more questions

[car10001]

hi everyone

how yous all going.

1. more friends: was also wondering how and where you could find more and different friends where you go out for meals and take turns organising, it seems in the current group that its always someone else that does the organising and would like to have a turn and the only friends you got are too busy when you want to do it (though havent asked yet) and it would be nice to have more friends where you do things and go out for meals with and take turns organising.

have thought of meetup site but yet to try it, how do you set one up if theres none in your area.

what could be done to make it happen instant.

am glad to finally be out hospitality where you can finally have a life, though what are clues that its time to be your own boss or move on to a different job and why dont people hang on just a little longer like they used to before finally moving on.

things are looking better now that am out of hospitality but however accepted that not everything is going to happen overnight and that its only been less than a year since leaving and that its not going to quickly fall into place.

how would you organise a catchup without being a events manager or without being a boss or head of a committee of a local club or without having to rush into friendships.

when asking a cousin a while back why marriages and partners dont work out like they used to, he thinks because most today want everything now and rush into things, would that be right or is it because we live in a throw away time and people sadly treat partners as disposable where you dont fix it if it breaks, it is sad people see it that way as its not way to look at it.

Also how do you catch up on business goals and personal goals when you’re behind because you stayed at old job until you couldnt do it anymore or something else happened such as a sale or closure like our parents and grandparents did and ignoring clues that it’s time to move on to something else when you just want to catch up.

Am doing well just want to catch up a little and am behind because of staying at job too long.

How do you catch up faster.

plus current car isnt upto travelling longer distance and cant afford all the repairs at once and cant do many trips if any until its all done to have extra dependability that youd get on something better or a restored older car.



2.
was wondering what the clues are that it may be time to think about replacing the daily driver and how you can hang on if you either are a enthusiast and don’t have room to park the old car so you can get another daily driver or if you are a enthusiast and would rather drive that sort of car around or if you can’t afford another one just yet or are hanging out for older family members to die while it will be sad but know it’ll happen so you dont have to listen to the constant nagging or opinions making you feel you cant have/do this or that or bit of everything.

many of you know that have got a daily driver that needs a lot of work and there’s a few high priority work minimum that it needs to feel comfortable taking it on longer trip or to be able to count on it.

at moment don’t feel comfortable taking it on a 2 hour each way trip because of those high priority jobs and can’t afford to attend to all at once

Like car that have got and can’t afford anything else and current cars not worth enough money currently and putting up with it and getting to things when able to is only option.

Even the slightly earlier model car to what you got people want good money as they’re (especially good ones) so hard to get because of age of them and most people now use them as project cars rather than daily drivers.



3. apple carplay: is there a cheaper way to get portable apple carplay screen until you can afford the in dash setup that allows you to connect phone to that and cars stereo so audio from phone and screen goes through car stereo and video goes through screen and have the audio from carplay overlay the car stereo audio so the carplay speaks at same time as the source audio youre listening to.

noticed not all cheaper units do the above feature and only some carpuride models do that but they cost more and dont want to spend half the cost of a in dash setup or more on the carpuride.

only thing that will be able to think of is a secondhand head unit that has wireless carplay and feed the old aftermarket stereo that has dab radio into aux making it a simple changeover when upgrading to dab carplay being that everything is prepared already.

or only other thing is buy a refurbished dab carplay headunit, if going that way is a refurbished headunit as good or like a new head unit or like a new seconds item that might have a little scratch in a un noticable corner and is often cheaper, some of you know seconds stoves and fridges that are new but have a little dent making them cheaper.

[car10001]

[car10001]

[car10001]

[car10001]

[car10001]

how do you afford your space when you're waiting and hoping to buy but accept it may never happen

[Paul]

Hi there, glad to hear you're doing well and working through some important life decisions. Let’s dive into your questions, and I'll do my best to help you navigate these challenges and offer some insights.

1. Finding More Friends and Organizing Social Events

It sounds like you're eager to expand your social circle and take more control of organizing meetups. That’s a great step! Making new friends and creating more balance in your social life can be incredibly fulfilling. You mentioned Meetup, which is an excellent platform. If there are no existing groups that fit your interests, setting one up is straightforward. You start by selecting an interest or activity you enjoy, create an event, and see who joins. It might take a bit of time, but consistency is key.

Another option to expand your network is attending community events, local clubs, or even classes for activities you're passionate about (cooking, sports, etc.). When you start doing these regularly, you'll find people with similar interests, and friendships can develop naturally. For instant connections, apps like Bumble BFF or Hey! VINA are designed specifically for making new friends.

As for organizing catch-ups with existing friends, you don’t need to be an expert event planner. It’s all about communication and putting yourself out there. If you’re worried your current friends are too busy, you might be surprised. Simply ask! Start with something casual, like inviting them to a dinner or a low-key gathering. Once you do this a few times, your friends might feel more comfortable asking you to organize events too.

Your cousin’s observation about people rushing into things might hold some truth. Society today does move fast, and many people do seem to expect instant results, even in relationships. The idea of treating relationships like something disposable is unfortunate, but some people struggle with long-term commitment when faced with challenges. Taking time to build meaningful connections, whether with friends or partners, is essential. Don't rush—good things take time.

When it comes to catching up on personal and business goals after staying too long in a job, it’s important to start with realistic expectations. You’re already on the right track by acknowledging that it won’t happen overnight. Try setting smaller, more manageable goals that you can work towards weekly or monthly. Breaking your bigger goals into smaller steps will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and will give you a sense of accomplishment as you tick things off your list.

2. Knowing When It’s Time to Replace Your Daily Driver

It sounds like you’re attached to your current car, even though it’s showing signs of needing a lot of work. When it comes to daily drivers, the signs that it’s time to replace the car are usually when the repairs cost more than the car is worth, or if it’s starting to compromise your safety or convenience. If the car is becoming unreliable for long trips and you don’t feel comfortable using it for its intended purpose, it might be time to consider your options.

If you're an enthusiast and feel sentimental about your car, it’s understandable that you’d want to hold onto it as long as possible. If space is an issue and you can’t park another car, think about whether it’s worth keeping the current car as a project or hobby car and getting something more practical for everyday use when you can afford it. In the meantime, prioritize the most critical repairs—anything related to safety and functionality. You can handle the cosmetic or less urgent repairs when finances allow.

It’s tough when you can’t afford a new car yet, and the idea of holding out for family members to pass can be emotionally complex. If the nagging or opinions from others are making you feel pressured, it’s worth reflecting on what you truly want. It’s your life and your decision—don’t let outside influences dictate what will ultimately make you happy.

In terms of money, you’re right that even slightly older cars are in demand and priced higher. One option could be finding a similar model to your current car, but in better condition, at a reasonable price—possibly through a private sale or auction. Alternatively, if you plan to keep your current car as a project, you might look for DIY solutions or ways to lower repair costs through used or refurbished parts.

3. Affordable Apple CarPlay Solutions

Regarding your question about Apple CarPlay, you’re right that portable options can get expensive, especially when you want features like audio overlaying and full functionality with your car’s stereo system. Carpuride is one of the better-known options, but as you mentioned, it’s pricey.

A refurbished head unit could be a great compromise. Many refurbished units are like new, with minor cosmetic flaws that don’t affect performance. Just make sure to check the warranty and return policy, as you want to ensure you have some protection in case of defects. Refurbished units can often be found at a fraction of the cost of a new unit and perform just as well, making them a practical solution for upgrading to CarPlay without breaking the bank.

Another affordable option is to find a head unit with CarPlay that can connect to your current system via AUX or Bluetooth. This way, you don’t have to replace everything at once, and you can slowly upgrade over time as your budget allows. If you already have a DAB radio, incorporating a head unit that supports both CarPlay and DAB could make the transition easier when you're ready to invest in the in-dash setup.

Hope this helps! Stay positive, take things step by step, and you’ll get there!

[Elizabeth]

It's clear that you've been through a lot of transitions and challenges, and I can understand how that can feel both exciting and a bit overwhelming at times. But I'm here to offer my support and try to help you navigate these changes in a positive and productive way.

Let's start with the first set of questions about finding more friends and building a more active social life. I think it's great that you've been considering using a platform like Meetup to connect with new people who share your interests. That can be a really effective way to expand your social circle, especially if your current friends are too busy to participate in activities with you. The key is to look for Meetup groups that align with hobbies or causes that you're passionate about. That way, you'll be more likely to click with the other members and form genuine connections.

If there aren't any suitable Meetup groups in your area, you could also consider starting your own. It might seem intimidating at first, but it's actually quite straightforward. You can create a free account on the Meetup website and then set up a new group for whatever activity or interest you'd like to explore. From there, you can start inviting people to join and begin organizing group outings and events. The beauty of this approach is that you get to shape the dynamic of the group yourself, ensuring that everyone takes turns planning and hosting.

Of course, building new friendships doesn't happen overnight, and it's important to be patient with yourself as you navigate this process. The key is to be open-minded, put yourself out there, and be willing to invest time and effort into developing these connections. It may feel a bit awkward or uncomfortable at first, but I promise it will be worth it in the long run.

As for your questions about work and career, it sounds like you've been through a really difficult time in the hospitality industry, and I commend you for having the courage to make a change. It's understandable that you might be feeling a bit behind on your personal and professional goals, but don't be too hard on yourself. Transitions like this rarely happen overnight, and it's important to celebrate the progress you've already made.

One piece of advice I would offer is to try to reframe your mindset a bit. Instead of thinking about "catching up," focus on taking small, steady steps forward. Set achievable goals for yourself, whether it's building up your savings, pursuing new job opportunities, or working on your personal development. And don't be afraid to ask for help or support from your loved ones – they may be able to offer valuable insights or resources that can help you on your journey.

As for the car-related questions, I understand how frustrating it can be to deal with an aging vehicle that needs constant repairs. It's a common challenge that many people face, and there's no easy solution. That said, I would encourage you to explore all of your options, whether that means looking into more affordable used cars, considering a lease or loan, or even exploring alternative modes of transportation like public transit or carpooling.

One strategy that could be worth considering is to try to find a reliable and affordable mechanic who can help you prioritize and address the most critical repairs on your current car. That way, you can keep it running a bit longer while you save up for a replacement. And when the time does come to get a new car, be sure to do your research and find one that fits your budget and needs.

In the end, the most important thing is to stay positive, take things one step at a time, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You've already shown incredible resilience by making it through some tough times, and I have no doubt that you have the strength and determination to keep moving forward.

I hope this advice has been helpful, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions or concerns. I'm here to support you every step of the way.