What a Year.....Climbing Back on the Wagon

mumblingtaff

Thanks Starmummy - your kind comments have really cheered me up to be honest it does feel a bit like a weight has been lifted but I feel guilty about saying that.
I'm actually looking forward to the rest of the day - I always like getting my hair done (but my usual bloke is on holiday so I have a different lady at the same salon today, she seems good and a nice chatty person though), then getting out with my neighbour. The day will probably fly by.
Not looking forward to telling my parents that it's all off for good - they're lovely and just worry about me but my mum does love an inquest!!!!

After walking the dog this morning I've spent an hour browsing short breaks in North Wales and have found a lovely little cottage, newly refurbished with an enclosed garden, central and pet friendly. It's £400 for 3 or 4 nights (weirdly, the same price for both durations!) - really pondering on whether to do it. The weather is supposed to improve for the last week of the holidays and it's only a 90ish minute drive from home and in an area I've never been to. Close to Anglesey and the North Wales coast, within easy drive of Snowdonia National Park - it's really tempting.... I'm thinking long dog walks in the country side and on the coast, a bit of peace and quiet away from all the hassle and time to recoup. I'm happy with my own company and have been away alone before and it would feel like I'd had a break away before going back to school. Hmmmm..... I have the spending money I was going to use on my abroad holiday put aside in the bank and could use that to pay for it - there wouldn't be too much else to pay for apart from some food and the odd bit of spending money. I can afford it it's just a question of do I really want to.... Will think about it through the day and make a decision later today before it gets booked up.

Off into the bath to think about things.....

Starmummy

You won't regret the break. I love taking a few days away by myself. a change of scene to blow away the cobwebs.

Elnora32

[FONT=&quot]I am sorry your relationship has ended but the fact you feel a weight has been lifted and that you have been making plans for your future suggest that you had subconsciously moved on and that this is the right decision for you. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Re the food budget – I use my debit card but keep a note of how much I spend. I suspect it is simpler to keep track of spends with actual cash but as long as you are aware of how much you are spending, I guess it doesn’t matter which method you use.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]I know some people like to keep their cupboards full but I don’t as there are always offers on. If I feel something is too expensive and is non-essential, I do without until it is on offer. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]The ball has started rolling with the overpayments - it will gather pace in no time. The holiday cottage sounds very tempting. [/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Enjoy the walk with your neighbour.[/FONT]
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[FONT=&quot]Elnora[/FONT]

doingitanyway

Delurking to say the break sounds like a brilliant idea

Moneyfordreams

Take the break, It's a lovely part of the world.. Best wishes

crazy_cat_lady

Get that break booked MT - it sounds fantastic, and just what you need to clear your head and get on track.
I agree with you and the others that it's been the right thing to do - he's not treated you properly for years. However, it's going to be very up and down emotionally even if it is the right thing in the long run - so a bit of time away, somewhere quiet and beautiful will be amazing.
Lots of love to you.

mumblingtaff

Thank you Elnora, doingitanyway, Moneyford, Starmummy and Cat! Your support is really appreciated
I'll talk to mum later then hopefully book something. Been thinking about it at the hairdressers and feel like it's probably the right thing to do. As long as pup is with me, I'll never be alone

Talking of the hairdressers, they've done a really good job and it's worth every penny to make me look and feel better. It's amazing how 2 hours in the chair being preened can make you feel, good for your wellbeing.
Just hanging around at home for a while until I meet my neighbour, although the clouds have gathered again....really fed up of this weather now. Fingers crossed that the rain will hold off

Moneywhizz

Sorry to hear that things didn't work out in the end, but at least you both know where you stand now and that should end the emotionally draining contact that you have had for weeks now. As you say you probably have already made a lot of the adjustments to living a single life so it sounds like you will be fine. And you never know what is lurking round the corner!

Good work on the budget and making an overpayment to the loan. The beginning of putting your long term plan into action. It is amazing how much of a difference overpaying your mortgage will make. Sounds like exciting times ahead.

joeyjimbles

Another vote for the holiday plus taking some lovely smellies, new (to you) books, favourite music, access to films and finally - importantly - nice food and drinks. A real personal escape for you - and pup. Sounds like the perfect recharge before the new year starts.

mumblingtaff

Thank you Moneywhizz and Joey! You know, everyone here is so supportive, understanding and lovely - you're all great and your comments are so helpful.

Been for a long walk with my neighbour and really enjoyed her company again - she's very easy to talk to and easygoing like me. We're going out for a drink on Saturday evening together. Looking forward to it.

Some odd but good news - XOH has transferred the money I gave him for my half of the holiday back into my account without explanation and has not responded to my email asking why. I'm not complaining - it's money i welcome back but I think he wants me to pester about why but I'm not going to. I've thanked him but left it at that.
He's welcome to go on the holiday and take someone else if he wants to.

Just need to talk to my family about it all now - maybe tonight or tomorrow morning.