NST September: Sunshine Challenge

mothernerd

Thanks to all my fellow poorlies for making feel that I'm not a wimp by being felled by 'minor' ailments. Today has been spendy (but avoided the 2 major purchases as no one had them in stock.


Had time to look at my finances and emergency fund needs rebuilding after dress buying, wedding present buying, money to cover the trip etc (oh and replacement washing machine). that's quite good actually - those items are more than the amount the bank account is down, so I've actually been putting a little bit away (hope that makes sense to someone other than me). But still something I need to work on (100 days to the New Year challenge?).


I am still being paid Carer's Allowance and my Working Tax Credit. They haven't sent word that they have changed their decision, but they did say it would be stopped if I did not reply before July 31st. As long as this continues I'm poor but happy which is fine and way better than dire poverty (been there, done that, the t-shirt is a thin pink panther one given away free to advertise a disco in Spain).



So today I'm exhausted but victorious. Symtoms are progressing, think I'm in recovery but it's still not nice. List looked impossible but Beloved had put my clothes in the dryer (I have something to wear tomorrow) and a relative had been round to say they were going tomorrow but would use their own car and did not need seats in the minibus.



Rain nearly all day but made myself get washed and dressed and used the short breaks in rainfall to get to the library, then across to withdraw cash, into the shopping arcade, zigzaging my way up to the top (puzzle book and some craft supplies acquired but no pinking shears or clothes).


Waited at the top end for the rain to pause again. Had intended to go to Icyland and have all the heavy stuff sent back before going to Tessimo's for salad grab and go stuff (did a 'shove it in the oven' dinner and had to stand by the stove until I stopped swaying back and forth) but in the end went for Tessimo's and did my best (crossed off food and drink for me next week if I get worse, drinks everyone wanted to take tomorrow and the items on mum's list).


Had to wait over an hour for a taxi to mum's (my firm is honest enough to tell you how long it will be) but I had food, drink and books to read and done everything I needed to do. Just have to get through tomorrow (my ex and all three sons in one place, what could possibly go wrong) and from Sunday onwards I can be as ill as I like, I have the things I need (if someone will open the child proof cough medicine).


Today I am grateful for getting things done in difficult circumstances, for a break in the weather when the sun actually came out and for watching the Hunger Games on mum's tv (remember Kat based one of her challenges on it).


Right off to make a nerdy film quote quiz - this is a last minute substitute as I can't make the cakes I had planned (including a tardis and a nerdy dragon playing 'Humans and Habitats') although I have been jotting down things as I have thought of them - the D'n'D joke came up when I pinterested D'n'D (looking for Orc pictures).

sashanut

Hi all:j

Continuing big hugs to all the poorlies, hope you are soon better!

Planned a fairly relaxing day but of course it didn't end up like that. Planted a few seed trays in the greenhouse as the weather was so poor - heavy rain showers. Quick trip around the garden, only to notice that the side fence seemed to be falling over..with 3 big dogs this is not good :eek: We have security fencing at the back/other side but it's not pretty to look at (but behind trees at the back) so at this side are fence panels. Cue DH & I in pouring rain trying to tie up the panels to various trees, just as a temp measure. Was soaked to the skin, lovely.. at least they are secure for now till we can get someone to do a proper job..


Set your budgets now. Pay to your debts/savings first and live off the rest. Make sure you're on the best deals for utilities, phones, broadband, etc. Are there any areas in your budget that you could cut down on? Will go through budget again & see where savings could be made. Was due to call new utility provider but ended up fencing, see above. Will try again another day.

Use up. Have a look through your cupboards and identify any food that's been lurking there for a while and incorporate it into a meal plan. Likewise toiletries, any half opened bottles - use before opening/buying more. Lunch was HM soup & cheese toasties, using up some elderly sweet potatoes etc. Supper was bacon potato & cheese bake, plus banoffee tarts all from stores. Just caught DH getting another one - if he saw the banana I used up, he wouldn't touch them LOL.



NSDs - there are 30 days in September so a minimum of 15 or 20 for a harder challenge. Usual exemptions for ys items, petrol and medical expenses. Now 9/15

Spread some sunshine - be kind to others, help out friends, neighbours, colleagues and strangers. Share your tales of any random acts of kindness. Will try to be kind when I make a complaint in a mo to customer services. Depends whether or not I get a lifetimes' supply of fondant fancies ...doubt it tbh.

Healthy eating - up your fruit and veg intake, quit snacking between meals or choose healthier options. Not too bad today.

Invest in yourself. Make sure you take the time to do things that you enjoy. Try something new that you've always wanted to do. Nice time in greenhouse till I discovered fence-gate. Then not quite so much fun, although it's definitely something new I haven't done before I can't say I've always wanted to do it.

No spending on takeaways, drinks out, etc unless prearranged and budgeted for. No takeaways today.

Try to find free activities to do. Will do.

Exercise - it won't be long before the darker nights start drawing in so make the most of it while you can. Get outdoors for walk/run/cycle even if only for 10 minutes. Lots of exercise wrestling with fence, wouldn't recommend.

Go Turtles!!

lcc86

Very late check in from me! I should be tucked up in bed by now! Had such a long day, was up in London all day for work dealing with a case, then met a friend and had a hectic evening at an event. Trains were all up the creek coming home so have not long got back in. All in all a challenging but fun day, lots of rest needed now though. Also the kitchen tap just broke in my hand as I went to get a drink of water so that's an urgent job for tomorrow that needs doing. Eek.

apple_muncher

Mothernerd - hope today, with all the boys, goes smoothly. And then you can relax and recuperate.

f0xh0les

Good luck Mothernerd may the force be with you.

I have a head cold. Boo! I may be going to the House of Swede today. DH wants to go look at stuff (grr!), and I can finish lots of silly niggly jobs in one go. Plus he might pay :rotfl: I mean a couple of pinboards and 2 small mirrors won't cost too much. It is in the budget so either way the things will be off the list. Very list focussed.

Feel awful.

Bleurgh.

On the sofa under a blanket, feeling awful - I was brave yesterday, and had to get the kids from school, and take one to the drs, then go get the other two from football practice. Did not get home til 5. My medal is in the post:rotfl:

Oh yeah. It's raining.

greent

Dishes out paracetamol, throat sweets and tissues to all those in need.....


Took DS1 to uni yesterday - spent on bridge toll, lunch (at almost 3pm!) and a small smkt spend - including 2 expension cables (seriously -a student's bedroom in Halls with only 1 double socket - which is hidden behind the wardrobe!!!) - have run a 4 plug extension (with 2 USBs) to the desk (desk lamp to help alleviate the gloom from inadequate ceiling lighting, laptop, printer and Nintendo 3DS charger) and 1 4m cable/ 2 plug socket under bed to bedside table for phone and electric toothbrush (no sockets in (shared) bathroom) Not exactly anything excessive nowadays - and probably much less than many others! Did the day with a doses of paracetamol, strepsils and throat spray - although am much improved.

Collected as many freebies (mainly bottles of water and pens!) around welcome tent as possible - also drinking free cups of tea and eating sweets (kept us going until we eventually got the late lunch!) made his bed up for him and sorted all the kitchen stuff into a cupboard. His flatmates all apparently hid in their rooms with doors shut all evening - he sat in his with the door open as an invitation to chat (he is next to kitchen, so they all have to walk past at some point!) Hopefully today they will all feel like being a little more sociable!I'm not fussed on his accom at all - but that's the perils of Clearing - you take what you can to live in at that point!

Came home and DD had hung out washing I'd put on before leaving. Brought it in and ironed her things ready for today. Rest can wait. Did a whites wash (mainly school shirts) which dried over the backs of chairs overnight - weather is meant to be poor today. Have a wash on currently which is DS1's bedding (he stripped his bed yesterday morning) - will drape that around in a mo so it can get drier today....

Today - off to Wales again for DD. Not too much to take this time - just books, clothes and food. Hopefully a shorter day. Smallest 2 are coming along. DS2 is full of a cold. OH possibly also coming down with a cold (in bed asleep still at mo!)

Fridge/ freezer and cupboards will be much emptier after this weekend and all the things 'donated' to the student children!! A good chance to have a thorough sort out and use up some remaining bits

Coxy11

Hi everyone,
A little teary today - going to have our 14yo Cocker Spaniel pts later today. He's been getting slowly worse for months and is now completely deaf, almost completely blind, doubly incontinent and back legs are going. Feel awful. DH will take him as I'm out in London for lunch today and having found both 1s and 2s this morning for the 6th consecutive day I think it's time. Kids are sobbing upstairs as I type. DS1 has a private job today so won't see him. Hope I've made the right decision. DH at physio so I've texted him about the appointment. He may say he doesn't want to take him alone, which I will totally understand, but now we are both working FT it would mean an evening appointment next week which wouldn't be any better. Urrghhhh!

Obviously the cost of this isn't in the budget but needs must.

Coxy

greent

Coxy - thinking of you. A hard decision, but sounds like the right one xx And 14y for a cocker is a good innings. Massive ((hugs)) Xxx

Toni'sfriend

Aw, Coxy, that is sad but I'm sure you have made the right decision. I'm sure the children will be ok in time. Lots of hugs to you all.

apple_muncher

Hugs to you all coxy - it sounds the right thing to do x