Follow the Yellow Brick Road 2023

SandyShores

Thanks savingholmes.  I'd been putting off the pruning as I'm not sure what I'm doing, but I do know from my research that its better to keep on top of it than let it get out of hand.  The plants definitely look better and seem to have survived so far.  The hard work/small investment in that part of garden has been worth it - everything looks really strong and I'm looking forward to seeing what spring brings.  I did think about the log edging strips, thanks for the suggestion, but wanted something very neat and not very noticeable.  Something like a large plant saucer would be ideal with the bottom cut out, but it would have to be quite big.  The rim off any very large plastic tub would probably be ideal but I don't have one and not sure how I would trim it off without breaking it either - its not urgent so I'm sure the universe will send an answer (or not)

Excited to report that another £5 sent to the mortgage courtesy of the receipt scanning app, another £5 is pending so that should be ready to go next week.  I'm finding it really satisfying sending these small amounts.  

I've just realised that February is rolling on and I haven't firmed up a plan to save the regular OPs.  There are a couple of NatWid accounts I can open, as well as a Sant one.  I'm not sure about the Barks one - its 5% but involves joining the rewards programme, paying a fee but receiving it back for having two DDs.  Can't decide if that is too much hassle - so this will be a job for next week.

Not having the electronics at bedtime has become a firm habit now, I think its just over a week and I can feel a noticeable difference - I still wake up early, but I've been getting up earlier too.  It feels like my sleep quality is better and I think reading is helping as I pick up my kindle if I have too much trouble dropping off and that seems to send me off quite quickly.

savingholmes

Well done on the no electronics. I reckon I'd get an hour back for rest if I did that. Not managed to make myself do it yet.

Good that your garden is coming along.

LadyWithAPlan

savingholmes said:

I think LWAP mentioned that book too. 

Well done on the OP.

Yes its a great book - i just need to start it again!!

Good to play with the OP calculator..
I am talking big on putting stuff on vinted but not actually managed anything yet

SandyShores

Better sleep is a work in progress savingholmes, there are definite improvements though, I think reading must be a big de-stressor for me.

I have finally started listing things LadywithaPlan.  Some of the 'example price' items that popped up were so cheap though - like £2.  I'm selling a £40+ shirt for DH that he only wore a few times, so I've put it on for £16.  I guess its better sold than sat in the back of the wardrobe but I'd rather give it to charity than sell it for £2.  

I took a quick look at the mortgage account this morning and noticed that the end date is now January 2038 - so another month bites the dust slowly but steadily getting there

SandyShores

I thought it was time to have a look at progress on my list of seven goals.   Happy to say that things are coming on and good progress made.  Lots to do but then there always is and always will be - thank goodness

Updated 31 July 2024

1. Financial - 2024 is focussing on mortgage - some wins but need to keep going
Making small OPs from receipts apps, PB wins etc
Save larger OPs for paying down H2B in June 2025
Get to 50% equity (currently 31.9%)
2. Physical Health / Fitness - still need to make sure this is visibly prioritised
More running and regular weights session(s)
Lose more lbs (from size 14 to 12)
Work on sleep hygiene, relaxing, mindfulness, yoga
3. Family/healthy work-life balance - have definitely reached goals here.
Start by reducing the number of regular trips to the supermarket(s)
Have a less stressful time at work
Make space for family time and activities
4. Career and Learning
One course booked completed (waiting for exam result) other less formal learning e.g. reading the books
Keep in mind potential career change and connected masters course
5. Environment e.g. decluttering and decorating 
Aim to buy as little as possible, at same time sell, sell, sell e.g V1nted (need to step this up)
Started decluttering in June - have done under stairs, kitchen sink cupboard and wardrobe.  Major areas now are ensuite, office and garage.  Completed the main bulk of the decluttering and now just a few areas remaining, e.g. cupboards etc. to do but its less intensive - no need to block whole weekends out any longer!
Generally decorate the house and add a few soft furnishings - initially I do need want to purchase curtains (3 sets) and rails, but can also hand make blinds for three windows  purchased as reasonable£ & time saving.
Continue shaping the garden and eventually a veg plot (raspberries/salad are okay in shade).
6. Creativity - art, sewing, social etc.
Plan more meet ups with friends and family - near, far and wide - started
Once craft room sorted, use it e.g. making cushions, painting etc.
Read lots (7 books read so far)
Do a few of those social activities I keep on about - advanced driving, climbing
7. Spiritual / Personal Growth / Inner Peace
Reached by completing all the above

SandyShores

Just checked the PBs - another £100 win.  Very pleased with that :):).  I didn't seem to get a notification on Friday, but then someone else said to me their email was returned unsent.  Might need to check that out on the yahoo mail site.

redofromstart

Congrats on the PB win!

savingholmes

Well done on a month off the mortgage. 

Great news on the PB win.

SandyShores

Thank you redofromstart and savingholmes.  I managed to change my PB prize options in time to receive the win as cash rather than more PBs, so another £100 OP made to the mortgage.  I also checked my PB notifications and they are set to text message only so I didn't miss the email. 

Plans for a quiet mother's day working towards my 7 goals  - a walk, coursework and adding some more items to v1nted - not necessarily in that order.  Need to nip to the shops as I've invested a couple of hundred pounds into IT accessories which will be helpful for my course, but will come in handy afterwards too.  Then ongoing stuff such as washing, cleaning etc. in between.  I have got an ever growing list of home admin. tasks but those will have to wait for next Sunday.

savingholmes

Well done on the OP