Sh*t creek - is now in my rear view mirror...!

MovingForwards

Doesn't have to be just before bed, it can be part of your evening routine, or even pick a day a week for a pamper day. Nice soak in the tub, some music playing in the background, a brew and 30 minutes of you time.

All to often we neglect ourselves because of everything we do in the day and forget to have that recharge.

Irenadler

MovingForwards said:

Doesn't have to be just before bed, it can be part of your evening routine, or even pick a day a week for a pamper day. Nice soak in the tub, some music playing in the background, a brew and 30 minutes of you time.
I should be able to do a little pamper, even an evening a week, when I do have a bath, the dog always has to come in and peep over the side of the bath at me.   

 Then I wonder if she needs a widdle, or, if she is just puzzled about the weird stuff humans do....Note: I do shower! I rarely bathe as it seems more a faff....
All to often we neglect ourselves because of everything we do in the day and forget to have that recharge.

Sad but true....then we are wondering why we are ill/burnt out/exhausted....

Irenadler

So, today, as way of variety the dog got up at 3.20am, as in hitting the floor of the bedroom with a loud thump. I tried pretending I was asleep, but she started clawing at my side of the bed and from past experience, if I ignore that she starts barking, or, leaping on me on the bed, clawing at me if I duck under the duvet. So I blearily let her out.... Large deposit was scooped later, when it was actually DAYLIGHT and I could actually see it....

This time I put her back on the bed, swearing that I will not give in and take her out for walkies until the dawn has actually broken... at 4.30am I took her for a walk, pooped and scooped. Breakfast at 5am, showered, etc....Out before starling screech again...

MSE:
All this lack of sleep discourages me from going out shopping..... silver lining and all that....
TV licence received, going up November from £13.20 to 13.37 = 17p rise. Weirdly, £11.39 for October, to adjust over year I guess.
Bank statement received, water board has finally taken new D/D of: £2.98 for September? Not sure if this is every month, or, whether this will alter....I had thought their help meant no bill whilst on U.C.as I haven't been charged since June.  Will have to see....On the positive side, I am checking the bank statement, which I otherwise would not have noticed....

So D/D outgoings will be:
TV =           £13.37
Dual fuel = £72.50
STW =         £2.98
               __________
                   £88.85
S/O             £50.00       - for savings at last! Yippee! 
S/A             £25.00        - 'set asides' guesstimate for 2021 (green waste/house & contents annual fee/vet booster, F&W)
              ___________
                  £163.85 - U.C. £409.89

Leaving around £246.04, plus whatever is 'buffering' in the current account.... Will again attempt to only withdraw £100 cash to cover groceries (this includes cleaning stuff, buying the cheapest now, rather than eco-friendly sadly). In theory, I should be able to 'sweep' £146.04 into savings, in practice, I will feel pleased if I manage to save that £50 which will be 'automated' by SO! Judging by my first attempts....  

On surveys, still only at 50p, I am aiming to use these to pay any winter festival stuff, so not putting down my 'own' cash as it were....

So now, at long last, I feel I am properly starting the challenge to save!

MovingForwards

Treat yourself to some nice shower gel, save it for the pamper day. It doesn't have to be expensive, just a nice / different smell to what you normally use. Most supermarkets and chemists have a good selection for under £2.
I know I always felt perkier when I used my 'treat' instead of regular shower gel / bubble bath.

One of my first cats used to watch while I was in the bath, mind you, he used to follow me everywhere. They like to make sure we are ok 😁

Irenadler

MovingForwards said:

Treat yourself to some nice shower gel, save it for the pamper day. It doesn't have to be expensive, just a nice / different smell to what you normally use. Most supermarkets and chemists have a good selection for under £2.
I know I always felt perkier when I used my 'treat' instead of regular shower gel / bubble bath.
That's a nice idea, thank you, will have a delve in L*dlland, probably tomorrow....
One of my first cats used to watch while I was in the bath, mind you, he used to follow me everywhere. They like to make sure we are ok 😁

Ha! Yes, I think they feel they have to supervise us, as in they don't trust us to look after ourselves.... Or in my dog's case, probably seeing if there is anything edible I have concealed about my person, and disappearing when there isn't....!

Skint_yet_Again

I must admit I didn’t have the patience for surveys. I only did them when there was an MSE deal & I got a £10 amazon voucher for points but it took hours and sometimes I’d get halfway through a survey & they would say I wasn’t suitable. Good luck with yours. 

Irenadler

I thought I would give them a try, and see how I did.... The i-Say keeps telling me I have a survey, then, does the same thing! It must mean they twig I am skint or don't have a huge family/income... I think I remember only filling out one completely so far, then there is a poll predictor thing, and a few points added to your total. It may be next Xmas Winter festival by the time I get anything!

MovingForwards

Keep plugging away and when you get a good amount of points cash them in and use over Winterville.

Irenadler

So. After some limited sleep over the last few nights, thought last night would be better. Nope. Tossed and turned till 2am, had to let dog out at 2.30am, and think I snatched a few hours until 6am when the neighbour dragged out the wheely bin. Then took dog out in daylight for a change.

Why? Because I am stupid, that's why... Got a ring on the door bell yesterday and chap asking to see meter. Not unusual, you might think, but I have a smart meter, and have had for years, and no-one has asked to see the old meter (electric) - gas one is outside already. I said several times Why? I have a smart meter, and he insisted it 'had to be inspected'. He had a sort of uniform, black cap and top, and wearing a lanyard. He didn't wear a mask, and asked if I had symptoms. Reluctantly let him in after shutting all internal doors. He just squatted in front of it for a few minutes with a torch and left.

Then I have beaten myself up, on and off since. I kept thinking about ringing the supplier, but, worried I would look pathetic. Questioning myself over and over why I didn't ask for ID, and why didn't he announce which company he worked for? Worried sick that he wasn't who he purported to be.... Just could not get brain in gear, he had to keep repeating his questions to me like I was the village idiot....sigh...

Does anyone know if this is normal practice, and I am getting myself in a useless tizzy? I don't recall anyone asking to inspect the meter before since having smart meter, and have had a smart meter for so many years I can't remember....I did look out the window and saw him get into a normal car, not a van, and drive off.  Didn't notice him visiting any other homes (cul-de-sac).  As if I am not off my head enough already, I am driving myself mental.... Think I will contact the energy supplier (recent switch in June or July I think)....

This is why I want to reduce/stop taking the tablets, brain in slo-mo....

Anyway. Not going to let it stop me drawing down cash for groceries and aiming for £25 limit spends. Going to really look at what's in cupboards, fridge and freezer, do proper meal plan... And stick to the blummin' list! Not going to stop the shop, even if I do feel a little uneasy leaving home, wondering if I will be burgled whilst I am out.... Stupid brain with stupid negative thoughts.... Ok. I have stopped slapping myself with the wet dog towel now....

Irenadler

Ok - I have asked on the 'Energy' thread, and they said it is standard practice. Feel a right eejit now...Thank goodness I didn't ring the supplier. I must've been out at other times if anyone wanted to inspect it.... Doh!