Prosperous & Creative Soul & MFW Year 3

Merlin's_Beard

Glad you have your meds and a doctor sorted out. Sorry you had a horrible experience in the hospital; I don't think there are many places that aren't struggling at the minute.

I would suggest that you can also save and put it in AVCs later, but you can't take AVC contributions back out again if you need them.

SandyShores

Another one here that only found about the drain unclogging when the shower threatened to overflow.  It was really difficult to lift up, just be careful when you do it that you don't disturb the fixings - hopefully the handyman can help.  

You are doing so well savingholmes, coping with your illness and still managing to move things forward.  Just take care of yourself first and foremost.

badmemory

If you have one with chrome finishing watch out for the "paper" cuts.  When my filter was really bad I landed up with nine on my fingers.  My plumber is supposed to be replacing & I hadn't thought to specify no chrome finish.  Frankly I would rather the white plastic, at least you can see what is what.

jwil

Glad you are still improving.  It might be worth upping savings for a while til you are at a level you are comfortable with.

Humdinger1

savingholmes said:

Immediately prior to going into hospital I was debating what size my EF needed to be. By the end of next week I will have used up at least 1 month of my 6 months full sick pay. If I end up needing an operation - depending whether it was open or key hole I could use up a further 2 months. While my heart wants to increase my AVCs - my head is suggesting saving - although until / unless I commit to building works I still have my post move savings pots. I'm even debating whether to pay for my surgery privately rather than risk such a negative experience again next time. I don't need to make that decision yet - and it would depend what the MRI showed. Lots to ponder.

As ever @savingholmes you are spot on! I'd agree that AVCs are perhaps best put on hold for the moment though am not an expert.   You've done brilliantly building up pots and a bit of extra cash to hand/ in accessible pots now could help you relax and recover; the AVCs you've already put in will be earning interest. I know this doesn't sound very MSE on the surface but if it helps you recover
...I think you'll be better way before full pay stops. Love Humdinger xx 

TallGirl

Hope you continue to recover well hospital sounds horrible luckily in my 30 years here I’ve never had to go in thank goodness. Holding some money back will give peace of mind just don’t be tempted to spend them too quickly. Glad handy man is still proving invaluable. Have you started looking for a new cleaner? Your previous one sounds hard to replace. 

savingholmes

Thanks HSL, Merlin, Sandy, BM, Jwil, TG and Humdinger

That's a good way of looking at it on the AVCs. I'll leave my pay as is for April and then review.

Felt down over the weekend. I ordered food from Sainsbugs as a change - the first time ever I think - and of course got caught up in their technical glitch so it never arrived. When you are pretty much house bound due to illness though - it has more of an impact.

Prior to that happening - I'd tried to cheer myself up by making art (still on sofa). I found an old SW mag - and used that as a basis for collage with some of my weight loss / healthier living goals hidden in there plus motivational words. I paired it with some of my recent collage papers and really like how it looks. Reds, yellow, metallic teal and gold plus other colours. It's now hung in my living room.

I paid extra for an express Mr A delivery - but they didn't have 7 items so I felt rather ripped off.

DD and her BF came yesterday - which was nice other than I almost immediately threw up multiple times. They helped put the food delivery away - and then took me in the car to the Rng3 - and I bought some extra cat litter, some bedding plants and bulbs for my garden pots to brighten up my view somewhat. I planted some after they left - I need to do others today.

I've lost 17lbs in 21 days - so the struggle to eat and keep things down continues. It's both a silver lining and a worry. I need to book myself a blood test to see if my numbers are improving. I'm about half way through the antibiotics but still have an intermittent fever.

EssexHebridean

The A's express deliveries do seem to be a bit hit and miss - I've only experienced it when a friend ordered through them while I was there a while ago - out of I think 5 or so items we ordered they delivered 1 only but didn't tell us in advance that it would be that way...not ideal, and that combined with your experience would definitely put me off using them. As you say though - you currently have limited options don't you!

It's nice that you've been able to get out and get some bits and pieces for the garden in particular - so long as you take the amount you do in one go very steadily I imagine that the fresh air will do you the world of good! 

savingholmes

Thanks EH.

Yes I was disappointed with the Mr A delivery - It cost me about £52 including the £8.50 express fee - and that was after them not delivering £20 worth of stuff. On Mr S - I've just ordered some of my missing items through them - and they gave me a £10 voucher to compensate for non-delivery Saturday so that made me feel a bit better. That's coming tomorrow now.

The handyman has been today and fitted some new satin chrome light switches throughout the downstairs. They look nice. Some of mine were failing and some needed changing as I'd had him fit lights with dimmer switches - and then we wanted them all to 'match.' He's hung a mirror in the back art space. Even with that it's way to dark in there - so at some point I'll take down the wall. He's filled some holes and done some sanding. He just worked a short day today - but is due back tomorrow mid morning. He needed to order some bits for my stairs but his internet went down unexpectedly so he's not had chance yet.

I booked the blood test - earliest date was Friday. Pain has been a bit better today - long may it last. I've managed to eat a few things - but left about 50% even on half size portions. Ironically I'm spending more on food despite struggling to eat - as I'm just trying to find the 'magical' thing that is 'comfortable' to eat.

I have planted my remaining violas so they are smiling happily at me from the pots in the back garden. The views have been stunning today. 

beanielou

Banana & custard?