Spent 4 years pretending it's all OK

NoOneAround

Treadingonplaymobil wrote: »

Wow, that's a super productive list! Well done.

Always horrible waiting to see whether enough SE work comes in. I have it constantly in the back of my mind, even if not exactly 'worry', it's always there.

Hi TOPM, Thanks
It's a sort of sinking feeling in your stomach every time it comes to mind Not much movement sad to say since i was last on.
Hope all well with you, am I now so far behind with everyone's diaries I don't know how I'll catch up. Am working full time at part time jobs now pretty much till end of June - Good for money but not for time....

NOA
x

NoOneAround

Bigskies wrote: »

My son is also learning to drive and I am dreading the whole car/insurance thing too! A friend has said that comprehensive insurance for teens is cheaper than third party,but even with a black box fitted I think you are looking at £1500 plus for the first year, which is horrific!

Hello Bigskies Thanks for popping in and posting, I haven't dared check yet but there has been much going on - plus with SE work on quiet side I'm holding fire until we have some work lined up. You are right re comprehensive - it didn't make much difference for my daughter comp vs 3rd party. Someone has also told me to be careful and read small print on the black box policies otherwise you end up paying horrendous additional charges.
Test is lined up for half term week, Hows your son doing - we went for an intensive course in holidays but he wasn't quite ready for test by the end as no additional practice outside of lessons.
Good Luck to your DS
NOA
x

NoOneAround

Hi Everyone, Just popping in to say hello briefly, time is sparse these days as am taking on all work I get offered in part time jobs, plus have an additional volunteering role coordinating a local national charity group - pretty draining on time. Too tired in the evenings to stay up late these days, if I do I can't get up in the mornings.

Hope everyone enjoying the lovely sunshine, I been to see mum so been indoors much of the time or driving
At home tomorrow , but will need to do VAT return - very last minute :eek: and need to organise clothes for 4 days at work. Can't find anything I like at he moment - need to get some more work clothes.
doesn't help that the only thing my feet are comfy in is winter boots, not exactly ideal for summer heat wave.
Waffling mindlessly now so will disappear off to bed.
Just wanted to say am missing MSE friends:(
NOA
x

redofromstart

Good to see you posting NOA, you do sound busy.

brizzlegirl

Thanks for posting NOA...letting us know how you are doing. Particularly like the winter boots idea...:rotfl: in this weather that must be a challenge. I am missing my flip flops which finally died over winter in a big way. Must get some more but trying to curb spends today and do some filing instead (where is the roll eye emoji?!)

My VAT return was also a late one. Due tomorrow tho I think so should be all sorted and up to date then.

Have a lovely weekend...am sure your garden is luscious x

NoOneAround

Hi everyone :hello:
Thanks for popping by Brizzle and Redo
I hadn't realised it has been 3 weeks. I have been working full time at my school job, long days. Exhausted but surviving, but its half term this week :T and I decided to not do any days at my other part time job this week, so have a week to catch up with all the things I haven't done at home. Mum has gone to saty with sibling for a few days so I will have some actual time at home when I'm not at working, - will try to make a dent in garden jobs and some decluttering. Half hoping I will be able to do a bit of painting/decorating, but I got up this morning to a fragile back that keeps twinging so was extra careful. Did make time for a leisurely walking at local NT place, it was beautiful, calm and a sunny 23 degrees, just perfect.
Pretty tired so will crash out soon, can't seem to stay up late anymore. Will try and think of where to start with updating and read some diaries over tea breaks this week
Love
NOA
x

redofromstart

Happy holidays NOA, hope you have a rest as well as a productive week off.

brizzlegirl

Have a good weekend NOA and well done for not taking on too many extra hours. You need to look after yourself x

NoOneAround

Thanks Brizzle, ReDo

I've had three blissful days of pottering. Not got very much done but oh well, never mind, it has been nice just to pretend to try and do things. As well as work full time at school (SE has been very quiet) we've tried to get on top of things at home.

Garden is still wild, but we the royal we have got a few big jobs done.
1) Grass is under control (DH and DS between them; me supervising;)
2) smaller hedges have all been done
3) dead tree trunk felled, chainsaw brandished to various trees and shrubs to prune etc
4) Strimming done all around edges.
5) With their help I have re potted 4 large shrubs - gives structure to patio. DH dug up a foot tall fir tree self seeded, into a large pot - may well do for a christmas tree in a couple of year if it survives!
for first time in 4 years bought and planted up some plants into two big urn planters - should fill out and look lovely in the next 1-2 weeks.
At lease both DH and DS are doing the bits I want them to do in order that I want them to

6) I have cleared out and shredded two archive boxes of old SE work files.
7) Sorted out a couple of carrier bags of clothes for recycling/CS
8) Caught up with voluntary work admin.
9) Sorted out new hose for dyson - been waiting for several weeks - back to full suction again.
10) AM very behind with budgeting - have lost track somewhat so need to go through bag full of receipts - I think food budget has gone to pot
Have also had to spend on clothes and shoes, again lost track of much much (not expensive items but quite a few for all of family).
More expense to come as car service due this week.

Health - been surviving, have just had to accept that can only do so much and learn not to worry about it.
Family - DS continues to thrive at school, DD on the last part of her MA - dissertation to do by September, so no big holiday planned,
Social - getting out with my garden centre friend every couple of weeks, but haven't managed to maintain with other friends.
Flagging now so off to bed

NOA
x

brizzlegirl

This is a BRILLIANT post :j You are making SO much progress. Love the garden stuff.. oh and the shredding :rotfl: You will get to catching up with friends. They will understand/wait.

Have a great week xxx