June 2010, 80 payments to go............

tootallulah

Back to hellish jet lag which is something that definitely gets worse as you get older!

My first presentation of the work place re-organisation today which is the start of about eight months of change management. Difficult times for many people, I am not looking forward to the next few months.

Because of rather poor management of my holidays, although I am just back from a work trip I am off to France for a few days next week. All things money saving and weight losing is off until June now. The major thing is not to put weight on and not to be overdrawn.

[Deleted User]

Mornin toots!
Holiday sounds lovely as does the next one!!
good luck with the money/wt loss goals (have just joined ww online so shall have to pick your brains on motivational tips! )
Change at work sounds tough- seems like there is a lot of it going around in all kinds of areas....job market feels nothing like it did a few years ago ..hmm...still count ourselves lucky we have one I spose!

tootallulah

Things are becoming clearer for me I had "a VERY big talk" with my boss yesterday. By October I will know whether my major project for the next four years is going ahead (her decision). I will have a job even if it does not, but I will not want to stay without the project. I know that I am lucky to have the choice but in some ways this is the kick that I need to make changes in my life, rather than playing at it.

I have booked the Estate agent to value my flat and get it on the market.

I have booked an intensive driving course in Norfolk in October.

I have admitted all the bits of debt from my house improvements, some on credit cards others on the overdraft £3800 in total (BLOOMING HECK) all now on 0%. I have closed all of my credit cards but one plus the 0% one. This debt is on standing order to be paid off by July 2012.

I will not leave without a job to go to or consultancy booked in and it will take me a long time to get an equivalent role (if at all). However if I am not loaded with mortgage/debts etc I could work part-time or in a less demanding job which I would like.

Paying off my debts, and keeping the mortgage coming down are my priorities. Selling the flat is important as that should leave me with about £40-50k on my house mortgage, depending on the London market. I want to be in a position to leave in October 2012 if I have to, with a car and a mortgage of less than £50k.

I am getting together my contacts etc as I think that for a couple of years after leaving I can get consultancy work and that will keep me going. I am completely energised by what could have been devastating news, it makes me sure that I am really ready to move on but with a bit of luck it will be on my terms, and to my timetable.

I haven't told anyone except you lot, odd but I don't want anyone in the real world's opinions, people here get work life balance much more than most of my friends, that is often why we are paying off mortgages. For my friends this would be the chance to go for a really big job but I know that is not what I want. Excuse the long post. I am excited and a bit weird feeling if you know what I mean.

museumworker

All sounds very exciting and very big! But also like you've come to some key decisions that were holding you back, particularly the flat I'm thinking of. No wonder you feel more energised. Great to hear you so positive. We are undergoing a review at the minute, which will more than likely lead to job losses, but I have just about got my head round it and stopped worrying. Will find out around November.

I do hope you get the go ahead with your 4 year project, it sounds very interesting. But if not, it sounds like you have a great plan up your sleeve anyway. And fingers crossed with the sale of the flat. How many valuations are you going to get?

Also, have been toying with idea of intensive driving lessons too. Have looked at a few places online, but want to wait until migraines under control as otherwise could be a washout. Have you got one on recommendation? And is it reasonable?

tootallulah

Hi Museumworker, sadly the driving course is NOT reasonable. I am seeing it as a holiday and so have put my holiday fund together with some savings, it is close to £2000! However, I just need to get driving this year and I cannot cope with work and lessons, too stressful. I just cannot leave at a certain time for lessons my work is too unpredictable.

No spending day yesterday, there's a rare thing, and there should be another today. I had a very productive day yesterday and I have a very tidy flat, just need to clean it all now. I do however have a hillock of ironing and at some point I need to start sorting out my clothes for the summer.

tootallulah

I was very productive yesterday, the washing and ironing is up to date, I did a lot of clearing and cleaning and also cleaned the fridge and the oven. It was a no spending day and whilst clearing out the bathroom cupboard I found a £20.00 note.

I have estate agents (2) coming round tonight and one on Wednesday so I will know a ball park figure for the flat. On Mouse wotsit it says £210,000 looking at real prices I think £160-180k, we shall see. I will price it to sell.

[Deleted User]

Well done on your productive day and the money find- always fab when you find unexpected money!
Good luck with the estate agents - hoping to be doing the same in a couple of weeks!
Sounds like things are heading in a positive and productive direction for ya!

greent

Hello!

Hope the EAs valued it at a good figure. How exciting all these things happening are - I love your diary - always lots going on!

Hope you are having a lovely time in France at the moment xx

MatyMoo

*creeps out of lurkedom*

I was staying with my pal who has now lived in the US for 10 years & we had the discussion about portion sizes. She says that they fully expect you to ask for a doggybag and for the serving to do you 2 meals. That sort of made sense to me, but not very helpful if you are on holiday without access to a fridge.

Looks like there are lots of changes afoot for you this year with putting the flat on the market and looking to the future employment wise. I am being made redundant this year and really hope to be able to address the work/life balance issue.

*sneaks back off again*

tootallulah

Hello all good to see you, looking through fingers at lurking Matymoo-hello to you too. France was absolutely lovely: quiet roads, pretty house, good friends and a lot of laughs and chats as we were only there for three days there was no time for anyone to get on anyone else's nerves. I feel as if I have been away for much longer.

I am back on the real diet and also on a money diet which involves only buying fruit, veg and milk and living out of the freezer. I have £300 left for June so the countdown starts properly tomorrow to see if I can survive. I am living on what I would have in retirement and using all the rest for mortgage and debt. It will be good for me!

Spends today £11.42. WW points 33.