And so begins another year

2008 sees me entering my fifth year here in England.

As time goes by I have come to accept this as my home and know that I will be spending much more time here than I had initially anticipated.

Am I ok with this?

Yes, I think I am, here is where my husband is, where my new friends are, and where my job is. A job is easily replaceable, but I've made a commitment to Andy and his children and we have a life here. But it doesn't mean my old life and all that it involved doesn't remain close to my heart, my thoughts. And living here has to continue to be a good life, full of joy and commitment if its going to work for us. I think that's fair to say. I do realize no one knows what life has in store for the future and I'm sure we'll have hard times in front of us, but to get through these we need the ones we love most around us.

This year was a year full of mixed emotions for me. I can't turn around and say it was a terrible year, because although I went through a time late in the year where I really didn't think I could cope with circumstances and wondered if I would really manage to go the distance. But I did prevail, because I do have an extreme amount of commitment and faith in my new family.

For the first time since I've moved over here, last year was more about myself and settling here than at any other time. This year I did not have to deal with the the constant 'occurrences' with Andy's ex, or wondering what was happening with the kids, Alex is here to stay. I didn't have to deal with immigration or visas; There was no one needing care and attention other than the children, although this is something I am always happy to do - families look out for one another be they kin or not.

I got to see my family, and although it was not the trip I had been eagerly anticipating for 14 months, there will be at least one trip home to see them all again this year.

Andy and I travelled quite a bit, some of our destinations were fantastic, one or two a bit more work than others, but hey, not everything will be perfect. I had a nice time seeing a bit more of the world. I love to travel with my husband and hope we have many more journeys in the coming year.

I also hope to see a few loved ones on this side of the pond again... last year we had Dawn come to stay for three weeks and it meant the world. I love having fellow Canucks in the house. Maybe this year will bring someone who has not yet come this way, although I'm not pressuring my mother - she will come when she is ready; at least she now has a passport :)

I think this year will be another chance to delve I've deep into my heart and see who I am, where I want to be. I'm not generally someone who wants a lot. These days I'm happy to be in our home reading or pottering about. I look forward to the weekends when my husband comes home, but again, although we like to get out and experience different things, I do enjoy being in our cozy home having a peaceful night in. And I want that peace inside of me... I so want contentment.

I send congratulations to all of my dear friends who have been blessed with a child in the past year, some of you very recently :) I know you already realize how lucky you are and will embrace every moment with your baby girls.

I look forward to seeing those of you we don't often get to see and hope for wonderfully, amusing and lovely times together. I don't think that's asking for a lot really :)