NST Awesome August

beanielou

@Thrifty_Taylor. Yah to surprise sweets. 

ldee2111

Thanks for awesome August @grandmanerd

I’ve made better progress in August than in previous couple of months. I started to get back into a routine with DS back at school, we joined a health club as a family and have been making good use of it so far, I managed to declutter some stuff and make a few pennies from it too, and I feel I’m starting to come out of a lingering low mood.

See you in September all you awesome lovely turtles xx

thriftylass

Thank you 🙏 for a great August @grandmanerd. 

Bagged another NSD yesterday and as it was quite chilly yesterday evening I stuck the wood fire candle on, a fire place video on YouTube, buried myself under a blanket, my feet on our new cozy rug and did some cross stitch 🍁🌾🎃 🍂 autumn is round the corner. 

grandmanerd

beanielou said:

@grandmanerd.  Would it help if I got the b shoppe stuff for you?

Thanks Beanie, I'll get it sometime - I just have a list of stuff and keep checking which places have which shops so I can stack multiple 'needs' or 'wants' (mostly non-urgent, just checking when there's a shop we don't have). B0dy sh0p was on Saturday's list (that's why I went an hour early) but I dropped all that when the bus detoured after taking far longer than normal getting there. I will buy clothes online but sometimes I want to check that the fabric is 'forgiving' and there are no zips involved (I'm so used to pull on things, that encountering zips in April was a sharp reminder).

Revisiting m'n's is on the list (sale items no longer in stock online) - it was a bit of a shock when I saw that the Bolton one had closed. Apparently the Wigan one closed in 2019 (it's still empty). There's one on the big edge of town retail park (another place I know mainly from visiting the cinema there) but it's food only. I didn't go more than a block from the bus station. I got off the bus before the bus station at the point where I only needed to cross the road and the bank was on the corner. When I sat on one of the benches after leaving the bank I could see the sign for the arcade. There are 2 'arcades' full of tiny shops that run from the (ancient) main street through to the more modern mall with a square in the centre for the outdoor market and another similar on the far side and I wasn't sure which I wanted. The very new mall is on the other side of the main street (opened in 2007 - very resentful  of that one because our favourite cinema, a tiny independent, was one of the buildings that got demolished to make way for it)

There have been quite a lot of changes in the town centre - Debnums, BHS and others obviously went but a lot of the quirky 'nice things' shops have disappeared (anniversary card and birthday card to buy) and half of market street and the whole block (indoor market, the pre-2007 mall and a couple of other big retail outlets) is still behind wooden barriers as the building work I noticed last December is ongoing. I've been planning to take some recreational bus rides so it's mainly been 'go with the flow'. I could have taken another bus when I reached Bolton (or done more there) but I opted to come home which was the right decision. On the final stretch into Bolton town centre the former bus station now has part built rows of houses/ flats.

It changes all the time as town centres compete with the shopping parks but it emphasised how long it has been since I was in Wigan regularly or indeed how rarely I go 'shopping' other then for essentials (food and a cs trawl and even the trawl happens over a week or two).

A Review of My Month
I am awesome. Well of course I am but I haven't been reminding myself daily and have had some dips and wobbles (various pills ran out or went awol). Generally okay.

Wellness Managing to eat 'well' most of the time. Water consumption is up and fizzy drink consumption greatly reduced. I'm more aware of my body and pause before 'going further' and decide whether it's time to head for home. My ankle injury is better (little swelling and full movement) but walking is still a challenge and I start limping quite quickly. I enjoy walking (mostly bench hopping) and I feel better when I do it but there's still a 'cost' (a need to nap, need to retire to bed and lie down up to a couple of can't go further than the bathroom days). I need to be more structured about it (CBT suggested the start should be half of the 'absolute limit' - when you've established what the is)

Exercise Much better. I have found things I can do - leg raises on the bed, doing side taps and forward and back taps on the bus, or when I'm having a break from walking. Stretching especially when I ache or have a cramp to work out and more new exercises added in the last week.

Stay in the moment.  Every time I make a trip to the bins I need to sit down before returning so looking around and noticing what's going on, eating outside a few times (not got my little sanctuary yet). I also did some adapted 'mindfulness' exercises and am eating slowly and with attention some of the time.

Overwhelmed Working on moving some of my 'to do' list into the 5 D's (drop, delegate, defer and completed DOs rather than the mountain still to be done). Getting better at 'diminish' - can't do it all but do a bit or move it on one stage (things on the line 3 at a time). Definitely much better at accepting help gratefully and graciously when it is offered and even asking for help when needed.

Meal planning and preparation is still a work in progress. I have enjoyed chopping (carrots/ celery/ cucumber) for eating raw/ salad mixes. I've made sandwiches (loving the ys egg mayo on wholemeal seeded bread topped with ys spring onions and watercress), used most of what was in the fridge (not eating the things that I had to chip off the back of the fridge), had a clear out of some ancient food stuffs (where I had 3 unopened jars) and made inroads of what is left of mum's food stores - there are spaces appearing on the shelves. I still need to work on the things I wouldn't buy (microwave rice) so I forget they are there and they don't get used (may have another cull on stuff I only have because I couldn't give it to the food bank). 

Sell or donate 23 things Target exceeded and still lots more to go - will be concentrating on rubbish/ recycling today and hopefully getting the washing and washing up under control and more progress on kitchen work surfaces (might have to put things in cardboard boxes and attack the worktops - squirt and come back to them). I think I'm ready to release more books (replacing with online readers and 'listen to' forms). I need easier craft things to do. No embroidery has been done (but that might partly be down to deteriorating eyesight). Some days I haven't picked up a book.

Attitude of Gratitude always

U need a budget I had one, I went over (because of problems getting food into the house - will improve this month). I introduced several new budget categories. This included a planned approach to my wardrobe and a longer term strategy which will save money in the end. Some of my favourite cs have closed (something else to add to my out of town shopping list) and many of the newer ones seem to have a 'cheap and cheerful' attitude with long rails of mixed up items that confuse me and just make me tired. I bought some new items (my funeral dress and jacket looking tatty is pretty much my 'rock bottom' wardrobe wise), some sale purchases and some from Oxfam online). Most were not 'impulse buys'. I've been looking for a thick winter cardigan for years. Next month Oxfam is running 'Second Hand September' again so I'm planning a thorough trawl of our local cs to see if any could supply the missing elements from my wardrobe. The cs which was best for quality clothes items in my size also had bags and purses, hats and scarves and underwear supplied by retailers. I have looked for 'jewellery' items on occasion but not had much luck. I'll try to  avoid the charity book shop.

I have new pairs of both reading and distance glasses being made atm and will then upgrade the lenses in my current pairs (hoping some of my eye pain and soreness diminishes as a result). I think I hoped this expense would fall in September rather than August but my original appointment was in April/ May so I've already stretched it a bit. I didn't know if I would be paying for the meal with my sons but they wouldn't let me (DS1 said I'd offered to pay but then he'd invited extra people so I shouldn't) - DS1 and DS2 split the bill (DS1 had invited DS3 and offered to pay for him but he declined). I've already suggested a meal in September (we're meeting anyway) which I may pay for.

Entertainment I've seen lots of good films (several cheerful ones involving death), some gripping series, and read lots of good books. I haven't had as many days out as I would like but as with many other areas of my life things that needed doing took my energy and time. The passive activities could be done when I'd reached the can't stand up any longer stage. The mix up with my pills and missing items from food deliveries meant I had to leave the house to sort things. Shopping of all kinds will continue to be a challenge and I need to be ahead of the game (whilst paddling furiously to catch up on other things and prevent the house descending into chaos). 

I had 3 appointments (there'll be a follow up optician appointment when the new glasses arrive). I have one booked in for early October, I still have to arrange repeat bloods and an appointment with the Practice Nurse and I've had a text to say my flu jab has been reserved. I might push the Practice Nurse one into October as the flu vaccine is due at the end of September and she'll do it whilst I'm there (but the appointment should have been in August).

Staycation Will continue into September. More days out while the weather is reasonable, mainly getting on a bus and taking a picnic. Will organise something more formal for next year (the new catalogue will be out soon and some offer an early bird discount for booking as well as cut price tariffs for off season.

Treat yourself and others kindly I have done both. Even on the worst days I have done some 'work' and I have forestalled any 'beating myself up' over what is still to be done. I've accepted and offered help in many situations.

Grateful for lots of different butterflies and bees visiting my garden (and little robin came to see me this week), eating a lot more veg, simple easy food, some spending being good long term planning, sorting my bank account (more jobs to go on the to do list but hey ho), travelling through lovely places, it not raining and the sun not being oppressive - very grateful for the tree lined lanes.

Toni'sfriend

Would you believe I forgot it was the end of the month? I swear my brain has gone. I  can't remember what day it is most of the time.

Anyway, when I got myself in gear I did Himself's banking and all bills have been paid and money moved to savings, etc. Packing done (bits and bobs to be added at last minute but I have a list). Everything perishable has been used (apart from milk which Himself will need). I'm really quite organised for once. All I need to do now is organise Himself and The Boy on Saturday.

Thanks for the challenge Grandmanerd. xxx

apple_muncher

Thank you for August, grandmanerd. It has been a good month as I've slowly decompressed from working. I feel on top of the wellness, eating and exercising well. And my shoulders are lowering away from my ears. I've enjoyed being out in the garden. Having the step kids and their v young families visiting made for a really good effort on tidying up - and it has mostly stayed that way. There are 2.5 big bags of donations waiting for me to take them. I think my impulse purchases hit a high as I discovered v1nted, but everything I ordered was required, and at a fraction of the new cost.

I want to take many good habits from August and continue them in September.

Today I am grateful for running getting slightly easier, for chatting with a friend at the gym, for a lovely couple of hours work at dc's school, for progressing from Harry bodies to Hermione bodies, for dc spending the evening popping in to tell me things.

See you in September. Here's the linkie again: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6469364/nst-september-2023-turtle-tightwaddery-with-a-sprinkle-of-alchemy/p1

abundant1972

Good Evening 🌕

Just caught up on the last week. Happy belated birthdays 🎂🎈 and holidays 🌞 

Thank you for August Grandmanerd - I know I haven't been very present - but I am telling myself a few days is better than no days, and I have room to improve next month. It is really helpful having this little island of Turtles to swim back to and just knowing you're all still there is great. 

I heard mention of the C word but no actual word reveal - so all fines withheld for now 😏🖐🏻🎄

Capricorn/Aquarius - that's interesting! I like the idea of a hippie accountant haha. I'm a Scorpio 🦂

Today I am grateful for:

1) Some lovely smiles from total strangers that literally lit up my day. It made me realise that something so simple could make a World of difference to some who are going through tough times. Thank you people!!!
2) My local gym. I made it there today and this is another one of my anchors in life. A constant I can go back to even if I just get on a treadmill. I can be around people and feel a part of something even if I don't feel up to talking to anyone.
3) The kindness of friends and family

No idea how many NSDs I had but I am going to guesstimate at 10-15 haha. 

August has been a funny month... and today I read that it is a Full Moon in Pisces today which is the end of the astrological year. It feels like a good time to release and let go off things that no longer serve me (like my job) and so I sent a great long essay to HR/Occ Health and got it all off my chest. In my heart of hearts it was me letting go - and embracing uncertainty, but trusting in the Universe that something will else will surface. It has been a month of rain and low mood for me - a symbolic release of emotion for I suppose. In a weird way looking out and listening to the rain has helped me connect to that part of me that is sad/reflective and that has been cathartic. Lord I sound bonkers!!! (I am a little!!!). I'm blaming the meds!!! 🤪

I am ready to welcome in September and start afresh. and will be signing up if that's ok!

Big hugs all x

Thrifty_Taylor

Thank you for this month's thread @grandmanerd. Good that you drafted & sent your email @abundant1972. I'm a great believee in what's meant for you won't pass you by. The future is out there with the perfect post that you'll be happy in. Happy hunting!

Did yoga this morning, Pottered a little before heading to work. Had a good day there, plus the sweet deliverer from yesterday, gave me 2 new magazines that she'd bought & read this morning. Asked her what she was bringing me tomorrow 😂 said I'll keep coming in to work if I'm getting presents every day!

Unpicked some sleeves to shorten after tea, got one half done, but a friend came to cut DS1's hair, then it was my turn in the bath, so didn't get as much done as planned.

Had a pampering session in the bath, hoping it'll reduce my stress levels 

Grateful for surprise magazines, my pupil reward trial for good behaviour working, that tomorrow is Friday

f0xh0les

I might have just switched bank for cash again.  That will be £750 so far this year. A new shiny £200 coming my way in September.
Squeaked through with £6.30 left in the bank. 
Man at volunteering role announced only 16 weeks left until C-word again.  
He is a troublemaker. 
Thanks for August @grandmanerd

DrCarrie

beanielou said:

DrCarrie said:

Evening Turtles. Hope you are al having a lovely bank holiday apart from those in my distant homeland!

Do people know if the MSE app works well for the forum? I think I may stand a better chance of checking in!

Yes.  I use it a lot now.
Go to sections, then forum & then quick links to find your bookmarked threads 

I can't seem to get a new log in!