The Piano Diary

glass_half_full

Dear diary and all,

This week I received my 10 year anniversary badge on here. I looked back and realised that my first ever diary post was almost exactly 10 years ago! Its been a real benefit to me to keep posting throughout that time and it has kept me on the right track or thereabouts.

DS has got his US visa. In the end it was very straightforward. I'm not quite sure why, but we thought it would be more complicated and more of an ordeal. In the end he said the actual conversation with the person at the consulate lasted less than 5 minutes. I suppose his case was fairly straightforward really. So this means he should be travelling out next week. It has all happened very quickly. We will miss him but it is definitely for the best and will be a great adventure. The next few days will be a whirlwind for him.

Sunshine_girl2

Good news then for DS , he will have a great time . 

glass_half_full

Dear diary and all,

Stock markets have been on a growth run since around March/April this year. My fund has now reached £500k from £400k in March, crazy movement.  I will most likely now finish August 2026 now. I was going to go at the end of the year calendar year. Working at a University means my life is more governed by the academic year. I don't really want to gear up for another year starting in September so I think August makes more sense. Will probably give notice around end of May next year. OH is still weighing up what she wants to do.

glass_half_full

Dear diary and all,

OH and I both got up early at 3 am to take DS to the local airport to catch his 6:15 am flight. He is travelling today to Miami to start rehearsing for his forthcoming cruise in January. I can't believe it's only 3 weeks since he received his job offer. In that time he has applied for visas, attended visa interview, medical etc. Even the last 48 hours has been super busy with checking baggage allowance, buying all kind of things he needed, packing and getting all the paperwork organised. We will miss him but it is great for him to embark on this next chapter of his life.

AgathaSquirrel

What a wonderful experience 

glass_half_full

Park run cancelled so I have a bit more time this morning. Last week we had a video call with DS. He is in Florida doing his rehearsals so it is actually happening! He seems to be enjoying it and settling in. My decision to go end of August next year is crystallising in my mind. It feels strange when we are discussing things which will happen after I have finished. I think if I can get to Christmas then it will be easier. 

savingholmes

Huge congrats to DS!! My son is emigrating too and will be severely missed.

Sounds very exciting that you can bring your date forward. 

debtfreewannabe321

I've been reading through your diary @glass_half_full and just got to the end this afternoon.

I'm seriously impressed with your focused determination to pay into the mortgage and then your pension! I love that you've helped your DS so much too whilst juggling this, life seems to be that much harder for our children. I have helped my eldest where I can and wish I had more to give sometimes. 

And a huge congratulations to your son on a fantastic opportunity, he'll have a fabulous time and adventure with that job!

Bookmarked, so I can follow along 😊.

glass_half_full

savingholmes said:

Huge congrats to DS!! My son is emigrating too and will be severely missed.

Sounds very exciting that you can bring your date forward. 

Thanks @savingholmes, yes its bittersweet, we are happy for them but at the same time will miss them too!

debtfreewannabe321 said:

I've been reading through your diary @glass_half_full and just got to the end this afternoon.

I'm seriously impressed with your focused determination to pay into the mortgage and then your pension! I love that you've helped your DS so much too whilst juggling this, life seems to be that much harder for our children. I have helped my eldest where I can and wish I had more to give sometimes. 

And a huge congratulations to your son on a fantastic opportunity, he'll have a fabulous time and adventure with that job!

Bookmarked, so I can follow along 😊.

Hi @debtfreewannabe321, thank you so much for your kind comments! I find keeping this diary has really helped me down the years. Reading other people's diaries has inspired me as well and the amazing support that we give each other.

Yes, I agree, it is harder for our children, there are many challenges for them. I try to support my DS as much as I can. I'm excited to see how this next chapter develops for him. I will be sure to document it all here

glass_half_full

Dear diary and all,

Had a lovely catch up with DS yesterday. It was his day off so were able to talk to him in the evening our time, afternoon over there. He seems to be really enjoying it. His other band members are from all over the world including Mexico, Brazil, US, Ukraine etc. They seem to have a really good vibe and are all getting on well. It is hard work as they rehearse 8 hours per day and only get one day off. But he seems to be in his element. He is coming back over on Christmas Eve and then has to be back out a week later. Really looking forward to seeing him.

As we are both planning to finish August next year, we are now having more real conversations about it. We have some friends who are already retired so its quite good to hear their thoughts. Its strange being in meetings now where matters are being discussed which will take place after I have left.

The DC fund reached a high point of £498k and then has fallen back with a dip starting in around October and has fallen to £489k. I’m not too concerned at the moment. It seems to be recovering. OH will have to apply for her pension in January as it seems to take a long time for the bureaucratic wheels to turn.