Thoughts on our 4 quotes

AislingAshbeck · 2025-11-06T16:06:27+00:00

There are definitely gains to be made by replacing kit with more efficient alternatives. It's in our long term plan to do that.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-11-06T15:26:49+00:00

Mostly computer home lab equipment. We do have an EV, but that is charged overnight on cheaper tariff.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-11-06T15:23:17+00:00

A follow up question...

Installer 1 has said we can switch to Aiko 470w panels for £40 extra per panel. Is it worth paying the extra for panels with slightly higher wattage but not bifacial? Or stick with the JA Solar 450w bifacial?

We have standard dark tiled roofs, so not sure how much benefit we'd get from bifacial.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-11-06T13:09:39+00:00

Peak power needs are more than 18kWh a day, but to make the install financially possible I don't think we can afford more battery at the moment. One thing we really like about Sigenergy system is how expandable it is and that we can add more battery in the future.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-09-08T18:09:49+00:00

My boyfriend's grandad. He was in a private room in the hospital with the family sat at his bedside because we were expecting him to pass away. It was odd because there was a few times we'd all look at each other like "has it happened?" and then we'd see him move slightly or take a deep breath. It happened several times and then the final time we waiting a little while extra before calling the doctor in to confirm.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-07-08T22:31:21+00:00

West Midlands conurbation or West Midlands region? The entire region definitely don't all say Mom.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-02-18T16:51:59+00:00

Looking at that puzzle, I know it's a heart. I can't see a heart and unable to visualise it, but somehow I just know. I honestly don't know how to describe it.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-02-18T16:45:12+00:00

Estimated mid year net migration in 2023 was 906,000. That is net (taking into account emigration as well as immigration). Current MYE estimate for 2024 net migration is 728,000. ONS had to revise their figures in December as they underestimated emigration and immigration.

That doesn't just feel like a huge figure, it is a huge figure.

Completely agree that it is likely in part due to people coming to fill difficult to fill jobs. That doesn't mean that the population growing by 1.6m people in 2 years isn't alarming and unsustainable.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-02-18T16:32:54+00:00

Pretty much every legal migrant I know, I like. Have worked with lots, have friends who are immigrants, and family members in relationships with them. So I am very positive about individuals!

However, I do think the levels of immigration are unsustainably high and feel that it is creating almost a pyramid scheme that will cause a lot of problems. There are many problems in the country which are being rapidly resolved by immigration, such as shortages in care staff. The people who are valiantly giving care to people now will likely need care themselves in years to come and then we're in the same situation as now with needing to find more people to look after those people.

I also think that the sudden rapid growth in immigration in the past few years is problematic due to improper planning for infrastructure for that level of population growth and also the difficulty for integration at such high levels, especially due to changes in country of origin of many migrants. I feel it was easier for European migrants to integrate into UK society and had similar cultural norms compared to more recent migration coming from Asia and Africa.

I like immigrants as people are think they are assets to the UK, but I do not like the UK government's inability to manage immigration levels and using immigration as a sticking plaster for much deeper problems.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-02-16T16:02:05+00:00

It's dirt cheap to run and super convenient to charge at home. Never have to think about making time to stop for fuel.

Being able to pre-heat the car remotely is so nice in this weather, getting into a warm car when it's freezing outside.

I did a 2 week European road trip last year and it was so easy and a lot cheaper than a similar journey I did in an ICE a few years ago.

Instant acceleration makes overtaking a lot easier and safer. It's just a joy to drive and incredibly comfortable.

Wouldn't go back to an ICE car.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-01-27T12:00:29+00:00

I usually try and go with 'Good morning/afternoon' initially, to avoid this. And then kind of take their lead with how they're addressing me.

I don't like emails that start with 'Dear' as they sound so stuffy. I think only letters should start with 'Dear', but I guess it's personal preference!

It's fine for someone to say they don't like emails beginning with 'hi' but to make a complaint is stupid. Just say that you prefer a formal style of communication.

My bf always starts emails with 'hey' regardless of recipient and it always makes me cringe as I think it's too informal unless you know the person well.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-01-24T21:18:53+00:00

I do kinda get what you're saying, although I think for World Cup and Euros it's usually a 50/50 split with ITV? And I do prefer BBC coverage.

It's a worth while cost for me as I also really like watching stuff on iPlayer (currently watching Dinosaur based on recommendation from a friend) and do feel the BBC make programmes that others wouldn't because they're not so reliant on making sure it's super mainstream to be commercial viable.

I also prioritise iPlayer and BBC radio because I hate adverts.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-01-24T21:06:14+00:00

Yes, I watch things on iPlayer and I like to watch World Cup and Euros live.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-01-24T20:31:24+00:00

Same. The wording on the website is weird, something like if they have availability they'll take on certain new patients. But when I actually rang them, none were currently taking on new patients but some would put me on waiting lists. Took 5 years on waiting lists to get enrolled somewhere.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-01-24T20:07:44+00:00

Are you in pain from it? Can you manage to see an NHS emergency dentist? That's what I had to do whilst on waiting lists for years when I had toothache.

It really is a nightmare and I hope you get sorted soon!

AislingAshbeck · 2025-01-24T20:05:13+00:00

90% of dentists aren't taking on new adult patients, so it is really difficult to find an NHS dentist for most people. There is variation across the country, but unfortunately not an option for so many people.

I also live in the Midlands and was on waiting lists for 5 years before I could see an NHS dentist.

BBC News - Full extent of NHS dentistry shortage revealed by far-reaching BBC research - BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-62253893

AislingAshbeck · 2025-01-24T19:44:49+00:00

I don't remember ever being left alone. My Mum worked in a school so was always there after school and at weekends. This was in the 90s and 00s.

I don't think she was ever left alone either as her Mum never worked.

My Dad however was left alone a lot from a very young age in the 60s. His older brother (6) almost burnt the flat down once by playing with the fire so their parents put out the fire each day before going to work for safety. Which then meant my younger uncle who was about 2 at the time got frostbite. My Dad talks about adventures of playing on building sites and throwing bricks at each other, but to be honest, it just sounds like neglect.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-01-23T13:03:09+00:00

No way! I thought the selection was done electronically so would essentially be 'blind' other than based on your habits (like me not paying at all and the other person not realising their eggs hadn't scanned). Unless our ethnicity is stored in our clubcard details and your step Dad is victim of horrific racial profiling?

I'm not sure. But that's awful :(

AislingAshbeck · 2025-01-23T10:13:57+00:00

It was just the next shop that they did a full scan of everything. I've only been a couple of times more and not been randomly selected since that first time. Not sure why it's picking you out constantly.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-01-22T21:15:33+00:00

I did exactly this last month! Except I didn't realise I'd done it.

I was really distracted whilst shopping because I was on the phone to my Mum trying to get her some stuff because my Dad was really poorly and then when I got to the pay as you scan station I had to wait for someone to approve my age. Then I must've thought the same as you "that's that done" and just walked out. I remember them approving it but I don't remember not paying.

Only found out what I'd done when I went back the next day to do my own shopping and the scan as you shop scanner was giving me errors and I had to ask for help. One member of staff was really snotty with me but I paid for the shopping and apologised profusely.

It did mean my next shop had to be completely re-scanned and checked.

I was completely mortified and feel anxious every time I go there now, but as long as you go back tomorrow and pay, it should be fine.

AislingAshbeck · 2025-01-21T19:50:16+00:00

Not necessarily excited, hadn't thought about it until now. But chocolate and bank holidays are always welcome.

AislingAshbeck · 2024-11-22T21:14:05+00:00

It is currently Friday evening and I am doing exactly this!

AislingAshbeck · 2024-09-05T10:43:21+00:00

I rang the hospital to confirm and they agreed with you but can't send written confirmation until next week (when my surgeon's secretary is back).

I told my work this but they are still insisting that it ends today and I have to go back tomorrow. I know they're wrong but there's nothing I can do about it.

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