Life's other priorities get in the way

[dk168]

I have made the decision to curb my spendings on jewellery intended for my 50th birthday presents next year, so that I can spend the money on a new tent and the add-ons/modifications for camping instead.

I camp on average 4 trips a year for 6+ nights each, and the new tent is easier to put up being an inflatable, compared with my existing tent that has nearly 40 pegging points, allowing me to continue to enjoy my holiday format of choice for longer.

The tent will get more use and enjoyment than fancy jewellery that sits in a box, as I am unlikely to have that many suitable occasions to wear them. Besides, I don't really need more jewellery, whereas I do need a tent that is easier to put up, as the time and efforts required for setting up is getting longer and harder as I grow older.

Once the tent is out of the way, then it will time to save up on a new car and my trip to LA in 2016 that includes a trip to Pearl Paradise!

And I shall refrain from attending the HK jewellery show at the end of Nov 2015 when I pay my folks a visit. The planned Beijing excursion as part of my 50th birthday celebration has been postponed to 2017's visit, so that I can use the money saved towards the new tent package.

I shall complete the purchases of the CSs and pearls drops required for the interchangeable pendant project, just in case I win the lottery or find a way to make it into reality.

In the meantime, I shall rely on everyone on PS to post about their goodies to feed my passion for jewellery.

DK

 

[VRBeauty]

For me making the decision is the hardest part, sticking to it is a distant second. So congratulations on taking the hardest step!

It sounds like quality camping gear will definitely improve your life, and you won't regret your decision. Nonetheless, may life give you a jewelry surprise or two as you work towards your camping gear goals.

 

[thecat]

Hurray for having a good head on your shoulders! At least you get to enjoy camping and your ride for many more years to come

 

[Harpertoo]

Sounds like a great choice!
I enjoy & covet great jewelry as much as the next person, but there's oodles of studies that indicate happiness is more strongly correlated to experiences rather the acquisition of stuff. And while I know the tent is stuff - it sounds like it leads to some wonderful experiences that enrich your life.

My spouse once bought kayaks and lessons for my birthday. I was extremely skeptical, but 15 years later we just took our daughter on her first paddle on Lake McDonald in Glacier. It was lovely and I'm grateful my spouse doesn't always go the jewelry route.

 

[JewelFreak]

Sounds like good priorities for you, DK. Applause for having a sane head. I hope you'll post about your camping trips in exchange for some about jewels -- I love to camp but can't get DH away from a hotel shower in the morning, no matter what I promise him. I'm proud of you for doing real camping instead of in a caravan -- that's the most fun way to go.

People get more pleasure out of anticipation than possession anyhow -- we dream with excitement about buying something; once we have it, ok, it's there, now what's next? Oddly enough, the wishing & picturing is the best part. (Ahem, usually, anyway.) Enjoy the new tent & put up photos!!!

--- Laurie

 

[tyty333]

We'll need a SMTT thread so you can post your new tent!

Seriously, I would like to see a picture of it when you get it all set up. I'm sure it will be impressive!

I'm sort of the same way as far as not really having anywhere to wear fancy jewels. I/We dont really go any where that
would allow me to wear them. That doesnt mean you cant spend a lot on everyday jewelry but you can only wear so much
at once so I dont see (for me) the need to have a lot.

 

[dk168]

Thanks everyone for your encouragements!

This is a link to the brand of tent I intend to get in time for the first trip next Easter:

http://www.campingtravelstore.co.uk/karstentents.html

And this is my current set up:


More pics later once I have resolved the web-hosting issues - recent software upgrade resulted in no access to my sites.

DK

 

[Calliecake]

I know absolutely nothing about camping. I think I've camped two times in my life on Girl Scout outings. With that being said, I think your new tent looks so cool!!! Very good purchase that I'm sure will give you years of enjoyment.

 

[cflutist]

Camping can be fun and a great way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Hubby and I camp and have tents by Northface and Sierra Designs.
Hubby is also an ultralight backpacker and has several tents/tarps (I don't ask).

 

[Trekkie]

Pffffft! That's not camping, that's moving house!

I'm teasing! Very nice set up you have there!

Here's ours: a lil two man tent 30m from the sea, in the midst of a magnificent southern cape storm in Tsitsikamma, South Africa. Can't really see it in these pics but the waves were enormous and the spray was so close it wet our tent! Oh, and see the way it is all squished aside? That was the wind! We were told to evacuate and pitch our tent on higher ground, but we stuck it out. We're not fair weather campers!

It is very mature of you to decide to get a new tent instead and I hope it brings you loads of joy!

 

[dk168]

Hat's off to you, that is definitely brave!

I can't camp light, but not quite a glamper with frilly fluffy cushions and soft furnishing, somewhere in the middle I guess. Everything is functional except for the buntings, fairy lights, the flag and windsock.

Not a fair weather camper either, done a few winter trips when I was working at a manufacturing facility that had a proper winter shutdown over Christmas from 24 Dec to 02 Jan, and I woke up to snow one February morning and it was lovely:



My last tent got destroyed by strong wind, hence I bought a Dutch canvas pyramid to replace it. Stable as a rock when pitched, however, they are nearly 40 pegs holding it up!

The Karsten is a lot easier to pitch, being an inflatable and with a lot less guys. I was going to get a better Dutch canvas pyramid with about half the number of guys, however, I thought I might as well pay more and get an inflatable instead.

Hopefully, I can squeeze in a couple of short trips in the colder months with the new tent set up, as I love camping in winter with hardly any ankle biters and critters screaming their heads off, and no bugs!

I joined a gym recently, as I got fed up not being able to do much in the evenings due to irregular working hours. In addition, I hope to get fitter and be able to lift a heavier weight in the form of a better tent. My friends and colleagues laughed when they heard about my prime motivation in joining a gym, to be able to lift a heavier tent. However, it is a motivation nonetheless.

DK

 

[luv2sparkle]

Wow dk, I can't believe that you can get all that gear in your little mini! The new tent set up is awesome and I am sure you will get a lot of use out of it. Jewelry is fun but something that you will use a lot it just as fun! I hope you are able to get it soon and it is every bit as wonderful as you are hoping!

I am more of a glamping kind of gal (although I don't know how being in a small box with 7-8 other people is glamorous in any way), but I can see the appeal of your set up. Maybe going for that kind of set up would keep my kids from wanting to come with us and I could get some alone time with my DH! I will have to give that some thought.

 

[dk168]

luv2sparkle,

I can't get everything into my MINI!

My set up outgrew the roof box when I bought the current tent, as its packed volume is much greater than my last tent.

Hence I have a trailer, and it makes life a lot easier. Just need to load up the car with provisions, cool box, my kit, dog's kit, hook up the trailer and off we go.

With the roof box, it took a lot longer due to having to attach it to the car before it could be loaded etc...

It does look a bit OTT with all these gears just for me and the dog! However, it is a home from home, and I get a lot of satisfaction and enjoyment out of it. For a few days a few times each year, I get to live in a tidy place where everything has its own place, as I am not a very tidy person at home!

DK

 

[luv2sparkle]

I don't think it's at all too much to bring your gear with you. There is nothing worse than being away from home and suddenly realizing you should have brought "X" with you. Even in our trailer we have a family joke that no trip is complete without going to the Pismo Walmart at least 6 times. We always forget or need stuff we didn't bring!

I hope you post pictures and tell us how you like the new set up when you get it!

 

[dk168]

I know absolutely nothing about camping. I think I've camped two times in my life on Girl Scout outings. With that being said, I think your new tent looks so cool!!! Very good purchase that I'm sure will give you years of enjoyment.

I started camping and enjoying the great outdoors late in life when I hit 40s. I guess I am making up on lost times and opportunities.

DK

 

[tyty333]

The new tent looks very nice and looks to go up very quickly!

I can camp but my DH just isnt made for it. Kind of a shame...I miss the outdoors sometimes. The closest I can get DH to camp
is a cabin I've rented in N.C. for later this month. I'm sure he'll enjoy the hottube .

 

[facetgirl]

I had to reply to this because I am going through the same thing - looking at priorities.

I have been saving for a special purchase - either diamond studs or a Cartier tank. I am almost at my budget

I've been thinking lately though that I should hire a personal trainer and get myself the into shape. I really, really need to strengthen my core for health reasons. Maybe now is the time.

Thanks for the inspiration.