Spendy Wendy to Saver Savvy

Spendywendywoo

Amazing, thank you @Suffolk_lass, your input is super helpful as always :)

Super excited for this year… just need to sort out work and life is good

Rhyddid2026

Another vote for mini munch cucumbers! They're the only ones I grow because it's just me so smaller works better.

I always have plenty of spare seeds for various things, I'm desperately trying to use them up, so if I'd be happy to donate any spares ☺️

Spendywendywoo

Thank you @Rhyddid2026, that's very kind of you. I was going to purchase a pot gang subscription (just one month) as a starter for ten but I've got the tubs and some compost from our attempt last year and just bought some seeds from the local garden centre :) Been chatting to DS and he's on board to 'help' me too

Spendywendywoo

Today has been a mixed day;

• Great night's sleep with a sleep score of 98! Great improvement on the 34 from the previous night
• 60 minutes of exercise; meditation, bike workout and strength workout all complete before breakfast (best workout this year so far)
• Helped a friend
• Very slow day at work, motivation has upped and left the building so need to do something about that and find the love for the job again
• Made a healthy breakfast and lunch but failed on a quick and easy tea (not too calorific so I know I'll be hungry later but water and my book will occupy me)
• Won a bottle of diet coke cherry today so picked that up, along with a big aero mint bar that I won last week (through Spar Rewards App)
• The only spend today was a top up of Boots Paracetamol (for kids) as DS is a little under the weather and we are running low, he doesn't have it often so when I offer it and he says yes, I know he's in pain / not well - will complete the feedback survey in the hope of winning a £150 shopping voucher
• Checked free lottery - nothing
• Checked euros ticket from last night (bought with winnings) - nothing
• Doggo came to sit in my WFH room with me and actually led and fell asleep for a while, which is a novelty, he usually goes back down to his bed
• Had a nice relaxing bath
• Only half a bottle of water left to drink and I've hit all my daily targets :)
• Fancied a wine but didn't give in to one with how I'm feeling (see below)
• Ready to relax and read my book now (which is already turning out to be an easier read than the last book)

Feeling a bit meh this week and can't put my finger on it, I got a great nights sleep, exercised well, low stress day but still felt exhausted when I sat down for dinner. Will see how tomorrow goes.

Tomorrow, I need to pick up gravy and vinegar and wondered if I could get them from W@itr0se as I am a card member and I think they do a free coffee… has anyone enjoyed a free coffee? Is it easy to work? I have a bit of anxiety when it comes to getting free things or working new machines that I've never used before but I am all for saving money and I can no longer warrant £4 odd for a Starbs (to think I was once a gold member too).

Hope you're all having a great day :)

foxgloves

We have their free coffee regularly & it isn't difficult to work the machine. Just remember to take your beaker & loyalty card as you need to scan it.

F

Spendywendywoo

Thank you, @foxgloves appreciate that.

Plans are scuppered for today as DS is unwell and off school. I would normally leave him at home for up to an hour but with him being unwell I think it's best I don't venture too far (it's a 17 min walk there, 18 back due to a hill, plus a couple of minutes for the coffee and shopping). I will nip out once DH is around this afternoon to grab the couple of bits I need.

I'm very busy today as I have procrastinated so much this week - I only seem to be able to focus if I am busy, not very good at pacing myself through a few tasks, need to review that. I have a long list for home and for also for work too which is nice for a change. I'm hoping to stay focussed whilst DS rests up and then take time out to eat lunch together, if he is up to that.

I hope everyone has a great day :)

Spendywendywoo

What. a. day.

Daily goals progress:

75+ sleep score: 91

60 minute exercise or meditation: No exercise so far today (unless you count house work, my Apple Watch has counted 23 minutes!), there hasn't been time but will fall asleep to a 20 minute sleep meditation later so that's some progress. I can't miss two days in a row so have already planned a strength and a bike workout for the morning. 5.30am start.

30 minute reading: Planned in for after my shower

2.6l water: Just completing the final bottle

Journal complete: Yes

DS has rested for most of the day, which is a sure sign he isn't well, but the antibiotics seem to be kicking in and he's mentioned returning to school tomorrow, so will see in the morning if he is ready to return.

Spent a bit of time this morning addressing some issues for the family member that I care for (benefits review, cancelled TV licence as they haven't watched live TV in years and entered their meter readings).

Around the house; one wash load, emptied dishwasher, full tidy of house after work (all floors hoovered and the main bathroom deep cleaned, only the small bathroom to clean but DH mainly uses this so he can clean this tomorrow). Picked up meds for both DS and DH.

Work…this is where things didn't go quite as planned. I've been stepping up at work with the view of a promotion for some months, quite a few things have happened over the last few months where I've been being put on more and more for my 'skills' and today I spoke to my manager and advised I will be reverting back to my graded work and job description. My manager was supportive though I think was hoping I'd change my mind, and another manager (who I have been working with) was a little miffed but was professional, advised I was holding myself back. I walked away proud that I have advocated for myself (as I have often not done so and ended up being walked all over, and ultimately leaving when the workload got too much for so long) but also feeling very guilty and worried that I will be seen as an issue. I work hard and want to bring value to everything I do.

Anyway, tomorrow is another day and it is almost weekend. Time for a shower, read for a bit and an early night ready for an early start, and putting me first for a change.

I hope everyone has had a great day,

Wendy x

FootyFanDan

Well done on advocating for yourself, this can be a very tough path to go down (one I am currently treading myself) I often suck it up and get on with it and just battle through or throw extra hours at it. Last week I hit my limit and when my manager asked what my week looked like I just unloaded everything and I think they realised I was annoyed. I like you feel like I work hard to deliver value and I am very keen to help (probably too much). In the last 6 months I have taken on a lot of work from people who have left. I have got to point where I now feel my own pride and work is suffering so hoping it changes. It is a difficult choice you have had to make coz I suspect the promotion might have come with some pay benefits but well done for sticking by your instinct.

Here is hoping your Friday is better

Suffolk_lass

There is no point in making yourself ill by working too hard - both of you! Nobody will remember that effort was the cause if you have to take time off because of stress, pressure and workload. They will only resent the gap.

Personally, I never think it hurts to remind a miffed manager that you have demonstrated that capability and by not recognising the reward part of the contract also needed to be delivered, actually he has been holding you back. And that stepping back is because you need to preserve your health and wellbeing.

Spendywendywoo

Thanks @FootyFanDan, I hope you too can work through and put yourself first.

Absolutely @Suffolk_lass, wise words. I would always do more and work longer hours. I haven’t in this case and have a very good work life balance now. The work isn’t challenging as I’ve had senior roles previously but it’s the principle that I’m taking on tasks much higher grade than I’m working at.

I woke up this morning having had time to reflect and I know I’ve done the right thing, I’m proud I’ve advocated for myself :)

Onwards and upwards…