Friday 27 June 2014

New Beginnings

I left work last Friday and it was a bittersweet day.  I have made lots of friends over the years and so many people came by my office to say goodbye, so there were a few tears.  I have spent so long having to be fairly conservative in appearance because of the nature of the job, so I decided to go out with a final act of defiance - I dyed my hair bright pink.  It certainly made quite a few people do a double take (especially the Colonel) When I said I was going to do it, my sons were horrified - so I have kept it pink just to wind them up and I quite like it.  Unfortunately you cannot really see the colour in the picture below.

I was treated to a lovely meal out by lots of my colleagues and just a few drinks (!) and I received some smashing gifts.  I was truly touched by it all.  I will miss the gang, but I feel amazing - so relaxed, no stress and most of all - FREE!!!!  I looked after Scarlett all day Monday and on Tuesday I went up to London to meet a lifelong friend, Ginena.  She lives in Cape Town and we have not actually seen each other for 25 years since I went out there.  But from the moment we got together the years disappeared and we talked and laughed like the old days.  We had such fun, it was like being young girls again.

I have worked on the allotment, entertained friends, cooked for Pete every night, cleaned the barge within an inch of its life and caught up with the washing - it's hard work this not working lark - but I love it!  I am probably off now until after the school holidays and then I am looking at my options.  Really I would like to cut down to part time work but there are a couple of really interesting opportunities in the pipeline, so who knows.  All I know is that I have no job, no money and I am the happiest I have been in years and really excited about what the future holds.




13 comments:

  1. Congrats on the new lease on life! There is a whole world out there, have fun! Love the hair!
    Blessings
    Diane

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  2. Hi Fran, your happiness shows on your beautiful face . . . happiness is a wonderful and contagious thing. Keep it up . . . Congratulations, Oh, love the hair and love that you did something fun and outrageous.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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  3. Congratulations! Enjoy every minute!

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  4. How lovely to meet up with your friend : )

    Hope there are many more happy days ahead.

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  5. Fabulous, you look radiant. Eleanor's just had her hair dip dyed blue as she's finished school now (you can see on my through the keyhole blog), you're both rebels together. Enjoy your time off before you start looking for something new, it doesn't take long before you get used to being at home, believe me.

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  6. Oh Fran, how wonderful!! A whole new life to look forward to! I had no idea you'd decided on this (did I miss something?) All the same, you sound very excited…even with no job, no money etc. And I love the rebel pink!

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  7. A change is as good as a rest, so they say and I believe that you have earned yours.
    Enjoy, Enjoy Fran xx

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  8. Thank you everyone, I really am having a ball and spending time doing what I want to do. I have to go to work eventually but hey I will enjoy it while it lasts! Xxx

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  9. Hello France,

    We have come across you via Val and have been caught up with the big changes which you are making in your life. From our own experience, we can certainly endorse the view that it is best to take a giant leap and see what happens. And, something always does happen.

    We smiled at the thought of a defiant pink haired woman marching into the office for the last time. As you say, give everyone something to think about! We are sure that you will not look back for a moment. You look very happy in the photograph and we are sure that you will embrace the many adventures yet to come with resilience and a sharp sense of humour. Perfect!

    We have signed as followers and shall return!

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  10. Lovely to meet you Jane and Lance and I look forward to getting to know you xxx

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  11. Having recently left jobs and friends and moved countries - I am all about embracing the freedom of new beginnings and think you are in a lovely position, even if it has its challenges too :) Pink hair is also an excellent statement!

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  12. Hi Kari, thanks for dropping by, looking forward to keeping in touch xxx

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  13. It's good to have fun, and sounds like a good day for it. I'm glad your friends and co-workers gave you a nice send off. - Margy

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