I’ve always loved Spain – my brother lived in Estepona 25 years ago – and have had a dream of living in the hills with views over the sea where I can grow my own fruit and vegetables and perhaps even have some hens for fresh eggs. To be able to be away from people – I’m a bit of an introvert and am very happy with my own company – but to be close enough to a town so I can join in with group activities if I feel the need. Having brought up my daughter and being recently separated from my husband, it’s time for me to do something for me. To make my 50’s happy and healthy.
Dreaming Estepona
1. Being in the hills away from crowds, gives space to breathe – if you know what I mean?
2. The views are AMAZING – hills to the west and sea in the east – what’s not to love?
My biggest challenge will be physically moving and finding a suitable place to live for me and my wee doggy Clover. Plus, my daughter is still living at home until she goes to Liverpool in September to do her Masters at University. So I need to ensure she has a home to live in until then.
I plan to spend the next few months between Northern Ireland and Spain getting work sorted out and enough of an income to warrant moving over full time.
I’m lucky I can stay with my brother, who moved back to the area two years ago. I have some meeting set up with plastic surgeons and have started networking, so I’m (fairly) confident it won’t take long to get an income started to facilitate my move before too long.
If you want to do it, do it. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
I’m developing and online training program for therapists in my line of work, to expand their knowledge and skills so they can gain confidence in working with post plastic surgery patients. So, a lot of my time is spent putting that together.
I love taking Clover for long walks and doing Pilates and Yoga, of which I don’t do enough.
I used to be good at art so I’d love to get back into it. At present I just don’t have the time. But, once I move, I will make more time to more of the things that make me happy.
I’m extremely grateful for my family. I’m SO proud of my daughter, of the amazing young woman she is becoming. I brought her up myself as a single mum and have always been paranoid that I’m not doing it right. But, I must’ve done alright – she’s kind, compassionate, caring and has a lovely sense of humour. She’s my best achievement!
I’m also proud of what I’ve achieved in my professional life. I’m lucky to have gained a good reputation for doing what can be a difficult job.
Finally, three years ago I travelled to Kerala in India to do Yoga Teacher Training – not to become a yoga teacher but to experience yoga in the place of it’s origin. I spent five weeks there completely immersed in the yoga way of life. It wasn’t easy. But it was the most amazing experience and something I’d do again tomorrow, given the opportunity.
The Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa for their calmness and insight, Gerald Butler simply because he’s nice to look at, Princess Diana because I’d like to know what REALLY happened, my mum because she has travelled extensively and has some wonderful stories and my grandfather because he always listened, then had a funny story to lift a difficult situation.
I’ve sailed across the Atlantic – not many can say that.
You are so beautiful by Joe Cocker – I just love it!
My cocker spaniel, Clover. She fills me with joy, loves unconditionally and is always pleased to see me
Favourite movie: Erin Brockovich – I watched this while I was pregnant and thought what a strong, determined woman she was. My daughter is named after her.
Trust your instinct and intuition, They are NEVER wrong.
My website: www.petraerving.com