Finally seeing the right track getting closer

MuffinTops

Bank checked again and still the same discrepancy. I didn't get a chance to get a print out from the bank yesterday so I'll try and do that today.

I managed to go out for coffee at lunchtime yesterday and last night and my lovely "dates" both paid. That means next time it's on me, but it means I managed another NSD.

I'm out on a big girl date tonight though! I'm feeling a little apprehensive about it as I'm sure we all do so it's bound to be just normal pre-date nerves. I am looking forward to it too. We've been out for a coffee a couple of times this week, but tonight has no time restrictions like a breakfast or lunch has.

It did mean I had to get the train in this morning. Which I never enjoy, although it wasn't too bad today. The timing also meant I was luckily in the right place to help a colleague into the building who's getting used to using a wheelchair. Although our building does have wheelchair access, it's ridiculously basic when it comes to seeing someone try to use it. The doors are really heavy and the outside wheelchair lift is much too small for a chair and arms over the side.

Quite a busy day in work. I have two requirements documents to finalise (YAWN) and just getting up to date for the bank holiday weekend as I'm also out of the office a few days next week on a training course.

Right. I need my breakfast now. Have a great day everyone. x

miggy

Big Date! Exciting! Hope you have a fab evening.

I was interested to hear you're looking into ISAs as well as mortgage overpayment. I opened an ISA for myself the other day - one where I can pay in whenever I like and also withdraw. It's not the top rate of interest but it was the easiest one to open and the interest is fairly good. I put a pound in! (A whole pound!) I reckoned I needed to start somewhere and better something than nothing. Knowing me, if I want the 'perfect' one I will get tied up in the details and never get round to opening it, so I thought I'd start somewhere and get the hang of it and maybe in the future shop around for better returns. Now of course I have the question of whether to overpay on the mortgage or into the ISA. Interest-wise I think the mortgage is the better option but I want to talk to DH about transferring our emergency fund to the ISA. If we have to use it and lose interest, well at least it's there to use and we will hopefully have made a little bit of money in the meantime.

Of course that may depend on whether he still has a job in a few weeks so I'm not rushing into anything!

The wheelchair access sounds as though it needs to be reviewed... I was talking to someone about signs when catering for a group of adult learners. They hadn't realised that a written sign might not be suitable for people with limited literacy! It's odd how we can tick the boxes but still not end up making places accessible. Good that you were there for your colleague though.

Have fun tonight; don't forget to report back!

LondonGirl252

Best of luck for tonight, can't wait to hear the goss!

MuffinTops

miggy wrote: »

Big Date! Exciting! Hope you have a fab evening.

I was interested to hear you're looking into ISAs as well as mortgage overpayment. I opened an ISA for myself the other day - one where I can pay in whenever I like and also withdraw. It's not the top rate of interest but it was the easiest one to open and the interest is fairly good. I put a pound in! (A whole pound!) I reckoned I needed to start somewhere and better something than nothing. Knowing me, if I want the 'perfect' one I will get tied up in the details and never get round to opening it, so I thought I'd start somewhere and get the hang of it and maybe in the future shop around for better returns. Now of course I have the question of whether to overpay on the mortgage or into the ISA. Interest-wise I think the mortgage is the better option but I want to talk to DH about transferring our emergency fund to the ISA. If we have to use it and lose interest, well at least it's there to use and we will hopefully have made a little bit of money in the meantime.

Of course that may depend on whether he still has a job in a few weeks so I'm not rushing into anything!

The wheelchair access sounds as though it needs to be reviewed... I was talking to someone about signs when catering for a group of adult learners. They hadn't realised that a written sign might not be suitable for people with limited literacy! It's odd how we can tick the boxes but still not end up making places accessible. Good that you were there for your colleague though.

Have fun tonight; don't forget to report back!

Hello Miggy,
It seems that time of year when we're all thinking of making the most of our savings. I did think recently that when it comes time to OP my mortgage I'd just do that, but I'm now thinking that I could be refusing money if I don't put as much as I can in an ISA. I'm so keen to pay my mortgage asap that I'm as sure as I can be that the amount I save will go on a big OP when it matures, so other than the fact of having a few savings accounts for a mortgage offset why not go for the most lucrative route.

I read your updates on the ISA. That's lovely of you to sort out for your Mum too.

MuffinTops

LondonGirl252 wrote: »

Best of luck for tonight, can't wait to hear the goss!

Thank you.

MuffinTops

I wasn't able to check the bank account this morning as there were people in the office who could see my screen so I've been to the bank and printed off a statement. That will help me find the bits that are preventing the reconcile. I'll also sit and go through what is still to be paid and make sure it's all on track.

I did spend some money today as I needed a cooked breakfast. I didn't buy any lunch as one of the lads brought in Hot Cross Buns so I snaffled one of those and ate that. Oh no, I also bought a can of Pepsi Max!!!! That always perks me up as today was draaaagggging!

My date last night was really nice. I had such a lovely evening and it was really nice to get some time alone with him without worrying about people from work seeing us or having to get back. We had been out to lunch as well as he could tell I was feeling a bit uncomfortable again and wanted to calm me down. Basically he felt that he was pushing me too fast, but that's not the case. Anyone reading my diary can tell I'm an over cautious worry bag!!!! But he told me that he "really likes me" so that made me feel good.

We decided to head away from work and went to a bar near Tower Hill. We had decided to just have drinks but they had a food and drink offer on so we went for that. We managed to get a massive meal with an alcoholic drink for £6 each! Wow! The whole night just felt like a lovely date with someone I'm really comfortable with and I have to admit, I am starting to really like a lot! I'm relaxed enough to not worry about the future now, no matter what it brings as he's so charming and respectful and lovely to me that I don't want to ruin those moments with worries of what may or may not happen in the future.

I also bumped into him first thing this morning when I was getting my breakfast and we've been chatting as we usually do throughout the day.

So, now we're on a 4 day weekend! Wooh to that. I've got quite a lot going on as I have the boot sale planned for saturday so will be spending tomorrow having a junk out fest in order to maximise the day. On Sunday my closest friend is moving so I'll be helping her with that. Monday is all mine!!! In between times I also need to start preparing for the exercise challenge I'm about to start with the man I'm telling you about (A), so I need to acclimatise myself with that as it's going to be a really tough one. He's really fit and muscular whereas I'm really soft and spongy (to put it nicely) so there's nothing like comparing yourself to someone to really push the motivation!!!

I hope everyone has a great pre-Easter evening and weekend. x

LondonGirl252

Yay to the nice date! V pleased you realised you don't need to worry, men are simple creatures and shouldn't be over-analysed!

Good luck with the exercise, have a lovely weekend x

MuffinTops

LondonGirl252 wrote: »

Yay to the nice date! V pleased you realised you don't need to worry, men are simple creatures and shouldn't be over-analysed!

Good luck with the exercise, have a lovely weekend x

Thank you. This diary helps as a very calming influence x

MuffinTops

Today is turning out to be pretty productive. I've cleared out some kitchen cupboards to find more things for tomorrow's boot sale. I had some glasses which i bought years ago and loved so wanted to find the space for them. Except .... opening them up to wash and put out I now hate them!!!! Eek! So I'm wondering if I should put them up for sale on ebay with the free listing, or take them to the boot sale and be strict on price. Taking them tomorrow and being willing to bring them back and put them on ebay is probably my best idea! Wooh! Another thing sorted out.

I've also put lots more books up for sale, and have created a small box of books I've been meaning to read for ages. When they're in the book shelf they sort of get a bit lost, but having them viewable will be good as I do want to be reading more rather than watching tv etc. Plus, it helps clear more gaps.

I've also put 2 loads of washing on, and my new dresses were waiting for me when I got home last night so I need to try them on and make sure they fit as well as they need to.

I've also managed to find 2 bin bags full of junk to throw away. How I can accummulate quite so much rubbish is a worrying thing, but it feels nice getting it cleared.

I have my "intolerant" eye in today! The one that helps me put things out to sell. I hope it lasts tomorrow too otherwise I'll be bringing as much back with me as I've taken!!!

There's a stall at this particular boot sale that sells really well priced brand laundry tablets so I'm hoping a few boxes of those is all I'll have with me on my way home!

I've also found 2 sets of free paper inserts of learning a new language DVD's. Some are currently on ebay in broken sets and are being sold for silly money, so I'm hoping my 2 complete sets will be worthwhile. I'll add those later as I need to keep focus on tomorrow.

I hope everyone is having a great day so far. x

MuffinTops

Today was a bit of an odd day really. I got up at 4:30am ready to leave at 5:15am for the boot sale, but on the way it started raining. Then my Mum mentions she heard it will drizzle all day so we decided against ruining everything in the rain! Which probably was a mistake now the day has gone and the weather was ok. So I'll try again next week as all the preparation has been sorted.

So I got home and just slept! I was so tired. I have also done a lot of housework so that's good to have that out the way. I'm absolutely shattered now though! So an early night is planned.

Tonight I'm going to finish the bathroom by cleaning the floor, have a sit down and a drink and then I may have an early night. I have another full day out tomorrow so I don't want that ruined by being this tired. Not sure what's wrong with me. Bad nutrition possibly.

I am excited to still have another 2 days off work though! That's lovely! I hope everyone is enjoying their day and long weekend. x