It's not a lot, but it's enough

Toni'sfriend

I can understand why you're a bit uncomfortable with the excess of presents and meeting the mother unexpectedly. Maybe she's just a naturally generous person but I'd agree it's a bit much so early in a relationship. Go with your instincts.

SpekySquarehead

CCL - Yeah I appreciate that it's always difficult to judge what to spend early on. But I've became a man who is good with money and I can't help but think that could be better spent. I really do appreciate the sentiment though.

Toni'sfriend - She does come across as the type of person who would be generous with gifts and the like, but still...I'll approach with caution.



Grey skies and a bit cooler this morning. I think there was rain overnight.

Yesterday, after work, I made my dinner, applied for some other jobs online and played football. Was shattered after, so in bed for 10 and I recon I fell asleep 10 minutes later.

Been up and at the gym this morning. With no plans tonight, I might stay a little bit later in work and then go to my mums for a bit of gardening. Hopefully the rain will make it easier for weeding.

TGFW sent me 2 emails; the confirmation of our flights to London and the confirmation of our hotel. She loves travelling and does a lot of it so she's racked up air miles and a free stay, so all in, this cost her £100, which I've agreed to split. I am looking forward to it, but I'm already dreading the spend when I'm down there!! And although it's only London we're going to, it seems a bit much early on. It's not until September, so perhaps by then I'll be thinking differently. We'll see.

joeyjimbles

Let me know what you're thinking of doing when you're in London (ooh that didn't sound right - you know what I mean!) and I'll see if I can help suggest a couple of good value things to do that won't make you look cheap but may make you look like you have the inside track. There are also some great restaurants that fit into this category too.
Also look up Time Out (nearer the time) and Secret London either online or Facebook as they show lots of cool things that are often free, experiences you wouldn't have and just things that people don't generally know.
Not sure if any of your other followers still live in London but they'll be able to advise too. I go 2-3 times a month and we still have a property and friends there so I feel reasonably up to date, but it's not quite the same as living there.

efes_shareholder

I live on the outskirts of North London and go in to town quite a lot

Worth getting a taste card if there is an offer on them for the trip as lots of places to eat will accept them on the weekend.

As Joey says its possible to do lots without spending a fortune depending on what floats your boat

SpekySquarehead

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll do some digging to see whats going on.


The weather was pants last night so my gardening duties were postponed. I didn't do anything productive in it's place though, aside from an early night.

Woke at 3.30 after a nightmare involving confronting a burglar and being stabbed (!!), decided to get up and go to the loo and strangely thought of all you lot who would no doubt be up at that time too!

For the first time since moving into my flat (over 13 months ago), today I will have fully functioning internet. So today's a big day. After work, I'll get it all set up, make dinner and then play football.

crazy_cat_lady

I don't know if you've seen, but there's a link on this weeks MSE email about 50 things to do in London. Might be worth a look.
Enjoy your fully functioning internet.

SpekySquarehead

AHhhh. I somehow missed that. Great spot CCL, thanks.



Yesterday was a busy day, lots of meetings in the morning and then an event at night might meant I didn't get home till after 11.30. No gym this morning subsequently.

Tonight will be the Friday tidy and I think I'll enjoy using my shiny new internet with some of the boys playing FIFA or something.

I've taken a chicken breast out the freezer, not sure what I'll make from it but it'll be dinner.

The Girl From Work (TGFW) is coming over tomorrow. We're not going out or anything, quite the opposite actually. Sitting in, chilling, watching TV - which tbh, is exactly what I feel I need.

She phoned me last night as we made our own way home from work and she was discussing London. She likes to be organised, so she's looking at booking a restaurant and the likes. I already have the fear that it'll cost a lot. But I'll talk to her tomorrow about where I'm at financially. As she's still living with her parents, she has 10 times more disposable income than I do. I'm sure she'll understand.

efes_shareholder

There are some excellent deals on groupon and tastecard is accepted pretty much everywhere in central london

Or do as I do when City breaking on a budget and head to the yellow arches

SpekySquarehead

efes_shareholder wrote: »

There are some excellent deals on groupon and tastecard is accepted pretty much everywhere in central london

Or do as I do when City breaking on a budget and head to the yellow arches

Ahhh - my go-to, fast food joint has to be the Kentucky King. Love that place.

joeyjimbles

Turn it on it's head. Go somewhere special for a drink - yes it will be eye watering but you can get the vibe for much less than dinner - then do something different for dinner.
Consider Chinatown (almost anything asian), Edgware Road (persian, iranian etc) or Brick Lane (curries but also north african), look out for food markets/trucks on Time Out or Secret London...
Also consider going somewhere for ice cream rather than having a pricey pud - Gelupo in Soho is marvellous but there are a couple in Covent Garden too. You can then have a wander around in London at night which is always entertaining.