22 July 2012

A Busy Weekend

I feel like I haven't stopped to focus this weekend - and that is a good thing!

I had another driving lesson yesterday (Saturday) morning - it didn't go as well as previous ones, I made a few errors - but not life threatening or dangerous ones, so i'm not overly worried. However, my driving instructor recommended an extra lesson before my test to put them right, so I have another lesson Tuesday morning. This is the last proper lesson before my test - so now I am getting really anxious.
I keep going over driving in my mind, hoping and praying I get it all correct.

To distract myself, I have been trying to keep as busy as I can - yesterday, when I got home I listed over 100 things on eBay!! Not much sold really though, so that is disappointing that I will need to re-list. On the plus side, it was a free listing day, so I didn't lose the money in fees, so what did sell was a bonus.

Today, as soon as my Mum goes out, I need to get cracking on making her Birthday cake - I'm going to do my speciality - Chocolate fudge cake with vanilla and white chocolate centre. Everyone seems to enjoy that.

I haven't been shopping at all - I am trying to save my Money for a Car now and seem to be doing quite well with that, whatever I sell on eBay is going towards the car. Every time I feel the urge to shop, I think about how I could get a car and that it will give me back the freedom and independence I have craved for so long and shopping is cancelled! Finally, I am finding a better purpose for NOT going shopping. We shall see how it all goes...for now though, I am just trying not to anticipate the Practical driving test so much and relax and enjoy the driving experience.

17 July 2012

Lucky Break

The last week has been incredibly lucky for me.
I don't know why - and I don't really want to question it too much either, incase it breaks it. It could be my horoscope, the stars have aligned or could be a cosmic balance - Who knows? But I am taking full advantage of it.

I had a wonderful double (2 hours) driving lesson today with my amazing driving instructor, Ray. 
He is so patient with me, I practised the 3-point turn, Parallel Parking and Reversing round the corner 4 times on each one, and each time he praised me for a job well done - so much so, I feel I am ready for my practical test. 

I have booked my practical test now, and it is very, very soon - I don't want to jinx it by telling anyone what day it is - so I will just announce it here when I pass - and I am determined to pass, I am on a mission to pass.

Today, I drove very well...approximately 30 miles in total, all through the busy town centres, through a gorgeous little village and through all of the narrow, tiny country lanes - perfect! Only made a couple of minor errors, but nothing to fail on.

I have another lesson on Saturday morning - this one will be 1hr 30mins long - this is just to boost my confidence a bit more, which I am happy to do. The more experience I have before my test, the better, this way I will be as confident as possible for my test - you can never get too much driving experience!
I am very much looking forward to this - I enjoy driving tremendously. 

After my lesson, I finished at the shops and treated myself to a £2 scratchcard - I won £40!! So that will pay for Saturday's driving lesson! Amazing! Long may my luck continue...

Watch this space for the Practical test results...

14 July 2012

A Break in Posting...

I took a little break from blogging (not shopping though!).

It has given me much needed time to sort a few things out.

Hospital - I was continually messed around regarding the Synacthen test I need, they cancelled 4 times. So hopefully, now after seeing my GP, it is sorted for next week. Usually when you involve a Third party, things seem to miraculously become more solid. So here is hoping it isn't cancelled again.

Clothing and Accessories - We hired a Skip this week to have a massive clear out - Success!! I managed to dispose of 20 bags full of old clothing and bits and pieces that will never be used again, so that has cleared an enormous space (a whole room, in fact!) - we now have our dining room back. Result!
I have also been gradually going through my new clothing, trying things on and am selling a fair few things on eBay, which will help with my next goal.

Driving - A Major, major breakthrough! I successfully passed my Driving Theory Test yesterday (Yes, on the dreaded FRIDAY 13th!!). I feel like my Nan's and Aunt was with me in spirit and helped me pass the test. I am so pleased about this. I feel this is a major turning point in getting my life back on track (pardon the pun!). I finally feel like life is on the uppers. Things can only get better!
So, I aim to sell as much as I possibly can in order to raise money to buy a Car! (If anyone wishes to donate, I honestly do not mind :-D).

My next goal: To pass my practical driving lesson - to which I am well on my way to doing. Over the last 9 years, I must have had at least 30-40 lessons, which is helping me lots now and so is my wonderful driving instructor, Ray, he is a godsend. So friendly and patient with me (he would have to be, what with intermittent lessons over the last 9 years - but he is wonderfully understanding about this). He said I was driving beautifully and should be ready for my test shortly. I just need to master reversing around a corner and a little more practice on Parallel parking - easy! I absolutely love driving and cannot wait to do it with a proper full licence. I can already feel a new found freedom beginning.

One goal at a time, once I pass my practical driving test - then I will concentrate on getting a car, but it doesn't hurt to start saving for it now, only I won't start looking for one until after I have passed.

I am definitely willing to cut back on my shopping trips to be able to get a car, and yesterday I started to - I only bought a few things (to celebrate passing my Theory test!). I bought a few tops, couple of pairs of trousers, pair of shorts and some jewellery. I also bought my Mum a birthday present. I think I spent around £130 in total, but that was including fares, a phone top up and a cheeky Mcdonalds :-)