Midlife Musings and Measurable Goals

doingitanyway

I'm starting to feel better and the chest infection is shifting.

I had a full day yesterday as I travelled to a viewing and then went straight to the hospice. I packed food and drink so I did not waste any money. I did have tea and cake after the viewing, but that was planned

The house was in a really peaceful, beautiful location and a perfectly acceptable house. It was lived in by an older lady. It was out of the way overlooking fields. Today I opened an email that confirmed the EA had spoken to the vendor and my offer had been declined. Instead of feeling disappointed I felt relieved. Every viewing confirms something new. This time I realised I am not ready for somewhere extremely quiet and I still want a bit of life around me. Perhaps this is because I have lived in a city for so long!

There is another house to view next Saturday. This one is in a livelier area and is a beautiful house. It has a balcony and a courtyard garden. This house is much more 'me' and I feel excited to view. 

This weather is lovely but too hot for me to be out and about in. I struggled yesterday so today I am staying in and going out when it is cooler. I will be visiting a friend and staying overnight so we will have a late meal in the garden. 

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend

MovingForwards

These home viewing visits are helping hone exactly what you want from your home.

Enjoy the garden meal and catch up.

doingitanyway

Thanks @MovingForwards if I had been successful on the first house I bid on I would be without a garden now so yes this may be a frustrating process but it has helped me in many ways

So, after the garden meal I stayed at the friend's house for a night and we then had lunch and wine in the garden the following day! It was lovely to take time out and relax.

In the little CS I bought a new book I've wanted for a while for 50p. I also bought 5 huge white porcelain rimmed plates. They are LSA. I looked them up and even on the bay of E they are 2 for £38. I paid £10 for all 5. Very happy with them

My relative had a mini air conditioning unit when I visited. It was so lovely and cool in her room.

I had my counselling yesterday. It was good again

I am staying in and having a NSD today. I will cycle to the hospice when it cools down this evening. 

MovingForwards

Your second paragraph shows the benefits of outside space.

Well done with the CS bargains.

Things are sounding a little calmer and more controllable now, may this be the first day of many more.

anjyeah

Here to catch up and pleased that you started journaling too. I definitely agree with having the place to just jot down thoughts. I have just read through your house hunting woes and I really hope you'll find the right timing and place for yourself. 

Good luck in your debt-busting!

doingitanyway

Thanks for the positivity @MovingForwards

Thanks for dropping in @anjyeah I am debt free but I still struggle to remain debt free which is why I keep this diary. I've recently slipped into using my credit card so I do now have a little debt but your post reminded me to refocus!

One of the things I have gone back to is creating a budget. When I do finally move (And I will. I am keeping the faith) 
because of the way I choose to live I will have a limited income until I am at pensionable age. It is fine by me. I much prefer my freedom and managed correctly it is more than enough. That said, I need to get serious with a budget so I looked up CT in the new area and now I can see how much I need. I am going to start trying to live within that budget now instead of my current random spending.

I've been rubbish on my NSDs, something I used to be good at. I don't want to go mad, but now, and going forward, 2 NSDs a week would be great. I would also like 2 LSDs a week of just £5, enough for a coffee out and some nice chocolate

This week I looked at a house. It was in a really nice buzzy area. I went for a walk and had a great conversation with a local resident who showed me a beautiful park where you could see on the bench and see the sea. The park is just being the house! Anyway she ended up giving me her address. She said I can drop by for coffee if I end up moving to the area. 

My relative has defied expectations again and we are planning for her to come back home!

Yesterday I visited a friend and today I am meeting another friend for a walk and a coffee.

I hope everyone is ok.

another_casualty

This all sounds good DIA 😼
Did you make a bid on the house ? Good news about your relative . 

It's good that you are still keeping coffee and chocolate in your budget 🍫☕️

I'd feel way too restricted and go mental if I cut those . 

Keep going as you are ...

jwil

Great news about your relative

doingitanyway

Thanks @another_casualty and @jwil

So my news is I got the house I wanted. I had to pay a bit over the asking price but to be fair my house also sold for a bit over. The house is beautiful and the area is spot on. I should be happy but for some reason I feel a bit flat and even a bit anxious. More so than when I sold. I think living here with all that has gone on I haven't really processed that I have sold my old house.  Now it seems real that I will be living in a completely new place and starting all over again. Gulp.

I keep doing sums over and over and I can just about do it and still remain DF and MF but it is tight.

Today I: 
contacted my previous solicitor and got a quote (£2200) just for the buying part!
spoke to the EA to confirm my funds/ID
thought about selling my bike to help with costs

Thank you for everyone who has listened to me go on about houses for months on end

Edited to say special thanks to all those who insisted I needed a garden. I do!

CRANKY40

Moving house is one of the most stressful experiences that you can have so no wonder you feel anxious. There's so many good points to come out of being anxious at appropriate times though. You're so much less likely to be overcharged, walked all over, taken advantage of etc because you're already on high alert and being vigilant about the whole procedure. Anxiety is time consuming and tiring but I'd take it over being oblivious to pitfalls and problems any day. I hope that everything goes more smoothly than you expect.