My Debt Free Journey starts Today

youareallhelpingme

HI Dimples, just thought I'd check in and see how you are, Happy New Year.

dimples666

Thanks youareallhelpingme and slm6002, Happy New Year to you both

I had my operation on 17th December and all went well, i am feeling really well, i tire easily but thats only to be expected given I have cancer and have just had a part of my kidney removed.
My next big operation is in April, I am having half my stomach removed as the cancer has spread there although currently its only showing as pre cancerous cells but the docs say that i should get it done anyway as its only a matter of time before a new tumor starts there.
So as i missed two hols in 2012 due to ill health my parents are taking us to Lanzarote in March. I would be lost without my parents! I am really looking forward to it.

I have kept up with all my payments and spent less at Christmas than any previous year but still managed to have a great time.

Happy New Year to all
B x

bast

HI Dimples, what an fantastic job you are doing.. your children and parents must be so proud of you. Can I ask if you are getting DLA, it sounds to me like you could be entitled to it?? Please get a benefits check either bob into your local jobcentre to ask what you could be entitled to or citizens advice bureau / welfare rights centre...x

dimples666

Thanks Bast
I did a benefits check when I first set out on my debt free wannabe path in September and all is the same so I think I am ok.
Its the first time in my life I have ever claimed any benefit other than child benefit and it was a culture shock to say the least!

I went to get my dressings changed today and the nurse said I dont need any now and that the wound has healed beautifully (its hard for me to see as its on my back as it was my right kidney) so I am really pleased, I was worried about getting an infection or something so am very relieved.
B x

bast

I am pleased that your wound is healing well hopefully this is a sign that your body is gaining strength. I dont want to harp on about benefits just google disability living allowance, it is based on mobility/care component... a note from your consultant/dr might just get you that extra little money to help you...Reading your diary, your health has changed since September please do make sure you get what you are fully entitled to... might just keep the wolves from the door and help alleviate some stress for you, which has got to be good for your health condition. I will keep looking at your diary.. my internet connection is still not great.. I live on a narrowboat so am having a few issues with it at present....:Dx

dimples666

WOW Bast a narrowboat? Thats so cool! How big is it?

I have just recently had to reapply for DLA so its fine (just before Christmas) and nothing is new since then so dont fret i am up to date

I am inspired! I read anoher post yesterday (301k in Debt and Morbidly Obese) and i am inspired to take my weight in hand too.
I decided maybe i am not too ill to exercise, maybe i just have to think small. In the same way that every penny counts for us debt shrinkers maybe every step counts when it comes to exercise and some is better than none.
So today i walked round the park with my toddler instead of going straight to the duck pond as i have done of late.
Then when we got home i took her back out for her to ride her bike for a while (speed walking after her!!)
I am shattered now but feel really positive
So am adding my weight loss to my signature too
B x

bast

We live on 47ft narrowboat and she is old but looking much better under my husbands capable hands..:) He loves her and is busy still doing her up. We also have a house which we rent out and pay towards... Our son and his girlfriend rent it... complicated... isnt life though
My husband was medically retired as a teacher, he is checking out part time work but I would like him to think carefully what he decides to do.. I want to keep him forever so I have to look after him..:D
We decided on the boat idea because he loves peace and quiet and it is very peaceful. He has to be very careful over stress !!!
I lost over 2st in weight 5 years ago.. unfortunately put on a stone since then so could do with getting back down to around 9 stone.. so around 7lbs to go.. So if you dont mind I will join you in your quest to lose a bit of the old flab. Have done the gym now for about six months and do feel a lot more toned, unfortunately I fee I can eat more when I go. I also absolutely hate it.. so have decided to give it up... all of course because we need to save the money not because I hate it...:D My downfall is the demon drink.. and I love a glass of the old vino....
I work two days a week for a jobcentre, I am very keen to see that people get all the benefits they are entitled to...Yes there are the scroungers out there fortunately these people are in the minority.
Finally (hope you havent nodded off yet !!) We have a debt of 18.500 thousand, this was from buying the boat and doing it up. We do have some savings but cannot use this as they are tied up. So our goal is to pay off the above, by living on ten pounds a day for food/entertainment and my two cats food... I love my two boys dearly:) and they love the boat.. and the mice, voles and baby rabbits that I constantly try to save from them !!!
I have just paid off 3 catalogues this month very and 2 littlewoods so feel very pleased with this. My husband has his pension.. I have my wages and we do other bits and bobs so we will get there... this is my second lbm... but absolutely determined now...

Mara_uk7

Dimples, Just reading your diary makes me feel tired ! For a woman wae health problems, youre far too active ! And hey, On the weight loss thing , remember you lost a (kidney) stone already !
Understand & admire your tenacity to clear that debt. You go girl ! x

dimples666

Welcome aboard then Bast! I too hate the gym, I am sure the concept was invented by Sadists.
Till i am weller (dont think thats even a word! LOL) i will stick with walking and i enjoy the fresh air and its great for tiring my toddler out lol.
I dont drink alcohol atm, used to, but now just birthdays and Christmas, it doesnt mix well with my bipolar meds, i do miss a tipple now and then though.
I have a kitty cat too, he is 8 years old (Christmas Day was his birthday) he likes to leave rodent heads next to my bed for me in the summer and birds in the spring and autumn, i get winter off cos he doesnt like the cold and is a home body in the winter so no hunting lol.
I like the sound of a houseboat not practical for me though, no canals nearby and my teenager wouldnt be a happy chappy if i suggested that.
Thanks Mara although I think any Mum would be as motivated as me to get better and return to a normal family life. You sound like you come from my birthplace. "wae" is not your average english word lol. I am from over the border in bonny Scotland and proud of it although i have lived in North East England since i was 4years old.

I am joining Tesco Diet club on Sunday as thats my prefered weigh day. I know its an expense but i used it before with great success so gonna try again, so long as i am losing weight then the expense is justified.
B x

bast

Dimples hope you are well today... Need to ask you what is the tesco slimming thing....? I did about a 3 mile walk today, very mse.. had to get my o/h`s new glasses so left the car outside of town and walked in.... I still could go to the gym because i have paid until end of January but really cant be arsed. Thinking of taking the boat out and doing a few locks ... and riding my bike alongside the boat that should hopefully help shed a few lbs ... And have a few nsd`s ... My husband is 50 on Sunday so trying to find something to do without spending loads of money..........(oops sounds rather suggestive that lol).. We are having a little family "do" with the kids doing a spit roast outside on the 19th so that will be fun... But just us too on his birthday mmmm ... Got a bottle of champers and gin.. what else do you need
How old is your toddler and a teenager would hate the boat... they need their gadgets .. and way to embarrassing to be seen as a bit "different"... My kids would of hated it.. But now they are 23 and 24... They tend to go with mum and dads weird ideas more....:) Much easier when they have their own lives...:D