Not seen one of these done so thought I might have a go

I of course true to habits of all addicted BE'ers did my own Canniversay posting back last summer and thought that as an on going saga that maybe I should right about how things have changed in the next part of my life.

I think that those first 12 months of my life here in Canada were the hardest ones so far - I learnt alot about myself and others too which I hope that I will learn a great deal from for the future.

This past 6 months have been alot easier for me - why ?? Well I have made some changes in the way I "operate" and perhaps decided to live totally for me and the family instead of worrying about others and what they think of me. This has been a huge change for me and I think as a whole I tend to feel more "myself" than I did during those first 12 months.

I tend to keep myself to myself and only have dealings with my extended family here in town and I have to say that doing this has in a way made me feel more settled and less lonely believe it or not ! For some reason also the alienation has also gone - this is good as it was totally dragging me down.

What was my hope 6 months for the next year ? Well I wanted to remain strong and take all of lifes challenges in my stride and this I am pretty much accomplishing thanks to the people in my life at the moment. I am still very much thinking that as long as me and the family are doing well that that is all that I really need from life.

I now have a hubby (although he drives me mad) is happier, more relaxed etc and two fabulously well balanced and adjusted kids that this is all that from life that I can ask for as a mother and wife. For this I am truly blessed.

We have a new addition to our family also - a beautiful Westhighland Terrier and Miniature Schnauzer Cross puppy called "Radley". Maybe this is what has made me more settled I dont know but for some reason this little ball of black fur we bought in November as just brought our whole family so much love and affection. My family is now complete.

The only downside which I have in my life at the mo is that I am still feeling very unfullfilled job wise - but this is something which I am now doing something about. Between the two of us we lost alot of salary to come out here and now is the time to make some of that back for sure. Jobs are still abundant here where I am living so I am confident that I will eventually find something that is more suitable for me.

The point of this very odd post (and the link to the original thread) is to show people that although things dont sometimes go as planned and you have down sides etc that things really can change and there is really only you who can do this.

I hope that someone somewhere in our little community really gets something out of this - whether it be the strength to move or the courage to see it through.

All the best in the world

Gaynor

Happy 18th month canniversary Gaynor

Can't believe the time has gone so fast.

Sure you don't want want to go back to Manchester

Jo

Jo

After all the stories that my mom tells me ABSOLUTELY NOT !!!!

Exactly how I feel about the Midlands

Hi Gaynor,

Thanks for sharing, glad things are feeling good for you and good luck with the job hunt

I hope things continue to go well for you and your family

Of course you can sweetie, and a very nice one too!

Well said!

It is good to hear that even if things don't go plan, normally there is always more than one option out there for all of us. I am glad to hear that you are feeling more settles and your family is now complete. Isn't it amazing what time and a four legged friend can do?

Gay you must nearly be tracking my timeline. My two years are up in April this year.

Hi SC

Yes it is amazing what a 4 legged friend can do - sorry but I do go very mushy when I talk about my baby.

The whole point of this post was to show people that even if you dont think that you are settling things do change - had noticed a few people a little unsure about things.

Yep you and Phil were about 2 months barring a couple of days between you both coming - remember you waiting and waiting for the TWP from London and having to fly out without it in the end was pretty scary for a while.

Hope that everyone is ok

gaynor

Do you know what Mrs B, I joined again especially to say this.......

I am so pleased that you are in a happy place in life, it's great to see how happy you have become, and it's been lovely getting to know you better.

Life has thrown a couple of curve balls at you for sure, but you have just batted them right back in your own resilient style.

It's always a pleasure to see you and to hear from you (most days between 5-6pm apart from Manic Mondays is how that usually is, the kids know now who I am speaking to without even asking!! lol) and I can't thank you enough for the support and friendship that you have shown myself, Mark and the kids. You have been a real rock for me since September and I have truly appreciated it. Who knows, you may even have inspired me to write a warts and all account of the last 18 months lol.

Whatever may have happened this summer, whatever misunderstandings, challenges and stresses, I have an undying respect for you as being one of the truly straight people in life who is a friend for the sake of friendship, who just says it as it is and who can always make me smile. It took me a long time to get used to you, and you to me, but now I wouldn't be without our friendship. Here's to the next 18 months lady.... may they be as happy as you want to make them.

All the very best to you and yours,
Ms Miggins and the Miggins xxx

Awww Hun - what a nice post

So pleased to see you back

Well I meant every word:

And a pic too - we are highly honoured

Well I haven't had botox since August, so it's a kinda warts and all one taken in December lol! But yes, I have nothing to hide

Ah - it's a little Lethbridge love-in

Well done Gay - good post - it all seems to have muddled along quite nicely after all - you deserve it. Best wishes for the future.