Going, going...still going! 16 December 2018 at 3:29PM edited 29 November 2019 at 8:03PM in Debt Free Diaries 961 replies 69.8K views

mark55man

wow - busy + your DFD was last November, so a full year in the black - well done

BlackCoffeeNoSugar

You're too generous to me, Mark! The laptop is on the CC - I could pay it off any time, in full (first time ever in my life) but as it's 0%, and I want to keep my options open for the EF if I need to get out of this job, or move flat, then it's going to sit there for a while longer. So not a full year in the black, and I'm not really any better off (bar having a better EF) but hey, it's ok.  

Had a super-stressful day on Friday - I think I'm just out of any extra resilience, I just seem to be more easily overwhelmed than others. However, it was a really busy week, and I think it was just the last straw that broke me. Going to do a few admin tasks this afternoon, so I'm in a better position for tomorrow when the treadmill starts all over again! My biggest fantasy is having a year off, makes me almost jealous of people on maternity leave (apart from the children part, that's not my jam ). 

PD has disgraced herself by upsetting an entire batch-cooked pot of marinara sauce I made yesterday The kitchen floor is never going to be the same colour ever again, but it could have been worse! There's no harm done, I'm sure it wasn't that tasty anyway. It has meant that I've needed to change my plans for dinner today - it may have to be cabbage pasta, she will stay far away from that  

mark55man

Having a flexible friend you can pay off counts as being in the black by my standards   

Sorry to hear about the sauce - we had an olive oil stain that lasted for nearly a decade.  all adds to the character of the place

BlackCoffeeNoSugar

Another week gone - where is the time going?!

It was pay-day on Friday, and now I've got my budget all settled for the coming month. I've bought one (1) Christmas present, and don't really intend on buying too many more, it has to be said! I do have to buy some cards to send to older relatives - I have the day off tomorrow for St. Andy's day, so will pop out and buy some then. I'm going to take advantage of emails not pinging tomorrow and do some work as well. I know it's a bad habit - I always seem to end up in job positions where I'm constantly chasing my tail. Someone once told me that busy hands will always be busy, but I'd like to take it easy once in a while! 
In better news, the kitchen floor is less orange now - Elbow Grease did a cracking job on it, so whilst there is still some staining in places, it's an awful lot better than it was. PD was forgiven a long time ago - I've barely seen her today, she must be asleep somewhere, just not in her usual places. I'd like to join her, but still to do today is meal plan for the coming week, so I better get that done.  I need to check what's in the freezer too. I'd really like a coffee too, but I've just realised the time, and don't think that's too wise - so decaf it is  

BlackCoffeeNoSugar

I really shouldn't 'just check emails' on a day off - 4 hours later, I've finally freed myself, with a groaning to-do list for tomorrow   Still, I got a good chunk done, and feel better about tomorrow. PD has helped by gently snoring whilst draped across my lap (in constant danger of falling off). If you can imagine the world's smallest tiger skin rug, with head and front paws over my left thigh, and tail and rear paws over my right, you will have a good idea how her day has gone  
Budget all on track - didn't venture out today so NSD. Will go and buy cards another time.  

Drawingaline

I am quite jealous of your one present buying! I think I spent about £600 just today 😱 downside of a big family, upside is it won't be ever be too quiet. Although a chilled out day with the cats sounds bliss right now 😂

BlackCoffeeNoSugar

We don't tend to buy for people who are 16+ in our family, which makes it cheaper! My brother's kids are getting a board game as a joint present - they are obsessed with them, so it's getting harder to find one they don't have and one that will keep them occupied! Bro had a suggestion though, so all good. A couple of other small presents planned but not purchased - I'm not expecting anything in return, but there are a few people who always get a small something. PD is not included in that list - she's spoilt enough as it is  
Fat lot of good my day yesterday did - I'm still only just finishing work now. I swear that such a short period of time off really does not make up for the days before and after a day off! 

Budget all on track - not been out today, but need to go out now, as our postie put someone else's mail through my door (right flat number but wrong street). Most unlike them, they are normally really good, but it's only a street away, so not a hassle really.  

mark55man

boardgamegeek.co.uk has a good selection of board games and usually have a link to second hand purchases.  there are a few classics and many interesting + there is also boardgamearena.com where you can a LOT of games online for free or £20 a year if you want some extra capability. Most games canbe played against internet randoms with no real problems

Drawingaline

Externally I only really buy for my neices (3 of them) my mum dad and brother and mil and fil. My sister and me buy for each others birthdays and don't do Xmas. I used to buy for my best friends kids but she has four and I have four so decided not to a few years back.

Having four kids adds up though! Esp the teens now, I am glad my wierd one never wants anything expensive means I have more money spare for the big two. I have never been the kind of person who has to spend the same per child. If the wierd one wants a plush that costs £20 (although another £20/30 in shipping) then that is what he will get. And tbf he has been desperate for it since June. 

Our pd (or food stealers 🙄) have a toy each but they are still kittens and first Xmas, not sure it will be repeated.

BlackCoffeeNoSugar

Thanks Mark, that’s really helpful! 

DAL, I think the kittens are definitely deserving of a toy at Christmas - PD did in her kitten days, many moons ago  Can definitely understand the large family thing too, you sound like you have a very sensible approach! Don’t envy you shopping for so many - I’m a reluctant present buyer and worse present wrapper (as much I try to get better!)