After five months away from Australia, from home, I have had a week at home. It is spring in Melbourne and blossoms are everywhere. The air is warm and fragrant, a wonderful welcome home. It has been a mad week with me trying to catch up with my dearest family and friends and not quite into the rhythm of day and night in the Southern Hemisphere. I am sleeping soundly but without the imperative of work my body is not waking early like I usually do.
I managed book club, a day babysitting from 7:15 am till late, two days sorting the months of mail, phone calls, a return to the workplace, two lunch dates with friends and hosting a dinner party. A lot of fun but perhaps a touch over the top. Living at home rather than travelling is a more complex experience and has different challenges.
How do I feel about being home? It is exciting. I am full of energy, with lots of plans for the coming months. I have a LIST. I see it as essential for me to keep moving forward. We will see how many things on the list are accomplished!
It is rather nice being re-acquainted with my wardrobe after months of the same and limited choice in clothes. I feel like I want to throw most of it out though and pare back to a minimal wardrobe. I have lost weight and some things look great now which is confidence boosting. There is just too much! Now I am retired I won't need so many clothes and besides a lot of them are well worn and it is time to DECLUTTER! My new mantra, simplify, simplify. I have time and energy at last to go through my cupboards.
Going to my workplace and ending up there all day was a good reminder of why I needed to leave. It is a pressure cooker and not a nice modern red one, but a grey old burner. Still I have come away with a writing contract which will be done from home over the next three months. The pocket money will pay for the last few months travel.
It seems very odd to not have to go to work on Monday. This week will be the beginning of my new reality. Monday I start on the list. I also need to remember I don't have to do it all tomorrow. Balancing time and activity to maintain this wonderful feeling of peace and equilibrium will be a major challenge for me. Roll on the new reality.
The first reality check: a new kettle is required. The answer to an electrical surge which stopped the dishwasher last night was revealed this evening. I have been out most of the day and decided to just do an instant coffee. Turned on kettle and walked away to turn on TV, came back and poured, cold water. The element has broken. That was what set the surge off last night. Much cheaper to replace than a dishwasher!
