Countdown to Freedom

edinburgher

@Money Curious, it's surprised me that talk of food banks has been fairly emotive at work with a section, albeit small, very anti them. Given people are put forward to go, then their need is clear. The reasons why they need to go are myriad and things do need to change in terms of benefits, however in the meantime, they need to live, feed families etc.

I've read some interesting items, including a bit of an argument on the OS board over a tin of sweeties :eek:

Have a lovely day Tilly, and well done to Mr T for finishing off the painting, the house will look lovely for :rudolf:

Pearla*Merle

I wonder how much it's down to people being ignorant of the fact that people are referred to food banks? I didn't really know until recently that that was the case, it's not really talked about much, I notice But then to still be very against them when you're enlightened to that fact... oh dear I suppose there's always a section of society that'll be that way, unfortunately.

Oh a much happier note though - I just wanted to say a very big thank you (covered with Christmas sprinkles and a Santa hat on top!) for your wonderful diary, Tilly! It's a mine of tips & advice and so inspiring, you've done so well! You definitely need to get that blog (dare I say book?) on the go, so many people would appreciate your guidance on running a household - and think of the royalties! :rotfl:

Staffordia

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS wrote: »

Given people are put forward to go, then their need is clear. The reasons why they need to go are myriad and things do need to change in terms of benefits, however in the meantime, they need to live, feed families etc.

Best wishes Tilly x

I didn't realise that people had to be put forward to go to food banks, but that does make sense. While I have mixed feelings about the whole "benefits and poverty" issues, I do think access to food should be a basic right and usually put a couple of items in the trolley at the supermarket.

No one knows that I do this, MSE seems to be something of a confessional.

elantan

I think the documentary that was on a few months ago which showed people were abusing food banks probably didn't help tbh... It's quite an emotive subject for most people

I know when we worked in a soup kitchen we saw both sides of the story and admittedly walked away disgusted and disillusioned with certain behaviours shown by the organisers

gallygirl

On the other hand - there was a bit on the news last night about people on benefits getting their Xmas loans - one single mother of 5 borrowing £500 so each kid could have £100 of presents :eek:.

Later on there was an article about a couple who were brussels pickers - think they were Lithuanian - saying they had unlimited overtime as the farm couldn't get workers. Both had degrees. They had earned enough for a deposit and were buying their 1st house :T.

I know it was just snapshots, but :mad:.

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Evening, what a fab evening. Went to a beautiful concert and had a blast :j

Payday tomorrow and money still in the bank . Mr T signed on today - boy the way he is treated is unbelievable. Anyone reading this who works in a DWP customer facing role, whilst there may be some who don't want to work, there are many more who do. To treat people with respect and courtesy doesn't seem too much to ask - no please or thank you - he's kept waiting whilst the staff chat, way past appointment slots. If they were working on stuff that would be one thing, but to be having personal chats in plain ear shot seems outrageous, when they are keeping someone waiting for an appointment, at a specific time, for which the customers cannot be late, seems quite rude. We are certainly learning a lot

Anyway, onwards and upwards - house is clean and tidy, decorating looks fab - I'm sure Santa will be stopping by on his travels, so yes Mr E it's ready for him. I'm wrapping gifts in the morning, writing my final shopping list and sorting mum's bedroom :T

Thanks to everyone who posts, I really do appreciate it. My posts may not have been as positive recently, as it's been a difficult period with Mr T, in terms of jobs and my heart goes out to him. I feel truly blessed to have have such a kind and loving husband and I will be supporting him in any way I can.

Let's add a bit about money - £11 ish spend this evening - how can coffee be that expensive :eek: Charity donations of £10. 78p TT (2 in one day).

Next week will see the mortgage drop to £188k, excluding offset

Best wishes, Tilly x

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Hi GG, where do the loans come from? Do you mean payday loans?

Tilly x

elantan

One o the wonderful things about a happy marriage is your soul mate is there to support and love you when needed ... Yes it's really hard for you just now, but he is anything but lazy, in a way he is saving you a fortune from getting decorators in and taking the strain off of you for cooking etc

That's team work ... And that's love

Fingers crossed the perfect job comes up for him soon

Ive decided to go back to uni and my search for a job isn't working

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS

Thanks El, that's certainly Mr T, he hasn't a lazy bone in his body :T

Good to hear about Uni

Night

Tilly x

gallygirl

Tilly_MFW_in_6_YRS wrote: »

Hi GG, where do the loans come from? Do you mean payday loans?

Tilly x

Door to door - though one was a credit union.

Glad you had a great night :T.