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

Irenadler

Thanks Babs, I keep imagining the scales yelling at me to get off! Ha! I am telling myself that this is the wrong time of year to diet, that's for next year now.... I dib into the surveys but feeling so tired, I feel like I should be holding my eyelids up with matchsticks... is what it is ....  

doingitanyway

Irenadler said:

Ooh, I like that phrase, I may well nick it! Nothing like dragging the pooch back from a dark, soggy walk and seeing the lovely lights flashing away. Instant mood boost.

I must admit I envy you the dog walk soggy or not. I've wanted a dog since 2011 but my lifestyle did not support one until now. I put in a reserve on a rescue Whippet but someone beat me to it. I found out the new area is near a retired greyhound sanctuary so I will probably wait until I have moved. I live in a cul-de-sac and all the lights (I don't have any) do make it bright and cheery. Hope your walk was/is less soggy today. 

Irenadler

Thanks DIA!
I can vouch for dog walking as a great addition to your quality of life, as long as you can have the time/funds for it: exercise, fresh air/sun (when it appears!), blows away the cobwebs, not to mention the companionship and fun of my crazy dog (always up to something even at her age!), no matter what the weather.

Makes you appreciate the cosy warmth when you get home all the more. And, in the past, the chance to chat to other dog walkers (no more than a brief smile/wave/hello - socially distanced now). It's amazing how much info you could find out from dog walkers as to what is going on around you, that you never knew!  Hope you get a lovely furry friend soon.... Eg. one top tip I had from a walker was buying Mr T's baby nappy bags (75/100) as lightly scented poop bags, rather than the dedicated and more expensive poop bags they sold. Next cheapest Mr A (£1/150)....

Irenadler

Hey all
I am trying not to cry, but, a certain family member has gifted me £500 'for Christmas' - knowing how much we are going through at the moment, and wanting to help us all out. And they know I have been already buying incontinence products for my poorly relative (who was refusing to buy any/accept they had a problem, but desperately needed them). Because I wouldn't hear of my relative paying me back, a certain family member decided to help out, and refused to take no for an answer! There are some lovely people out there....

I have to say, it is an unexpected shock, but makes me realise that I am not doing this all on my own. I have swallowed my pride and thanked them, even though it feels wrong somehow. I will save this to build my EF up - focus on that, so the sig is updated. I will be feeling a lot less vulnerable this Christmas thanks to them. 

I allowed myself some treats - some actual warm thermals (top & long johns) as my old ones are falling apart, brand new, and socks, since it is so cold, plus 2 jumpers. One warm and cuddly, one daft Christmas one to wear on the day to cheer us all up, but I feel guilty for spending anything now. And yes, I finally bought some supermarket trainers, being assured that they use synthetic glue! The flapping clown ones are in the bin! More holes than shoes.....

I never thought having a bit of money would cause as much worry wondering how best to use it, as, worrying about not having any! All savings now focused in the one savings account. I have estimated that with my low budget, this could cover 3 months expenses: utilities, food, cleaning stuff, at least. 

I am hoping this will help me sleep better, it didn't last night, but, of course there is all sorts of stuff going on at the moment. 

MovingForwards

That is very moving to read about the gift. Help comes in many different forms and only when received, do you know what works well.

No need to feel guilty replacing things long overdue, it's good to do that and you've saved some too 🤗

Sleep will happen when things are more settled, try to rest your body and mind those nights.

doingitanyway

What a lovely post @Irenadler

I am so glad you were gifted the money and not asked to pay it back. 
The warm clothes were an investment in you and the Christmas jumper? Another 'soul' purchase?

I hope you are more settled and sleeping better.

Irenadler

Thank you both, Babs and DIA! 
I am trying to accept gracefully, although it's hard, still feeling that they shouldn't have done it. Their view is that they can't be there physically to help out, so, if a small cash cushion gives me peace of mind whilst trying to help my poorly relative, then they feel they have helped out in a different way. And, I guess they are right, it takes the immediate pressure off. I know I can afford to buy them incontinence stuff without worrying about the budget, but, they might now be able to get via NHS with any luck....

So, why am I still blummin' waking up at 3 or 4am, I can't figure out. It must be stressing at the back of my mind, my fear that my close relative is sadly deteriorating before my eyes, and there's not a great deal I can do about it except try and give them the best care I can. 

At least walking over there, these new thermals are toasty, it's pretty raw and cold now.... a definite good investment for winter. I did try and get some from the cheaper supermarkets, but, too late there's nothing in my size. Really needed to keep out the cold when walking the hound. Even she doesn't want long walks at the minute, and is firmly digging in her paws after 'performing' wanting to turn back home! Who is training who? Don't answer that.....   

doingitanyway

You definitely should be getting the pads from the NHS. There should even be a continence adviser in most practices. They probably won't be enough but even if you pay to top up their supplies it is a saving.
I hope you get a good night's sleep.

longway2go

Hello, I just wanted to pop a post on after reading the last few pages of your diary in an aim to 'get to know' you 
I'm so sorry to hear about your relative and have a slight understanding of how difficult it can be to care for someone with dementia. You sound like you are a great support to them.
Its lovely to hear that you got a gift to help out around this time of year and give you a bit more security. I use the phrase 'price per wear' to justify some spends  wink:
I'm relation to surveys I would say pr0lif1c is a good one but has a slight downfall that surveys are not always available when you have time. Do you use any others? I have a few set up so can circle them to see which have available surveys when I have time and it works quite well. I would of course be happy to share the details with you if you feel this may help.
Take care, remember to try and take a bit of time to recharge your batteries where possible. 

Irenadler

doingitanyway said:

You definitely should be getting the pads from the NHS. There should even be a continence adviser in most practices. They probably won't be enough but even if you pay to top up their supplies it is a saving.
I hope you get a good night's sleep.

Thanks DIA!  We just had the assessment so they are posting products for my relative to try, but, this might be delayed in the post because of Xmas. Good job I bought and persuaded relative to use a certain T*n* product! I am hoping they find something suitable and that this becomes something which can be prescribed from then onwards - so a saving for them as I spent £20 on two different packs hoping one would be ok....

Nope, the Sandman is obviously over-worked and hasn't managed to call in.....