Prosperous soul embraces creativity & mortgage neutrality

savingholmes · 21 October 2022 at 10:43PM

Thanks Jwil @PiggyBankShaker @TallGirl WD and MF

I have tried the freebie token through work in the past and never got it to work properly. May be worth another look ahead of renewal.

I finished work early today so will need to make up some time over the weekend. I went and bought some new makeup and some extra art supplies. My reward for going to tonight's social is a super big canvas to play with. Before we went I cooked me and DD a gorgeous garlic chicken dinner with YS roasties from M&S and various non M&S trimmings and some carrot and swede crush.

I went to the event with DD. Sat at a table with just one couple. Luckily we got on and had some stuff in common. Met an old SW mate. Obviously knew the stars of the surprise party... It was a nice couple of hours (went late and left early).

Now I'm going to chill and do some painting... Wish me luck! My biggest canvas ever and at £15 I want it to be a good one!

Honeysucklelou2 · 22 October 2022 at 7:41AM

The handyman sounds like he’s making great progress in your garden 🙂. Have a relaxing time painting the canvas.

jwil · 22 October 2022 at 7:44AM

Glad you had a good time. Hope the canvas painting goes well.

try_harder · 22 October 2022 at 8:03AM

Your garden sounds amazing . Things sound like they are all going really well ,the cleaner and handyman are making such a difference to everything too..So nice to feel more organised

skint_spice · 22 October 2022 at 8:25AM

Well done on the social event, they can be daunting. I declined a wedding invite yesterday as I couldn’t face going alone.

MovingForwards · 22 October 2022 at 8:53AM

The event is out the way and you can enjoy your painting sessions.

savingholmes · 23 October 2022 at 3:48PM

Thanks HSL, MF, skint, jwil and @try_harder

I had a lovely time painting yesterday. I now have a new painting above my chair in the living room. I have a few other works in progress. All good fun. Still not dressed today!! Just been chilling and trying to work out ways of getting to FI quicker. They all require a lot of discipline - but it's a balance between current and future me. I'm very aware of wanting to save as much as I can while I can - but at the same time knowing it's not all in my control.

I was going to do this round up in a month's time but decided not to wait. It's always good to remember how fortunate we are in the present moment and not always be future focused.

Gratitudes

Financial

Good job in a supportive organisation with flexi time (plus this year's backdated regrade and payrises)
That I have more than enough for my immediate needs
My net worth is improving each month rather than worsening
Fixed mortgage rate until end Dec 26. Over £7K paid off already since end Nov last year
P1p enabling me to pay for help to make my life easier - cleaner, handyman and counsellor
Improving Savings, AVCs, DB pensions
Found a good local garage that's more affordable than the dealer (encouraged by all of you!)
I'm in credit on my energy bill aided by gov contributions and DD paying towards it since June
Other than the mortgage - debt free (points CC will be cleared start of Nov)

Home and Garden

I've decorated two rooms in the last year (repainted)
I got a new mattress last year that was super comfortable
I've majorly decluttered - aided by DD and my cleaner who's also willing to do odd bits of DIY
Help from BIL
I've got an affordable handyman to help reasonably regularly
I'm having my garden and pond and water feature restored
I have a really pretty arbour that's a lovely focal point - and will overlook the pond
I've sold furniture and other items and swapped some out for other FB bargains

Social

My wider family are doing okay despite life's challenges.
I have more friends than I think. I have strengthened my friendship network this last year. I have a couple of friends coming over to make art next weekend and others I need to make plans to catch up with
Soft cat to stroke
I have a counsellor I really get on with - who helps me and often makes me laugh
You guys
Been to the theatre twice - once with sis, once with a friend
Went to a gig to see a friend play
Meals with friends and family

Health and Wellbeing

I weigh less than I did at the start of the year even if I have a lot further to go
My blood sugar and cholesterol have improved this year. My BP is good
I have a pre-pay cert for prescriptions. NHS. Free breast-screening invite. Free c19 and flu jabs
Undoing years of lack of self-care. For example new trainers, boots, coat, underwear etc
I have dental insurance and have also been able to cashflow getting extra dental work done to improve my smile! I overcame my phobia enough to attend
I have a health cashback plan - just need to be organised and a) try and claim for dental work and b) book in some new treatments post mid November
I've had some other referrals - although still waiting on appointment dates

Play

I have had more fun this year and allowed myself more time and money to play. I had my best birthday weekend ever. That was partly due to working out in advance what would make me happy, planning and organising it and investing in myself
I've had 2 cottage holidays with stunning views and good weather
4 (brief) stay overs with wider family
4 nights at P Inn
Swum in the sea a few times
Had a beach day with DD and a city trip
Visit to HP World with DS
Visit to Kew
NT membership
Done some online art courses and writing