THE LONG GOODBYE

So, here I am, the night before the big adventure starts. SCARED??? Too bloody right I am, but also a little excited. I just really have no idea what to expect.

The last 2 weeks have literally been saying goodbye to friends and family. At first I was loving this, but the last few days have got harder and as I’ll be back in 10 months, maybe all a little unnecessary!! I guess the ones we will miss the most are the last people we say goodbye to. A recent film that I saw ‘fighting with my family’ had the heroine going off to America leaving her family behind. At the airport her brother tells her to put up her hood and not look back. I think this will have to be me tomorrow. I know I am going to have the most amazing experience but that initial ‘leaving’ is what I am struggling with.

Below are a few pictures from the last couple of weeks, which have included, a trip to France with my mum and brother, a family meal….special mention to Lucca, age 11, who wants to stop brexit because he is worried about the supply of Milka chocolate, a cupcake from Rex, a shared google file with Jake so I can remind him when the bins need putting out!! And finally, as I will be away over Christmas, Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, a tree, carols and presents 🙂

And finally I want to give a special mention to a wonderful woman called Emily. Not many people know about Emily, because I don’t really talk or open up about her, but Emily has literally saved me from a very dark place that I found myself in after having a motorbike crash, trouble at work and my grandfather dying. I started seeing her on a professional basis, but would now consider her a friend. With Emily’s help I started believing in myself again and realising that I am stronger than I ever thought possible. One of the first things I said to her, was that I had a dream to go travelling and do some volunteering, Emily has helped me make the dream become a reality. I am off antidepressants and now understand that it’s ok to feel sadness, fear, anger and even have a little cry……yeah thanks for that Emily, you have unleashed a monster ??

So that is from me for now…my next post will hopefully be from Africa ??????? and yes….I am bricking it ??

Week 1 (off work)

Had a predictably busy 1st week off work. Lots of things to still sort out and friends/ family to catch up with. These have included…..My last patch of vaccinations, seeing my Dad and Terrie, and having a cycle/skateboard with Jake in Eastbourne.

I had to buy a new backpack because 40litres was just not big enough. I now have got a 50litre (still not sure this will be big enough), but it has wheels, so I won’t have to carry it when the opportunities are there.

Caught up with my lovely Sally and heard all about her fantastic holiday and saw the tan and pics ??

I have also been to London with Jake. We went up The Shard and saw the fabulous Fleabag live on stage.

Saturday was then the goodbye to work friends (the OUT OUT). Brilliant to see everyone, although I somehow got dragged into Popworld!!! I managed a couple of hours there before ending up in Molly Malone’s singing anthems with Anna and Scarlett and a bunch of bikers ?

I wasn’t expecting a leaving gift, but work (thanks Hannah) did me a photo book of messages. I would love to show them all, but just too many, so here is a few ??

And finally (as if all that wasn’t enough) My ‘Dawson Day’ (and the Woolhouse). These girls, are like family to me, we’ve all had so many ups and downs over the years. Going to miss them, so much. Maybe Jack will learn some obedience while I’m away ? ??

West Wittering didn’t disappoint, the weather was fantastic, I’ve still got sand everywhere. BBQ, swim, kite-flying, friends, family ??

Finishing/Goodbyes

This week has seen several ‘finishings’

I worked my last weekend On-call for a year. I’m not going to miss these one little bit. The feeling was reinforced when I got called into work at 5am Tuesday. Of course we never mind going in to work, a sick child needs us, but physically and mentally it’s really tough to potentially work from 8am Friday until 8am Tuesday ??

My Saturday on call team

My 2nd ‘finish’ was actually FINISHING WORK for a year. I am feeling a mixture of excitement and terror ? I’m leaving behind the only thing I’ve known for the last 33years (nursing) but I’m so excited for the adventures ahead.

The goodbyes are also starting. Special mention to Sarah, Maeve and Lilah, see you in 2020 ??