My New Life ... — On Becoming an... Outrageous Old Broad

For the past (almost) three years, my “new life” has been about learning how to be a widow, which is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do! So, what do I mean when I say, “My New Life?” in the context of “exciting and new?” I’m not quite sure how I want to say the following, so I’ll just say it. I met a man and I’m now living with him! Thought it best to keep my news simple, instead of a long buildup. For those of you in the Vancouver area, you will be familiar with the area I’m now living in – West Vancouver. So, I not only have to get used to a whole new area, I also need to get used to a new man in my life. I’m still not sure which is the more difficult adjustment. 😊

The last 2 ½ years have been just a titch difficult for me. I’m sure many of you would understand and appreciate some of the adjustments I’ve had to make. I not only had to get used to being a widow (my husband Alex died almost three years ago) and now I’ve taken the big step and moved in with a new man! This move has been difficult for me. I’m not sure why, but I’m not going to dwell on it now. I’m sure that once I feel a little better, I’ll be fine.

Right now, I’m mourning the loss of my doggie Ty. He was with me for almost 15 years and my constant companion. Ty was a real trouper and travelled with Alex and me when we moved to Spain and Mexico. Everyone that met him thought he was quite the little guy… including the new man in my life. It was a shock when I took him to the vet to find out that his liver had stopped working! The only option was to end his suffering; so I signed the papers to end his life. It was all I could do to pick up the pen and write my name. Enough said about that.

Now to the other “issue.” Living with a new man after being with Alex for 40 years is strange, different, sometimes weird and wonderful… all at the same time! It probably would have been easier if I had picked a man that had a like and similar temperament as Alex. However, I didn’t do that. Instead I chose a man that is almost the exact opposite. I have wondered if I did that because there were still a few life lessons for me to learn? It could be that simple. But, it’s not.

This man sees the world in a totally different way than I do (and Alex did). He grew up in a different area (West Vancouver). He had a mother that was in some ways a traditional mother – she baked and cooked, etc. Whereas my Mom was ill for most of my life until she died when I was in my 20s. He has a brother. I have no siblings. He grew up with a certain level of wealth. I didn’t. He was a jock. I loved to read and travel.

And, lastly and maybe most importantly… when I look into his amazing blue eyes, my heart melts. And, when I walk beside him, I must look up at him because he is 6’2” tall, so I feel safe and protected. Plus, his white hair, and the fact I think he’s gorgeous, makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. Enough about his physical attributes… you get the idea, I’m sure. 😊

Before you start thinking, “What is Berit doing with this guy?” I must add that he does have some great character traits. For starters, he is extremely intelligent. I like that, even if, he comes across as a smart ass sometimes. It’s a good thing I’m not intimidated by someone that is extremely bright. In fact, I like it.

Also, he has a good sense of humour, which is great. We have many long and interesting conversations. He does take care of me very well. For example -- he’s the cook (he’s more a chef) so I eat very well. I’ve put on a few pounds and feel better for it.

Having said all that, you may be wondering “What’s the glitch?” Well, I think there’s one very important fact at play here. His wife died about five years ago and he’s lived alone ever since. What that tells me is that he is used to doing things his way. And, of course, many of those “things” aren’t the way I’m used to doing them! Sometimes (more often than I’d like) we clash.

There are many other things I could say… of course there is! I don’t seem capable of keeping anything simple! 😊

However, down to my little cotton socks, I want this new relationship to work! He’s a great guy in so many ways. And I admit quite readily, that I’m not always the easiest person to live with. Having said that, I’m really quite the Outrageous Old Broad, and he will just have to get used to me!

So, that’s the update on my life. One of the things I want to do now is to devote some time and energy to my blog. There are some changes I want to make, so off I go, to do them.

Please stay tuned for those!

P.S. Thank you for listening (reading) about my new life. I’ll keep you posted and hopefully amuse you a bit with how I make out. Oops, I almost forgot… the gentleman’s name is Ken.