"I have taken us so far off our course. But now it is time to return."

The heading has to be my favourite line from one of my favourite movies, 'House of Sand and Fog' and sums up how I am feeling at the moment. In the movie a Persian Military Officer, who escapes revolutionary Iran takes his family to America, he succumbs to greed, and pride, at the expense of his family - naturally it ends in tragedy. A highly emotive and wondrous film - please watch it if you haven't already.

Myles and I moved up this way to start a new life. And over the last few weeks I believe we didn't really change anything. Sure we have learnt so much, and stepped out of our personal comfort zone. But from a personal perspective we didn't change our mindset on life - at least in the way we wanted.

Upon arriving at our house we were befriended by the neighbours. But somehow we were brainwashed into thinking we wouldn't have a life outside our property. That we had chosen a new life that only included staying on the property, drinking, smoking, and gossiping about our new small world. How stupid were we? In defence, having animals does prevent such freedom.

Some tension in the street has re-opened my eyes. Refocused what we need to achieve - what are goals are. The house is almost finished, the gardens basically finished - now it is time to have a life. To learn more about each other, about other people, and enjoy things we have missed out on since moving here. It looks like the DVD player will again be used, the stereo will pump out the volume, and we will visit friends and family.

And I will update this blog much, much more. 6 months with no entry is not appropriate.