Monday, 6 January 2014

Pondering a New Year, New Term, New Start!

A belated Happy New Year to you all. It's been one of those weeks!!!
 I had perfectly good intentions of posting this on the 1st or 2nd but then everything happens and things just don't work out as planned. Unfortunately, My dad ended up back in Hospital over the New Year- so everything got put on hold for a few days. Luckily he was only in for a couple of nights- but you know how things go!
It was very hard to leave the UK at the weekend, saying goodbye to friends and family is always hard- but this time felt more difficult- Primarily as I was emotionally torn in two- as I was really looking forward to going back to life in KK.
As Big Ben struck 12 on New Years Eve and the fireworks exploded over the Themes I knew that 2014 was going to bring lots of changes for me. As the situation at home became clearer, the options of me staying out here and continuing to teach became less likely. So I made the decision to come home at the end of the school year.
It wasn't really a decision I had to make- it really is the only option- A chance to spend some time with my family and help out when I can. Unfortunately it also means that my wanderlust will have to stop and that I will have to leave a job I love and a place that I love living in.
But family comes first- It's a shame I can't transport them all over here- and then we'd all be happy!
So 2014 is going to be full of changes. By the end of summer I'll be moving onto the next phase of my life- life back in the UK- With no idea about what's going to happen, not sure about where I'll be living and no job to go to- it's all a little bit scary.
But it could be a little exciting too...
So I'm trying to find the positives- even though it's going to be hard work at home- at least I'll be with my family - whereas now I just feel guilty that I'm not.
I'm going to make the most of the rest of my time out here in South East Asia, so that when the time comes to move back, I'll feel like I've given it my best shot.
And ...I'm going to try to make the most of living back in Cumbria and the UK.
So my mantra for this year is POSITIVE and PATIENCE
Patience- to take each day as it comes, iron out any obstacles constructively and give life a chance to unfold in what ever way it has in store for me.
Positive- to find the positives in everything- yes the UK might not have the great weather we have over here- but it will be nice to get out onto the fells and breath fresh air. I may not have a job to go back to- but maybe this is an opportunity to try a new challenge- who knows?
 

So you see I'm trying.. It just might take me a little while to be sold on the idea!
 
 Amanda x

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29 comments:

  1. driftwood6 January 2014 at 15:54

    I hope that amongst all the changes you will find happiness

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    1. Unknown7 January 2014 at 12:10

      Thank you- I'm sure there are some silver linings out there:)

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  2. Amy at love made my home6 January 2014 at 17:45

    I'm so sorry that you have been having to go through these difficult times over Christmas. I hope that whatever the future brings it all turns out well for you. Hope too that you can enjoy the remainder of your time overseas, and who knows you may be able to go back one day, or even to somewhere even nicer! Remember to take care of yourself dear one, as you won't be able to help others if you are not OK yourself. We will be here to support you whatever happens. xx

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    1. Unknown7 January 2014 at 12:11

      Thank you for your such words, it's lovely to know fellow bloggers are such a caring bunch

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  3. Rosie6 January 2014 at 18:51

    You must have had lots of anxious and emotional moments whilst coming to your decision. I hope all goes well for you and that the changes will bring new and exciting challenges and opportunities for you:)

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    1. Unknown7 January 2014 at 12:35

      Thank you- yes it has been and will continue to be pretty emotional- but then I'm a big softie and will cry at anything!

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  4. Eileen T6 January 2014 at 20:03

    Thinking of you and wishing you as smooth a transition as possible. I am a great believer in fate and feel that things will work out for the best, even though it may not seem like it at the time. I don't know what your dad's illness is but having been a carer myself, the best advice I can offer is to make time to take good care of yourself and take whatever support is on offer. Best wishes x

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    1. Unknown7 January 2014 at 12:09

      I think my Grandma and you must think along the same lines- if it's meant to be is her motto- a firm believer in fate and that things happen just the way they are meant to happen. Thanks for your kind words- I just hope my mum takes heed of looking after herself too:)

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  5. Down by the sea6 January 2014 at 20:14

    So sorry to hear your Dad had to return to hospital over the New year. It must have been a difficult decision to make to move back to the UK. Enjoy the time you still have in South East Asia. Wishing you lots of postivity and patience.
    Sarah x

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    1. Unknown7 January 2014 at 12:36

      Thank you- I am definitely going to try and make the best of the next few months:)

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  6. Patricia6 January 2014 at 20:17

    So sorry to hear about your Dad's hospital stay again Amanda, it must be very worrying for all your family. Your decision to return home must be very comforting for your family to know that you will not be going back again after the summer. You are such a positive person and I've no doubt that it won't take long to find another job. Good luck and as you say make the most of your remaining time there. Wishing your dad a speedy recovery.
    Patricia x

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    1. Unknown7 January 2014 at 12:37

      Thanks Patricia- It seems an uphill struggle for everyone at home at the minute- Now I'm back here all I can do is get on with the stuff here- and make the most of it. Thanks for your kind words.

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  7. Jennifer Hays7 January 2014 at 03:13

    I'm sorry to hear about your dad's hospitalization. I really hope his health improves soon. This sounds like a stressful situation for all of you. You have big changes ahead and I wish you lots of luck and success. It sounds like you've given it a lot of thought and that you're choosing the best thing for everyone involved. I look forward to watching your new journey.

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    1. Unknown7 January 2014 at 12:39

      Thanks- it's lovely to know that everyone has been so supportive and it will certainly make life feel a little easier:)

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  8. Paula7 January 2014 at 11:55

    I hope everything goes well for you this year and you enjoy your time in South East Asia to the full.

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  9. Kathy7 January 2014 at 21:52

    I can't imagine the emotional turmoil you have had to face making this decision, but you must feel happier now you have decided what you are going to do. I wish you and your family well this year.
    Who knows I might bump into you in Cumbria some time!

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    1. Unknown8 January 2014 at 15:17

      Now I've decided that I'm coming home- at least I know what I'll be doing. Thanks for your kind comments. You never know about bumping into each other-Cumbria isn't too big! :)

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  10. Gillian Roe7 January 2014 at 23:12

    I'm sorry your Dad has been unwell - that must have been stressful for you all. It sounds like 2014 will be a big year for you and you'll have all sorts of things going on, some happy and some sad. Sometimes life just throws stuff up at us. Good luck. xx

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    1. Unknown8 January 2014 at 15:18

      Yes, hopefully 2014 will be a better year. Thanks for your support :)

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  11. Louise8 January 2014 at 17:54

    I know it's not nearly the same as what you have to deal with regarding your dad, but I feel like I'm going through a similar thing in my current career situation as everything has gone wrong and I don't know what is going to happen, where I'm going to end up ! I was really depressed about it all in December but for now at least I'm feeling a bit more positive and optimistic that it'll all work out in the end.

    It must have been a hard choice to face but I hope you can see some positives for leaving behind your life over there to come home and I really hope everything goes smoothly for you and things work out for you too.

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    1. Unknown9 January 2014 at 13:55

      I'm glad you're feeling a bit more positive- Things usually do end up how they're meant to be- but it takes a bit of effort to see it that why- I think I've said before- my teacher training PGCE Year was the hardest year I ever had to deal with- but you get through it in the end- And all these challenges make us the person we are. Thanks for your sweet comments and concerns, Keep smiling.

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    2. Louise11 January 2014 at 18:45

      Thanks for your reply. I have actually quit my teacher training course so I'm now unemployed and desperately hoping to find work in a school again very soon. I working as a supply teaching assistant at the moment, which is better than nothing but not ideal. I have kept this information a secret on my main blog as I discovered early in November that I had a very unwanted reader (a boyfriend from years ago who, it seems, is still watching me 9 years after we split up!) but I have written about it on my now private teaching blog. I was on the new School Direct programme and the workload was horrendous - basically, it's the same workload as the full time PGCE students, but now at masters lever, but we had to do it all alongside full time teaching. I couldn't cope. I was working 18 hours a day and not having weekends at all, and it was making me ill!

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    3. Unknown12 January 2014 at 06:58

      Oh I'm sorry that it came to that- but you know best- and it sounds like you definitely gave it your best shot. Your course sounds really hard- mine was bad enough and that was nearly 15 years ago. I managed to stay the course- but my relationship suffered instead- so i think you made the right decision- I do hope you get something lined up soon job wise- I'm sure you will- you sound a very determined lady- As for the Ex- you were wise I think to change your blog:) If you need to rant and rave at any time about the whole teaching malarky - you know where I am- mandino.g67 @ gmail . com

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    4. Louise12 January 2014 at 20:16

      Thank you. Now I have an email address for you, I'll invite you so you can read the other blog if you choose to. The last 9 posts, from October to now, tell the 'story' - of the quitting the course and about the ex, I won't be offended if you don't want to read it though, I know you have enough of your own worries at the moment!

      Delete
  12. Kezzie8 January 2014 at 20:20

    How difficult for you. I hope you enjoy your remaining time. Where are you in Asia? X

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    1. Unknown9 January 2014 at 13:59

      Hi Kezzie, Welcome to Graham's landing, I'm in Kota Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo- Glad you popped over for a visit:)

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  13. Julie11 January 2014 at 09:09

    It must have been such a difficult decision to make. However, the next phase is only one chapter and there will be many more. I was reading your other 'list' post and you mention about being 50 at the close of the 1001 - you will ONLY be 50 (I say that convincing myself as a fellow 1967 vintage). There are still so many years and experiences to come and you have just the right positive and proactive approach to life. I think I've said before that you seem to make the most of every last second and that comes across so strongly in your blog. I'm sure your Cumbrian adventures will be no less entertaining :) x

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  14. Unknown11 January 2014 at 16:39

    1967 rules!

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