If You Chose To Leave Home For Good How Would You Do It?

That's what I feel like doing..going back to Mum's. Always a positive vibe in her house and I have a laugh with BOTH my parents, unlike here which feels like a prison. I wish I knew what the answer was. Perhaps if I am successful with that Carlisle job I went for everything will change for the better. I hope so.

I hope so too, and move back with mom until you can get a place of your own - just you and your cat...

"Shirley Valentine" caused a stir when it first came out, I remember it well. Excellent stuff! I have calmed down a bit now but I still want to have a holiday at least. I would much rather the in-laws pay for that than a telly...which is lovely in itself but I want to buy one of those myself. I get more of a buzz buying electrical equipment (the latest was helping Mum to pick an awesome Hotpoint washing-machine from Comet that isn't complicated to use) than clothes. I really hate buying clothes. Such a drag! Mum loves her new Hotpoint and I'm glad because her previous Hoover was a disastrous purchase and one to forget lol.

Awww, I have the opposite feeling. I want to go BACK to Mummy rather than to get away lol. Seriously though, if money were no object I'd leave a note for John saying "gone on holiday" then come back again after two weeks of sun somewhere!

Hello, Janey. That's really spooky, because I've just responded to your other discussion, before I came here, and I suggested a holiday as well. Well, I suggested a weekend break, but a proper holiday would be even better, and would still cost less than a decent telly. Go for an all inclusive, so you won't have to worry about being short of money while you're away. I know Calella very well. We've spent 3 holidays in Malgrat, and walked along the coast to Calella, although after a few G & T's, we caught the train back! It's on the same coast as us, but about 500 miles to the north. When we drive back to England through France, we usually stop off in Estartit for a couple of days. We thought of moving to the Costa Blanca, but the winters are similar to England, and that was our main reason for moving out here, as I'm virtually crippled during the winter - especially if it's damp. I have rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and lupus, although you'd never know it out here. We live near the salt lakes, and the dry heat makes it the healthiest place in the world for people with arthritis. Anyway, back to the discussion. Most people don't realise we have problems, as I don't dwell on them. I'm not a victim, just someone with things to deal with, and most of the time I can deal with things. However, things have got to the stage where our neighbours are noticing things, and they're actually very supportive of both of us. Trouble is, he thinks I've been talking about him. I haven't, but as you know from your brother's situation, there comes a point where you can't hide it from everyone. Yes, you're right - I'm strong enough to make it on my own and start again. I've already done it once, and that's the problem. It caused a lot of upset at the time, and my kids took a long time to accept that I just couldn't carry on living with their father. He told them that Tony broke us up - he didn't, but it was easier for my ex to believe that. Now they accept Tony as part of the family, but it's taken a lot of years. If they know how bad things are, they'd turn against him, and I don't want that to happen. I haven't reached the point of no return yet, and I sincerely hope I don't. Still, I have some great things in my life, and that's what keeps me going.

Oops! I meant 'Costa Brava.' We do live on the Costa Blanca - silly me!

I had no idea you were having problems Sandra. It just goes to show how certain discussions can trigger a response such as yours and I'm actually glad you have "told" me. I hope I'm right in this but you sound like an incredibly strong person who - if push came to shove could quite easily live somewhere on your own and make friends in a flash. Am I right? Boy, how I wish I was there. You remind me so much of a friend of mine. Her name was Caroline and she was from Todmorden, originally. We worked at the same place. Ironically, we had a great time (twice) on holiday in Calella which is near Barcelona. I should imagine it is MILES away from where you are but I've never been happier than I was during my time in that resort. Unfortunately, John (being a redhead) doesn't like the sun much whereas I love it although I don't like it too hot. I may suggest that the in-laws pay for a holiday as opposed to a telly as looking at it would remind me of them. Awful thought!

So am I. Carlisle in England (where I live) does have an airport but it is used purely for freight. No passengers travel anywhere from that airport which I suppose is just as well. That is why I mentioned the train. Travel in style to London...then the world would be my oyster..only if I had the guts and I DON'T!