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

gallygirl

[FONT=&quot]Was planning to go down greent/KC’s route but my old style seems to work for me, so:

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[FONT=&quot]2018 Goals[/FONT][FONT=&quot]


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[FONT=&quot]Health & Fitness[/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Re-research going onto the Spanish NHS and get a Well Woman check done[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Get a grip of my weight [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Walk 3,650,000 steps. (I actually did 4.3million but as Mr GG now has a car and I’m fitting more into my week I can’t see it being repeated)[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Get Well Woman/Well Man checks done.[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Continue with a new found love of exercise, have been doing 7.5 hours a week but would like to add an extra hour of aerobic exercise. [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Go mainly vegetarian for a month when we finally get home to Spain. For the last few weeks our diet has been carb and red meat heavy and I feel ‘sludged up’ . Continue this at intervals through the year.[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Continue to drink less alcohol .
  [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Spanish[/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Continue with Spanish lessons and practice when we can [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Culture[/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Explore more of Spain. Planned so far:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Granada[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Valencia[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]North West Spain[/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Walking the Caminito del Rey again, hopefully with fellow MSE’ers[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Find some more weird & wonderful fiestas etc. On the list for this year so far is the Fiesta of the Grateful Dead :eek::D:rotfl::T. Also want to see a human tower but maybe not this year. Probably not baby-jumping either :eek:.[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Read more on Spanish history – I have a good book to go through as s starting point. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]House[/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Nothing major housewise, but continue to look for pictures etc. that I really like. [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Em….. hang the existing large picture still in its cardboard box [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Get the curtain I’ve bought for the top of the stairs lined, shortened and hung.[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Continue with KM principles and break Mr GG’s spirit so he does as well :rotfl:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Financial. This has always come first when listing goals – a reflection of the money saving origins I suppose, but interesting that I now feel relaxed enough about finances to put to the end. [/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Keep to our rejigged very generous household budget . [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Again - don't be afraid to spend some of my own money [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Again - look at how our cash is invested[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Tax get it sorted[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]
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[FONT=&quot]Pinched off greent via Karmacat [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Make memories.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
I’ve written a Bucket List which made me realise how important nature is to me and also seeing new places so this year, in addition to the above:[/FONT]
· [FONT=&quot]Plan a big trip – possibly South Africa/Zimbabwe[/FONT]
· [FONT=&quot]See if I can persuade DD & DS to go away together for a weekend![/FONT]
· [FONT=&quot]Visit elderly aunt and not-so-elderly-but-still-getting-on-a-bit aunt & uncle. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
“Counting Blessings”
I think I can say both Mr GG and I are already doing this. We love our life and do appreciate how fortunate we are, especially health wise. This year we’ve lost friends, one very good and Mr GG’s mum (though that was the natural order of things it is still sad). Other friends and relations are fighting illness, some terminal. It’s made us appreciate life and one another more so here’s hoping we continue to do so and don’t sweat the small stuff. [/FONT]

newgirly

Hi gg sorry to hear about your loss this year.

I love the round up and plans for next year, I hope you keep us updated on your bucket list and travels, especially if you go to the fiesta for the grateful dead - I was expecting it to be more like the festival of the dead!

All the best for a great 2018

Karmacat

Your format works for you, GG, so more power to your elbow Additions look good too.

Take a few piccies on your travels, won't you we love piccies!

Have a wonderful year.

rtandon27

Happy New Year GG!

Wishing you Health, Well-being & Happiness for 2018

Secret_Saving_Squirrel

Happy new year!

greent

happy New Year, gg

Goldiegirl

'Don't sweat the small stuff'

I like that - I think that has been my problem in 2017, I allowed myself to let small things drag me down. I'm working on this big time for 2018

gallygirl

Right, unexpected day at home alone so time for an update:

gallygirl wrote: »

[FONT=&quot]Health & Fitness[/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Re-research going onto the Spanish NHS and get a Well Woman check done Nothing on Well Woman check but solicitor sorting out Spanish NHS access as we speak. Nothing ever simple here, a trip to the Town Hall for up-to-date bit of paper was necessary.
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Get a grip of my weight Couple of pounds lost, have lost my focus in last week or two so need to get back on it.
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Walk 3,650,000 steps. (I actually did 4.3million but as Mr GG now has a car and I!!!8217;m fitting more into my week I can!!!8217;t see it being repeated) Managed over 10,000 ave in Jan but only 8,500 in Feb . Must get back on track
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Get Well Woman/Well Man checks done. As above.
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Continue with a new found love of exercise, have been doing 7.5 hours a week but would like to add an extra hour of aerobic exercise.Started well, have dropped a 45 min aquafit in favour of 1hr aerobics, so now standard week is 4hrs Pilates, 3hrs aerobics and 45 mins aquafit. However, felt under the weather for last two weeks so hardly done any .
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Go mainly vegetarian for a month when we finally get home to Spain. For the last few weeks our diet has been carb and red meat heavy and I feel !!!8216;sludged up!!!8217; . Continue this at intervals through the year. Didn't go veggie, but no red meat (apart from the odd tapas) for over a month. Started to reintroduce it but not enjoying it as much so will be limiting it going forward.
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Continue to drink less alcohol . Well I've had none for 3 days this week :T:rotfl:.
  [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Spanish[/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Continue with Spanish lessons and practice when we can Having a major confidence crisis, just as Mr GG seems to be striding ahead. Still, onwards and upwards
  [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Culture[/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Explore more of Spain. Planned so far:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Granada Done - beautiful [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Valencia Next week for Las Fallas :T[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]North West Spain Planned, including this :eek:[/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Walking the Caminito del Rey again, hopefully with fellow MSE!!!8217;ers Not planned yet - waiting on flight schedule.
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Find some more weird & wonderful fiestas etc. On the list for this year so far is the Fiesta of the Grateful Dead :eek::D:rotfl:As above, planned Also by chance we will be at another Fiesta which looks much more 'normal', with horseracing, Asturian bagpipes and what looks like Highland Dancing (I might have omitted to tell Mr GG about the last two :rotfl:)
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]:T. Also want to see a human tower but maybe not this year. Probably not baby-jumping either :eek:.[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Read more on Spanish history !!!8211; I have a good book to go through as s starting point.Read one or two books and will continue.
  [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]House[/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Nothing major housewise, but continue to look for pictures etc. that I really like.Bought one for utility room for €1 from charity shop
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Em!!!8230;.. hang the existing large picture still in its cardboard box Done, not where planned but looks great
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Get the curtain I!!!8217;ve bought for the top of the stairs lined, shortened and hung. Done, made a big difference to temperature in hall . Have also taken down the bedroom curtains to get shortened, may hand in today, if not next week. They've only been hanging for two years so quite fast progress really .
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Continue with KM principles and break Mr GG!!!8217;s spirit so he does as well :rotfl:Doing my best but not exactly bringing Mr GG along with me, though he does like to show visitors his 'drawers drawer' :eek: when telling folk how obsessed I am :rotfl:.
  [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Financial. This has always come first when listing goals !!!8211; a reflection of the money saving origins I suppose, but interesting that I now feel relaxed enough about finances to put to the end. [/FONT]

• [FONT=&quot]Keep to our rejigged very generous household budget .Managed it for two months :T:rotfl:. Will be helped as we have a long-term tenant for apartment
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Again - don't be afraid to spend some of my own money Would like to plan big overseas holiday for next winter but a bit too busy to organise at present
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Again - look at how our cash is invested Fairly comfortable at the moment with it, regular savers maturing and being reinvested.
  [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Tax get it sorted Our accountant/solicitor/whatever she needs to be is doing it :T.
  [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Pinched off greent via Karmacat [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Make memories.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
I!!!8217;ve written a Bucket List which made me realise how important nature is to me and also seeing new places so this year, in addition to the above: 57 items on it so far. 19 done, 1 more next week . It includes things like 'visit all 17 autonomous regions of Spain' (will be completed this year), see puffins in the wild, go on a supersonic flight etc. [/FONT]
· [FONT=&quot]Plan a big trip !!!8211; possibly South Africa/Zimbabwe As above, too busy to plan :rotfl:. [/FONT]
· [FONT=&quot]See if I can persuade DD & DS to go away together for a weekend! No action [/FONT]
· [FONT=&quot]Visit elderly aunt and not-so-elderly-but-still-getting-on-a-bit aunt & uncle. Not planning on trip before summer, will do then. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
!!!8220;Counting Blessings!!!8221;
I think I can say both Mr GG and I are already doing this. We love our life and do appreciate how fortunate we are, especially health wise. This year we!!!8217;ve lost friends, one very good and Mr GG!!!8217;s mum (though that was the natural order of things it is still sad). Other friends and relations are fighting illness, some terminal. It!!!8217;s made us appreciate life and one another more so here!!!8217;s hoping we continue to do so and don!!!8217;t sweat the small stuff. The odd lapse, but mainly doing this. We are very fortunate to have our health and time to enjoy life, long may it continue :T:T:T:T:T. We feel very blessed. [/FONT]

gallygirl

To keep me on track for today:

• [STRIKE]Tidy coffee table (I made the mistake of leaving some paperwork on it and it invited lots or random items to join it :mad:)[/STRIKE] Done
• [STRIKE]Prepare chicken for dinner tonight[/STRIKE]
• Rearrange kitchen cupboards to store large water bottles (probably weekend)
• Prepare beetroot, walnut and feta cheese burgers for tomorrow Oops - not done yet but he haven't starved so that's ok
• [STRIKE]Hang necklaces back up - they hang on cork board attached to the back of a mirror which swings open, had to take them down to fix mirror so will hang back in better order.[/STRIKE] Done and rehung in colour order :smileyhea
• [STRIKE]Check bank - has money from estate agents re new UK tenant gone in?[/STRIKE] [STRIKE]Done, transferred out[/STRIKE]
• Protect deposit (waiting on copy of contract) Still waiting - have deposit but one tenant away s waiting on both signatures before actioning
• [STRIKE]Update records[/STRIKE] Done
• Email DS paperwork re deposit so he can deliver As above, still waiting
  
• [STRIKE]Put away ironing done last night, left out to air (I won't put stuff in wardrobe unless it's 100% dry as rooms are damp enough as it is)[/STRIKE]
• [STRIKE]Sort out paperwork to take for solicitor[/STRIKE]
• [STRIKE]Finish ironing.[/STRIKE]
• [STRIKE]Put 2nd lot of ironing away[/STRIKE]
• [STRIKE]Put heaviest winter clothes away[/STRIKE]
• [STRIKE]Fold throws on sofa[/STRIKE]
• [STRIKE]Wash old cushion innards and store till I find some covers for 3rd bedroom[/STRIKE] In the wash
• [STRIKE]Beauty update - defuzz all over, bath and wash hair [/STRIKE]
• Spanish - 1 hr of general stuff 1/2 done
• Spanish - 1 hr of what we will be doing in class tonight Done, not that it did me much good
• [STRIKE]Spanish - watch the latest Spanish Dude's videos[/STRIKE]
• Return sports bra - wrong size Not done
• [STRIKE]Put away stuff that has taken up residence at top of the stairs [/STRIKE]
• [STRIKE]Put initials on Pilates balls and pack friend's in sports bag. [/STRIKE]
• Hide cables behind TV with cunning arrangement of velcro strips and sticky hooks (this will probably be a weekend job) Not done
• [STRIKE]Find a time to speak to Tilly as we haven't caught up for ages [/STRIKE] DONE
• [STRIKE]Sunbathe for an hour :T. Currently drizzling but forecast to be lovely later and I wasn't this pale when I lived in the UK :rotfl:.[/STRIKE]

ETA: Rocking it . Now to cross off the last item :T

ETA: Sunbathing done, followed by shower (bath can wait), hair washed etc. All dressed up with nowhere to go - well, except Spanish lesson :eek:. Cuppa made, Mary the Robocleaner put to work and I'm off to phone the Tillster :T.

Karmacat

Sounds brilliant, GG I love the way the money has faded in importance and the living life has come to the fore. You sound like you're really (getting) settled over there too. I notice it particularly because I'm still catching up myself, but I'm getting there