It is tough NOW. So how are we coping

Reverbe

Thanks Nanna. I just logged in this thread for some support as today it's kinda a not coping day. I have been bottling thigns up for ages and today I just broke down. Flatmate was on the phone to the National Debt Helpline today when I went to his office to pick the paper up and I just ended up bursting into tears. I havent seen my OH for about 18 months, havent found a days work since being made redundant last December and my only friend cut all ties with her past when she moved to Australia last year.I could be homeless soon as he has to go and sign on if he doesnt get some prospective work on Monday and with debts up to his eyeballs, he is not in a good way. I have already loaned him 3 grand which I doubt I will see again and suddenly it has hit me what an awful life I have had so far. I have no doubt when a few posters on the OS board get wind of this they will be feeling very smug and happy so perhaps some good feeling will come from this.

Hugs to frugal and Hester...hope things gets better for you soon.

Bargain_Rzl

Hi Reverbe, I don't know what to suggest but I didn't want to read and run. I'm sorry you're having such a hard time at the moment and I hope something comes up for both you and your flatmate soon Hugs and keep positive. I'm sure others will have some practical suggestions for you...

Churchmouse

Reverbe wrote: »

Thanks Nanna. I just logged in this thread for some support as today it's kinda a not coping day. I have been bottling thigns up for ages and today I just broke down. Flatmate was on the phone to the National Debt Helpline today when I went to his office to pick the paper up and I just ended up bursting into tears. I havent seen my OH for about 18 months, havent found a days work since being made redundant last December and my only friend cut all ties with her past when she moved to Australia last year.I could be homeless soon as he has to go and sign on if he doesnt get some prospective work on Monday and with debts up to his eyeballs, he is not in a good way. I have already loaned him 3 grand which I doubt I will see again and suddenly it has hit me what an awful life I have had so far. I have no doubt when a few posters on the OS board get wind of this they will be feeling very smug and happy so perhaps some good feeling will come from this.

Hugs to frugal and Hester...hope things gets better for you soon.

Reverbe I am very sorry to read this. I truly don't believe anyone will take any pleasure in your unhappiness. People are really much, much nicer than you are giving them credit for. I hope things work out for you and your flatmate. I really think you should confide in your OH, as if it were me, I'd feel very hurt you'd not given me the chance to comfort you. Good luck.

Patchwork_Quilt

I'm sorry to hear it's got to you Reverbe, and sending best wishes to Hester and Frugalista. Hugs to all x

ceridwen

I'm sorry to hear about the bad news of everyone - thinking of you all that are going through hard times now and fingers crossed that things improve soon.

Obviously I personally am sending "good vibes" to those here that I "know" rather better and have formed virtual friendships personally with - so particular hugs to Hard Up Hester and Reverbe (as we go back aways.....). I have been watching and thinking that I would probably hear news like this from you both at some point - but hoping I was wrong. So BIG HUGS to you both...

But - as I said - hope all comes well with everyone on here in trouble now.

ceridwen

KITTIE: I hope you are still reading Old Style - and am thinking your planning hints you were hoping to share with us could be added into this thread to stay on Old Style.

Starting the ball rolling here:

I am now thinking much more "seasonally" in regard to what I eat and am finding that its a good idea to stock up with seasonal foods at those times of year that they are available cheap or free - in order to have a little "hoard" in for the "hungry gap" later on where there will be little local seasonal produce available.

Also - I'm looking to see what bits of food I've previously thrown out regarding them as unusable - to see whether I was correct on that. Right now - I shall be trying radish leaf pesto for lunch later. I made it yesterday and it looks and smells okay - I await seeing what it tastes like:D - but its basically pesto made with radish leaves instead of basil. "Waste not, want not" thought me and rescued enough decent leaves from a bunch of radishes I bought to make a one person portion for myself.

Off to have a go at pickled peppers later - gather from an American foodgrowing blog that its just a question of "chop peppers into large-ish pieces, put in sterilised jar, cover with white vinegar" and thats it done. Thinks - wonder if any white vinegar will do or whether it has to be white wine vinegar? - as I've got plenty of basic white vinegar in for cleaning purposes.

Pitlanepiglet

Morning all, many of us seem to be coming back to another bleak patch, it seems to have been such a long haul since this recession started. My OH was made redundant in 2005 and we've struggled since then although he worked on a self employed basis for a couple of years in between but didn't make much money. We've now moved to be closer to my Dad and to save some living costs.

I still have a job but it means living away from home in the week. There was light at the end of the tunnel with a local job which would have been a perfect long term solution, but I didn't get it so it looks like we're stuck as we are for now which is a horrible thought

I've got a big birthday coming up in a a week and frankly I'd rather cancel it, I don't want to celebrate and I don't really want to have to see anyone although I have a nasty feeling that the family are planning a bit of a bash. I shall probably cry

Sorry to be down...I usually try to be cheerful and positive but sometimes it's just too much effort...

Hugs to all that need them xxx

Janae

Frugalista & Hester, Reverbe & Piglet - big hugs to you all.

My OH has also been made redundant twice in the last two years, and we now fear the same thing may happen again. There are some very negative vibes at his work but nothing we can do except wait & see.
Re credit cards - I use the Tesco one and pay it off each month. The clubcard deals pay for our RAC membership, the odd treat and some Xmas presents (magazine subscriptions).

Ceridwen - just noticed your signature - I like the quote, it certainly struck a chord this morning.

kj

Rummer

Good morning everyone. I am sorry to hear you all so down. Reverbe you are being missed on the 5 OS pleasures thread.

This thread is so valuable for lifting spirits and just as importantly giving people an outlet to share their worries and concerns. It is so important for us all to keep talking and sharing ideas and support.

BilberryCharlotte

Reverbe wrote: »

Thanks Nanna. I just logged in this thread for some support as today it's kinda a not coping day. I have been bottling thigns up for ages and today I just broke down. Flatmate was on the phone to the National Debt Helpline today when I went to his office to pick the paper up and I just ended up bursting into tears. I havent seen my OH for about 18 months, havent found a days work since being made redundant last December and my only friend cut all ties with her past when she moved to Australia last year.I could be homeless soon as he has to go and sign on if he doesnt get some prospective work on Monday and with debts up to his eyeballs, he is not in a good way. I have already loaned him 3 grand which I doubt I will see again and suddenly it has hit me what an awful life I have had so far. I have no doubt when a few posters on the OS board get wind of this they will be feeling very smug and happy so perhaps some good feeling will come from this.

Hugs to frugal and Hester...hope things gets better for you soon.

I can`t believe that anyone would laugh because someone was in difficulty, who knows what life has in store for any of us?

People have been through rough times before, maybe even rougher than this, at least there may be some sort of benefit, even if it is not a lot it will be something. There is also the NHS, if you are poorly at least you won`t be afraid to go to the doctors in case you can`t pay.

People are so clever and helpful on here, and I am sure we are all wishing the very best things come to you, perhaps not what you imagine or what you are hoping for, but you may be surprised at how well things turn out in the end.

When I was having a rough time, had been made redundant at 40 something, my son told me that the Japanese word for problem is also the same as for opportunity. I don`t know if he had read it somewhere or he thought it would cheer me up, it worked anyway.

Very special thoughts for you and Frugalista & Hester, & Piglet and everyone who is feeling low right now, good things will come. x