The Final Countdown...

black_cat

I posted on another thread:

"We're having work done on our roof today - replacing lost slates (in recent storm), replacing ridge tiles, fixing a few loose ones, straightening TV aerial, a bit of mortar needs replacing. We feel good because we can afford to get it done and we won't have to worry about the roof for a few years (hopefully), but it's delayed the "permanent" emergency fund."

Mum and dad will give us a cheque towards it, which is great, and we'll still have our emergency fund and no worries about buying Christmas presents. I feel so fortunate.

black_cat

Ooh it's a bit nippy! OH and I are watching Inkheart on the TV and I'm feeling cosy and toastie with a mug of mocha and a slice of stollen. Looking forward to a relaxing deep bubble bath a little later. I really should do some marking but I'm leaving it until tomorrow. Although I'll have more work to do next week I actually prefer to have some relaxation time and then work like stink during the week.

FInance-wise, I'm waiting to hear what some family members want for Christmas so I can take advantage of the Sainsbury's double nectar offer. It's so frustrating. I wish OH's family just bought surprise presents for each other instead of operating a "wedding list" system. It's nice to know what people want (and so money isn't wasted on things people don't want), but they don't want to think about Christmas until December. That doesn't help me pick up a bargain, spread the cost or arrange delivery (most of the family live quite a distance away). So far we've bought presents for two people out of ten! (My family are much easier to buy for). If we don't get a text soon I'll be so frustrated. I love choosing presents for people and always take pride in wrapping them nicely but I'm beginning to resent this...

Rant over. Back to a calm, lazy Sunday afternoon

beanielou

I am having a real ba humbug about Christmas this year.
Have managed to cut down my list to 6 I hope!!

crazy_cat_lady

I think I would go insane if I had to wait until December to Christmas shop. I'm just about done present buying and it's been done in small manageable chunks over the year. I feel your pain - Christmas can be so stressful if you leave it late for shopping. Hope you've had a lovely, relaxing day.

black_cat

Still haven't heard from BiL, despite promises that a list was on its way! It really takes the joy out of giving. We won't be able to take advantage of the double nectar vouchers now. Oh well - can't take it out on niece and nephew...

Really pleased with roofer. He's cleaned the outside window sills, conservatory roof and guttering - things I can't reach - and even washed the front door (I didn't ask for that). Looking forward to spring: next job will be to paint house exterior.

Is it pay day yet?

black_cat

List eventually arrived. It's frustrating when someone asks for something that can only be bought in one particular shop - especially if that involves heavy postage and packing... I think there need to be some changes next year.

Anyway, that's most of the Christmas shopping done now. Here's to a peaceful and enjoyable run up to Christmas!

crazy_cat_lady

Pleased you got the list - finally! I'm pleased to be just about done with the Christmas shopping. I had a nightmare in town today and I was just driving through - not even trying to shop, and they were queueing out onto the main road and all sorts.

beanielou

I cant personally believe people are so specific!!

black_cat

beanielou wrote: »

I cant personally believe people are so specific!!

Nor could I! Usually we get ideas but this was "a" from Selfridges, "b" from Next...
It's done now but we'll have to have a conversation before next year. I can't work out whether this particular family member is selfish, greedy, thoughtless or just didn't realise how difficult she was making things.

AspiringButAnxious

I think someone has to be, at best, extremely egocentric to be so awkward. Whenever I get asked for a list, I include a variety of generic ideas and products across a range of prices. That way, people can decide how much money and effort they want to put into finding something. I would buy a lump of coal if I were you!