Hello friends, please allow me to introduce myself.

First of all, I'm super excited to join Steemit and make my first ever post. I've been waiting for a meritocratic platform such as this to share my thoughts and stories with the world. I'm new to cryptocurrency and see this platform as a great way to learn the intricacies from fellow steemians.

My name is Ian, I'm 46 years old and have been married for 20 years next month. I have two step children who have flown the nest and are now in their 20s and a 4yr old step grand-daughter. I live with my wife Kelly and our dog Syd in Wigan, which is situated in the North West of England in between Manchester and Liverpool. My current employment is caring for my wife, whose life changed dramatically in 2010 (more of this story in future posts). Over the years I have tried many different jobs from administration to floristry; care work to teacher, to chef and more. All of my previous jobs kept me interested for a little while before the need for change set in and off I went to find another avenue. I have never been career minded, unlike my wife Kelly who fought hard to get through the higher education system to become a teacher and manager. I like to think of myself as an expert on nothing and a learner of anything. We both love rugby league and like to switch off by watching our favourite team Wigan Warriors.

We've been through a lot over the last 20yrs, from near death experiences, African adventure and nervous breakdown; to homelessness, life on the road and more. I'll be sharing our experiences and the lessons we've learned over the years. I'm also going to be sharing the platform with Kelly who after 7yrs of living in a pharmaceutical haze is now getting clear again and will be sharing her wonderful new poetry with you all.

Like all of us I was born an anarchist but unlike most of us I stayed an anarchist. Time away from full time employment over the past few years has allowed me to research the workings of this crazy world in which we live and I will be making comments and posts about the deep geopolitical matters of this time as I wake up more everyday. To counter this, there will be more light-hearted contributions such as our favourite healthy recipes, photographs, tips and ideas to be healthy and happy.

Soon we hope to travel europe in a motorhome so there may well be a travel blog in the pipeline (watch this space).

We hope our story will help others who have had similar experiences and we hope that you will follow us and help us as we experience the next chapter in this journey through life.

Love everyone,

Ian & Kelly AKA 'STEEMONKEY'.