The Illuminative Project.

Chandelier.

It definitely will take time to get back into a routine, especially when I'm unaware of my shifts for the next upcoming weeks so that is something I need to sort out this week. I've emailed my line manager this morning.

Today I have a full days training to do. I'm quite excited in regards to this as I've wanted to do it for a while. It's another thing to pop into my portfolio. I need to speak to the instructor in regards to some other courses I'd like to undertake.

After my training I need to pick the boy up and head to his extra curricular activity so I will probably only get home just before 7.

I've made a packed lunch to take with me today to keep myself away from the shops/coffee shops. It's easy to say stuff it and just spend. But I don't want to.

I need to phone payroll to double check they got the right details to ensure my pay was correct. I phoned the other day and they had me down as still off sick. So I sorted it all out there and then but I would just like to confirm it's all sorted.

My moods at the moment are fluctuating rather rapidly again, not as severe as before but enough for me to notice. I'm trying anything I can to keep this under control. I've not seen my nurse for a good number of weeks which is frustrating. She doesn't know half of what goes on. I've spoke over the phone at times but it's not the same.

Aside from this there isn't much going on in regards to the MSE front. It's that boring time close to the end of the month when everything bills wise/direct debit wise is paid. If I have any left over balance in my account at the end of this month then I'll use some if it to pay off my debts. I have made a couple of small overpayments already this month. I should really update my totals.

I hope everyone has a nice day

Chandelier.

Updated Debt Totals

MBNA: £3240
Halifax: £3200
Virgin: £325
Barclaycard: £1000.

Total: £7765 as of 22/03/17.

As of this next payday (April budget) I'm hoping to chuck at least £300 altogether each month at these debts. The first I need to clear is the Barclaycard which ends beginning of November. I'll then up the payments to Virgin or maybe clear it altogether and then I'll tackle the further two bigger balances (MBNA and Halifax). All cards are 0% at least for the next 18 months.

I suppose I'll go through periods where I pay more then others, it just depends what's happening at the time.

Also today it marks a year that I opened a help to buy ISA. I've always put in the maximum amount and the interest added for the year was £83. Not too shabby really.

JoJoC

Sounds like positive progress! £300 towards your debt every month would make a massive difference so I hope you manage it sounds like being back at work is helping you to have a plan in place. Have a great week.

SpekySquarehead

Chandelier - Great to see you've got a plan in place to reduce the debt. Hopefully that'll give you piece of mind too knowing that it will disappear.

Chandelier.

Morning.

Well yesterday's training went well and finished earlier then expected, win win. I now just need to get these competencies signed off in the next twelve weeks and it's another thing to add to my portfolio.

Today I'm on a 7.5 hour shift at work. This is the longest I've done in a while so I'll see how it goes. I'm hoping I can log on and see my payslip at work (payday next week) so that I can at least see what I've got to work with next month. I'll also be giving my line manager the dates of my upcoming courses.

The boy is going to his friends after school, that will be nice for him. I woke at half five this morning and tried to tiptoe downstairs when all of a sudden I hear a "Hello Mummy!". The little monkey is never awake that early but it gave me a small fright lol. I think it's cute he still calls me Mummy at the age of six, alot of children I know have shortened it to Mum now they're older. It still makes me think he's my little baby haha!

I've a small tax rebate to head my way tomorrow (£40) which I'll keep aside. I've still yet to retrieve earnings from TCB. I'll probably do it over the weekend.

Have a happy Thursday everyone :j

monz

My boy still calls me mummy loads of times and I love it

Chandelier.

So yesterday was a good day at work. I've been made to feel really welcome, so I'm happy there.

I've been unable to see my payslip. I'm not entirely sure why. I'll try again today.

I was incredibly tired last night and expect I will be tonight. I forgot to get the boy some red nose merchandise to wear to school, woops. I've told him we'll donate some money later tonight.

It's a busy schedule after school. Two hours of extra curricular.

Aside from that not much else to update.

JoJoC

I also forgot about red nose day, so the kids went to nursery in red t-shirts today and we dug out some old red noses from last year out the toy box so they were happy.

Hope you get into your payslip soon! I'm looking forward to seeing mine too as I'm hoping to be taxed less this month due to overpayment of tax last month. It's just nice to know what to expect, isn't it?

Chandelier.

Morning,

I can't believe it's Monday already, the weekend has gone so quick. It's been quite a spendy weekend as my brother came to visit on Saturday with his wife and dog. We went for a nice long walk where we got an ice cream from a brilliant ice cream parlour here- the queue was really long and shows how popular it is. The boy and my brother then went on some go karts (the boys first time and he's been asking to go on these for nearly three years but has never been tall enough but finally is). After that we then went for an Italian which we went halves on for my mum to treat her for mothers day. Oh and I also had my eyebrows waxed.. so the bank balance has definitely had a hint. However all is manageable and we are still in the black for the rest of the month.

We had a lovely mothers day here as well. I was well and truly spoilt and had a relaxing day which was a bonus. We've also made a start on the boys easter bonnet. We have reused supplies from previous years and have dug out our art and craft box and using other natural resources. I can't remember the last time I was creative or crafty. I used to enjoy these things when younger but never seem to find time to do such activities with the boy. I must do this more often. We had a ball. I just hate clearing away after, especially paint pots.

Work has been going well, I'm back on 12.5 hour working days this week. I've two shifts. Today I'm off for some training which will be two hours long. My line manager stated if I do this I can leave an hours earlier each shift which suits me. There is just one shift I need to query for next week.

I've made an overpayment to the debt of £15 bringing my total down to £7750.

Aside from that not much else happening. I'm mid way through sorting a budget for next month. And seeing where I can potentially save money.

Happy Monday people:)

Chandelier.

Morning.

So yesterday I attended a two hour training course which was really interesting. It was in regards to people with dementia and their life story- finding out their history and collecting things in relation to this to remind them of their life and it's been proven to be beneficial in many settings. This could be done in many forms- scrapbook, photo album, memory bock etc. The idea of it is the whole individualised care and families are encouraged to join in. It sounds wonderful and I look forward to doing things like this.

Today my nurse is coming to visit me to check up on how I'm doing and we've some forms to fill in. I haven't seen her in a long while and sometimes it can be hard to get hold of her. I understand services are busy but sometimes I've needed extra support and felt unable to find it.

Tomorrow is payday for me and I can see the amount pending in my bank account. I also have an extra payment from elsewhere due. I'll figure out a budget later on to post.

I went to the gym last night and did a Swiss ball class which was really fun. I'd recommend it to people. Alot of it is based on core strength.

After picking up the boy tonight we'll probably aim to finish his easter bonnet. We've a great idea of what we'd like to do. We are going to make a nest on his hat out of twigs and leaves then place some little chicks in there. The boy has enjoyed going on twig hunts and gathering them all together, I just hope I can make them stick. I have a feeling lots of PVA glue will be required lol.

Aside from that not much else to report. I've still not updated my short term goals so maybe that requires another post. We'll see.