2020++ - smiling and waving and looking so fine

mark55man

Just done analysis of our electricity consumption. 

Last year our house used 8500KWH.  I'm guessing that's on the high side - unsurprisingly core utilities like laundry, fridges are well up there.  However things that were surprisingly high were PCs if you don't put them in sleep or standby (more so than the screens).  

Created a spreadsheet with a bit of guesswork and last years total consumption figures, I used to have an OWL meter but that broke and the the smart meter that we eventually gave doesn't really give similar information.  I am investigating whether its worth going back down that route.  Turning lights on and off seems important but doesn't make that much difference in the numbers especially with modern lights

FootyFanDan

Our energy is something that needs a lot of work too I think. Our house is incredibly difficult to heat in the winter months due to the layout which is pretty open plan (and I suspect a front door that needs fixing) it just seems to let cold air through the whole house. Upstairs is always red hot whilst the downstairs is freezing so the thermostat gets set way higher than I would like.

We do need to work on switching stuff off more but unsure what impact it would have if any.

mark55man

That description could be of our situation, if you add a slightly wonky patio door as well

mark55man

slightly falling behind on steps - was a dreich day and I had to travel to and stay at work a bit longer.  My ideal would be never to fall below the 5000 average, but now I have some catching up to do.  I suspect a long weekend walk will be required.

DS1's GF has switched jobs and started paying rent again without chasing - I was going to give her a month grace to get over Xmas but not complaining .  Hurrah for that.  That filled the whole in this month's budget - got a tight couple of weeks coming up but should be OK when OH pay comes in mid month.

I mentioned weight I am now 109kg not back to near my heaviest, but more than I was expecting - so back on the diet, and properly hungry for the first time in ages.  So that's a good sign.   

AntoMac

The thing is with the weight Mark you’ve lost it before so you know you can do it again.
Steps feels like the only thing I feel I can directly control so given myself a target of at least 10k/day in Jan with an average of 12k.
Nice result on the rent

mark55man

Thanks Antomac

That's very true - and I will take that as solace when I'm sat here tummy grumbling.  

Your steps targets sound good my daily step target as set up on my fitbit is 12000 although in reality I am aiming for much less - its just 10000 seems so ordinary - maybe this time you can pull me through the steps doldrums.   

savingholmes

Great news on the rent!

AntoMac

Crikey Mark if you’re relying on me to get you through the step doldrums I think we’re both in trouble  Today took a massive effort to creep over the target line.
I tend to break it down into about 3 main walks and try to find a purpose where possible e.g. to pick up the free newspaper for an elderly neighbour.
It’s been proper dreich here too which hasn’t helped. It’s when we get to haars I need to start going to google  , not that we get them over in the west.
The evenings are drawing out very slightly which is a small win and lifts the mood a bit, although there’s something nice about a walk on a dark evening with just the odd fox or cat for company.

mark55man

Well done Antomac - its that get over the line grit I am struggling with.  I might try and do a few everyday walks, but I've been trying for years!.  But I made 5000 yesterday and 1000 today - couldn't get to the gym tonight as had reading group - so just stocking up for the weekend.  this week is looking good from a budget point of view - quite cheap - so may be OK for getting to the end of the month intact enough for the XMAS overhang clearance

savingholmes

Well done on the steps. Glad budgeting is going well. I'm sure you'll get there if you choose to.