2020++ - smiling and waving and looking so fine

AntoMac

Interesting what you say about the health benefits of increased activity @EssexHebridean
I have been thinking how much better my sleep has been recently and couldn’t quite think why. Maybe it is the extra steps and more time outside.
I know what you mean about the super fit looking people @mark55man. As EssexHebridean says they’re mostly too busy looking at their own reflection. When I catch my own reflection I just think “Who’s that miserable looking middle aged man staring at me?”
Well done for going to the gym. I know I wouldn’t have the willpower to maintain it long term so stick to my walking and a few home weights.

savingholmes

AntoMac said:

 When I catch my own reflection I just think “Who’s that miserable looking middle aged man staring at me?”

That's the bit that needs the work then.... Is there any exercise that makes you feel happier while you are doing it?

mark55man

I'm with Antomac on this one.  Getting on a bit and it's just too hard to pretend otherwise.

I do try not to be miserable - it takes more muscles to frown than smile

AntoMac

Yes it was more an observation rather than something I can actively change @savingholmes , Apologies, I wasn’t meaning to hijack Mark’s diary or bring the mood down.
There are also many benefits to middle age, including wisdom and life experience. 
Anyway, I was in the office today which meant the opportunity to get plenty of steps in - 20k after some extra steps tonight. Legs pleasantly aching.

mark55man

@Antomac don't worry - I think a diary that has been going for nearly 2 years needs all the diversion it can get

Meanwhile - Just catching up on energy following my supplier going bust, so I am now on a protected tariff until Feb 2022, any same supplier switches are £300-£400 more expensive, and MSE Energy switch tells me the only deals around are £800 more expensive - so I will be checking back in early next year and thanking my lucky stars that I seem to have got some slack back into the budget. Whilst I am £800 in credit I also don't seem to have a bill for 3 months but that should work out OK

Feeling abit sorry for myself as have come down with a proper old fashioned winter cold (testing -ve for covid) - maybe that's why I was out of sorts earlier this week.  I normally blow through the, pretty quick (2weeks feeling meh! 2 days feeling terrible and then over and done with) - ironically next week is going to be the most meeting people-ist week I've had since it all began so will have to see how I feel and mask up as necessary  

savingholmes

Sorry you're not well. Hope you recover quickly. 

£800 in credit sounds ace - we seem to be in debit on our water - not sure where we are on elec and gas as like yours not currently billing.

mark55man

funnily enough just got the electric/gas bill via email.  took out £400 for the last 3 months so that's £400 buffer against a cold winter.  Should be OK!!. 

AntoMac

That’s a good position to be in with your electricity. My meter seems to be kaput. I have told the company but they keep asking me for a reading so no idea how that’ll pan out. Made a few additional payments to my account in the meantime as figured it can’t do any harm. Hope your cold will soon start to clear Mark. There seems to be plenty of colds around at the moment.  Wife and daughter have both had COVID but I didn’t get it which has seemed a bit odd. 

savingholmes

Glad you are £400 up still on utilities. I've not idea where we are up to as my supplier went bust and the new one hasn't sent any details through yet.

mark55man

@savingholmes what happened with my supplier was similar - absolutely nothing by email, then over a couple of months I saw a payment out (not a direct debit, so they must have used some transition rules (but the right amount).  Then the next payment was a direct debit (as per expected amount), then I got a meter reading request and when I submitted that (or a coincidence as it was 3 months since takeover) I got the bill.  Which came with reassurances on the tariff.  I did double check but as above although still estimated to be over £2000 for the year - that's still a lot cheaper than alternatives.  I think our blankets and jumpers are going to get good use this year!!