NST July 2023: Jurassic July

Toni'sfriend

Thank you for running this month's challenge, Starlight. I'm interpreting it as do something now that will make your life better later. So forward planning, no procrastinating and getting into a routine. All greatly needed in my case at the moment. Diary is out and the notebook for making lists is at the ready.

So, as a start. Budget is done (should have been last week), banking done, money moved around and holiday in September paid for.

House needs a right good clean. House work has slipped dramatically over the last months, I'm afraid. I need to get into a routine to remedy that.

I have been trying to lose weight (not again I hear you groan!) I have really been quite good but the weight was stubbornly refusing to move, I discovered yesterday that the medication I now have to take has a tendency to pile on the pounds in most people. My first inclination was to reach for the biscuit tin but I've got my sensible head on. Redoubling the effort is the way to go. Sensible eating and a bit of gentle exercise. And I'm going to make to best of what little I have, No more slouching around in PJs all day.

And finally, it's time for a bit of fun and enjoyment. A meal out with Himself or the lovely cousin? A walk to a nice pub for a drink? A walk along the river? A day trip to the seaside? You know what I mean.

So I'd better get out of these PJs, put on some actual clothes and get on with it.

See you later. xxx

Starlight_at_Sea

Well summarised! I vote you double up on fun and enjoyment too, after the last few months @Toni'sfriend! 

ldee2111

Me too please

ldee2111

The long-term goal is getting rid of this mortgage then after that it’ll probably be things like replacing our roof which is about 40 years old.

But I’ll consider all that stuff after the mortgage debt is gone… we’re on track for 2026 - OH and I will be 40. Free at Forty! 

BUT, for me, paying off the mortgage must not come at the expense of giving up holidays / travel (one of the most important things in my life). I’ll cut costs everywhere but there.

Having survived the big C and being told by my oncologist that my life-saving treatment will age my brain at a faster rate (eg when I’m 50 my brain will be like that of a 70 year old’s), I’m not prepared to put a hold on doing the things that make me happiest. It does sometimes mean I hum and haw for months over whether to replace a broken kettle but thankfully I’ve got turtles gently nudging me to see sense. Grateful for that!

Anyway, thanks for July’s Jurassic challenge, @Starlight_at_Sea. I like the cumulative effect. 

I’ll be doing more decluttering and listing items for sale, donating, and last resort, disposing. I’m feeling overwhelmed with ‘stuff’ just now. It’s hard being a minimalist when you live with two messy males who apparently need lots of ‘stuff’ and don’t know how to put their socks in the laundry basket. 

It’s difficult to hit the 15 NSDs especially with so much planned for this month: a camping trip, a caravan trip, and potentially a friend visiting from Cambodia! It’s all budgeted for and I’ll always do my best to stay within budget and even come under budget. 

Good luck to all turtles on all fronts this month! X

ldee2111

Well done @thriftylass

Starlight_at_Sea

Welcome Ldee! I didn't realise that you had been through such a tough journey, thanks for sharing, it definitely puts things in perspective around deferring opportunities and experiences. Looking forward to hearing tales of travels and adventures as the year progresses! 

Good luck with the decluttering, it's a constant battle here too and I am frankly a bit bored of it using up my energy - I've decided this IS the year to properly streamline, and along with the turtles I've been so inspired by @savingholmes diary over the past few months - she shows what a concerted effort can achieve! I have yet to emulate but have high hopes! 

My take on the NSDs is that it's a stretch target for many, and intended to reduce frittering. If your careful planning ahead shows it won't be reached, set one that makes sense for yourself! 

Starlight_at_Sea

Inclusion of the 'do something first thing' was a nod to myself. I know my day goes better and my MH thrives if I get up, make my bed, take my pills, have a healthy breakfast, do something on my to do list and get outside even for a few minutes. However I don't often achieve this, when working from home, I quite often oversleep, tumble straight from bed onto the laptop, and it's not nice. When I am having a bit of a long COVID flare up, the list above might not be achievable in a day.

f0xh0les

Do something today that will show benefits over the next few days.

Just toddled down to the post box and posted my expenses.  It is my money not their money.

Checked the freezer, fridge, and pantry before making  this week's shopping list.  I know what we are eating this weekend, don't really want to shop until Monday.

Read the meters because the rate changed today and I don't want to pay a higher rate if I don't have to!

Decided to make home made ice cream sandwich biscuits and freeze individually. The ice cream will go further, and richest tea biscuits are frankly boring (but cheap! and already in the house ).

DawnW

Can I join again please?

@Toni'sfriend please remember to be kind to yourself, and not put yourself under too much pressure xx

I spent the morning digging around in the front garden, digging stuff up, emptying pots, planting stuff in the ground, carrying stuff round to the back, weeding and sweeping. Still need to finish off, but stopped for a breather. It does look much better now, and with fewer pots there will be less watering.

Not a NSD as I have had to order a new phone. Mine is at death's door, and keeps freezing up and not doing anything. It was a real pain at work yesterday when I had photos to send and messages to respond to. It is too old to warrant taking it for repair unfortunately. I will recycle it though, once I have got everything off it and restored it to factory settings. I have a cheap, sim only contract, so do not get upgrades, I would rather just buy a phone when I need one though to be honest. And I don't feel the need to have the latest / most expensive tech, so won't be spending too much. Just one that works will be good.

Dizzy_Imp

I'd like to join this month please! I need to simplify, slow down and sort my life. Each step along the way, I am trying to streamline my house and finances, to bring back a sense of control.  Having NSD targets does help me remain motivated!