Start of my downshift from full time to part time work

Amishwannabee

Can't believe how long it is since I last posted on here. Must make a real effort to keep up to speed as it is helpful to see how things have progressed when I read back.
Part time work still going fine and has now been over a year. We are coping fine financially and have even booked ourselves a holiday in June which will be lovely.
Still going to the gym and trying to get the weight down - slow old process but not doing anything radical like shakes or meal replacements so when the weight does drop - hope it stays off.
Weather could do with cheering up - still putting on the stove some evenings because it gets so chilly - will summer ever come?
Have been reading several new authors this year and also have started listening to Classic FM when I am in the car rather than all the doom and gloom of the news etc. Have to say that it is very calming and restful.
Back to work tomorrow so have made sure that dinners are sorted out for the next few days to make life easier for us all. Just got to clean the bathroom now and do a few bits of ironing and will be set to go.

Amishwannabee

Glad it is the weekend as went back to work feeling a bit under the weather and have had an awful head cold for the last couple of days. Need to get out in the fresh air and hopefully there might even be a bit of sunshine to help.
Work was fine though and keeping up with my workload really well - got my appraisal shortly and have lots to write and talk
about which makes a change.
Money situation looking okay as we come near to another pay day and hopefully won't have to put any more petrol in car before payday.
This weekend hope to do some gardening bits, do a bit of sorting out of my wardrobe and clean my car inside and out as well as go to visit family and have a good seaside walk with OH planned if weather holds up.
Enjoy your weekend too.

Amishwannabee

Had a lovely day today- weather overcast at times but no rain so OH and I went to a countryside event that was on locally. Took our own picnic and drinks and the money we saved on food we bought some plants for the tubs and greenhouse. Really enjoyable and total spends including entry to the event were £22.

Amishwannabee

Suddenly thought about my thread and as I needed a place to put my thoughts down and get some motivation going = here I am posting again. Has only been about 5 months since last post!
Well hols in June were delightful and we have wonderful memories and photos and the remainder of the bill to pay off but it is on 0% CC so okay till next June on that .
Eldest has moved out again - youngest has started 6th form college and all seem happy with their lives.
My mission at the moment - and reason to liven up this thread is that we have emptied out our loft of over 19 years of stuff and it is everywhere. We are having loft insulation done next week so had to be done in prep for that. OH has taken 4 loads of junk to the dump today and there are boxes and boxes to go through in our shed, garage and eldest's empty bedroom. So that is my task - to be strong - not get emotional about things I have hung onto for years and either Ebay, Freecycle or charity as much as I possibly can in the next couple of weeks. Obviously, being part time helps massively as I can get on with no one in the way and so I must do it and won't I feel heaps better.
I will post how many boxes I do per day I think and then I will be able to see how far I come each post. Wish me luck all. X

inkie

We have 20 years worth of stuff in our loft, which I have been avoiding tackling for ages, and so all the best with it!

Kaz2904

Ah yes, the loft :eek:! Glad to hear all is well with you and yours

Amishwannabee

Morning - beautiful day so far here. Thanks for the comments ladies - hope you are well. Funny that everyone feels the same about their lofts. My mum and MIL must know something as neither of them keep anything in theirs.
We completely emptied it by teatime yesterday and now it is all just in other places!! I said to OH though that it def must not all go back so he has made a start on some of his boxes already to refine things which is good. Don't know who is the worst culprit for keeping stuff me or him - but then again maybe we encourage each other!! ha ha
Anyway - 2 items on Freecyle now collected which is good and hope another might go this morning.
Need to give the house a good clean up this morning although I also want to get out in the sun, and go to the gym! OH is going to do the shopping for me though - just got to do my list so better get on with it.

Amishwannabee

Feeling positive this morning and hoping the weather keeps up as planning a lovely coastal walk with OH. Chance for big chats and plans without family's flapping ears!
Got some more things on free cycle yesterday and there are 4 replies already to get back on! Will arrange pick up for later after walk.Also had a clear through my wardrobe and took 2 bags to local charity shop of mine and bag from DS1. They were very grateful for more stock.
Been good in the kitchen this week am happy to report. Cleared stock cupboard up and had a bit of a chuck out too. Made a lovely cherry madeira cake which has nearly gone and stuck to the meal plan all week. Haven't spent as much as had been recently either so happy with that.
Was having loft insulated free on Thursday and when they finally arrived they said they didn't have enough materials as the surveyor had under estimated job! Thanks guys - whole day sat in for nothing! Now rebooked and hopefully they will bring sufficient materials then.
Well better get moving to make most of today.

Amishwannabee

Had a lovely walk and chats so cleared my brain a bit.2 items gone/going via free cycle from garage so that's good. Waiting for a reply on another item to pick up tomorrow hopefully. Small steps but it will all be gone.dinner is out of freezer so not too much to do - chilli x2 and sausage casserole x2 all with rice.easy. Got to read book lots tonight before reading group this week. Happy days!

Amishwannabee

Busy week so no posting time. Lots more taken out of house via Freecycle and all lovely people who came for things. Massive bin bag to charity shop too. The loft clearance is going great guns. Had new loft ladder fitted this week too which makes it much easier to access. Bought the Wickes one with fold down wooden treads and good price compared to others we looked at.
Food wise - kept top up shops to a minimum thank goodness and used up some freezer and cupboard bits which was good economy.all trying to eat better so using my WW book a lot as meals tasty and well balanced. Basing meals on 2 red,2 white meat,3 fish / veggie as much as poss.
Off to gym for third day in a row now. What's happening