Moving forward and upwards

Skint_yet_Again

Sounds like a lovely Christmas. ❤️

MovingForwards

Thanks SH and Skinty

Boxing day was fun too!

I wore a long plum coloured sleeveless dress, long cardigan, thick tights and chunky boots, let my hair down again as I'd plaited it the night before. Spent a few hours with family, had leftovers for lunch, opened gifts and played games. 

This year we were financially settled and could be a bit more extravagant with gifts to show our appreciation for everything they've done for us. MIL was very moved with her vouchers, BIL has picked out what he is buying with his, SIL felt very spoilt and mini me squealed seeing the wrapping paper let alone the gifts. 

We received food, drink, gorgeous garden items, money and donations to charities close to my heart.

TomBo got me slipper boots, a jumper dressing gown, a calender, a mug; the latter two were bby gr00t and I may have squealed! 

Today we have been to PaH and cat has more posh food. H-barga1ns for cleaning products, a lighter, 1cal cat treats and other bits. A1d1 for veg, latte and other bits. 8&Q for a strimmer, second battery for it, filler and cupboard handles for the bedroom. Total spend £270; garden equipment cost a lot, but I've entered a promotion and get another spare battery for free which should arrive in a few weeks 🤭

The strimmer will make garden maintenance a lot easier, there is grass is the borrowed garden and the ones we look after.

Now I've got the filler I can straighten the lines up in the hallway and fill around the replaced shower switch, followed by another quick and final top coat of paint. 

TomBo has cleared out some kitchen equipment and really likes his LC stuff, it's got him planning different things to cook 😀

savingholmes

Sounds like a grand time had by all 

MovingForwards

Thanks SH

The fun is not ending yet! 

We've been in the garden today, TomBo cutting things back, me trimming them to stuff into the garden waste bin. Living the high life 🤭

I have got a shift this week and next, to do but it almost feels like I'm having ages off 😃

I will be applying for the role as I've had a good talk with B2 and I get the impression they want me to get it over others. I know I keep flopping around with decisions but if we do move I'd not get anywhere near enough of a mortgage to buy on my proper PT hours.

I'll pay my regulator fees and cancel my exam this week, already cancelled the holidays; 6 months until I sit it, 3 months until I get the result of my other one.

Submitted my utility readings yesterday and paid the £215 bill, just waiting for all the DD's to come out and I get paid in less than 2 weeks. 

TomBo is in the kitchen batch cooking, soup, chilli, roast something or other and has one other thing to do.  I'm resting with my feet up 😃

atrixa

Merry Christmas! Sounds like you had a lovely time

MovingForwards

Thank you Atrixa

It was great and still ongoing. 

Yesterday I wore a lovely red lace type dress with huge heels, let my hair down and had a spritz of perfume; I'll have to buy some more. I'm in PJ's for a few days now and I know it sounds daft getting all dressed up just to sit down for hours, but it felt good.

I filled my belly with cheese, crackers and grapes after work, I'm sipping grape juice topped with lemonade and back on holiday for a week with my feet up 🤭

Had a cake day card arrive today from MIL, which I really appreciated.

I've started preparing my 2023 budgets and spreadsheets, just a few more bits to fill in / plan. I moved a bit of money to savings to ensure I reached the next £k. Waiting on interest then I can do my monthly round up.

Still got to sort out my regulator fees and prep my application for when the job is advertised.

I'm contemplating a doze as TomBo has been unsettled, kept jumping and muttering in his sleep the last few days. I was awake most of the night to keep an eye on him and couldn't get comfortable any way.

At some point I'll be painting my nails, haven't decided what colour yet.

Think it's butternut squash and veg soup for tea.

savingholmes

Hope Tombo settles soon. Not nice to be jumpy in your sleep - or to be affected by someone who is.

I like the idea of you dressing up just for you. I do that sometimes - and like you - find it gives me a lift.

Skint_yet_Again

Enjoy the rest of your week off. Sounds like your plans are coming together for 2023! 

savingholmes

A very happy new year to you both!

savingwannabe

Happy New Year. I am just catching up. It's fab that you spent time enjoying the break, I am in total awe that you did some gardening. The job must be good if you are moving your exams to later, well done you. This year will be a good one, onwards and upwards lovely MF.