Well -here goes everyone -this is the countdown and start of our blog its exactly four weeks tonight that we will just be boarding the plane at Heathrow - none of you will be reading this until we have gone so thought I would share some of the thoughts and feelings I am going through at this time.

Am feeling a bit like Carrie from Sex in the City sat here typing away on the lap top - shame I havent got her money and shall I say sylph like figuire, but what I do have is a wonderful family and a great bunch of friends and who could ask for anything more important in life. In case you are wondering why it says I am on the setteee in Tonga - its becuase it couldnt find Gloucester on the map so thought I would pretend to be somewhere else!!!

As I start to write this I am wondering how much to put on here, I would like to use it to not only share with you all what this means to me but to also write down many of my own experiences and feelings in my life - so we will see how it goes.

Lets start by saying I really can't believe I am actually going - as many of you know one of my very special friends Ang Dix ran away to OZ four years ago, and god how I missed her, we have known each other since Sian & Ryan started Upton Playgroup & Toddlers 19 years ago -when she left I felt as though part of me had left, she was always there for me and hopefully I for her, just down the road, we shared many happy and sad times together. When she left we made a promise that we would always stay in touch and that I would go out when I reached the big "50" -yes I know its hard to believe I am that OLD.

As you all know not only did I reach that milestone age but also Sian reached 21 -so how many mums can go off with their 21 yr old, I not only feel very proud that I am able to share this experience with her but am delighted that I have 2 beautiful, successful daughters along with a very supportive husband - I do feel a bit sad that we all can't be sharing this experience but Jeff & Megan really didnt want to do the journey - and probably know what it would be like when I was back with Ang & Sian with Ryan - but we will be in constant touch with them and I know you will all look after them for us.

Ok think I made a good start - so will start the blog countdown.

This week has not been too good really - I have had a strange virus with shall we say a very upset tummy (putting it politely) and poor Sian failed her first attempt at her driving test, so we are both feeling a bit down in the dumps - so are trying to buck ourselves up by starting to plan a few more things, we have spoken to Ang who has booked lots of holidays whilst we are over there and have started planning some of our road trips, we have entered all our details on the BA web site and are now looking for a nice hotel in Singapore. We had a lovely night out for Megans birthday and its great to see her so happy and enjoying time with James, its so nice she has found someone who treats her how she deserves to be treated like my little princess.

I am starting to feel a bit panicky about work and wonder if I will ever get time to sort my e-mails and click memos bfore I go, I am sure Faye, John & Helen will get me organised, life has been so busy at work lately and I never seem to be able to get on top of things - feel a bit guilty about having time off now when things are so up in the air but hopefully I will come back re-freshed and ready for the new challenges that lie ahead, I know the Partners have always know I planned to go but really appreciate them letting me go in the current situation. (Thanks Rob if you ever do look at this)

Sian has given her notice at the Country Club and is still at the pub but not really enjoying it but working hard for the money. I know she will miss not being here for the last Hartpury Summer Ball and also miss the girlies, but will have lots to tell them when she does get back I know she will have a great time with Ryan Ash & Gem over in OZ - just hope her cousin Marie doesnt manage to talk her in to staying - I don't know what I would be like if she did want to stay - prob just how Auntie Jane feels without Marie here. But even though she is my baby I want her to enjoy everything and experience (almost) everything in life as she can - because as we all know life is for living!!!!!!

Think I have waffled enough now - and am off to bed I will finish by saying sorry to all of you at work if I am driving you mad - and just incase you don't know - I have now gone!!!!!

Lots of Love

Teresa & Sian

p.s Jeff & Meg -please look after each other and ring if you need help