NST September 2022 Picture yourself on a boat on a canal

grandmanerd

Yesterday was tough but fairly successful (very successful if I concentrate on what got done and not the few bits I couldn't manage). Did a few bits at home, made an early lunch as it was easier than thinking of things I could take to the bungalow with me. Couldn't find an old t-shirt which has been used for painting so went to the cs and bought 2 large mens'  t-shirts for £1 each. I gave into temptation and bought a box of magnetic sticks for building (£ shop cs and these retail at £16 - £30, obviously been given to a  child who's parents didn't have a clue as it was nearly brand new),  a 'bag' made from green felt (small festive stuff is out - the bag actually has red bits so it looks like a parcel with a bow but the felt alone is worth more than £1) and a dinky little wooden tray (only about 6" x 8" but with fit inside a drawer or another tray for subdividing. Total £4.50 and I told her to put the other 50p in their collection box. I think the shop has gone down the £1 route in an effort to survive, not sure it's  a strategy that will work but want to help keep them going as long as possible. I've already lost the shop that had good quality clothing in my size.

I had just missed the little bus (next one came out of the bus station on route to the infirmary) so sat and read my book for the half hour. Paid for an all day ticket as I was hoping to do a couple of trips bringing the remaining stuff home (Andy Burnham's £2 max single journey tickets come in tomorrow). I only took a 2 l bottle of water with me as I had a couple of cans which I left there.

Sifted a large pile of stones and soil (soil was wet and difficult to get up when I cleared the area for painting, yesterday it was dried to dust) and added the stones to the gaps around the bins and between the raised beds and the bags attached to the fence. The soil was used to top up raised beds along with the last few shovelfuls in the end raised bed bag  More weeding, more sweeping, watered the raised beds. Painted the remaining section of driveway in the garden (agony). Dismantled my polytunnel  frame and put it in the shed. Henry is in the shed along with any stray bits from the house, clean boots and clothes into my bag to bring back. Tried to lift the old swing frame onto the shed roof and it swung back and clonked me on the head. It hurt.

Bagged a builders bag, the raised bed bag I'd emptied and the curly hose pipe. Went through the post (2 tv licence threats), added bits of rubbish and weeds to their respective bins. Moved all the decorative edging stones (two  types) to useful locations. Large kitchen bin went in the shed, the spare walker is in the shed, a mini greenhouse cover is in the shed, stool is in the shed, all the odd bits from the yard/ house that are to be kept are in the shed. Last of the stones and soil pile tucked in a corner with the bucket and sieve.

Kept an eye on the time (was hoping the last bus was 5.30 pm not 5 pm). Didn't bother to change into my clean clothes (I didn't have any wet paint on my shoes). Locked up, washed my hands and face at the outside tap, used the towel and shoved that in my bag, bags onto the walker and my best fast hobble to the bus stop. Checked the time and sat waiting, hoping the bus would come. If not I was going to phone for a taxi as all movements were painful (had taken ibuprofen but it hadn't kicked in). So thankful when the bus appeared (going towards it's turning point). Even more thankful when it came back. Got off at the bus station as I thought it was the final trip (terminates at the bus station). When I set out from home I had a provisional plan that I would go to Boots to round up their 50p sandwiches if I got back after 4 pm. Much too late for that and I was ravenous (extremely grateful when I found a 2-pack of biscuits from my art therapy in the bottom of my bag). I never expected to be so long (and had struggled through the last two hours of work).

So I was a very bad grandmanerd turtle and crossed to the kebab shop facing the bus station. Sat on the walker reading my book whilst it cooked (chicken and lamb, no donner meat and lots of salad) and then hobbled home. Took the two most important bags off the walker and came straight upstairs. Ate and had pills. Several hours before I went down to bring in the extra bags and bring more drinks back (washing still on the line). Stripped off my dirty clothes but only had a wipe with the flannel because I didn't feel up to doing anything more. 

Mum's yard could do with another thorough sweep and the doormat and step outside the patio doors need doing. I swept the stuff the photographer swept near to the house into the stone border to make it less visible but I went to my limit and beyond yesterday. i still have lots of aches but the pain has receded. I'm going to take things very slowly today. I'm showered but back under the bedclothes to dry and will stay here as long as I need to (some of my equipment may be delivered today so I'll have to hobble down then. Trying to think what's in the fridge that I can ask them to bring up for me - I've had some of my grapes, I have a pack of dry crispbread if I get desperate.

Grateful for many many things - the viewing (even though it's been a rush - I'm not getting my hopes up, the EA said there would be lots of interest but the hard part is transforming interest into an offer and sale), mostly getting what I wanted done, done, tackling several difficult tasks and slogging through them, my bed and clean bedding, supportive pillows, different positions to ease various aches and pains, the weather this morning being pleasant but cooler, hot water, the kebab shop (think the last time I went was earlier in the year when I moved an apple tree using the walker, before that maybe 3 - 5 years).

 

Toni'sfriend

Morning Fellow Travellers

Hope the viewing goes well, Grandmanerd.

Got the washing all done yesterday and dried on the line. Just as well it's raining now. Bin strike is on hold now so I decluttered some boxes, etc. Where do they all come from? Made French Toast for lunch using up eggs and white bread and chilli for dinner using some peppers, chillies, onions and tomatoes so that's some of the perishables gone and there's enough for tonight. And it was a NSD.

I've added a few things to the Tesco order. Think that's it finalised but I'll check on Saturday just in case some of what I want isn't available.

Now I have a question which I'm sure you will all know the answer to as you all seem to find it beneficial. What exactly is mindfulness? I've got a vague idea but I'm sure there's more to it. If anybody could recommend some reading material on it I'd be grateful.

Need a bit more chicken to make a curry so after I finish my coffee we're going on shore.

Have a lovely Saturday (hope the weather's better where you are).

Shrewbie

Picture Yourself On a Boat On a Canal

Thank you grandmanerd, reading your challenge brought back some really fond memories of canal boat holidays as a kid with a schoolfriend and her family! I think that was the Kennet and Avon canal. Setting my stall out a little late but here it is...

it's never too late to turn your life around, live the life you have always wanted

I fully agree with this! Lately I’ve been realising that quite a lot of my personality up to this point of my life has been based on going out and drinking (using it as a “gateway to extroversion”.) I’m trying to change that aspect and find I actually want to for the first time in my life. I heard on a podcast the other day that if you want to see what you truly value in life (not just what you say you do), look at your bank statements as that is what you spend your time and money…. and  I realised that every bit of my disposable income was being spent on alcohol and going out. I’m finding this aspect of my life is changing relatively easily, but I’m sure there will be challenges ahead, so I will be checking in on here. 

SIMPLIFY I love the idea of only buying second hand for September. I think I did this for almost a whole year back in 2018. I do need shoes however, which I usually buy new but I will aim to make any other clothing spends from the charity shop this month.

ESSENTIALS I will aim for 15 NSDS. one is already in the bag from Thurs. I need to set up a separate “pot” for savings in my bank account, apparently it can be done via the app but I need to look at this again. This is a priority for Sept as I keep putting it off and it should be relatively simple way to separate savings off before I spend them. Budgets are set. I realised that the last time I did a budget was July which I think was the last time I wrote here… posting on here really is essential to me keeping on track. 

PLANNING and PREPARATION I do actually have a tiny one burner camping stove which I will try to dig out. Thanks to ldee for sending the energy saving ideas... I will try to do those.  I also downloaded an app which tells you when the lowest prices are so I will try to remember to use it.

THINK ABOUT EVERY PURCHASE savings have been completely knocked off track this year with lots of holidays. Will try to recenter and focus on that. 

EAT to nourish your MIND and BODY and support your IMMUNE SYSTEM. I have done a meal plan for this week. Bf and I ran down the cupboards last week before he went away and so I’ve restocked solo. Was shocked at the prices (usually I am buying for two so It doesn’t seem too bad, but perhaps I’ve over spent and won’t need all this stuff just for myself) Also trying to reduce sugar and alch. 

MINDFULNESS  Will keep up my meditation and breath work practice (15-20 min at least every morning and evening), morning pages (from Julia Cameron the Artist’s Way book) and will try to find time to read (and less time watching TV)

BE KIND I will! 

EXERCISE 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes Done for this week. I use the gym at work and it was empty this week so used a large room to do yoga and had all the machines to myself.. was great.

REPORT DAILY I will! Grateful this week for lovely chats with people at work, for getting through a driving lesson without getting too nervous (I already have a licence but need to practice on t’other side of the road)

have a wonderful weekend turtles. 

grandmanerd

Saturday 3rd September 2022

The simplicity of owning what you love, wanting what you have and being who you are, is it's own form of wealth
(Lisa Avellan)

It's Okay
To repeat outfits
To not upgrade devices
To buy second hand
To live in a small house
It's okay to live a simple life
(ModMinimalism.com)

For so long, I always felt I needed to be moving. Doing.
Now I am giving myself permission to be un-busy. And celebrating my success at the un-busy-ness of my life
(Jennifer Marie)

Today
Still based at Wigan Pier. Later we'll wander across the town centre to the large park to picnic and feed the ducks. You can walk/ run all round the park, it stretches quite a way. If you want you can explore the pier buildings, Trencherfield Mill (houses a large working steam engine and has frequently featured on tv eg in the early Paul Abbot series), go and look at the site of Wigan Casino (of Northern Soul fame) - the film of it is well worth a look, I saw it as part of the museum exhibition several years ago (I've also been to several of the monthly talks on local history). Several venues have free craft activities for adults/ children/ special needs.

The town centre has some interesting buildings (Wigan was granted it's town Charter in 1246). The new town hall is housed in the former mining college. I don't miss the old town hall, I attended a very uncomfortable Council Meeting there on a sweltering hot summer evening, when DS1 was only a few months old. I was fine standing by the door until one of the more 'right-on' Councillors asked the chair if 'we could make provision for the comrade with the baby'. Cue me having to squeeze my way across a packed chamber to squash into an empty seat, whereupon DS1 woke up and began to make his presence heard. Shortly after I regained the sanctuary of the propped open doorway where it was cooler and paced up and down the corridor when DS1 started to fret. I remember one of the few women Councillors stopping to speak to me, telling me to not give up no matter if they made me feel unwelcome or a nuisance. I was breastfeeding, DS1 went where I went - to his first public meeting at 13 days old, first union weekend school at 14 days, 6 meetings in Preston in his first 3 months (3 regional women's meetings and 3 regional council meetings as the man I deputised for had an accident at work whilst I was in Billinge having DS1), one training meeting and one pre - national conference meeting (which they sent the baby's father to speak at, on a motion I had written because they weren't sure I could cope at conference with a new baby).

Later today we'll make our way back to the barges (unless any of you want to sample the nightlife) and travel part of the way to Wigan Flashes (I'll check how far it is by barge, I had to take a bus to get there when I volunteered there, I suspect the canal is more direct)

Self Care Saturday (a few suggestions)
Take a long shower and wash your hair
Work out in a way you enjoy
Cook your favourite dinner
Listen to an uplifting podcast
Chat with a loved one or friend on the phone
Sit in the sunshine
Take a fun local class
People watch at a local coffee shop or the park

grandmanerd

Mr and Mrs Builder came to look at my back wall and the gap where a gate and fence should be. We think the wall can be rescued - most of it is solid but the coal hole (wooden framed hole where the coal man would have tipped sacks of coal into a tiny shelter at the back of the outside -and probably only - toilet) will have to come out as it too is being eaten away from the inside. Only the end bit of my wall needs rebuilding but I'm worried that if the last bit of next door's comes down it might take part of mine with it. So that will be done and Mr and Mrs Builder will come and fit a wider gate (4' probably) and a fence panel to fill the rest of the gap (it was set up as a 'car port' when I bought it. Hopefully they can come and do it before they go on holiday.

Kitchen is a big job. Everything needs rethinking - walls, lighting, layout, fixtures, what appliances I need but the Builders agree that it will be much simpler if I can move DS3 and Beloved along before we start. Other work needed too but can all be done in stages. My bath board was delivered and installed.

The person who viewed the bungalow today put in an offer £5,000 above the guide price and I've accepted it.

Mindfulness is about living in the moment. We mostly go through our lives on automatic pilot. We have an endless list of chores and 'to do's' and never stop to experience and enjoy our lives. If our brains don't have enough to do they think of things to worry about, dangerous situations that we must be protected from (however unlikely they might be). We also overthink things and make big dramas out of nothing, trying to second guess other people's actions eg if a friend passed us in the street we might think we had done something to offend them, or that someone had said something nasty about us when in reality they could just have neglected to put their glasses on or were preoccupied because someone close to them was ill. Often other people's reactions are about them not us.

Mindfulness teaches simple techniques to stop our busy brains and (frequently untrue) thoughts that we have. Many of the exercises concentrate on breathing (not fancy breathing like yoga, mindfulness is focused on not worrying about whether you are 'doing it right'). For example something goes wrong in your daily routine (the washing machine breaks down and floods the kitchen or the car won't start) so we start mopping or throwing towels at the water, then worry about the things in the cupboard getting spoiled or if it reaches as far as the living room carpet and our brain is starting to calculate the cost of buying a new washer/ car part and the impact on our budget and who's going to collect the child from school without the car (what if the child gets kidnapped because there's no-one there to meet them, what if they start to walk home, forgetting that their mother is elsewhere and get run over, or attacked). So stop, breathe, concentrate on slow deep breaths until your mind and body are calm then look at the immediate problem and how best to tackle it, work out if you can get the wet washing out of the machine, try basic steps to start the car, call for a quote if you can't fix it (did you remember to unscrew the filter at the bottom which traps debris), phone the school to warn them you might be late collecting the child.

You are stopping your busy brain before it gets into full catastrophe mode (escalating a mishap into a disaster), bringing your mind back (they do wander a lot, our brains) to right now, what is happening, what can you do now band remember to keep breathing because our bodies tense up and our breathing becomes rapid and shallow (fight/ flight/ frozen response).

abbi_aurelia

Apologies for disappearing last month, nobody scared me off, just the great patio build did not yield a completed patio, I got very behind and have only just caught up reading. I’d love to join the canal trip this month. The great patio build part 2 will be happening in two weeks 😬, I’ll need to go through my goals later

Doris17

Congratulations @grandmanerd on the sale of the bungalow.

Today has been a grocery shopping day spend £40.00 and that was on a small shop, goodness known what a large shop will be when I do a larger shop om my return from holidays. The butter I normally but was £2.05 a block picked up a cheaper one hopefully its as nice. Also walked to the local farm to pick up a dozen eggs, they are £1.50 for half a dozen much cheaper that the local supermarket and I enjoy the walk to go pick them up.

Another 5 mile done on the exercise bike 5/100mile did half this morning at 6.30am and the other half this afternoon, felt more motivated doing it this way.

Hope everyone has had a good day.

grandmanerd

Okay my plans for the month
SIMPLIFY
1   The great ongoing declutter project. To which I've just added the grand declutter plan which involves decluttering two 32 yo teenagers, 3 chinchillas, a van or two of furniture and multiple books, tech stuff, kitchen gadgetry, soft toys, little models, many clothes and cosplay outfits.

2   Hacking away at the housework challenge 5 minutes at a time. Priority is the kitchen (making it usable really and safe). I can do a book cull. I also have a few 'hacks' in mind to make it more workable until it can be replaced - will use the gorilla tape I've brought back from mum's to rape fairy lights on the understairs ceiling and under the cupboards, as the dark nights draw in.

3   Restart the grand vinyl cataloguing and get them put up for auction.

4   Simple Food. I've decide to run down the stocks of tinned, dry and frozen food. I may regret this as replacements will cost a lot more (current offers on 57 tinned soup are twice what I paid). It will have to be done before the kitchen can be done (I am not fit to carry the current stock levels upstairs and bring them back afterwards) and it was chosen to meet mum's needs not mine. I'm using some things much more slowly than she did (not keen on some of the things) but will make more effort to reduce stock levels from this month and then replace with things I'd normally have in stock (including some festive treats and basics to get through winter illnesses). Freezers can be run down one at a time (currently have one tall freezer and 3 fridge freezers (mine, DS2's and mum's) although one is switched off (it's just blocking the front door - it will fit under the stairs but that will take a lot of rearranging). 

5   I need to take a long hard look at mum's stuff. I tried not to bring things back here but there was no alternative for some items (too good to throw, not easy to donate, some can be used but much slower than mum used them). I'm getting that 'surrounded by other people's stuff' feeling again.

6   I have a very bulky wardrobe (with no doors) in my room. DS3 helped me put 5 wheels on it when it was finally assembled (DS1 took it away, said I'd given him the wrong fittings and it came back with bits missing). It was manoeuvreable with 5 wheels but when it moved back into my room in December one wheel broke and another is bent so not something I can manage in the future. I think all my clothes will fit into 2 sets of drawers (already in place) so my plan is to move the clothes (save the hangers) dismantle the wardrobe and get it outside the house.

ESSENTIALS
Pay to Debt or Savings first - need to set up a savings account and possibly switch current account as my branch closes sometime this month. I can manage with online banking for now to not immediate attention but needs to be kept on the to do list (my bank details have been given to mum's utility companies for final bills so may keep it on hold)

15 SFDs 1 so far, gave in to the lure of the kebab yesterday (not eating would have made me ill and I couldn't stand up by the time I got home - need to get emergency sandwiches in the freezer)

BUDGETS I'm basing my own budget on the amount the DWP is currently paying me in UC (doubled since last month's decision that I was unfit for work). After deducting DDs for energy (212.40 pcm now), Council tax, Internet and an amount to cover Water (paid quarterly) I am left with £172 (I'm ignoring DS3's contribution and what mum's lodger pays - predicted cost of living increases will nibble into this, so trying to live beneath my means for now). I'm going to allocate £60 for food (much less than I've spent in recent months but need to eat down the cupboards and freezer), £60 towards savings leaving £52 for miscellaneous - puzzle book film club, should not need a phone top up. The low food budget will concentrate my mind and I will avoid the shops as much as possible. I have cards and wrapping paper and will wrap token present for the adults as I go along.

All repairs and improvements will be treated as capital expenditure and will come from my share of the money in mum's bank account and later from the sale of the house. All the jobs are necessary and some have needed doing for years. The back wall/ gate and fence is now organised, soil stack has been done, would like the missing roof slates replaced even if I can't get the best workman (think mum's former neighbours had some suggestions recently). The black mould in my room is down to the chimney   which has to be topped off and I can't decorate until the mould is sorted (I will be paying someone to paint, hanging up my paintbrush after 53 and a half years - started at the age of 11).

Warm clothing will be put close by and will look round the charity shops for any useful additions. The 2 thick tunics I have will see me through this winter but I may need to look for replacements for next year. I do need some good footwear but will  delay purchasing until next month - would actually like to try them on before buying. 

PLANNING and Preparation
Really need to get to grips with meal planning and trying new recipes. Hoping I will be more motivated when the kitchen is usable. Need to not do too much at once, one or two pans on the stove is as much as I can cope with.
Want to get back into making things, I'm missing my embroidery (not quite given up but I am rapidly approaching that point). Will try simple hand sewn items and very inspired by cardboard doll's houses and other items. will try making up some of my cardboard cube boxes in the baby's wallpaper (white with blue trees) and add simple animal faces to them (fox, rabbit, bear, squirrel).

EAT To Nourish Your MInd and Body 
Another thing to get back on track. Will start simply and include exercise as part of the 40 minute mindfulness practice.

BE KIND
Always

Report Daily
Lots to be thankful for. May start journalling to formalise some of it.

REFUSE REDUCE REUSE REPAIR REPURPOSE RECYCLE
On it

Esmeralda2662

Please could I join you for your September canal boat cruise, Grandmanerd? Thank you! 

apple_muncher

Grandmanerd - that house sale was super fast! How wonderful!