From debt to freedom...

Honeysucklelou2

On Friday, I took DD1 back to uni. We had a good trip talking non-stop. It was a short visit this time so made the most of every minute. I've checked term times and it looks like I'll be able to visit her for her 21st birthday, so something to look forward to .

I went to work today for a few hours, trying to get as much done as possible before Monday. I ended up spending £25 on things for work. I'm hoping to get £10 back but not so sure about the other £15.

The Christmas cake has eventually been finished! I packed up the spare 6 inch cake for DD1, along with a packet of marzipan so she can ice it herself . I've made a batch of chocolate muffins which lasted all of 10 minutes. The teenage boys are like gannets when they see muffins still warm from the oven:cool:. Could do with filling the tins before the new working week.

Have paid some nursery fees today and planned the budgets for the next few weeks. January is looking to be very tight, not particularly due to Christmas but more with absorbing the costs if the previous few months. I did spend a bit more in groceries for Christmas week, but didn't have to spend much the week after. Overall the grocery cost has been reduced dunce September and am hoping to keep it this way as much as possible.

crazy_cat_lady

What are you doing up and about in the middle of the night HSL? I thought I was bad waking up just before 5am...
Hope that you're ok.

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you CCL...had a couple of nights of poor sleep. I've gone to bed at a reasonable time and woken after 3 hours and can't get back to sleep. Hoping that the awful insomniac period of last year doesn't return...

Honeysucklelou2

Work looms tomorrow. I have had a good couple of sessions getting ready so hopefully today can be taken up with the practicalities of cooking for lunch boxes, finding uniforms etc. We ( the younger ones and I ) are due to have a Sunday lunch out with friends which has been budgeted for. I have wobbled about whether to go but it's a small family restaurant which is very, very popular, often fully booked weeks in advance, so we've had to book up back at the beginning of November. DD2 is working her regular shift and DS1 can manage beans on toast for himself . ( He could have come but chose not to.)

I've decided to tackle the utility room as the first room in my " room a month " plan. Looking at it yesterday, it needs the ceiling and walls washing down with sugar soap ( already got), the wall above the window is prone to black mould, so I have some zinc based paint that is supposed to cure that, ready to paint on. The ceilings and walls need painting, then a small area needs tiling. The tiles have been under the sink for the last -ahem - 8 years or so :eek:. I've not tackled tiling before but raring to learn. A few years ago, my brother sent me some Christmas money and I bought a big home maintenance manual so I'll be poring over the instructions. I'm hoping the only cost will be the grout and the tile spacers. Other than that a good declutter and clean behind the washing machine and that room should be done.

I must, must get out for a decent walk today.

Honeysucklelou2

At last, I was able to get out for a decent walk even if it was more dusk than day by the time we got home. It was so good to be out and to hear the owls as the light levels dropped.

Two nights of poor sleep and work looming tomorrow means I'm battling a headache tonight. I've had an email from a mediator that my solicitor referred me to as part of the legal process. I need to make an appointment which I must admit is adding to stress levels. I know it's got to be done but am anxious about repercussions .

The meal was lovely today. The children were well behaved and the food was delicious:).

crazy_cat_lady

You will see the mediator on your own first before anything else, and you can discuss any anxieties with them. Mediation will only happen if you both agree and if you're both comfortable with doing it.

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you CCL, I hadn't realised you could discuss any concerns. That eases my mind, thank you.

savingholmes

Hope you get some sleep tonight. I've just completed the dreaded first day back and it could have been worse. Glad to be safely home again.

Good that you were able to spend extra time with DD.

Drawingaline

Hope you sleep better. I have found these past two years sleep patterns are changing. I am waking around 3/4am and not getting back to sleep, mainly as I am too hot. I honestly think it is an age thing (coming up to mid 40's) and although good habits work sometimes, it can be hit and miss.

Steerpike88

Hey HSL! Just read through your diary. That's certainly an emotional roller-coaster. I'm pretty sure that I hate your ex worse than mine. I also know you love your DS1 and you really seem like an exceptional mother but how long does he expect you to pay his way? He has a job and he's earning. £100 pm isn't very much at all. I think you're wonderful and are doing a great job, don't second guess yourself.