This Sunday, I am finally relaxing after a busy week at work. It feels like I haven't stopped over the past seven days; if I've ever needed a day off, it's now. With the weather still decidedly chilly, I have personally been feeling a little run-down. I always know when I'm over doing it, because a reoccurring infection rears its ugly head on my face; It looks like acne. Whether or not it is I just don't know, but it has flared up once again. I haven't been able to shave and look like a dishevelled tramp - not good for my self-confidence, especially working in the job I do.

Despite a general feeling of tiredness, achy joints and sniffly nose, it has been important for me to carry on as normal. As a 'hardy Brit' I am rarely sick and certainly do not suffer from colds or flu, so I tend to just shrug off my general apathy and get on with it, as most of us born in the UK do. At the moment I have a lot on my plate, whether through work or at home, so having time off is absolutely necessary. I am a person who suffers with stress and anxiety, so detaching myself from real life is something I have to do. Blogging is my outlet of choice and sat here writing today, I am already feeling better and a little less stressed.

This week I have finally reached the end of my probationary period at work and after six months of hard graft, I am a permanent member of staff. My job has become my lifeline to the outside World, rather like Tesco was in Portsmouth. I work with some wonderful characters, and I am relishing the new opportunities ahead. Also, I was delighted to receive a substantial pay rise this week, strengthening the fortunate position I find myself in today. Things were so different a year ago, when I just couldn't see past the turmoil that was overwhelming my life.  Today, I have been able to lay to rest the problems that brought us to Australia in the first place, and I can't quite believe just how successful our journey has been.

Finally, the new fence has been erected outside the house, after we shared the cost with the rest of the houses on the strata, and had the old wooden structure removed. Despite the expense, this was something we had to do; the old one was falling down onto a public footpath and major highway. Thankfully, it is taller than the previous boundary, which affords us the privacy we craved. Initially we wanted it even higher, but after being told we would have to put in a planning application, we decided against it. Time really wasn't on our side, we just wanted it done and dusted.

With the end of the tax year on the 30 June, we have to see a tax agent on Monday to sort out our affairs. Both of us are due substantial rebates, and this will allow us to have a holiday in the next few months; something both of us need. We have worked so hard to get where we are today and without blowing my own trumpet we are proud of just what we have achieved, in such a short space of time. It's time for us to look forward to the next chapter of our life together and, hopefully, just a little less stress. At 52, time isn't on my side, but I am determined to make the next ten-years profitable, enjoyable and prosperous, as we reach the later stages of our life down under.


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