5 OS Pleasures in your Day Today part 2

ampersand

A lot of mixed emotions, frights, self-questioning, feeling battered and courage apparent as I do the catch-up read today.
Who else believes the time of year has much to do with this perceived and parallel downturn of mood?
It is not my time. For me, things lurk to come out about now, when light and luminosity are declining and we know there are months ahead before the heart lifts with temperature, peeping green, longer sun[from now on I relish every moment of sun through windscreen on face.]
Had early gym this morning instead of yesterday because of needing to check whether new mob[Mr T voucher exchange]was still at Charity Showroom, left in error Tuesday.

1.It was - hoorah! Hadn't even taken it out of bag, let alone charged, read Manual blah blah.
2.Collected 5 paintings after glazing, reframing etc. Utterly love the one I picked up from Art Exhib in Fareham several months back, now framed in distressed driftwood style frame...and a.n.other, even more now that season matches subject:a retreating winding path landscape, somewhat bleak, but stunning.
3.Medlar jelly duly bottled and jar given[Tues]to person who had supplied fruit. More en route next Tues, j'espère. Offset nuisance of 'my own fault' journey yesterday to gather accessible rosehips - there'll be more tomorrow inside the compound. In the meantime, 2nd straining from 2nd boiling now underway, using rosehip syrup recipe from D.T.
4. 2 people who'd indavertently left paid items behind came and collected them on Tuesday. They were so pleased - it felt good to reunite them.
5. Visited Foodbank yesterday and look forward to disbursing 50kg. Love choosing and sorting and feeling x's pleasure in advance.
6. sparrer, your car's name straight away made me think of this site:
http://farmlet.co.nz/index.php?s=kefir and you can see why because of the last word. I came across them several years back and they are living out the Good Life fully principled, coming across as a lovely couple, now with 2 little chaps. The pic of v.new bro, Reed, with older Owen is rather special. I agree with you re: the ageing thing and know it is the trigger for my spiral of recurring thought re: a certain rel'shp.
We Will Fight On.
7. caterina - hope you'll catch desert Island Discs with Anna del Conte:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00vy3rr
I was struck by her real sorrow in her 'failure' to be found suitable for television. Something of her mother's ways in upbringing, does carry over into some imperious/cool tone of voice and spoken manner. Well done Kirsty for teasing out this and saluting the contrasting warmth of her rich writing.

Cruel news[but immediately suspected some months back]for someone I know well, share years with and care much about...

It is that time of year.

So, I'm switching on the -

Tap in anytime, anyone.

Caterina

Hi all

Another couple of days missing, because of busy busy (not complaining, I like to be busy busy within measure!).

Gingersnap, I get the free cinema tickets by checking on the freebies thread on the MSE Forum and then enter the codes. Here is the link: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/606589

Dundeedoll: by all means bring the crochet hook to the January meet, I hope to remember to bring mine!

Sparrer, great news on Kefi!

Crickett, I also have plantar fasciitis (policemen's heel) - it is HORRIBLE!

Beachbaby, I am glad that you are ok after the accident, it must have been really frightening for you!

Frith, your situation with Mr N sounds really frustrating, hope you get this resolved (in due course). Try not to worry about court, hopefully things will get sorted out *crossing fingers for you*.

Ampersand, this time of the year is definitely a downer for the mood, it is no mystery - but think about it this way: only four weeks to the Winter Solstice, when the days start getting longer again. Thanks a million for the link to the Anna del Conte interview on Radio 4 - a friend of mine called me this morning to let me know when it was going on live but I was still in bed - I am listening to it now as I type (great music choices! The Boccherini Minuetto: I danced it in a public show when I was 6 years old!!!).

Anyway, here is a bunch of random pleasures from the last couple of days:

1 - Good weather, no rain, sunshine, lovely autumn weather.

2 - Outing with colleague after work on Weds evening, salt cave and then Chinese meal - she very kindly bought the meal for both of us as a goodbye gift for me, that was really a lovely gesture!

3 - Yesterday morning meeting with a friend who was my first doula client - her first baby is now over 8 years old, but we stayed in touch and became good friends over the years. We had a lot of fun and laughter and she pointed me towards the right gifts that her children would like from me for Christmas (as I do not see them often, their tastes change and I wanted to get them something that they would like).

4 - Yesterday evening, Paco de Lucia concert with a friend, I had bought the ticket as soon as I found out he was coming to London and managed to get cheap tickets. We were sat very very high up in the Royal Festival Hall but the music was amazing - and the dancer - unbelievable!)

5 - I have won yet another pair of cinema tickets (The American with George Clooney).

Have a good day everybody xxx

missmoneysave

Hello Everyone, Not getting chance to post everyday time is just whizzing by... Here are my five for the last few days.

1. Finding my favourite but not the cheapest caramelised onion chutney is on BOGOF at M&S, makes it far more affordable. I am going to attempt to make some at some point. Bumped into OH's friend who works in M&S and he was saying they had people queing at the doors at opening time and they ran down to get the £10 Champagne. Had a little giggle to myself and thought 'that will be the moneysavers!'

2. Lots of gift guides coming through post and picked up Boots free mag. Some free mags are so good I've found there is no need to buy magazines unless they have a good free gift like the Glamour Nails Inc.

3. Ian the pup went to door and said 'let me out please' and went and did his business outside, only had him for 2 weeks and I think it's great he is taking himself out. Me and OH were at the door watching and then cheering! We were so proud.

4. Planning, buying and wrapping all the presents OH has to buy people for xmas. I'm saving him a small fortune and he says I can keep any free gifts, points and Quidco. I love christmas so it's a joy rather than a chore.

5. Budget shops! These could be a daily pleasure of mine as I always check if I can get something in £ shop first. Today I got one of those ear flap hats, not as bad as it sounds! and some fluffy bed socks.

Caterina

Hi again,

it seems five minutes since I was here last, but did not want to miss the chance of putting my five for today!

1 - I managed to get two 30p Pizza Express vouchers (special promotion only today) because the email came in while I was online.

2 - Lovely lunch with DS at Pizza Express, of course it ended up not being a 60p lunch because he wanted extra toppings and to share a large salad. However, it was still very reasonable and it gave me the opportunity to go out with him and spend some quality time together.

3 - DS got his 1/2 price unemployed travel ticket, so for the next 6 months he can catch the bus at half price.

4 - Just got an email from my boss, something has been found for me to do at work, so I am going to go in next week (not a "pleasure" as such - the pleasure is that I won't have to wait inanely for something to drop from the sky to keep me busy).

5 - Looking forward to my friend's visit tonight, she is bringing me my serviced sewing machine (from a shop near her) as she drives, so I am going to give her dinner (pumpkin and pecorino cheese risotto).

Have a good evening everybody xxx

CCP

Evening all.

Caterina - you're doing well on the voucher / freebie front at the moment, aren't you? Very nice too!

ampersand - your mention of the foodbank reminds me that I've been meaning to call my local one to see if they need anything I can add to my weekly shop. I must do that on Monday - thanks for the reminder. :T

sparrer - I don't blame you for being less than happy about all that stuff going into your house - I'm guessing it's better to have it and not need it than to not have it and struggle, though. I don't suppose that's much comfort, though!


Pleasures for today:

1) Talking with a colleague at work - neither of us are entirely happy and we've both been thinking about looking for another job, but we've both decided to stay for the time being as our colleagues are so nice and we know we might not be as lucky elsewhere. It was just a nice reminder, as I'm feeling down and struggling at the moment.

2) Treated myself to a new pair of earrings in the Debenhams sale - they're real cheapie ones at less than a fiver, but rather sweet.

3) I have to confess to a dislike of events like Children in Need - nothing against the charity, which I know does great work, but the enforced jollity of the 'event' part rather sets my teeth on edge. (Sorry. ) The pleasure was chatting to a couple of people at work and finding they feel exactly the same - I might be a miserable old killjoy, but at least I'm not the only one!

4) Ordered part of my mum's Christmas present (sorry for mentioning the 'C' word) - a handmade, one-off stuffed owl for her collection - I can guarantee she won't have one like that already!

5) All the nice people were out in the supermarket tonight, and I had a couple of pleasant chats with complete strangers.

6) And, for the first time ever, I got given some tokens for the in-store charity collection box. They don't give them to everyone and I've never got any before, so I was rather chuffed to be entrusted with a couple.

I won't be around this evening as I've promised to go to a CiN event at a local pub tonight with some friends - lots of 'hilarious' entertainment is promised. It's the only benefit I can think of from my current bout of winter gloominess - it's a fine excuse to leave when the 'hilarity' gets too much for me.

Have a pleasant evening everyone, and particularly CiN fans - I know a lot of people enjoy it and my dislike of it is in no way typical. I think I'll just slip some money in the direction of a deserving charity then run away and hide until it's all over!

Ginger_Snap

Dundeedoll How kind of you to ask if you can help with tutoring materials, I think I am okay at the mo but offer very, very much appreciated. In nswer to your question, OH is an electrician. Loved hearing about your great shopping day and all your purchases. WHat a loving DS to ring you, even if the timing was a bit unusual!!! Sorry to hear about your hair loss, mine is awful too (but its to do with the early menopause I am going through in my case) Glad yours is starting to sort itself out..:)

SparrerMade me smile thinking of your agent lady scoffing your tea loaf and stretching out the meeting so she could wolf down more pieces! Any recipe please? It must be good!!

Cricket1234 Thank you for the info about your condition, how painful for you! Horrid to have to deal with it all the time. I am sorry there does not seem to be much that can be done to help.

Mollythewestie Well done on the competition win! I hope the book will be useful ,I have a friend who swears by that method, says it seems crazy at first but really works.

Kitchenbunny: Thanks for all the interesting info about your Children in Need events-hope you have had a brilliant day!

CCP: Hugs to you and here's hoping your rough patch will soon be gone. I get those sort of low times too and can't always work out where they have come from which is even more annoying/worrying. I know exactly what you mean about CIN, I get a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing and prefer to just hide til its all over too (after donating first, as you say, so I don't feel guilty) I hope your CIN outing tonight is more fun than you fear!

Frith REALLY hope you are soon feeling a lot better. My OH has tried me on 5HTP as he is sure its a wonder cure-all. Sorry you are finding it hard to know how to act in your relationship with Mr.N, I am sure you are doing a brilliant job so just relax and have confidence in yourself.

Introuble28 So glad things are better for you at work. I love Prima too and keep meaning to treat myself to a subscription when I find a good deal.




Mine for the last couple of days:

1) Feeling I am coping far better with life in general...definitely less stressed and frantic. Long may it last!

2) Delicious Nigella's Spanish chicken thighs with chorizo last night for tea.

3) OH had a small job for today to keep him busy

4) I have been reading my low self-esteem book prescribed by my Let's Talk practitioner and have discovered my self-esteem isn't as low as I had thought and I am not so bad as I could be! ALways nice to know.

5) Went to Stroud with OH today, wandered around in the sunshine, had a gingerbread latte and panini in Costa (not very OS but very nice!) and then had a great browse in Home Bargains. I LOVE that shop!!!

6) Cooking a late roast dinner tonight (the chicken needs using) so feels as if we are starting the weekend off early.

7) I won a book in the competition on here! I never win anything so it is such a surprise and will be a great treat.

Just going to post this before I lose it and then continue after I have checked the tea! xx

Ladyhawk

Evening al,

Sorry I didn't post last night - I was at the worlds most bizarre charity dinner. It was really funny butfor all the wrong reasons. Luckily the people I was with were great fun so we had a good night despite the best efforts of the organisers!

1) Left work early to meet up with my ex-colleague and friend W who lives in Dubai and is out visiting his two children for the weekend (!!). We went to the pub which had a soft play area for his little girl to play in but as there weren't any other kids there her dad and I ended up clambering over everything to entertain her (no so easy in the short skirt I'm wearing today!!)

2) Laughing when his daughter said "You are my new mummy" to me. Then referred to W as my husband and asked when we are going to kiss! The funny thing is that we have kissed before but have not referred to that evening since!

3) Having a meeting with the boss this afternoon when he confirmed that I am getting a bonus at the end of the month!! WOOHOO!! Sadly it will be spent on fixing my car

4) Coming home to a tidy flat - always a lovely pleasure.

5) having supper ready when I got home

Night all

L

Ginger_Snap

Beachbaby: How frightening for you to have that blow out on the motorway!!! :eek: I am so glad you are okay.

Marmiterulesok: Your baking sounds amazing! Yum, yum yum. Has anyone already asked you for a recipe or two? (Pretty please):D

Sparrer: Sorry you are feeling stressed by the appearance of all the "aids" around the house...I suppose prevention is better than cure though and you may feel reassured in the long run knowing htey are there just incase you have an off day. Glad the MacD's had no calories as someone else paid! I must try that ruse.:rotfl:

Ampersand: the medlar jelly sounds "unusual", I have seen the rather ugly fruits on a tree at a local NT garden and often wondered if they could ever make anything that tasted good...have you sampled the jelly yet?

Caterina: Many thanks for the link about the free cinema tickets, none in my neck of the woods at the moment but I will keep checking. Well done on your recent win- AGAIN!! lol :T

Missmoneysave: I share your love of bargain shops! I also got a hat today, a huge red and white striped one a bit like in the Cat in the Hat kids' storybook (!) to use in a lesson at work. It even has a flashing bobble when you flick a switch! Tacky but great fun. :xmassmile

Introuble28

Ginger Snap its a shame you arent in Scotland otherwise you could have had all my mags once I am done with them! We pass ours through a "chain" at work. Much cheaper than buying our own!

dundeedoll_2

Ginger_Snap wrote: »

Dundeedoll How kind of you to ask if you can help with tutoring materials, I think I am okay at the mo but offer very, very much appreciated. In nswer to your question, OH is an electrician. Loved hearing about your great shopping day and all your purchases. WHat a loving DS to ring you, even if the timing was a bit unusual!!! Sorry to hear about your hair loss, mine is awful too (but its to do with the early menopause I am going through in my case) Glad yours is starting to sort itself out..:)

I actually meant 'ordinary' books just a thought as I go down towards Sharpness and wasn't sure if you were somewhere near.

Shame he's a leccy, I need a roofer and a builder/plasterer.

Yes, my eldest is a loving lad.........total opposite to youngest who is going through a 'can't bear to be in the same room as me' phase.

I never connected hair with EM :eek:.........been on HRT patches for 14 mths. I do think it was to do with being ill/losing a lot of weight quickly/stress from break up and a (known) side effect of the tablets I had to take though. It does look like it's growing back though.

Introuble28 So glad things are better for you at work. I love Prima too and keep meaning to treat myself to a subscription when I find a good deal.

How about Tesco clubcard for the Prima subscription?


Glad you had a nice treat with hubby in Stroud and that 'things' are getting better for you. x