NST November 2021: Turtle Strength

Deni_debt-free_dreamer

Did a small food shop today; yesterday i paid for accommodation for a trip to the SW later this month to go to the theatre.  Tickets were bought & paid for in June for DD1's birthday treat but hadn't sorted accommodation.  Stuck on 2 x NSDs so far.  Managed 10k steps. 

Gratitudes - supportive text from colleague; relaxing Friday eve indoors with R2 and glass of wine; nice text chat with sister

Deni x

ditty1234

DrCarrie said:

Evening turtles.
My fridge freezer has gone kaput...and a lot of food...in the bin. I have made  Mini fridge outside for a few bit hopefully they will last me tomorrow at least, Landlord is sorting out another. Quite annoying as I had a delivery from the butcher. Anyways on 3NSD's now. 

Works do last night for, leaving drinks, and they were free. 

Grateful for 
- crisp sunny day
- biscuits 
- a not too busy day at work. 

Hi what a pain, is there anything you can cook and refreeze?

Lots of house insurances pays for freezer malfunction. 

CEW

NSD # 4 today.

Not so grateful for the fireworks this morning as the dogs didn’t want to go out for long last night so this morning I came down to some little presents on the kitchen floor. I can’t really blame them as the fireworks were going off until very late and they do unsettle the dogs a little.

Two of the dogs were unwell today so spent a lot of time cleaning up after them.I wouldn’t mind but I wasn’t feeling well either so I could have done without that.

Today I am grateful for my boss agreeing to me taking the day off as I wasn’t feeling well. As a contractor I don’t get paid if I don’t work but I used accrued holiday pay to make up the shortfall this week.

Lovely chat with window cleaner when I went to see if he wanted a hot drink as it was freezing outside.

and finally Iamgrateful that it is now the weekend although it will be a speedy day tomorrow as I have a hair appointment and will be going shopping after with my Mum.

ldee2111

Staying on NSD 3. 

First outing of the month tonight  - local fireworks display with OH and DS. Took our own treats and homemade popcorn, but spent £18 on fairground rides. The pure joy of DS experiencing a helter skelter and a twister for the first time was priceless.  

I’ve got a 2nd outing in my calendar for Monday - a cabaret that OH and I are going to with friends. Looking forward to it. 

Went to the CS today to drop off a bag but they weren’t taking in donations until Monday. Will go back then. Gives me the weekend to add a few more things to the bag.

Grateful for getting tix for fireworks event, for DS’s joy, for precious time together. 

November underspends goal

Underspends into holiday £0/£160

60 items challenge 

1. broken printer (to recycling centre)
2. 2x joggers 
3. baby towel 
4. 2x swimming tops 
5. tube of bubbles 
6. rubber duck 
7. kids tent 
8. kids cardboard playhouse 
9. plastic novelty trophy 
10. shirt
11. holey socks
12. kids playing cards
13. candle
14. recipe book
15. CD audiobook 
16. roll of art paper
17. pants x 2
18. Halloween treat bucket
19. bookmarks x 3
20. kids books x2

Thrifty_Taylor

It's been a very loooong day today! Work was very choppy, still a member of staff short, so spent no more than an hour with each child, rather than a whole morning with one, then a different one in the afternoon. Went to town & did the big monthly shop. Vexed that I had run out of data allowance, so couldn't use L1dl app nor my T0sco gift voucher I'd received from cashback site. Once it was all away, I had to finish getting organised for tomorrow's craft fayre, just finished everything now! I'm shattered. So looking forward to 5pm tomorrow when I can finally relax...
Sorry to hear about your freezer Dr C, hope you can rescue some of the food.
Grateful for lots of reduced berries in supermarket, my bed when I get in it in a few minutes, supporting a colleague who was feeling very sad at breaktime

Esmeralda2662

Managed 13K steps yesterday and again today so hopefully this helps make up for having a rather sedentary job 3 days a week.

Went for a lovely walk in Stratford to feed the swans. Didn't realise that sadly quite a few had died from bird flu. The ones that were there were very hungry so glad to see us.

Decluttered an empty hand cream and shower gel but need to increase items leaving the house if i hope to achieve 60!

NSD 0/15. Must try harder. Saw on FB that local warehouse was selling bits and pieces including preloved decorations for the big day so kissed goodbye to my NSD today. There's something magical about tinsel and all things sparkly although glitter makes me itchy and gets everywhere. (Second only to red mohair wool when my friend came to stay and knitted a jumper. It even got in the butter).

Grateful for a nice walk on a bright and dry day, some lovely decorations and that the swans were pleased to see us.

Night night all.

Buffythedebtslayer

eeek I didn't bookmark the challenge and wondered where it was!! 

set your budgets - Must say I don't do this... Maybe I should, I just pay everything (rent, bills, dog insurance, savings and emergency savings) 

-pay to your debt or savings first. - Done

-aim for at least 15 NSD – I will try and keep a record this month. I don't normally. 

-avoid any and every chain coffee shop - don't drink coffee so has never been a regular feature of life. 

-take your lunch to work every single working day. - can do that. 

-remove 60 items from your house (2 per day) - Can do that for sure. 

-use up your toiletries and household cleaners before buying any more. -yep can do that. 

-go on 2 outings. -- am going away for a weekend and possibly seeing a friend so will count them. 

-tread lightly on our planet and get out there and enjoy fresh air every day: I do a walk every day. 

-donate £5 or items or time to a charity you support. - Yep can do that. 

-come on here every day and post three things you are grateful for. - will try but am in such a grump these days I am finding it hard to be grateful. 

-reach out to help other people. Don't try to CHANGE people, just LOVE them. LOVE is what changes people. Honestly I think I will find this difficult too. Sorry to be so negative, I think at the moment I am feeling like such a mug. 

-start 1 or 2 new habits this month, ones that are simple and will make you feel better (eg: drink a glass of water on waking, practise meditation…) I have coincidently completely changed my morning routine and that has helped massively with mornings... 

Apologies for the lateness to the challenge, am glad to have found you and  shall now catch up on the 66 pages I missed! 

XXXXXX 

mothernerd

Wednesday I put a large tarpaulin over the line, dried it and then folded it whilst it was still on the line. Not back to straight out of the packet size but very compact (left it under the wheels of the trolley so that it doesn't get blown about again). I also phoned the CBT number the doctor had given me. They were busy and I had to leave my details but someone phoned back within the hour  and I have a phone assessment appointment for next Tuesday.

Thursday was mostly getting ready for yesterday, 7 library books for returning in the bottom of the rucksack and tracking down various bits of paperwork and equipment. Yesterday was successful, utterly exhausting and fun in places. Eleven items on the to do list (mostly with accompanied bits in the rucksack), usual stuff in the handbag (keys, purse, pens, diary, phone, mask, tissues, extra tissues) and in the rucksack (2 l plain water and a glass - smaller and lighter than a mug, extra bags) antiseptic cream (to be used after boob squash), lip butter (to be used after fasting blood test).

Taxi arrived exactly on time and I was early at the infirmary (had allowed for struggling through the school run rush but it was reasonably clear - two rat run roads were blocked off for road repairs) so sat in the waiting room, reading for 10 minutes. Blood test and dropped off mum's sample, visited the bathroom, did my hands (should have taken handcream to balance out the multiple antibac handwashes) then to the little cafe. Asked for 2 bacon barms (ketchup no butter) and a hot chocolate. They were having problems with their hot chocolate so asked if it was okay to drink my own water supply - of course. Paid and they said they would bring it over so settled myself at a table with all my tranklements.

Ate very mindfully and relished every bite. Thanked the women and told them how wonderful it had been (enjoy the little things). Had missed the little bus by 5 minutes (deliberately did not look at the time whilst eating, I had no need or desire to rush) so crossed to the other building as it was raining. Went to sit half way up the main corridor (3 tables and 6 chairs) and took out my book. A woman started to set up at the 'desk' - it's the sort of bit they use for information days and displays as there is a high footfall. She asked if I was okay, I explained about the bus and a while later she asked me to mind her bags and laptop whilst she chased after a new volunteer. When they came back it was time for me to leave. 

The bus arrived just as I got to the main entrance doors but lots of people were getting on and off (the little bus is mostly the walking wounded, very mask compliant and a variety of mobility aids, crutches and wheeled shoppers), so I had enough time to get there. Bought an anybus ticket (I had thought of a few places I might be able to get under the trees) and rode as far as the bus station. Bench hopped down the bus station (was only out in light rain from the end of the stands - just the zebra and little concourse). The 3 nearest indoor benches were occupied so went to buy stamps and post 2 overseas cards for mum. Bench was clear when I came out so a brief sit down.

Puzzle book shop was next and I went off the rails a bit. They had a book from a series I've started collecting in the 2 for £5 offer and after walking the length of the display I added a Christmas novel with Make Do and Mend in the title. Picked up my puzzle book and one of the large print ones (they cover 2 -3 months), bought a new diary (extravagant), a pack of choc wafers and a 6 pack of crisps (there seems to be a supply issue with cheese and onion crisp, SM had none, not even variety packs). And at the counter they had bonfire toffee lollies. So £17-88 of mostly unnecessary spending. At one point I stopped having puzzle books to avoid temptation - I had to travel to Bolton (8 miles each way) to get it and stationery sales were my downfall. When I became debt free, it was a small pleasure I allowed back but 3 newsagents have closed and I can only get it from the shop in the mall or Morries SM (there are other places but they're even further afield).

Sat on the bench rearranging my shopping and going through my list. Decided to cut out lunch in the mall (local owned not co$talot). Bank is now open until 4.30 pm but library closes at 2 pm (only 2 of the borough's libraries open on reduced hours, the rest are shut and all the staff are helping at vaccination centres) but it was still early enough to get to the bank before the lunchtime rush. Bench hopped back to the front of the bus station (nearly 11 am as the drunks were assembling outside the pub) then a short block to the bank (handrails featured heavily). Sat down inside the bank to get out my card and the cash I wanted to deposit, then joined the queue. Only 4 people in the bank but still had to hold onto the bottom of the stair rail and the mini counter and had another sit down before I left.

Sat down in both of the bus stops along the next length then stopped for a moment before traversing the Town Hall square to the library. Painting has been completed, a few more things have been added but still a very clear spacious layout. Checked the returned books in, picked 3 more (have kept one back which will last for the best part of a week). Carried on to little Arseda for basic sandwiches and bulk drinks (not paying over a £ for a 500ml bottle when the 2 litre isn't much more but got 8 cans as that was the only caffeine free one - something else that was missing from my order). Was lucky enough to find a broken trolley so I had something to hold onto. I checked my bank balance at their cash machine ( very healthy, I have achieved this year's target but DS3 has paid me for well into next year - not told him yet but his contribution is going back up from the new year).

Broken trolleys don't set off any alarms so used it to get to the nearest 2 bus stops - had been rearranged so neither suitable and then the 3rd and 4th. One of the Wigan buses is now very high frequency so 2 of the stops are dedicated to that service and one other and the extras have been redistributed. The main routes to Wigan, Bolton and Manchester and all the outlying parts of town all lead off that one small stretch of road and a couple of queuing buses can bring it to a halt.

It was still very early for my appointment but I was very tired so decided the Infirmary was the best place for me. It's warm and dry, has seats and tables and lots of (free) toilets. I though I'd just missed a bus so started to eat my sandwich but it was the fourth bus out, and the lovely driver stopped for me even though he was virtually at my feet by the time I could read his number.                  
Nearly two hours to go to boob squash and the area I had used earlier was in use (think it's some sort of support group - vaguely rang a few bells) so carried on to the far end and asked if I could use one of the comfy seats in the specialist weight management waiting area (high backed, wide, padded armchairs). Spent over an hour reading my book to the end, finished my sandwich, had several drinks (water and caffeine free coke) and relaxing then went to use my favourite toilet and walked back to the other entrance to go outside for a walk. It was raining again so just went as far as the recycling bins and sortied my empties. 

Went in the original building and sat reading in their waiting room for another ten minutes or so before starting the long trek. the mammograph unit is on the car park at the back. There is a way to sneak through but it involves grassy slopes and narrow passages. The proper route is all the way outside the new building (which houses 4 doctor's surgeries, 2 up and 2 down, the walk in centre, physiotherapy, podiatry, specialist weight management and many other clinics) then all round the car park (the back of the original infirmary and all the bits that have been added on in the last 40 years. Most people do this in cars. Some of us walk (they do say to let them know if you have mobility problems). Up the metal steps (very wet, very grateful for grippy spots on the rails) and was let in at once. 

All done and dusted (had worn my dress because of the blood tests and had to fashion it into a mini sarong to cover my lower half). As long as I can't see my body I am completely unself-conscious and I only had my reading glasses on. I just get a shock when I see myself in a shop window or mirror.

Trekked back and carried on to the bus stop as there were a lot of people waiting. Bus came within 5 minutes. Driver discussed his proposed alternative route ( you wanted us to have adventures apple). There are bollards just past mum's house, going onto the Sport's Village. They lower for little buses (I think they probably do for coaches bringing supporters on match days) but earlier on the bollards had lowered for him and then caught on the underside of his bus (an experience he did not care to repeat). On his return journey the other bus was damaged and two people were inspecting the bollards (which must have been malfunctioning). Cars aren't allowed that way and have to go to one of the ends of that stretch of bypass (which is why it's quicker to walk when we are fit and able). 

His alternative route was better for me as the stop on the return journey is nearer to mum's than the one going (and I would get longer to rest before doing the last walking bit). One woman said she couldn't be bothered to cook and phoned her husband to meet her at Morries, where they would eat and then do the big shop. The third woman (all the other remaining passengers got off at the bus station) was anxious because she had a doctor's appointment. An inspector got on at the bus station and proposed a new alternative route - continue with the ordinary route (lots of elderly people in those few streets) but then stop at the bollards and passengers going any further could walk past the bollards and onto the last 3 stages (pub, Morries and 6th form College). So that's what we did.

Final bit was tough (I had transferred as much weight as possible into my rucksack) but I zoned out and just kept walking. i might have been tempted by a taxi but someone else in the waiting room had phoned at 2 pm and told there were none before 4 pm  (Friday is a mad shopping day and as soon as it rains it gets much worse) so she phoned for her husband to collect her and her mother.

Got in, collapsed on bed, ate and part unpacked my bag (stopped when I found the things I wanted), went out of my room to watch quizzes and was back in bed, falling asleep before 6 pm. Mum has followed her usual Saturday morning routine of showering and then removing the shower mat and towels (thanks mum). She came in the bathroom to scoop them up, said she had "nearly stayed in bed but I can't give in" then added "There's only one of us doing anything". I was holding onto the sink with both hands so I didn't fall over (she was blocking my way out). I overheard her telling her friend how exhausted she was and had been on the go all day yesterday. This was putting 'all the shopping away'. She's put away the part contents of 2 bags - mainly cleaning stuff which I'd stock checked, ordered, brought in, unpacked. I only left it on the counter so that she and the cleaner could see what we had (with explanations in some cases - only 2 places sell her preferred soap blobs and I managed to get the hand soap with the refills, so 2 containers plus enough stuff for 6 refills). 

So my plan is to stay in my room (some things to do outside but most of it is physically demanding). I need to catch up with all the things that still need to be done that have been put on one side whilst I worked through our mad whirl of appointments. Mum is playing the martyr. She is ill but keeping going, she cleared all the things off the couch - 4 pairs of slippers for her and 2 things she is giving to other people as presents. What was I supposed to do with them?

Anyway I'm not joining in, not going to fight back, not going to shout, so I'll stay in here and maybe sit in the yard, well wrapped up. Organise my immediate environment, tidy, sort, reduce, plan what I can. Monday - Thursday were NSDs, Friday was not. I have my spending jotted down but some is mum's. The anybus ticket cost £6 and I did 3 x £2 journeys so although I didn't get to be amongst trees, I didn't lose money on my purchase.

Gratefuls - the kindness of strangers (lots of people asked if was alright or needed help - my standard answer is not really but this is my life from now on), being able to be helpful - telling a young women to take a numbered ticket from the machine in the blood place, pressing the button for the bus station (another passenger thought it would go into the bus station so would have missed the stop) - just little things but nearly everyone masked (especially in the hospital), helpful, polite, cheerful, thankful, pleasant interactions. The NHS staff and volunteers (please sign any available petitions - another bill comes before Parliament in 18 days, may be 17 now). For all doctors, teachers, scientists and anyone else who has been vilified by this government and the paper 'that supported Hitler'. 

apple_muncher

Buffy, I do like your ' I can do that one, but no way can I do that one!' approach to the challenge. Maybe change the reaching out to others one to be reaching out to yourself. Look after you.

Mothernerd, you have definitely done the adventure stuff!

mothernerd

Buffythedebtslayer said:

eeek I didn't bookmark the challenge and wondered where it was!! 

set your budgets - Must say I don't do this... Maybe I should, I just pay everything (rent, bills, dog insurance, savings and emergency savings) 

-pay to your debt or savings first. - Done

-aim for at least 15 NSD – I will try and keep a record this month. I don't normally. 

-avoid any and every chain coffee shop - don't drink coffee so has never been a regular feature of life. 

-take your lunch to work every single working day. - can do that. 

-remove 60 items from your house (2 per day) - Can do that for sure. 

-use up your toiletries and household cleaners before buying any more. -yep can do that. 

-go on 2 outings. -- am going away for a weekend and possibly seeing a friend so will count them. 

-tread lightly on our planet and get out there and enjoy fresh air every day: I do a walk every day. 

-donate £5 or items or time to a charity you support. - Yep can do that. 

-come on here every day and post three things you are grateful for. - will try but am in such a grump these days I am finding it hard to be grateful. 

-reach out to help other people. Don't try to CHANGE people, just LOVE them. LOVE is what changes people. Honestly I think I will find this difficult too. Sorry to be so negative, I think at the moment I am feeling like such a mug. 

-start 1 or 2 new habits this month, ones that are simple and will make you feel better (eg: drink a glass of water on waking, practise meditation…) I have coincidently completely changed my morning routine and that has helped massively with mornings... 

Apologies for the lateness to the challenge, am glad to have found you and  shall now catch up on the 66 pages I missed! 

XXXXXX 

I find loving people in the abstract is much easier than in the flesh - although yesterday everyone was very nice to each other.