Rolling Down the Green Hill Towards REtirement 😊🌄💚💜

greent

So one of the side effects of tamoxifen that I get is insomnia.... sigh....!! I can't even get up and do stuff as I'll disturb people

But it does mean that I get to catch up on diaries on here 😁

I've started some plans for next year - will post when on laptop. Have also done some (inevitable at this time of year) decluttering - started small - have a small pile of gold and silver jewellery to sell and several non-precious-metal pieces put in a bag for CS. Make up has been sorted through ( I wear a little more now but still very little in real terms) - a couple of items thrown and 1 item donated to DD. Bathroom excess toiletries have been mostly tidied and rationalised - I shall continue that when it is daytime. They will get used, its just nice to make a note of what I have - and what I definitely do not need any more of in 2023! I've also identified a small pile of craft-y type things that a colleague may want. Oh - and I did have new drawer liners in my amazoon basket - but realised earlier that I have masses of large sheets of mulberry flower papers in the garage left from soapmaking days - so will cut those to size instead (leftover pieces can be used as gift wrap) - I can drip some essential oils on to some (I have some neroli that would be highly indulgent to use in such a way (it's true therapeutic grade stuff) but that would be wonderful in my underwear and sock drawers 😊😊 - using what I already have 😃

(I never appreciated drawer liners until into my 40s - and then bought some super cheap in Jan sales with William Morris prints on and a lovely scent - and now I think they are a must - but only for my drawers! 😂)

Cheery_Daff

Sorry you're not sleeping well greent, hope you're asleep by now! Your improvised drawer liners sound lovely 😊 I love the smell of neroli, and I'd quite forgotten it existed 😂 so thank you for the reminder!

Looking forward to reading all about your plans for next year 😊

Chrystal

WOW to the hair... it looks fantastic.  XXX

Fortune_Smiles

I think the curly hair is gorgeous greent

Fortune x

f0xh0les

Yay to hair!!  Are you going to go full on 80s big hair glamour?
Boo to the nighttime waking. I am suddenly suffering from the 2 hour wakes myself, but for no good reason.  
Enjoy the time off before school goes back. Ours go back this Wednesday. I hope you have longer to rest up.   I am informed by a very wise lady, that naps are both big, and clever, and to be recommended 😁

Karmacat

Another one chipping in - yeah, for those 2 hour wakes in the middle of the night, its good to read diaries and whatnot  

How amazing to see your hair regrowth!  And you're decluttering again 😎 wonderful stuff.  I wish computers had a sense of smell, I can't recall neroli    that's one for the New Year.

Have a lovely time in the rest of your holiday  

savingholmes

Fantastic that your hair is regrowing.

Love the mulberry paper use with the therapeutic oils. If it makes you happy - go for it.

greent

END OF YEAR UPDATE:

So the year was somewhat different to what we'd planned - let's see what we managed to the plans...

Health (& Wellbeing)

Lose weight – having lost 2.5 stone in 2020 I regained most of this in the lockdown at the start of 2021 – I found that one really hard mentally and ate my way through it. New job hasn’t helped at the end of the year – so much food is around in a school! I want to get back to where I was this time last year – and maybe even a bit more. Am limited in what I can do exercise wise compared to before, so it will be more about getting my food right than burning it off.. -  Nope - but I haven't gained anything as at the year end (in fact I may be a couple of pounds lighter than at the start) - I'll take that as a win!

Frozen shoulder – caused by jab 2 going into shoulder joint, not arm….. ouch! Movement has been getting more limited ☹ - Ha! This happened to be the same arm as the side affected by cancer and so therefore operated on - movement has actually improved (possibly helped by all the steroids from chemo!!) Chiro thinks it's a rotator cuff injury, not a frozen shoulder. However, I can't have chiro or physio whilst in chemo - one still to sort.... - As at September I had basically regained full movement (just a little stiffness at full stretch) - and then radiotherapy managed to make both shoulders be somewhat immobile to the point that I have to think about how to move my arms when reaching out or up for something. Will investigate some physio when I've had sign off.

Dodgy big toe nail – a fungal infection years ago meant it mostly fell off and then started growing sideways and ultra thick – it’s very ugly and means I can only wear certain footwear (from a pain point). I have tried several podiatrists but none are taking on new clients. GP wasn’t interested. Need to sort it. - Not sorted, as noone would see me in active treatment - can look at agin now in 2023 (I was kind of hoping chemo would make it fall off! )

Other niggling issues will most likely improve if I achieve the weight loss (eg knees and hips) - And again....

Health issues were overtaken by the surprising diagnosis of stage 2, grade 3 invasive breast cancer in Jan -  with the resulting treatment (lumpectomy, node removal, chemo, radiotherapy & hormone therapy) all taking priority over everything else The best laid plans and all that........ 

 

Wellbeing/ personal grooming – I should really get my hair cut more often than I do – especially now that I have a ‘proper’ job and interact with SLT and parents (and my photo is out there!)  – I’m thinking that upping it to 3x/ year seems doable!– I also should get my brows done professionally about the same number of times/ year – and then maintain them in between by myself. I bought more work clothes when I started this job- and then a few more Winter-y tops. I should be ok for a while (although I do still have a very small work wardrobe) until I get into some smaller clothes (bought when I lost the 2 stone…) -  Had hair cut in late Jan/ early Feb (good start) - and then had loads chopped off in April pre chemo. I then kept chopping the back off myself as it fell out as I had this weird tonsure combined with a mullet going on (not the best look ) I've not long had all the remaining old longer wispy bits cut off and just have the new curls left now. Hairdresser recommends around 3 months before I go back, so there's some length to deal with next time Whilst my brows have now come back I've not yet had them 'done' - I did a home dye session on them when they first came back which was ok. I've resorted to brow-mascara at the moment and will book my brows in in the Spring when I know they are hanging around for sure!

 

Wealth

I started loosely monitoring our net wealth in 2021 – will continue this in 2022 on a monthly basis would like to see a decent improvement over the next year (with the note that a decent chunk of readily available monies currently held will be used on home improvements)

I have £300/ mth going into my S&S ISA and ad-hoc an average of another £200/ mth on top – should probably up this. I also make ad-hoc payments into my SiPP – not so much into DH’s, even though is a HR taxpayer, as he has way more pension than I do already.

Sort out transferring my old TP scheme (in it less than 2 years) to LGPS and figure out whether I want to merge my old LGPS with new scheme LGPS…

Some of our accumulated savings will be going in the ‘Home & Garden’ category – but would like to cashflow some of the jobs.

New rewards based CC to be applied for to use for our joint everyday spending (eg food shopping, fuel etc) and paid off as we go along – just to get the rewards – a case of every little (with basically no effort) helps

Review savings accounts – 2 reg savers mature early Feb – fingers crossed rates are improving.

Money still going into ISA and SIPP - but values not exactly climbing....  TP pension sorted and transferred. Old LGPS not merged - can take it earlier than new LGPS (and it is very small)

New CC applied for and being well used - rewards (N3ctar points) are being spent on shopping and cash equivalent transferred to savings.

Reg savers reviewed at maturity and new ones set up and new 'Rainy day' account set up at Bclys with 5k in (I think it's 5.25%) 

Net worth - hmmm. I spent just over £20k (shhh!) on a car in April for me.... kept old one for DD and DS1 to use (they fill it with fuel and DD contributes towards running costs (she is main user)) Ready cash balance is £5K more than it was this time last year - and that's with spending the money on my car and the boys' bathroom (I think that was about £8k in the end!!) - so savings haven't suffered *too* much over the year. We did, however, get £3400 from the VW diesel claim between us and Boopa have paid out a cash benefit of £1850 for having NHS treatment - so those 2 amounts are roughly the equivalent of increased cash holdings. 

Pensions - DH put all of his bonus into his work pension (a good thing to do tax wise, but I was expecting some cash!) Our SIPPs are both down in value from this time last year (no contributions) and my ISA is up about £2K - but that is less than I've added to it over the year.... 

We've looked at our DB pensions with current values as to what we could do at 60 - we'll be fine  

 

Happiness

A holiday would be lovely! – but I’m not going abroad until I feel the ‘vid situation has improved.  Look at something in the UK – Centreparcs, maybe?  We have the money from our 2020 Florida trip stashed in PBs for sometime in the future (2023??)

Graduation ceremonies can hopefully finally happen this year for DD & DS1

We have a comedy night out in Jan with friends, another in April, a couple of music gigs and 2 vouchers for afternoon teas – although we won’t be being silly at any of these.

Get back into regular walks and family games sessions. We enjoy it once we make the effort.

Holidays - a fantastic week in Cornwall in the Summer in a lovely cottage just a few minutes walk from the harbour with amazing weather for the whole week.  

Graduation ceremonies happened in July - they were fab (tiring, but fab!) 

Jan comedy night out happened - and then I didn't go to 3 music gigs and another comedy night out because of treatment. Did go to Madness at Westonbirt (a Xmas present from Dec 2019) and then a small comedy gig in Dec (1 other got cancelled)  1 afternoon tea eaten out - and several more consumed at home - either delivered or homemade. 2 afternoon teas out still to consume (received as gifts)

Walks were a bit rubbish as energy levels disappeared (to be expected) - and concentration levels for games were rubbish too

 

Home (& Garden)

There is a list of jobs for around the home. Bigger ones include:

·        New bathroom for the boys – hopefully happening in Jan, but I haven’t heard anything from the chap for a while – will chase him up on it, as he was meant to be sending us details of the suite etc for our approval - Happened in August with a different company (much better!) - but still one niggle to get resolved....

·        Family room and home office remodelling – quite  a big job, as the floor has sunk (not on a sub frame) – meaning possible removal of a couple of walls, installation of sub frame, insulation and flooring (engineered oak) and new doorways – changing them slightly. Moving the 2 existing radiators in the family room (and changing the type) and installing a radiator in office (currently has an electric wall panel heater). New skirting boards, new door architraves, new windowsills (3 – 2 are large – they are the plastic type and have cracked) and new lighting in both rooms - not touched this (well, had 2 or 3 people to come and quote - no quotes materialised...)  - but have found a new person to get to come and quote!

·        New outside lighting in front garden, back garden and one side of the house. Garage wiring to be brought up to current spec (currently unsafe) Possible CCTV. - still to do

·        New oak internal doors (possibly new architraves) – we have a LOT of internal doors and most are fire doors. Not  a cheap job. - still to sort

·        Would also like at some point (maybe not 2022) – railings at either side of front garden, new driveway (extending it slightly), new patio and side paths, retaining wall rebuilt in back garden - on hold 

·        Smaller jobs – redecorate living room, dining room, touch up kitchen, paint fencing, new hallway and landing lights, repaint our bathroom, new curtain rail for DS3’s room, maybe redo DS2’s room entirely… - started painting fencing. Everything else not yet touched!

I will still, however, take any progress as a win - total curveball received in Jan which threw out the plans!

Other highlights of the year - DS2 got fab GCSE results and is really enjoying VIth form. DD got a brilliant promotion at work. DH kept his job!

Now to move on with 2023.....

greent

2023....

Mostly rolled over from 2022!!!:D

Health (& Wellbeing)

Lose weight – I'm thinking 23lb sounds a good amount (anything more is a bonus) 

Fitness - this has fallen off so much! Just some walking for now to increase stamina levels will do as a start.

Duff shoulders – I should get end of treatment sign off soon (this month?) - will see if Boopa will pay for physio, as problem had gone away before radiotherapy, so can be linked to the treatment. 

Dodgy big toe nail – after sign off will try aunt's podiatrist

Other niggling issues will most likely improve if I achieve the weight loss (eg knees and hips) 

Mental Health - very up and down. Trying to figure out if I'm depressed (online assessments would say yes) - have phone appt with GP so will mention it then. 

Wellbeing/ personal grooming – I do pay more attention to make up than pre chemo - still very light. I've overhauled make up in the hols. Have lots of lovely pampering products that I should actually use (maybe I should aim for a pamper session a month?) 

 

Wealth

Will continue to monitor (loosely) net wealth on a monthly basis - but 2023 should see a chunk go on holiday(s) and home improvements. 

We will be funding DS2's driving lessons this year (he is 17 in a few days!!)

I have £350/ mth going into my S&S ISA and sometimes extra ad-hoc payments. I think I will leave it at this whilst plans are being made to spend lots of money! 

See if I can get DH to claim back all of his expenses......!

Track any money made from selling stuff (not setting a target, not that much left to sell) 

 

Happiness

We are looking at a Summer holiday in the US - to do the plans we had for 2020 before C0vid scuppered them! (Thankfully we get very cheap (but very good!) worldwide annual travel insurance through DH's work) Maybe something else too - depends on time and money! 

DS1 failed his Masters on his dissertation - so hopefully he can get that redone this Spring and get a job!! - and then we can have another graduation ceremony  

We already have tickets to 2 comedy night outs out in the first half of the year. We meet friends at least every month for a night out (food!) and we have vouchers for 2 afternoon teas.

Get back into regular walks (for physical and mental health) and family games sessions - I have been rubbish this past year (I know I had a reason but it doesn't stop the mum-guilt!) Good weather BBQs (always a fave with the kids, even those who don't eat BBQ food!)

Less work!!!

Home (& Garden)

There is a list of jobs for around the home. Bigger ones include:

·        Family room and home office remodelling – as above, quite a big job. Have new person to come and quote. Am hopeful they can do other stuff for us if they do this... 

·        New outside lighting in front garden, back garden and one side of the house. Garage wiring to be brought up to current spec (currently unsafe) Possible CCTV. - still to do - just need to get back in contact with the electrician and choose the lights!

·        New oak internal doors (possibly new architraves) – we have a LOT of internal doors and most are fire doors. Not  a cheap job. - maybe can be done by the above guy?

·        Would also like at some point (probably not 2023) – railings at either side of front garden, new driveway (extending it slightly), new patio and side paths, retaining wall rebuilt in back garden

.        Dining room radiators - both not working and heating guy thinks there's a blockage in the pipes somewhere (stupid narrow plastic piping) - need to get holes in walls/ ceiling and follow back pipes and sort it - and make good. (North facing room, so rather cold - currently have halogen heater in there)

·        Smaller jobs – redecorate living room, dining room, touch up kitchen, paint fencing, new hallway and landing lights, repaint our bathroom, repaint our bedroom, new curtain rail for DS3’s room, maybe redo DS2’s room entirely… definitely need to get some of these ticked off in 2023!!

.         Decluttering!!! Always an ongoing effort here - and there has been some great progress made but still more to be achieved. Most good stuff goes to CS, some bits get sold, some donated to friends/ random (eg via 0li0) and the rest is recycled/ binned. (We actually produce less waste than our neighbours on either side - a retired couple (in their 50s, so not old) and a couple in their 40s with 1 primary aged child. As a family of 6 producing less rubbish (and recycling) than they each do, I think that's pretty good)

greent

OOh - I forgot - Happy New Year!!!