The Government launched its ‘Science - So What?’ campaign today. Its trying to raise the profile of science in the UK by helping people realise just how much science shapes our lives. One of the first events held was a roundtable discussion at 10 Downing Street to which I received an invite along with a host of high profile science communicators such as David Attenborough, Bill Bryson and, one of my favourite authors, Terry Pratchitt. Everyone at the table showed great passion for science and most importantly science education.

I love science. I love discovering new things. How things work. Science underpins all of our lives from our food & water, transport, gadgets and of course for me, Veterinary Science. People often use the words ‘hard’ and ‘cold’ when applied to science and scientists but in reality scientists pursue their endeavours because they care. They care about their subjects, whether that’s medicine, the environment or sub-atomic particles! We need these scientists to come out of the labs, jungles and hospitals to talk to us, to lets us know what they know and just as importantly, what they don’t know!

To take a look at the Science - So What? website CLICK HERE.

Also, I have been recently introduced to an amazing website that is trying to provide a platform for inspirational speakers from the arts, science and other backgrounds. I encourage you all to take a look at www.TED.com and view some of the videos. They are truly spectacular.

Last week I popped down to Bristol to record the commentary (or voice over if you prefer) for Orangutan Diary 2. This is usually the first time I get to see the programs edited together. I don’t really get to watch the footage though as I have to concentrate on what I’m reading. I love doing comm records. There is so much you can do with your voice to change the emotion or feel of a line. As you can see in the picture I use my hands a lot. Sounds strange, but it really helps you put emphasis at the right time in the right way. You shouldn’t notice voice over if it is done well. When I listen back to the first voice over I did years ago, I cringe over how bad it was. It sounds like I am reading (which is exactly what I am doing but it shouldn’t sound like that!).

Next time your watching telly listen out for the voice overs (even on adverts/commercials). The better ones will be the ones where you can hardly tell that the person is speaking after the event you see in picture. Its like story telling which I’m practicing with my niece and nephews.

Anyway, the new series is due to be broadcast in March and it looks (and hopefully sounds) great!

I have a stressful job. Its taken me a while to realise that. By the way, I mean vetting not TV, TV is a breeze compared to veterinary science. The responsibility you have for people’s loved ones is immense. Although I work as part of a team, I am the one ultimately responsible for the animals under my care. A lot of my stress comes from worrying about what I don’t know, as opposed to appreciating what I do know. There is always more to learn. I spend a great deal of time over the year consulting text books, speaking to experts and attending training courses. i have already signed up for at least 14 days worth of CPD (Continual Professional Development) this year and undoubtedly will grab a few more as the year goes by.

So with that in mind - how am I going to manage my stress? Well, over the last few months I have been making a pretty poor job of it, resulting in me having a week off to just recuperate and get back on an even keel. I have two very understanding bosses (who are also two of my best friends), a wonderful family and lots of supportive friends. What I have to do is learn to lean on them a little. They are all extremely willing to support me in the same way that I try and support them. I am not the best at asking for help and just as bad at even just letting people help me unasked.

I haven’t made a new years resolution for many years (the last one I made was amazingly good for me though - “Arrive Early - Bring a Book”). But this year I will take much better care of myself by “Taking Time Out” and “Asking for Help”.

What has this to with the Snowboarding picture above? Chuff all - but I have been snowboarding last week in the Alps so I thought I stick them in. There is a pseudo-medical term ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ being bandied about which refers to the benefits on physical and Mental well-being of experiencing nature. A good walk / run in the local hills will feature heavily in my therapy this year. Happy New Year to you all and take good care of yourselves. x