It's only a number...

I'm going to hit the big fifty this year.  What to do?



Party - or Not?

Do I do nothing and try my hardest to ignore it and hope (forlornly) that it goes away or do I throw a party?

I quite like the idea of organising a party in Peewees (the place of my mis-spent youth) and invite all my (literally) old friends.  Through our beer glasses we could all make believe we are twenty again.

OR do I fly to New Zealand to see my soul mate Alex?  We travelled together around the world after Uni for a year and loved "the land of the long white cloud", Alex so much she lives there now.  We celebrated our twentieth and thirtieth together (I was the 'mature' one even back then).  For four years we were care free students and we had an absolute blast.  I haven't seen her for a decade now and would love so much to visit and instantly sink into that cozy friendship that wraps itself around you.

OR do I hold a repeat and similar party to Gran's 100th held at home last year?  This option would involve more family and be more inclusive.  Would anyone come?  Would it be an anticlimax after Gran's do?  Gulp.

Perhaps I'll do nothing.  I am after all a scardy cat.

Lack of greed.

My daughter, G9 asked for a cup of "Pick 'n' Mix" when we were out in town and only quarter filled it.

"You can fill that to the top you know,"  said the sales assistant at the till.  (This was for no extra cost).

In a tone that suggested all adults must be stupid G9 replied.  "But it's all I want."

We can learn something from the young.

Maybe not, I made her go back to fill it up.  After all I was paying and her Dad would nobly step into the breach and help her out with the eating.

New Year's Resolution

Well here we are again, with the same old resolution (i.e. to lose weight) although this year it's combined with picking up those running shoes again and getting fit.

To this aim I have bought some winter gear and ordered a monthly running magazine which will accusingly or encouragingly (depends on my mood) regularly land on the mat, but I still have not sorted out the new shoes.  And unfortunately after receiving my credit card bill yesterday I am still in deep shock.  I'm not sure the bank balance can withstand another hit.  I even took something back to Marks and Sparks yesterday as it was in the sale, and then re-bought it at the sale price.  Every little helps.

Winter running gear; still with labels intact.

J keeps telling me there is no point hanging on to our savings as they are now depreciating quickly in this economic climate, I on the other hand still like that feeling of a back up nest egg (no matter how small). 

I also worry about things currently in the future and not confirmed; for example how on earth are we are going to be able to afford to send G9 to higher education (if she chooses to go) if we don't save a little beforehand.  Currently Wales is subsidising the fees for Welsh residents wherever they may choose to study, but a week is a long time in politics, never mind 9 years.  I know these tuition fees are supposed to be down to the students to pay, but between that and trying to afford a home at these ridiculous prices in the UK we'd really want to help G9 out at the beginning of her independent life - if at all possible. 

Watch this space though, where there is a will there is a way - hopefully.  Car boot with unwanted Christmas presents here I come!

HAPPY NEW YEAR - BLWYDDYN NEWYDD DDA