The end of the... uh... boredom???

Hello everyone (this time from Exeter, Devon)!!!!

Firstly, let me begin this blog by saying thank you to Wendy for all her concern about my location/well-being.  

The last two weeks have been VERY trying, and have left me feeling drained and exhausted.  

This last week was rather hectic, whilst I cannot remember what happened in detail, each day, I can give you the highlights package (which is generally better than the actual game [wouldn't you agree aunty???])...

Sunday saw me following the general routine (remember: up at 10 to let in other carer, get client out of bed, breakfast blah blah blah).  I got a little bit of free time after that.  But, that was VERY short-lived.  I was soon opening the door to all the friends... And, low-and-behold... my client wanted a sunday dinner (luckily it is not a sunday roast - him being vegetarian and all).  I ended up cooking lots of different vegetables and pies and gravy.  Eventually, all the friends left and I was able to get him and myself into bed by 2am.

Monday started early (surprised?).  The highlight of my day being the weekly trip to the osteopath (does that tell you anything???)  Again, bedtime was late.

Tuesday and Wednesday were much of a muchness (same morning routine... work... friends... bed...)

Thursday followed Tuesday and Wednesday, BUT it changed after work (yay!).  I got a knock on my door and was asked if I would take him and his friends to a place called the Marrs Bar in Worcestershire.  So, I packed all the stuff and hopped into the car an hour later (yes, that is how long it takes to get a man and his friends organised [yes, daddy, I know you disagree]).  At the Marrs Bar, we watched three live bands (they are all new bands trying to 'make it big').  The first band was composed of two women (one nerd-like, innocent-looking female playing electric guitar [the guitar turning most of the audience on] and the other rather porky female acting as a backing singer).  They were accompanied by some suspicious looking individuals on the drum and guitar.  The second band was so awful, I don't think I can bring myself to write about them and not vomit... but let me try...

The lead singer (I mean this literally - he really LOVED the way he played/sang) looked as though a bus had ran over him, he had recovered and slipped in the oil on the road, gotten up and dusted himself off and then gotten hit by a car, reversed over and trampled by a million water-buffalo (get the general idea of his appearance??????).  He played four different electric guitars.  He added in some screaming and hand signals for effort, banged out a few mixed chords with his feet and ended his act by dropping his guitar and walking off stage (I don't know who was more relieved...)

The last group (which was the one we were there to see) were welcomed on stage with a lot of enthusiasm (I'm not sure if this was because they were well-liked, or because the previous act had been so awful that this had to be an improvement).  This band was ok.  They were not as flat as the first band, not as noisy as the second and not as talented as they thought.  Whilst they had some flare for creativity, I did not think they were much good (but then I wasn't drinking )  The lead singer (the owners son) had on trousers that were too big for him, so he spent most of his performance pulling them up, moving his hair out of his face and sweating everywhere.  I did however get to chat to them before their performance, where I heard the funniest story (which i have to share with you all - naturally...)

The lead singer had his birthday the week before their 'outstanding' performance at the Marrs Bar (no, that is not the funny part).  One of his friends decided (in his inebriated state) that a flag from each green on the local golf course would make a really good birthday present to this guy, and so proceeded to steal all eighteen flags.  Needless to say, this present went down really well (the only problem being that they had to store them - but this was figured out much later on).  [nope, not the funny part yet...]  Anyway, later that week, once they were all crapulent (again) they decided to take another look at the flags.  Interestingly, one of them was admiring the flags in the corner of the room and came up with something to do with the flags... yup, you guessed it... a javelin competition!!!!  [this is slightly funny, right?] well, as all good games go, this one ended in... um... TEARS???? Well, it would appear that when you launch a flag/pole you should probably do so in the direction away from your friends.  Turns out the end of the pole is quite sharp and can actually go straight through your wrist... REALLY??? Needless to say, the lead singer is rather upset at the idea of surgery to repair his arm...   

So, we returned home rather late that evening (around 3ish).  I fell into bed and was woken early on Friday morning by the yellow bag collectors followed quite closely by the other carer...

I spent friday wondering around in a mist, a daze...  I drove the client to his parents home where he had to babysit (well, technically I was babysitting - I mean, what was he really doing, and if something happened, what would he have done???).  Anyway, we made dinner and waited for his parents to return home.  We then stayed the night.  Again, I only got to bed after midnight...

Saturday arrived, I got called early to turn the client (this is the bonus element that nobody tell you about - clients with spinal injuries have to be turned regularly - they generally have a bed that does that for them... but when visiting others they do not have these luxuries...)  So, I was up at 8.  My client only got out of bed around midday (so the going to bed late thing does not affect him nearly as much as it does me)...  I did not really mind - it was nice to have other people around (well, other people who actually acknowledge that I am around and uh 'talk' to me). Anyway, we left his parents place rather late and got home (for what I thought was going to be a nice sedate evening).  Next thing I knew, the doorbell rang...

Sunday morning saw me getting up early (duh), getting my client out of bed later on, followed by me driving my client back to his parents place to babysit... again.  We were supposed to go back home, but my client decided that he would like to stay over again (this mean't that the morning was going to be a BIG rush).  I phoned the carer to ask him to come to his parents place (again) as early as possible.  In the morning, we had to do bowels (which takes close on two hours), get him dressed and out of bed before 10h45 (that is when I was supposed to be handing over to the other PA and when my client had to be leaving for an appointment an hour away)... Do you see this happening????????

I turned him around 08h00.  He woke up around 09h30.  SO, needless to say... we were LATE.

I had to rush him and his family to get out of the house (which was like a tortoise walking through molasses).   This mean't that we only got back to his place around midday.  This also meant that he was late fetching the next PA (who arrived at the station early - 10h45 - on my client's request).  I had to order a taxi to the station (which I BETTER be reimbursed for...)

I boarded a train to my HOLIDAY!!!!

Now, I find myself in Exeter, Devon.  I am in a hostel that sleeps 58 people (I am in a mixed dorm that sleeps eight).  It is really, really nice here.  We are very close to high street.  There is a communal kitchen, living room, TV room and bathroom.  There is free tea/coffee/sugar/spices and Wifi.  And I got a reduced rate (sometimes I wonder where my luck comes from...)  

I must admit, the mere fact that I am able to sleep late has given me a new lease on life...

Boredom sets in...

Hello!

This week has been exceptionally LONG!  It began on Monday morning, when I arrived at Malvern Link train station at 12h00.  I phoned my client, who informed me that he could only collect me at 13h00.  So I stood outside the station for an hour, patiently waiting, eating my packed lunch from Wales.

Eventually (once the ticket office had closed and all the people had left the station) the PA handing over to me and a guy arrived to collect me.  The next bit was a blur (only because the PA drove like a bat out of hell!) We got to the clients home, I was introduced to him and told we were leaving for his osteopath appointment.  Again, things went by in a blur (I think we drove through country lanes [as i remember some on-coming traffic and praying...] and a few major roadways).  We reached the osteopath, went inside and waited for the client to finish.  After an hour (or so) we packed him in the car and zoomed home.  The PA handed over to me at much the same speed as she drove.  Once she was done, I was told to drive her to the station (which was where exactly????)  The client and his friend told me not to worry because the PA knew the way (which was a lie... so I had to follow my nose [luckily it was working that day]).  I dropped her off at the station and went back home.  I got in and was asked to go grocery shopping at Morrissons (again... where???)  Luckily, I found that without too many wrong turns.  I did a huge shop (which I must admit was GREAT fun!) One highlight to the shop (that you may be interested in) was having to find things like vegetarian cheese, tofu and vegetarian sausages (as you quite rightly guessed, my client is vegetarian [and organic] mad).  Needless to say, I enjoyed the challenge.  I arrived back home around 18h30, where I was instructed to unpack the groceries and to start dinner (whilst the client directed).  The really funny part, or so I thought, was that the client watched me unpack the groceries (and happened to notice that I bought a box of cup-a-soup [he had given me permission to buy food for myself as well] labelled chicken and corn)... deary me (he had a panic attack - it turns out he does not like meat in his home... ooooooooops!)  I ended up putting the box of soup in the back garden (which i thought was rather funny).  After dinner, he had friends round, which meant that I only got into bed at 02h00 (which was not funny)

Tuesday came, the door bell rang at 10h00 (the other care company).  Together we got the client dressed and out of bed, ready for work (he only starts work at 13h30, so most morning do not begin until 10h00).  I drove the client to his place of work (Morgan car manufacturers), unloaded him and went to park the car.  I walked back up to the office (looking in all the workshops as I went) and sat there (making cups of tea every hour or so) until 16h30.  Next thing I knew, it was time to go home.  So I got the car, loaded the client in and drove home.  When we got there, he had friends waiting to visit... which meant, you guessed it... i got into bed around 03h45.

Wednesday came, the door bell rang at 10h00.  We got the client out of bed... to work... home... friends... bed at 03h00.

Thursday came, the door bell rang... work... (this time he had a visitor, but they wanted to watch a movie in bed, so that meant i got to bed at 22h30!!!)

Friday came, the door bell rang... NO WORK (my client only works tuesday, wednesday and thursday).  But he did receive a visitor (a guy who is installing the latest, greatest electronic equipment in his home courtesy of the NHS).  This visit lasted until his friends came over.  AND, yes, you guessed it, bed was around 01h30...

Saturday came... you get the picture!  BUT, things were different (it was my clients 23rd birthday!)  The other carer and I got him dressed in his suit (ready for the evening festivities) and then from midday onwards, there was a constant flow of people through the doors.  Most of my saturday (morning and afternoon) was spent opening the front door and making cups of tea...

However, Saturday evening came, and things were about to change...

Enter Ben and Kirsty.  Around 22h00 we left home to collect eight pizza's, drop them off at Abol's work (bribary so that Abol could leave early), collect Abol from home and drive through to Birmingham.  What's in Birmingham I hear you say??? Well, there is a chocolate factory, there is an aquatic world, a flower garden AND spearmint rhino (what is spearmint rhino??? it is apparently one of the best strip clubs in England!!!!!)

So, now you know (and can imagine) how I spent last night.  We arrived at the club around 23h00.  I unloaded the boys and Kirsty, went to park the car and meet them at the front door.  I got free access (because I am Thom's carer - some would say this is a perk of the job...)  The boys spent the night drinking and having one lap dance after another (at £20 per lap dance!!!!!!!) I sat talking to Kirsty (she was lucky enough to be able to drink...)  Around 02h00 I suggested Kirsty and I go in search of some cheesy chips (fries drenched in cheese and mayo - I know, I know... fattening...)  We approached the bouncers and asked if there was a place nearby.  He said that if we walk up the road for about five minutes, we would find the chip shop... we did.

We got a huge portion of steamy chips for £2 (last night was FREEZING!)  We began our walk home, when some drunk guys came over to Kirsty and said 'you enjoy your food, don't you?' followed by 'we can tell, look how fat you are'.  Kirsty said to the guy (which was fatal in my opinion) 'save it for your mother'... This was followed by the guy spitting at her, throwing his drink at her and trying to attack her (I was pretending to be a wallflower).  She then turned around and headed for the police-man and -woman.  She told them about what had happened, and they graciously offered to follow us for a few minutes (to make sure we got passed the area safely)...  Needless to say, we got back to the club with a good story to tell...

Between leaving the club and getting back, it had filled to the brim with drunk men...  Great... Sexually aroused drunk men... again, I sat in the background, waiting to go home.

We left the club at 04h00.  On the way home, we dropped off Abol (who was absolutely sloshed).  He finally stumbled out of the car, came around to the back passenger window to say goodbye to Thom and promptly fell over, grasping on the tyre of the car to get back up (it was REALLY funny in my opinion).  Next, we dropped Ben off, around 05h00 (who was already in trouble with his girlfriend for lying about where he was going).  Following this, we dropped Kirsty off (around 05h30).  Myself and Thom stumbled into the house around 06h00.

Thom wanted some toast and tea before bed.  I made them, fed him and managed to bake a loaf of bread (Thom insists we have bread in the house at all times).  This meant that I only got into bed around 07h00 (after the bed routine with Thom).

Sunday morning, 10h00, the door bell rang... (I stumbled to the front door, let the other carer in, gave him his cleaning orders and stumbled back into bed).

I got out of bed at 13h30.  The time now is 15h20 and Thom is still asleep (so I think it is going to be another LATE night for me.....)

The Trip into Wales

Good morning from Worcestershire!

Before I begin this blog, I would like to say THANK YOU to Martin, Ivy 
and Rhys...

I left off in Staplehurst, bragging about going to visit some family across in Wales. So, let me tell you about my weekend, and why exactly I was bragging!

Friday morning was my last with Alex. I waited for the next PA to arrive, show her the ropes and then got hurried down to the station by his mother (without having had breakfast). I bought a train ticket from Staplehurst to Sevenoaks and waited for the train to arrive. It was a rather quick journey to Sevenoaks (about 55 minutes). Once I was there, I had to drag my bag up one of the longest, steepest hills I have ever come across! When I eventually reached the peak of the hill, I was in the town centre, where I went to Active Assistance (to hand in some paperwork). I was told to go to the other branch down the road, so on my way to the other one, I went into a local coffee shop for a slice of cheesecake and coffee (that was breakfast!), which I had to rush in order to catch the afternoon trains on time! I rushed over to the head office, pushed the buzzer and the next thing I knew, there was a man standing behind me asking what I wanted. I explained that I needed to hand in some paperwork. He opened the door, stood and conversed with me, then led me up the stairs to the office. I was to find out that he is the current owner of the company (so, just as well I was nice to him!). After handing in all the paperwork, I went across to the bank (yes, you guessed it, I had more problems with the bank account - but luckily, those are all sorted out now!).   I then hurried back down the hill (isn't that just so much easier??) to the station to buy a ticket to London Bridge. I bought it and hurried onto the platform (where I waited a few minutes for the train to arrive). I boarded the train and waited a long while before I reached my destination. Once at London Bridge, I had to catch the Northern Line (tube) to Euston - I did not have to buy a ticket, as I have what is known as an Oyster card (which you load money onto, and swipe at the station on entering and leaving - it is half the price it would 
normally be if I purchased tickets).

I reached Euston feeling a little like a sardine (it was rush hour, I had my bag and backpack and we were all crammed into the carriage - with more and more people squeezing in at each station). I hurried off the tube and over to the ticket booth to get a ticket from Euston to Birmingham New Street, whilst standing in a queue (which was about 50 deep), I found out that the train had been cancelled (this was around 16h55). I quickly found an information station where I asked what I was to do now. They told me that the train had been cancelled because there was a storm on route which had caused the overhead cables to break. They then told me that they were packing people onto another train (one to manchester, that would stop at every stop). The gentleman then pointed me to a mobile ticket man (a guy with a debit/credit card machine, who sells tickets). I got a ticket from him and rushed to the platform (knowing it was going to be packed). I reached the platform and boarded the train - there was standing room only!!!

The train left the station at 17h10. I had been sending smses to Ivy the whole afternoon, letting her know where I was and what was happening, so about 10 minutes before I arrived at Birmingham New Street I sent an sms to say I was nearly there. I got into the station 
at 19h30. I got off the train, a little apprehensive. I was concerned that I would not recognise her, but as I exited the platform, there was a lady who looked remarkably like Nanna standing outside W H Smith. I walked over to her and we recognised each other immediately!

This is where all the fun began!

The first thing we did was purchase a ticket to Aberystwyth (the train was supposed to be leaving at 20h33). Following this, Ivy took me to a pub for half a pint, we sat and caught up (using photos). Before we knew it, it was time to catch the train! On our way to the platform, 
we noticed that the train had been cancelled... (not again...)

So Ivy rushed over to the information booth to find out what we were going to have to do now. We were told that we now had to catch a train to Wolverhampton and change over to another train. Once we got to Wolverhampton Ivy told me a story about her coming back to Wales from 
South Africa and having had to change trains too.  The next train arrived, we boarded and before long, it was leaving the station. This journey took approximately three hours. We chatted the 
entire way home (constantly changing topics, because there was just so much to catch up on, to discuss). The second last stop arrived and Ivy rang Martin to let him know that we were nearly there (so he could collect us from the station as we arrived). The train reached its final destination, we hopped off the train and went to meet Martin at the car. Following this, we went back to Martin's work (because he had to finish off the last 10 minutes of his shift). By the time we got home, it was 00h10.

Ivy warmed up some chicken risotto and quiche and we ate dinner. The morning was spent catching up, chatting about anything, everything (it was really nice). We all collapsed into bed at 04h00.

Saturday morning arrived, I got up and went for a shower. I then went through and played the piano (ok, I was a little rusty - not having played since I left Holland), but I really, really enjoyed it!

Next thing I knew, Martin was cooking me breakfast (Bacon and Egg on toast, and a cup of coffee). It was so nice to sit and look out of the dining room window, across the fields, coffee and breakfast in hand.  After breakfast, Martin went to collect Rhys and his friend (so that 
Rhys could get a change of clothes - and meet me!) They arrived back.  Rhys did not know whether to shake my hand, hug me or stand and stare at me (he chose to shake my hand - ever so formal!) Before long, he and his friend Toby were off.

Myself and Ivy then chatted and looked at photos whilst Martin was dropping Rhys off. When Martin got back, we all piled into the car.  Martin dropped us off by the seafront and went to do some shopping.  Ivy and I walked through the town, looking at the university, churches, 
shops and all sorts. We ended our tour at Wetherspoons (which is like a pub/restuarant), drinking wine whilst Martin read the last of his morning paper.

After the wine and the papers, we went across to an Indian restuarant (where they serve buffet Indian food at lunch and then convert it to a normal restuarant for dinner). It was lovely sharing dinner together.  After the meal, we went back home. We sat and watched some TV (I spoke 
to my family on the phone). We ended the day watching Queen dvd's, drinking wine/vodka and orange, having a cheese sarmie and chatting into the early hours... again collapsing into bed around 03h00.

Sunday morning arrived far sooner than I would have liked. As I got out of bed, Martin was leaving to collect Rhys from Toby's house. I got dressed and checked my email, facebook and route planner for Monday. Once I had finished this, Martin had arrived home. We then decided to have breakfast. It being Sunday, we had a lovely cooked meal (which both Ivy and Martin made). We sat down together and ate in the dining room. It was lovely.

Once breakfast was done, I asked Rhys to play the piano for me (which I took photos of - naturally!) By the time Rhys had played and we had had a chat, Ivy wanted to take me for a walk. On our way out the door, Ivy saw her neighbour (so she rushed over and introduced me to them - family friends... can you believe it?)

After we had met, Ivy and I walked along a path (which runs at the back of their property, and leads down to the coast). Along the path, we saw several people (most of whom greeted as we went). We finally reached the coast and were on our way to meet Martin, when Ivy saw 
another lady that she is friends with. So, we hurried across to meet her (it was lovely). The walk was long and hot (the sun was out and there was blue sky), so naturally, we ended the walk at Wetherspoons (drinking ice cold pear cider whilst Martin finished reading the Sunday 
papers).

When we were done, we went home. Martin started up the braai (yes, you read correctly... the BRAAI). Myself and Ivy made the salads and Rhys sat and played some form of Dungeons and Dragons...  It was at this point that Shaun phoned. I sat and spoke to him for a long while, whilst eating dinner and sipping wine. The conversation was followed with pudding and a cup of coffee with Ivy.  We went inside and sat in the lounge together, watching Top Gear.

Unfortunately, bed time arrived and I knew it was the end.

Monday morning arrived and I was up at 06h00. I went for a shower.  

Ivy was kind enough to make me a packed lunch (ham salad sandwiches) and some oats for breakfast. It was a mad rush, but we left the house on time for the 07h30 train to Birmingham New Street. Both Martin and Ivy stood to wave me off as I left Aberystwyth.

I really could not have asked for a better weekend:

I was surrounded by family, I got a phone call from my Mum, Dad and Sister, I got a call from Shaun, I had a braai, some Indian food and cooked breakfasts, I watched Queen dvd's in good company, I was able to chat about people, situations, thoughts and feelings and I was allowed 
to relax with a cup of coffee.  For this, I am eternally grateful.

Unfortunately, I had to return to reality. So, Monday morning I was back on the trains, ending in Malvern Link, Worcestershire with client number three.

Pics are as follows:

• Uncle Rhys playing piano,

• Me and my Uncle,

• My Great Uncle, Great Aunt and my Uncle,

• Uncle Rhys and

• Me on Sunday walking with Ivy.

                     

                      

Nearing the end...

Hello again from wet Staplehurst!

I was asked the other day 'how are you?' I replied that I was good.  My friend, Barry, replied: 'No, I mean how are YOU?'  At first I did not understand what he meant.  I dumbly replied that I had already answered the question.  After laughing at me, he said, 'I read your blog, I know how things are going, but you never talk about yourself, how you feel and how you are doing'.  I realised that this is quite true.  Later on that evening, Shaun asked me the exact same question...

So, I fingure that this post will start off telling you what is going on here (as I usually do), and will end telling you how I am.

Let's begin!

My time with Alex has been both too long and too short.  I have learned so much from him and I feel I still have so much to learn.  I have spent the last two weeks being his hands, and watching in awe how his normal and my normal are so VERY different. I have seen just how much I take for granted, indeed, how much we all take for granted.  Getting out of bed can take anywhere from 1 hour to 3 hours (and not because he is going back to sleep and taking it slow!)

I have spent most of my days following the same routine (obviously, alex has quite a strict routine (which, we cannot change)).  I get up at 07h30, get dressed and go downstairs to give Alex his tablets at 08h00.  I then get him bathed/showered, dressed and ready for the dayahead.  By the time we are ready to get the day on the road, it is time for his next set of tablets.

 There is no time for a cup of coffee (and even if I wanted one, there is none available to me).   

After this, it is generally lunch time (which means me making sandwiches).  Once lunch is over, he generally has visitors.  I take this time to clean (or go to my apartment and take time out).  At 17h00 it is time for his next set of tablets and this is followed by dinner.  After dinner, I help clean up and then go to my apartment to bath and watch some TV, catch up on email etc.  By the time I have done all of that it is time to prepare Alex for bed and give him his 22h00 tablets.

 After the really long day, I go back to my apartment and fall into bed...

Don't think that all day's are this busy, but most days follow this routine, which make this placement too long...  

What have I done whilst in Staplehurst, I hear you asking???

Well, I have walked to Iden Croft Herb Garden.  I wondered around the gardens for a while (but because it is not herb season (that is in spring apparently) and because we had a thunderstorm (well high winds and LOTS of water falling from the sky), their gardens were a little poor).  They had various themed sections, but alas, due to the abovementioned things, I could not get in to see them.  I ended my tour  of the gardens in the tea shop, where I had a cream tea (which consists of a pot of tea, a scone with butter, double cream and a pot of strawberry jam) for £3.20.  I really enjoyed it!  Now, I know you are waiting for the story attached to this tea garden... because you just know that something had to have happened... well, if this is what you were thinking, then you would be right!

I was sitting drinking my tea and eating my scone (in an empty, peaceful, quiet, tea shop) when the owner (a really old little lady) decided she would like to talk to me.  She sat down at the table next to me, all shakily.  Looked over at me, almost assessing me.  Smiled.  And then it began...

"Do you live in Staplehurst?", "Where are you from?", "What do you do?", "Who do you work for?", and on and on and on... Whilst I enjoyed the company over tea, I felt rather pressured to eat the scone immaculately (not sure why... perhaps it was because I knew she was assessing me?)  Now, you all know me, so you know that I could not resist smiling and nodding whilst she spoke about her career, her children, her life in Staplehurst, her herb garden, the old folk who visit the tea shop weekly, the lack of customers over the weekends, the thunderstorm, the scones, her knowledge of all the people in the area, her fond memories of the foot paths, her opinion about South Africa and Britain, and her financial situation...

I must admit though, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience (perhaps because I feel a little lonely these days and so could identify with her?)

 

After the herb garden, I walked back using various foot paths (which go through forests, churchyards and open stretches of land).

                     

   

I have been into the local church and seen the many many graves surrounding it.  The church will be undergoing renovations at the end of this year (they will be installing infrared heating, moving the altar and re-arranging the seating)... I feel that somehow the church will lose its aged feeling.  I walked around the 'garden' outside the church and looked at the headstones.  They have a memorial section for the war veterans, which I found VERY interesting.

I have walked down into the village, where there is a chemist, a spar (yes, a spar), a bank, a bottle store, a few estate agents, a funeral home and an optometrist.  As you can imagine, everyone seems to know everyone else in this town, so I got 'watched' a lot (fresh blood???)

This week, I had the luxuary of wireless internet connection, so I managed to get in touch with many people, update my blog and SURF!!!!  Not only did my uncle in Northern Ireland contact me (so now I can make plans to go across and see the other half of my family!), but this luxuary resulted in me getting in contact with my great aunt and uncle and their son.  At first, I was a little aprehensive, as to whether or not I should contact them, or if I should carry on as I was...  I figured I should get in contact (what was the worst that could happen???).  I sent them an email (not expecting a reply) and within the week, not only had I received a reply, but I had a phone call and my weekend arranged!!!!  SO, tomorrow, I am off to Wales to spend the weekend with them!!!  I have arranged my journey through to them for the afternoon (as I hand over to the new PA at 12h00 and am meeting Jo in Sevenoaks).  My great aunty Ivy will be meeting me at Birmingham Street station and accompanying me on the long train trip to her place - I CAN'T WAIT!!!  I think it is going to be quite funny meeting my uncle (who is younger than I am!)  Did I mention that the trip to Wales is going to take me six hours and six minutes????? It's like going to Durban (only better!!!)  

Now, for the part most of you are nosy about... 

ME

I will have been away from home for three months next week Sunday.  I have found this journey both difficult and easy.  I find myself going to bed remembering the smell of my feather duvet, my cats curled either side of me in bed, the ticking clock on my piano, my late night smses and most of all, kissing my family good night.  These are some of the hardest parts I face every night.  Whilst I remember the bad parts (being scared when I heard noises in the house at night, having to lock doors, having to look over my shoulder etc.) I can't resist the urge to think fondly of home.  I miss so many things, so many people - most days I am able to distract myself from thinking about home, but other days, it sneaks up on me and I feel very overwhelmed.

I really dislike the uncertainty I am faced with (it's in the little things: do I greet my client merrily in the morning? do I pat the dog? do I wait until the family has left the kitchen before I eat breakfast? do I help cook dinner? do I unpack the dishwasher? do I vacuum the floor, mop it or do I scrub it? to the bigger things: how does the public transport work? where will I stay in my break? do I have enough money? will the bank account still be open? when will I get my National Insurance number? Should I start a retirement scheme of my own (if so, how?) Should I buy a car first, or a home (do I need either?)?)  These make me miss home more and more each day, and make me realise just how much I took for granted.  I figure that I only miss home because of its predictibility, because it was somewhere to return to each night, because it was always there for me, because 'I knew'.

Most days, I find myself thinking about how nice it would be to go out for tea with my mother (and how much I miss it).  I think about the long afternoons spent at Eastwoods amongst friends, faced with Gerti's pancakes and a bottomless pot of tea, I think about the cups and cups of Wimpy mega coffees.  I think about the Tuesday tea with Melanie and Kelsey and this always seems to be followed with thoughts about the evening rush (getting home before my dad, cooking dinner and the mad rush when everyone arrives home).  I find myself thinking about Shaun and the things we could have done, should have done...

And other days, I think about my future.  I think of how much potential I have, how much I can now achieve (and how many more opportunities I have).  I find myself thinking how lucky I am, how nice everyone has been to me (from complete strangers like Bethany and Wendy to good friends like Carl, Sarah and her family and Konrad, to family - both new found and old faithfuls, like Ivy and Martin, David, Ray and my Grandparents).  I think just how lucky I was to get the job I have, how lucky I am to have parents like I have and how happy I can be.  

I am reminded daily how loved I am, from a friendly email, a nice online chat, a quick poke, some solid advice and short smses to long phone calls and nice visits.  I know that no matter what happens, I have learned so many life lessons and I have learned that no matter how far away from home I travel, I will always be welcomed back, knowingly.

So, you ask me how I am?

Happy.

Scared. 

Excited...