The New Year is Nearly Here...

Hello for the last time this year...

Just a quick note to wish you all a very pleasant, prosperous and lucky (could not think of another word beginning with 'p' that I wanted to use!) 2009.

I thought I would take a brief look at my 2008 and discuss plans for 2009.

As you are all aware, I began this year in Springs, South Africa. I can tell you that I had absolutely no idea that I would be where I am today, let alone be surviving and striving for a future!

The year began in a bad way. I was unable to continue with Masters in Psychology (because of my age - which I'm sure you have heard me harp on about....) Following this disappointing news, I applied for a job (which required four months of rigorous testing - which I passed) and at the last hurdle was turned down because of my skin colour and for being over-qualified (psychology degrees made me over-qualified for a job that does not even pertain to the field). I can however say that these failures (sorry Mum, 'let-downs') led to me being where I am today. After I was turned down for this job, I got in contact with a company who head-hunted (for want of a better word - yes, I know Dad, but sometimes it is best to be left in the dark...) me for Air Traffic Control in Maastricht, Holland. Within the space of a month I was in contact with a friend in Holland, arranged my accommodation, travelling and last visits.

By the end of April, I had said my goodbyes and had left for my life's journey to Amsterdam, Holland (all-expenses paid journey I might add... and not by my parents either!!!) I landed in Holland, scared and excited! Korneel met me at the airport (luckily, because had I had to make my own way somewhere I would have failed hopelessly!) and took me 'home'. That weekend I caught the train, to Maastricht, on my own for the very first time, stayed in a B&B on my own for the first time and went to my first real job interview (and as you may have noticed, I was unsuccessful at!) I caught the train back to Amsterdam, where I was to figure out plan C. The time away from home was to be brought to a HUGE reality-check when Peter-John was killed in a freak helicopter crash. I managed to survive (I don't know how I managed not to board the first plane home...)

Korneel helped me survive my first month away from home, and I was truly grateful to him for it. My second month away from home was to be had in England, with another set of truly great friends, Carl and Wendy. This was my BIG plan... move to England and get a job. Not that I knew what I was going to do, or where I was going to do it. I was just going to move to England and find a job... what a plan..........

I searched for two weeks before finding a temporary job with Bethany and Nick in Westcliff-on-sea, as their Au Pair. I had said to Bethany that I had a job interview in Sevenoaks in June. She had been so desperate that she hired me for a mere two weeks, drove me to my interview and then kept me on until my first client. The few weeks that I spent with them went by quickly. I grew to love them very much indeed, little did I know that I was going to be visiting them so frequently.

I got the job with Active Assistance. I had a weeks training and was sent out on my first job. In London (of all places to send a NEWLY qualified Personal Care Assistant!) The job had its ups and downs (as my first client had to be admitted to hospital involuntarily). I was quickly placed with another client in Kent. After this client, I decided that I needed a holiday, and so popped across to Wales to visit my Great Aunt Ivy, Martin and my Uncle Rhys. I had an absolutely fabulous weekend, and was made to feel so welcome. I was reminded just why blood is thicker than water! After the relaxing weekend, I had to go back to work, where I went to my worst client in Malvern Link. Although, I did manage to experience the 'nightlife' in Birmingham... After this assignment, I quickly moved far, far away, to my next client in Devon. I was so grateful to this client for making me feel at home (as it was the first client that had taken the time to make me feel like part of the family!) I was, however, very drained at this point and at an all-time-low, so I took a much-needed holiday.

I caught a plane across to Northern Ireland and visited family for two weeks. I had an absolute ball! I met family for the first time (grandfather, aunt, cousins... ) and made new friends too (Peter and Janet being two memorable ones!) My grandparents managed to cram in the whole of Northern Ireland in such a short space of time... I did not think it was possible!!!! The thing that stands out the most is that my gran decided that I should lose weight - her attempts at getting me to lose weight were the bits that have made my memories of the holiday brilliant! Unfortunately, my holiday had to come to an end, so I booked another client to return to...

I returned to England and headed for Hathersage (where I stayed in a Youth Hostel for one night before moving to my next client), Sheffield, Hertfordshire, Solihull (where I met Tony and Hilary, the most inspirational couple I have ever met!), Exminster and then York. I worked for a week in York, and then had a superb holiday there. It was just what I needed after the clients I had been to. After York, I headed back to my favourite client in Solihull. I have spent a whole month here, and am still absolutely LOVING their company (although, I could use the two weeks break I have coming up!)

Well, that is my year in a nutshell, with all the ups and downs!

As for 2009...

I have a job interview coming up in the first week... so with any luck my year will be off to a good start! After I get a job, I shall attempt getting my own flat (but time will tell as to when this will be!) I am not making any big plans for this year, as I think that baby steps are in order after the year that has just passed! I can say, though, that I am most proud of my courage to leave my comfort zone and head for the big 'unknown'. I would never have guessed I would be in this position, but I don't think I would have changed it for the world... as a great man once told me... 'It builds character, C.'

I couldn't agree more.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!