Scottishmummy's Life and Debt Diary

Scottishmummy

EssexHebridean wrote: »

Hi SM - wondered where you'd got to, glad your 'puter problems are sorted now. Well done on the ferry money too - you'll be on your way before you know it now.

Might be worth putting a request in writing to the bank.....it's easier in some ways for them to say no on the phone as to all intents and purposes that doesn't go on record anywhere......for the sake of a stamp - 2nd class of course - it might be worth a try.

Kissjen - good plan on the artic - I think we have a plan!! :rotfl: As for the Mull -v- Skye thing - all the islands have really different personalities - we love the Uists and Harris but don't like Lewis much at all.

This weekend - if it is dry - is going to be spent going through all the camping gear to see that it is all up to the job still. It didn't get used last year at all as the weather was so awful but we did check the tent was okay before packing it away again. That way if all is okay we are ready to go when the time is right. Have the choice of a week in July or in August so if the first week in July is awful we shall wait till August. If that week is awful too I think we will still go though as I am having withdrawal symptoms :rotfl:. And i am not going another year without a holiday:mad:.

I have twice before although not this year managed to get them to refund charges at the time so I was probably pshing my luck but I do have a couple of stamps so might be worth a try.

Arctic would work if it was raining too, nice and warm and dry inside, couple of days on Mull, couple on Tiree then off up to the Uists, then maybe a wee drive round the top of the country and a quick visit to see Fay in Orkney. Actually how much does it cost to hire an Arctic and someone with an HGV licence:rotfl::rotfl:?

Off on a piccie hunt.

Scottishmummy

Okay avatar updated. Pic is the view out of the bay from Calgary beach. Our tent was about 50 yards to the left. Hope there is space for us when we go back as it is a very small wild campsite. Nothing official and only a small toilet block for facilities.

kissjenn

Where do you find your avatar?

Scottishmummy

If you go to your usercp just above edit signature you'll find edit avatar. Or do you mean where did I find the pic - it's one I took the year before last when we were last on Mull

kissjenn

I couldn't see any of these. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Scottishmummy

Nice avatar KJ

Scottishmummy

Since the diaries moved to their own separate area I find I am staying here and reading them and not visiting any other forums. I feel quite guilty about the lack of support I am giving on the DFW forum. Is anyone else like this? I shall make an effort to visit them for at least 20 minutes everytime i am on.

Switched on the telly tonight and it has started switching itself off and on again. Done it about six times this evening. have told the kids if it goes kaput then the portable will be coming through from the bedroom and they will have to make do with that. No way we can afford another telly just now and I never have any luck on freecycle.:sad:

Managed to get parked for free at work today so saved some money there. I could actually park for free every day. I would just have to leave earlier as I would have quite a bit further to walk and as the weather is improving it is not too much of a hardship. Just when it is pouring with rain I would much rather park in the carpark and stay nice and dry. I don't currently own a jacket with hood and can't afford to buy one just now so don't want to spend the afternoon at work with wet hair. Must try harder there.

Scottishmummy

It's been very quiet here today, everyone must be enjoying nice weather. We had a thunderstorm but it was needed to clear the air.

Debt-busting wise I now have CWC's spreadsheet up and running so I'll hopefully know where all our money goes. I've input all our DD's for the year and put in the Tax Credits, Child Benefits and the minimum I would take home in wages each month before doing any extra hours and it is looking a little better than I thought. DH's wages will just need to be added as he earns it as it varies hugely but enough goes in to cover all our DD's and leave us with just under £200 for food, petrol, clothing, expenses etc before we even count DH's money. We were under the impression that we needed to add extra to the account to cover things but we were wrong. It just seemed that way because of course things go out before payments go in so we needed to pay his money in too. It would be nice to get to the stage where we just need to pay in one amount to the DD bank account at the beginning of every month and then we can forget about it.

DH has started a spending diary so I can keep track of what he is spending and what he is spending it on. He came home today with what he had bought for lunch, The Sun, the lottery AND biscuits, teacakes and crisps all of which we are supposed to be cutting down on. Oh not forgetting the two cans of cider he bought for himself:mad:. I don't think I had a drink last year never mind this one but he has to have at least one can every single night once he gets home from work. I appreciate working at night can be difficult and he needs to de-stress once he gets home but he complains of being woken up too early when in fact he could go to bed at least an hour earlier every morning if he didn't sit up drinking and watching telly. It's not like he has a problem getting to sleep!!!!:mad:

Rant over at least he does more than his fair share around the house although some dusting occasionally would be nice.

kissjenn

It's so tough sometimes when you feel you are knocking yourself out while everyone else continues sailing blissfully on. Cup of tea and some teacakes time!!

boredofbeingathome

You rant away, it is your diary and a good place to air everything Spending diaries are an eye opener aren't they? Don't forget it is all a work in progress and i am constantly taking one step forward and twenty back....at least we have MSE...thank goodness.