NST OCTOBER 2022: Autumn Leaves and Sloe Berries

greent

Thankful it's only one more day until half term! (For me - my lot have already broken up) Also for a gorgeous lunch when out at a 'thing' today and for candles giving a cosy glow tonight.

firsview

Evening Turtles. I too have everything crossed for Mr Thrifty! My friends husband had a kidney transplant many years ago and it made a massive difference to his quality of life.
DS2’s hospital checkup went well and I was really impressed with the speed and efficiency from St Thomas’s cardiology dept. His consultant explained they had plenty of staff but not enough consulting rooms, so rather than waiting for appointment times they just grabbed people as they came in no matter how early they were and got started. Unfortunately we just missed the last pre rush hour train so it was a bit packed on the way home. We almost crossed over Westminster bridge for a peek into Downing Street, but didn’t have time. I just wanted to see Larry the cat.
Not an NSD today as had to go out for emergency bananas. Seriously losing the will to live when trying to meal plan as I can only think of one or two dishes that all 6 of us will eat. I normally think making something that 4 will eat is a win! The ideal would be to have a months worth on rotation, but I am running out of ideas and when I ask for suggestions I am met with blank stares apart from lovely DS2 who says that he loves everything I make!
Today I am grateful for DS2 continuing to do well, the sun coming out after a dark dreary morning and a good laugh with my lovely 99yo customer.

BadBookkeeper

@Thrifty_Taylor wishing your DH well.  

@firsview same here with meal plan I have a 2 week rota, it’s as boring as hell!!

Heres my update for today:

Outside - Walked through park/field to get to work, dragged wet grass all through the office so got the hoover out.  Went home same happened! Boss is looking at new premises with a car park I’m so glad as don’t feel safe leaving my car where I currently do. 

Inside - Washing in, washing out, washing in, washing out.  People in this house wear way too much!  Hook we hang our coats on had enough of trying to hold 6 coats and gave up & fell off.  Hope DH fixes it soon. 

Fun - A mint choc chip ice cream! 

Food / alcohol - Ate rubbish most of day.  Had leftover lasagne for tea.  No alcohol.  Had toothache so that stopped me this evening. 

Read - Nothing today. 

Plan for December - Messaged ds closest friends to check they’re available for ds party before booking. Also thinking of ideas for 26th.

NSD - Still 10/15 did grocery shop tonight. 

MSE - Used leftovers for tea, n/wide transfer has completed so just eagerly waiting my bribe.  I’ve spent it in my head! Also completed a yougov survey but nowhere near the points needed to cash out £50.

Gratitude - Grateful for paracetamol, DS joining after school footy and having to put the heating on a tad more to dry clothes & trainers! 

Esmeralda2662

Fantastic news, @Thrifty_Taylor! I hope all goes well for your DH 

Managed to get out for a riverside walk into town with OH today and missed most of the rain.

Bought some meat and veg and cooked a slow cooker stew for tomorrow.

Went to £land to get certain chocolate bars for BIL's birthday but they didn't have them and were very low on choice. Will have to try big SM.

OH decided to buy a heated throw from the Land of Lakes shop. Got £10 off voucher towards it and cashback from credit card so that helped the price. We had the last cheaper one and they hadn't got many others left, mostly only the £100+ ones. Hope it is nice and warm!

Had a bit of a set to with OH as he wants to know what is planned for Sproutmas. I don't even want to think about it but he wants it settled. This led to the regular argument of him saying my sister etc don't bother with him and he's sure they don't come for the big day if he's going. (They couldn't come the first year due to covid restrictions and last year they all had covid so couldn't come). They like him but don't believe in texting/ringing anyone much except mum. Even i don't speak to them or hear from them that much but we still get on well. I get so frustrated as i can't make them do what he wants and he thinks everyone in the world is against him. I find it exhausting trying to reason with him. He's a lovely man who would do anything for you but unfortunately feels people never appreciate it.

Gratitudes: going a nice walk along the river, not getting rained on, sausage and mash for tea, not throttling OH!

hazeldreams

Morning all,

Happy half term break up day to all finishing for a week! I have Weds, Thurs, Fri off next week - can't wait!

Update for yesterday and plans for today;

Outside Walked pooch with OH just before dusk. Was lovely. Intend to make this a habit when I'm wfh.

Inside Nothing yesterday.

Fun Nope

Food/Drink AF 13/31. Proper overdid it on the chocolate and crisps because I was tired from staying up late and drinking. Going to try and give my stomach a break and fast until lunch. It used to help me loads when I did this.

Read Yes, solve for happy listened to on the way into work.

Plan 4 Dec Nothing.

Gratitudes Having the means to pay another chunk off debt. OH support in being frugal. Walk with OH and pooch.

Yoga/Meditation Still no. Need to sort this out desperately.

Spending Cleared another £400 off CC. I've managed £1000+ this week from being frugal over last 2 months and getting the money back from the energy company.

Still on NSD 5/10.

We're tantalisingly close to sub £160k total debt inc mortgage too. Nearly 60% of total debt cleared since Jan 2019. Can't wait to be in 150's! I've budgeted until the end of the year and I'm confident that we can clear the remaining balance on the credit card, meaning we can go into 2023 attacking the mortgage. I'd absolutely LOVE to set a goal of £37k to completely clear this part of the mortgage by 8/12/23 when the 1.89% deal runs out. This was consolidated debt from credit cards too so our mortgage should only be about £119k. I really feel that now is our time to get it right. This is the 3rd time we've tried to properly kick debt in the backside, and we're ready now to properly see the back of it. I feel like the other 2 times were practice runs to lead to this moment. I'd love to get everything gone by 30/09/2026. That's 25 years from taking our first mortgage. I want all my income back!!

Happy Friday,

Hazel x

grandmanerd

Good wishes and hugs to Thrifty (and Mr Thrifty as long as it doesn't compromise his pre-op checks)

Esmeralda2662

Forgot to say that OH and i have been together 27 years so this argument has been rumbling on for decades! 

Well done @hazeldreams! You sound really determined to reduce your debts once and for all.

Wanted to go a walk this morning but the weather is miserable. Hate getting soaked through so sofa, cat and book it is!

Up to NSD#6 due to being unable to leave the house for 2 days due to hospital treatment. An unexpected perk!

My German 'prepper' friend sent me photos of her progress. She has been busy bottling carrots and also Frikadellers (similar to burgers). This can be dodgy due to possible botulism if the meat isn't preserved correctly. Glad I won't be the first one to try some but I do admire her for everything that she's doing in case of emergency measures.

Not long now till the weekend, Turtles. Enjoy! X

Toni'sfriend

Hazel - You sound so determined I'm sure you'll get there.

I'm a bit later checking in today. I've been reorganising kitchen cupboards. I swapped the contents of two around. It was hard work but worth it. I don't know why I didn't think of it before. It's so much more practical. The one thing it has highlighted is Himself's hoarding is out of control  . We have dozens and dozens of mugs and glasses some of them still in their boxes and they've been there for years. I am in all seriousness wondering if he has some kind of obsession and can't help himself. Does that sound like a realistic possibility? Anyway I have binned a lot of stuff which was so bad it really couldn't even be given away. Other things I'll take to the charity shop bit by bit or ask the lovely cousin if she knows any organisation that could make use of it.

So, I've done enough for today. Going to have a cup of coffee and relax for a bit.

BadBookkeeper

Yay it’s Friday! 

Outside - Walked through the park/ field back & to to work.  List made for outside jobs I want us to do this weekend. 

Inside - Inside looks like chaos!  Stuff everywhere so will have a quick sort out and tidy up.  

Fun - my best friend is coming over tonight so we can organise ourselves for December. 

Food / alcohol - Cut out all snacks today and started tracking calories.  No alcohol. 

Read - None today. 

Plan for December - Topped up my December  pot so feel better about that & had a few ideas for gifts. 

NSD - Yes so that’s 11/15

MSE - Completed a yougov survey.  Happy to receive my £200 bribe from n/wide!  I was nervous if I’d done it correctly.  I am using it to top up my December pot £80 and to pay for a bt fee to ensure I have 0% until my dfd date as doubt there will be many when my current deal runs out think this will be £40.  It should also cover my night out with the girls early December £30/£40 and I desperately want to get my eyebrows shaped!! Any left over I’d like to treat us to tea & cake when we go to see a castle tomorrow. DH always has to cover these extras so it will give me great pleasure to do this! 

Gratitude: A potential new office, it will give us all a fresh start in work, free £200, friends.

Have a great weekend. 

beanielou

@Toni'sfriend.  Your local foodbank would welcome the new mugs