Four years on a range have things have changed, or should I say moved on.
The girls are now 21 and 24 years old. Holly has graduated university and now lives in London. Vanessa is still riding the perpetual roller coaster that is her life but is anchored for the time being to University. I am just glad she isn't dead, because over the last few years I was more than prepared for that news as she swung and spiralled from one limb to another. She never did move back in with me, but I support her finacially as much as I can and for that to happen I have lived a life of frugality and austerity.
I am still living in Rochester, I am still single. I actually resent the word 'still' as it makes it seem that I have never progressed and desperately want to. The thing is, that over these past few years, I have dated me myself I, haphazardly, depressively, hopefully and finally acceptingly.
I have made some progress into unlocking my inner self and I realise that singledom is my peace and sanctuary in life and it is unconscious and enduring and has prevented me stepping into a relationship.
I still date from time to time. I enjoy meeting people in small doses and it's good for me and stops me buying 15 cats and growing a menopausal beard!, but I have never met anyone who I would allow to step over the emotional threshold...and believe me, a few have tried.
I am currently writing in private about my 'Year of living cheaply' as I call it and I along with the rest of the country have had to adapt to the current economic crisis that is crippling the world. I am totally blessed and lucky, not just because I have a tiny mortgage and a fairly decent job, but that I have the thirst for knowledge to find out how to keep myself above the waves whilst a lot of people are drowning, that in itself is a miracle.
I read a lot of the frugal blogs on here such as Frugal Queen and Frugal Living UK both who are excellent, inspiring and have kept me going this year, so much so that next year I shall begin my own account of frugality, so watch this space.
Here is a picture of my tiny garden and some of the higgledy piggle veg plants that have taken it over...happy days!
