NST Awesome August

ditty1234

Might be a few weeks behind again, and behind on reading, but am going into work at 7 to try and throw out 15 years of clutter from my new classroom. I have a lot of work to do and very little time to do it, but for the next week, I will do as much as I can to get ready. 
I am grateful for getting back with my lovely running group yesterday, and for a brilliant night out with an other ladies group last Saturday. 
And amazingly yesterday felt like my first NSD ever. 
I have 2 things that wants to return me money and I have one invoice to pay, will try and get that organised today. 
How August is slipping away quickly!

ditty1234

apple_muncher said:

Ditty, hope the chaos subsides. Take care.

Thanks Apple, the car journey continued, I finally got it back Sunday! 
And yes boys have settled, but I am worried about the young one - he's pushing himself too hard. 

grandmanerd

beanielou said:

Upside today~~Had another injection in my shoulder.
Downside~~I went to GP with toothpaste on my nose & in my hair!!

THrifty~~I hope your DH is ok & gets home soon.

@grandmanerd.  Could someone help you to get the trellis outside?

DS3 will help take it outside (just have to catch him when he has his shoes and trousers on) but I'm worried that they will get spoiled if they are outside without being stained (I think they have protective coating. Also need to do more moving things around out there as I'm already having to 'step over' various obstacles - much better than it was but still needs work.

grandmanerd

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
Well I've obviously been neglecting you and skipping through posts but big hugs for everyone especially beanie and thrifty-Taylor (and Mr T-T if that's not too forward)

Getting More Done With Less (energy, time, money, space)
Doing a bit extra 
This morning I remembered to take my mask into the bathroom with me so it could soak in warm soapy water whilst I had my shower (and then it could go in clear water for rinsing when I got out). I always use the shower head (after cleaning myself, just as the water's getting a bit too hot) to massage my shoulders and back. Washing my hair and doing other extra grooming bits is an add on but I have to pick a 'good' day (some days I'm dizzy or weak and can manage the shower but no more, some days I feel safer and more comforted by sitting in front of the sink and washing slowly with a hot flannel). 

Before my hip was correctly diagnosed (2 months bed rest followed by months of physiotherapy) I would hobble downstairs to get food. In the time it took for my food (hm ready meals) to heat through, I could wash up dishes from a previous meal or put away ones I'd left to dry, gather rubbish or recycling (I had a waste paper basket by the sink and would rinse things whilst waiting for the bowl to fill and drop them into the basket) and put things away. Lots of things were easier to transport in a waste bin clutched firmly against my chest.

Getting a lot more done (every now and then)
This morning whilst waiting for water to get warm enough to soak my mask, I moved the raskog out of the bathroom, cleaned a patch of floor and skirting boards and a 'ledge' that haven't seen the light of day for weeks (I used to clean the bathroom by taking out everything that would move, now I just do whatever bit I can by shuffling furniture one way then the other). When I'd had my shower, I wrapped a towel round me, moved the storage stool into the rascog space, then sat on it to pick up all the bits that were underneath (ends of toilet rolls, one rubber glove, my trainers, hair and dust and washers from the old toilet seat) then put wipes down and did little circles with my feet and then into all the awkward bits (pipes coming up through the floor, corners). 

I feel like a wet dish rag but I need to rest to make sure I'm properly dry and if I can do that mush every hour and spend the rest of the hour resting, I'll get lots done. 

Jobs that take care of themselves
It used to be setting the washing machine and dishwasher going (still a standby when I'm ill, at least I've done something before I totter back to bed). When the boys were small I'd gather up all their clothes (they were trained to either leave them at the bottom of the stairs or throw them down before getting in the bath) and set them off once they were all in bed, so things could go outside first thing in the morning or put them out on the line in the dark and they'd dry between sunrise and me bringing them in (usually when getting everyone ready for school).

Today if I can get the sheet onto the line, it will dry by itself (or if it rains, it will be extra rinsing) and teh machine will be free for the next load (washing is no longer an all in one operation with 5 loads laid out across the kitchen floor to be processed - if it can be moved on one stage (in the wash, out of the machine, pegged out 3 items at a time) that's enough. Because of my eczema and dermatitis I've always done washing up in very hot water. Then I go and do another job and when I come back any nasty bits have soaked off and only a quick wipe is needed (then they go on the drainer to dry by themselves). This is helpful now because I can't stand for long enough to scrub a whole bowlful of pots.

That's enough for now. If there's any aspect of the challenge you'd like more detail on or suggestions for (staycation?) let me know and I'll include them.

thriftylass

Good morning.
Sorry I have been a bit AWOL, just been busy with DIY after work to get the kids rooms ready. Couldn't really be bothered yesterday but one look into the living room did it: pre-teen shouting at the telly while playing games with his pals and a coffee table full of horse toys. I want my living room back...

Otherwise not much to report, clocked up some NSDs but need to start keeping better track again next month. Lunches to work every day, cycled more and gym-ed occasionally. 

Toni'sfriend

Had the best possible news from the oncologist today. I don't have to see her again. I'm back in the care of the surgeons but (all being well) I don't have to see them again until I have a mammogram next March. Still have to deal with the lung thing but she says I'll be fine and I don't have to see the respiratory consultant till mid October. I am buzzing!!!!

So, Himself and I had a conversation about our trip abroad in January. Neither us of us are entirely comfortable with doing it but we're holding off to see how I feel after October. But just to hedge our bets we've booked two very nice breaks nearer to home in January and February. So we have a plan A and a plan B. Both can be cancelled right up until the last minute without penalty.

Sorry this is a very selfish post. Hope you are all well. xxxx

thriftylass

Toni'sfriend said:

Had the best possible news from the oncologist today. I don't have to see her again. I'm back in the care of the surgeons but (all being well) I don't have to see them again until I have a mammogram next March. Still have to deal with the lung thing but she says I'll be fine and I don't have to see the respiratory consultant till mid October. I am buzzing!!!!

So, Himself and I had a conversation about our trip abroad in January. Neither us of us are entirely comfortable with doing it but we're holding off to see how I feel after October. But just to hedge our bets we've booked two very nice breaks nearer to home in January and February. So we have a plan A and a plan B. Both can be cancelled right up until the last minute without penalty.

Sorry this is a very selfish post. Hope you are all well. xxxx

Nothing selfish about your post. Great news should be shared too. Very happy for you!

Toni'sfriend

Thank you so much, thriftylass. Still a wee bit of a way to go. But such a relief to Himself, me, the Boy and everyone else. Tiredness is normal for three months minimum apparently but, at least, I know what's causing it. I can feel the stress draining out of me. I think for the first time in months I might sleep tonight. xxx

abundant1972

Afternoon all 🌞

Thanks for the support everyone - hugs all round to those who need them. 

Brilliant news Toni's Friend and liking the plan A and B. I think I need something to look forward to and plan for like this. I'm going to take a leaf out of your book. 

Grandmanerd you always plough on regardless! You have great tenacity!!! Are you a Cancerian haha?!

A lovely sunny day here. Had a slow start today and then a midday slump - but am up, showered and dressed - and am going to go for a little walk and catch some rays, and treat myself to something nice for dinner and watch the second Hobbit movie! [I'll hunt the yellow sticker section out first haha]

Today will be a spend day if no yellow sticker bargains. 

Today I am grateful for:
1) My incredible therapist who has helped me understand my eating habits so much
2) GP's and the tireless work they do and incredible pressures they are under
3) Some sunshine to brighten the day and lift my mood

Have a lovely evening everyone xx

DawnW

Fantastic news @Toni's Friend