Holiday Spends, All Spent

Operation Magpie has been continuing here in Edinburgh since September, with a few set backs and wobbles along the way.  Trying to stop spending is certainly easier said than done.  The most recent temptation landed with a gentle thud on the doormat a few weeks ago.

It was an invitation to JW's friend's wedding in Ireland.  First thought was: lovely, glad to see they are getting married.  Second thought was: oh no, we can't afford to go!

JW, rightly, insisted that we shouldn't miss the wedding, as they are amongst the loveliest people we know.  He had the moral high-ground on this one, so I agreed, but still panicked about the finances.

So, budget flights were booked, (I looked into trains and boats, but they were extortionate and we would have needed a week to get there and back, sigh).  Cheap B&B's were contacted and old dresses, hats, shirts and ties were looked out from the back of the wardrobe.

On the plus side, I found a fab fascinator I had forgotten I even had!  And I put JW's Granny's handbag back into action; it's first outing for at least 30 years, if not more!  Plus I wore a dress I had made myself a couple of years ago, so I had no worries about identical outfit nightmares, (it has happened to me before and it ain't pretty!)  I even resisted the pull of treating myself to new tights, when I found myself mysteriously in the hosery section of the supermarket!  I have to say, I was amazed I had the will-power in me.

Now it is all over, and we are back home, bleary eyed and tired. I am really glad we went, it was probably the best wedding we have been to, and it was good to be there to celebrate such an important moment in someone's life.

But on checking out the financial situation, I realise that this trip, combined with an earlier trip to visit my parents, has wiped out our holiday budget for the 12 month duration of the project. 

Ironically, we also got back home to another invitation, this time to a family reunion near London.  I really want to go!!  It is so difficult to resist the pull of seeing relatives you rarely get to see, not to mention getting away from the housework and chores!

But, having looked up train fares and hotel prices, I am resolved, we just cannot afford it, or any other holiday for the next six months.  JW will not be happy about this at all.  But...needs must!  My foot must be firmly planted.  I shall not be moved!

But, will I manage to keep this up for the next six whole months?  All the way through the spring and summer holiday madness season??  I hope so...