NST October 2023 A New Start

grandmanerd

Sunday 29th October 2023
Thank you to everyone who's  taken part this month (I know we haven't finished but the laptop's unreliable so not sure when I'll  be able to get on). You are all stars.

Obligations
Most of us are juggling many things and sometimes it helps to sit down and think about those. Some are done from love, some started well but can become onerous (I've found this in the past with voluntary work when more and more is 'expected'  and taken for granted and there's always the bossy one), some have just become automatic as others assume we'll sort everything out (including their lives) or take on extra tasks. Why are  we doing this, what do we get out of it, is it helping or hindering our own goals and aspirations.  

In my case some of those obligations date back to childhood - I was there to be 'useful', it's expected that I'll drop everything else when 'family' needs me (including any strays adopted along the way). I'm still cast in the role of the 'sensible one'. I'm still stuck with several pieces of other people's cast off furniture and a lot of my mother's expectations.

This month has seen major shifts which will be put into action in November (I hope). In under a week I went from having decided on a course of action, to having those hopes demolished,to working out a new pathway - there will be more things to do but I won't have the responsibility for selling another house atm, or doing it  up to sell (I'd already decided not to do that) or paying domestic bills on two houses. 


Spending money
I've spent more than I should this month,  for many reasons.  It's a distraction because there are so many things I couldn't do anything about. The crafting is also a distraction from dwelling on my problems but it's also a celebration of finding ways to continue doing some things I loved (it keeps me calm,  helps me focus and think things through without unnecessary 'brooding', it makes me happy). 

I need to focus and not fritter money away. The ongoing illness doesn't help - I barely managed more than a quick 'totter' downstairs for most of this week (decluttering, tidying in my room and cleaning the bathroom has happened in baby steps) but much less 'cooking' (even the bung it in the microwave or grab the components to make a sandwich) has happened.

Social Life
Very much on hold. I forgot about Cinema Club. I forgot about it on Thursday (when I thought it was Friday) and forgot again on Friday (although to be honest getting across the car park was beyond me). I haven't seen DS1 or DS2 since the end of September.i really wanted to but getting to essential appointments (I still have many 'on hold') has been a struggle and getting as  far as the end of the backs was a stretch and the trip to  renew library books and the walk back from my flu jab appointment have been the highlights of my month.

Rest, Relaxation, RESET
Much needed and lots of rest happened. The Reset has started and will continue. I've had a letter telling me how my pension will be paid (from January 30th) so I need to build a budget. There has been a lot of guesswork recently because my basic income was slightly less than my household bills (DS3's contribution was needed for top up and food).  I really need to separate my capital and  running costs (the first is for house repairs and improvements / buying property, the second is for bills and food). 

Thanks
Thanks to all turtles who have swum along, inspired and helped this month. Hugs for all those who have struggled and are still struggling and many many congratulations to all who have triumphed and entertained us (thanks to f0xh0les and the mystery of the missing scaffolding).

I'm grateful for what I have achieved, for some clarity and a few ways forward, for my bed (mattress cleaning completed for now), books, crafting, the sunshine, drama on the laptop, easy food , the internet.

ldee2111

A wee roundup of my NST activities this month:

I start my monthly budgets on the first Monday of a new month, so for me that’s tomorrow. I’ll leave the details to add into November’s challenge.

I was out of the picture for most of October because of our 3-week holiday abroad. I’ve used this week to reconcile my budgets and work out how much extra I’d need to overpay to pay off the mortgage by Sprouts Day 2025. Definitely do-able with a little extra effort. 

I have opened a ‘burner’ bank account for hopefully some bank switching bonuses (thanks for the tip @f0xh0les). As part of that process I’ve set up two DD donations going to MSF and UNHCR - two human rights charities that support people forced to flee their homes because of war or persecution. I fully support the right for other people to seek safety for themselves and their families, and it saddens me that there are so many men, women and children living lives of hell in war torn countries, refugee camps and right here in the UK. I’ve a lot to say on the subject but I’ll leave my rants for elsewhere.

Thanks for October’s challenge @grandmanerd. 

xx

f0xh0les

Well as you asked.... Sunday morning update ....
Still no scaffolding 😕🤣

abundant1972

Good morning ⛅

Checking in now as out later and not sure what time I will be back.

Thanks for this month's challenge grandmanerd - it was much appreciated! Like you I will be carrying over the rest & recharge theme over into November. Great news on getting your pension news so you have something concrete to work with. Thank you to everyone else who has contributed too. What a team!

I did get out for my walk yesterday and will try and make this a regular thing. Had a restful morning - watching inspiring videos on YT and setting intentions in my head at least. Feeling like there is a big change due for me besides my pending job change hopefully. Exciting if somewhat scary times. 

Today I am grateful for: 

1) Content creators spreading their support and advice. Been a huge help finding my tribe. 
2) The food I have in my fridge, freezer and cupboards
3) Luxuries I have like a fridge, cooker, microwave etc

Today will likely be a spend day as out with family. If not will claim an NSD later

Have a lovely day folks x

beanielou

Thank you for the thread Grandmanerd. 

Thrifty_Taylor

Thank you for running October @grandmanerd, it has been inspiring & I'm grateful for the support each & every one of you have given me & each other when times have been tricky.

Yesterday I went into town, looked round a jumble sale, then took mum & did our big shop at L1DL with the 10% off. Collected DS3 from a sleepover, then headed home. Unpacked all the shopping _ put it away, then starting filling in the quilled letter. Spent the rest of the afternoon & evening doing that.

Sunday, NSD, walked 4.5 miles with DH, did 200 skips in 2 batches (as forgot to do them yesterdsy). Replaced a zip in some trousers, then shortened 3 more pairs, before starting on the quilling again. I'm doing the M in 🌈 colours, on the diagonal. Only violet left to go now. Phoned DS1 in Italy, spoke for an hour, but he's feeling positive about things & not letting snapping at his friend via messenger drag him down again.  Had a nice soak in the bath with a peel off face mask. 

Back to work tomorrow, after 2 weeks off. The extra hour today will hopefully ease me into things & it won't be such a shock to the system!

Grateful for seeing 10 pheasants in one field, crafty time going well today, staying on track & not wasting time doing unnecessary scrolling/playing games

pollyanna_26

I hope you begin to feel much better soon GMN and the lodger is soon able to move from Grandmas house in to the flat.

My experimental shopping online for the normal food and other shopping as I didn't feel well enough to walk round to the Coop resulted in a big overspend. Luckily utility and other bills are on direct debit or standing order . I think the variety of items axailable on the big river site does lead to buying much more than I normally would.

There are a fair number of couriers in the area so I seemed to be constantly up and down stairs which didn't help with the Arthritis and Fibro. My plan had been resting the joints but didn't quite turn out like that.

I have found Thrity Taylpr a good example to follow as I seem to have drited away from the Thrifty Ways For Modern Days in the little book book by Martin I spotted years ago ona bookstand outside a shop. It's always a surprise when someone mentions they've found a copy either online or in a charity shop.

The first contribution I recall reading was from JaxkieO now the matriarch of Old Style Ways and still going strong even after major surgery.

Positive vibes to the poorlies or their loved ones. It's cold and wet here tonight so time for a oouple of painkillers and a hot drink.

pollyx

ETA. Just noticed it's back to work for you Thrity Taylor so hope the day goes well. As a former Infant school teacher I do eel sorry for those now having to contend with shut downs during the pandemic and then coping wth conused little ones.

You also come across as a caring wife , daughter and mum to your boys. The world needs more people like you.

pollyx

weenancyinAmerica

October seemed like a very frustrating month to me. Trying with little success to motivate roommates to do anything. But I also found out I have a little more health problems to sort out this month, so that may have brought me down also. Looking forward to joining you all in November and trying to pull myself up by my boot straps (even though I always wear Crocs!). See you on the other thread.

grandmanerd

Monday 30th October 2023

The greatest rebellion is loving yourself in a world that is trying to  sabotage your light
(Nikki Rowe)

Some people will only like you if you fit into their box. Don't  be afraid to stick that box up their bum.

Be  the best version of you, whatever others think about it.

Don't let anyone dim your sparkle.

abundant1972

Good evening 🌒

Slow start again today, but eventually got my !!!!!! in gear and went for a walk. Done a few more chores and had a shower and all ready for bed. Chipped another £50 off the old credit cards too! Just a quick check in tonight.

Today I am grateful for: 

1) The opportunity to help somebody out
2) My walk in the drizzle for recharging me
3) Clarity on a few issues

Today was a spend day
NSD total = 11

Catch you tomorrow folks 🎃 x