going to try and make it a regular thing.

It's been a bit strange since Friday, as I have now crossed that monumentous threshold, I am no longer in my 1st year of Transplant. As far as I know some meds may now change and certain restrictions lifted (although I may have already both travelled abroad and flown - oops) as the team recognises that things between my lungs and I are going rather well.

This time last year I was, well, pretty unconscious really. This year I am trying to be as active as I possibly can to make it as different as Mr different from different land (as my mother would say).

The prospect of the new year stretching out ahead is so exciting; and this time hopefully I will get to experience a full 12 months, rather than be stuck in hospital for vast quantities of it.

Here's to a happy and healthy one for all, yay!