Jazee's Diary

Jazee

Well diary, I have sinned. Not been very MSE at all this week, overspent on my budget for trip down south (by £1.29), spent money I hadn't planned on some more Xmas pressies and am on target to go well over my grocery challenge. I've actually lost track of counting it all. However, I haven't dipped into savings just yet (but will do by next week, I'm sure)

But as DH says, it is Xmas time, we're not going over the top, but we do intend to have some fun.

I promise to get back on track and try harder after Xmas.

Jazee

Diary, our weekend has not started as planned, had bad news last night completely out of the blue and now another funeral to prepare for. I've had new of three deaths this week, last nights being a family member and it just takes the gloss off my new positive attitude.

However, I will just plod along today doing jobs etc and DH and I will go out for a meal tomorrow as a treat. You only live once.

Jazee

Today I have done jobs like a whirling whatever, have achieved far more than I expected to. MSE wise, I am eating out of the freezer again this week and I made my own gift tags for the Xmas pressies.

MrBloater

Jazee, the fact that you are still posting updates on here despite the real world throwing you curveballs should tell you all you need to know about your commitment towards reaching your goals. Keep plugging away, small steps, and try to enjoy whatever you can of life on the way.

Jazee

Thanks Mr Bloater for your comments. Just what I needed to hear.

Today DH & I are going out for a meal to finish his week 'off' work. I say it like that as he's on the phone to them now and popped in for a couple of hours earlier in the week. He just can't switch off and modern technology doesn't really allow it either. We'll be raising a glass no doubt to those loved and lost.

Hope all lurkers enjoy their Sunday.

Jazee

A quick update from me. I've decided to use my 'pot' money to see me through odds and ends for December (as that is what is was originally for) to try not to use savings for anything (even though that is what they're for too!). I will have a fresh start with the pot in the new year.

Good news: a small lottery win, and a raffle win. Things are looking up.

Jazee

Another update. I have been paid early so have taken the opportunity to revise my finances for next year and updated my signature. I'll start recording again from Thursday next week, but won't set a monthly challenge for grocery, will just keep a running total as I got it down from £600+ to around £430 every month anyway.

I'm going to try to have NSDs but won't keep a record. I managed 13 in two months this year but mostly its around 6/7 and this month, just one so far!

I will be reinstating my pot from today. Need to refill with loose change and see what my starting amount is.

I have managed through December, albeit with being paid early and managed to increase my savings instead of using them. January's budget is looking good.

My DFD is still Mar 2015 but I will be experimenting with spreadsheets to see how much sooner is can be debt free.

Jazee

So I have updated my siggy with starting pot amount for 2013.

Am feeling really positive today, have had a lovely bouquet of flowers from my boss and its the Friday before Xmas. I'm actually excited like a child.

I need to pop to post office today to post a parcel for DD. Can you believe she's paid £3.50 for a post office box to send the present in. £3.50 for a cardboard box! I nearly fell over in shock. Obviously her MSE training is going by the wayside in December.

Right, better get moving, got paid stuff today.

Jazee

Well I have realised why I'm not sleeping properly at night. Its because DH has started snoring again as well as drinking. Its not good. He bought a bottle of lager last night (has been drinking 'just' red wine) so that promptly got poured down the sink. Apparently he couldn't believe that I'd done that, I couldn't believe that he'd bought it in the first place considering all the conversations we've had. But hey ho, not one to deal with now as Xmas just makes it more difficult. Maybe I can get him to do the no alcohol in Jan challenge for the cancer charity. Will need to find out more.

Anyway, DH is doing last of main shop for Xmas today. I just need to pop to baker, buy the winning Euromillions ticket for Xmas day and get the turkey on Monday.

I have kept up with flylady stuff this week so house is looking good, and got off to a right Xmassy start last night with a carol concert.

I may have to rejig January's budget, as the lock has broken on my drivers side door. Obviously need to get that fixed and will get the service done at the same time. Just need to book it in, not the easiest thing at this time of year. In the meantime, will need to scramble across the seats. Very ladylike!

Jazee

I was just reading in the local paper their news story from 50 years ago which was that some of the worst post people got at this time of the year was the leccy bill. I can relate to this as my positive attitude left me for a second when our bill dropped through the letterbox this morning. However, I am lots in credit and the monthly payment is dropping by £3. Result! Shame DH doesn't like his morning wash in cold water.