Living the Good Life - mortgage free and living in line with our values

themadvix

There wasn't any room in the freezer before I bought the bag! I did have to take out my ice cream maker (only small), but I don't think we'll be eating ice cream any time soon. As I said, I wasn't really expecting much given previous experiences, so it was a bit of a shock to see the giant bag!

There's a lot of companies on Olio these days - definitely worth a fresh look.

themadvix

I am having a good day today! Cambridge report sent off for approvals - that's the fastest I've ever got one completed (that didn't have a ridiculous turnaround time). 

I've also heard from my Scilly friend and it looks like we're on. I've suggested a date in late March, so we'll see what she says, but it should fit with her work commitments. I've added it up and it will cost about £350, so definitely not cheap but I am viewing it as a three-day adventure, rather than 'one day on Scilly'. I'll get some time in Penzance to explore too, so that will be fun. I've got the money in my holiday fund (and will judiciously skim a bit from a couple of other pots too to keep funds topped up), so would like to get this booked asap before train prices go up/cabins sell out/the YHA sale is over. It could be done a bit cheaper - no cabin on the train (but everyone advises against the sleeper with no bed), ferry there and back (I'm planning on flying there and sailing back) - but I'd have less time on the islands, so I think I'd rather pay the extra.

I've also completed a bit of work for US client too, with no issues with their platform, so that's another positive. And I'm all pastried out - cheese and tomato croissant for lunch and I think I'll be glad of something less bready for dinner! (We're having gigantes plaki, probably with couscous.)

Oh, and I've received the payout from 1P!

MS things:
* Clicks and HW
* PA surveys

Gratitudes:
* A plan coming together
* A day where focus and positivity have come easily (despite crazy noisy cats disrupting my sleep)
* A lovely chat with Dad earlier (apparently he's having a knee replacement - I knew this was on the cards, but it's likely to happen sooner rather than later - thanks for letting us know 🙄😆)

Have a good evening all - I'm off to collect Mr MV (and the can of Vault City beer he's bought me - double chocolate strawberry cream profiteroles - yes, that's a flavour of beer!) from the station.

edinburgher

Well done for what sounds like a fantastic day! Dinner sounds delicious and good to see Vault City with another subtle flavour profile 🤣

themadvix

🤣 not subtle, but I do love how they do actually taste like their names - have so often been disappointed by a ‘chocolate brownie’ stout from other breweries.

edinburgher

Kees are pretty good at delivering on big promises if you like sweet things 🙂

themadvix

edinburgher said:

Kees are pretty good at delivering on big promises if you like sweet things 🙂

Ooh, not heard of them - I’ll have to investigate!

themadvix

Afternoon all,

I have booked my trip to the Scillies! I tweaked my plans a little, which means a) I don't have to travel through London relatively late at night on my own and b) I will get to the Isles (weather permitting) as early as possible to make the most of my day/visit to my friend. While it was expensive, I did manage to use the YHA January sale discount, which brought the cost of a private room for the night down to £24 - very reasonable. Sadly no cashback available anywhere (I checked all my credit cards too). At least the train tickets are refundable - there's always the possibility that travel will be cancelled in March, so best to have options - although hopefully not needed! As always, the details and instructions on seat61.com were invaluable.

In other good news, I have submitted my timesheets for Cambridge (a little bit of flexibility available for work this afternoon/on Monday). And I have a lot of work from main client all of a sudden - which is excellent and should considerably boost January's earnings in time for my invoice.

Not sure if we'll be going to the pub tonight - I'd quite like the walk tbh - but I've got turkey curry/parsnip dal out of the freezer for us for dinner, so it'll be nice and quick/easy regardless. Lunch used two more of the crunchy rolls from the TGTG bag. There's one left (I ended up having a roll with my dinner last night as there was only one portion of couscous left) - probably lunch tomorrow. We're staying in London tomorrow night as we're going to the country music club night. Planning on going up early I think as Mr MV wants to look at a couple of things (and we would like to have quite a chilled day, not rushing), but will either eat before we go or take lunch with us. Will dig out some snacks for the hotel (TL) too from our Christmas stash. Dinner will be in a bar that has a microbrewery and serves Mexican food - it's tradition and always very tasty.

Hmm... I'd still like a walk, but I didn't sleep well last night, so am rethinking the pub... (will save money too if we don't go!).

MS things:
* Clicks and HW
* Submitted Cambridge timesheets (and they were for a decent amount)
* Lots of work
* Dinner from the freezer
* The TGTG bag has saved on milk - because of the croissant I had for breakfast yesterday and Mr MV being away, we have enough to see us through the weekend (partly because we're away of course too).

Gratitudes:
* A good catch up with a Cambridge colleague
* Lots of work
* An adventure to look forward to!

Have a good evening all!

beanielou

Lovely to have an adventure to look forward to. 

EssexHebridean

Yes - with you on Vault City beers actually tasting like they sound as though they should - it's one of the reasons I like them. Wilde Child are pretty good at this as well, although quite a different style of beers as a rule. 

I am most envious of your Scilly adventure - it's somewhere we have wanted to visit for a long while, and did I read that right, you're getting to go on the Riviera Sleeper too? That is also very much on our to-do list! 

themadvix

EssexHebridean said:

Yes - with you on Vault City beers actually tasting like they sound as though they should - it's one of the reasons I like them. Wilde Child are pretty good at this as well, although quite a different style of beers as a rule. 

I am most envious of your Scilly adventure - it's somewhere we have wanted to visit for a long while, and did I read that right, you're getting to go on the Riviera Sleeper too? That is also very much on our to-do list! 

Wilde Child are indeed pretty good from that perspective too. For someone who couldn't stand sours a few years ago, I can only give all the credit to VC for converting me! 

You absolutely have to go to Scilly! I've only been the once, for my friend's wedding, which was a really special time - catching up with lots of old school friends in the days beforehand and we were treated to glorious sunshine - but the islands are so beautiful (and lots of good wildlife watching too). As for the sleeper, Mr MV and his brother both said I *had* to get it! 😂 They'll be living vicariously through me (neither of them has done it). It would definitely have been cheaper to get a day train (although Man in Seat 61 does mention Pullman dining options 😆) but it will be an experience and in theory I'll be home to do a day's work too (most of a day's work - I intend to hang out in the lounge at Paddington and let the commuters rush around before I head across London). I am very excited about the whole thing - I think Mr MV might be regretting encouraging me - I keep thinking about it and making random comments!