A new royal start

QueenJess

LadyWithAPlan said:

Your food sounds lovely as always - especially those scones. How did the yogurt turn out

Glad you are finally at new place and not needing to go in 5 days a week - what a relief 

1.24% interest rate -  what a dream .,.. When I nearly bought 2 years ago it was a 1,49 - now I am looking 4.3% or so - ouch ..

The yogurt was good, but for some reason the kids aren't very impressed.  DH and I liked it.  Will have another go when I get some time to try out leaving it even longer for a more tangy taste and then straining it so it's thicker.  We need to all like it as I can't make a small enough quantity that is just for me and DH.

Oh yes.. and I'm now on 4.64%.  Hoping the rates will drop to something slightly more sensible next time I fix in a couple of years.

Currently upstairs hiding from the kids for a bit as they are driving me completely mental.  I've been awake most the night with DS coughing, so am really tired and the kids are fighting and generally being silly.  We took them out to a free museum this morning, but left after not very long as DD was being really naughty and it was just embarrassing and irritating, so they are back home.  Not sure what's got into them today.

I should attempt some tidying and sorting out of stuff whilst I have the time today, but not got the motivation at the moment, although I think after 10 years on and off of looking, I've actually found some bedside lamps I like.  Hoping DH agrees...  At the moment I have a tiny touch one which was useful for a very low light whilst I was feeding the kids in the night when babies, but has a really annoying buzzing on it.  DH is using his desk lamp which he actually needs for his desk really.  Otherwise trying not to spend money as I've spent tons recently with DS needing new shoes, new shorts/trousers (he is a clothes destroyer), sunglasses and it goes on.  I think (fingers crossed) that we are done until autumn unless DD changes shoe size.

I did go through the budget again and decided that since I never took account of inflation in my food budget, it was a bit unfair and was why I struggle.  Switching away from the milkman will really help (although sadly due to poor quality more than anything else) and I'm back to roughly fortnightly big shops with all the fresh stuff coming from Riverford and the very odd top up shop if we are low on milk or yogurt or something.  I've cut out the farm shop as it's so expensive and leaving cheese purchases from there as more of a treat rather than a weekly purchase.  I think the budget is now achievable, although I did have to steal the extra for the food budget from the holiday budget as there is nowhere else to reasonably cut from now.  I've also got a shared amount coming out of the kids budget and the household budget being saved in a separate line for when DD needs a big bed (probably next year).  I will then reassess furniture at the same time as she'll likely need some bookshelves and possibly a bedside table.

So the budget still has some negatives, but the food I can slowly get back (and then hopefully have extra for Xmas), the kids one I should be done with for quite a while and the holiday one should be able to be bolstered from the big reduction in the electricity bill once the weather gets warmer.  I refuse to put more in at the moment as I want some savings/pension and I know it's only another 1.5 years of high expense whilst DD is at nursery.  Hoping without that expense I can overpay more of the mortgage and allocate a bit more to holidays.

Dinner tonight is easy spag bol as I've defrosted some from the freezer.  Dessert is yogurt or ice cream.

QueenJess

Been a while as work is completely mental and I'm still in the stage of trying to prove I'm not a complete idiot (I've got a 6 month probation period, which is the longest I've ever seen).  It usually pays to do that upfront though otherwise you have to work to change people's minds, which is an uphill battle.  Absolutely knackered as a result and so not much happening really.  Just trying to keep up with everything.

As I'm on probation, I don't get added to the company pension until month 4 and so I have been able to add a bit more to the mortgage overpayment this month.  As it's only a few months I'm not too bothered about faffing around to add it to my SIPP.  I'll catch up some other time I'm sure.  As I've also been busy with work, it means I haven't had time to buy much, so the funds are looking ok at the moment (although still catching up on those negative food and kids funds).  My mortgage is now £128k.  It's quite nice to see the round number when I log in, although DH thinks I'm nuts!

I did order a bundle of craft stuff for the kids as the box is practically empty now.  Hoping it will take them ages to go through the next batch as it looks like the weather is turning and we should be able to spend much more time outside.

Changed DD's bed today from a cot (took the side off basically).  Am really hoping she takes to it later and isn't a pain getting in and out all the time. Tried to make it exciting for her and it'll be a relief not to have to faff around with the kiddy sleeping bags anymore (although DD loves them).  Last time I tried to do it, DD was initially keen and then changed her mind, so we aborted.  She still seems happy and was putting her cuddlies to bed in it earlier.

Dinner tonight is spag bol from the freezer.  Dessert is yogurt, fruit, ice cream or chocolate.  Not got much in the way of desserts at the moment... should probably make something soon.  I do have flapjacks, tons of banana dropscones, hm bread and some mixed bean chilli that I made on Wednesday on my day off though. 

Trying to regain some energy today as am taking DD out tomorrow to a museum all day.  DH and DS have their own day that they've had planned for ages. Better run to get dinner on the table and then dunk the kids in the bath.

QueenJess

Work still crazy, but trying to slowly cut down my hours for my own sanity. Sounds like other people in the company also think there is bad/no project management going on, so it isn't just me who thinks that.  Will see how it plays out after this big job is finished. At least I am mainly in charge of the bit I am working on, so can run it how I want.

Trying to catch up a bit this weekend as am behind on basically everything due to too much work stuff.  Got blueberries in the Riverford box this week, so have treated myself by making a blueberry and lemon cake for dessert later.  I also have lots of veg in the fridge so I roasted tons in the oven with harrisa paste to have some quick, healthy lunches in the week.  Also done a million loads of washing to catch up and even restarted thinking about a bit of decluttering.  Realised it was silly to keep a massive pan that came with the oven just so I can use it when I need an extra shelf - it's annoying to clean and not really what I need anyway.  So getting rid of that and actually ordered myself another oven shelf.  Problem solved and lots of room saved in the drawer.

Haven't kept up with money and need to check our budget.  I think we've gone over on food whilst I've had my eye off the ball, but hoping to catch up a bit in May as we are very well stocked up at the moment.  We've also spent more on entertainment type stuff at the weekends, which is partly due to the Easter hols, but also because more things are on now winter is over (although it is pretty cold today!). Haven't gone mad on anything though, so hoping it all works out when I catch up. Cancelled a few after school clubs and so I already have 2 days worth of credit sat there ready for half term/summer holidays. I should be able to cancel more, so hopefully the summer won't cost too much! DS also got into his school choice for junior school (yay!).  I guess at some point we'll be told about uniforms and also things like pencil case requirements etc - hoping we don't have to spend too much . DS's trousers are basically in pieces around the knees, but I refuse to buy multiple sets of trousers in the same school year if he doesn't grow out of them.  We patched them and will be putting him in shorts ASAP!  He'll also need some sort of lunch box next year (any recommendations gladly received and practical compartment type ones which are not plastic).

DD is fine with her new bed so no need to mess around with the kiddy bags anymore, although not sure if I should hold onto a few for holidays as not sure what the holiday bed situation is.  Usually it's a full bed (which she is too small for really and would fall out) or a cot and nothing in-between.  How do people normally take toddlers on holiday?

Dinner tonight will be cheat kedgeree using smoked mackerel.  Dessert is cake (although the kids will probably have yogurt and the rest of the meringue or possibly some of the hm shortbread still in the tin).

Bluegreen143

How old is she? Both my kids moved into full size singles around their 2nd birthday so we went straight from travel cots to single beds in holiday homes, no issues. You could get one of those clip in bed side things to take away with you if you’re worried though. We used one on DS’s bed and could take it away with us, DD’s is a floor bed so we got rid of it and it turned out she was fine without it anyway in a normal single bed on holiday when she was 2, she didn’t fall out once. DH put lots of cushions on the floor beside her bed the first night just in case.

QueenJess

Bluegreen143 said:

How old is she? Both my kids moved into full size singles around their 2nd birthday so we went straight from travel cots to single beds in holiday homes, no issues. You could get one of those clip in bed side things to take away with you if you’re worried though. We used one on DS’s bed and could take it away with us, DD’s is a floor bed so we got rid of it and it turned out she was fine without it anyway in a normal single bed on holiday when she was 2, she didn’t fall out once. DH put lots of cushions on the floor beside her bed the first night just in case.

She’s three now, but sleeps like a baby (deeply, but is a big fidget… she’s been known to sleep sideways with her legs straight up the side) and is utterly oblivious to anything. I got up at 2 in the morning the other night  to find she’d thrown her whole duvet on the floor and was fast asleep, but freezing cold. I’m not sure I could trust her in a big bed… she’s a menace!

QueenJess

Well things are still utterly manic at work on this project, not helped by zero project management whatsoever.  At least I am in charge of a whole area and so I can run it how I want - so I am adding the missing elements of project management where I can and not worrying about the whole since it isn't my problem.  Irritated by the lack of management and the quite ridiculous hours I've been working as a result to get it back on track and now it looks like they are trying to allocate me some extra work as a reward for doing do much.  No, absolutely not happening and I shall be reminding them in no uncertain terms that I very clearly stated this upfront when I took on this massive piece of work.  I know I'm new, but I think I'm on good ground here as they cannot do it without my expertise and even the guy in charge said the bit I was given was too much for one person and was unfair, yet I've almost wrestled it into submission on my own. Good job I'm used to this sort of madness over my career and I'm definitely not shy in voicing my views

Anyway, the stupid hours have to stop.  I'm not adverse to doing it for short periods, but it's been too long and I am going to burn out.  So, from tomorrow I shall be toning it down a bit, whilst still trying to meet the deadline.  I am a do everything upfront to make the end easier type of a person, so I think it should work.  In any case, I have to protect my own health and sanity.

So, basically been spending every hour working and feel terrible on my day off today, not helped by a poor night's sleep on Monday night (DD woke up twice) and a very early morning to get DS to his hospital appointment.  He was there for five hours on a food challenge and now has successfully consumed almonds without being ill (he has a nut allergy).  So we now need to feed him almonds regularly to stop it reoccurring.  I joked that we would have to force feed him cake and he's been telling all his friends today that we will be forcing him to eat cake now 2-3 times a week and they are all jealous! 

Been trying to be kind to myself today and other than doing the food shop and making a very quick batch of flapjacks, I've mainly been sitting around and resting.  I've also bought pizza for dinner rather than making it and bought extra bread so I didn't have to make any. Still feel exhausted today, so will be another early night for me tonight.  DH is out at work until late tonight, so am off to pick DD up from nursery and will take her with me for DS's swimming lesson and then try to get her to bed once we get back so me and DS can have pizza for dinner.  It's normally very hard work!

Not sure where I am on the funds, but I suspect I am doing poorly since we bought DS and DH a new pillow and finally bought a new wok (I know I've been saying we needed a new one for about a year!).  All needed things though, so not been frivolously spending.  Will catch up on the budget soon as I hope work will calm down a bit.  We did also book a holiday for the summer, so got that to look forward to - just off to York, but I've always wanted to go, so that's quite exciting.

Right - better run and pick up DD and get DS to his swimming lesson.  Wish me luck!

QueenJess

This sums up my life really - a conversation with DH yesterday.

DH: "What are we having for lunch as we don't have anything in?  Do I need to buy something?"

Me: "What are you talking about? We have loads of food.  I'll make lunch."

We then had a massive salad with lettuce, lambs lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, beetroot, radishes, avocado, tinned mackerel, fresh herbs from the window sill, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Replay today and I am about to make poached eggs with asparagus and toasted sourdough.  Honestly, if I left it up to DH we would eat the same 2-3 things in rotation every single day.  This is why I do the shopping and cooking and also why we have a cleaner (DH doesn't see dirt) and I do all the decluttering (DH doesn't see mess or stuff).  Sometimes I think it would be very simple and relaxing to live in his world!

As a random aside, I recently found out you can get purple asparagus and that has blown my mind.  I do love vegetables in random colours as it messes with your mind.  I got some purple sweet potatoes not that long ago, which freaked me out a bit - they tasted exactly like the normal orange ones.  Not sure what I was expecting there!

Still no idea on the budget as I am busy at work, plus the kids have kindly given me their cold thing and I've currently lost my voice.  Going to be interesting working from home tomorrow when I can't say anything or join any calls!  It is quite inconvenient and DD is confused as to why I can't read her a book for bedtime.

As I have another month to go before I am in the pension scheme, I've overpaid a huge amount to the mortgage and it is now £127k exactly.  I'm unlikely to have that much again next month as we will have to pay a deposit on the holiday and after that I will be in the pension scheme.  Felt good though and really hoping to get below £120k this year if possible. Better run as I have to make lunch as I'm starving...

Edit: Dinner tonight is hm tomato pasta (with hidden carrots, garlic, onions and courgette) and garlic bread.  Dessert is some more yummy chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream courtesy of DS that made it at the weekend.  He wants to be on junior bake off!

Edit: purple asparagus has been added to my Riverford order for next week.  I'm so excited

QueenJess

Sorry I've been absent for so long, but I really am not sure what to say really.  Work is absolutely rubbish, culminating in my writing (but not yet sending) my resignation letter on Thursday.  I decided I had enough and Friday went in with the attitude of "we do it my way (i.e. correctly) or not at all".  Weirdly they seemed quite receptive to that (I think one of the people I had chatted to about it might have said something to one of the senior people - to be fair, he always supports me and helps).  Waiting for an in person discussion tomorrow about the plan for me medium-long term which I was meant to have 3 months ago and with a more senior person.  Never-the-less, I will be asking the questions I need to know for the medium term and then making a decision post that meeting based on the responses.

As a result of the above, I am currently hoarding cash in case I end up jobless and so nothing is being overpaid right now.  I am not on top of the finances either with all this job rubbish going on.

Other than that, I've been trying to regain control of my life by doing some immense decluttering.  Everything is stressing me out right now (I am not a person who can push things to the back of my mind and it's all I can do to think about it until it is resolved or a decision is made one way or the other) and so I am trying to make the rest of my life as easy as possible, which does not include having a single item in my home I don't use.  I think I've been on that journey for a while, but in times of stress it really highlights why it's important to me.  Sadly it takes so much time to get rid of things and I have to battle DH who is a self proclaimed minimalist with more things than me and doesn't ever declutter.... I don't care about his stuff, but I do need to consult him about some shared things.

I've been trying to enjoy the better weather and even went to the Chelsea flower show last week   Not done any gardening recently and I am so behind.  I did sow all my herbs into a container on the patio though and will go through planting seeds in the rest of the pots.  I was given 6 free pepper plants which I've never grown before - I'm going to plant them out soon and just see what happens.  I am confident I can fill up pretty much all the pots with seed packets I already have and free plants.  As I don't have much time at the moment, I am sticking to cucumber, courgette, tomatoes, peppers, salad leaves and herbs this year.  I already managed to sow the cucumber, tomato and chive seeds earlier in the year to plant out.

Dinner today is going to be spag bol and dessert will be some madelines I baked earlier.  I don't know why it's so pleasing to bake things in different shaped tins, but it just is.  Last week I made a chocolate and almond bundt cake in the lovely tin DH bought me for xmas and it was so good.  I hope everyone is making the most of the nice weather.

CCW007

Sorry to hear the job isn't working out how you had hoped. Hopefully the meeting will be useful in making progress or making a decision. 

I find I turn to decluttering when I feel things are out of my control as well; it's something I can influence.

themadvix

Sorry to hear that work is rubbish Jess - so disappointing when you had high hopes.

 How was Chelsea? It’s on my bucket list, but tickets are so expensive! I hope it wasn’t a risk wash out when you were there.