The times are a-changing!

The times are achanging, unfortunately not so much in my life as the weather. Every year is a little different at this time, and autumn is normally very slow and subtle. But this last week it changed in a big way, signifying summer is over! Although the lack of people about and restaurants closing early clearly signify the end of season :(

 The weather this week has turned overnight with cloud, rain and cooler temps. But I dont believe it is the end of the warm weather, as once the sun appears it soon warms up. I am reluctant to get the winter clothes out and am resisting as long as possible to put the duvets back on the beds!

Last year, the summer stayed for a long time and we were on the beach well into October but this year appears to be different. Many people say we dont really have an autumn as this change is so subtle, that overnight winter arrives to stay!

 As an english person I should have a natural aversion to rain and cloud but it never really bothered me. And to live in a place with such little rain and grey days is still something that is almost strange to me. This last year we have had such little rain, only about 6 days have we had any sight of rain and that was always short-lived. I start to crave something different from sunshine and blue sky! We were desperate for rain, I was craving to see the rain fall and then last week it did, it really came down. It was so refreshing and renewing somehow, and instead of making me down it lifted me.

Something I really miss from home is the proper changing of the seasons. When I was living there, it was something I didnt look forward to, the dark and cold nights. But now I miss it, especially the changing of the trees. Here, because we dont have the same type of trees and mostly because the temperature changes so slowly and subtley we dont not get the beautiful colours in the trees and I really miss it, more than ever. But its not just the trees, I am missing home, I have not been 'home' in over 3 years as much as I want to go, I have not been able to.

The day has arrived!!

So today is the first of September, a time of new starts, the arrival of a new season. 
And today was a day I have been waiting for, for a long time, seems like years but is probably only months that I have finally been able to replace my old man, no not my husband, but my outdated, tired laptop.  I dont have a lot of gadgets, so I am very excited to have my new toy!  But it means so much more than a toy,

1. Increased productivity - instead of spending hours waiting for things to load, pages to change, I will actually feel like Im getting stuff done and will be able to achieve more.  This also works well alongside 'back to school'  and being child-free for the first time, almost ever! 

2. Chance to keep in touch1 - this comes in two ways, I once again have mobile internet, which means more time to chat and email with people, instead of being tied to a desk!!  Also now I can skype, my old man had given up the camera and microphone so that was a no-no.

Chance to keep in touch2 - my husband who is currently working away at another part of Portugal will be able to see the children and they can talk to him 'face to face' - very important.

3. Reduced phone bills due to the renewed ability to skype call

4.  Income potential - new computer means more avenues and possibilites to make money,

It may not seem much to some people or some people may think Im putting too much on a new computer but for as much as we rely on our 'gadgets', now they are our lifelines for keeping in touch, making money and new business and networking more and more.  Also for me being an expat in a non-english speaking country, I rely on it that much more.  And lastly as a remote worker, it is essential for my work with Tots.

Why I love September!

Why do I love September?  September is the changing of times for many parents and other people.  It signifies the end of summer, through the end of holidays and the cooling of the days.  September, I would imagine when the job markets start to buzz after everyone has had their holidays.  September is a time for new things, new starts!  A time of change for parents with children starting school, getting used to a new routine of school hours and homework.

For me this September means several things, mostly when all the tourists leave (well the vast majority) and the beaches become quiet, restaurants not overly busy and the supermarket is accessible once again (without trolley-rage).  It also means the temperature becomes more comfortable, still hot but not stupidly hot, although this summer has been quite brezzy and not as hot as previous years, but I have still managed to get sunburnt.  The night become cool and you need to put a cardigan on if outside.

This year is particular significant, as my eldest daughter starts pre-school or what we call in England 'reception' year, to prepare for primary school next september, which is the start of 5 day schooling.  I am also putting my youngest into kindergarten three days a year and for two years we have been together every day!  That will be a wrench for both of us im sure.  To me those are big developments for both my children and one Im sure will bring new situations and worries.

But with them starting school brings me something new, a bit of a break from the constant childcaring and time to do something for myself.  I am going to start to teach english online, carry on with my Tots work and hopefully, start a small business with my husband.  So lots to do for everyone, hopefully a time of positive change and development for all!

September can be a funny time for many as the holidays end, some are pleased to have the kids back at school, but also feel a bit of loss at the family time gone and the long, dull winter ahead of them.  It is definately a time of change, for all parents, some good, some bad, but should be embraced.