So close, we can smell mortgage freedom!

rtandon27

Merry Christmas Vix 🎄🤶🎅 - Wishing you and Mr Vix a very festive season!

Suffolk_lass

Merry Christmas and enjoy the festivities x

newgirly

Merry Xmas 🤶 

themadvix

Morning all, and thanks for the festive good wishes. 

I finished work at 3.30 on Friday, finally. We went to the pub in the evening and had a lovely time - a friend had bought us a couple of small presents, one of which was a game that we played there and we were having so much fun we attracted other people to join in.

Saturday and Sunday were spent baking, wrapping and more baking, with cat sitting thrown in. Christmas Day was spent with in-laws for lunch and then Mum, Sis, Niece and Uncle in evening - not the usual crowd with cousins etc. as Aunt had caught Covid. Yesterday round to Sis's with Dad/Stepmum (think that's the first time I've referred to her as such!) and Mum too. More games and too much food. And I'm shortly about to go to Dad's for more food and time with step family (and Sis and Niece). Mr MV is working (which is, not unreasonably, an excuse to have a bit of peace and quiet and a break from my family - given it's Niece's birthday on Friday and we'll be seeing them all again then!). I would love a quiet day today, but it's not to be - have to make an effort with the step-siblings, especially as they seem lovely. I have been to see the cats this morning and have done an hour's work too, so a bit of normality (which I crave at this time of year). Absolutely shattered though - slept terribly last night and haven't slept well over Christmas at all. Looking forward to tomorrow when I have a little bit of work to do and some housework and nothing else whatsoever and nothing will tempt me out of the house (bar cat-sitting).

MS things:
* Clicks and HW done
* YG survey
* Prolific longitudinal survey still going
* MIL gave me a spare yule log, which saved me baking one
* NW rewards transferred to savings
* A variety of lovely presents - the cats did very well and received 18 packs of treats! Some will be donated to CP, I think.

Gratitudes:
* Lovely games times - in pub, with all family etc.
* Quiet time when looking after the cats (and I gave them cat nip on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, which they loved)
* Tomorrow I can be an introvert!

Have a good day all!

themadvix

Afternoon all,

Had a nice time with Dad and family yesterday - definitely have lovely step-family They helped with getting closer to finishing off the trifle, mince pie slice and Christmas pud, although I brought all back with me (we've since finished the trifle at least). Also brought back some smoked salmon, which was a rather nice treat for lunch today. Yesterday evening I dismantled the turkey - lots of nice bits for Mr MV's turkey curry and 2.5 weeks' worth of cat food now in the freezer. It's nice to have the fridge back at last! I also bought some Christmassy fat quarters from Hobbycraft, which Sis has agreed to split with me - she's sent the money and I've divvied them up to give to her tomorrow.

Today I've baked bread and granola, and generally done a lot of tidying, putting away and getting things in order. I've just done a little bit of work too. Still have another bit to do, but it can wait for tomorrow. I've got a few bits to pop over the road with/for before it gets dark, so I'd better go soon. It feels so good to have got the house a bit tidier - there's quite a bit of decluttering still to do though.

Dinner tonight will be turkey curry for Mr MV and parsnip dal for me (neither made yet). Both will be batch cooked and several portions for the freezer.

MS things:
* Clicks and HW done
* Taking my bike for morning cat visits - evening ones done in car - not because of the road but because of the unlit park I tend to cycle through - made that mistake the other day, it was fairly scary!
* PA longitudinal survey and a couple of others done
* Leftovers are getting eaten
* There's a surplus in the present fund - once cc bill is sorted I'll transfer some of this out to savings

Gratitudes:
* Nice time getting to know step-family - they're all a bit younger than me, but it's a bit like having a bunch of new friends!
* Smoked salmon for lunch (thanks Dad and Step-mum)
* Normality.... bliss!

Have a good afternoon/evening all!

Suffolk_lass

No normality here yet. We've got visitors until the 2nd Jan. My new study group starts that evening, with another meeting on Wednesday and book club (here) on Thursday. 12th night before normality returns here!

newgirly

How lovely you getting to know the new step family and it going so well 😊 

themadvix

Morning all,

 Just at my last cat sitting visit. I cycled. Am now soaked. Going to London shortly, may have to blow dry my hair first… and pay to park at the station rather than cycle. Will see what Mr MV thinks - he’s gone to parkrun. 

Sorry to hear no normality for you yet SL. I love the run up to Christmas, but as soon as the routine of Christmas itself hits, I pretty much want it over (while also not wanting to go back to work!)! While it’s a bit of an inconvenience, it’s one of the nice things about cat sitting over the holidays - gives me purpose, time on my own and some normality.

 Today we’re going to Town to spend a voucher I got for my birthday (51 weeks ago) in our favourite restaurant in London and to the OXO tower for drinks (to enjoy our £50 Harvey Nick’s credit on Mr MV’s platinum card). Hopefully not too much else to spend, other than train fare.

 Spends this month have been very low aside from Christmas presents (and food), mostly due to Covid and not hosting anyone. Long may it continue!

Jessy103

Have a lovely time and enjoy your meal x

themadvix

Thanks Jessy, just on the train back now - we’re both shattered so glad it wasn’t a late one. Spent £18 in both places on top of our credit, so not too bad (train also £18 - the magic number clearly!). This includes ott service charges in both places which is very annoying - 13.5% in one, added onto the bill. This really annoys me - what happened to it being about the service and actually at the customer’s discretion?

 Also visited the Outernet which is a led screen installation - quite clever and interesting if you’re passing, but not worth making a special visit.

 Anyway, back to station soon and then a cycle home (Mr MV pointed out when we both got back soggy this morning that cocktails and driving to the station wasn’t an option!).