NST September 2024: A Turtle soap opera

weenancyinAmerica

                                                                                                                                                                                          Happy Belated Birthday @beanielou.

Health - got my Covid shot on Friday, followed by an MRI on my lower back as having trouble standing and walking - sometimes even sitting and sleeping. May take a week to get the results however.

Car has decided to misbehave and is making really strange noises when it starts up and the first turn or two - then just squeaks occasionally. Don't trust it however, so am rearranging schedule so as not to drive this week until I can get it checked. Most appointments can be rearranged, other roommate can drive for a couple of days - he doesn't like to but his girl friend is away for two weeks, and I can arrange for pickups for some of the appontments, and take the bus a couple of other places using my walker to get to the bus stop. Monday is a holiday here (Labor Day - even the trash isn't picked up till the next day) so I can't do all the rearranging until Tuesday. 

Bills get paid on Tuesday - then I will be mostly broke for the rest of the month. But if two of the roommates actually pay their rent this month, I will cover most of the bills including the two later in the month. Do have to see if I can raise some extra money this month and next to pay a couple of big bills coming up (if roommates pay past rent won't be so bad). Just getting from pay check to pay check though. If my health was better,  I would work on getting an extra job going into the holiday season. Selling stuff will have to do.

Grateful that I can "cover" my bills, that I haven't strangled my roommates, and that the three cats are getting along better. 

grandmanerd

One rubbish bag and one paper bag out (just got to the bin before the heavens opened). Probably 2 more of ech to go. One box each of candles/ sticks/ matches, toiletries/ medicinal and stationery filled. Sounds easy but took ages. Started by emptying a drawer (spare candles and toiletries/ obscure meds) then added more to each box as I went through boxes, baskets, lids, tops of drawers, the floor. I've brought some down, so did DS3. He's taken the second half of the bed out and has been told to put some backing panels from an old wardrobe out through the window 'when it's dry'.

Lots of other bits which are barely noticeable now but will make a difference. One load of washing done, 3 plant pots filled, 4 broken ones stacked in the backs, one over the door hook brought down (takes 5 or 6 coat hangers) from my room and is now near the front door. Cut down the tomato plants growing on the windowsill (will remove any tiny green tomatoes for ripening), finished off the cheese spread, a pack of oatcakes and the ripe tomatoes plus things in my bag.

Watched 2 films, clutter podcasts and read my books. Little donation piles everywhere I was working.

Grateful for progress, eating from stores, resting (more resting today as coughing and fever are up , not had my shower yet because I'm dizzy).

apple_muncher

How to script your own life story

Own it. It is never too late.When in a dilemma, certainly take help and advice but finally be your own author. Sometimes it is easier to delegate decisions to others but it is you who has to live it. Along the journey, certain decisions will need to be edited or altered and we need to be on top of the game, of how we take our life forward.

We need to be interactive and proactive with our own life. The truth is that we often become bystanders as our own life passes us by. We know that we cannot change the past. But we can change how we replay it in our internal dialogues and make new meanings from it.

As a result, we rewrite our responses to it in the present, in a way that it is more constructive and helpful to us.Even a small shift in perspective and retelling, can have a substantial impact on the future.

Live your thoughts and wishes. Japan has the concept of ‘Ikigai’. It refers to anything, small or big, that gives a person a reason to live, a purpose in life, something to look forward to on waking up, even if it is having a steaming cup of tea. It is important that we find our Ikigai.

infinumgrowth.com

The word that jumped out at me was 'bystander'. I do not want my life to just pass me by!

grandmanerd

Thanks for that apple. I'm ill but still moving a bit (going to the bathroom is tough and I had to sit down for a few minutes before tackling the stairs but each time I've managed to put a few more items in a bag or box or bring something downstairs.

I sat/lay on my side and sorted the tomatoes I grew on the windowsill. I harvested all the ripe and unripe ones and folded the dead leaves and stalks back on themselves and into the pots. If I try to move them they'll go everywhere and make a huge mess. I will keep working on the room and when I can move the large couch forward I'll clear the windowsill and I might set up candles on the windowsill.

I was thinking that I haven't done as much gardening as I would like (I seem to have frightened away 2 gardeners). I tried not to buy too much because I can't always move it on to the next stage. However if I reframe that:
The blackcurrants I bought last year are large bushes (not much fruit yet but very healthy growth)
The apple trees all have fruit on the branches (the newest lot - 18 mth - were more expensive but more mature
I have ordered raspberries and strawberries to plant at the end of the year (maybe in the ground, maybe in pots)
I did resist a lot of 'offers'
The bay tree bought 5 years ago has really taken off after being potted up into another larger container
Herbs in general have grown large enough to be split into 2 or more clumps
All the fruit is more or less self sustainable and the trees can be used to add structure.
I've given up on my original plan for the garden wall (and plans B, C. D and a few idle thoughts) but now have something temporary which could become permanent (large plants/ shrubs in pots which could be planted or moved)
I have enjoyed growing things, caring for them and interacting with them and the garden birds and insects.  

DawnW

I enjoy growing things too @mothernerd  

Busy morning. I cleaned the bathroom and the kitchen surfaces, and did some ironing before we went out.

Posted a parcel (free return of some shoes that didn't fit), went to my sales unit - it is payday, got the money for the things sold during August. Was pleased to see that 4 items had gone on Saturday and I had spaces to fill. Finished off by visiting the garden centre. I needed some compost to repot a temperamental houseplant, but naturally succumbed to a couple of herb plants as well. I could literally spend a fortune in that place  

Repotted my temperamental houseplant - hope it likes its new accommodation. It is a tricky customer, but was given to me by my eldest grandson and his fiancee last birthday, so I try hard to keep it alive! Planted out the new herbs, along with some chives and a couple of carnation plants that I grew from seed. Also a rescued rosemary from the supermarket reduced shelf. I have decided that it is a waste of time to try to grow vegetables in the narrow strip in front of the fruit trees, so will have flowers and herbs there instead. Also potted up some kale and chard seedlings to grow on a bit before they hopefully go outside. A bit late, but it was old seed, and worth a try.

Better soon think about dinner, and sorting the fridge and larder ready for grocery shopping tomorrow. I won't need much.

Grateful that it hasn't rained much, so the dog could have his walks (he doesn't do rain) and I could get some gardening done.

Shrewbie

apple_muncher said:

How to script your own life story

Own it. It is never too late.When in a dilemma, certainly take help and advice but finally be your own author. Sometimes it is easier to delegate decisions to others but it is you who has to live it. Along the journey, certain decisions will need to be edited or altered and we need to be on top of the game, of how we take our life forward.

I really love this, thank you.

I felt sad today. It struck me how alone I am here (I'm trying not to speak to my ex and I have very few other friends) but on the plus side I am realising that I need to change this situation and be my own author! I really don't mind my own company but I suppose I just wish I could pop round and see family or friends easily, but that's the price I pay for living somewhere that I love. I just have to remember that. 

I have exercised and meditated. Woke up at 6am to do my morning pages and Spanish homework. Didn't go for a swim as believe housemates are p1ssed off at me (will confirm this eve) just another thing that made me feel alone today. Anyway, we'll sort it out. AFD 2/30 for Sept. Not an NSD as bought some crunchy peanut better, bread, cheese and an avocado (did a meal plan yest but couldn't source most of it near where I work, so will need to rethink tomorrw)

Grateful for funny podcasts, for coffee and for managing to wake up early.
have a good evening turtles xx

abundant1972

Evening everyone 🌘

Happy September everyone!!!

My Goals: 

⭐ Health: For me this month I have a few things going on. I will find out of my cancer treatment has worked next week so am trying not to get too stressed. A lot hinges on it - going back to work for one. What will be will be and is out of my control - so am putting it to one side and focusing on things I can influence. For me that is maintaining and building on good habits. Making my bed, getting enough sleep, eating well, creating a mindfulness practice  and exercising. 

⭐ Wealth: Aside from hoping I can get back to work and start earning - I am aiming for 15 NSDs again. I will try and eat economically and utilise vouchers and coupons where I can. Today I used up £10 points at one store, and had a £10 voucher off my phone bill in another app. I am almost a month ahead with my budget, so have a bit of a cushion. 

⭐ Living life: Out of everything = this is the one I feel has been on hold for most of this year since my diagnosis in February, then treatment, then side effects etc. My hope is to get my fitness back and a handle on my side effects so I can start going out again and feeling like I can enjoy myself outside of my four walls. I'd like to have a holiday next year abroad (not been since 2002) so that could be something nice to work towards. 

I was out with family yesterday and it totally slipped my mind to log on!!! I had a busy day but nice - was shattered when I got home. Had definite take away cravings but resisted! Bagged an NSD. 

Today I had a lazy morning, then went to the gym and did a small shop. Now having a lazy evening too haha. 

Yesterday/Today I am grateful for:

1) Time spent with my family
2) Money enough to feed myself and provide shelter and warmth
3) My little apartment and my car

Yesteray = NSD number 1
Today = spend day

New Moon 🌑 almost upon us which feels like great timing for setting goals for the start of the month. 

Have a lovely evening everyone x 

PS: Happy Belated Birthday beanielou! 🎁 

apple_muncher

Today I am grateful for starting the day with some meditation, for getting all the air out of the paddling pool so it can go back in the loft, for a clean bill of tooth health from the dentist, for easily cleaning up the aftermath of the local badger finding his way into our food waste container - at least we don't have bears!!!

Thrifty_Taylor

Sending hugs to all those feeling ill or low. Tomorrow is a fresh page full of new beginnings, so you can write a new chapter.

Concentrated on some self care today. For the first time in months, I did some yoga before Du0lingo & breakfast, then after work I did some of my jigsaw for half an hour.

A little bit stressed at work this afternoon, but the teacher took pity on me & told me to sit in her comfy chair, before fetching my water bottle. It only took her 1.5 days to realise that the other support person in our class doesn't have my skillset, so the pupil she's with at the time can run rings around her. Makes it tricky for me then, when we swap over in the afternoons.

Got 3 sewing jobs done after team 2 were very quick, but the third took longer, so was late in stopping sewing again. Taking tomorrow night off though.

Grateful for self care September, a supportive teacher & an inspiring post - thanks @apple_muncher

Betharooni

Less productive day today with several appointments for various things. I have plans for a much more productive day tomorrow though. Grateful for departing osteopath who has been a massive help for me over the last few years, lovely celebrant who came to discuss Mum’s funeral with us today and my amazing SW consultant, who made me laugh and cry at the same time this evening (he knew Mum as well).