Hopes and dreams for a new home...

Iris_Blue

What a lovely day. The washing is out on the line and the birds are singing.

We've been out already for a mini shop at Farmfoods. I bought 3xduck with pancakes which were on offer from £3.95 to £2.95 so in effect got one free! That’s our “takeaway “sorted for a few weekends now. I got the usual milk, bread and some hollands pies which are only £2 there- DH sometimes takes these to work.We used a £2.50 a 25 shop voucher so I've op'd the £2.50

Also popped into Home B’s and got DD a 99p book to read in the car on the way to holiday. “Holiday first words” shes excellent at talking so she’ll be shouting out at the pictures on our way there - It’s gonna be a long journey! There’s some good books and activity packs for 99p there – worth a look. Also got DH some dairy milk which had 2 bars free in the pck and a jar of sundried tomatoes £1, they had some even cheaper but they didn’t look nice at all.

:jDH has got word of what his bonus is but I’m not sure what it will be after tax yet. I wanted more ..But it’s still a good amount, mustn't grumble. We’ll clean the CC completely now and have some left over which I’ll possibly OP or just keep in the bank for removal costs/ solicitors fees.

We're off to the army careers office later with DS2 who is struggling to find anything job wise after walking out of 6th college earlier this year. He would like to be a draughtman but doesn't seem to be able to get on anywhere. Connections haven't been the most helpful either. The army has this position so we'll see what they advise later. He really needs guidance on what to do in everything. My older son nearly 18 is so different and has organise everything himself in life (looking at uni's, part time job etc) its funny that your children can be so different , especially only being 11 months apart. Saying that me and my sister are VERY different :rotfl:

katsu

Iris - DH trained as a draughtsman and the advances in computers means there are very few positions for draughtsmen in industry. Most CAD work is now done by industry X engineers who can also use a PC. Hardly any companies have drawing offices any more. I'd advise DS2 to really look at the opportunities if he was qualified. My DH has had to change into a broader role and now only very rarely uses CAD. It isn't anything like it was 10yrs ago.

Iris_Blue

Thanks Katsu I appreciate your words- He doesn't really want to do anything else (apart from accountancy and that's an half hearted attempt). The good thing is that when you go to the Royal Engineers , you go on a 5 day insight course so you can see the different job roles that are available. I'm hoping then that something else will catch his eye and he'll get excited about something.

katsu

Iris - if he gets broader engineering qualifications that will open up lots of other opportunities. I just had to say something as I reckon I could count on one hand the nuimber of CAD jobs I've seen advertised in the last few years. I only know of one company who has a drawing office big enough for a drawing office manager. DH has given up on it as a career and your son will really need to work in a company where he uses his engineering knowledge and does some drawing sometimes unless he either goes into architecture or kitchen designs. These are the only areas I've seen still using much CAD. For architecture your son would really need some architecture experience/quals too. If the REME doesn't work out then perhaps look at architecture training places or courses?

I appreciate you not thinking I was being off-putting, I just couldn't bear him to go through the pain of finding no work. I hate to remember how hard it was when the work dried up for DH.

Iris_Blue

No not at all. I appreciate your opinion. He wants to do the drawing of buildings and engineering structures.

" You prepare and maintain production drawings and are capable of designing and drawing buildings up to three storeys high in accordance with current regulations.

You will produce plans for roads, bridges, and aircraft operating surfaces, including layouts, sections and other detailed drawings." That's taken from their website. He wants to do this rather than the Electrical and Mechanical draughtsman. The one he has choosen is the better option then ?

LilacPixie

DH is technically an aeronautical engineer but drives a lorry which gives you an idea of how little work there actually is. Alternate energies is where the future is.. wind and wave energy.. Architect or quantity surveyor would be a good option IMO and everyone needs accountants and funeral directors. As they say the only definates in life are death and taxes

Iris_Blue

....And also caring for your own relatives instead of relying on support from social services. Carers are the future.

We went to the ACO and I was impressed. The careers guy was lovely. The soonest DS could go in would be September. He said that there wasn't many jobs available but he was interested that DS wanted to be a draughtsman. So now he's got to think really hard about it. I really don't want him to go in , what mother would want it?, but I feel he needs to find himself as he's so lost atm. He needs to decide soon as he's also been choosen to go on a 13 week princes trust course at the end of the month. He can't do both.

I'm absolutely shattered today as a helicopter was circling over our house last night, not sure why but it was very loud so I was up 2am till 5am and then back up at 6. I haven't the energy to do anything and as a result of lack of sleep I feel down about the mortgage / money. It's crazy as we are the best we have ever been financially. I want more though.

Ocad0 shopping is coming tonight in the 10pm - 11pm free delivery slot. I'm regretting that slot now ! I won't order from them again unless I get another £15 off ( unlikely) as they were dearer than Mr. T's

I opened a new ISA account last night 3.20% with the Holifox as intending to start putting some money away from next month.I've never changed my ISA since I opened it way back. There's nothing in it though so I've not lost out.

Hope everyone elses day is better than mine so far

Iris_Blue

not much to report so I'll bullet point it as I can't be bothered....

• E on on tcb have confirmed £65.65 for changing providers - payable next month! I'm very happy at that
• I've signed upto Funky pigeon ( I keep calling it funky chicken by accident! ) and got £3 creditted straightaway. Referred a fellow MFW who got £3 for signing up and I got another £3 referral bonus to spend - got a few birthdays in May so the cards can be for them
• My son has just gone to sign up for the army - 1st choice Draughtsman 2nd Ammunition Technician :eek:( think Hurt Locker )- he's gone from one end of the spectrum to another. Can't say Im happy at choice 2.I'm missing him already
• Ocad0 shopping came and the service was Excellant. £15 off first shop too.

Pinky15

Hi there! Fab diary - have really enjoyed reading it!!
I have 3 little ones and wow you must be kept sooo busy:).
I have a credit card to attack and then hopefully move to this board where I will find lots of ideas to reduce my mortgage!!! Well done.

Iris_Blue

Thanks Pinky! That's nice of you to say.

3 little ones wow! I just have 2 under 2 now the rest can fend for themselves.:p .. DD is enough though just on her own! I really agree with your signature that made me chuckle.

I'll look forward to seeing you about on here ..good luck!