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Jan. 15th, 2026 04:24 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
turpsSome good things that have happened recently.
pensnest, your parcel arrived. So far Kevin has been in the cave bed and Murphy has sat on top of it. Thankfully, not at the same time. Thank you so much.
James' work sent him a card signed by his whole team along with some money from a collection his team leader had arranged. I'd like to say this was a surprise, but she'd accidentally copied him into the arranging email a few weeks ago, and he'd seen before the email had been retracted. But, surprise or not, it was lovely people had put in money, especially a such an expensive time of the year. He's thinking of using it to buy our new Beamish yearly pass, which seems a good idea to me.
James also got a phone call to say he had a space in a craft shop. The way it works is you can pay to hire a unit with four shelves and a hanging space, then the shop sells the products for you. We'd inquired last year, but there were no spaces then, but two units had come free, and he'd been given one of them. It's £40 a month rental, which is under the price we'd pay for four weekends/tables at craft fairs, but with much less work. Obviously, we've no idea how profitable this will be, but it's worth a go, and when we went to the shop earlier to check out details, it was lovely to see his name already up there on his unit. Now, he just needs to work out what to take to the shop, and get his stock levels back up. But, the shop is aware of circumstances, and have said to go and fill the shelves when he feels up to it.
16 people were at exercise only class on Monday, the most we've had ever. More than half of those were newbies, so many of them that I couldn't even say hello to every new starter, something I always try to do. Why I'm adding it to the good things list though is, I asked if there was a risk of having to leave the programme being as it was getting so busy, and I'm well over the official graduation time, but Rosie reassured me that I didn't have to go anywhere.
A new Starbucks opened in my town today, so we had a wander down to check it out. The place was buzzing, and we were well past the first 50 people who were given free coffee. But, when we had to go outside to try to log onto the app due to terrible connection inside, one of the managers saw and gave us both free coffee vouchers anyway. So, I got a pistachio matcha latte, and very tasty it was, too.
pensnest, your parcel arrived. So far Kevin has been in the cave bed and Murphy has sat on top of it. Thankfully, not at the same time. Thank you so much.James' work sent him a card signed by his whole team along with some money from a collection his team leader had arranged. I'd like to say this was a surprise, but she'd accidentally copied him into the arranging email a few weeks ago, and he'd seen before the email had been retracted. But, surprise or not, it was lovely people had put in money, especially a such an expensive time of the year. He's thinking of using it to buy our new Beamish yearly pass, which seems a good idea to me.
James also got a phone call to say he had a space in a craft shop. The way it works is you can pay to hire a unit with four shelves and a hanging space, then the shop sells the products for you. We'd inquired last year, but there were no spaces then, but two units had come free, and he'd been given one of them. It's £40 a month rental, which is under the price we'd pay for four weekends/tables at craft fairs, but with much less work. Obviously, we've no idea how profitable this will be, but it's worth a go, and when we went to the shop earlier to check out details, it was lovely to see his name already up there on his unit. Now, he just needs to work out what to take to the shop, and get his stock levels back up. But, the shop is aware of circumstances, and have said to go and fill the shelves when he feels up to it.
16 people were at exercise only class on Monday, the most we've had ever. More than half of those were newbies, so many of them that I couldn't even say hello to every new starter, something I always try to do. Why I'm adding it to the good things list though is, I asked if there was a risk of having to leave the programme being as it was getting so busy, and I'm well over the official graduation time, but Rosie reassured me that I didn't have to go anywhere.
A new Starbucks opened in my town today, so we had a wander down to check it out. The place was buzzing, and we were well past the first 50 people who were given free coffee. But, when we had to go outside to try to log onto the app due to terrible connection inside, one of the managers saw and gave us both free coffee vouchers anyway. So, I got a pistachio matcha latte, and very tasty it was, too.
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Date: 2026-01-15 08:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-01-16 01:22 pm (UTC)Imagining that gave me a chuckle. *g*
Yay for so many good things! That was really nice of James' workplace. And having the shelf space is awesome! I hope that does work out well for him. Also great you can continue to attend the exercise class! (Did Nice!Rosie peak out, or is it Evil!Rosie not wanting to let you go yet?!! o_O *g*) And very nice of the manager to give you the vouchers for free coffee!
I've never been to a Starbucks, but I've been assured that Toddler A loves their cake pop thingies. She even got a Starbucks GC for Christmas, lol! My niece said, I feel like I'm buying for a 16-year old instead of a 4-year old.
OT: I started watching Best Medicine and I chuckled when I realized that this show takes place in the fictional town of Port Wenn, Maine because I couldn’t help thinking your earlier comment regarding a different show, about the ‘inevitable’ crossover with Murder, She Wrote. *bg* I don’t think it’s a huge spoiler to say that the main character even has an aunt who could be a contemporary (college friend?!!) of Jessica’s!
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Date: 2026-01-16 10:22 pm (UTC)#Pistachio Matcha Latte sounds very nom - cool that you got them free as well.
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Date: 2026-01-16 10:23 pm (UTC)That's so cool James has a spot in a craft shop. Yes, that sounds like so much less work than having to haul, set up, sit all day, break stuff down, and haul it home every day. I hope it goes well.
It's nice to hear the class is so successful! I'm sure all the newbies you are able to speak with appreciate the kind gesture.
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Date: 2026-01-17 09:18 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-01-17 04:44 pm (UTC)Exactly that in terms of not having to set up, sit all day and break down the stall. I'm not sure how busy the shop is, but it's been around for a while with plenty of crafters using it, so that has to be a good sign.
I like talking to the newbies. I remember how nervous I was my first class, and a friendly face always help. Now to see if they actually come back!
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Date: 2026-01-17 04:45 pm (UTC)The pistachio match latte was delicious, and very very green!
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Date: 2026-01-17 04:51 pm (UTC)I know what you mean about January people. I saw that at the gym I go to, it was packed the first week of January, not so much when I've been this week. But it was nice to see so many people trying, even if they don't actually stick around.
That is such a great price for your gym. I hope it works out for you.
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Date: 2026-01-17 04:57 pm (UTC)Imagining that gave me a chuckle. *g*
It makes me laugh too, especially as Murphy is a bit of a choonk and 2kg heavier than Kevin *g*
I hope the shelves work out too, selling stuff without all the effort of setting up the stall will be great. I suspect it's evil!Rosie not wanting to let me go! You should have seen all the newbies at the end of the session, they were probably wondering what they'd signed themselves up for!
I love that Toddler A got a Starbucks GC, bet she enjoys spending it, though.
Ahahahaha, your OT is amazing, and now I feel the need to watch the show so I know the canon for when I read the fic. Jessica really is the little black, non-sexual! dress of fandom.
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Date: 2026-01-17 04:58 pm (UTC)We've had so many weeks of suck lately it's good to focus on the positives.
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Date: 2026-01-17 08:59 pm (UTC)That's so kind of his team! Using the money for a year pass at Bemish sounds like an excellent idea to me too.
I don't think I've ever heard of an arrangement like that before. It sounds like it could be positive for both the craft shop - giving people IDEAS for what they could do with their products - and for the artist/crafter - exposure in a place where people spend money. I'll keep my fingers crossed it will work out very well for James!
Wow, that's A LOT of new people at the class! Very glad to hear it won't mean you'll be forced to quit! I'm sure Rosie enjoys tormenting you far too much to let you go ;-D
Having a Starbucks in your town sounds like it would be a terrible temptation!
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Date: 2026-01-18 12:40 pm (UTC)Hee! I owe it all to you. And Jessica really is.
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Date: 2026-01-18 08:19 pm (UTC)The craft shop thing sounds cool, I hope it works out as you're anticipating.
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Date: 2026-01-19 09:59 am (UTC)The craft shop will be brilliant if it works out. The shop itself is in a busy shopping arcade, but we just need to find out if that means actual buys. But, worth the attempt, for sure.
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Date: 2026-01-19 10:05 am (UTC)It was so kind of them, and I do think the Beamish idea is a good idea. That way he can think about their kindness each time we go.
It sounds like it could be positive for both the craft shop - giving people IDEAS for what they could do with their products - and for the artist/crafter - exposure in a place where people spend money. I'll keep my fingers crossed it will work out very well for James!
I really hope people do spend the money. But you're so right about getting ideas, I was having a mooch myself when we were there and there are such great things. James' unit is between a sea glass stall and a 3D printed one, so there is a nice variety.
You're also right about Rosie liking to torment me, she is evil like that! I'm about to head down there soon, so we'll see how many of the newbies have come back.
Thankfully, the Starbucks in town is right on the edge, so it would be a bit of a walk to get there. Otherwise, it would be a temptation.
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Date: 2026-01-19 10:15 pm (UTC)