"Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it."

Jessy103

Good to hear from you greenbee. Happy New Year and all the best for 2021 ❤

Karmacat

Seeing that you caught covid and it turned into long covid, from which you're still suffering from, greenbee, I think you've done absolutely brilliantly.  Happy New Year

Baileys_Babe

Happy New Year @greenbee
Hoping that 2021 is the year your wishes come true and you are able to make great strides in your recovery.

greenbee

Thanks for dropping in. Happy New Year all... and here's hoping (very quietly) that it is better than the last couple of years. 

While I've changed jobs recently, I'm still doing a certain amount of research, but energy levels dictate that there's much less external publication at the moment. However, I'm still given two labels that I'm not keen on - 'Thought Leader' and 'Futurist'. In my capacity as both (and unrelated to work, except as a result of the vast amounts of information I consume - both data and opinion) I would like to point out (to myself as much as anyone else) that whether 2021 is an improvement on previous years will depend in a significant part on our attitude and approach. Lamenting how things have changed won't help - finding new ways to survive and thrive in a changed world might. Some things I can influence, some things I can't. 

2020 may have changed my lifestyle significantly, and resulted in redundancy and long covid BUT there has been a lot of good as a result. I've spent more time at home. Unlike many people I've actually seen MORE of my family and many of my friends despite lockdown, as I've actually been at home when we've been allowed out. Being slowed down due to illness has meant I've learned to enjoy being at home and focused on being content at home and in the garden - and got to grips with some of the work that has needed doing for ages. Redundancy has meant money in the bank, a bit of time off AND a new job which (while I'm not going to be quite so well off financially) is giving me new opportunities and challenges. And although the overall package isn't quite as good as in the previous job, frankly, I'm well aware that I'm extremely well paid and very lucky. 

No resolutions this year. Just things to focus on - back to low carb in the hope that the joint pain that has got worse over Christmas will resolve (and the extra insulation will shift); making the most of the fact that pilates and yoga will be back online for the foreseeable future; epsom salt baths and early nights and building a routine that allows me to manage energy levels. Seeing family and friends when I can, but otherwise continuing to make my home and garden places I enjoy being rather than feeling like a burden. Unlike in the last house I don't feel confined or constrained by the walls/hedges/fences (so the move and extra space were obviously a good decision) and if at times life is going to be confined to them, then I'll make the most of it and indulge in gardening and reading etc. 

2021 will have plenty of challenges, I'm sure. But there should also be lots of opportunities and good times too if we look for them. 

greenbee

32p interest on my current account paid off the mortgage. I've also just withdrawn £10.23 from Quidco as it doesn't look like anything else will pay out anytime soon, so that will go to the mortgage as soon as it arrives. 

I've brought in the legs of a very tatty table and cleaned them up. The top will come in tomorrow and also need cleaning up as the kids had it as a craft/painting table for a while and then it lived in my brother's shed. I think the might fit in the office as a separate desk for doing paperwork (the main desk is full of IT kit, and the standing one will have some too). If it does I may eventually replace it with something less tatty, but it'll give me an idea of what works. 

Rhubarb dug out of the depths of the freezer, and in the oven with shallots, cabbage and mackerel (also from the freezer). I may regret it when the house stinks of fish tomorrow... 

Lists have been made... And I hope to tick some stuff off over the next couple of days. I may even dip my toe into FB marketplace to get rid of a couple of bits that I'm reluctant to give away but want gone. 

redofromstart

Your posting is making me look prolific @greenbee!  We need an update please

greenbee

Far too much to catch up on!
But I have managed to make some decent OPs in the last couple of months. I still haven’t sorted my pensions or ISAs out.

office is done - cleaned up the old table, and it’s ideal. I’ve even put the sewing machine on it! Standing desk is lovely, with monitors on adjustable arms (although they and the camera need moving a bit), as is the treadmill. Having said that, for the last 3weeks or so I’ve been too tired for the treadmill. Or Pilates, or yoga. But they’re all there for when I feel like getting back to it. Low carb took some time to get back to, but I think this attempt is going better due to careful meal planning and weighing and measuring. And the excess kilos are on their way out.

I was referred to the long covid clinic on Jan 25th (it was announced on Jan 20th), heard from them on 26th and had my assessment on Feb 18th. They’ve requested a couple of referrals for me, admin contact me every 2 weeks, and appointments are monthly. Plus I have an app to use daily fir symptom, energy/activity and weight tracking (probably another motivator!). 

Seedlings have been sown and are so far doing ok in the greenhouse, although I’ll have to think about what goes where and when, particularly as we seem to have rabbits in the gardens at this end if the village for the first time since I moved here.

Front and back doors have been replaced, but still need painting. Kitchen blind is up, so just bedroom curtains to do. Plus lots of small jobs. And the kitchen sink. But I’m putting off having people in the house until it’s warm enough to have the windows open! And ideally I have the energy to deal with them.

Karmacat

greenbee, it sounds like you've done a lot with the energy you have - you still sound very fatigued is the long covid clinic helping?  

Cheery_Daff

Lots of progress being made there greenbee! Hope you're getting some benefit from the clinic, and that the new job is going well.

Fortune_Smiles

Amazing progress @greenbee.  I love the approach you're taking.  I had 'thought leadership' in my objectives for a few years but never 'futurist' 😆  Are they providing you with a crystal ball 😂.

Fortune x