Gallygirl's "A journey of 121,226.67 pounds begins with a single penny" diary

CathT

Just catching up gg. Great to see you are 'living the dream' and continue to have a fab diary!

gallygirl

"Blows tumbleweed off diary and slinks back in" .

Oh dear, I have neglected this haven't I .

So, since I last posted we've had three weeks in the US - two and a bit fab weeks and a bit not so fab - both Mr GG and I under the weather (probably from scurvy as fresh veg seem to be hard to find in the US :eek:).

Came back to an almost completed kitchen which is now done and I love it :T.

Also had a trip back to the UK - too chuffing cold and expensive so won't be doing that again in a hurry .

Finally we were away for five nights over Christmas - em, a slightly different image of Spain to where we live :eek:. We had a good time but won't be back there!

So, now I need to decide what to do with my diary. Having read GoldieGirl's yesterday I did think I would retire my diary also, however I do have a lot I want to achieve and this makes me more accountable so I'm afraid you're stuck with me for the time being . Will think about 2017 goals, will probably add to them over the next few days.

Debsnewbudget

So glad you are back
Looking forward to reading more

gallygirl

2017 Goals

Financial

• Keep to our fairly generous household budget. Continue to monitor spending and try to build a small surplus. I've rejigged how I keep track so hopefully it will be easier. CONTINUOUS
  
• Don't be afraid to spend some of my own money - I've taken (and spent/reinvested) the 25% lump sum but need to overcome my fear of touching at least some on an annual basis. To stop Mr GG moaning about me buying unnecessary things for the house as much as anything :rotfl:. CONTINUOUS
• Look at how our cash is invested. At present we have a small amount in P2P, a small amount in 5% accounts, 20k getting 3% and the rest is getting 1.2%. Need to think about what to do. BY END OF FEB 17
  
• Tax - we're Spanish residents and I need to find someone who can properly advise us, especially as we became resident in September, the Spanish tax year ends 31st December and the UK tax year ends 5th April. BY END OF FEB 17

Health

• Research going onto the Spanish NHS and register (we have to pay as we're so young ). BY END OF JAN 17
  
• Get a grip of my weight (there's plenty to grip ). Stop acting as if we're on holiday - eat out less and drink a lot less. Lose 2.5 stone. 1 stone by Easter 17
• Inspired by NG, walk 3,000,000 steps :eek:. This is less than 10,000 a days so perfectly doable. CONTINUOUS, BUT NEED TO GET AHEAD AS WILL DROP OFF IN SUMMER
• Get Well Woman/Well Man checks done. AT LEAST BOOK BY END OF JAN 17

Spanish. We are probably in the top 5% of Spanish speaking ex pats but sadly that's a reflection on the others lack of ability rather than our progress.

• Continue with Spanish lessons and practice when we can CONTINUOUS
• Join the 3rd Age bar (though we're officially too young ) to give us access to more Spanish speakers - that is our biggest problem here really. BY END OF JAN 17
• Investigate intensive courses (I don't think we're ready but no harm in starting to look) BY END OF JAN 17

Culture

• Explore more of Spain, a new town or city each month. So far booked: January - Almeria, February - Antequera and Sevilla
  
• To visit as a minimum: Granada and Cartagena and at least a three day trip elsewhere.
  
• Find out more about the local area. Start by reading the book I bought Mr GG for Christmas last year, which neither of us have read . BY END OF JAN 17

House

• Decide what to do with lower terrace - then do it!! END OF SUMMER 17
• Lighting for roof terrace and main terrace - I have some strong and not so strong solar lights which we will probably move round - but need to put hooks up for them. BY EASTER 17
• Sort out drains - previous owner is paying but need to get it done. BY END OF MARCH 17 (let's be realistic here!!!)
• Utility room. DK what, just do something with it!!!!! It's too big and characterless. There is room for a temporary bed so need to make sure I leave room for that but I would like a big armoire for linen. That will probably end up being an upcycled wardrobe . BY END OF SUMMER 17
  
• Get foldaway bed that can be used in house or apartment. BY END OF DEC 16
  
• Finish painting and recovering stool (abandoned by someone at the bins ) BY END OF FEB 17

greent

Am glad you've decided not to retire your diary x

Popgirl

Glad you have decided to continue with your diary I like reading about your adventures and your life in Spain.

Happy New Year GG _party__party_

smallholdingsister

Do you need to add "Don't buy any accidental houses'?

Watty1

So glad diary not retiring. Look forwards to updates

apple_muncher

Just offering my services to help you improve your Spanish... My passport is valid, but I'm limited to school holidays. (And would have to bring dd with me...)

¡Esta oferta no tiene limite!

Fortune_Smiles

Glad to hear we have you for a while longer Gally.

Fortune x