Being called frugal is the best compliment

savingholmes

Glad you got to see family and that your running is improving. Sorry for your loss. Hope you find ways of looking after you while dealing with impending loss too.

Dorisd

It has been a whole month since I last posted. I’m still debt free, running at least twice a week and training for a 10k race. I am still keeping up with my Portuguese which I’m starting to feel a bit more confident in by speaking it to DH. More than half way with EF savings, we’re saving hard for 3 months FFEF now then will ease off a bit and add smaller amounts until we get to 6 months of expenses. 

It still feels strange to have money. I have bought things for myself including the DrM boots (on sale) some more workout clothes (also on sale) and a smart watch (on sale too). As you can see MSE says have not left me and I’m keeping £100 buffer in bills account. 

We are trying to do our bit for the planet so I’ve bought a laundry egg to try out only £8 investment for  a couple of months washing, if it doesn’t work out it’s ok. If it as the reviews say I will buy a years worth of the pellets from tkm@xx for another £7 MSE and sustainable in one. 

I’ve been saving glass food jars for spices I get in bulk and they have come in quite handy as a base, for art based activities, storing sugar cubes and I will use one to keep sugar at work for the occasional coffee.
Work is still great, we have a new team member who is slotting in well. I still feel happy there, the benefits are great, I don’t find the work too hard and I enjoy the company of the people I work with. Our department really tries to make a difference for the staff and make improvements to the work environment so I feel like I’m doing something that matters.
I have also considered some work related learning, I tried it before but my workplace didn’t understand and were not supportive,  it was a waste of time. I think I could do better now and I wouldn’t be on my own. I know I would have support. Plus as we are debt free I can self fund and not rely on loans or a handout. Watch this space.

Dorisd

I have found that I’m sleeping much better these days but I’m worried about DH and his work situation. He is unhappy there and it seems without key staff the place is imploding. It’s time we sat down again and planned what we want and how we will get there. 

I’m thinking saving like crazy, storm mode, so he can start looking and if things become unbearable he can leave as we will have savings to call back on. We also need to review bills again to see if we can get them lowered.
Yes, it’s time to batten down the hatches as the bosses always promise things will
be sorted and then fail to deliver when things calm down. 

Must get a move on and get ready for work.

savingholmes

Well done on savings and DH work escape plan. Always good to have options

Dorisd

It will do him good to change, as it did me. I have started my 10km training today followed by a hot bath with Epsom salts. Managed a catch up with an old friend who had been in my mind recently so that was nice.
I’m looking forward to a day off next week as work men coming and someone needs to be in. The electricity will need to be turned off so decided to use some leave. It will require some housecleaning in neglected spots and will aim to do this over the weekend.
First it’s time for a rest.

Dorisd

It’s been a while, not to worry I have not fallen off the MSE bandwagon. I’m a convert for life! WFH day today managed a run before work, dishwasher emptied, refilled and almost finished its cycle. One load of washing, determined to open all windows to let in some air and hopefully dry clothes (no outside space 🙁) 
Quite quiet on the work front for me but still ticking along nicely.
managed another sale on Vint&d, can drop that off tomorrow on way to work. Will use my lunch break to pop to Mr L for bread and fruit for lunches. Dinner will be leftover beef from Sunday with veg.
Have started on a new fitness regime for women over 40, it focuses on strength training and lots protein rather than cutting calories and lots of cardio. It’s by a bikini competitor on u tube. She is over 50 and fabulous. I’m not looking for her exact body but could use with losing the tummy and dropping 2 stone! Saw a video last week of me in a bikini on holiday before Covid and 😳 I need a change.

DH and I are due a quick budget check in before payday because of all price rises coming, rent, water, council tax, electric. It just means we will be saving less. So glad to be debt free at this time but with food, fuel and other things rising I worry for everyone including my parents who are due or will be due to retire soon, my dad has already said he will probably be working a few more years but is mortgage free as of last year.

savingholmes

Well done for staying on the MSE band wagon.

Dorisd

@savingholmes I think when you’ve been debt busting for so long some things just stick, I always want to save money and make it go further.
Covid has come for another visit, DH is positive. I’m still negative but not feeling great. Daily testing for me until the end of the week. 😦

Dorisd

Not a NSD today as morning trip to MrL for eggs, bread & toilet paper then an Am@zon spend as needed new battery for the thermometer and disposable masks for DH. 

So tired and don’t know how I managed work today, not feeling quite right but no distinct symptoms apart from dizziness-nausea.
Tried to order more lateral flow tests but site says no home delivery slots. So have ordered PCR for DH as I’m sure the management think he’s putting it on 🤬!
Anyway my bed on the sofa is waiting for me 😞 need to catch up on sleep.

Dorisd

I had ordered a PCR test along with DHs because of my symptoms, results back and I too have C19 😞😷. At least I’m back in my bed and not the sofa. I had been taking precautions, wearing mask inside and cleaning touch points, despite my negative lateral flow test results.