Its been a long time since ive written anything on my blog, this does feel strange.
I remember why i use to sit down and write my blogs when i was away visiting/living in a few amazing corners of the world. It was a companion, it was therapy to sit down and write about my adventures and thoughts. I feel now that i dont have much to write about as im back in my home country just movin on as normal.
So what has been happening. So i left NZ and went back to living at my parents house. This was the start of the many low point to come by the way.
It took me months to get back into work as you may or may not know that the UK has had a big recession. When i did find work it was over very shortly and i was left to get back to manual labour to earn my crust. Nothing wrong with working hard for money but it wasnt the career direction i had in mind.
Then, from the many emails and phone calls, from weeks of dilegently applying for jobs, i had a phone call. I had been selected for an interview for a shop fitting company based outside of Bristol in Somerset. I needed to make big changes, drastic changes. Like the ones id made before i went away. Like the ones that made me go away and see amazing countries and to test myself.
I drove down to this industrial estate near Highbridge, some 30 minutes further along the M5 from Bristol. My interview was fantatstic and b oth the CEO and my line manager were good to talk to.
I was offered the job on the spot and i have now been working there for a year.
I travel across the uk and europe surveying building to fit large sport shops in for various sporting brands. I have a hand in designing the stores, their shoe or clothing walls and also coordinating the install. Its a demanding job and its very fast paced but i do enjoy it and its providing me with a good wage.
So this job has me located in one of the most amazing cities in the world in my opinion.
I live in the Redland area of Bristol, not far from Whiteladies Rd. I live in a shared house with 9 other people!! It sounds crowded but honestly it couldnt be better. I live with some awesome people and everyone gets on really well.
Since moving in ive me the most amazing woman. i tell her i love her everyday. Her name is Colette and we are really in love. We have big plans for everything but we never seem to have the money to do it! sjes looks after me and i try my best to lok after her. Shes a very strong lady and we make a good team. We're looking to get our own place soon so im really excited i get to have her all to myself in our own places. And i can have my own bike shed in the garden!!
Being in Bristol does have its perks. The place is a party town. Ive had some amazing nights out with new friends and old. Im also surrounded by brilliant riding locations in almost every direction.
I regularly ride at Ashton Court and the other woodlands near by but also Forest of Dean does get some use out of it. Im looking to take part in as many races as possible but im stuggling to find the time with Colette as im now signed up to X amount of weddings and parties etc. There just is'nt enough time to go and do everything!!
Im planning on racing some long XC rides but mainly id like to ride some of these enduro style events. I think i could do ok at those. Im doing alot of miles on the road bike too so im feeling strong. The mendips are providing a strong training ground for both the MTB stuff and the Road. Ill be entering the Bristol Belter which is a 70 mile road sportive. I cant wait for it as it will be just in time for the ramp up before a series of rces in Sept./Oct time.
But all of this has come at a price. Ive slightly been neglecting my good friends back in the shire so ill be making the trip back to see them soon which is going to be fun.
Ok well thats all ive got to say right now. Ive got some bits and pieces to put together for some weird content for anyone reading this to sink into.
Ill keep you posted!
Cheers,
TD
