Jazee's Diary

Jazee

More than a week has flown by again, and only 6 and a half miles properly walked this week. Can't think how I worked out my original target but it isn't going to be met.


A weird week with some time off the paid stuff for both me and DH but we didn't go anywhere in the bad weather. DH went out earlier in the week and bought heart shaped dishes for Valentines which was a bit extravagant. They are nice but I made him tidy all our crockery cupboards with me, and he's now agreed that we have enough crockery to last until we're about 100, and that's after he's taken a whole crate of mugs to his paid stuff for the canteen.


We're almost a week from pay day and all our grocery budget and my personal spends are used up although I have been squirrelling towards a bespoke sewing table I'm having made. I'm a third of the way there now.


Today, DH is properly back at work so I need to get the house back in some kind of order. I've also got some paperwork to do for WI.

redofromstart

I really like your 'spend less now, work less later' strapline. Sums it up beautifully.

Walking is always difficult when the weather is bad, give it a few weeks when it is warmer and there are more things to look out then you should be able to happily increase what you are doing. I love to see the progress in people's gardens as things start to flower, etc.

Jazee

Thanks Redo. I've just taken the dogs for a walk, and it was lovely seeing all the snowdrops, and the daff bulbs shooting through. Spring is on it's way.

Jazee

Two weeks since last post and I've upped my walking due to the lovely weather. Spends wise, have a lot of unexpected expenses this month. Mostly around dentists and dogs, but have also booked a weekend away in the summer. In good news I haven't had to touch our savings for any of it but don't expect to be adding to savings much either.

Feeling a bit annoyed tonight so hoping that writing it down will sort out my mood. I'm properly qualified in a particular trade and have years of experience and know my stuff, yet DD has taken the advice of a shop assistant today and bad advice at that, and because I pointed out that she may want to get another opinion I am in the wrong.

Tooth out tomorrow so anticipation of that is probably not helping my mood either.

Right, best get on with dinner.

Honey_Bear

That sewing table is going to be much loved when it finally arrives, because you'll have spent so long looking forward to it, thinking about it and saving up for it. Things always mean so much more when they're carefully acquired, don't they.

The weather is being very mean to me, sun shining, no wind, blue skies - absolutely perfect, with the primroses on a bank right in the city centre all coming out now, on one of Kelpie's daily walks. I wouldn't mind not having a dog as much if it were raining, blowing a gale and freezing cold, but he'd have loved this weather. I'm glad you can enjoy it though; make the most of it for me too, please.

Haven't we all got piles and piles more crockery than we need?! When we sold the chalet we brought the lovely crockery we'd been given for it back here and with the agreement of the people who gave it to us, we gave the whole lot and some of our own spares to a young Polish couple who were setting up their first proper home in a flat with their baby, having lived in one room for a couple of years. I was very disappointed that the plates and mugs she gave us tea on a few weeks later were clearly a Poundshop crockery set and thought she'd probably sold it all but decided just to let it go in my mind. We were then invited for dinner on Christmas Eve (the important meal for Poles) and saw the whole lot; everything, on the table. Absolutely everything. They'd saved it all for 'best.' I felt very, very humbled.

Your daughter is being a brat, but she'll grow out of it and realise (sooner or later) that you know what you're talking about. Don't hold your breath, though; it might take parenthood for her to realise you know your stuff!

Spend less now, work less later. I like it.

Jazee

Thanks HB. Wise words as always.

I am so looking forward to the sewing table arriving. It's being made from solid oak, and will also give us the opportunity to organise other spaces/ rooms in the house too. And I've been using the sewing machine. I've knitted an evening bag and was able to make a professional looking lining using the machine. On the way to the dentist this morning, I bought some Velcro so I can finish the closure on the bag. I may even keep it for DS wedding.

Had my wisdom tooth out this morning, still numb so ok at moment and it was nearly £100 less than originally quoted.

The mist has cleared here and it's another lovely sunny day. No more walks for me today though.

Jazee

Yesterday was a write off as I spent the morning in bed and the rest of the day on the settee in my dressing gown. My mouth is still sore today but I feel so much better in myself and have achieved a lot already. Gardening this afternoon.


Sorted out some paperwork and submitted meter readings. I now have £65 coming back to my bank account and monthly payments reduced by £15.

Jazee

Our rent statement came yesterday and is going down by £1 per week. I have decided that this will now be spent on a window cleaner as we're really not keeping on top of them ourselves. Still have the £180 per year saving on gas & electric though.


Total savings for Feb are £88.74, so behind target, but not bad considering I've now got all the money together for my sewing table, have paid in full for our summer break and had the unexpected dog and dentist bills.


Feeling really positive about keeping on top of things in March and have lots this year to look forward to.

Jazee

So what a week. Feeling that I needed to catch up with saving I kept squirrelling but have overdone it and now need to reign in to buy food for this week before pay day.


The windows have been cleaned, frames, sills, front door, everything so well worth the money. I now have to clean the insides.


And DS split up with his fiancee of 11 years this week. Someone else involved and a house to sort out. I feel so angry with him, very messy situation, and feel like I'm going to lose a daughter (who is absolutely heartbroken).


Right, better crack on with the day.

Honey_Bear

Sorry to hear about your DS's situation, Jazee. That's very upsetting all round.

We spend £7 on window cleaners every four weeks, and it's worth every penny.

We went a bit mad in France on Wednesday, as well, and I'd been so good for so long. Reining in has recommenced.