New Focus - New beginning

I have been very preoccupied at the beginning of this year with my studies that I didn't have much time to think about blogging. However, over the last few weeks whilst adjusting to the fact that I don't have an essay to write or an article to read, I have been thinking about the purpose and direction of my life and blog. I have spent many a morning blog hopping, gathering ideas and inspiration from around the world! And I have decided to make this a record of achievements that we as a family as well as me myself, are working towards.

I have been undoubtedly affected by the enthusiasm and dedication of one particular blogger who made me realise and acknowledge my dream of travelling. Reading SFT's blog has rekindled my dreams and made me realise that with a little hard work I can too achieve not only mortgage freedom but the freedom to travel as well. My life's ambition was to travel the world ~ so I left school and went to work in a travel agency because this is how I thought I was going to be able to finance my dream! (How wrong was I??)  I fell in love and married him, we bought a house and soon filled it with two children. The stresses and strains of life overshadowed everything and before I even realised it, my dream was pushed onto the proverbial back burner. We would talk of life when the children grew up and the things we would do then - however, there is no guarantee that we will get that and besides, surely the children will benefit from seeing some of the world for themselves too.

Just after my second child, my son was born I embarked on a long journey and another dream of mine, to become a teacher! I decided to study part time so that I could also be there for my children whilst they were growing up. I have just finished my degree, and am planning on working for a year before applying for teacher training. I know that once I become an established teacher then we can seriously start reducing our mortgage and saving up for our travels. But I don't want to become too focused on the future and forget to live in the moment either, so I need to find the balance...

I have had immense fun putting together a list (I love lists!) of the places I would like to go and the things I would like to see. It is not exhaustive by any means and I am sure I will be adding to it more than I will be crossing off but I know that we are going to have even more fun achieving them... Have a look under 'Places to go and things to see'. 

Till the next time - enjoy the weather.

  

Results!

I have been (not so) patiently waiting for my final result on the Children's Literature course I have just completed which determines my degree classification. Well, last Friday I was utterly surprised to learn that my result was ready -  two weeks earlier than I was anticipating. I wasn't sure if I was ready to know but before I knew it, I was clicking on the link and learned that I passed my final assignment with a Distinction but because my assignments were 4% lower I ended up with a Pass 2, which didn't really matter much because it still means I will be awarded a First Class. Well I would never have imagined in all my wildest dreams I would've passed with a First! I decided to abandon my New Year's Resolution of no alchol and celebrated in style, although bitterly regretted it the next day!!


I have decided to reassess certain areas of my life and blog which will mean making some changes - so until the next time...

Well normally I enjoy July; it contains my favourite sporting event with delicious weather which is normally celebrated with my favourite food: strawberries and cream. However, this year the weather has left me in damp mood, Rafael Nadal is out of Wimbledon and the strawberries don't taste as sweet anymore..... Harumph!

So this year I may have to find myself another favourite month..... hmmm ideas??