A Singularly Lonely Christmas

Winter_Phoenix

Weekend conferences are good places for singles - often the accommodation is in single rooms in a University or similar, and many of those attending are on their own for the weekend even if they are happily married. Just about every subject in the universe is covered at one conference or another, so it's easy to find one which suits your interests. It's also easy to strike up a conversation if everyone in the hall is interested in the topic, and you've just heard a terrific presentation on it!

The downside is that some of them are expensive, but some years I've chosen a conference over an ordinary holiday.

Weekend workshops/courses are another good idea for singletons, as again many people will be there on their own. But you often have to book into a local B&B separately, rather than having accommodation provided as a part of the event.

spirit

LavenderBees wrote: »

This was my first ever holiday on my own...had a fab time, laughed so much I nearly wet myself kind of fun :rotfl:. But of course it does depend who is there at the same time as you.

The hotel owner/staff did everything they could to make everyone feel very welcome. I still have two good friends from my hols there.

But this is the kind of thing I go for if I want a more relaxing holiday...you can chill or do stuff to your hearts content

http://singlesincrete.com/

spirit bookmarks this site :rotfl:

moneyistooshorttomention

..and on a totally different tack...ie work:(

Any and all hints appreciated on how to "gee myself up" to keep at it whilst still getting my recently-bought house renovated. I've virtually zilch DIY skills myself and certainly couldn't manage the vast majority of it if I wanted to.

To date, since I moved in a few months ago, I've modernised the central heating, modernised the electrics, got a new bathroom, etc, etc. and so it goes on. I'm currently doing the more "cosmetic" type stuff indoors. One room in process of being replastered before it can be decorated and all the others will have to be too.

It "takes it out of you" mentally having the place in such utter chaos on the one hand and having to ensure that workmen do things to a proper standard once you've managed to find some you think (hope) will be suitable. I've had this for the last few months and am now VERY fed-up indeed with the combined Chaos and Supervision Scenario. I can't stop the work for the time being, because the house won't even be functioning efficiently until the work is done (things not working or not there and not enough storage space and everything filthy with the constant dirt-making). Brings a whole new meaning to "house arrest"....

One of those times when an OH would come in very handy, as joint supervisor/commiserator/etc and I could just go off for a long walk sometimes (those odd breaks when there is good weather if anyone remembers what "normal weather" is like at the moment:rotfl:) and leave them in charge.

Tips for keeping spirits up/determination intact to get this house sorted out until its at least liveable-in will be welcome.

calicocat

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

..and on a totally different tack...ie work:(

Any and all hints appreciated on how to "gee myself up" to keep at it whilst still getting my recently-bought house renovated. I've virtually zilch DIY skills myself and certainly couldn't manage the vast majority of it if I wanted to.

To date, since I moved in a few months ago, I've modernised the central heating, modernised the electrics, got a new bathroom, etc, etc. and so it goes on. I'm currently doing the more "cosmetic" type stuff indoors. One room in process of being replastered before it can be decorated and all the others will have to be too.

It "takes it out of you" mentally having the place in such utter chaos on the one hand and having to ensure that workmen do things to a proper standard once you've managed to find some you think (hope) will be suitable. I've had this for the last few months and am now VERY fed-up indeed with the combined Chaos and Supervision Scenario. I can't stop the work for the time being, because the house won't even be functioning efficiently until the work is done (things not working or not there and not enough storage space and everything filthy with the constant dirt-making). Brings a whole new meaning to "house arrest"....

One of those times when an OH would come in very handy, as joint supervisor/commiserator/etc and I could just go off for a long walk sometimes (those odd breaks when there is good weather if anyone remembers what "normal weather" is like at the moment:rotfl:) and leave them in charge.

Tips for keeping spirits up/determination intact to get this house sorted out until its at least liveable-in will be welcome.

You have just made me sound utterly pathetic.....all i've had to deal with since moving (I have a feeling I was on one of your threads about house, or read it if I have the right person, and think we moved around the same time)...is a leaking bay window so far in real terms, a momentary boiler blip ( which descended into immediate panic)....and the fact that I too haven't got the storage space I need/want, and not keen to spend money on sorting that right now.

The one thing I have picked up floating about on the housing boards is that those who have done it have a huge sence of achievement after it's finished......and i'm sure you will too, plus feel very proud of yourself. I have done renovation stuff before moons ago, but in a couple, and take my hat off to you doing it on your own. You will get there, as everyone does, and it will truely feel like your home once done.

I chickened out to be fair, having done it before I didn't feel I wanted to do it on my own at my age so went for a modern house with relatively little to do. However if i'm honest, the houses I loved were the old ones with character. If I win the lottery I shall do it (as would afford a project manager). I also think because I have done that before that I sometimes wonder if this house will always feel like i'm borrowing someone else's if that makes sense.

To be fair, now you have started you can't stop now, or that would mean living in chaos for ever, and you may feel swamped at times but you know you can do it or you wouldn't have taken it on I don't think.

Are you taking before and during and after photos?....that could help, as you will see progress you have made and what is to come. also visualise it completed with the cusions/candles/curtains/rugs/pictures etc of your choice in from time to time to get the mess as it is now out of your head. Maybe write in big letter on paper and stick on a wall.....'this will not be a crap-hole for ever, this will not be a crap-hole for ever'.

Our homes are our sanctuary, so I wouls also focus if possible on getting one room as you would like it if you can yet. You can retreat into this ans see how the rest will be in the end.

moneyistooshorttomention

I have got some before photos on the house and have kept the estate agent details (including the phrase "low maintenance" they wrote on those details:cool: - yeh right...:cool:).

I can well understand someone not being prepared to contemplate a house needing so much doing...I was sorely tempted by a very much newer house in the first place. I literally do not want to lift one single finger to get a house together.....and I bought this one_pale_:whistle:

I'm highly-tempted by your suggestion of a poster to myself saying "This will not be a crap-hole for ever". Would certainly give the various workmen a laugh...

I'm working on getting the lounge finished as soon as I can...if only so that I can actually have visitors at last (well over and above all those workmen that is....). At the moment, there is nowhere comfortable for a visitor to sit. It will be good to have my food all properly organised and stored, so that I can see exactly what I have in, instead of taking a wild guess what dinner might be tonight:rotfl:. I did a lot of eating-out to start with, having given up hope of even trying...not a load of fun when there is a distinctly small range of eating-out places here and I've been used to LOADS of choice Back Home Area (now if someone could just teleport over a few of my restaurant choices....Moroccan, modern Italian, Spanish, wholefood, loads and loads of pubs with cheap meal offers.....sighs....). Think positive I tell myself...I am going to have to get to be such a good cook to make up to myself for that...

I'll get there...inserts rod of steel down backbone and takes deep breaths.

MummyBobble

Well it's not a bad day here weather wise so while I wasn't working this afternoon I took myself out for a walk. We have woodlands directly behind us and (with wellies) it's just about passable.

Stopped and chatted to several dog walkers (they always seem so friendly), including a lady who lives just down the road and for the last twenty years she and her husband have walked their dogs together. Sadly, he is now housebound so she walks the current dog by herself. She said though, that walking the same paths they'd always walked together always brings back happy memories - she just wishes he was still able to come and pick up the dog poo :rotfl: - and the kettle's always on when she gets home. Singley or not I guess it's all about trying to make the best of what we have right now.

I've decided that fresh air definitely lifts the mind, body and soul so instead of getting bogged down with all the carp in the house I'm going to try to make time to get outside at least every other day.

The New Year hasn't got off to a bad start. Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and experiences, good to know there are plenty more like me out there (not sure if that's a compliment though :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:)

calicocat

Awww........i think I may have got the wrong impression in that you knew how much work it would need. Apologies, I do this on my phone and often miss bits of info due to reading on something the size of 4 postage stamps.

That is a bum wrap, but you will get through it.

When I first bought this place any tiny thing that went or seemed wrong sent me over the edge so you have my sympathy. I thought I had bought the house from hell, but everyone kept saying to chill as every house has issues.

I have quite a few things here to sort too, and initial plans were to jump in and do it all immediately but I didn't in the end as A) my head just wouldn't go there..B) I couldn't work out what was more important and where to spend money...C) I was scared to spend money in case something else reared its ugly head....D) I decided I didn't know what I wanted until I had lived here a bit.

The sockets in the bedroom are coming off wall.
Bath panels need replacing.
Air vent on roof over bay window doesn't have right slant on it apparently.
One room needs total repaint and carpet due to barbie pink.
I need storage and wardrobes built in.
I need more sockets generally.
I think the loft insulation needs looking at.
Light fitting in bathroom doesn't sit straight and seems a bit loose.
Understairs bit in dining room needs shelf and doors put on.
I can't get to electricity meter as previous owner has boxed it in (why?).
Gas fire in lounge I had disconnected as no book left to know what emissions should be(its one with a catalytic converter...no clue what that means but can't be sure it's safe to use as yet).
Doubles glazed doors to conservatory I can't get to lock for some reason.
The down pipe outside conservatory doesn't go into a drain...so this could be a long term problem...I think.
According to drains bloke previous owner has decked over a manhole in the back garden.
Under bay window outside stays wet...cant find out why.
Fuse box keeps fusing but have had electrics checked twice before I moved in...although seems ok at the moment.
I need more sockets in kitchen.
Kitchen will need remodel in next coupla years maybe.
Back garden has been gravelled, and not using the proper membrane stuff but just plastic sheeting...so needs sorting at some point.

Nothing that I have to do immediately I don't think......so left it last year, and will look at what needs doing in what order this year...and what the purse will accommodate. .....and there in lies a conundrum too, as the trust I work for are shutting wards left right and centre, none of us know if next year we'll have a job, so you don't know whether to pay mortgage off as much as possible...or get jobs done that need doing whilst money coming in.

Good luck with yours though, and it will get there in the end.



Edit....and what I really want to do is ignore all that and just buy a huge rug for the lounge as it is laminate (which i'm not keen on). great in summer and cool, but I don't like it in the winter as seems cold.

spirit

It's not going to be forever though MITSTM. Just think that by the summer you will be straight and be able to entertain and enjoy your surroundings.

I do know how you feel and how scarey it felt when I was doing up No 42. I worried about the noise would be making and annoying the neighbours. Turns out the old ladies either side didn't mind at all (1 was deaf anyway). I had a skip on my driveway for about 6 weeks I think. But boy what a difference it made to the house and as it turned out, the profit I made on it.

LavenderBees

Hi everyone,

the thread is fairly quiet this evening, and I haven't heard anything from Pink, so I'm hoping it is ok to take the opportunity to set up a new thread - this will be called "OS Singlies - We Do It Our Way!"

I will post a link (I hope) to this old thread so we don't lose the fab ideas and support on here, and anyone can go back to it at any time to see where we started from.

Once the new thread is started, I'll come back on here and post a link to the new thread (I hope).

See you over there...:)

ETA -link to new thread is here - https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4867512

skogar

Takes long run up and jumps into air....:j