Football, Family and New Horizons!

Well it's been a busy few weeks for me here in the UK. I have of course started my new job with a leading British supermarket in Portsmouth. I have just started my second week and am happy to report, everything is going well; I am enjoying a welcome return to working in Britain and all the benefits that go with it. We are particularly lucky in the UK to have fantastic workers rights and access to pensions, share schemes and a decent working wage. This is in complete contrast to my experience living in Spain. That is not to say employment law is particularly bad on the continent; there are pros and cons from both sides, but rather it has been easier for me to obtain a position in a leading UK company, which offers much better prospects for the future. I am still of working age and need to be able to forge a living that pays a decent wage. My experience in Spain would have been far more positive if I had achieved a much better income and standard of living.

People of my age who move to foreign shores, rarely think about the consequences of their actions, when moving abroad. A mid life crisis usually dictates direction and most in my position return home rather quickly. I lived in Spain for three years and would like to return there at some stage, when I am able; when my parents are well enough and if I can obtain a more convivial appointment. For now I am more than happy to continue living and working in Britain, where I believe there are more opportunities for someone of my age.

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Football has also played a large role in most of our lives, for the last few weeks, especially mine. Working in a traditional sports pub, I have been watching the 'beautiful game,' along with everyone else. Despite my initial disinterest in the World Cup, I have been carried along with a sea of emotion. I have also shed a tear or two, watching England make a bid for glory.

They have played remarkably well, exceeding all expectations, eventually reaching the semi finals, playing against Croatia. Sadly they lost this match, but won the hearts of a nation. A young inexperienced team has inspired all of us, as we watched from the sidelines. I will never be an avid follower of football, but I will always be a spectator during the more important fixtures in future. This was a time when everyone pulled together, put aside prejudices and enthusiastically supported out national team.

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As well as holding down two jobs, I am also still volunteering for Cancer Research and also hoping to volunteer with a cat charity, as soon as a place becomes available. I have indeed reached a point in my life, where I need to give back some time to those who need it.

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I am enjoying my time at Cancer Research and the wonderful team who work there; dedicated individuals, beavering away day after day, doing a job I am very familiar with, after working for Oxfam for eight years. This popular shop in Commercial Road, Portsmouth, is always busy, lively and full of volunteers, rather different to other charity shops I have worked for in the past. All charities do things differently, but on balance Cancer Research have the right recipe needed for a successful enterprise, right in the heart of Portsmouth.

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On the rare occasions I have had a day off, I have spent time with family, something I am doing more and more of these days. I was able to meet up with my Cousin Emmy, after spending the afternoon in Portsmouth, window shopping and having lunch. In the evening we met Emmy's fiancee and spent a pleasant evening at Gunwharf Quays, having a few beers, evening meal and plenty of laughs.

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