Two weeks to go

In two weeks time I will come to work at Volvo for the last time. I will do the M5/M42/M40 commute for the last time. I will see a lot of friends for the last time.

I expect I will keep in touch with most of them via email, but realistically I know I probably won't meet up with any of them again. We've very rarely seen each other socially in the past five years because I live in Birmingham, and they all live in Coventry or Leamington, so even if I do come back for a weekend, I doubt I'll see them.

In two weeks and three days I start my new job. My commute will be ten minutes instead of 45-60 minutes, which means I'll regain about eight hours of my life back every week. That's a hell of a lot when you think about it. It is also going to save me a lot in petrol and general wear and tear on my car.

There are significant down sides to the new job, at least in the short term. Lou is going to be stuck in Birmingham looking after the kids on her own from Monday to Friday. She is handing her notice in on Monday, but will have to work until Christmas. In the meantime I will be staying with Lou's Mum and Dad during the week, and travelling back to Brum at weekends. It is going to take a lot of getting used to.

The idea of getting about eight extra hours of free time a week has got me thinking. I shouldn't take it for granted. I have been doing the commute between Birmingham and Warwick (previously Coventry) for five years now. I should make the most of these eight hours and make an effort to use them. I will have to think of something to do with the spare time.

Tomorrow we are going up to Chester to visit Lou's parents and we are taking the opportunity to have a look around some houses that are available in and around Blacon. I'm not sure there is much point in looking at houses yet, as we will not be in a position to buy for several months, but it will give us an idea of what is on the market.