A fresh start

Seaxwyn

Thanks all.

Sea, the car is worth fixing. The damage is only to the back, it's still very drivable and has lots of life left in it. We wouldn't get another car so good for £550, that's for sure. We did think about not having a car, and we could manage it, but the main issue there is my parents, who I often visit and do errands for. My mum gave us the money to buy the car in the first place, so I feel I owe it to her to have wheels at her disposal.

Presents.... I haven't got the kids anything yet and I guess it will be socks again. I feel sorry for them, they are good kids and never complain about having far less than most of their friends.

I would like to get my oldest daughter a phone - she is probably the only 15-year-old without one in Surrey - but she wouldn't want a cheapo phone like mine, she would want one with a camera and music. I will put a request on freecycle, though I don't expect I'll get one.

Anyway, I hope I don't sound self-pitying because I'm not. I got myself into this mess and another Christmas without fancy presents is not the end of the world.

taxi73

I agree with the others that to finish the year off in less debt is good enough after the year you've had.
You personally cannot have tried any harder..

taxi73

Sorry didn't finish that post..meant to say that you tried everything personally..I just wish luck and a job will come to your husband to ease your worries.
Is there anything that I can buy for the children to help you out (you can say it's from you)...if there is just pm me ..I don't mind.

Seaxwyn

Taxi, what a lovely generous offer. I am really touched! But please don't worry about me and my kids, I will do the best I can and they are really very appreciative of any gift they get. So you don't need to think of buying things for them, you have enough children of your own to buy for!

I have put a request on Freecycle for a mobile phone, I'm not hopeful but you never know. I've also offered a tv on there as we just got given a new one, so our old tv might make another family's Christmas. I hope so anyway!

taxi73

I have sorted my lot so the offer is still there if you need/want.
Karma and all that maybe someone needing a tv has a spare mobile.

Seaxwyn

Well I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of DFWs, having received a lovely package from one of our friends - thank you so much.

Also, OH won three bottles of wine at the school fete, and the kids netted all sorts of goodies in the tombola that will be recycled into acceptable Christmas presents for the extended family.

I'm working this weekend on my freelance jobs - two long days, then Monday and Tuesday and that contract will be over. It's been an uphill struggle at times but the money has been good and this last week should be lots of fun and rewarding. Then I have a couple of easy part-time weeks up til Christmas, starting full-time in the new year. So I have lots to be thankful for, and I sincerely am thankful.

hypno06

I am glad that you are getting a couple of easy weeks - able to recharge your batteries before full time work will be much appreciated in due course, I am sure!

And yes, the DFW lot is a very generous one - I have certainly had more than my fair share of support in one format or another over the years, so I am really pleased that you have benefitted too.

dawnybabes

Santa is bringing me a new phone and my old one is up for grabs, it does have a camera, music I'm not sure about cos I hate that but you are welcome to it after xmas day ?

taxi73

Glad you have a couple of quiet weeks ahead...that should relieve a bit of stress.

Seaxwyn

Thank you dawnybabes, she will be so pleased! I have sent you a PM.