little_h's big dreams :)

Shoe_Gal

Fab news on the dress - amazing bargain

little_h_2

LittleBoots, what a small world! I have to say I am not a fan of Chelmsford, but quite like Colchester which is where I live now I am about 5 miles out of town but used to live right near the centre which was great.

I cried spectacularly all over my ex hubby in the middle of the main shopping bit of Chelmsford the very first time I went there, as a lady in a recruitment agency was nasty to me! It was a very traumatic move down from Manchester, really didn't want to leave so think it was more about that tbh :rotfl:

I had a lovely weekend. Had a lazy morning on Saturday and then hoofed off to do a wedding in the afternoon. I had plans with my dad for Sunday afternoon but he wasn't feeling too bright so cancelled. This suited well as I really was bushed yesterday. So eventually got out of bed at 10am, sloped about until midday and then went in the shower, scrubbed and polished both me and the shower and then did a bit of housework.

The rest of the day passed with a mix of housework and relaxation, it was lovely and just what I needed. I feel well rested today, have got today and tomorrow in the office and then Wednesday and Thursday at home, then a lovely long weekend So am planning some crashing and bashing to get everything out of the downstairs bathroom ready for dad to come and swap the fittings over.

I am in a dilemma (well of course! wouldn't be me otherwise!) as I have seen a beautiful electric harp for sale. It is smaller than mine by quite a long way and would be perfect for doing some different styles of stuff especially with my harp buddy. I really want to start working with some bands and it would be great for that.

Mum has hinted there is a little money to come from my granny and I think it will be enough for the harp. Even if it isn't, my earnings from the next few weddings will cover it. However this has to be balanced against stuff that needs doing on the house, and debt clearance.

It is my age old problem of seeing something really worthwhile, really wanting it, being able to justify it in all manner of ways but fundamentally not being able to afford it outright so borrowing for it. So am thinking very hard indeed.

Other than that, I have had an idea to start up a social event in my town for people who don't really know anyone else. I am not sure how it will go down so need to do a bit more research but I am excited about the possibilities.

I have also found a couple of gigs I would like to go to in an attempt to get myself out and about and to listen to more live music (with a view to doing more modern stuff myself). Bit nervous about going on my own but also don't want to miss out on what I think will be a couple of great bands - one in particular is really appealing to me so have put it in the diary and will get a ticket after payday :j Suddenly I feel like I can do it and make things happen and 'go to the mountain' as it were

LittleBoots

It took me a while to settle into Chelmsford but after the first year I just loved it! I was there for a visit last year and there has been a lot of revamping going on, hope to visit again this year sometime.

The social event thing is a fabulous idea, I am part of a few from meetup.com and you soon find that there are a lot of peopel in the same boat for whatever reason so I am sure it would be a success.

You obviously have bigger and bigger plans regarding your harp, if you are serious about seeing them through (and it sounds like you are) then it would probably be worth finding the money for the electric one. Even though I hate cliches etc, you usually manage to find a way of affording these important things without burning the plastic

burntfingers_2

Little-h your recent postings on your diary are so much more positive and I am so glad that you are getting out and about.

Like littleboots said if you are meant to have this harp, opportunitues will arise and you will find that you will be able to afford it without adding it onto the plastic.

A friend of mine who is also a spiritualist said to me if ever you are in doubt about something you can ask for help from the 'universe'. But also to look out for the sublime messages etc...a song playing on the radio etc....finding a car parking space when it feels like that everyone and his dog is looking for one, she told me that I should ask for guidance everyday. It may work for you, it may not. It depends on your beliefs etc.

I am a spiritualist and believe that things happen which will open doors if it is meant to be.....:) one example of this was that I was talking to a colleague at work who was trying so very hard to meditate but felt really sick whilst doing so. We were discussing various things that were upsetting her and a song came on the radio bascially saying 'look at the bigger picture'. I had told her about these subliminal messages and to take more notice of what was going on around her at the time...I pointed this out and then she just smiled and said that it all made sense....:)

Keep thinking positively and well done on the flamboyant dress instead of the stuffy suit.....I wonder how many other women thought I wish I had done that.....:)

choogirl

Hi little-h

Sorry for not posting for a while

You're posts do sound alot more positive, its lovely to hear.

As for the harp situation I can empathise with the been able to justify it to myself without actually been able to really afford it.

Could you maybe leave it for now and then think about it again at a later date?

I like the idea of getting a £700 dress for £2, I never see offers for things like that.

Take care xx

little_h_2

thanks everyone. The harp is a genuine bargain and the owner is emigrating soon so wants it gone before she goes. In 3 years of harping (well, second time round!) I have never seen a second hand one like this come up. So it is a tough old choice!

BF I don't think I would describe myself as spiritualist but am also one who looks for signs and symbols everywhere so I think I can relate to what you are saying.

I play games with traffic lights (that sounds so wrong) - a bit like LittleBoots and flipping a coin, I will say something like "If it's meant to be, I will get through this light while it's still on green" and see how I feel if it's red. Surprising how many relationship/big decisions I have made based on that (I'm not sure I should really be admitting to this, makes me sound proper bonkers!)

Had a very hard counselling session last night. A lot of stuff to do with ex fiance which wasn't very pleasant to talk about. There are a few things going on behind the scenes which I am getting some help with thank goodness, but it is not a nice time and there are a lot of emotional things tied up with that.

But as I have said before, the walls may be shaking but the foundations are still strong, so I will be OK. There may need to be a change of username and possibly a new diary so will keep you all posted.

Financially I am working on goals with the end of the year in mind as my initial focus. I would like to have moved house by the end of the year so am going to ask for this to happen and get everything in motion for this. I was pressuring myself and rushing to get things done over Easter but this won't happen while my dad is healing. As long as the interest rates don't shoot up overnight my money is under control.

I can start my new SOA very soon so will have more put aside to deal with big annual bills and vet bills, this will help me feel a bit more comfortable.

I have today in the office with a very big frog to eat (have been reading Firewalker's diary - have got the frog book but didn't find it very useful, however I will revisit it!) then Weds and Thurs working from home with the dog.

The dress arrived and it is very fabulous indeed - haven't tried it on yet but hope to do so later :j

Wordsmith

Can I poke my oar in re the harp. I'd say if you can afford it (i.e. if it just lengthens the time for paying off your debt, rather than going into more) and you really want it - go for it. Think of it as an investment - if you get really stuck down the line, you can always sell it on.

little_h_2

thanks Wordsmith, it does make sense in lots of ways and is certainly an investment maybe I am having another LBM with the realisation that while I am supposedly focussed on debt busting, in reality I have increased my debt over the last year by quite a lot.

Mostly for valid/sensible/long term non-depreciating purchases. But have still increased it!

I added up my assets today - harp and associated bits (not including music :eek: or strings!), car, bikes. And added what I have spent on the house since I bought it, which comes straight off what I have to give my ex hubby should I buy him out. And it matches the total debt I have. I feel a little more comfortable about this.

Firstly if I had to sell the bikes , I could. I could downgrade my car if necessary (and if I didn't drive so many miles for work/family, I would). I could downgrade my harp if I got really in the poo .

But I also have to be honest. If the interest rates go back up to 5% and I have not reduced the amount I pay out on debts, I will be very stuck indeed. So it's all very well being able to justify the debts in all sorts of ways, but if I can't repay them then it doesn't matter why they were incurred!

I realised this morning - I need to reclaim some money from the tax man as I have paid my accountancy subscription from my own money in recent years and this should come off my tax code. This year it was kindly paid for by work. It's not thousands but would go nicely towards the harp or in the rainy day pot.

little_h_2

oh my goodness me :eek:

I have just spoken to my mum about a few things and have had some news which means that my life is going to change in a fairly big way.

This definitely means a new diary will be starting very soon! :j and I have chosen my new username as well. Watch this space!

Wordsmith

Don't keep us in suspense for too long! From your post, it seems like it is a Good Thing and not a rubbish thing. Best wishes, whatever it is.