Midlife Musings and Measurable Goals

beanielou

Priceless to have time with relative. 

Office sounds fab. 

mark55man

so jealous to have a nice office.  great progress DIA  - and great progress on the EA.  I'm sure that will be a journey and a half.

Sunshine_girl2

Glad to hear you spent time with relative. Fingers crossed for a quick sale on your house so you can move to pastures new. Have you been looking for a new home or waiting to see what happens with yours ? Have a good day DIA. 

another_casualty

Great things happening DIA 😼 

The only thing I would advise if I may, is to keep trying to hunt down someone for fascias.
You have probably caught up on my woes in my first diary regarding the same issue .
Not to tick a box, but the weather is getting colder and you don't want any unwanted visitors 🐿
Otherwise , all sounds great ..

enthusiasticsaver

Hi DIA. I don't often comment on your diary but things sound exciting for you at the moment so thought I would weigh in. Apologies as I have not read your full diary, just last 10 pages or so. Firstly I am so pleased your relative came through her op ok and hope she recovers soon. It must have been worrying for you. As far as the lifestyle change goes, we (like AC) moved to the West Country from the GLC area more than 30 years ago now and honestly it was the best thing we ever did. It was busy, schools were atrocious, my husband took 2 hours to battle through London to get to hospitals where he worked and I felt I couldn't breathe, it was like living in a concrete jungle although I know there are nicer areas than we were but I hated shopping and loved walking so it was an easy decision to move away in spite of leaving loved ones behind.

DH had a job transfer option to the Plymouth area so that helped. I thought about where we lived in terms of work availability for me and my husband, schools for our daughters (not an issue for you I know) and lifestyle (access to green areas, shops, public transport etc). I know you don't need to consider partners or kids but do you have friends or relatives in other parts of the country you can visit? I know AC moved close to a friend so at least he knew someone. Also, if you don't drive public transport is not great in the sticks so check that out too. From the sound of it though you are not happy where you live now so moving sounds like a good idea for you. Can you just sell up and rent rather than buy for a while so you get to know an area? We did that as moving 250 miles away was problematic for viewings especially with a baby and toddler. It meant we could research the area properly and we are still in that house 32 years later. I will subscribe if that is ok as it sounds like you have an exciting time ahead. 

jwil

All sounds like it's coming together nicely.  Fingers crossed for a quick sale

doingitanyway

Thanks everyone for all the encouragement. I value the support right now as it feels like the constant stream of people, calls and action required is a bit overwhelming at times. Your positive comments are appreciated

@another_casualty I will keep going with trying to get the fascias remedied.
@enthusiasticsaver Thank you for subscribing. I am worried about my relative but I am determined to stay present and enjoy the time we have together. 
Your comment about not being able to breathe really chimed with me. Like you I hate shopping but love walking.
I'm not going to 'the sticks' I'll be less than 90 minutes from where I am because I have many friends and some family here. I don't have friends where I plan to live but I know a few casual acquaintances I can meet for coffee. I will link up with my creative community, but it is a risk. However everyone who knows me says it will be good for me so I need to brave. If it doesn't work I will do something else!
Your idea to rent for a while is a good one. I hope to do that.
You are right exciting times ahead  

Yesterday I felt unwell and my joints were sore but I pushed myself to go to the Swedish store and BnQ in search of lighting for the electrician to fit. I did not buy any as they were very expensive. In all it is £120 for the lighting and other £80 to fit. The guys that will be showing the house visited today and said not to spend the money as there is no need. The security flood light needs a new bulb so I will replace the bulb and give the light fitting a good clean instead. I will look for solar lights to brighten up outside. I can then take them with me.

I picked up some beautiful light shades in BnQ, pale shimmering mother of pearl in pale green and cream. So light and perfect. I sent an old light shade to the CS and some of my lights previously had no shades! Little changes matter and they look lovely. Better news is they were on sale from £17 to £5 and I bought 4

Feel better today. Up at 5.45am cleaning and organising before the sales people come at 10am. They love the house. The back garden looks so lovely after the gardener dug it all over. I worked with her and the transformation is amazing. I will look for cheap summer bedding and a hanging basket for the front of the house.

I took a bag of decluttering to the CS. Found 2 enamel white cups with blue rims and a huge enamel pot big enough for a chicken. Both are vintage and £5.50 for everything! 

The best achievement of the day is THE CAR IS GONE. Where are the dancing ladies emojis when you need them? I needed the driveway clear for photos next week and buyers need somewhere to park too.  I can now clean the drive properly. I got sick of trying to sell it. People letting me down and quibbling over a few pounds. There is a charity who recycle cars and give the money to a list of named charities. DONE and hopefully a little good karma is on the way to me. 

I am due to meet a friend this afternoon. I will take my bike on the train and cycle back so I avoid rush hour altogether. 

I keep opening the office door and peeping in. It is so lovely! I treated myself to a sheepskin rug from the Swedish store. It is dyed pink and on the back of the chair.

Off to get ready to meet my friend.

I will catch up on other people's diaries tonight.

I hope you are all okay.

another_casualty

Wow! So much positivity DIA 😼👍. 

Can't do the dancing girls . Where is muffintops these days ? Here are couple of animals instead , for the garden 🦊🦔🦉🐱. 

I think that with all the effort you have been putting into the house, it's not surprising you are out of sorts now and again. Thankfully , you are feeling better today . 

You're getting nearer .
I'll leave it there...

beanielou

Wow. You are a whirlwind. 

Great news on the car. 

RosaBernicia

Brilliant DIA, how exciting. 

You've inspired me to think again about a house I looked at