2010 has been like most years - plenty of ups, time rushing past us and the normal day to day worries. Whilst things for me were certainly settling down with completing my RHS Level two, losing weight and gaining the love of exercise, I knew that for Steve things were plodding along. He was not happy at work and that's a pretty large part of your life to be unhappy with! However, I also know that he felt a duty to us, as a family, to keep things stable as he is the breadwinner at our place.
Little did I know that a jaunt to the States in July would result in us being here in Texas by Christmas.
Steve is always coming up with these schemes of a better life/job and has often had offers which we have considered (well, he did anyway) and then decided against.
The problem with the job here is that it had captured him before he had even told me about it and what an amazing opportunity for him. Shame it wasn't a London based role but nothing is ever clear cut like that is it?
Still, life is like that and that's what we are here for - to suck the marrow from...life!
I am proud of Steve and what he has achieved and am grateful for the life he gives William, Tom and I. I am lucky that I don't have to work and that we pretty much have all we want.
I am also proud to support him through this venture. It has been one of the hardest things I have done for awhile and I certainly would have found life easier had we stayed in the UK. I know it would have been easier for our many family and friends who have also found this difficult but we thank you for all the support we have been given.
I have wonderful friends who, despite clearly not liking the idea, never once gave me a hard time but supported me. Family and friends who came to my rescue in many ways when I needed them the most. I also have two wonderful children and an amazingly silly dog (probably still thinks we are in Newnham!) who have had teeny moments of doubt but who have trusted us in making the move and who have embraced this new period in their lives probably better than any of us.
So enough of this thing that has all consumed me for far too many months and onward looking to 2011!
I have opportunities. Many opportunities. Mostly to take time out for me and how often can we mothers get that? I have plans too - some already underway such as studying for my RHS level 3 whilst I am here. That one has already been actioned and I will start in January once the boys return to school.
I also intend to get to a fitness level that will surprise me because I know I can do it. Already I have been impressed how much I love, and even need, to get out running with Rudy or cycling my legs off in a spin class! I know I can do great things with this body of mine - no smuttiness intended there - and I now have the gift of time with which to do it. I also have an amazing gym down the road with free childcare and a great cafe and salon/spa! Plus a membership card that puts everything on the tab!!!!! Weehee!!!!
I will continue on with losing weight. I achieved a lot over the last year with the help of the Newnham gang who came to fat club with me (love toi) and put up with being harassed into runs/bike rides meeting at the top of the village. I miss the long rides, up long hills, knowing that we earned our shared bowl of chips at the many pubs we visited along the way!
I am excited about my new course and feel ready to tackle having achieved my RHS level two this year. Who would have thought that I would end up being all consumed by plants!
I also plan to spend much more time with the boys - doing things - not just existing with them and moving them from one place to another. I am blessed with two boys who get on like a house on fire but I know that the times they enjoy the most are when we are with them. I hope that this routine will become habit and one that we bring back with us. Sometimes distance from your loved ones can have that effect - it brings you closer and makes life simpler, clearer.
It has been great to get here and be settled. I know that technology - and Steve's driving ambition to have the most technical systems - has meant that we are able to be in contact with so many of you via Skype which has made this all so much easier. In addition to that I am able to catch up with all my British TV - in fact we do not have American TV at all so in a way I feel quite the English(wo)man in New York(well, Texas) here.
It won't be long before the 5th of June comes around and the boys and I am winging our way back to the UK for a lovely 2 month stay. Already I have eye check ups booked, visits to Hampton court booked in, bessie mates 40th birthday to attend as well as a plans for a belated birthday party for William underway. It will be a welcome English injection before we return in August for the final months of our stay.
Before we get there though we are so excited about the arrival of a new nephew/niece and a visit from an old/young friend. There is some Texan sightseeing to do too in March and I am really looking forward to going to NASA and down to exotic places near the gulf of Mexico.
We have so much to look forward to and it makes the perfect end to a very hectic year. So, on that note, I would like to wish you all the very best for an extremely happy, peaceful and healthy 2011. We miss you all so very much - but will see many of you very soon.
Next blog will be from next year!
As always, love to you all...
Bex, Steve. Will, Tom and Rudy xxxxxxxx
Here are some of the best from 2010! Loved it!!!!!!!
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