It's been 24 years since I've lived alone. I've no idea where the time has gone but it has, and now I can be very proud that I've successfully brought up my two lovely boys by myself. Both are at university and they are capable and independent; my job is done.
It's been an emotional 2 weeks since I made the long journey to Ormskirk to take my youngest to Edge Hill university; I never thought I'd be sad to come home from work to find the house still tidy, the fridge still full, the dishes still clean, but I'm beginning to adapt to and enjoy this new chapter.
There are many aspects of it that I don't enjoy; eating the same meal for four nights in a row because I can't get used to making less, not being able to buy chocolately goodies under the pretence of them not being for me, the emptiness and quiet in the house despite the television or radio being on, a lack of sense of purpose (although the dog is happy; he thinks I exist only to serve him now). But I focus on what I have achieved and what I will go onto achieve in the future and I'm looking forward to new adventures and lots of fun.
So, what's next? I wouldn't say that the world is my oyster as I do still have one remaining dependant ... the dog, and whilst a doggy passport will get him around Europe I can't put him in my backpack and trot off to places like Africa and Asia. But that still leaves a lot of options and plenty of freedom to decide where I want to be and what I want to do. So, watch out, here I come!
