Quit everything , and start again over 50?

lessonlearned

Good morning AC. Well done.

I know it seems like a giant step for you and you are bound to be a bit jittery but you are doing so well.

Making a big life change can be scary - and let's face it, as life style changes go, a move to another area whilst chucking up your job don't come much bigger.

As you know my life style changes were huge.......probably bigger than yours but the difference is mine were enforced. I had no choice in the matter. In a way, enforced change is perhaps easier than elective change.

When we are forced into a corner we usually come out fighting, but when we face a fork in the road we are faced with choices and decisions.

Here's how I see it. I was backed into a corner and you reached a fork in the road. You have been faced with a lot of confusing choices and have struggled to make decisions. You have so many options open to you that sometimes you can't see the wood for the trees.

I had no options, it was sell assets to survive, nurse my husband for as long as possible, find a good care home, ensure he had the "-best" death possible. My path was clearly delineated and I had to just take it one step at a time.

So in a way I think my path has been easier than yours. I have not been plagued with indecision.

And on that philosophical note ......it's time to start the day.

I have spent the last couple of days sorting out cupboards, decluttering etc. I have some bags for the charity shop and a couple of car loads for the tip., Another day should see it finished.

Tomorrow I have a friend coming to stay for a few days. She and I and our husbands were friends for a good few years. We used to holiday together sometimes. She too is a widow now. We have always got on well, our husbands were like some sort of comedy double act. We will miss them but I'm sure we will manage to have some fun and a few laughs.

I would just like to thank you for all your good wishes and kind thoughts regarding my little escapade on Sunday.

Finding an intruder in your home is a bit unnerving but I am fine now. I have learnt my lesson and I shall be taking my personal safety a lot more seriously from now on, we will be beefing up security and I shall be keeping the door locked!!!

Well I have had two challenging situations within the last few weeks. Firstly, what could have been a fatal car crash and then what could have been a life threatening situation in a "burglary gone wrong".

I have come through both unscathed. I think the Angels must be watching over me.......

I am an extremely fortunate woman.

lessonlearned

Oh Anna - I am sorry to hear that, good that you have some viewings booked. Fingers crossed for you. Remember the saying "whats for you, won't go by you".

Sometimes things just aren't meant to be. QUe Sara, and all that.

The Holiday, I know.....aren't I the lucky one.

Here's how it came about.

Last year I plucked up courage to go on my first holiday on my own - ever.!!! I met a nice lady and we stayed in touch.

I mentioned that I seen this holiday and was very tempted. However, travelling solo can be very expensive so I was a bit hesitant, it was a lot of money for a single cabin.

Anyway she asked me if I would be happy to share a cabin with her, I said yes and she did the rest. She shopped around and haggled and got us a great deal.

I joked about my bucket list but it's true I have always wanted to go to South America and here's my chance. Unfortunately we won't be going to Rio (Sotuh America is a biiiiig place!!!) but I will get to visit the Amazon basin.

I am soooooo excited!!! I have paid my deposit so now I will just try and forget about it for a while and concentrate on getting my life in order.

I'm 65 and I want to travel a bit over the next few years whilst I am well enough. Actually the lady I'm travelling with is 70 (although you would never guess) and she was telling me about her friend who has just booked a round the world cruise.

Her friend is 85:D. So hopefully I've a got a fair few travelling years in me yet. :rotfl:

In all seriousness, like AC is doing, its all about carving a new life for myself. My husband died at 57 and didn't make it to retirement. I have had to completely rethink my life.

THe gods of fate have thrown down the gauntlet, I have picked it up and am ready for the challenge.

Bring it on!!!!

anna_1977

Thanks LL - I am a pretty positive person and although it's a pain financially what's meant to be will be.

I went to China for 3 weeks in April (my 20 year old daughter was living there). My parents who are 70 and 73 came too and we had the most amazing trip seeing the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors etc. You definitely have lots of travelling years left and how lovely to have met someone to do it all with!

joeyjimbles

Popping out of lurkdom again - I read and nod but rarely feel I have anything to say that you regulars don't put better than I would.

Chin up AC, I think LL is quite correct about elective change and all this is very challenging as its a series of decisions rather than just a couple. I hope it all goes smoothly now your paperwork is moving.

And LL - my parents are 88 and 81 and still travelling regularly (albeit with increasing travel insurance costs). They are just about to do their 6th holiday of the year - a 2 week med cruise for some sun - and they have another booked for the Caribbean later in the year. Dad is waiting on some knee surgery but has come to the conclusion it won't be any time soon so he might as well just get on with it. Your trip sounds fabulous - good for you.

another_casualty

Well I thought I'd emailed the solicitor. Poxy wifi signal says otherwise!
People who try to glorify the city of London are idiotic buffoons .
The place is a dump! It won't get any better , for the working class .
I'll stop the rant there .

Humid , and horrible today . There's a surprise .
At the very back of my mind , I'm thinking ' what if it's a big mistake ?'
'Once you leave,there's no turning back.'
Then again , I'm so issed off , I'm not bothered anymore.

Anna : maybe things will take off for you now, and you can get sorted soon.
LL: I think you have a book inside you somewhere, as have I .
Trouble is , I look like I've eaten a library .
The closest I'm getting to the Amazon , is having a cd delivered .
You'll have a great time , well deserved obviously

I mentioned the humid weather , but I'm not sweating buckets and I should be home around 4pm so it's not as bad as getting home around 7pm.

another_casualty

joeyjimbles wrote: »

Popping out of lurkdom again - I read and nod but rarely feel I have anything to say that you regulars don't put better than I would.

Chin up AC, I think LL is quite correct about elective change and all this is very challenging as its a series of decisions rather than just a couple. I hope it all goes smoothly now your paperwork is moving.

And LL - my parents are 88 and 81 and still travelling regularly (albeit with increasing travel insurance costs). They are just about to do their 6th holiday of the year - a 2 week med cruise for some sun - and they have another booked for the Caribbean later in the year. Dad is waiting on some knee surgery but has come to the conclusion it won't be any time soon so he might as well just get on with it. Your trip sounds fabulous - good for you.

Thanks joey
I only have 1 chin ?

lessonlearned

Like a furnace here today, so probably won't get outside much till it cools down a bit this evening. Tomorrow apparently wil be even hotter.

Never mind once you are in gorgeous Dorset you will have lovely cooling sea breezes.

Morning coffees or lazy lunches down by the quayside, walks on the beach watching sunrises and sunsets, what's not to like.

All you've got to do is hang in there and it will all happen.

Had a call from EA. Vendor has offered me a second viewing and chance to meet her and talk about "stuff". She also wants to know If I want to buy some of her bits and pieces, curtains and the like.

Probably not but it will be nice to have a second viewing and it will give my eldest son a chance to have a peak too. He missed out on the first viewing.

Anyway I like the opportunity to meet the vendor face to face. A much nicer way of doing business, although "Steohanie" who is progress chasing the sale is great, really on the ball.

Need to get the survey booked.

Smodlet

AC, loved your comment about the Amazon and the CD, good one, mate. :T

Is it really that hot in sunny Derbyshire, LL? Next door, it's just quite pleasant, nice gentle breeze and I have been fighting the urge to put the heating on for the last two days, successfully. How are you doing, now? Please just be careful. Locking doors and being aware of windows being open is second nature to me (mostly) Darn! Now I have to go and check I did not leave the kitchen window open. Enjoy your cruise... piranha sarnie, anyone? :D

More news as you get it, please, guys, and this of course includes you, Anna.

Edited to add: It was shut, thank goshness.

lessonlearned

Yes, it's 24, no sun just overcast and humid, set for 26 tomorrow. Still good training for the Amazon.:rotfl:

Not looking forward to the creepy crawlies. Will have to build up my quinine levels, mozzies adore me. I have a bite on my foot at the moment and I've not even been anywhere.

Still - Good excuse for lots of gin and tonics.......:rotfl:

elona

LL

Have you investigated vaccine or innoculations needed for the trip?
I kept suggesting to youngest that she get these done well before her trip in case she got a bad reaction but she ended up doing it at the last minute.

Mozzies seem to love DD as well and Scottish midgies seemed to love my Dad.

I hope you have a lovely holiday you deserve it.