ANYWAY, after I did this (ie spent all my excess money) I got my manuscript back from the manuscript assessment peoples (I've been writing a novel in my spare time). They recommended a re-write of half the novel, pitching it to a younger audience (pre-teen) and ditching most of the sub-plots while expanding another. Anyway, a big lightbulb went off in my head and I can totally see how the novel can be framed and the assessment people's thought it had potential and should be re-written which was nice. The problem with this was that I had intended to go back to work in October (which is why I blew the tax return) and the re-write will take at least six months, maybe a year. SO, thanks to you guys and my new consumption awareness, I have taken the plunge and decided not to return to work after all. DH's wage will cover the mortgage and bills (just) and it means that I will have zip to live on - hopefully just enough to buy Xmas pressies and all that stuff, but nothing for me unless I sell something to fund it.
This is a HUGE step forward for me. A year ago, I wouldn't have thought twice. I would have binned the novel and gone back to work, knowing that I couldn't survive without my spending fix. But thanks to you guys and the consumption challenge, I'm going to give it a shot. And the excellent thing is, even if my novel never gets published, at least I will know that I have taken it as far as I could, and there will never be that 'what-if' type of regret. Its also a great lifestyle choice - DD2 is only 2 years old and DD1 is at school and it is so nice knowing that I'll be home with them instead of them being in daycare or after school care while I'm at work. So... here goes! I don't reckon I'll be posting a monthly spend from now on, as there won't be one (!!) but I'll drop in and update every so often.
So thanks dudes. This is really a life-changing decision for me, and you guys have helped me on my way. Hats off to you all!
PS I guess I should explain that the mechanical watch obsession arose out of research I was doing for the book, so its all kind of connected...in case you were wondering....
