Giving every £ a job

savingholmes

It's things like the meal you describe that shows how much things have changed. Well done. 

Good luck with work. Stick to your guns. They can't make you stay.

Blackcats

That's interesting about direct debit SA.  I feel like it's a bit of a challenge to keep usage down and try to keep as much in credit as I can.  I sympathise with people for whom it's far more serious than a challenge.  My aunt managed to get a far better deal when she rang about the proposed massive hike to her bill - the supplier put her on a rate because her OH is over 75 - don't know if it's a new rate or whether they've missed out between when he turned 75 and now when he's 80.

thanks for the reassurance SH - I know boss will try and make me feel guilty but only because it means they've got to go through the rigmarole of recruiting.  I'm a safe pair of hands, get on with my work and generally do a good job but I'm not by any stretch of the imagination irreplaceable.

have booked a week's holiday in September which I'm very excited about.  Last year I took my work phone with me to do a few bits and pieces while we were away - hard to imagine not having to clear my desk before leave and come back to a mountain of work that negates the benefits of the holiday very quickly.  

April's budget is looking ok except the cats have overspent - naughty creatures.  I need petrol but I think I've got enough in that pot.  We've going to a show on Friday - it's been postponed twice so I'm looking forward to that and the eating out pot has got enough in it to cover a meal in the most exquisite Thai restaurant next to the theatre.  We are having the pre-show set menu which is good value. 

Feeling upbeat and contended watching Julia on tv (a nice series with some great dialogue) drinking tea and eating a chocolate orange cookie which came courtesy of olio.  

savingholmes

Cookies from Olio sounds great.

The pre theatre meal and show sound fab too

MissRikkiC

Jealous of the cookies. Although I’m still eating chocolate pots from about 4 weeks ago 😂

[Deleted User]

Very jealous of your meal in with friends and your show/meal out (plus chocolate orange cookie!!)

Let us know what work said - and I'm sure you don't but don't feel guilty, like you say, if they wanted a longer lead in time then they should increase their notice periods!

Sorry I missed the post about your birthday - belated happy birthday!

angela110660

Love Julia too - seen 3 episodes already. Such a great cast and sets and style. Love it. Sarah Lancashire is amazing in it.

Blackcats

We enjoyed the show although the seats were so uncomfortable - left the theatre with a numb bum!  The meal was lovely - it's a Thai restaurant and the staff are so beautifully dressed - all pastel silk tunics and long wrap around skirts - if I had to wear a uniform for work that would be my choice, although I'd have to avoid the chocolate orange cookies for a while 😇.

Angela, I agree that Julia is a very good show.  So nice to watch a series that has no violence or sinister undercurrent.  We are accustomed to celebrity chefs now and I find it interesting to see a pioneer tv chef.  And, yes, Sarah Lancashire plays the part so well.  She's unrecognisable from Raquel, the barmaid in Corrie.

my boss has asked if I would consider staying on to do a specific project - it's part time (my choice of hours) and can be until end December or end of March.  I'm quite interested as it would be a transition from full-on, full time work to retirement.  I'm a rubbish negotiator (I squirm with discomfort at the very thought of it) but i'm thinking of 15 hours per week until end December with the proviso that I can work those hours to suit me and that there is no requirement for travel.  I would still draw my pension and take my lump sum and the money from wages would be accumulated into savings pots.  Mmm - lots to think about but probably a Saturday night with wine and a film to watch isn't the right time.

we had a typically stoical English bbq this afternoon - the sky was blue but it was a bit on the chilly side but v enjoyable.  I'm just warming up again now 🥶

savingholmes

Sounds a great option. Flex retirement. Personally I'd prefer to retire in Spring. It all depends how desperate you are to leave

Blackcats

Thanks SH - good point about Winter v spring.  I think they would go for end March 23.

saving Holmes, I can't remember if I mentioned to you The humblepenny blog - I think you'd find it interesting.  They run a 52 week take control and grow your money programme.  An email a week with associated tasks.   I'm finding it very useful.

benbenandme

Hello Blackcats, I've been reading your diary from the beginning, I made it as far as page 33/106 but then, like reading a book, had to read the last page Glad to see you're doing well, part-time work sounds like heaven to me