NTBY's sensible living and debt busting adventure

Nottoobadyet

Yay visitors! Visitors wanting to talk about holidays! My favourite.

Well holidays are sort of lagging on the planning because of OH's job situation - if he gets a job in August, we dont know if hed be able to take time off in October etc. We'll see.

Anyway the number one choice at the moment is Nepal, where hes been before and has always wanted to go back. I've never been and everyone says its fantastic, especially for the trekking things we like doing. Philippines are still on the cards, but its not quite as cheap as Nepal so it'd be a second choice really. I would still love to go though - many people I know say they think its the most beautiful country in Asia. Maybe we'll just fly to Bangkok then decide from there - cheap flights are easily available once you get there but generally cant be booked from abroad.

So sad that you lost track of your friend - its hard to keep in touch when people leave the country. Can you find her on Facebook?

Nottoobadyet

Not many updates from NBTY land. My passport was sent back to America to be renewed (the embassy sends it back then sends it to you when it arrives), and of course has been stuck there for ages because no post is coming! Great, trapped on this island for a bit...

OH has gone to several interviews with companies but hardly anyone is hiring. He has another one tomorrow, but like most of the others its a chat with the HR department rather than for a specific job. Still, better than nothing I guess.

Nottoobadyet

OK, I'll be honest, Im feeling a bit down. I'll be squeezing £300 (!!) out of next months budget and £250 (!!!) out of this month just to pay for most of the fillings I need. So frustraiting. And wont even fix the ugly wonky tooth in the front which makes me too shy to smile in pictures, that will be another £650 or so!

I am determined to keep up my big monthly payment though - my spreadsheets say I'll be DF in September if I keep it up, and I dont want to push that back.

So, in May I will try my best to do the following:

• Keep transport costs to a minimum by walking to work as much as possible, both ways!
• Keep the grocery bill down. Im joining the GC for the first time, hope its not too scary, those OSers can be hard core!
• Keep up with not buying work lunches / having nights in rather than out
• Exploit free / cheap entertainment - already have one free music night booked for next week with the BBC audiences, and its Globe season again so back to £5 tickets!

Dont really know what else to do, TBH... any ideas?

Nottoobadyet

Sad start to the day My little sister rang me up on skype to let me know that the family dog died this morning. Really sad as she was quite young and much loved, but had been suffering from epelepsy, which had recently gotten much worse. They had tried to manage it as best they could, but I guess it was too much for her. Very sad as my dad and sister were very attached to her.

Our much older and similarly much loved dog died last year, though not as suddenly. I havent lived at home for years and only visit very sporaticaly, so every time something like this happens it reminds me how long its been since I've really been home.

slowlyfading

it's so hard when a family pet dies. sending some (((HUGS))) your way xx

Nottoobadyet

Thanks so much for the hugs! Poor doggie

slowlyfading

how are you feeling today?

Nottoobadyet

I'm feeling a bit better, thanks. I got out during the day a bit to take my mind off, then got back to find my sister had written a really sweet eulogy on her livejournal. Back to the sobs then!

Sort of the scary bit about it is that they only bought this dog as a puppy, after I left home, and I've only seen her twice in her 6 year life. Thats the same number of times Ive seen my dad in person in that time, and once more than Ive seen my sister. The distance certainly has improved what were once very strained relationships and living abroad has made my life fantastic, but its still a lot of time that you dont get back that Im not spending with the little family I have.

Not sure what to do with all these thoughts.

Nottoobadyet

Feeling better today - very productive, in fact. Had a lunch meeting with volluntary work people, did some gardening, made a grocery list, went grocery shopping. Now back at home, writing to my auntie, and will do some more volluntary stuff tonight. Also going to attempt fajitas.... yum! (hopefully...)

slowlyfading

Glad you're feeling better and enjoy the fajitas!