Learn to control money but do not allow it to control you

thriftyscotslass

One saying that helps me when I get analysis paralysis is this one:

"Just keep doing the next right thing".

I hope you are able to enjoy your nice hotel FW - does it have a pool or a Sauna that you could go to relax in?

Firewalker

Good evening, my friends. I am back home - after three days in Rome. It was nice (no sauna or pool, but a nice garden and wonderful coffee) but I did also find it rather hard. Rome is so different from what I am used to seeing in the past, in fact the very near past (January this year). There are too many people sleeping rough, too many people basking and begging and too much offensive stink. It is amazing how fast poverty - proper hopless, no future, poverty - sets in and changes the place. People also look different - Romans are serious and concerned at the moment.

Now I have so much writing to do during this weekend that the brink of panic is a step away. There is one thing to keep it at bay - action. I'll stop from time to time but if I don't write here do not worry - it only means I am getting on with the pre-US writing.

Does anyone know whether the registration thing (forgot the name but have it from last year) is kept on record or I will be expected to have a document to show?

Firewalker

greenbee

ESTA is online and lasts for 2 years. If you have the reference or a copy it can be useful but I CBA!

I'm off to Orlando on Monday for a week. What's your schedule?

Firewalker

Greenbee, I knew you will know this one. I have no recollection of the ESTA reference (what is CBA). What if I turn up at the Airport - can they find me by my name?

As to schedule, I am off to Atlanta for six days on Tuesday.

Look after self.

Firewalker

greenbee

CBA - can't be bothered.

They don't look you up, I think it's linked to your passport automatically.

I hope the weather will have calmed down by Tuesday. If I get online on time I'll let you know how Monday's flight goes! Luckily its work, so it's BA business class and OH is sharing a double pod with me so we can be scared by the turbulence together

savingwannabe

Glad greenbee could help. Yikes this flying malarkey sounds quite scary. Glad i only have to walk to work!

thriftyscotslass

Glad you are back safe FW although Rome doesn't sound good.

Good luck to both you and Greenbee - hope you both get your work done without too much stress and that your flights across the pond aren't too bumpy. Take care.

Firewalker

Today turned out to be an interesting one. I got up at 7 (early for Saturday) and then did some writing. But interestingly, having resigned myself to spending all my day working and not seeing much of my loved ones I did manage to do it all.

The weekly food shop was done - £55 and this includes three bottles of really nice wine (this will last us over a month) and a joint of lamb for tomorrow. It is DS1's birthday and this was his wish. I think lamb is over-rated. Too expensive and too fatty, and acidic or something. Anyway, this was done. The good news is that even with these extravagance we are in line with the budgeting.

Then at about 5 we went for a walk/play to the local park. DS3 has a rib-stik which is a kind of skate board. He is so good on it, unbelievable. I walked and he talked to some proper sisters with baggy jeans. I am not buying him any!

We have had lunch and it is time for New Tricks.

Good night.

Firewalker

savingwannabe

DS3 sounds hysterical. I remember when a skaterboy tried to teach me how to use his board way back at university. I was pants!!!

Good on you.

thriftyscotslass

I think the baggy jeans and the fashion for having your undies showing is hilarious. I have such a strong urge to go and pull their jeans up for them - so far I have managed to keep my mothering instincts under control :rotfl:. BTW I'd love to be a skateboarder-dude too .