Well look at that! I’ve been away quite a while haven’t I?

Sorry. Not sure why I haven’t been around. What’s worse is that I’m not sure I care.

I guess other things in my life have taken over, maybe become more important.

As those of you who read Brad’s blog will know we’ve had some sad times recently with the loss of Jesse, Helen & MJ’s gorgeous black lab. She was only two years old and it was quite difficult to deal with. There really was no point me trying to put on a brave face because when it comes to death, especially the death of beloved animal, my brave face involves lots of crying, snot and a conversation that makes no sense in structure or sound.

I was apart from the man on Valentines day but he did me a lovely video and I’d hidden a card for him by the Love Actually DVD in our collection. We don’t buy for each other. We did the first year but haven’t since then. It was horrible being away from him on that day. I know essentially it’s just another day but I’ve always liked the fact that we’ve been together for all of them. Now that record is a little tarnished. I didn’t really have much choice though as I had to go to the UK to collect a car. A Vauxhall Vectra. It’s nice enough but I’ll only be keeping it for a few months. I really can’t be bothered going in to the why’s etc.

In other news we move house one week tomorrow. We decided that our three bedroom house really was too big for just the two of us, even if it was extremely useful when the in-laws all come over. So we decided to down-size… to a MASSIVE five bedroom mansion! My dad told me we should go for a small three up-two down place. Well we have. There are three bedrooms upstairs and two downstairs. We have four damn toilets! Only three of the toilets actually work, as I found out to my horror after I’d taken a dump in the faulty one!

Once we’re in there properly, with all our furniture, I’ll post a little video of the house, MTV Cribs-esque, so you can see it. For those of you that haven’t seen the house we’re in now you have seven days before the furniture is gone but you have until the 28th March before we give the keys back.

I’m sure I have other news but right now I need to go and get a coffee. I’ve been awake since 5.30am which is my own fault as I got drunk yesterday afternoon and was in bed by…. erm… actually I don’t know what time I was in bed. I remember Brad talking about going to bed to watch a film but I don’t actually remember getting into bed or even watching anything on the television, let alone a film. So, although the head isn’t as bad as it should be, I do desperately want a coffee.

P.S. While we move I’m off the diet but in four weeks I lost 2st 3lb. Go me!

Well in one hours time we set off for our new life.

Good-bye Llanfuckwit.

Good-bye Ammanford.

Good-bye Carmarthenshire.

Good-bye Wales.

Well… good-bye UK!

I can honestly say I’ve loved living here. I’ve had the greatest four years here with all the different experiences we’ve had.

My last year here has been fantastic. I worked with some wonderful people who really made my job a pleasure and not a chore.

I’m going to miss it around here.
I’m going to miss the foster kids and fostering as a whole.
I’m going to miss the house even though she’s falling down.
I’m going to miss my mountain even though I’m moving to other ones.
I’m going to miss the National Park even though I spent more time driving through it than appreciating it.
I’m going to miss the over-grown garden that on wet days made me feel alive and as though I were living in a rain forest.
I’m going to miss cursing at the neighbours even though I suppose if I’m honest they didn’t deserve it.
I’m going to miss picking the kids up from school. I’m going to miss avoiding Chip & Anna in the post office because I hate them and she opens the post!
I’m going to miss smiling at Malcolm just to watch him recoil in horror.
I’m going to miss the river when it’s really high and the noise from the torrent fills my soul.
I’m going to miss the river when it’s really low and I can paddle and play with the dogs.
I’m going to miss everything about living here but I know we’re doing the right thing.

I’m not going to miss any of my family or friends because we’ll be back over to see everyone and everyone will be over to see us and it’s going to be great!

Deep down though… I am going to miss you. Very much.

But I’m still going.

See ya!

Today we have our final meeting with our social worker.
On Saturday our last ever foster child* arrives, just for the weekend.

This is it!

It’s really happening!

We are really moving.

Never thought it would actually come off!

30 days to go!

If any of you lot are about please feel fee to come out for TTFN drinkies in Neath on September 7th.

*Until we begin fostering again in Ireland in a few years

Back is aching…

Affie has just kicked my ass at Age of Mythology…

Can’t stop thinking about how much packing and stuff we’ve got to do…

Shit!

Realise I’ve not been about a lot… sorry.

Been a good week at work. It’s still all a bit new but as of Wednesday I got to a point where I’m now relying on other people. There isn’t anything I can do until I’ve heard off them. I spent most of Thursday designing a web site and all day yesterday tidying up one of the corners in my office. Every time I asked who’s stuff it was everybody kept passing the buck and saying “Oh it’s so-and-so’s filing!” or words to that effect, which got very boring so in the end I decided to sort it myself.

I realise that I haven’t actually told people what I do. I know some people asked on my other blog what it was I doing and I never answered. Not because I was hiding it but because it was such a hassle getting into that other blog from MY laptop. Stupid reason I know but that’s it so there.

Anyhoo… I work for a national charity who support families in crisis. I’m the Volunteering Officer which means I have to recruit and train all the volunteers for our area. The people I work with are fantastic, all really great and a good laugh.

Wednesday night Affleck and I went off to a Salsa class with a couple of the girls from work. Fucking hysterical but also a bit like a singles club.

On the hearing front I’m still getting used to the hearing aid. Seems strange at times having something stuck in my ear all the time but as the day goes on I begin to forget it’s there. Also been getting some great help and advice from Molt of Moltspace! Cheers Molty, it’s been a real help!

As for the blogmeet its VERY doubtful we’ll be there. We’re having a few problems with the social services at the moment and getting any sort of support or respite for the kids is like asking for a miracle. I’m tempted to come up on my own but that’s not fair to Brad and we’ve also got one kid with us at the moment who shouldn’t really be left with only one carer. Fucked off about it but can’t be helped.

On the plus side Affleck and I have decided that before our big move (and no I’m still not telling you where to) we’re going to take a month off, kennel and cattery the dogs and cats and travel the country visiting all our friends. This will include our blog friends so if YOU want a visit PM me or comment here telling me where you live (just the town obviously, don’t give me you’re full address!) and we can add you to the list. When we do move we’ll be having a big house warming (won’t we Affleck?!) which of course you will ALL be invited to! Flights are cheap!

Still haven’t done much on the blog design front but have been rather busy. Might work on it later tonight after I’ve done some DIY around house.

Well I think that’ll do for now.

Off to do some shopping, christmas and otherwise!

You know, this might sound really geeky or sad or just downright stupid but I really miss chatting to people MSN. *sigh*

TTFN x