The tradition continues. This is the seventh post in my continuing quest to write a blog post on the same day of each year.

I really wish it was easier by now.

Two days ago I ran the Hackney Half.

It took me a bit under three hours. Which is slow, even by my standards. It was the hottest day of the year so my race plan quickly devolved from setting a solid personal best to trying not to fall down.

I still find running hard (though not as hard as eating porridge before a run). Most days it's a chore but I'm not stopping here. I'm going to run another half, hopefully when the sun is less keen on shining. Then the next logical step will be to double the distance and attempt a marathon.

Twelve days ago I found a new flat.

Reference checks are complete, I just need to sign the tenancy agreement and pay the up-front cash. I get the keys at the end of May. The flat is in High Wycombe, back where I started. I don't need to be in London any more because…

Three weeks ago I handed in my notice at Friday.

I've loved every single moment I've spent there. If you ever meet a person that works at Friday you should hug them because they are brilliant (and good at hugs). We've just shipped the best thing I've ever helped to make with the best bunch of people I've ever worked with. Hopefully I'll get to work with some of them again, one day.

Handing in my notice was incredibly tough, but the last few months have really clarified what I care about at the moment. I'm dreading my last day, it's going to be hard to say goodbye.

Six weeks ago I accepted a new job at Bibliocloud.

I met Emma and Dave at RailsGirls, and I was really intrigued by their achievements, aspirations and outlook. We kept chatting, and it didn't take long before I knew I had to join them on their adventures into publishing, programming and teaching.

My first day is on the 6th of June. It is going to be ace.

Three months ago I went snowboarding in Andorra.

Chris and I took basic snowboarding lessons at Hemel Hempstead Snow Centre. Those lessons led to a few weekends riding the main slope and that turned into a week in Andorra.

It was the best time and I am very eager to get back in the snow.

Seven months ago I moved into my current flat.

I lasted six months in the house share I found when I originally moved to London. Having lived alone for a few years I did not adjust well to shared living. Honestly, that's an understatement. I hated shared living. I thought I would be able to adjust but I couldn't.

Returning to solo living felt like a huge weight was lifted, I shan't be living with strangers again if I can help it.

Nine months ago I met Rachel.

I had done a little bit of online internet web dating but nothing really came of it. Rachel and I chatted for a while, then met up, and then met up some more.

It doesn't seem like nine months and yet it also feels like I've known her for quite a bit longer. Rachel is clever, kind, sharp, funny and has a coat for any occasion. She is great with a capital "g".

Things

All year I've been consuming things. These are the latest:

• Book: Dead Water
• Comic: East of West vol. 5
• Game: Hearthstone
• Film: Captain America: Civil War
• TV: Jessica Jones
• Music: Jeff Rosenstock
• Gig: Kimya Dawson
• Podcast: The Adam Buxton Podcast

Finally

I'm trying hard to avoid feeling like I've been defeated. I was so sure that moving to London was "one way" that it feels embarrassing to admit I'm going home.

The last year hasn't been a waste though. I've learnt a lot about myself, I've forged new friendships, strengthened old ones, and got a bunch better at my job.

I couldn't have predicted how everything has unfolded, but I'm excited to see what'll happen next.

Also, Tasha and Steve MADE A HUMAN. Go them.

Onwards.