What a save...

I'm not referring to the performance of Messrs Reina and Hislop in this afternoon's match; unsurprisingly I skipped the trip to the pub to watch the cup final this afternoon (best for years or otherwise), there was plenty to do at home instead. I'm not even referring to Steve Mildenhall's contribution towards Grimsby Town's promotion into League One. I don't think I need to elaborate further on my disinterest in football.

The "save" in question is mine and I'm talking about saving money. Or more to the point, how completely hopeless I am at it (rather like football actually).

My parents tried to teach me the value of money as a child, giving me chores to complete to earn my pocket money rather than just giving it to me. I was also encouraged to take up paper rounds and part time jobs as soon as I was old enough to re-inforce the difference between earning money and being given it. Despite this headstart, I have always found it difficult to save money in the occasional times I have had some surplus. I've no idea how I ever managed to save enough for a deposit for a house.

It still hasn't changed. Last night, the hedge bordering my front garden got a long overdue trimming and shaping courtesy of my uncle who just happens to be a gardener (incidentally, he also happens to be an incredibly generous man who refused to take anything other than a can of beer in payment). It also provided an excuse to spend a equally long overdue Friday night in, choosing to use the time more wisely putting shelves up in the study rather than another weekly beer marathon.

So if you add up the savings over two days: a gardener for two hours, four taxi fares, a couple of pub meals, enough beer to float a battleship and the inevitable pool & jukebox fodder, I probably ought to be about a hundred quid in pocket by now. Unfortunately my subconscious was already one step ahead and had me trotting into town to by a portable CD/Radio/Cassette/MP3 player so I can listen to music in the study during my early morning stints on the running machine and also whilst I'm sorting through all of the other stuff I've dumped in there.

I suppose I should take some comfort that while I've been spending pounds in one way, it will make life more pleasant while I'm trying to lose them elsewhere...