Project Mortgage Neutral Begins

ajmoney

Soup made, I used my blender instead of the food processor to whizz it up which has made it smoother but I forgot to cover the top so had a bit of cleaning to do I am using larger/deeper takeaway containers but I think long term I may want better ones, I will see how easy it is to microwave them in these at work first.  While I had the soup on the stove I sorted out my freezer, updated the inventory for it and put the meat and fish from yesterday's shopping in there. 

I have made a rough plan for my masterclass later in the week.  I will have a run through this afternoon to see how long it takes as I need it to last a certain amount of time and can adapt it from that ready for recording at some point. 

Time to warm today's soup (remaining carrot and lentil from yesterday), wash up AGAIN and then head into town to grab some bits before going to collect the bike.

ajmoney

Made good progress with getting stuff done this week. Yesterday I had a list for work and home. I had completed the work list by 11am and as it was an admin day I left then and I managed to do the home things by 8pm. The first time I have ever finished any lists possibly ever, I do have a longer list but I am being sensible with what I am asking of myself. I have things I would like to achieve this weekend but not many of the things are on the must do list which will give me an easier time and will just help me get ahead.
I have ended the week with a clean, tidy house and am looking forward to a virtual catch up with the girls from work later. 

ajmoney

Meal plan done until Friday next week ready for shopping tomorrow.  Not entirely sure about my plan for lunches but going for something different so freestyling a bit with a chicken and mango salad with some rice to bulk it out a little.

I spent an hour raking up leaves this morning.  I started using the leaf blower which made it so much easier but unfortunately the vac bit keeps sucking up all the beach nuts in my garden with then get stuck in the filter so I have to stop and empty them out.  It seems quicker just to pick them up after but it certainly isn't easier.  It is a bit of a thankless task as the leaves haven't finished falling from the tree yet but I figure if I keep on top of them it will be easier in the long term.

I am heading for a sea swim in just over an hour, my first since Sunday and then have a pile of stuff to sort out in the spare room.  There are two files of banking stuff from my last financial advisor review last year and a lot of box files, I haven't got a clue what is in them but I seem to be making headway with everything else and these have been sitting for about six months so they are next on my hit list!

Suffolk_lass

I have moved the box of shredding into the sitting room to use as firelighters - it has been hanging around for nearly a year!

ajmoney

ajmoney said:

I spent an hour raking up leaves this morning.  I started using the leaf blower which made it so much easier but unfortunately the vac bit keeps sucking up all the beach nuts in my garden with then get stuck in the filter so I have to stop and empty them out.  It seems quicker just to pick them up after but it certainly isn't easier.  It is a bit of a thankless task as the leaves haven't finished falling from the tree yet but I figure if I keep on top of them it will be easier in the long term.

I am heading for a sea swim in just over an hour, my first since Sunday and then have a pile of stuff to sort out in the spare room.  There are two files of banking stuff from my last financial advisor review last year and a lot of box files, I haven't got a clue what is in them but I seem to be making headway with everything else and these have been sitting for about six months so they are next on my hit list!

Leaf blower/vac - mum messaged me yesterday to ask if I would like a blower/vac/shredder for the garden for Christmas.  I mentioned my problems with my current one but apparently this is a 3 in 1 job so I am hoping it will get around the problem.  If it works I will sell or donate mine, if it doesn't solve the problem she can get her money back.

Banking files - for now it is in the safe.  I have booked a financial review for next week so I will have updated paperwork and at that point I can get rid of the current stuff.  I hadn't intended to have the appointment until much closer to Christmas but I sent an email this morning to find out how it all works (it is currently virtual) and he had a vacancy so I have taken it.  I will need to sit at the weekend and work out how much I will be paying in as I intend to increase from £100 a month, an updated budget is essential for this.  I suspect I will need a further appointment at a later date for his recommendations as has usually been the case so I have a bit of time, ideally I would like it to take effect from the January payment.

This productive thing means my house is really tidy, to clarify it isn't usually messy but I have dealt with the things that you begin not to see.  I am also achieving a lot at work, getting to be a pro at the art of delegation and not checking my emails constantly which is a great thing.  I still have some way to go but I am really happy with the progress I am making.  I could do with reading some more inspirational books as the last 2 have had a hugely positive effect.

ajmoney

I have a Christmas baking question for anyone reading, shop bought mincemeat or homemade?  I have German biscuits to make and am attempting a cake for the first time, I have only ever made mince pies once and used shop bought.

Suffolk_lass

I only ever make mine using the Delia Smith Christmas book recipe - if you don't have this it is worth looking for from a reseller or in a charity shop - it has some brilliant recipes and her meat cooking part is brilliant. I have been more impressed with shop-bought mincemeat when I have had it at other people's houses so it just depends on your time. I love making it and it keeps for years (because you melt the fat around the fruits so it preserves them) and it is very easy. Let me know if you want her recipe

ajmoney

@Suffolk_lass it would be great to have a look at the recipe if you don't mind.

Yesterday was very long and the first day in a while were I didn't take enough time for myself and got overwhelmed.  I am trying to help sort the music for the funeral of my former boss but from a distance it is not so easy.  I tried to scan some music in when I got home but my operating system needed to be updated for it to work so I went to ex's to use his and his started playing up.  Eventually we got it sorted but I didn't get home and stop until about 9.30 last night and there were still things I needed to do before I went to bed.  Needless to say I won't be planning any days like that again soon, I am definitely enjoying the way I am currently pacing my days.

Suffolk_lass

Hopefully you can see this OK - sorry about the mark on the page - 20 years of use and my book is showing its age a bit! - I substitute pecan nuts for almonds

ajmoney

After a fairly busy week I have the next 3 days off. I have been guilty of not giving myself enough time and so at times have felt quite overwhelmed, I have things I would like to do over the weekend but I am going to try not to pack too much stuff in so I get a break.