Moving south for winter

FlacosFloozie

Well, 3 old textbooks now listed on Amazon. Don't know if they'll sell as there are newer editions out there but it doesn't cost me to list so worth a shot

snozberry

I'm like that with ebay. I do research my unwanted belongings but I always think that my stuff won't sell or I will get the awful customers so I don't bother with it.

I hope that your dad id ok.

FlacosFloozie

Thanks snozberry- I'm sure he'll be fine but I'd like to be around just in case.

Anyway, some small DFW things- listed my 3 books, made buns (I'm getting better at baking and its cheaper than buying biscuits), changed my usual pasta sauce for a value brand (not as good but still perfectly edible and enough left for tomorrow) and evening pizza a cheaper brand- we couldn't tell the difference.

I also did the one big thing. I've written to the tax office to see if I can claim back on pension contributions and some study expenses. I can claim back up to 5 years so if it all get accepted could be a tidy sum The only small hitch is I can't find the stapler so may have to sneak it into work tomorrow and nab theirs. I'm not buying another one, we own at least 2... in a box.... somewhere... :rotfl:

FlacosFloozie

So I did borrow the work stapler and I'll get that letter off tomorrow.
Some unexpected good news tonight though. When I spoke to the tax office last week they took notes of the new job and the fact that I have lost the accomodation benefit. I've got a new tax code as a result and Martin's tax calculator thinks I should be £112 a month better off. It can go straight to repaying the debt! I may have moaned at the time but it was well worth the 20 mins spent on hold

HappyNow

£112 per month!! Congratulations, that's brilliant and it doesn't even seem to be what you rang them for!

ps Hope your dad is doing ok.... x

FlacosFloozie

So I haven't been around much lately, just the occasional quick peek at other people's diaries.

The good news is Dad's surgery went a well, we had a small scare at the start but he's back home with mum now and on the mend. It'll take a while but he should feel a lot better in the long run :j

My spending diary went out the window. I think I can distract myself with it when I'm stressed. While I was waiting for news I bought some make up brushes of all things. Yes, mine are wearng out and they were on sale but hardly an essential purchase....

I also managed to go into my overdraft by £5 and our current account by £30. The first was buying a full tank of petrol and I didn't need to but had lost track of how much was left. The 2nd was down to being less orgainised with the shopping and some comfort food towards the end of the month. It could have been worse... nothing went on the ccs at least.

So back to MSE and keeping a track. Todays challenge the electric bill.....

Kepp

Hi, just been catching up with your diary, have subscribed

FlacosFloozie

Hi Beccie- thanks for reading

So I had been doing ok but tonight's entry is going to be a bit of a whinge....

Mr FF's grandad passed away this week. What makes it tricky is that his mum didn't warn us he was so ill as she felt we had enough to deal with already. I can understand her reasoning but it meant he didn't get a chance to say his goodbyes.

It also meant really short notice for the funeral. I couldn't arrange cover at work to go with him so he's had to go alone and I just really wish I was there to support him.

On an MSE front booking last minute flights and car hire has had to go on the cc again. I did have a bit extra come into my account (unexpected gift) but had no time to transfer it. I don't think it's going to cover the full amount though. Its not that I begrudge spending the money, its just a little dishartening to realise that the debt is going to creep up again despite my best efforts.

Also had a really unpleasent customer at work today which upset me more than it should. Keep thinking I could have handled him better. Anyway, I've had my pity fest tonight... on my own with DC 1 and 2, eating leftovers. I did cave and spend £5 on 2 magazines to cheer me up a bit.

So, tomorrow starts the productive weekend. I will batch cook, eat properly, do housework and list on ebay. I will, I will, I will

FlacosFloozie

So feeling more positive today. So far I've got one load of washing done and hung up to dry and a second one in the machine.
One of the pains with the new house is that the heating isn't great so washing takes forever to dry. I used to be able to do a load hang it up and have it dry in a few hours now it takes all day. I'm really looking forward to the warmer weather and being able to hang things outside.
Also made it to the post office and sent parcel. I went to the butchers and got meat for stews but also caved and bought a duck. It was cheap for a whole duck but not the mose MSE buy.
I'm popping over to the OS board to look for recipies and see what I can make and freeze.

FlacosFloozie

Well another 2 loasd of wahing done. One hung up to dry and the last one in the machine til I get space.
I've batch cooked a vat of stew and one of goulash with extra veggies in the stew to bulk it out so that should stock the freezer up a bit.
Also got a 0% balance transfer offer which I'm going to use to spead the cost of DH's flights. The debt's still going to go up but at least I won't be paying interest.