Relationships. To embrace the cliche - no man is an island. Nobody exists in a vacuum. When you accept someone into your life, you do so in the knowledge that they have had a life before you - and in my case, he has lived 27 years before he met me. He has a life, habits, friends and family that all exist outside of (and indeed before) his love for me came into being.

One of the important things about a relationship, is the ability of each partner to "fit" into the life of the other. This will involve some compromise on each side. I will give up coffee, if he will give up sushi (I'm joking here Paya) - sometimes by necessity, some with have to "fit in" more than others. In my case, I plan to move out to the Czech Republic, so it is very much a case that I am "fitting in" to Paya's life, much more than he is fitting into mine.

There is however, in many relationships, an obstance that can hinder the creation of a successful partnership. There are three words that can make a man's balls retreat back up into his body faster than you can say "boo". Those words are... "Mother-in-law".

Not me. My "Mother in law" has made me feel so welcome. Like a long lost son she has greeted me, accepted me into her home. She has tolerated me taking over her kitchen to make a traditional Christmas Dinner. She has insisted on ironing some of my clothes over my strong objections

My sister in law too has welcomed me like a second brother. She made me a Christmas Card that brought tears to my eyes. I am not a demonstrative or emotional person, but I was overwhelmed by their spirit and generosity. I had many many presents under the tree - it felt just like home.

And that is important - because moving out here, I need to feel like I am "fitting in" and accepted. I need to feel embraced, becuase leaving my own family will be hard. I feel very much like I am gaining a new family. Although nothing can replace my own mum and my friends and family in England - i have a very worthy and welcoming substitute here in the Czech Republic.

Moving out here will be ahrd. It is still some time away, but it is much easier to know that when I eventually move here, I will have not only my boyfriend, but a whole family out here to support me.

I feel really and truely blessed.

Now, what do you think my chances are of convincing the entire Czech nation to take on English as their first language? You see, while i am sitting here now I am meant to be studying Czech. Instead I am writing a blog entry. I have never been very good at languages. I have a passable high school grade in French. I understand a smattering of latin where it is scripture based. Otherwise I am lost with Languages. My brain is just not wired that way. But you know what? That means I dont give up. That just means I have to work MUCH MUCH HARDER to make up for my lack of natural talent. Though....... maybe I need some motivation..... (Paya.... that is a hint....)

Anyway.... sorry for the rambling post. Im not sure how best to express to you all how blessed I feel. Im ... well... a little overwhelmed and this is pretty much the only outlet I have to do so.

West