No More! debtfree2015's diary

debtfree2015_2

Feeling alot better today. A little bunged up but nothing like I was, and I havent had to take medicine so far today.

Has been mainly no spends. I done a food shop on the saturday, it was only a quick one as I was feeling so ill but ran out of bread, milk, butter, fruit etc.

I did contemplate ordering online, but I hate the thought of the delivery charge nipping into my budget.

Today 98% back to normal, got the washing on, changed the beds, made a start on the kitchen.

I done a Uturn on DD's bed. I was on the brink or just replacing her mattress, but when doing some thinking.....if in a year or 18 months time nothing has improved, I will be kicking myself for throwing away £40, ie getting a toddler mattress when I should have just go the next size up bed to last. So her bed should be coming saturday. Its a full size single, and a style I think should last her years. Im going to sell her toddler bed to try to make up some of the money, as I took it out of my car tax budget, so need to bump that back up.

Got an argos voucher on the way, that will go towards her new duvet & fitted sheets. I have got a single duvet cover, which I picked up 2 years ago in the sales for £3 thinking she'd like that when she is in a single bed - how handy is that!

I cleaned my carpets the other week, I was going to get someone in, but it was too expensive so I hired the cleaning machine from co-op - £20! Well it was £30 with the cleaning fluid, but still cheaper than £79 the private quote I got! It picked up so much dirt, and I went over and over until the water came out clear, but unfortunately the carpet is permanently marked in places, ie you can see light patches where furniture was.

So one of my first aims when Im back at work, or doing the hairdressing self employed is to replace the carpets. By then Il have been here 2 years, and I should have a clear idea of how much longer I will stay here for.

I have hesitated a lot as I dont want to waste my money on someone elses home, but unless Im seriously successful in hairdressing, or land a really well paid job or meet prince charming, Im probably going to be here for the next 6 years until my credit file clears as with no guarantor and a dro theres no way Il get another contract, so I may aswell do the best that I can.

I wont be able to afford it until Im working, so its a long term plan, but makes me feel better knowing it wont be this way forever.

Im also going to stop panicking on the job front. I keep forgetting, the whole reason I chose hairdressing was 1 - I like it, and 2- it will fit in childcare wise.
All these jobs Im contemplating would cause huge amounts of problems with childcare.
Whilst I wont rule out a job if it comes along, Im going to chill out and attempt to stop stressing out about finding one right now, or next week blablabla. Ive got 10 months before I can attempt to start earning with hairdressing, its not an eternity, I really need to get a grip.

I know the thing causing my panic, is because I keep thinking back to how much I had then and how much I have now, its like I want to go back 10 years....but I know realistically I have to give myself time to start again. And I know so much more now than I did as a 19 year old, so even if I never earn what I earnt back then again, I probably will be better of in real terms as I will have no temptation with debt ever again. Plus as my friend quite rightly pointed out, the higher up the harder the fall. I fell very hard and never want to go through that again.

In 10 months I should be qualified, Il have 6 months from when I qualify to when dd starts school, so Il start as soon as I can, then when dd starts school I should be able to put in a lot more hours, travel further out to get a bigger client base.

I will also be able to work evenings and weekends - but only on big jobs eg Hilights, restyle, perms as they are more money I will be able to afford to get a babysitter for 2-3 hours, even if Im not getting help via tax credits for the childcare element.

If its a cut, blowdry or hair up, Id consider, but only if I can bring dd with me, but for big jobs it makes sense to pay a babysitter, not fair on dd bored for hours and doesnt look as proffessional. Especially as if you get someones colour spot on, chances are they will want you all the time as they get used to the way you do their hair. Im quite good at colours, very good infact. If I was in a salon I would choose to be a colour technician. Its a bit like maths, with the formulas and requires you to think to work things out which I love.

I dont mind cutting or hair up either, but each hairdresser normally has a strength, and mine was always colour. Well saying Im good at it is probably a bit much as it was 10 years ago I first started, I just remember flying through my colour assesments, where as cuts I was a bit less confident with.

Im remembering quite a bit from my old lessons. We practised hair up the other week, my sets & hair up came out brilliant. I need to bring my camera in this week, Ive been taking pics but on my mobile they are not clear. I was really gutted at missing this weeks lesson Im enjoying it so so much.

Whilst I was writing this....my washing machine suddenly started throwing water out....on a bank holiday when the agency is shut bloody brilliant!

MuffinTops

Hi DF,
It's nice to hear you're sorting things out in your mind. You really have been over all work options and each one did sound fraught with worries about childcare and timings etc, so it definitely sounds to me like you're doing the right thing in working out that's a no go for now and giving yourself a chance to enjoy the time being home with your daughter. I honestly wish my Mum hadn't bothered about working and had been there. I'd have happily given up many things for that to have happened so the memories you're able to create now are invaluable.

I hope you managed to sort your washing machine out without much damage.

debtfree2015_2

Thanks Muffin.

Machine, I have no idea what happened. Im guessing I may have over filled it, as water was coming out of the soap draw, drum was full.

I switched it to drain, then spin then drain again and then tested out half a load, touch wood it was ok. I was going to do a load through the night but was worried about waking to a flooded kitchen so thought it was best not to!

I think this is the right choice re work, for now at least. When dd is at school, if I need to take a part time job alongside hairdressing, Il have a full day for interviews rather than hoping they have a slot at 10am & it doesnt last longer than an hour etc.

Ive been looking more into the schools, all of them have after school clubs, so no need to worry about childminders. Id try to work around my diary so I dont work too much during the holidays, but for big jobs babysitters are always an option.

Im going to start designing a logo and business name I think. Id also like a uniform, just a tunic with my logo on that I can wear with leggins.

Im aiming to buy my first set of heated rollers soon, then Im going to offer free blowdries & sets in my local area, to get practice in and hopefully get my name out there. Il can do that whilst dd is at preschool.

When I pass of each unit I will offer free services again, though I may have to think about a document so they are aware I am still training. I think the condition of the free offer could be, that they allow me to take a photo of before and after for my portfolio.......

I hope there will be some willing volunteers.

debtfree2015_2

NSD today, because Im pennyless! Not in a bad way, Ive just used up my budget.

I have some emergency money in my silver cup - just 10s & 20s so I can get bread etc if I run out, but the freezer touch wood should last.

Ive been tidying dd;s bedroom in preperation for her big girl bed coming this weekend. Ive got a cupboard full of toys that she has outgrown that I plan to try to sell to pay for some proper storage for her remaining toys.

Im running out of energy now so the rest will be finished friday

debtfree2015_2

Busy day today. College is really starting to get good now we are getting to do a lot more.

Tomorrow going to finish dd's room it was semi clear on wednesday, in 2 nights she has managed to turn it upside down.
Need to get a quilt and pop some papers down to the council.

I need to learn to keep my paperwork in order. I do have a filling system, but I am really really bad at keeping it up to date. I am forever keeping a pile here a pile there, then have to spend days sorting it all out.

Also need to take a few bits to the dump.

Really need to make some choices on old baby things, they take up a whole cupboard. I just keep thinking.....maybe one day. But thinking seriously, thats years of, if it ever happens at all....so maybe its time to be brave and shift it!

debtfree2015_2

My machine is definately messed up. I thought it was a one off....but went out today came back to a drenched kitchen. I done a test wash with just a towel in...seems the washing machine doesnt know when to stop filling up, it carries on filling til the drum is full, then it overflows out of the soap drawer.

Called the agency message didnt get passed on so had to recall, by which time it was close to end time. They said they would email landlord and could I not use the machine until I heard further.....likely tuesday or wednesday. I cant go possibly 4 days or more if parts have to be ordered without washing clothes! No laundrette so looks like I may have to handwash....what a pest!

DD's bed is arriving tomorrow, hope its easy to put together. Got her a quilt today, just a value one from Mr T. Quilt is a quilt! I would like to get us some decent pillows when I have the money. I also found some bunting for 2.99, it matches the quilt cover I have waiting just pure chance as different shops own brands, and purchased 3 years apart!

I put it up with sellotape just to see what it looks like, as dd's walls are plain, I wanted to bring some life to her room but cant do anything that will last, or too expensive. DD likes it so I couldnt take it back down again. It actually occured to me, I have no clue what they should be put up with!
Still for 2.99 its made a massive difference to her previously plain room.

If dds bed doesnt take me all day, the next thing is to take a few things to the dump that I have set aside.

Ive changed my ticker to the number of weeks left til I qualify. I decided I could count the weeks down as a reminder when I get demotivated, it should remind me that its not that long away.

Had a bit of disappointing news, the level 3 that I wanted to do is a full time course.....cant do it....plus finding will be cut, they said even people who paid this time (around £1000) as the gov wont subsidise it next year, it will be around (£4000).

Im hoping that I will be able to find a cheaper course elsewhere....have to wait and see I guess.

But even so....my course end date means I should be able to either start up alone, or find a job....plus the DRO ends weeks before that so I figured its a good time to count down to.

Ive started a copper jar too, which although wont amount to a huge amount, may be enough to start myself of with a few tools when I qualify.

Not much more to ramble on about, going to get an early night I think!

debtfree2015_2

Just re-read that post - finding?? Meant funding of course!

DD's bed arrived, managed to get it up in an hour was very pleased with myself.

Its surprisingly comfortable and wide for a single bed....if I needed a bed Id seriously consider this one as a replacement to mine!

Its higher than her last bed, so I can fit her toy boxes underneath, makes the room look neater and means I dont need to save for additional storage at the moment!

Tomorrow a trip to the dump is needed to get rid of the packaging, and an old broken suitcase.

Going to list dd's old bed on ebay, if it sells that will go towards bedding & a rug for dd's room.

MuffinTops

Hello DF,

Sorry to hear the machine still isn't working as it should. I hope you get that sorted soon. Hand washing does not sound like any fun.

It's good to hear the bed has arrived though and that you're still making good progress on the course.

You're achieving so much. I hope the penny jar really helps. I do like seeing my jar grow and the higher it gets the more motivating it is to find more to put in it.

Good luck selling the bed. I really hope it goes easily and you get what you want for it. x

debtfree2015_2

Little stress head reappearing.

Car is worrying me, it feels like its going to stall whilst I wait at lights or in traffic. Was just once every few days at first, but now its every time Im in the car.

Also a loud noise kicks in again when at stand still for a few minutes or more. It kicks in every few minutes, its very loud and when it first kicks in makes the car tremble. As soon as I drive its ok.

Not sure if its just age related or something that needs sorting. Praying its nothing serious as my budget isnt big enough for serious work. Im using it for bare minimum ie college & food shop, doctors. Went to the dump today but normally would rarely use it at weekends.

On the good side managed to take everything I wanted to take to the dump.

Going to take picts of few things Ive got for ebay, once Ive charged the camera battery that dd drains on an almost daily basis. No matter where I hide the camera she finds it and goes over and over the videos fast forwarding and rewinding etc.

DD slept well in her new bed, and woke in a brilliant mood at 6am, I could hear her singing 'Im a big girl in my new bed lalalala' very loudly.

Think Il have a read up in my book see if I can work out whats happening with the car.

debtfree2015_2

Man at the garage advised fan is probably noisy due to the age, and re the feeling like Im going to stall, just a part that may be clogged up with emmissions, dust in the car. Its a pretty quick and cheap cleaning job if I need it doing, so Il see how I go this week.

It only really happens if Im stuck in traffic, so this week I will be leaving early for college to make sure I dont get stuck!

My friend very kindly let me use her machine. Would have cost £3 a wash otherwise! I hope my machine is fixed asap. LL came it turns out a pipe was torn inside the machine so the machine thinks its empty & keeps filling.

I also spoke to the LL about the fridge freezer, he is happy for me to replace it and I can take it with me when I go, as the current tall one is in the living room, its a real eyesore. I wanted to replace it with two undercounter pieces, to put in the kitchen, so my living room actually turns into a living room but I didnt want to buy and leave behind its a waste.
So Il probably wait til next year, as then Il have an idea of how long Il be here. If Im not here long Im happy to wait til something comes up on freecycle, if I know Im going to be here a few years I will save up when Im at work. Actually whilst babling, Ive just remembered there are undercounter fridges that are practically 60/40 fridge freezer, that might be doable and only half the cost. I dont generally get huge amounts of shopping anyway as its a pest to lug up the stairs.....

I dont use a lot of fridge space, but having a smaller freezer would encourage me to buy more fresh than frozen. Just as long as I have enough space for cheap sides eg oven chips, fish fingers and icecream, and a bit of meat Il be happy.

I think Il start trying to reduce my usage to that amount of space in the large fridge freezer so Im used to it by the time I replace it.

Not much else planned this week. Just need to get a move on with my ebaying as my pile is growing bigger and bigger!