Happy

first entry since winning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've had a great couple of weeks;
The shop celebrated its first birthday, and the very next day i was announced as winner of the ifwecanyoucanchallenge for South Tyneside. Then I went on holiday for a week....
Back to reality, I'm posting this at close to mid-night on the longest day of the year, its still not long enough for me!
Holidays are great, but on the back of everything that happened before we went, it means that there is so much to do.
In describing how it felt to find out I'd won, it was a bit like getting the results of my finals, telling myself I'd be happy with a 2.2, but secretly hoping for better. I didnt get quite as drunk in response to this result, but the elation and joy were just the same!
I am so grateful to everyone who took the time to vote for me; it was great telling my staff and my parents I'd won, Their faces were a massive reward.
I've had congratulations and cards from the mums in the school queue, flowers, champagne and when i came back from holiday on friday, my staff had decorated the shop with congratulations banners, and popped a bottle as soon as i walked throught the door. I only had a sip, all glasses prescribed on Friday will still be accurate!!
Lots of my patients have been popping in to congratulate me personnally, I've felt truly special.
Meeting this week to discuss how i take everything forward, and how i make best use of my prize, I'm really excited as it means I'm now going to be able to develop the business in certain directions much sooner than I thought, and have expert business advice to help me along the way. Exciting times ahead........