NST;September Squirrels

LoveaDove

speakingofart wrote: »

Some fairly traumatic family stuff going on, with a lot of waiting and worrying, and I'm trying very hard not to resort to old habits like eating junk and spending money Although I did have a cookie yesterday....

speakingofart wrote: »

Absolutely shattered and feeling very ill, so quick check in for today:

speakingofart- Hope you are ok! I am sure we can all forgive you a cookie (I've just eaten a cornetto...) Hope you have got plenty of support around you, for whatever you and your family are up against at the moment. We are all here with our squirrel/turtle hugs and words of support should you need them! x

Hi Squizzels,

Just finished the first week of my Futurelearn course (there's 5 more to go), looks like I can keep working through them though, so I may continue early with some week 2 work/ reading whilst I am still awaiting a start date for my job (yes, really!)

Another SFD acquired and my brain is full and ready for sleep already! But not before a relaxing hot brew!

:coffee:

N'Noight x

LoveaDove

Oh Lilt- cross posted and didn't see your post!

Hope you hear soon! Hugs to you!! x

Fmess

Hope you hear something soon lilt and hopefully you'll get a peaceful night

Hope you feel better soon speakingofart

Today was a spend day. Sent OH to the shops whilst I was at work. I'm very pleased that he stuck to the list but it still cost £25 for half a week's food. We are definitely going to be eating plain dinners for the rest of the month.

Walked the dogs for exercise but it was baking and really took me by surprise. Our poor three-legged dog was knackered as he finds walking tiring on a normal day, let alone 20 degree heat.

Tomorrow is a 12 hour work day so hoping for another SFD

mothernerd

Everhopeful09 wrote: »

Hello,

I've moved into a new rented flat, increase in outgoings but it's my own little home and will force me to budget properly and shop around for best deals. Spending has gone out of the window as needed to buy food and other essentials for the flat.

EH x

Congratulations and I agree moving does count as exercise.

MagicCat wrote: »

So, today was all shaping up to be a SFD... then we needed to call a plumber as toilet flush refused to stop, water (thankfully clean) flooding out into the bathroom...the bathroom and toilet which were only installed 5 months ago. Rather than fight with main contractor to get his subcontracting plumber who did the installation to sort it, we have called someone else - will be £80. These things are sent to try us. Still no sign of the electricians who are meant to be doing work so vital that they can't issue a safe installation cert til it's done - the promised they'd finish it by last friday. So angry.

Feel free to vent anytime you need to. Yes this is how houses go, should be worth it in the end.

speakingofart wrote: »

Checking in with another SFD and lunchtime walk for yesterday - feel like I'm really dragging this week though! Some fairly traumatic family stuff going on, with a lot of waiting and worrying, and I'm trying very hard not to resort to old habits like eating junk and spending money Although I did have a cookie yesterday....

Sorry about your family problems, just be kind to yourself. It is hard to keep everything under control all the time and I am also really bad at eating the wrong things in times of stress.

Apple muncher glad your daughter is recovering, much sympathy for the poor neighbour (supposed to be worse in adults, my brother had it in his late teens).

I am loving all your Christmas ideas and makes and all the 30 year old kids tracking Santa (or Father Christmas in this house).

I have spent money today (will add to totals in a minute). DS3 returned in a much better mood yesterday, gave me a bar of white chocolate and was relieved to find I had rescued his tablet pen (found it on the floor after he had gone out). The pen is not made anymore so he would have had to buy a new tablet and pen and would have been unable to complete his commissioned game or work on his latest idea (both of which he is doing the drawings for).

I spent money on him. He and his gf are going to a convention in October and he needs a new costume. He tried on one he bought a while ago when he went to the picnic the other week but it was uncomfortable after a few hours, so totally unsuitable for a weekend conference. If he hadn't paid me his rent until the end of October, he would have had enough to pay for the new costume himself and he hasn't had his last year's Christmas present yet. There was nothing he particularly wanted and he knew I was short of money, so I said to let me know when he did find something and this is it. It has to be ordered now (it is made to his measurements). Hopefully now that he has his tablet and his drawing block has gone he can complete the commission, in which case he will give me more rent (more than cost of outfit). No I can't strictly speaking afford it but he is owed it (I only gave him a kettle and some chocolate).

So today has been quiet and quite pleasant. I didn't fully awake until 10am and then took my time getting ready (read, had a bath and washed my hair). Have done lots of little jobs. Had a prescription to collect so £5-20 for busfare and then into town. Was tired by the time I got to the infirmary so the planned shopping (about 5 different shops) was condensed and managed to get nearly everything needed (some compromises) from the pound emporium. (£21). Some food (will add), some diy (DS1 coming tomorrow).

Also had a B**ts meal deal (£3.29) which will count as my takeaway. Have been craving a kebab (see stress/ bad habits above) and I thought if I bought a sandwich (chicken salad) as my takeaway then I couldn't have the kebab or other unhealthy option. Chose a little bottle of orange juice (to use in a salad with the free beetroot) and a chocolate brownie (gave it to DS3). Have also managed to deliver another cs bag - one left over from last week.

Did okay the first couple of days with the builders here but running out of grab and go food in the fridge (especially as the electric was turned off for parts of both days). lots more I would have liked to have done but I am learning when to let my body rest.

Today I am grateful that I no longer do the job I used to, for old friends and the glorious sunshine.

luckystarr

Hi everyone one (sneaks in late)

Forgot to post yesterday sorry ... I managed a SFD and a run ... i am hoping for more of the same and an overdue payment from Npower today (will bore you all with the story later)

Hugs and positive/well wishing vibes to all that need them.

Off to bed as got to be up in a few hours

night all xx

speakingofart

Thank you everyone! I really appreciate the support - we're awaiting surgery to find out if the giant tumour they've found in my mum's abdomen is cancerous or not, so good wishes are massively appreciated. Topped off with me coming down with the cold of doom and can't even work from home as issues at work as well - I'm very much needing this week to be over!

Hope everyone's doing well, can't believe we're 11 days into September already!!

Caeraugirl

Speakingofart and lilt, hope outcomes good for both mums. It's a horrible waiting game, have everything crossed for you. And hugs to all those feeling rotten, whether through illness or trying times.

Applemuncher your poor DD, hope she is over the worst now.

Mothernerd, just wanted to say I am amazed at your continued positivity and productivity despite the issues with your hip, puts me to shame when I think about what a whingebag I can be over what is really just trivia some days. Thanks for this thread, I'm not as good at posting as I could be but it's helping keep me focused.

So, have only bagged one more SFD since last post. DH off work with leave days last week, and now off again following minor op yesterday, and it's really thrown my plans - I was going to sort so much house wise (not a lot of cleaning goes on in the summer hols here) as well as work on learning something new but he's just in the way, bless him!! And am sooooo sick of TalkSport on the radio instead of my lovely Ken Bruce on my days off.....!

At least have decided on my learning activity - am desperate to lose some weight so am slowly plodding through a CBT book with a different activity daily for 6 weeks, so I'm going to learn how to lose weight and keep it off.

This week's nearly over, and budgets still intact - just - will update totals properly at the weekend when should have more time. Knew new school year was gonna be expensive, but the amount of money I've had to pay out for various clubs and activities in just one week is scary! And hasn't helped that DS2 has had such a growth spurt over the summer he looks like his uniform has been sprayed on - just grateful he insists on wearing shorts until it's practically snowing, but have to get him some new jumpers for shame's sake as beginning to look like 3/4 sleeves lol!

dolly84

Lilt/SOA - hope everything turns out well with your mums.

I called at my mum and dads yesterday and she gave me a jelly, a tin of pineapple and a jar of pickle and £30 for a family treat - god bless.

Last night a friend sent a bag of clothes for DS, they are always lovely quality items and I am very grateful although DS now has 26 pairs of trousers/jeans not including shorts and jogging bottoms:eek:.

The kids are going on a camp next weekend and the kit list is as long as my arm, DH is going for one night too, we only have two sleeping bags and one roll mat so I foresee problems there. We also have to buy a scouts polo shirt for DD, she has only just joined scouts but needs the top for camp, we have the top but haven't paid yet. DH got his top for free.

I need to take DD for passport photos this week, I hate the fact they are so expensive and we only need one.

Have been to Lidl this morning, it is the first time I have done a full shop there so I have my fingers crossed we like the stuff. It is a weird little set up imo, stuff are dotted about randomly and the middle of the shop is dedicated to bizarre non food items. I couldn't get greek yoghurt, houmus, wholegrain mustard and some other bits so I still need to get those. It will never replace Tesco or Sainsburys for me I don't think, I particularly hate that you can't pack your stuff at the till and have to throw it in the trolley then take it off to the side and re do it all again.

applemuncher - well done on the build a bear clothes, an outfit can be £8.50 new.

XSpender

Morning all


Hugs to those with poorly mums, husbands and daughters.


Sorry I haven't posted every day, DS started school this week and I am more tired than he is! I'm still not 100% and have been doing a bit much so have used the car yesterday and today to do one of the school runs.


A few small spends on food top up, DFIL birthday and some more school trousers for DS. I have finally managed to remember to make my food donation.


Mum and I have talked about reducing size of Christmas presents this year as I mentioned previously. When she gets back from hols in 2 weeks time DH and I have agreed that we will tell them just to get DS something and not us but we will still buy something for them.


Changed electricity supplier yesterday so should get a bit of cashback and claimed £3 that has become payable. They have estimated my payment will do down by £20/month:eek::D


I have also added £2 coin to my money box:)


I am due a £50 refund from a flight earlier this year and have about £20 in loose change so these will help me keep up to date with the 52 week challenge.


I am planning a NSD today which will bring me up to 4 and will do a meal plan and shopping list for tomorrow. Mr T have sent me a £6 off £40 voucher. This is a lot smaller minimum spend than I used to get now that I do most of my shopping at Aldee:)

MagicCat

Hello everyone,


Hope you're weeks are going well - Thursday already.

Spend day yesterday for me, had to buy godson2's birthday present and also got some fruit, and today have done the car tax. Should have planned better here! Today I have changed the boiler cover and saved £5 per month, so that is something.

Calling - glad tummy is feeling better, sorry to hear about electric bill though.

Speakingofart - hugs, hope you're feeling better, and so sorry to hear about your mum, I hope you get the news you want - look after yourself.

Applemuncher - glad DD seems to be on the mend and back to school soon.

Lilt - thinking of your mum, hope all goes OK, take care of yourself.

Well done on a week of futurelearn, LoveaDove!

Mothernerd - your sons are very lucky to have you. As are we! Glad you are getting some rest in with everything you're up to.

Dolly - I agree about lidle, I found it v strange when I first started there, but have got used to it now, some of their stuff is great quality but it is annoying there are odd things you can't get.

Keep on squirrels - nearly the weekend!

SFD – 5/15
Groceries £101.95/£180
Petrol/parking £30.03/£90
Personal (prescription/toiletries etc) £7.44/£15
House £15.78/£25
Birthdays £41.86/£50
Car Tax £145/140
Social £0/£40
Exercise 7/25 Steps 55815/186000
Mindfulness 10/30
Foodbank 0/3