Pen's sunny ramblings, debtbusting whilst smiling

penelopedee_2

First up again this morning - this is such a poorly house this weekend, I can't wait until we get back to normal.

I'm pleased with yesterday as I managed to re-work 3 broken chests of drawers so that we have 2 fully working sets and the other I stripped out the metal work to make into a unit for the dining room. All at no expense

I did a bigger shop than expected yesterday but the grocery budget is still hanging in there and we've enough food easily now until I get paid again at the weekend. I'm going to do a chicken roast today and then I'll sort out the meal planner for DH for the week.

I don't expect to spend anything today apart from a bit of pocket money for DS. Lunch money is put back ready for the week and I've remembered to get his cooking ingredients ready for tomorrow.

I've got a busy week ahead with loads of appointments and running around so I'm going to try and take it easy at home if I can. I do want to fit in some walking though as my weight is creeping up again :eek:

Positive thoughts for a cloudy Sunday:

* The washing is drying even though the sun is missing.
* The house is fairly up together and I can easily fit in a bit of decluttering later.
* The ironing mountain will keep me AF this evening.

Have a chilled Sunday everyone

penelopedee_2

As usual, I can't believe we are half way through the week already. Everyone is still full of cold here so we haven't been up to much.

I got some bargain trousers in a charity shop today, both nice makes, dark work ones - £3 each. So that's me sorted for work. Unfortunatley I also ripped the zip from my fav jeans so thats my next bargain hunt (I can't stand paying full price for anything).

Positive thoughts to get me to the weekend:

* I've got some overtime money coming this week that I can chuck at the debt
* I've done all the washing and ironing and the basket is empty (for 10 minutes anyway).
* Meal planning and groceries are going well.
* It was a lovely warm sunny day
* Only 2 days left until the weekend
* Plenty of AFness this week.
* Touch wood - I've stopped waking with money worries at 3am

DH seems to be taking an interest in our finances at the moment which is a great improvement as he's been avoiding it since the redundancy.

DS has informed me he needs to open a savings account because he's got a pile of pocket money upstairs unspent :eek: After nearly passing out with shock, we've agreed to sort this out at the weekend. I am really pleased he's finally getting to grips with this sort of thing. (He does have a savings account that I put into but that is for his future - I'll let him know about that in a few years time).

penelopedee_2

I know I am meant to be watching my spending but I bought a lovely full length wool winter coat in a charity shop this week. Its a pinky flecky Next one - in lovely condition - a bargain at £15 and it fits me a treat. Even DS commented on it :eek: The money has been saved by my AF nights easily over the last couple weeks - but that's it, I must stop now as I want to clear some of the debt.

Grocery wise we are doing ok ish, enough left to cover us until I get paid again next week.

I'm just waiting for some money to move across from my savings account and then I'm going to clear the Egg CC. There is only £435 left and I can't wait and just clear it in dribs and drabs. I want it gone. I can save the money back up again and I still have Christmas and the car tax covered.

I am feeling much healthier and happier this week, no doubt helped by the lack of wine! Its doing my purse good too. So positive thoughts to keep me going:

* I will be rid of the Egg card by the end of the week :j
* I've got a bit more overtime this week.
* I don't care if the weather gets a bit colder as I want to wear my new coat.
* The ironing mountain is currently clear.
* We've plenty of food in the cupboards and the bills are up-to-date.
* Its my day off tomorrow
* DH is getting the hang of OS - he made enough tea last night to cover his lunch today as well - I'm getting there slowly.

I need to knuckle down to some more studying now as my last assignment is due in next week.

beanielou

Great news on the coat

penelopedee_2

I am in such a sunny mood this morning. The Egg is finally dead :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:rotfl:

beanielou

Fantastic

penelopedee_2

Despite the rain, I'm still in a sunny mood. I am so relieved I've killed off one of the CC's. But that was an easy one and there are some more nasty and bigger ones that need busting now.

The current plan of action is -

Fit in as much overtime as is sensible (I think I overdid it in September and poor old DH got it in the neck a bit )

Meal planning EVERY meal - our cupboards and freezer are full but nobody seems to be able to knock a meal up. I've had a chat with the boys and we are now all following the meal plan again. I've made a list of everything this morning and we are only shopping for fresh bread, milk, fruit and veg until its all used up. Oh and I'd better keep the furries happy with some cat food too

Christmas shopping is well underway and I seem to be managing to get it with the normal spending money rather than hitting the Christmas savings. Which means I can then put this back to next year's car MOT or something.

I'm aiming to be as AF as possible between now and Christmas. I sure this is how I've been able to get ahead with the present shopping. Its not just the £5 a night I was P'ing down the pan, its the extra £10 or more I was blowing on junk with it as I was going to the shops each day.

We are going to London over half term to stay with my family again, but I've kept it back to a couple of nights so less chance for spending. I've already got the train tickets and day passes for DS so that I could get the cheapest deals (must go and find my rail card though). I've also started a pocket money fund so that I am not remotely tempted to get a CC out for anything. DB and his wife cook really well and I can knock up some nice meals for us all - I think I'm going to warn them in advance as I know they are skint too and would appreciate the honesty. We normally spend a fortune on meals out when we are there but I know none of us can really afford it.

Other than that, all non-essential (and I mean non-essential) spending is on hold until Christmas - its only about 10 weeks away so it shouldn't be too difficult. I think I might start up a £1/£2 saving pot as I know we need a christmas tree - but other than that we need nothing apart from food (and the pressies).

Right then - do I get the washing in or leave it - the sun has appeared again !?!

penelopedee_2

I can't believe I nearly talked myself into a charity shop session - I do not need any more clothes - I do not need any more clothes - I do not need any more clothes ......

penelopedee_2

A different me got out of bed this morning. Fed up with targets, fed up with pushing to the limits (for a bit anyway). I think I want to be just me for a while.

So, I've finished off the 100 day challenge early with my overtime payment (although the debt busting never ends ).

This week's AF challenge has finished and I'm not sure about next week.

My uni ECA is done.

I'm also in a different frame of mind about one of my jobs. I know I have been pushing myself too far this year and it is making me unhappy. So I am going to make some changes over the next couple of months. Wheels already turning ......

OrangeFairy

If you are feeling unhappy you should definitely make some changes..........good Luck Pen. xxx

Enjoy being you for a while and not having any targets