A whole new world, for now

Cherryfudge

in_need_of_direction said:

Thanks for all the input and support.  Cherry, I get exactly what you’re saying but, at this time, most of the shoulds are down to work related decisions I made.  I’ve already jettisoned some of the others e.g. Christmas cards I didn’t send.

I think I need to learn from you - only local cards this year again! I can draft an email and send it round most people apart from my godmother who deserves something handwritten (not that others don't but if she has an email, I don't know it).

I hadn't realised about the work decisions, but I imagine it's hard to get the balance right when you're self-employed. I suppose good work and work ethics make for more demand, too. Hopefully the pressure will pass.

The takeaway sounds a bargain! What did you get?

in_need_of_direction

Takeaway was an Indian that included a mixed platter.  It did indeed feed us for 2 days by just adding one side.  

Well, the past few days evaporated. I did the first off my charity food runs.  DH wasn’t happy as it brought me back into contact with that client.  That said, for 2 hours of my time, I got to distribute over £600 worth of goods to three homeless projects.  There will be more next Wednesday.  Thank you Tesco for making this available and for sourcing alternative distribution when Fareshare closes for Christmas.  

Happy Christmas to one and all.  We won’t be celebrating or exchanging gifts until ds makes it home tomorrow. That said, I have just finished two croissants spread with Christmas jam purchased from last week’s trip to the market.  I know it contains plums, cinnamon, clove and other bits of loveliness and just tastes delightful.  There was a lot I wanted to get done that remains undone.  I’m hoping that the gift I take from this Christmas is that life’s too short to get stressed about things.  Even presents have only been wrapped on a people being seen.  So what if some will be late, it’ll help prolong the festive season.
one thing that was done was a brief consideration of finances.  We will hit our 20% pb target pre new year. 

Today I am grateful for
unexpected friendly visits
family all being safe - between the weather and the traffic, I worry
getting the soup made.

jwil

Well done on doing the charity food runs.

Hope you had a lovely Christmas

milann

Ditto what wil said 👏👏

in_need_of_direction

Well, that week fairly flashed by.  4 food runs were done and literally thousands of pounds were distributed across 5 charities.  It was incredibly time consuming and, sometimes frustrating, with some recipients only wanting high value or convenient items.  

DS got home with just a minor delay and we had a successful Christmas on Boxing Day.  Presents were exchanged and well received. Yesterday I met up with a friend who drove 65 miles each way just cos she thought I needed it. How lovely was that! Last night dh and I went to a candlelit concert courtesy of one of the gifts.  Despite it starting at 9, I made it through without turning into a pumpkin!

Lots of leftovers have been consumed which is good.  The fridge is well stocked and arranged in date order. Unfortunately all the kitchen lights are out since yesterday but we are trying to hold off on a spark to post ny.

That said, I have not touched anything work related.  This needs to be addressed as some stuff is urgent. As a minimum I need a plan. 

We did do the transfer to the premium bonds so the target has been surpassed. I’m not sure by how much.  Number crunching needs to happen though dh got some relative related bad news yesterday which could have long term cost implications. That’s what savings are for.

right, need to get motoring. Today I am grateful for
a good friend 
a night out
a home that continues to be relatively weatherproof

milann

Sorry t to hear about the bad news. Love you say ‘that’s what savings are for’

Cherryfudge

It sounds like a very 'successful' Christmas, with charity things getting where they needed to be, your DS getting home, getting to go out to something Christmassy and that amazing thing - a fridge in not only order, but date order. I'm in awe. (Mine's still overstuffed).

How lovely of your friend to drive all that way for you.  

Well done on exceeding your PB target!

I'm sorry to hear your DH had bad news. I hope there's better to come, and not too much stress or waiting for anyone concerned.

jwil

Well done on the PB target!

in_need_of_direction

Today we conversed with mr wii and I’m down a pound.  That said I hadn’t updated my sig from the last gain so it looks like it’s up rather than down.  That will create our start of year benchmark.  I also heard from the Tesco distribution person confirming that’s me done with the food collections for the year.  

Yesterday I did nearly less than nothing bar come up with dinner suggestions that cleared five items from the fridge. It was essentially a sharing platter.  DS started the major room clear out.  I am conflicted between wanting the declutter but also seeing his room become less his.  I know that both mine aren’t here permanently anymore but it’s still their family home.  That said, NYE is not the time to get maudlin.  

I had thought about going for Sunday lunch today but this was dismissed in favour of cheese and games evening.  

Today I’d like for us to make plans for 2024 but this could be unlikely as it may force dh to deal with the bad news concerning his relative when he’d sooner put head in sand.  Obviously my first target is to hit 25% of premium bonds. That will however mean continuing to cover bills from other funds.  

Today I am grateful for
food from what’s already here
a truly lazy day
two more items to the charity shop bag

Cherryfudge

Happy new year! Sounds like a relaxing end to the old one.