Thats another fine mess I got myself into

Woowoo

Hi Red

My kitchen worktop was cut by my OH to fit the oven in and he made a right hash of it, these things blend into the background eventually and you don't notice them anymore, or you just go past caring lol!

A break in January sounds like a marvellous idea, would you go away somewhere?

taxi73

It's good to write things down.
I think your mother has the right idea...there's quite a bit of stuff to get your head around there but brain storming one thing at a time will bring you the answers.You are doing brilliantly on the business debts.
The first few years in business are always the hardest and you have seen a remarkable increase in business.

Woowoo

Hi Taxi

My regular taxi driver got beat up on Saturday night, someone was sick in the back of his taxi and he asked for the clean up fee, so they head butted him and punched him. There are some truly nasty people out there. He is in his 60's and is very shaken up the poor man.

I hope you have never felt threatened by anyone x

taxi73

Poor bloke..there are lots of nasty people about.I hope he got the police involved.
I have hit back in the past..I also have a button im my cab that disables the whole system and sends loads of cars to where I am with lots of big blokes in them for that reason.
We don't work the cab when the clubbers are coming out of the clubs as it would be too easy to run people over and also anybody and everybody tries to get in your cab even if it's not for them and then fights break out and they kick your doors etc...not worth the hassle.
If I turn up for a passenger and they are totally incapable then they don't get taken ....everything is about risk assessment in this job.

Woowoo

The police are reviewing the CCTV from both the pick up and drop off point so fingers crossed they will be recognised, as we know they are from the local area.

Its amazing how many disrespectful people are out there, alcohol seems to mean a total loss of manners with some.

taxi73

Alcohol is a major concern definitely.The world would be a lot safer place without it...lol

REDMADCURLS

There are some real charmers out there for sure! A** holes. DH best friend is a taxi driver too and he only picks up regulars on a Sat night - he has built himself quite a little gathering - I think it is something to do with being the father of 3 girls, he is like a dad doing the Saturday run!!

Yes Taxi we have seen a great increase in business, but, as you would understand, having debts hanging over you means it is hard to see the fruits of your labour. I am also aware that in a year (or less, if we are unlucky) the van will need replacing and DH would very much like to employ someone full time and move to bigger premises. However, when the VAT increase kicks in in January, that will have a huge impact I think, both on cost of ingredients (which I think will lead to us increasing our prices too) and on people having money to spend on 'luxuries' like apple tart! Hard times ahead for sure.

In April I opted to pay interest only on the mortgage and I said I would do this for one year - I think it will be 18 mths now, but thats it because I do no intend to have this mortgage for the full term (20 years left in Jan, I will be 62!). I know debt wont be cleared in that time but in 18 mths I would hope to have paid a good chunk and will return to paying capital off, otherwise by the time we get to overpayments (in approx 3 years) we will be playing serious catch up!

More photo's for Ebay! But could someone tell me why I hang up clothes with stains/marks on them and not put them in the wash!!!!!!!!!!!!

taxi73

I totally understand the not seeing the fruit of your labours bit .
You have good plans there and I'm sure you'll see the other end of it.You just have to chip away bit by bit and you are doing fantastically.

REDMADCURLS

No I am doing ok, I could do better. I could be a better OS'er and really think about spending more but it does take up so much time!

I am hoping this decluttering will lead to faster speed re flylady jobs i.e if there is less carp, there is less to clean etc etc. Thus I can free up even more time for number crunching!

As many have already said, if I did this a few years ago, I would have money in my pocket now but "thems the breaks" as they say (whoever they are!)

I am though looking forward, strangely, to saving for and buying stuff I NEED, because I do think I will 'treasure' them more!

taxi73

You have well and truly had your LBM and are approaching everything in the right way.There is always something to learn around these boards.