The Best Is Yet To Come

debtfreeoneday

Always worth a shot!

slm6002

*****WE HAVE HEATING AGAIN YAY*****  So happy that the house is starting to feel warm at last.  We lasted the 19 days without it but I think only because we went back to work / school to thaw out.  I now need to not get carried away and still ration it (after the initial lets warm up the bones of the house).  Jumpers will still need to be worn, I will be removing the radiator that DD1 has in her room, because I know what she is like and will use as many heat things as possible and still say it is cold.  She also has an electric blanket on her bed so will be warm.

Only did a half day today and have managed to get the 2nd load of washing on.  1st load, as well as the dishwasher was interrupted by having to drain the system and turning the water off. Need to soak DS's brand new expensive hoodie as 15 minutes into wearing for the first time he spilt hot chocolate down it.  I do miss my afternoons off where I can make a start on the housework.

The only thing we have on this weekend is DS has work on Sunday.  Even DD1 is off work.  I need to nip to the refill shop for some dates to munch on - better than chocolate I reckon, and also to the library where there are some cook books waiting for me.  Was going to go Sunday as its free parking, but then will miss the refill shop.  Hmm maybe I don't need the dates.  Will save money too.

slm6002

What a lovely evening we had not buried under duvets and blankets.  We left the heating on for a few hours and it felt so nice.  Even when it was off it went back to the old cold feel not recent freezing feel.   This morning I have put it on for an hour to warm the place up again before it is turned off until the evening maybe.  There is a hard frost and fog outside at the moment.  The fog seems to make it look like it has snowed, even though it hasn't.  It is starting to look a little brighter so maybe the sun is trying to break through the fog.

Decided I'm not going anywhere today.  I think we have some sausages in the outside freezer so can have sausage mash and beans (always a favourite) tonight which will be warming and simple.  Still have some of the cheap potatoes from the Christmas shop in a box outside the back door.  Need to check what else is in there to and start planning to use it up.  I know there is a red cabbage and maybe some parsnips.  Yesterday I nipped to lidl to use my £10 voucher.  Got a free sweet treat too.  As we now have bread and enough bits in the fridge I wont need to shop today and probably tomorrow, depending on what I can find in the freezers.

Downstairs it looking fairly tidy as I did a mad rush to clean before the boiler man came.  I didn't realise he would need to get to all bedroom radiators too, which was quite embarrassing, so maybe I will work on upstairs today.  At least he didn't need to get into the loft as that needs sorting too, although not until either Easter of Summer holidays.

slm6002

Well I have again been fairly lazy today enjoying the not having to do much kind of day.  I did set up the treadmill in the garage and had a quick go.  We have quite a little gym in there now.  All I need to do now is muster the motivation to use it.  I did end up using some of my Christmas vouchers to buy some mats for the garage, but no money has left my bank account.

I'm late cooking dinner but it is cooking and will be ready soon hopefully. I had to collect DD1 from BF house and it took a little longer than planned due to the fog and ice on the back country roads.  Must remember tomorrow morning to allow extra time for defrosting windscreen before taking DS to work.  I then plan a quick trip to the library, but don't think I need anything else.

Been reading lots of diaries on here today and getting some good ideas for various things.  Think I need to do some mini challenges in various areas of my life.  Need a little more thinking time but will write on here once decided.

CrazyBee787

Hi Slm6002, sounds like you are a very helpful mum for DS and DD, enjoy dinner and good luck coming up with a plan of action. All the best CrazyBeeXX

slm6002

Thank you @CrazyBee787, they sometimes realise how much I do for them, and then other times not so much.

Today has been a little spendy.  I dropped DS off at work and went straight to town.  Free parking and free books at the library, but did need an extension cord and 70th birthday card.  Some nice pens also went in the basket, but were reduced to £2 and I hadn't been able to find anything nice since my work pens both ran out in Oct.  They will come with me tomorrow to work and I will guard them. 

I also did some food shopping but went to aldi so not too expensive - well not as much as it could have been.  Very uninspired meal wise at the moment, so meal plan is a little vague and not sure what we will eat each day, but we have food and a good store cupboard, so hopefully will be able to make something with what I have bought.  Totally not the right way to do things.  The books I borrowed from the library are cooking books so I will have a look through and see if anything catches my eye. £47 spent but feel a top up shop will be needed at some point 

This weeks meals so far are:
Chicken, rice and salad bowls (DD1 to cook this)
Pulled pork (Easy slow cooker meal) - left overs in wrap for my lunch the next day
Pasta bake (Again for a cant be bothered to cook meal)
Chicken stuffed with brie and cranberry, veg and sweet potato cubes (using cheese and cranberry sauce up)
Jacket potatoes with cheese and beans and salad. - regular on our weekly meal plan
Fake nandos meal - DD1 has requested this.  Got chicken, seasoning rice and corn on the cob, so doable

Not sure what else will appear, but I do fancy a burger, so maybe another easy meal there and I know we have some in the freezer.

DD2 kindly went through the fridge and organised it and threw the squishy cucumber away.  Everything else was still ok so just need to use it up before buying more.  Much easier when you can see things.

Washing is still going.  Just as I think I'm on the last load another child brings down some urgent washing.  Think I am nearly there now though.

debtfreewannabe321

My meal plan for the coming week is also an ad hoc kinda throw something together from stores kind of plan. 😆 I have plenty in and did do a monthly meal plan so I know I have food until at least Wednesday. 

So glad your heating has finally been fixed! 👏🏻

slm6002

Thank you DFW I am very happy the heating is fixed too.  Only had it on for half hour this morning though as the whole house is still ok.

DD1 did cook dinner and we've enjoyed it.  Missed a good salad.  Will have showers and then bed and an early night

slm6002

Who knew there was a special clean tub button on my washing machine.  I've cleaned it before but never noticed this setting on it.  All sparkly and clean now - was getting a little fusty.

Monday is done and dusted and I am off to bed shortly.  I came home, sat down and the next thing I knew I had woken myself up snoring lol.  Will get a fairly early night and hopefully be more awake tomorrow.

DD1 now has 2 interviews for 2 different universities for next year.  No idea how we will fund it if she gets in.  Both her current salary and mine count towards income for any grants or loans, and although it is still not huge amounts, I'm not sure how doable it is.  I guess we will make it work somehow, and I guess at least the council tax will go down!  She would still be able to do some hours maybe at her current work as bank staff so some income to go towards her rent.

I guess we have a little time to look into these things, and there is no guarantee she will be offered a place.  I like to know what might happen though, but will not let it ruin my sleep tonight.

slm6002

Another day at work done, and I was covering another lady who is off sick.  Everyone around me seems to be coughing and spluttering.  I'm trying my best to stay well.

Came home and cleaned the kitchen and loaded the washing machine.  No clubs tonight but did have DS's parents evening online (he is doing super well).

About to go and help DD1 with some homework before getting in the shower and then bed.

No money spent today though so a win