Categories: uncategorized
Date: 07 January 2006 16:14:14
It was pointed out to me recently, and I had notcied myself, that I hadn't blogged for a while. Since Christmas in fact, looking back.
So, what's been going on? Well, Christmas was good- relaxing, enjoyable mostly, spending time with family, catching up with some school friends, the usual stuf. We got out for a walk on boxing day as usual, which cleared away the cobwebs! And I was back with all my lovely friends in Swansea for new year :) A few things I noticed over the holidays
The first of my friends from home is getting married this year. This feels like a milestone. When someone you've grown up with in a way, from the age of 14, is going to be Mrs, and forever more come to see you with her husband in tow, it's just a little odd. As was meeting this friend and another (attached) one for a drink, and realising half way through the evening that everything they were saying about what they were doing- holidays, where they'd be for new year etc, was all 'we'. Hmm.
I notice things, changes in my family more when I'm away most of the time. My grandma is getting older. Thi smay seem an obvious statement, but I know what I mean. It's not happening any faster than before, but its more noticable these days. She's 94, so its understandable. But for many years we've been saying she just doesn't seem to be ageing- she acts and seems a lot younger than her years, at the age of 90 she got a computer to try out the internet! And she's still all there, she knows what she's doing always, and still lives on her own. But she' much more frail now, just in the last fe months. She's the only grandparent I have left. I hope she's able to see her first grandchild get married (not me, don't worry).
On the subject of grandparents, this year we had a Christmas card from my Nana (my mum's step mum) for the first time since my Grandad died (three years ago tomorrow in fact. gosh). Things have been wierd/awkward/unfriendly between her and us for most of that time, and she cut off all communication. My mum sends birthday and Christmas cards, and this year we had one back. Not sure if I want things to improve, I certainly can't just go back to thinking of her as my Nana again, not yet, after things she said about my uncle and my mum.
I had my first Christmas at home without having to do revision or coursework, since I can't remember when! :) It's like a milestone in itself. Coupled with this was the fact that, when seeing people at church, and family members, I was very definately not 'coming back' now, I had, have, made the decision that for now, Swansea is my home. For a while last term I was intending to move back to Manchester, but the reasons behind that didn't quite work out, so I get to stay. But it meant that I had to break this news to people at church who seemed to be really looking forward to having me back, in choir, reading etc. This Christmas was, I think, the start of a new stage in my life. I am sad to be more permanently leaving things behind at home (Manchester will always be home, no matter how long I'm away) but the fact that I can shows how stable and reliable my life in Swansea has become. And for this I'm thankful.
A mixed Christmas, with ups and downs like the rest of life, but enjoyable nontheless. And just as I manage to catch my breath after all that, I have job hunting to enjoy (!), decorating, moving house (again, but hopefully for the last time in the immediate future!), trips up and down the country to see a number of friends I've been promising I'll visit for too long. Oh, and a birthday aswell, which is coming up much sooner than I expected...
Now how's that for an update?