greent's mfw journey

Secret_Saving_Squirrel

The de cluttering will soon start to show, it is like the difference between losing a stone and a few pounds!

greent

I hope so, Squirrel! Trouble is, the pesky children keep having birthdays and the like, so things keep coming in to the house!


Actually, to be fair to them, DS3's room has stayed tidy since we've decorated - ok, only a couple of weeks, but that does include Easter hols, so that's really impressive for us! Having a set place for everything is definitely working - and there's a small box (shoebox) under his desk to put small odds and ends into at the end of the day to sort next day - as long as this is cleared no less than every other day it seems to work - he likes it being tidy!


DS2's room almost there, and - again - we have emptied everything out and gone through every single last thing (excluding piles of nursery and schoolwork and Lego) - not that much in reality has left the house one way or another, but it's all going back into sorted areas - so hopefully we can keep it that way


There are some areas in the house where, if I really think about it, I know it's an improvement - but that's because they were overflowing before, and now they're just full!


Bids on a couple of items on fleabay, so hopefully these will be leaving the house later this week - they're currently sat in a box in my hall, annoying me!


x

greent

Almost at the end of the hols!!! Time has flown by!


No real money news here, I guess. Trying to keep grocery spends low again this month - still have too much food here! Managed to nab some fab YS meat bargains last month, so shall use some of those up this month. Also want to try and focus on SW - lost 3.5lb at wi this week which was fab - just need to keep it up (although not necessarily at that rate!)


No job news re OH - very quiet on the job front at the mo - hopefully the start of a new financial year will mean some new budgets around and therefore new jobs coming onto the market


Feels like a spendy couple of weeks, although we haven't really done anything (played a lot of games, though ) - new passports for 3 of us (and photos), a new kitchen for the BTL, various DIY bits for the house (paints, masking tape, picture fittings etc) and some (needed) new clothes/ shoes for the children. Have managed to sell a few bits on fleabay (will update sig when all paid), dropped stuff to CS and taken some bits to the tip and recycling centre.


We (Oh and I) are off out to the pub in a mo with some friends - teens will be in charge of smallies - we should be back just after 11, so not a problem (and we're only a couple of miles away, anyway) - I love school holidays


xx

brizzledfw

Well done on the sales

Have a great eve.. So know that deep joy when you can leave them to take care of themselves

Karmacat

It sounds like a really nice holiday and 3.5 lbs is fantastic, well done you.

As you say, the new financial year should help a lot of jobseekers - really hope your OH is one of them.

greent

Quick post, will hopefully catch up on diaries later. Working 4/5 days this week (mock exams) so am away from the house more than norm. Also had a 4hour committee meeting last night - meh! Could have been wrapped up in 2 if people a - arrived on time and b -stuck to topic.


DS1's 16th in 2 days - eek! He gave me a list of wanted items, so I've bought some things from there (and also bought stuff for my mum to give him) and gone 'off piste' for the rest (mainly smaller bits) Have bought him a cake (Choc M&M one from A5da) - no chance to bake one (although I usually buy the birthday cakes, as my kids get so much other home baking every week anyway ) He was offered a meal out or a takeaway (his choice of where/ what) and chose Chinese takeaway - so that's Friday's dinner sorted Is also considerably cheaper than a meal out for 6, so I'm not complaining!


Hmm - just noticed time - must dash and make sure DS3 gets to bed! These light nights are throwing me


Back later (maybe!)


xx

apple_muncher

How is dh's job search going?

greent

Oooops - have neglected MFW board


OH's job hunt is still going, apple - he is off to London today for yet another interview. He keeps getting good feedback, but generally that he is 'too big' for the roles But - really - for a 3/6 month contract, he is unlikely to get bored and the money was definitely good enough to keep him interested!! Ah well....


In other news, am continuing with RM postal surveys. Posted sister's bday present (the unbreakable part) to her today with freebie stamps :T Need to get back into doing PC surveys - I keep ignoring my emails Have claimed Quidc0 and tcb monies this weekend (in amazon vouchers) and paid rounded up equivalent into holiday fund. Really cba with fleabay at the mo. Have a few large items (furniture) which I am trying to sell on fbk but not having much luck so some may be off to CS this month. (Have a box of glasses, a PS game and a bag of rags in car boot for CS - will take those later as it's next door to PO and I need to post this week's survey items at PO postbox, so will combine with school pickup)


Teens are still revising for upcoming exams. DS3 tried a mock 11+ paper this weekend - I've done no training with him at all (lots of his friends are having tutors) but his CAT score average is just over 130, so am hoping he should be ok. He's very chilled about the process, I have to say! :T Exam is in Sept (he's currently Y5) and he'll take it where DS1 goes - and I'll be invigilating (but not his group) there that day, so it'll be nice and convenient


Talking of invigilation, I've been doing Y10 and Y9 exams the past few weeks, with one Y11 art exam. Exam season 'proper' starts 16th May and I'm working most days, both am and pm sessions - often am at one school and then the pm session at another school. Money will be good for holiday, but I will need to be SO organised, especially if OH has a contract by then!


Finally it looks like a lovely day here - we've had the heating on last week as it was crazy weather and so cold at times with all the hailstorms. I have 1 load of washing on the line, with another just finishing in the machine and they should dry no problem :j Talking of laundry - I shall go and attack my ironing whilst I'm in the mood and the house is peaceful


xx

Karmacat

A peaceful house and a sunny day even if just for a couple of hours, it sounds good

apple_muncher

How is DS1 getting on at school? Any more detentions????