Find the SecondStar and soar, and then straight on till the morning…

dawnybabes

Awww I’m so sorry to hear this, better a day early than a day late. 

Fortune_Smiles

Such sad news SecondStar.  Sending virtual hugs.

Fortune x

weenancyinAmerica

So sad - but he had a wonderful life with you. And you knew when the time was right to let him go. Better the right time than to wait until the dog is suffering too much. Sending hugs.

KajiKita

So sorry SecondStar. One of the toughest decisions we ever have to make. He was so well loved and cared for by you. You did your very, very best for him and he knew it. 

Sending huge, gentle, comforting hugs x

KK

SecondStar

Thank you everyone, your kindness and thoughtfulness is very much appreciated.

I’m doing what I usually do when trying to navigate difficult emotions, and that’s turn to facts and figures - they’re solid, tangible, stable; they allow me to ground my feet when the world feels like it’s spinning around me.

It’s no secret that my darling boy had been one of my largest expenses - willingly, and gladly. Anything he needed, he got; from additional vet visits, extra medications, more hydro, physio, laser, acupuncture appointments, etc. I’ve lived off of toast and porridge more than once, so that he could have his quality food and supplements. If money could’ve kept him healthy and happy for longer, I would’ve beggared myself and been thankful for it.

I’m now going to be looking at around £300 which will be unaccounted for each month - about 17% of my income - potentially more, once our pay award is announced in the next month or so.

I’m still prioritising my emergency fund, and will still have my sinking funds for Christmas, birthdays, car insurance, and a weekend away next year.
I think I might like to add another sinking fund for a memorial tattoo, and possibly for a longer holiday as well. I’ll also be increasing my personal monthly spending amount, from £50 to £100.



My priorities need a bit of a reset - my boy was always first and foremost in my mind, he came before everything, and my first priority was always to make sure he was taken care of, and my finances revolved around this.

I still have my bunny and my senior cat to care for, and my cat also gets top end care and treatment to help her in her older years, but not to the same cost.

I don’t want to get carried away with splurging. I know myself, and this has the potential to be a negative ‘lifestyle creep’ event, which I don’t want to have happen. I hope that by allowing myself extra spending money, and leaning into filling my emergency fund, that will help me to get some fulfilment out of this awful time.



It’s still very early days, and I’ve got a long way to go to adjust to this new season of life.

linz

A memorial tattoo is a lovely idea. I have one for my dog who I lost in 2021. He, like yours, meant everything and I always knew I would get one (1st and only one). I have his paw print in a clay mould and the tattooist copied it as best he could and included a tiny bit of his ashes in with the ink. Not everyone's cup of tea, but I have his paw print and a tiny part of him on my ankle now, always by my side   

It would be a lovely way to remember him.

SecondStar

I am home!

It was our group’s biggest reenactment event this weekend - we hold it every other year, so there’s been a 2 year run up to the event…and we had to cancel the last day today, due to a bad storm.

My partner and I were on site from Friday afternoon, with the plan to stay through until early this evening, but the weather had other plans. Still, we had a lovely time seeing old friends and new, and we both made some money on the Saturday which was great.

I barely slept on Friday night, was knackered all through Saturday, then slept like an absolute log in Saturday night, and then woke to the howling gale and driving wind this morning. It was a shame to have to call off today, but the ground wasn’t safe for reeanactors or the public, and some of the less well secured tents were almost taking flight! I’m thankful that my partner is capable of pitching a very secure canvas, but it still felt like being on a boat under sail!

I’m slowly unpacking - it’s my least favourite bit - between snacks and cups of tea, and trying to rally the energy to get into the shower.

My partner headed home this evening to get the tent and bedding hung out to dry, but will be up again tomorrow morning to celebrate our anniversary. Not sure what we’ll be doing just yet, but there will be pizza involved!

Sarahwithlove

Glad you managed to make some money just a shame about the weather. Happy anniversary for tomorrow 💓 

SecondStar

We had a lovely anniversary day - my partner came with flowers, and we went into the city for the day. He treated me to a new book, some eye cream that I’ve wanted to try for ages, and dinner at my favourite restaurant. Yesterday we were up bright and early to do charity shops in 3 different towns, and came away with another lovely, useful basket, a couple of tops, and an acupressure mat which I’ve wanted for ages (£2.50!).

My partner was thrilled with his new tunic and the air fix HMS Belfast model, and I just love all my new beads.

We chatted about the very last event of the season, at the end of September, as well as plans for next season. He’s in the process of moving his forge to his parent’s premises, so he’s not smithing at the moment, but there’s plenty to be done between now and the start of next season. We should have more scope to get to events further afield, or on the mainland, and should make a killing at the larger events since he’ll be trading separately from his former business partner now.

Between refining our personal kits, the camp set up, display pieces, and trading items, we’ll have a lot to keep us busy!



August has been squiffy for the budget, but I’m definitely still in green.

I’ve obviously not had the same pet expenses this month, and won’t do going forwards, and I’m feeling conflicted about that. I would rather have my boy back than any amount of money in the world, that goes without saying; and so I find myself feeling guilty about thinking where this money will go now. Feeling guilty that some of it might go towards buying things for myself, even if the majority does go towards saving.

I’m not rushing myself, and I’m reminding myself that guilt is normal and natural, but that doesn’t mean that it’s real and correct. I can feel guilt, and then also remind myself that there is nothing to feel guilty about.

Pay day on Friday will be the start of another type of budgeting chapter, I’ll fill you in when I’m sitting down to my folder.

linz

You could always make a donation with some of the money you wouldn't be spending on his needs next month to your local RSPCA or animal shelter? Ours are regularly asking for certain things like training treats or stimulation toys. They also have an Amazon wish list. All my dogs things went there too. Just a thought ?