Our DMP Adventure or We Don't Have a Clue!

miggy

I don't think he's got the idea Rose. *Shakes head solemnly*.

I see what you mean about the money. Would it be any safer if taken out? Or is there another account it could be transferred to?

Apologies for mentioning the detested ingredient on your thread. May I *whispers* just please mention very quickly a big thanks to Piquant and as soon as Lent is over (given up choc) I hope to try the recipe.

Rose, sorry the cough is still such a pain. I hope you get a better night tonight.

BlushingRose

Thanks, I did have a better night

Well, today we should find out if the bike is road worthy again and, more to the point, how much it will cost. Mr BR told me that the shop had said they'd be able to do it in half an hour and the total cost would be £32. However, because they have an hourly rate, if it takes longer, it'll cost more. Now the problem is that we only have £39 in our sundries budget which needs to last us until 24th. If the bike is going to take up all of that (which let's face it, I'll be surprised if it doesn't) then if anything else crops up in the next couple of weeks then we're stuffed. The real pain is that I'd hoped we'd have some money left over to help with all the petrol next month *sigh*

Today I have to go and find a postable present for Mother's Day as I wont be going up to see my Mum on the day due to this stupid bike taking up all the spare money. I'd already bought a present but it's heavy (a jar with sweets in) and so she'll have to wait for Easter for that. This is another reason why I'm pee'd off.

miggy

Glad you got some sleep - it does help!

I hope things aren't too bad with the bike. In the longer term it will save you petrol money, but I know that's not much help now.

Mother's Day - do you have any nice photos you could print for her and incorporate into a card? Two birds with one stone and so forth? I did a quick search and most of the things seem to be for kids but this might be a possibility. Of course it depends on your Mum. Other than that, how about a necklace or earrings as at least they wouldn't cost much to post?

I am sure you'll find something.

BlushingRose

Thanks Miggy,

My Mum doesn't wear jewellery and so those suggestions wouldn't work with Ma. I'm sure I'll find something, some nice note paper perhaps. It's tough though as 'traditionally' not only do I go up there but me and my sister take my parents out for lunch so that Mum doesn't have to cook. This year, I was able to afford to go up but not pay for a lunch but now I can't even go up! *grrr* I just hope she doesn't mind too much.

The bike is happening at the wrong end of the month really, and is costing us loads in petrol too as the car's getting used more over the past two weeks than it has during the week in months. (If that makes sense)

BlushingRose

ARRGGHHHHHH!! Can nothing go right?!

Had a call from the bike shop (this is a proper, long established bike shop with workshop etc) to say that they can't sort it out either! It's seized up. I pointed out that I knew this as this was the reason they had the bike because Halfords said they couldn't finish the job because it's seized up. 'Ahh' he said. Apparently the only way to get this bit 'un-seized' is to get a blow-torch to it. This would, he said, up the labour fee to a ridiculous level for a bike which isn't that expensive. (To us it is, £150) So...we now have an un-fixable bike.
not sure what to do with it really as we can't very well sell it on, might have to be the rag and bone man although it's just had a new chain and read brakes sorted out which cost us £30. I wonder if people might want to strip it for parts?
Mr BR's reply email to this news was to ask if he would adjust (and therefore steal) my bike. I said yes as I use it so rarely these days that it's a waste not to.
He also pointed out that this make the sundries look more healthy - although unfortunately not healthy enough to get me to my mother's and back, the previous £30 did for that.

I just feel sad.

Lemon_Tree

BR i know it's hard not to see your mum on mothers day but i'm sure she understands, she's not unreasonable. My mum has said she doesn't want anything which therefore what she'll get, if i tried to get something for her anyway she wouldn't appreciate it and would more than likely give it back to me.
sorry to hear that the bike is unrepairable, you could quite possibly get some money from selling it for parts, it's amazing what people will buy.

BlushingRose

I worry that, although she knows we're poor, she doesn't actually know how bad it is. We've elected not to tell me parents that we're on a DMP as we don;t want to worry them as they're in their 70s

wannabee_in_credit

That's such a b*gger about the bike... and shame on Halfords for taking it from you, half dealing with it then leaving you with a write off and charging for the privelege.
Sorry to hear it.

Ellieseleven

I've just read through your diary and you have had a time of it, seems like one thing after the other:o

I've had to agree with you and your stalkers more than once where the men are concerned... they just don't get it do they??? My OH has been a nightmare from the word go (been on a DMP for 18 months now). He thinks that he is being helpful but usually he is anything but:mad:

The budgeting lark is difficult to start with but does get easier, I found it really difficult to come to terms with the fact that I couldn't just go out and spend money (that I didn't have anyway really). Not sure that I have completely cracked it yet:o

In the beginning I had to take two months off work with stress and felt like ending it all but nowadays I try to be positive as much as I can and have recently cut my DFD by a couple of years which has spurred me on if anything.

I've subscribed to your diary therefore becoming yet another of your stalkers:)

Take care

Ellie xx

BlushingRose

Yay, welcome Ellie to my merry band of stalkers!