After a Break: Life Changes, Family First, and What’s to Come

​First off, let me begin by apologising for my absence over the past few months. It’s been quite some time since I last wrote a blog post, and I’ve missed connecting with all of you. Life has been incredibly busy, and I’ve experienced some significant changes that I’m happy to share with you.

One of the most exciting developments is that my 16-year-old daughter has come to live with me full-time. She’s just finished her GCSEs. With college starting in just a few weeks, it’s an exciting time for her.. We’ve been spending a lot of quality time together, preparing for this next chapter in her life. Having a teenager in the house full-time is a big change, but it’s one I’ve wholeheartedly embraced. To celebrate her finishing her GCSEs, I treated her to a new iPad—something she’s been wanting for a while, and it’s great to see her using it so much. 
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With these changes in our lives, we’re also looking at moving into a bigger place, hopefully closer to the city. While I’ll definitely miss the charm and tranquillity of village life, we’re aiming to move to the outskirts of the city, so my daughter will be closer to her college. This move will be a fresh start for both of us, giving us more space and opportunities as she begins her college journey. ​The hunt for the perfect home will been an adventure, and I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

In the midst of all this, I also decided to treat myself. My old laptop had finally given up the ghost, and after much deliberation, I invested in a new MacBook Air. It’s been a fantastic upgrade, making blogging so much smoother. This new addition should help me get back into the rhythm of writing more frequently—something I’m really looking forward to.

Another major change in my life has been quitting smoking. I’m thrilled to say that it’s been about 11 weeks since I last had a smoke. Quitting has been one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done, but I’m proud to have made it this far. It’s something I never thought I’d be able to say, and I’m determined to keep going strong.

With all these changes, I’ve had to adjust my workout routine slightly. While I’m still exercising at home, I’ve had to cut back a bit due to other commitments. Nonetheless, staying active remains a priority, and I’m finding a new balance that works for me.
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Now that it's August, it still doesn’t really look like we’re going to have much of a summer here in the UK. We’ve had a few warm days dotted here and there, but nothing that feels like the summer we were hoping for. There haven’t been any of those major week-long heatwaves that make you feel like the season has truly arrived. Instead, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag—one day it’s sunny, the next it’s overcast, with the occasional burst of rain. It’s a little disappointing, especially after looking forward to the warmer months. But in true British fashion, we’re making the most of what we’ve got, enjoying those brief moments of sunshine whenever they appear. Here’s hoping the weather surprises us with a bit more warmth before autumn starts creeping in!
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Now that things are starting to settle down, I’m eager to get back to blogging regularly. I’ve missed sharing my thoughts and experiences with you all, and I’m excited to dive back into writing. Thank you for your patience during my break, and I appreciate all the support you’ve given me.

Here’s to new beginnings, exciting changes, and, of course, more frequent blog posts!