NST December A - Z

Kerry_Woman

Hugs to those in need of them.
Am now on NSD 13.  It has been really busy in work for over a week and I think it will continue well into the new year.  I have been extra tired.  At least I have work and the day goes by quickly.  I have managed to get my main meal(from my favourite shop) to cover a few days over Christmas and new year.  I will freeze it after I have divided it up as the use by date is 25 December.  I only need to get the trifle and cheesecake from my favourite shop. 
Grateful for:
Good bus connections.
Reasonable night sleep.
Chocolate in work.

lcc86

Hi turtles

Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe! Didn't post yesterday but not much to report other than another NSD in the bag. Today I spent on a box of chocolates for a girl I am working with, she was really grateful so I'm glad I did it. I also bought some eggs. Have seen January's payslip and have been paid a bit more than I expected so have been able to plan to save more.

f0xh0les

Today I commenced Operation Otter, had a lovely hour and a half walking next to water, and enjoying some of the boys, two declined the invitation, but one had changed his mind by the time we got home so wants to join in next time.

Sadly, no otters were located, but there were some properly CHUNKY squirrels out there. 

I managed NSD 2 today.  One Sproutmas cake has been finished (does not go far between 6) -it only took 4 days. Will deploy the naked Sproutmas cake tomorrow. 

Thrifty_Taylor

NSD#8
Thanks for your advice @mothernerd. I will certainly donate it towards the end of next year. My favourite charity shop has a sproutmas week in November, where the whole shop is full to the brim for people needing new to them sprout day things. Last year, my friend & I traveled round all the CS's in town & I increased my sprout t-shirt & jumper stock, thought that now I was full time in school, I'd get lots of use out of them. The kids & staff love them!
I get most of my things from CS's (me & mum call them boutiques), don't often buy anything new. The cot that lasted all 3 DS's cost me £12 from there, plus the cost of a new mattress. Someone brought it in unassembled, as I was paying for something at the counter. I wasn't even pregnant at the time, but knew it would happen at some point!
Had a great day at work, lots of laughs with a colleague this afternoon, when I was at the top of a high stepladder & I was bracing my knees to keep it steady, only to discover I'd trapped her finger between my knee & the side frame 😂
Did the ironing & the dishes, have poured myself a holidays celebratory drink & bow waiting for my turn in the bath.
Grateful for the holidays, outdoor festive lights, fantastic friends

Calling14

Last day in work and somehow I am the last person here.

Lunch with my new boss and few others in a bit. Slightly nervous as only met them once. Must not get tipsy! Have my car so will be good.

Otherwise chilled out, still need to buy some presents and few items of food but looking forward to next few days off.

Have a great Christmas oops said it if I dont get back onto here before then.

apple_muncher

Calling, I think that 3 days before the 25th you are allowed to use the Christmas word! No elves will be decapitated now, surely...?!?!

Kerry_Woman

Was a spend day.  Went to buy shampoo and conditioner bars, also 2 bathbombs.
Grateful for:
Getting through today as it was the anniversary of my Mum's funeral.
Managing to get sherry trifle(good date) and a berry cheesecake(will freeze) in my favourite shop.
Also getting a small poinsettia in my favourite shop. 
Lighting a scented candle when I got home.
Having an easy dinner.

mothernerd

apple_muncher said:

Calling, I think that 3 days before the 25th you are allowed to use the Christmas word! No elves will be decapitated now, surely...?!?!

Once we are in November, the elves are safe (until next year). Or until they meet apple's headteacher (lesser penalty of dropkicking).

mothernerd

Hugs Kerry Woman.

mothernerd

Brought 10 bags across from mum's. Once I'd missed the food bank opening times, I stopped rushing and carried on packing. Booked a taxi for 1.30 pm (at 12.30) and it was gone 1.45 pm when it arrived. Hospice shop bed had already been delivered (was due at 2 pm, they came before 10 am). I was supposed to pay the delivery fee but DS3 wouldn't take my money (but later made remarks about my spending all his money).

DS3 doesn't know the best way to move furniture is via the connecting door but as he'd already part dismantled the wooden bed I thought it better not to say anything. The new bed stayed downstairs all afternoon until eventually I went to lie on DS3's bed (my back and legs were very painful). Think Beloved messaged him (not sure if it was 'your mum's in a lot of pain' or 'it's freaking me out, your mum being in here') but he did bring the bed up and put it together. I put bedding on, had a shower and crawled into the bed.

This morning my legs were wobbly and I was dizzy. It was lunchtime before I could safely walk further than across the bedroom. Hung some clothes in the wardrobe - took a while to move enough things so that I could get the drawers open and reach across to the rail. Washed, dressed and had lunch - remembered that a good portion of last week's carrot cake was in the fridge. I had a number of things to do (lots more have been put back to next week or the New Year) prioritise, prioritise, prioritise.

Went to the library first as they close at 2 pm (finished my book last night and wanted something as a standby), then to the bank (to put back the extra cash the machine gave me last week) and then on to Boots. Handed in mum's excess water tablets (she won't take them if we're travelling or going somewhere and doesn't know when she'll see her next toilet) - been lying round for 18 months as the pill drop off lady wasn't allowed to take them back during lockdown. Then I bought 3 meal deals (evening meal today, 2 meals tomorrow) in case I couldn't make it as far as the food shop.

Made it as far as Icyland and there were no queues. Did something clever with a couple of baskets on my walker and stopped a couple of times to rearrange things (leg of lamb and freezer veg in the bottom basket, lighter items in the top basket). Have bought a leg of lamb, frozen veg, a small loaf, salami and pasta salad, 3 desserts (only bought the normal £1 ones, not the very attractive but overpriced 'special' ones), 4 ready meals and a few bits. I have things I like to eat, if anyone else wants something else, they can go and get it. Do want to do another shop but will walk there and get a taxi back (unless I do a stopgap at little arseda). 

The girl on the till was very anxious for me to have home delivery - could probably do it, even if I didn't have the card with me. I said I'd be fine but sat on the walker and let the 2 girls do all the packing, then told one to put the 2 heaviest bags on the seat and the others would go on the handles. Felt flushed with success and bench-hopped down the pedestrianised bit. Struggled a bit at the crossing then realised my shoelace was undone (couldn't see my feet). Didn't want to fall at the last hurdle (especially over my own feet) so nipped in Wetnast bank to retie.

Got home, opened the door, shouted for help (adding that I had food), sat and had a drink then put things away in the freezer. Suddenly went weak and wobbly again so had a little lie down, then gathered bags to wait for a taxi (have called mum during the day). Was so ready to just crawl back into bed and go to sleep.

Been back to mum's, gathered books and the laptop, notebooks and a few more bits, failed to find some paperwork. Checked whether mum wanted any shopping (she's heading for a soup and rice pudding Christmas, it's been dry toast all today) and had enough money. Said I would stay here tomorrow if I'm still wobbly - lots to put away yet and furniture to rearrange. Ordered under bed drawers for DS3. Tried to order him an office chair (trying to get him working at the desk rather than on the couch, would be better for his back) but payment didn't go through. Will go through it with him - if he wants one of the more expensive ones he'll have to go halves with me (so far it's a surprise).

Thankfully back on the bed(my poor poor feet) and brought 2 bags up with me. Forgot to write down the wifi confirmation code but DS3 took the laptop back down and brought it back done (or I wouldn't be speaking to you now).

Grateful for having nice food (happy to live on beans on toast and cheese and crackers the rest of the time). Pennies in my penny jar given to a homeless man and the rest of the jar to Oxfam. A lovely bed, clean sheets, lovely velvety throw.