From debt to freedom...

Kittykattykate

Popping in to wish you a marvellous 2022, Lou. You deserve it!

Sun_Addict

Happy New Year. Hope this is the year you can finally wash your hands of the ex and move forwards. Well done still managing to save something. 

crazy_cat_lady

Happy New Year HSL - sorry it hasn't gone quite to plan with Covid. I honestly don't know how much longer my mental health (or finances for that matter) are going to be able to cope with this. My comfort zone has shrunk to almost nothing and my debts seem to be getting bigger in spite of my best efforts. Your motivation and determination always inspires me to be better.
I really hope that you can get shot of the ex this year. It's about time and you more than deserve it.

lucielle

Happy New Year. I really hope this is the year that you gain your freedom 

L

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you SH, Jill, Cherryfudge, Kittykattykate, SA, CCL & Lucielle.

Last night was lovely in that  DD2 popped in. She had a party to go to, so DD1 &DD3 helped her to get ready. It was just so lovely to see the 3 DDs together and interacting as only sisters do! Felt more like normal...

DD3 decided against going out in the end and opted to watch a film with me. We just about saw in midnight before all fell asleep!

After a long lie in, most of us got to the beach. A good sea breeze does wonders at blowing the cobwebs away. DD2 returned and joined 2 of her sisters in a New Years Swim 🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶. The hot chocolate on our return was especially welcome😃. DD1 was gifted a machine that makes delicious hot chocolate but the kind that uses milk rather than the hot chocolate I usually buy that is made with hot water. On the top shelf of the cupboard I remembered some very posh hot chocolate shards (?) for salted caramel hot chocolate, that I had been given a few months ago. I’d quite forgotten  about it but tried it in DD1’s machine and it was amazing 😋. @Foxgloves mentions shopping from home, so glad I did!

I got some work done this afternoon which has helped me to feel better about the start of term. I’ve also heard that Job 2 will resume next week, so that is a relief. My work patterns are changing in that I’ll be full time in Job 1 and hoping for a couple of shifts in Job 2 but not juggling job 3. I was sad to leave Job 3 - I really enjoyed it but this new arrangement will help to maximise my earnings which all helps with the debt clearance and sorting out a mortgage on my own.

This evening has been really relaxing, just watching a film together and sharing some Prosecco with DD1 and her bf. Whether it’s the blast of air from the beach, the joy of having my children around, getting work done or generally feeling relaxed, I’ve had a lovely 1st day of the New Year 🙂.  It’s been a NSD as well 🙂.

Honeysucklelou2

Not sure if you can tell from the photo…the sand is perfectly flat from the outgoing tide. A bit like a brand new year, no marks or footprints on it yet, adventures to be had and discoveries to make. 

Honeysucklelou2

New Years Day

Parkyp

Pictures are great - the sand reminds of when it’s been snowing and untouched and I want to go out to be the first to walk on it (I know so childish but I love it 🤣)

Your New Years says sounds just perfect and hopefully that’s the start of many more to come.

Brilliant news that you have managed to get full time in your main job 👏👏. 

Enjoy the rest of your days off. 

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Parkyp.

Its been quite a relaxing day today. I made it out for a local walk with DS3  while the older DDs were all having a study session for their respective courses and upcoming assignments / mock exams. It was lovely to get out and walk. I spotted the first catkin starting to flower 🙂. The camellia bush in the garden is starting to be covered in pink blooms. I know we have to get through Jan and Feb but I always feel happy to see hints of Spring around.

DD1 had managed to pick up some yellow stickered lamb which we had roasted today. We had been gifted some pears which were looking like they would soon be going over, so we put some in the slow cooker with some mulled wine ( DD1 says the wine was much improved by the pears😂) and then ate the pears with custard for dessert! The rest of the pears were put into a flan. I’m determined to have as little food waste as possible this year!

savingholmes

The photos are lively. I'm sure scenery like that aids mental health too. 

Well done on the zero waste approach. Glad you got out for walks and that the kids are getting on.