NST May MISCHIEF AND MAYHEM

apple_muncher

Today I am grateful for starting my half term, for dc going to school, for tidying up more of my stuff at work (sooo much easier to do work stuff than home stuff...!), for baked potato for tea, for a couple of decisions being made about work next academic year.

Deni_debt-free_dreamer

Evening

Was in work for 8am.  Have been helping organise an event  - it went well with good turnout and one attendee emailed to say thank you There was also loads of cake and biscuits but i resisted it all!  
Went for a walk at lunch and bought a salty-sea top in the CS and a lovely skirt - £5 for both.  
Got home in time for a quick cuppa tea then went to pilates.  

Gratitudes - a good day at work with positive feedback; great pilates session; finishing a really good book

love Deni x

Thrifty_Taylor

Happy holidays @apple_muncher, we don't break up til next Wed.
Did some exercises before breakfast. Had a great drive in to work, blasting the Pick Your Own Playlist songs & singing at the top of my voice 😍 (no wonder it's raining!!) Had lots of laughs doing speech therapy with pupil, he had tears running down his face & kept squealing. Great fun! Saw the senior end's practice performance with members from the Scottish Opera before the performance for parents this afternoon. Finished a jigsaw but only 999 pieces there - 1 missing.
Popped next door to deliver 50th wedding anniversary card & present. Has a sneaky drink, only just turned 5pm & on a school night 🤣 had a good chat with neighbour. Managed a few rows of crochet before tea, then altered a prom dress after tea.

Grateful for good music, pupil's happiness, seeing a big rainbow as I left next door neughbour's

mothernerd

A bit of a weird day. I really could not muster the energy to go downstairs (was awake and reading for several hours in the middle of the night). I did check that DS3 was down therein case my parcels came and I had done pills, breakfast, shower, medicinal creams and clothes chosen. Have been reading a couple of Kat's challenges and jotting down my own ideas. Interesting to read back and see what was happening. 

Was driven downstairs by hunger, checked that DS3 would be staying downstairs for a while. Book delivery was 10.43am - 2.43pm, and veg and salad boxes between 2.45 and 3.45pm.  I told him he could go to bed once the book delivery came as I would be back before the veg delivery but I really needed to go and collect my 'fit note' from the doctor's.

 I walked all the way there and back which was probably a mistake but I've walked back the two times I've been previously and the bus doesn't seem to save me any walking and it's expensive as it's only a few stops. The nearest bus stop is past where I want to be, so I have to walk back to the crossing (one short block) cross over then go down one of two roads which join at the bottom (shortest street in town, it used to have 4 signs and they were nearly touching one another), That's a longish block and then there's  a wiggle and into a winding little street where you're sort of doubling back on yourself and then a little avenue between 2 small car parks (2 cars deep) and then you're facing the surgery. Coming from my house I can go up the main pedestrianised area, cut down towards the market, diagonally across the market car park, through a little gap at the side of a small garage (tyre fixing type) and then to the bypass crossing,, diagonally again across the Leedle car park and round the corner to the surgery.

I took drinks and sat to drink them and have a bite to eat, used the toilet at the doctor's. Slight detour to get cash at the SM machine for my brother and bought a replacement case of drinks for Beloved as I drank some of hers. Also remembered they have a sewing notions set up on one of the end of aisle displays, so hunted that down and added tapestry needles because the online shop I tried 10 days ago, were out of stock. That saved any need to go out again later for odd bits.

By the time I got home I was hurting so much I wanted to cry. Added the new 'fit note' details to my UC account. and then tried to update them on Probate coming through. Gave up part way through the first attempt and nearly got 'timed out' 3 times before I was reasonably happy with what I'd said - their computer was very rude, demanding answers I haven't got - I need to update the accounts for mum's estate (have the figures for when I applied for probate - have just written them out again to send a copy to my brother, I only had the scribbled version I did as I was going through the forms, but I've paid a lot of bills and incurred more expenses since).

The book parcel came. My feet were hurting but it wasn't worth coming upstairs to rest because we were approaching the veg box delivery window. That came near to the end of the time and I had  a quick look through both boxes then sat down again to wait for my UC telephone appointment, which never came and I was too tired to chase them up as I did with an earlier appointment they missed. I'm not all that bothered if they decide to end my claim, it was only ever a stop gap but would like to get the £650 energy payout for means- tested benefits. They'll probably put loads of conditions in - you must be in receipt of the benefit on the qualifying date (now) and still in receipt at the time the payment is due (not sure if that will be July or October). that would mean that a lot of people who are on UC now but get a job before July or who have a job now but are made redundant before July would miss out.

Anyway I dragged my weary carcass upstairs having put half the defrosted prawns in a box with tomato puree, a bit of tartare sauce and a slosh of L & P, chopped up 2 large peppers, added a handful of cherry tomatoes and some new potatoes and put them in another box. When I got upstairs I added the remaining coleslaw to the prawn mixture, gave it a good stir and heaped the other salad ingredients on top. Ate slowly. Went back to taking notes and just look at the time. Took some things out to the bins but didn't have any energy for chopping and peeling veg. Hopefully can do that in the morning before the recipe box comes.

Grateful for the end of the week, having a bed to sleep in, tomorrow being a new day, getting the fit note (need to work up the limit to work out where it is - think I'm supposed to go back to half way now , that would be either going to the surgery or coming back and then adding a bit extra gradually. Looking forward to a quiet weekend of domestic pottering and restoring order.

ETA It's still only Thursday isn't it. Recipe box delivery is Saturday. Tomorrow is eye test appointment with (possibly) film club in the afternoon and evening.

cuddlymarm

Good morning guys 
Not many NSDs but not much spent so I think I can live with that and the money I did spend was an unexpected windfall. Only £12.50 but it stretched well 😀
Bit disappointed with my maintain on the scales, I must try harder. I know what I need to do but it’s doing it is the problem. 

Anyway enough of that. Today I’m grateful for my boss for putting all my days off together meaning I’m not at work now until Wednesday, for the sunshine ( it’s blowing a gale and chilly but looks nice) and for it being payday ( the holiday spends are growing nicely)
Today I’m going to tackle the veg I got in my TGTG bag into freezer size portions, get the washing done, hoover, dust and then veg out for the rest of the day.

mothernerd

Friday 27th May 2022

For me it's FROG FRIDAY -does anyone have a frog wacker


Things You Should Not Feel Guilty For
Doing things You ENJOY even when you have a long to-do list

And 
Why's it so Hard to Get out of Bed When You Have Depression?
'Depression Fog' makes it difficult to break down and accomplish the "LITTLE THINGS" (except mine are huge mothernerd eating Frogs)
and
OVERWHELMED at the thought of going out into the world and faking  a SMILE
(but maybe I'm just OVERWHELMED)


Perhaps I should lead the inspiration and motivation until later

Sorry my leg is hurting (except when I lie in one particular position) which means I'm going to have to think very carefully about everything I do today. If getting to the bathroom and brushing my teeth was difficult, getting down the stairs is a scary prospect (and it might only be the one trip today so I need to think long and hard about which things to take downstairs with me).

It's actually been a successful day so far (given my limitations) but it's overshadowed by receiving an email last night saying I had to check in to my UC account. Did that and the stupid computer said 'We'll take you back to where we were' and then it took me back to the bit on the form that said "Tell us the exact amount". I probably spent an hour yesterday trying to explain the situation as honestly and simply as possible, refining what I'd put, weeding out the bits where I wandered off the path.

I didn't want to delay telling them about Probate being granted - came through last Saturday BUT the money in my account is a mixture of mine and mums - some of mum's is my brother's (he will also be coming off UC at some point but will keep his PIP) and some needs to be kept at one side to pay for any repairs, cleaning and standing orders for bills that need paying up until the bungalow is sold.

What I don't want is for them to start bothering my brother.  He's already going into freefall panic about having enough from the sale of the bungalow to last another seven years until he reaches 'retirement age' ( and need to add checking his NI record to the to-do list - will probably be my niece that does that but it's another thing to sort out when she gets back from Amsterdam next week). 

Back to being POSITIVE
My day so far
Went to the bathroom.
My L leg is entering a new phase.  I've been placing it in a position which isn't painful and my bionic leg is doing the work of moving me around. So I used the stool to sit whilst I brushed my teeth. Then had to ask if either of them was awake and ask for help.  Beloved was nearest. She took the toothbrush off me and put it away, offered me help to stand and  get back to my bed, then filled a 2l bottle with tap water for me. She asked if I wanted any canned drinks - DS3 was already on his way up with some.

He then asked if there was anything else he could do and I've talked him through the turning the printer round, checking which ink tanks were empty and given me the printer's model number so I can check which refills I need to buy (might just order them online as well) - it might be quicker than waiting until I can hobble as far as the mall again. He also pulled the printer lead up into an accessible position (it was on the floor between the cube shelves and the drawers next to them. Getting the printer working will help with several other jobs accessing resources for my CBT, printing out some patterns I ordered a few weeks ago and using stored templates, writing letters to various organisations about mum's Estate (I make it sound like one of the local parks with their grand entranceways). DS3 had also installed Open Office software for me this week.

Plan for the Day
I have an eye test at 12.20. Will spend the time until then on the bed (I'm still under the covers but will be ON the bed once I'm showered and clothed. Will work on paperwork  as best I can (might not start with the most important as I don't want things going astray) - any sorting, whittling down of old notebooks (3 gone, more to deal with0, scraps of information (have CBT notes from several years ago, some from the group course in December 2021/ January this year and now have a file, dividers and A$ paper to write them out neatly on). Do shower, drying myself, applying various medicinal creams and dressing in stages, as and when I feel up to it.

May phone the UC helpline as the woman was very helpful  before.

I might still go to afternoon film club (may be a bit late due to eye test/ picking out new glasses etc. It's a film I could watch on U tube but the big screen experience is different and it's 'socialising' of a sort and I found my varifocals so can sit wherever I choose. When I come back I will deal (peel, chop, make salads, plan for meals, store in freezer) the veg already in the kitchen, wipe out the fridge, make a stock list and then put away the veg and salad box stuff. Will need to think about today's food at some point. Bonus point, sit on the stool shower accomplished.

If I need to rest after film club I'll ask for help bringing veg/ salad/ knife containers and a lighter chopping board up here and sit on the bed for chopping and peeling. Will decide on

This is the one I lost must have done new tab 

Toni'sfriend

No NSD yesterday. Had my hair cut and coloured. I feel human again. Also bought a good make pale pink nail polish to start making my hands look better. I've got lots and lots and lots of hand cream. Planning a bit of a spa later this afternoon.

Himself took one of his mysterious items out of the freezer for his dinner. He said it was a curry. It was a sausage casserole. You can see my problem. He doesn't know what's there and it was him who put it in. He says he'll work his way through them and I can have something identifiable. There's a packet on mince in there so I think I'll use that, some rather bendy celery and carrots and some dodgy looking potatoes to make a hot pot tonight. I will not waste food.

It's dull and very, very windy here so I think it's a day for staying in and decluttering a few cupboards.

Have a good day.

mothernerd

Lost my post and it was very long but at least I'm clear about how I want my day to go (motivation/ inspiration for you lot will have to be postponed).

Still in a lot of pain from yesterday. Got myself to the bathroom but needed help to get back (and put my toothbrush away). But I asked for help and got it. Beloved was nearest, came straight away, took the toothbrush away, offered help with getting up, saw me back to the bed and then filled a 2 l bottle with tap water and asked about canned drinks. Ds3 was on his way up with some and then, under direction has turned the printer, checked the ink tanks, found the printer model number so I can buy what's needed (possibly online - might be quicker than waiting until I can hobble as far as the 'mall' again. He also got the lead into an accessible position (it was on the floor between the cube shelves and the drawers)

Getting the printer working will help with lots of stuff - mum's Estate, printing off CBT resources, printing paid for patterns and accessing lots of free templates (DS3 also installed Open Office software on this laptop this week - had it before but not on this machine). Also discussed underwear sites for the generously proportioned with Beloved (found some yesterday and I think she's struggling with body image atm) and them finding their own place (buying not renting) - Not 'me kicking them out' but' them moving to their own place as a positive step and how we can work together on that. Also mentioned grand-chinchillas (one of the reasons for buying rather than renting), they have already made a commitment to them and they need cleaning out.

I've made a rough plan for my day. I have 9 full days (including today) before I set on the great funeral trip to North Wales. UC sent me back to my account last night - computer says 'tell us the exact amount'. Grrr. Spent over an hour outlining the current situation as honestly and simply as possible, refining my words, cutting back where I wandered off at a tangent. I may phone the UC helpline as the woman was very helpful before.

even the screensaver's getting in on the act now "Minimise your distractions by keeping important paperwork organised and to hand." - That's how the bed gets unusable - all the important stuff migrates onto the bed in stages and then starts to evict me.

Later turtles - must sort stuff

Toni'sfriend

Mothernerd - I buy all my heavy/bulky stuff online because, like you, we don't have a car. It's not always the cheapest way to do it but with a bit of research and free delivery it's worth it for the convenience. Himself has neck problems and was carrying heavy bags was making it worse. That's why we started doing it. Wish we'd thought about it sooner. As you said to me earlier, anything to make life easier.

Take care. xxx

f0xh0les

Just remember @mothernerd if you have more than £16k in savings then you will not get UC at all. 

So don't get too stressed  about filling out silly UC online forms when it answers  'Computer says No!' if you are going to end up with over that amount.

I have spent the morning talking on the phone to Estate Agents (lovely and helpful), emailing probate solicitors, conveyancing solicitors, and headstone carvers (stonemasons?).  Only the headstone people have got back to me.

Maybe Sols don't work Fridays? 

Last day of school before 9 days off.  DS1 is coming home from Uni, DH has gone off to pick him (and his life in boxes) up