It's been a year... and what a year!

The last time I posted we were living in sunny, warm, windy Spain.

Things were ok... not great, work was ticking over but promises were made and yet none of us were surprised when they either didn't transpire or were reneged on.

Things came to a head at Christmas of 2013.  Having watched how another member of staff was treated in the run up to the end of her contract we returned home to Belfast with a lot to think about.  We'd invested a lot of money, energy and time moving to Spain and trying to set up a life there but it wasn't working... and the helpful leaving advice from our employer to think about what is most important to us - we ended up coming to a difficult decision.

As we began to pack our bags to return to Spain, Danielle made it very clear she didn't want to go back. She'd had enough of being away from home, from family, friends, from normal life.  She wanted to be paid real money, have a proper job where she felt respected and valued... and I had to admit she was right.

So we did.  We went to Spain and collected our stuff and moved home to Belfast. End of story.

I could go into specific details, the back and forths but it is pointless and I'm not into blacklisting individuals. Danielle regularly reminds me that I am more capable of suffering fools than she is and will forgive people sometimes too readily.  Leaving Spain wasn't an easy decision but it best for us to go there and then.

So... what's the story now?

We've a new house, a new car, new jobs... and are expecting a new baby in the coming months!

Don't get me wrong - it hasn't all been complete bliss since we've been back.  There have been trials and tribulations too but on balance it is much better and life is treating us well.

Danielle works in an office which is walking distance from where we live, and finally accepts the benefits of a job where you leave your problems at the desk when you leave... so she isn't making any use of her Degree or Post-Grad Cert in Education.

My job sounds quite fancy but isn't one I can publicise so I'll just say that I am a staff photographer and administrator in the civil service... as well as doing a few extras parts in adverts and even movies (not as part of the same job!).

Does this mean the end of the blog then? (Since our travelling has ended?)

Well... not sure... don't even know if people even read this blog! lol!

I guess I'll keep popping back and posting... maybe it will centre more on the little new addition to our family when he/she arrives!