Farewells & Revelations

Well here we go - I am now officially a blogger - how modern am I??? See Angeige I am not that old I am so down with the kids.

For those of you who don't know, I am off to a land down under to see skippy, rolf, edna, alf, & dr karl. Probably attend the odd Barbie, learn to surf, watch God (Robbie Fowler) in action, visit some amazing sites but hopefully avoid those snakes, spiders, and crocs (if I catch one I'll bring it back for you Si!)

I have now packed up my world into my noble Ford Focus and a van driven by Dad, and made my way to the small village of Stilton just outside of Peterborough. Ironically a famed centre of immigration, it is from here where I will set out for Hong Kong then on to Australia.

The last few weeks leading up to my departure have been incredible in so many ways with oh so many farewells with a few revelations both good and bad thrown in as well.

Farewells have been teary at times with good hugs & hearty handshakes. I may not have shown tears but I can assure you there have been some on my part albeit away from your viewing pleasure. I know some of you, especially my fellow Northopian Lauren, were rather disappointed to miss out on this sight but a man has to keep some male pride J (however you wimped out on the Fifa rematch so that I couldn't see you cry as I wooped your little ass again, so I don't feel so bad)

Events have ranged from a memorable night out in Liverpool with my 3 oldest mates in the world - Emile, Si, & Dave - cheers guys, like the pictures, my memories of that night will live with me for a long time, a truly great send off. Oh and sorry for inviting strange women back to your flat Emile but it was for Dave's benefit and you did inherit a lovely ring from them.

There was curry and lots of Mr Daniels with my good friend Rich as well as final trips to Anfield, a night on the Wirral with Jax & Karen with an "awesome" band, lunch with my mummy, PS3 marathon sessions with Daddy, an help the aged tea with Angeige, hug refusals by my little neicy Maia, oh and cheese on toast with Fee - good stuff! So many other goodbye drinks that have no doubt hindered my health.

Even the guys at Retail Plus were generous enough to send me away with cake, alcohol and loads of goodies so thank you but especially Jan, Jayneeeeee, Laura & the big cheese himself Mr Maxfield. Oh and Ben your gift will be used for sure - hopefully before leaving Hong Kong!

Old and new friends have come forward to say goodbye and good luck in person and through Facebook - I won't name everyone but I thank you all for listening to my boring plans as well as offering up invaluable advice. For those I was unable to see before going, I am sorry but you should have made more of an effort - cough Charlotte cough.

What about the revelations? Ah well these have proved to be so varied - proof that we shouldn't sniff at what life deals us, merely take every opportunity and enjoy. I myself have learned much about the people who have been around me, that they are not always what they seem, shocking me in both bad & good ways.

Learned who my true friends are, including those who I did not know thought so highly of me - it is you I will miss the most. I have also cursed at missed opportunities (is that a song?) but I trust in fate that these will present themselves to me again - well I hope one in particular does anyway otherwise major regrets on my part!!!

God there have been some crazy requests as well, so I won't name and shame these people, but they range from postcards (Vicky my smoke free sister, come on your lucky I remember your birthday),pics of me shall we say friendly with a kangaroo (Jan your sick), as well as personal blogs away from this my main effort (Lauren your just so greedy). Oops I slipped up thereJ. However that said I will do my best!!!

What will I miss? Erm the rain? Rush hour traffic? Er no. Seriously champions league nights at Anfield. Ok ok I will miss those people who have supported me, who have cheered me up, looked after me, and made me smile & laugh. If your reading this you must fit into at least one of these categories and I thank you for that - I will miss you greatly.

Well I think I am done for now. I know that much of this first blog will have been cryptic to those of you who it did not refer to, thus maybe a tad boring but with this new chapter in my life I plan to enjoy it! As such the mood and tone of my blogs will no doubt change!!!

Now as I count down the days and minutes to embarkation, I genuinely hope to see or hear from you real soon, for I know we shall meet again, some sunny day (now that's defo from a song!)

Let me leave you with a rather apt and brilliant song:

"When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don't be afraid of the dark
At the end of the storm
Is a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark

Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Tho' your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone"

Stay tuned for adventures & pics from down under - I hope you will be both interested and envious!!!

Chris

YNWA