Sunday, 5 June 2011

Day 21 (5 June 2011) - Five days to work, one whole day to play...

...come on everybody, grab your rollerskates today.  It's Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, it's Saturday etc'
...except it's not, it's Sunday.  However, yesterday was Saturday and what a big day it was on the challenge front.  One chalked off and another with a big leap forward.  Although, apologies to De La Soul, cos I didn't actually wear rollerskates at any stage (I can barely stand up one two feet most of the time).

So, what did I get up to, I hear you cry!  Well, further to Challenge 28 - Buy a flat in Putney (Suzie), yesterday I had weekend no. 2 of flat-hunting and jolly exciting it was too for I saw a flat which I think I like.  Accompanied by The Bing (Nicola) we saw four quite funky one-beds in Wandsworth...alright now I know the challenge said Putney, but I can't afford anything remotely nice in Putney, and whilst I'm keen to complete as many of these challenges as possible, I'm not prepared to base one of the biggest decisions of my life on a challenge.  I know, I know, I told you a couple of weeks ago not to let me get out of these challenges, but given the circumstances, I'm hoping you'll permit me a small modicum of lee-way, particularly as these flats are a mere 15 minuts walk from Putney High Street. 

The big issue for me has been the old one-bed, two-bed question. Naturally, one-bed flats are cheaper than two-beds, but given my budget if I choose the latter I'm going to have to move slightly further out and buy somewhere a less swanky-looking.  On the flip side, a two-bed gives the option of renting a room out and, of course, the added bonus of having a flat-mate.  I've thought about this over and over again and have reached the conclusion that the two-bed option is actually the safer one (or am I double-bluffing myself).  I've never lived on my own, and the thought is a bit weird.  Those who know me well know that I jabber on and on and on for hours about anything, so not having someone to do this to will be a challenge.  If I'm honest, since the break-up earlier this year, I've kind of been on the run.  I've had some smashing times with friends which have lifted me to levels of happiness and excitement which  a significant other couldn't beat, but the self-doubts, difficult questions and the scary bits have all occurred when on my own - so I've taken the option of simply limiting the time spent on my Bob as much as possible.  However, I recognise that I can't do this forever and have got to get used to spending time with me, myself and I and get comfortable with my own company.  Living by myself will enable tme to tackle this head on.  I've also given myself a good talking to on the subject of financial risk.  Yes, if Craig, if you get sacked or develop a terminal illness, paying the mortgage will be a struggle, however stastically the chances of either of these happening in the very near future are hopefully quite slim,  so will you quit worrying about them (even if they do occur you can always rent the flat).  So the conclusion is bring on single living and my own batchelor pad...
...bet the one I like sells on Monday!! Lol

Following the positive viewing, I hot-footed it to Clapham Junction to catch the train down to sunny Portsmouth to complete Challenge no. 13:  Experience the maritime delights of Portsmouth (Jon).  To borrow a word from Mr Way, what a 'splendid' day this was.  Thanks to Jon's excellent guiding skills the maritime delights included Nelson's Flagship, 'Victory' from when he uttered those famous dying words 'Kiss Me Hardy';  although it's never been cleared up whether he was referring to comedian Oliver, author Thomas or one of  the wrestling brothers Matt & Jeff?!?.  We also saw the Spinnaker Tower, which is most famous for being featured in the recent series of 'The Biggest Loser' (well it is in my world) and the HMS Warrior, although sadly the Mary Rose is being restored so was under cover.  Does anyone else remember being dragged into an assembly to watch the Mary Rose being raised from the sea in 1982?  What's that - none of you were born?  Oh, sod off!  Anyway, BIG thanks to Jon for a top day in sunny Pompey...although I could have done without being hustled on Shave the Sheep!!

  

All in all a fine weekend and couple of ticks in the right column.  On Facebook Caroline very kindly commented 'at this rate we'll have to set you more challenges'.  I'm not exactly whistling through them, but thanks to you this whole process is having the desired effect.  By most people's standards I still haven't achieved a huge amount, but by my own very sedentary ones, I've probably accomplished more in the past three weeks than I've done in the past three years.  The great news is that I'm really enjoying the whole process and feeling more confident and positive - and it must be three days since I've made any remarks about being too old.  However, there is much still to do, so best be cracking on.

Adios

No comments:

Post a Comment