Roaming Brit
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From a new life in spain, to an old life in britain, 'roaming brit' documents uncertain times!

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On 31st January 2016, my partner and I left Southampton to start a new life as Expats in Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca. This blog will document our journey, as we navigate the Spanish system, travelling a path untried and untested. With Brexit looming, political turmoil in Europe and an unpredictable future, harsh decisions have to be made. Illness, family bonds and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in a life of a 'Roaming Brit!'

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Making Up For Lost Time!

18/7/2018

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I am at a very positive juncture in my life at the moment, as I am sure readers to my blog are very aware. A few days ago I talked about just what I am doing now, from working two jobs and volunteering in a third; I am more than happy to keep myself occupied. Today I am lying on the bed writing, another vocation I am partial too, blogging as often as I can; for me however there are just not enough hours in the day. Since I arrived in the UK at the end of May, I have been busy, not wanting to sit around doing nothing. As a person I have always kept myself engaged, finding it very difficult to sit still, concentrating on one thing at a time. My mind tends to be rather unsettled, no sooner have I started one project, I am quickly thinking of another.

I suppose one could say I am making up for lost time and that is the real story behind my current need to keep going. When I left Spain I was suffering with depression; I had lived for two and a half years in this country and achieved very little. I wasted the time I spent here for no fault of my own. I was always in the wrong place at the wrong time, consequently I missed opportunities working for reputable bars on the Costa Blanca, because I had commitments elsewhere. Nothing seemed to work out for me in Gran Alacant, although I loved this place with a passion. I have not discounted returning to Spain, but next time it has to be at a time of my choosing, not because circumstances dictate so.

Spending a period drifting from one job to another, earning barely enough money to keep my head above water was not fun. In the end I started to resent Spain and decided it was time to leave for as long as I needed, to once again fall in love with the place. As I know now, I returned home at a crucial time, when my parents needed me most, fate had brought me back to the UK at a difficult time. I have made a conscious choice to use this period productively, in complete contrast to the years I left behind. With my husband still living on the Costa Blanca, my concentration shifted from our relationship to my own happiness, as selfish as that seems. I love my husband dearly, but intend to use these months living in Britain to forge a new direction, as yet untested, until we are reunited again.

My priority has always been getting a job, something I did pretty quickly after arriving. I just needed enough money to tide me over during my stay. Working in a local pub was perfect, but I wanted to do something else, so began working for a supermarket shortly afterwards, which has supplemented my income and allowed me to partake in a new challenge. I have never worked in a supermarket before and am actually enjoying it. I am also volunteering in a shop and also hope to start volunteering with cats in August. Since losing my two babies, Lily and Precious last year, I have been somewhat lost. These two were in my life for many years and I want to have that feline contact once again. It just so happens that my Aunt is getting a rescue cat herself and spoke to the organisation on my behalf, who said there would be opportunities available in the middle of August, which I intend to take up with gusto!

Few, that's the entire week taken up, although I still desire more. As a writer I concentrate my efforts on blogging, but have recently been in contact with a British newspaper in Spain, not too far from where I used to live. I want to resurrect my writing for the Expat community I used to be a part of and hope to be once again in the future. I have sent off my first submission for a new column and look forward to being published soon. As a columnist writing for both Spanish and English publications, I am happy to be writing in one capacity or another. I don't see journalism as a chore, I see it as a hobby, something I am always happy to do, wherever I am in the World.

This is a busy time in my life, I have a full, busy schedule, I rarely sit still these days; just the way I like it. With my Mother unwell, I need to keep my mind off the impediments we are all dealing with as a family. Staying active, walking everyday, working hard and following my dreams is the perfect way to deal with some very serious issues that plague my life at the moment. My mind does work on an 'all or nothing' basis, there is no middle ground, I just intend to keep up the momentum, until it's time to go on my travels once again!

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    51-year-old Author and professional blogger. Expat formerly living in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca! Currently, residing in my adopted home of Perth, Western Australia.

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    A place to call home
    Finally, a place we can call home.  A community of like minded individuals, who used to call Britain home.  Now Spain is our choice, an altogether gentler, happier, sunnier and safer experience!
            Luke Feb 16
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  • Blog
  • The Story Of Us
  • Other Blogs
    • Forever Enduring Cycles Blog 2015 >
      • Forever Enduring Cycles
      • Bipolarcoaster
      • Books For Sale
  • Gallery
  • Spain
    • First Month
    • Three Months
    • Six Months
    • One Year
    • 2 Year Anniversary
    • Spanish Views
    • Gran Alacant >
      • GA Advertiser
      • Gran Alacant News
      • LoungeD
      • No Wives Club
  • About
    • New Life
    • Wedding
    • 21 Years
    • Timeline
    • My Story
    • Australia 2016/17
  • Guest Bloggers
    • Penelope Wren
    • Debra Rufini
    • Claire Coe
    • Richard Guy
    • Optimistic Mummy
    • Julie Rawlinson
    • Letters Of Hope
  • Links
  • Contact
  • My Writing
    • Short Stories From My Youth
    • Verruca Almond
    • The Streets