So it is probably about time I wrote something that wasn't pre-scripted and a bit more personal. To be honest, I've been feeling a bit down of late, but that is passing and there is hopefully plenty to look forward to in the coming months.
As you may have seen, I took a few trips over to Spain this summer and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was hoping, and probably getting ahead of myself, that more would come to the friendship made with a certain lady, but sadly it was not to be. Still, I made a friend, she's awesome, that's life.
Back to the real world and sorting my shit out......
Since I started back from Furlough at the beginning of August, I've made just one trip into the office. Working from home suits me, but this town/country no longer feels like home. And so last week I rolled the dice and video called the IT director to bashfully ask if there was the slightest chance that I could work from, say, Spain?
Surprisingly, he said it was a possibility, and that there is a staff member who has emigrated to Australia - working on a totally different timezone. He asked about a decent net connection (Yes, Spain isn't the moon and so that should be OK), and said he'd speak to Human Resources.
Today I learned that 'in principle' they are OK with the idea. Obviously there is some legal stuff to look into, but by the sounds of it, there is a chance that I could be out of the UK again by the end of the year. Cross those fingers thank you please.
My main reasons for wanting out are that I miss the long summers, and that there is no fucking way I can save for a house deposit paying ridiculous rent while house prices continue to rise. Earning a salary (and not relying on HIVE) whilst being in the sunshine, learning a language, getting some Padel coaching, and seeing my not too well Mother more sounds like a win-win to me.
There is a small issue of Brexit to consider though, and it looks like I need to be in Spain before December 31st to avoid jumping through additional hoops to secure a long-term visa, or even better, Residencia - a right to live in Spain. Based on previous experience, official items don't exactly happen rapido in Spain, and I'm not expecting it to be an easy process. I'm not even sure of the process, as the gov.uk site is 'awaiting further updates', but fuck it, i'm going to give it ago.
And if not, Portugal, or Cyprus perhaps.
There is one person I will be need to speak to if the move is given the green light, but she's already told me 'it's ok, just come and visit me more' - that's fair.
So what else is happening? Well, I got enrolled on a Spanish course via the Busuu app, which means I get two 30 minute one-to-one lessons each week, and full access to premium for a while. The app is shit-hot to be fair, and really helping me and others out. You'll get a correction or a thumbs up minutes after posting your exercise efforts, and I recommend even the free version if you are considering learning a language. I'm putting at least two hours study in each day at present, and hoping my aging brain can store what's going in.
As well as Spanish, I've been recently motivated...
(following some indirect but totally correct comments regarding the fact I've been sailing through life for the past 20 years without applying myself at all. You've got good aptitude..... the sentence begin and ended. The ending should have been .... but done fuck all with it. What a waste, you lazy bastard.)
...to learn an instrument, and decided to buy a cheap keyboard. I'm less than two weeks in and really struggling to do anything with both hands, but I am told, by millions of Youtubers, that it's just a matter of time and continual practice. I can easily spare an hour a day, so let's see if again, the brain still works. If in two/three years I can play something people can recognise, I'll be happy enough.
So yeah, time for changes and some focus. Save for a house deposit, learn stuff, and keep the fitness up. Now, if 2021 could bring that and some crypto action, it's going to piss all over 2020.
Take it easy,
Ash
Pffft. Should have chosen guitar!!
Good luck dude. I hope you get the go ahead and can take that punt on a better, hotter life!
Punt. I know what you really meant boomdawg.
You got me bang to rights, guvnor!! :OD
:)
I think you have a typo, you have a p there, not a c.
Lol. Yes indeed, that damn autocorrect ;0)
ha! :D
Lol.
I feel like I just stepped into a autocorrect porn show. :))
It was a close decision! I can play a few chords on the guitar but not studied it with books. If I can't sort the two-handed thing on the Piano over the coming months I'll go back to the strings and do it properly this time.
Thanks buddy, would be a sweet deal for sure!
Hey Asher! if your cheapo keyboard has a MIDI interface and since apparently you are in more control of your two hands on a guitar than on keyboards. Why the hell you don't just purchase one of these MIDI thingies and then kill two birds with one stone?
Prolly with one of these gadgets you'll be able to make a shitty song faster that we can freaken recognize. Hahahaha
I want to learn to play an instrument!
Yes, we already know that mate. But if the MIDI thing doesn't seem like a good idea for that purpose, maracas will always gonna exist. You know?
Oh! although in this case, you may also have to learn to coordinate the movement of what each one of your hands does to master fully the instrument. :)
Learn to play? Dude... Just press whatever and use autotune.
I was doing that aged 8 and not listening to the bad-breathed dude who was trying to teach me. Fucking idiot. Anyway, never too late.....
At least you knew where all the warp whistles were on Mario 3 though.
And the golden (eye) gun, the last level password to Populous 2 (woitab) on the Amiga, how to fall out of a tree and not die...
Would be great if you can get to Spain - we can do a meet up, once I work out how I can get there too.
If you find any decent "learn a piano woth no effort in 7 minutes" videos, link me.
A plane will do it, they are rather empty at present :)
7 minutes? Try years. Start the little lady now, but get one with weighted keys.
I meant for me - she can take the long way round.
We actually have a piano here now, though no one in the house can play it.
Awesome. Find a teacher and get her started :)
Hey, @abh12345.
I think you and I have been feeling similarly, except a decade-ish early into getting your stuff together. In my case, a decade or so ago things were much better, so I probably should have been hedging against that, but failed to do so.
So, here I am, crossroads squatting, apparently, since I haven't been able to move in any direction very much.
That's awesome that you have a chance to work remotely from Spain, or some sunnier, more economical clime. I wish you all the luck in that endeavor, and may Lady Luck bring a lady in the process. :)
Hi Glen
Really nice to hear from you!
I guess there is no time like the present, whatever time that is for the individual - I have been cruising for far too long.
Thanks for the best wishes, hopefully you can make a call at those crossroads and spring into action.
Keep up setting those goals and so forth. That is the biggest way of achieving your dreams is to know what you're doing. And where you want to go.
Today I had to reevaluate my dreams and goals due to new information it looks like this is going to be a longer-winded dream.
Well I'm going to relax and see what I can do about taking control of my life and achieving the next steps.
Easiest way to eat an elephant would be one bite at a time.
Thanks, I'll keep at it.
Today is as good a day as any to re-evaluate.
I'm eating a few, one bite of each at a time.
Congratulations and I can't wait to see you achieve your goals
Sometimes a situation which may be great in theory isn't that great in practice and we need to take a leap and make a big change for the better. I believe you are making such a chance. I hope you find in Spain what you feel like you're missing. Even if it's not that awesome lady, maybe there's some other big opportunity waiting on that path.
I'm also thinking of rooting up and working in another country eventually. Thank you for the additional inspiration.
Thank you :)
Well, no time like the present, if you situation allows. Good luck to you :)
Thank you and yeehaw! 🍻
Sounds like you just got divorced and having a midlife crisis.
My daughters mum said that to me when I left the UK 5 years ago, but she doesn't know me very well either.
Hey brother, good to see you back and in such a good forward-thinking frame of mind.
Not that it should matter to you, but I like the Spain plans and based on what I know it seems to be a really good move. I hope it works out and that wherever you stay has room for Aussies to crash. Lol. Buy a big Spanish villa bro.
Anyway, as always life moves forward irrespective of what we wish or hope...It's good to see you getting ahead of it. Nice work.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default. :)
Thanks buddy. I would love to have a property in Spain one day, let's see how this saving plan goes.
Indeed, and it's creation time - no more default!
Nice man, I like your vigour and can feel your conviction from here...It's going to be a fucking ride and a half man, but get after it, be the best version of you and live your best life!
!ENGAGE 25
I'm pretty focused on this being the right path to take - Been fucking around for far too long!
Cheers!
That's the way man. Sometimes it just takes a little thing to trigger big things...Seems like that's happened for you.
ENGAGEtokens.lol it was fun to read you blog so you enjoyed this summer in Spain but I spend it in lockdown 😢😢😢
Where do you live? UK is going to head to lockdown again soon, Covid in winter - oh dear.
Move to spain then we can meet for a few beers at some point!
Hello new roomie :) Where you heading?
Good luck and I hope everything works out well for you!
Thank you!
Hello dear friend @ abh12345 good night
I am very sorry to read that you have been a little depressed, do not let that disease progress, it happened to me and it took me to bed for more than five months, luckily I have overcome it.
Life in a matter of love is usually complicated, but that would be life without complications or reasons to fight, a love is a good way to spice up life. I miss my times in love, I loved that every so often my heart was broken, it made me know that I was alive.
It is good that there is the possibility of working remotely, I hope it is fulfilled.
The Spanish language is like love, a bit complicated, we have many meanings for the same word and it is what confuses a bit, but I assure you you will love it
Success dear friend
Hi @jlufer, thanks for the message :)
A little down, but not depressed - I've been through that previously and can gladly say I'm over the worst, and happy to hear you are too.
Have a lovely weekend.
So, you are now buying home at Nottingham then? And you are moving to 'Spain', even with the issues you desbribe. Not that it matters, but if expensive long summer place you are looking for around the world, is Spain the only option?
Not buying yet, I can't afford it.
Living in an empty apartment by the sea saving 1k+ a month seems like a better option for now. I have a plan buddy!
I like plans! Will be online all day tomorrow :)
Fingers crossed they let you work from Spain. That'd be great. I know exactly how you feel. We've had spectacular weather here in Ireland since September, and it only just started to rain yesterday. I'm already mumbling curse words, complaining about the mud in front of our house, slipping and sliding from the car to the door, and feeling like crap because the rain has taken my sunshine away hahaha.
Then this morning I drove to my destination for work: bright sunshine! More complaining about how I have to sit in the car while I could have been at the beach, if only my crypto thingies would just do what I told them to..
Hey, I feel ya. I'm older and really did fuck all. Now, this combined with the 'there will be no fest this year' blues, doesn't make for a 100% happy camper. I feel the struggle. However, I always have been, and always will be a dreamer. One day....
Anyway, nice to see you're (hopefully) going places. You seem quite determined to try all these new things. That is a great sign! Take care Ash!!!
Thank you :)
It really would be awesome - a regular salary and sunshine too, I couldn't ask for more. Well, I could, come on Crypto!
I hope all is well with you and you get a sunshine fix soon!
Good to see you back and posting something and even better to hear that you have a realistic shot at getting back to Spain! I really hope that works out for you, and in time to get ahead of all that Brexit shyte...
Thank you :)
You have the experience there to know why I'm keen, and I really hope to make it happen sooner rather than later. Cheers!
Good luck on the job question of being able to work from Spain. I guess a lot of companies have had a lot of practice lately with telecommuters. I am sure one you get the brain going it will keep going, and sunny Spain should help with that. Hopefully 2021 will be a better year.
Thank you, I'm keen to get going with this, just waiting for the green light!
I think it's a great idea to take some time for yourself, to learn something new. Years ago I decided the same thing and learned to play, electric bass and that led me to learn guitar and piano, which means that many times making that decision leads us to learn not only one but several new things in our lives. Thank you for sharing a personal thought that in the long run can serve as inspiration to others. Greetings
I am impressed :) I'd also love to know more about your learning experience with the Piano - It seems like a life long learning experience, starting very slowly at first?
Thank you for the support!
My son from another mother (she's in the Wirral and gets SAD) spent lockdown in Spain: Malaga and surrounds and then Ibiza. Now he's in Zanzibar. I could not live with your winters. Sometimes ours are too long, too!
I hope you can work it out and glad the young one gets it.
This mother is doing it right! I've been through the SAD thing, and it was a major factor in my move 5 years ago.
Thank you for the support :)
😀
You may want to explore this, although your nuts may struggle with: Estonia has introduced a VISA for remote workers. Yes, they’re Schengen but will still require residence. So there’s not that much liberty it.
A bonus would be that they’re one of the most advanced IT nations in the EU currently, and blockchain is a real thing already for them.
I have read about that Visa and think it can be sorted online too. First I'll try with my dirty English passport, I'm confused but hopeful.
Estonia is nice for a visit, but does get a bit chilly in the winter. And as for the language, hmm!
Good luck with your spanish course, I'm sure that you're a fast learner! As in matters of love, we don't always get it right but the experience will help you a lot in the future. The Asher of today is different from yesterday's Asher. I'm sure that each person will eventually find the right match and in love everything, including effort, is reciprocated.
Moving in Spain looks like a great idea, I wish you to succeed!
!ENGAGE 20
Thank you!
So far the course has been excellent, and free!
41 years and counting :)
Thank you very much for the positive comment Mary!
Always my pleasure!
ENGAGEtokens.Good luck to you on your move to Spain. I hope everything works out for you to get it done by year end. Take care.
Thank you very much :)
Sounds like you are setting yourself for some amazing changes. If you move to Spain or Portugal, I feel the chances we meet are pretty high, I plan to visit some Hivesters there as soon as travel becomes easier.
As for Spanish, man, let's practice together. I'm super swamped with everything but I still wanna learn a few phrases a week. I've been joining the Open mic at Natural Medicine every Wednesday and it's all Venezuelans so it doubles up as a Spanish lesson for me.
We have the Hive Cross Culture Community now, if you'd like to post about your language learning, interest or experiences in other countries, experiences with culture shock or post something bilingual. We got a ton of spanish speakers in the discord and so a few spanish learners could help us populate the Spanish/English room
Great :)
I've not met a Hiver(or ex Steemian) in a a year or two now and a meet would really boost my feeling for the project again.
That and the Hive Cross Culture community sound like they could both help me pick up a more Spanish - thanks!
Welcome welcome, I've been working day and night on it these few weeks, I guess I feel the idea fits hive so well I can't let it not happen, I mean half of the fun I've had here is making friends with people from places I had no idea about 🙃
Yes for sure. Although the numbers are relatively small, there are folks from all over - keeps it interesting :)
If Spain doesn't work out because of the EU Brexit thing, I highly recommend Albania. I hope you get to where you're supposed to be in the end. I know all too well what it feels like when your passport doesn't match where you feel at home.
I've got my heart set on Spain but will certainly consider other options if it doesn't work out. Thanks for stopping by :)
Enjoy learning new things, 2020 is over and done with....lost! Rather than feeling down, get out of dodge and start somewhere you will be happy. Good luck and have fun on new ventures!
2020 has been a rollercoaster for sure, let's hope 2021 can just be a better effort!
Good for you!!! Life is too short to not love it!
!tip
Indeed it is. I'm full speed ahead on trying to make the most of it!
Thank you for the tip!
🎁 Hi @abh12345! You have received 0.1 HIVE tip from @dswigle!
Check out @dswigle blog here and follow if you like the content :)
Sending tips with @tipU - how to guide.
Changes are exciting
I am trying not to get too excited as it's not final yet. Fingers crossed though!