The Final Furlong

cathybird

Sorry to hear work was not so great today Dottles1. I have one grumpy colleague who tends to put a dent in the happiness level at work most days. It's frustrating, because it's so unnecessary. I hope tomorrow is better for you.

Dottles1

Today wasn't too bad thanks Cathybird, just very long - 8.30 to 9.00. I'm covering for a colleague who is off sick for 3 weeks. Anyway I'm off to London in the morning, or I should say this morning seeing the time. I said that I can't do it for longer than that as it's too long a day for me. I will get lieu time for it but there was a reason I dropped a day in September. Still the class were a good bunch and it was a lesson that I used to teach so not difficult.
I can't believe how fast the days are going and surprisingly, how well my Christmas shopping is going. I've just been chipping away at it and it's all coming together. Who knew I could be so organised? I still have a few to get but hope to pick one or two up whilst away though we don't really "go shopping" as such. Friend P's husband always buys us sandwiches for the train but we will probably buy a coffee on route and Friend L will have lunch ready when we arrive so not too spendy tomorrow. We take alcoholic drinks with us as our clubbing days firmly behind us (mostly because we can't be @*!#d) and will have a take away in the flat on one evening but there will be some meals out. I have taken an amount of cash out so that I can keep an eye on my budget.
I'd better get my head down as I have a couple of jobs to do before I go tomorrow and I'm catching the train at 9.15.
Goodnight all, I'll check in again on Monday
Dottles x

Dottles1

Cathybird, I know what you mean. It's amazing how one person can affect the atmosphere and bring the mood down. It makes it difficult for the people who work with them. I tend to be of the glass half full variety - I'm told that this can be quite annoying too at times
I know which I'd rather be

Honeysucklelou2

Hope you have a great time.

beanielou

Enjoy your weekend:)

cathybird

Dottles1 wrote: »

Cathybird, I know what you mean. It's amazing how one person can affect the atmosphere and bring the mood down. It makes it difficult for the people who work with them. I tend to be of the glass half full variety - I'm told that this can be quite annoying too at times
I know which I'd rather be

Yes, much better to be an optimist, in all sorts of ways! As to people finding it annoying, I guess that's because they prefer to be doomy? But optimism is much better in the workplace than negativity.

savingholmes

Enjoy your weekend. Yay to the £300.

Dottles1

Thanks Honeysucklelou, Cathybird, Beanie and Savingholmes, I had a great weekend if a little tiring for an old bird . The Tutankhamun Exhibition was fantastic. I have been interested in Egyptian history since I was at primary school and I'm now determined to start reading up on it again. I couldn't believe how well preserved everything was but I guess the climate is conducive to that with warm dry sand. I would definitely recommend it if you get the chance.
We also went to Christmas at Kew Gardens, a 2 hour stroll through the grounds with Christmas lights and music. There was an old fashioned funfair for the children with a helter skelter and a merry go round and even Father Christmas making an appearance. The lights were fabulous and it all felt very festive (this coming from me who moans about doing anything Christmassy before December).
Best of all I took £100 with me and that's what I spent. There were a couple of moments when I was tempted to buy things, perfume and a light fitting, because they were there but I resisted because I pledged not to buy unplanned items before I get back from holiday. I can then decide whether they warrant becoming planned and if so I can budget for them. Quite chuffed with myself really.
I was back to work today which was ok except that I couldn't sleep last night and was still counting sheep at 2:30 this morning. I have managed quite a bit of marking today and will do a bit more tonight after I've eaten. I have given myself a deadline and am portioning the load out in daily quotas.
Tilly appears to have had a good time too. It makes things so much easier when I know she is going somewhere where she will be loved as well as looked after.
Today was a NSD, my plan is that the next two days will be too so that I have at least a chance of reaching my target of 12 this month. I have enough in for meals for the week and will try to make the weekend too if possible. I get paid on Friday but hope to wait till Monday to top up my budgets but we'll see.
Right I'm off to peruse some diaries while my food cooks.
Speak later all, hope you've had a good start to the week.
Dottles x

Dottles1

Just a quick check in before work today. This week is turning out to be quite positive so far. Work has been good (last day today) and I've been sticking to NSD's with 3 left to go to meet my target of 12 this month. I need to leave my grocery shopping until Sunday but having checked the freezer and cupboards I should just manage it. I might just take the opportunity to defrost the freezer before shopping as it will be a bit Mother Hubbard.
I'm off tomorrow and as it is pay day I will be sorting the finances and setting the budgets for December. There will also be the dreaded marking to do but I'm still on track there....just.
I hope you all have a fabulous day whatever you are up to.
Dottles x

beanielou

All sounds good:)