Cherry takes the reins

Cherryfudge

Thank you @Seasidegal58, and the same to you!

Cherryfudge

It's been a strange start to the new year: not the strangest ever, but not the best either.

I did the sleep in at work on the night of 31st and talking to the night staff I became aware that what I had taken to be anger on this person's part was in fact depression. Covid, the pressures of the job and family issues have combined and a normally positive attitude has gone. I stayed a while and managed to get onto some lighter subjects just to provide something nicer to think about but then I didn't sleep well and got up early to offer the morning shift a hand with medication. It turned out they didn't need it but I also managed to set off floods of tears in another member of staff. I apologised and spent the day dog tired and worrying about it. It wasn't till about tea time that I suddenly realised I could have misinterpreted something she said and the upset wasn't all because of how I'd reacted to her. In fact something she'd mentioned the day before was probably behind it.

New Year's Day was, in fact, largely a wreck! However once the sun came out DH suggested a walk which helped me feel a lot better.

I was back in last night to do the sleep, but having had a couple of conversations with DH recently I'd a) planned so I had extra covers and a snack and slept really well and b)realised sleeps aren't doing me any good and I need to limit them. I came out of the room and looked back thinking it might be the last one I do. Of course it may not, I'll still do them if needed but not so many if at all possible.

I also woke up dreaming I was writing my resignation, which was interesting. I was in that half-asleep state but I feel quite peaceful about it. Having drafted it in my head I think I may write it out so it's ready if the conditions change: either a certain decision is made by management which I feel is unsafe, or I get another job.

Today, with a good night's sleep behind me, has been good. DH went to church (in the building) and I went online. We hadn't managed to get our act together for groceries over this weekend so we've finished things from the fridge and freezer, which ties in well with a NY's resolution to waste a minimum of food. In the afternoon we decided on a run while the weather continues so mild, but then the heavens opened so we had to wait around. The run was really worthwhile when we went, though. Half an hour on the roads above town, a 29m elevation which is good for legs and heart, a beautiful gold sun blazing through a gap between low, charcoal grey clouds and silver patches on the roads where the light caught the water that was running over the surface.

I forgot to say that our tiling has been finished and looks so nice. I know DH had to get more adhesive (£27) and the labour bill was £220.00 which was well worth it. I don't remember what the tiles came to and there will have been another £27 for the first lot of adhesive and whatever for the tile spacers. The kitchen is very slowly becoming modernised! The upper cabinets, sink, counter tops, white goods and now the wall over the cooker and sinks... I'm determinedly keeping the old cabinets on the other side which need new doors but are a clever design making the best use of limited space, so the other big jobs are changing the under stairs cupboard to house the fridge freezer, and tiling the floor.

A and H invited us over to spend time with the baby. They were able to go for a walk to the pub and have lunch out today which I think is very positive. We were supposed to be seeing J and L as well but between one thing and another they are coming over another day. GD was much more awake today, she's so funny with the faces she pulls and it's the first time I've really seen her eyes open.

I'm still writing this year's resolutions. I ought to resolve to make them throughout the year really, and implement them in January, as I never have them down on paper in time.

Things I'm thankful for today: the light on the road and in the sky this afternoon, the mild weather, being able to stand some houseplants out in the garden for some fresh air, being able to spend time with H, A and GD, seeing some interesting jobs advertised locally (not something I could go for but interesting nonetheless).

VelvetFreak

Sorry, but I have to laugh about you writing resignation letters in your sleep 😆. I know the feeling all too well. Fingers crossed for you that things work out! 

Cherryfudge

VelvetFreak said:

Sorry, but I have to laugh about you writing resignation letters in your sleep 😆. I know the feeling all too well. Fingers crossed for you that things work out! 

We aren't the first and we won't be the last!  

Cherryfudge

99p spent late yesterday on an ebook.

It's still mild though not so much as recently, but I had a walk before lunch - determined to lose weight and get fitter, you can tell it's New Year! - I thought I'd do the route that takes me round local field margins. It took longer than I thought as it was so muddy and the mud was slippery so even if I'd not been bothered about getting filthy, I'd have had to go carefully for safety's sake. Tomorrow I'd like to do another run but I'm on an early shift so I probably won't have the energy afterwards.

Washing was done and line dried but it came on to rain before DH could get it in so it's been tumble dried too. Not very MS. I also remembered not to waste food so I used up a sad banana in my porridge oats but the whole thing tasted very strange so I ended up throwing it out and having a tin of soup for my work meal.

It was another quiet shift with only one client but this is someone who's under the weather so we had more to do than expected. When we got her settled we checked her often but I did manage computer time to finish a course and check my emails. Looking through the jobs bulletin from just before Christmas, I was very surprised to see my old job advertised. I am just a little tempted as I know the clients really well and the staff member I didn't like has gone. I hear on the grapevine that management has changed too, and interestingly nearly everywhere except where I currently work is putting pay up due to lack of available staff.

Things I'm thankful for tonight: a walk and washing hung out while the weather held (it's raining again now), a job that pays our way, not being too tempted by the remaining Christmas biscuits at work, finishing the course so I won't have to try to do it while the office is busy.

Cherryfudge

A late night last night - doing bits of study and ironing and getting a lunch ready for work - then an early start today so I'm really tired since getting in from work. DH and I decided to have a walk into town to look for a particular brand of Christmas tree that might just be in the sale but wasn't, then went on to the eco-friendly shop to top up supplies. When we got home I went to bed but I don't think I slept. Up in time for tea and a message from DS2 asking if he can come here tonight. Of course we've said yes but now I have a sore throat and DH has the sniffles so he's doing a flow test. I tested negative on Monday but if DH shows up positive then I'll re-test tonight. I have a couple of PCR kits on standby as we have to do weekly ones for work and the plan was to test from home tomorrow anyway to comply with their requirements without having to be in the building along with most of the rest of the team. (I know the Government guidelines say PCRs if symptomatic/positive flow test but this weekly test seems to be a rule for social care).

I did get some discounted wrapping paper, twiggy base for a Christmas wreath and birdseed as well as discounted chocolates as well as the basic food refills, so it's been a  bit of a treat day.

Tonight I'm thankful that my first shift at a nearby service went well, that I was able to go for a lie down when I needed one and for the gorgeous clear blue sky we've had all day. A colleague came to work with a snowy car but it's stayed fine here, just freezing.

Cherryfudge

Both our tests are negative, but I have a sore throat and I'm a bit snuffly. Seems to be that archaic phenomenon, the common cold.

Cherryfudge

Yesterday was my day off: cold and clear. We had a drive out to an auction where we got chatting to someone building a display of dresses dating back to the nineteenth century. Really interesting, like a mini V&A. We then had a wander round a charity shop but it felt they'd not had anything new in over the last month or so, so nothing was bought. We didn't even go for coffee, so very MS. There was still a little snow from the other day out of town. (Town is sheltered and we're still waiting for snow).

It was flow test and PCR test day for work but that covered me for meeting up with people from church in the evening. I didn't feel like going - the cold is hovering but not too bad, I think I just wanted to rest - anyway I went and enjoyed it. Very tired late last night then woke up early. Ah well.

Spending:
Housekeeping £22.78
E-book £1.99

This morning I'm thankful for not being on an early shift! Also for down time yesterday and a weekend off to come.

Cherryfudge

DH rang work to check the status of his contract, which had been extended till the end of March. Turns out they had been going to ring him to offer an extension to September! So that's good news and gives me a bit more freedom if I decide to leave my current job.

Cherryfudge

Work was quiet and I've not spent anything... voice has nearly gone though. I'm back on shift first thing in the morning and it's wet and cold tonight so I'm going to focus on eight or nine hours in the warm and dry before heading out again!