A new chapter, An empty nest, Drama school & Last year of Uni

liselle

The US series Everybody Loves Raymond featured an episode when the whole family were having a studio photograph taken.

Raymond’s mother objected to her other son’s girlfriend being in the photo.At the time she was called mean and small-minded but I understand now.

Spendless

Yes many highlights and low ebbs during the course of this diary, which I thought would just be about my journey to paying off credit card debt. I lost both my Nans along the way, but both lived to a ripe old age and were 'ready to go'. The first was weeks off being 99 and had been in a care home with dementia for 8 years.

My other Nan got her wish of celebrating her 100th at home with her (large extended) family around her and narrowly dodged going into care.

Tex managed to infuriate me many times but it was the situation with my eldest that was saddening however he's doing well, has his own place and adores Grandcat.

As for Tex well theres a certain irony that he was considered the more talented of the 2, with British champion titles to his name but dropped out of his drama school (having secured a place before DD did) in order to stage his flop of a musical about DD.

Thank you for your kind words @Yankee24

I have sent you a PM.

Spendless

Tuesday and DD's rent paid. She has taken her final class today. There was an agent came in and talked them through what they need to do. DD is one of the few from her class leaving with one - so thankful she started thinking about this a year ago, her work paid off.

Shes done some shifts at the event venue and served the wife of a well known British TV actor after she got placed in the VIP section that first she'd been told by a workmate would be 'boring' and I said 'Noooo, think of the people you'll meet'

Meanwhile in the US we attended a presentation evening where DH picked up a 'lifetime legacy' award for the work he contributed he has done for this organisation which included introducing an awards ceremony some years ago to recognise peoples acheivements. He got a standing ovation from our table as he collected his award (DD will be jealous her Dad beat her to it - hahaha). Its like an extra large chunky square engraved paperweight. I mean we flew economy, I'll be leaving half my stuff behind to take it back - lol.

I wore former wedding dress, no one guessed. It just looked like a 'pretty dress' but half way thru I felt the zip go. Managed a temp repair but ultimately it will either need to go back to the dressmakers or will have to finally 'retire'. I dont think dressmakers are at fault, I think when my Nan turned the train into a Christening robe for DD something happened then (due to some stitching I can see) and it wasnt picked up on at recent alteration.

We also went for another meal with someone who is doing a speaking event here who is also from the UK, due to DH's introduction. We had our meal and drinks fully paid for as a thank you. Later DH told me the guy is wealthy due to selling a business at the height of that sectors success. I said to DH in my alternative universe have we not only never spent so much but your bright ideas have made us rich rather than other people - lol. Im just joking though, I can see how well regarded DH is.

We have another corporate dinner invite tonight, a party tomorrow and a meal at another group member's house on Friday with chefs and caterers. Thursday we might have to pay for our own food.

Off to lunch now and I think the pool beckons this afternoon.

Catscoffeecake

Its lovely to hear his hard work and achievements are being recognised, you must be very proud.

enjoy your afternoon by the pool