2020++ - smiling and waving and looking so fine

mark55man

Inspired by the return of BCNS and her threat to read my diary I flicked through some of my earlier posts (going up in 10s and reading on if it was more exciting than usual.  Not quite a roller coaster, but definitely not a walk in the park - Notes:

* You all have been fabulous in supporting me and giving me different perspectives: some run through the thread like a rock; others dip in and out leaving glitter behind them when we have the pleasure of their company for a while
* I have (fingers crossed) got the debt to bed and now witter on  about savings pensions and mortgages - but I think they are now just ticking along smoothly, which is nice
* I have absolutely obsessed about fitness/steps and weight and haven't actually succeeded in doing a lot about either can't believe I was a gnats breadth away from 200lbs and now I'm back to 3+ stone heavier
* Am beginning to look forward more and more to 2024 and all that brings (180 days to R-Day) - I am not wishing the years away, but when I started 1/1/2020 I only had vague hopes/thoughts/prayers of what might be achieved and I am now happy I can manage that big change (unless the world has another meltdown) so am keeping options

maggiem

How lovely to read your review. I'm one of those who subscribe but rarely comment - think I'd rather like to be glitter 😂😂. I really enjoy reading your posts and wish you all the best in your efforts to be healthier - I have those laudable intentions too. And finally, retirement is great. I retired completely in September last year and it's a huge relief not to have to get on top of new advances and research, I'm sure you will love it when it arrives. 

mark55man

Thank you maggiem that's lovely.  And also very reassuring!!

savingholmes

mark55man said:

* You all have been fabulous in supporting me and giving me different perspectives: some run through the thread like a rock; others dip in and out leaving glitter behind them when we have the pleasure of their company for a while

You have a nice turn of phrase. I appreciate the same in my diary too. Time commitments mean some people are sporadic but still welcome.

Commiserations on the 3st. I totally relate.

Best of luck with your on-going journey. Well done on the 3 year anniversary of no overdraft.

mark55man

Thank you SH - I have found that I am lurking more in recent months and writing less - reacting more to events or calls for help than general chit chat.  Like maggiem said - just because you are lurking doesn't mean you are not enjoying the content - and if now and again you drop a glitter bomb well then that's just fabulous

mark55man

First comment on the new look and feel MSE site.  Not sure I like it but will learn to love it no doubt

Only just 1/3 way through the month and things looking a bit tight.  But as t2rry said on her thread its that feeling skint feeling that stops the fritter.

OH and I have been trying to be more hospitable and have had a few people around - and as a consequence are keeping on our toes tidy-wise.  Hence we are a bit less cluttered than usual - which is nice.

Work has been quiet for a bit, but is picking up so will be travelling a little more - which is cost neutral but can bother the cash flow.  I will use CC for business expenses but otherwise have used it sparingly and for smoothing at the end of the month when payday is imminent but not yet there

t2rry

I love how tidy our house can be when we just have people visiting!!

Sometimes I pretend someone is going to turn up in 10 minutes to force me into that panic tidying mode, get so much more done that way than any other!!

mark55man

Love it - will have to try that t2rry

savingholmes

I have deliberately invited people before now just to make myself tidy. I'm lucky enough to have a weekly cleaner - but again that prompts me to at least make it look respectable before she arrives. Now I'm selling - it's a huge motivator to know I have to keep it tidy between viewings... 

ohdearhowdidthathappen

Have enjoyed catching up with your diary Mark Shame the ambassador thing didn't work as I always think you're a firm but fair voice on these boards...