It's going well thank you, I'm learning and enjoying it and getting paid for it so I can't complain!
Ah yeah,

it'll be really tough and is unlikely to ever be same for you but it'll get a lot better over time I have no doubt in saying that. Don't let it haunt you forever, but what do I know I've never experienced any thing like that.
I've not got any plans actually, just a few nights out and seeing some friends here and there, nothing major. Are you doing anything nice in the run up?