Finally I have a mortgage I can start to pay off!

Karmacat

Ouch! I'm glad to hear a catchup from you, but between one thing and another, thats not entirely comfortable. Good for you for finding the positives.

newgirly

Hi vix, what veg box do you use please? I've had riverford before who were great and am thinking of trying again with them, just wondered if there are any others I need to check out first

themadvix

Hi Newgirly, thanks for forcing me back here I use Riverford too. We used a local farm originally but then they got payment muddled up (they kept sending the boxes but weren't taking the money unless I went up there!) and the potatoes had half the field on them. I love Riverford - very happy with their produce and their ethos.

themadvix

Hi all,

I'm really struggling with motivation (for everything) at the moment, which is why I've not been posting (cba with posting, not I only post when I've got plenty to write about). Work is still mega busy, DH is still working weird hours and it's all been a bit much! I had a cold last week too, so basic housework and the mountain of work have been pretty much all I've managed.

Having said that, I haven't spent much money as a result! We got the car fixed for zero cost as DH had a thermostat on the shelf and that seems to have done the trick (fingers crossed). On Saturday I did get out in the garden for a bit and weeded, planted some (rotten) spring bulbs - bought on offer last year before I fell ill, so completely forgotten about for a year! We'll see what happens with them. Also planted some garlic too and harvested tomatoes and chillis.

This week looks set to continue much as last week - a big deadline looming on Friday. However, after that, things should settle down. I'd like to do an October challenge really (inspiried by Newgirly), but I need some head space first (and to get finances in order/invoice people/pay myself before I can think about going forward!).

I'll be back, sooner rather than later hopefully! I am reading diaries, just no time to comment!

Karmacat

Awwww! Look after yourself - as PP said about her garden weeding, its not going anywhere

themadvix

Thanks Karma. Weeding was something I wanted to do though - it made me feel like I'd accomplished something and got some exercise/fresh air!

Right, so attempting to stick at this posting lark is challenge no. 1 for October! Yesterday was a good day - lots of work, but also made a start on lots of Brownie-related admin which needs to be done. Now waiting on others for half a dozen things, but at least they're not cluttering up my mind anymore.

There's the prospect of a new UK-based client which would be an ongoing considerable amount of work. Am waiting to hear back from them - fingers crossed!

We had takeaway last night. It was the first in more than three months and while we had plenty of food in the house, we didn't have any easy options and I really wasn't inspired. Not a good way to have takeaway, but it was delicious and there's enough for tonight too (with some more rice).

I haven't paid myself yet as I'm still awaiting payment from two of my major clients - the naughty Americans (entirely their fault) and the lovely Europeans (largely my fault as I didn't invoice them for August until last week!). I didn't hear anything overnight from the naughty Americans, so I'll be chasing them today.

MS things:
* lots of work/hopefully a new client
* 10% saved on 2together railcard (for our jaunt to London next week) - it expired in April, so have been waiting until we needed it to renew 6 months saved!
* Evening class practice done every day this week - not MS per se, but makes the classes better VFM

Gratitudes:
* I did enjoy the takeaway (although not all the ridiculous plastic gubbins that came with it and no poppadoms!)
* Company yesterday - DH was working from home
* A productive day - I felt much more like myself

Better get on with the work now, have a good day all!

themadvix

Morning all,

Not a lot to report but things are ticking over. Have been paid by the lovely Europeans, so can actually pay myself and do the money shuffle - it's on the list for today. I have chased the Americans! Haven't heard any more from the potential new client. I didn't think my rates were that scary! Still lots of work - I never seem to catch up at the moment!

DH is working today and tonight, so staying at work for free dinner. He'll be home in the early hours I was up late reading, so I think I'll be having an early night!

MS things:
* SBs target met yesterday, clicks etc. done (haven't managed these for a few days)
* RM survey item posted
* Leftover curry for dinner

Gratitudes:
* Good evening class - lots of laughs
* Cats definitely becoming cuddlier as the weather gets colder
* Seeing Dad tonight - he's off on an adventure to S. America next week!

Have a good day all!

Crumpets

Hi MV,

Sorry to hear you haven't been feeling yourself, you always sound like you have so much going on so having a break from it all sounds like a good idea. Getting out in the fresh air is definitely good at this time of year too, blow away the cobwebs.

I hope the naughty Americans pay up and that you hear about the new client,

Take care

C x

newgirly

Hi vix, hope you are feeling a bit better now I might give riverford a go again then I think, I'm trying to streamline the shopping costs by not going to the big stores and getting a frozen delivery once or twice a week (free delivery and less wastage) so although veg boxes are dearer, hopefully it will stop me overspending.

Hope everything works out with the new clients and you get paid by the Americans

themadvix

Thanks Newgirly. I love our box - it definitely helps with costs, although I do find we don't eat as many 'recipe-based' meals - i.e. we have stir fry/hm pizza/risotto using whatever we've got.