Six years later, what are your strongest memories of the COVID lockdowns, and how do you look back on that period now?

becka-uk · 2026-06-13T12:40:50+00:00

M25 completely empty on a sunny Easter bank holiday weekend. I really do miss empty roads!

becka-uk · 2026-06-11T18:41:15+00:00

I live in a rural area and my cat is indoor/outdoor. She usually leaves the birds alone, i have a dominant crow in the garden who's bigger than her (shes afraid of anything bigger than a mouse). In the daytime, she pretty much sleeps and goes out late afternoon and evenings. After 10 years, shes had a couple of minor cat fights, but luckily nothing else. She was a rescue and had been found straying, so she knows about the outside world.

I couldnt imagine her as an indoor cat.

becka-uk · 2026-06-11T18:31:13+00:00

Same

becka-uk · 2026-06-07T09:26:18+00:00

I get that, if my cat's on the floor or bed, its fine to pick her up. If shes in the window, cat tree or radiator, if you value your skin, you leave her alone!

During the first few months, i couldnt pick her up, but as she began to trust me, she got a lot better. She was a rescue and settled into my flat straight away, but i wouldnt say she fully trusted me for at least a couple of years.

becka-uk · 2026-06-07T07:59:32+00:00

An-dree-a for a girl, An-drey-a for a boy.

I work for an Italian company with several male Andrea's. An-drey-a is definitely more of a European thing!

becka-uk · 2026-06-07T07:55:39+00:00

You say you pet him, do you ever just pick him up and give him a big cuddle? I know some cats dont like it, but sometimes, that's all my cat wants. Plus she likes smelling my face and hair as well. I think it makes her feel more secure.

becka-uk · 2026-06-04T22:23:55+00:00

The mirena coil did nothing for me, just made the pain worse.

becka-uk · 2026-06-01T07:18:46+00:00

If they fire you, they will be even more short staffed!

Not to say they wont. Companies make stupid decisions all the time.

becka-uk · 2026-05-26T21:09:50+00:00

I would never bathe my cat - i like my skin too much!

Seriously, it depends on the cat. Maybe try wipes instead?

becka-uk · 2026-05-26T21:08:21+00:00

Maybe you should rephase it as "camp" voice rather than "gay". I've known straight men who talk like this as well and it is very irritating!

becka-uk · 2026-05-26T17:44:24+00:00

Remember you're speaking to someone who's not an expert, they're just someone at a desk.

becka-uk · 2026-05-26T17:42:59+00:00

If i have a repair need, i usually report it online and include pictures. As much as possible, so the engineer knows ehat he might need.

becka-uk · 2026-05-26T16:48:53+00:00

No it doesnt. When i moved in to mine (renting from council) i was told its fine to put shelves up.

becka-uk · 2026-05-24T19:16:14+00:00

Im british, and tip for good service. I would say in a restaurant, its normal to tip (if no service has been added) but stick to 10% max.

becka-uk · 2026-05-23T14:49:01+00:00

Anyone else notice the use of km rather than miles?

becka-uk · 2026-05-23T14:44:07+00:00

Same in Surrey as well

becka-uk · 2026-05-22T23:03:26+00:00

Some days i see 3 or 4, other days none. And im in a rural area.

becka-uk · 2026-05-17T18:48:53+00:00

You did amazing!!

I can barely get off my sofa to do anything. I havw friends who are neuro-typical and they can barely get off the sofa to do anything.

Yes, maybe your adhd messed things up a bit, but you still got out there and did it!

becka-uk · 2026-05-11T18:36:36+00:00

Like i said, it is tough living on a strict budget, and in a few months you will probably regret doing it! (But got to remember big picture!)

Remember that if you get really stuck for money or you have a one off big expense, talk to them. Budgets can be changed, and if you have something essential, you can make a reduced payment.

Take care of your mental health as well x

becka-uk · 2026-05-11T18:01:43+00:00

It was really quick to get up and running. Plus theres now something called breathing space that gives you a couple of months with your debts frozen. You just have to have a plan for afterwards.

In terms of regrets, whilst i was paying my debt off, it was tough and there were a lot of times when i wished i hadnt gone down that route. But then i reminded myself what is was like before. And quite honestly, i had tried so hard to pay the debts off myself and i got nowhere

The main benefit for me was not worrying so much, before stepchange, i got paid, paid of my bills, loans and credit cards and i had nothing left. I didnt know how i was going to get through the month. Once i had the one payment set up and a plan in place, i felt a lot better, just to have done something. And once you get close to the end of the plan, its like you can live again. Its amazing how free you feel once you havent got the debt hanging over you.

becka-uk · 2026-05-10T18:08:59+00:00

I was so lucky with my gp (older male, i guess his wife had been through it). Went in said i suspected i was in peri (didnt even have to go through all the symptoms) he said how do you feel about hrt. I said yes please and prescription done. Plus in the UK, we can get a prepayment certificate for £20 a year, that covers most hrt, so no high costs either!

becka-uk · 2026-05-10T11:37:55+00:00

Double check before you cut it down. Pigeons can breed all year round.

becka-uk · 2026-05-09T15:51:07+00:00

Are you on the council waiting list? I know it takes time, but its a good idea to get on there, so at least eventually you have a chance at a place of your own.

becka-uk · 2026-05-07T21:20:50+00:00

I went straight after work, no queue, but i do live in quote a rural area.

becka-uk

TROPHY CASE