Good morning, everyone. I'm feeling very bleary eyed after a bad night but not to worry, I can snooze if I need to.
Yesterday's weather veered between absolutely shocking with torrential rain and sunshiney periods that were really pleasant. It's still not particularly cold; I remember that, as a child, bonfire night was almost always really cold and frost but nowadays it's quite the opposite. No complaints - any saving on fuel is a Very Good Thing.
Groove was good fun and a lady popped her head around the door to see what was going on and came back at the end of the session to talk to Lindsey. Another person in the group, perhaps. Nice.
When I got home and after breakfast, I settled down to the admin stuff that needed doing. I finished the visit report and sent it off (and it was OK so it's gone on to Heather, the clerk), I did the online DBS application so that should all go through at some point, I read through a load of governor paperwork stuff and caught up with this term's meeting minutes and I filled in the thing Kay had asked me to do regarding my monthly income and outgoings. Not quite as easy as it sounds because some things aren't monthly so maths was involved but, thankfully, I am still in the state Mr Micawber described as 'happiness'*, despite the personal ups and downs of the last few years and all the price rises (and not counting the money Dad left me). I've been careless with my monthly accounting with inheritance money coming over in bits and bobs but it is time to tighten up again and make that money do something useful and earn its space!
I was very glad to get all that done - it took longer than one might expect but my mind is easier now. I spent my wakeful night creating a sheet on the PC so now I can keep up with everything on a regular basis again,. like I used to do. Maybe I ought to look for a proper (free if possible) program - any ideas?
I can't say I made great inroads into the housework so that is on today's list alongside a trip to Sainsbury's (has to be Sainsbury's as there's a few things I need that I can only get there) and personal training. And catching up on sleep.
What do you do when you can't get back to sleep in the middle of the night? xx
(David Copperfield)
Sorry to hear you didn't sleep well. I was like that on Monday. I saw 2am come and go before eventually nodding off. If you have time in sainsbury please could you check the price of the dark hot chocolate. I fancy giving it a try.
ReplyDeleteI've put it on my list. :-) xx
DeleteThank you. X
DeleteYou should have seen my comment now. It sounds delicious. xx
DeleteAh yes, money at the end of the month, rather than month at the end of the money. I did a bit of research a while ago for a finance-managing package and to be honest, they were all just a bit too fancy for my needs. An excel spreadsheet does the job fine. Having said that, it was a while ago so I'll be looking at any recommendations you do get to see how things have changed... There's probably a really good phone app - but don't like having anything important directly on my phone. Hope you find the time and inclination for a rest. Take care, S
ReplyDeleteI haven't a clue how excel works, much to my shame. W4e had training on it at school and Dad tried to explain but it didn't stay in the old brain. Maybe it is time to learn - or try to learn - again.
DeleteI used Quicken in its early days when it was a one payment thing. I guess I need to do a bit of looking around.
Thanks, Suzie. xx
Further to this, there seem to be a number of beginners training videos on YouTube, good old YouTube. xx
DeleteI've not tried Youtube, but I have found a lot of useful websites as I've googled for "how to do such a thing in excel". My spreadsheet is very simple. It's enough for keeping track but I probably could do to have a good look at making it more useful..
DeleteIt's Thursday and I've just done it - see my blog tomorrow. I'm so grateful for your suggestion, thanks.
DeleteMy daughter and I watch "Watched Walker" on YouTube on the weekend. We are both fascinated to see places we will never visit. It's a person who walks around London (usually) and just records what they see. We see signs for Sainsbury's and other stores and wish they would go inside or at least look inside but they keep walking. England and Tokyo are our favorite watches but we've also enjoyed Cairo and Barcelona.
ReplyDeleteAs far as getting back to sleep - I have used the Calm app on my phone for about 10 years. The sleep stories help me focus on something even though I never get to the end of the 30 min story. They also have music, soundscapes, meditations etc, but I've found the stories work for me. I can send you a 1 week guest pass if you are interested.
That is very kind of you but in bed I don't have my hearing aids in (they have to recharge overnight) so I can hear practically nothing. Even a good old thunderstorm wouldn't wake me.
DeleteI'll look up Watched Walker - it sounds really good, thanks. xx
When I wake in the middle of the night I try to get back to sleep but if it's not happening I read or listen to some music until I start to feel sleepy again. I don't fret about lack of sleep because most days I can have naps if I start to flag the next day or I can choose to sleep in if I do manage to get back to sleep. xx
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say that I use Excel to manage my finances.
DeleteIt's Thursday and I'm going to from now on. Happy! xx
DeleteI went through a stage where if I couldn't sleep I'd get up and eat 2 weetabix - it always worked but I decided it had to stop as I was waking every night in order to eat!!
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
lol - I can just imagine. I wasn't hungry and I was tired, just couldn't sleep. Maybe an overactive brain? xx
DeleteI am sorry that a blogging friend had the same problem sleeping as I did. My body got me up at 4 this morning and I could not fall back asleep.
ReplyDeleteI use Excel sheets as well for my budgeting. Harvey put them together for me. I will have to get him to set up next years.
God bless.
I could do with a Harvey in my life but in lieu of one I will have to teach myself. :-)
DeleteWaking early is the pits, isn't it? xx
Dane it now, thanks, Jackie. xx
DeleteSounds like a productive day. I go through periods lately when I can't sleep and then I want to sleep all the time. Usually, the not-sleeping comes from starting to think about things and then I start to worry and then my mind starts going and I can't seem to stop. I try to make up a story in my head and hopefully I'll drift off. If not, I get up as soon as son has left for work and try to rest when my body decides it is time to.
ReplyDeleteI never used to have this problem. I think it's a part of menopause, in my case, at least!
Could be, I don't really know. I think you're right, it's when things are going round and round my head. Sometimes it comes out a repetitive dreams and sometimes in sleeplessness.
DeleteI'm living with it - there's no other choice really! :-)
xx
Hello Joy,
ReplyDeleteI gave up and got up at 4am and made a brew. Just weak black tea. I also either watch something with subtitles on and I know you are charging your hearing aids but last night I found the audible version of the book I am reading and I listened as I read along!! Like being at school again. Four chapters had me nodding off.
Sue who used to blog about running - I miss her - suggested I take a magnesium supplement - it does work! Also a hot marmite drink before bed is what another friend of mine swears by. The refreshed feeling of an unbroken night's sleep and where I sleep in until 7am is the best feeling in the world! It's very rare these days haha
Once I'm awake, I can put in my battery aids which are also bluetoothable. Magnesium, eh. I might give that a go, thanks very much. xx
DeleteIf I wake really early I do try and stay in bed but as soon as there's a six in the time (29 minutes to 6 for instance) I am straight out of bed, get the coffee on the go and switch on YouTube for some mindless watching.
ReplyDeleteYouTube is great for easy viewing, isn't it.
DeleteI do try to get back to sleep but sometimes, the harder you try, the more awake you feel. xx