From debt to freedom...

Honeysucklelou2

Hi Steerpike88:hello:, Thank you for your kind words. I think there are more battles ahead with DS1 re finances but happily DD1 & DD2 both seem completely fine with the concept of contributing towards the things that you use.

Thank you Drawing a line & SH - I did eventually get to sleep last night and woke at 4.30 ish so just dozed until the alarm went off just before 5.30. Tonight I feel more tired from work, so hoping to get a full night .


DD2 suddenly remembered at 10 this evening, that she had a fully iced Christmas cake in the boot of her car, that she had made at college. I think it's been there for the last 2 weeks but thankfully all wrapped up. She has cut me a slice to have with my late night cup of tea. It is certainly delicious, very rich and amply soaked in brandy ( I thought I was a bit heavy handed with the brandy, but not so!). If nothing else it should help me to sleep tonight:rotfl:.

It's been quite a positive first day back to work. We got back at 6 and I made tuna plait for tea with jacket potatoes. I've tried to get ahead tomorrow by making the macaroni cheese tonight, so all that has to be done is to put it in the oven and heat up. The first one home tomorrow can get that started:).

Cherryfudge

An extra Christmas cake - what a lovely surprise! Can I borrow your DD please?

jaydeejay

Re mediation, I think that you can be in a seperate room if you would feel more comfortable when going through the discussions/negotiations.



JDJ

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you JDJ, good to know.

Will pluck up courage later to email the mediator and sort out an appointment time.

Later back from work tonight with lots of jobs to do at home in preparation for work tomorrow. The holidays are feeling more like a distant memory . On the plus side limited spend for milk and lunch box food.

Sadly little sleep again last night despite the brandy in the cake! Am hoping that it's just adjusting to work times again ...

crazy_cat_lady

I'm the same HSL - absolutely shattered and not sleeping at all. Hopefully we'll both be sleeping a lot better very soon.

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you CCL, finally got a decent night's sleep last night! That might have been due to getting some sea air in my lungs;)

First working week has gone! By Wednesday it felt like we'd been back for weeks :cool:. I got in touch with the mediator and now have an appointment for the end of Feb. She could do one next week, but I couldn't make it with work times and to be honest, I could do with the time to put aside the fee needed to see the mediator. It's taken 3 years to get to this point, I guess a few more weeks won't make much difference.

Yesterday DD2 and I happened to have the same day off so we took the opportunity to walk a small chunk of the coast path. It started off as a gloriously sunny morning but changed to become quite wet. It was so good to get out though, just to hear the sound of the waves and get some sea air . The sea was a wintery grey-green colour and a mass of foamy white nearest the sand. We were quite drenched on our return but refreshed . It's good to have time with each child whenever possible and walking together gives me chance to catch up with DD2.

Today I've had chance to catch up with friends which has been relaxing. I made some cakes to take along and some for the children to eat on their return from school. I've menu planned very carefully for next week, so as to keep spending down as much as possible. Thankfully I was able to freeze a good chunk of the turkey crown from Christmas which can now be used for a pie and curry.

Steerpike88

Always amazed at how much you bake HSL you inspired me to make a crumble last night! I hope you make quick progress with the mediator

Honeysucklelou2

Thank you Steerpike88 - glad to hear about the crumble! I count myself as blessed to have had 2 grandmothers who regularly baked and love baking myself. Haven't mastered scones yet though, but kind to keep trying :rotfl:. Made a batch of brownies yesterday, which quickly vanished and a couple of lime drizzle cakes. I ran out of lemons but had a net of limes left over from the Christmas shop. An interesting change :cool:.

I've had a pleasant weekend so far. I got lots of work tasks done yesterday which helps with peace of mind today . The ex came round to see the children yesterday but I went out, which I have to say, really helped. DD2 had wanted to get out for a walk, so we went together. In our part of the world, we seem to have lots of public footpaths signs. Whenever I pass one I am always intrigued about where it leads and which other paths it connects to. Weird I know! Yesterday we decided to explore one such path that I have driven past for the last 20 years or so! We parked in a lay-by about 3 miles from home and went over the stile to explore. It was such a lovely walk! We went through 3 fields, then the walk took us along a hidden track before taking us along a stream. The sky was grey and overcast which made the green of the grass seem so vibrant. Just being outside for an hour or so made me feel so relaxed and better placed to deal with the ex.

£75 paid off a debt last night...it's going down slowly

Honeysucklelou2

I had the opportunity to go somewhere this afternoon but declined as I know I have diesel enough for work but an extra journey that wasn't strictly necessary would have compromised this. Instead I cheered myself up with a circular walk around the lanes, fields and public footpaths around the edge of the village. DS3 was happy to come along as he could test out his new wellies in the puddles ( bought in the Jan sales, essential as his old ones had split.) The elderly lurcher enjoyed the steady stroll.

Turkey pie with roast potatoes and veg for tea and got a quick batch of vanilla muffins cooked, while the oven was on, ready for packed lunches tomorrow. I've tried to fold some clothes every time I've gone past the tumble dryer and been pleasantly surprised by how quickly the flow of clean laundry from tD to airing cupboard or drawers has gone .

I had a little look at the We Buy Books website this evening and got a few books valued. If I can work out what to do next, I might be able to declutter a few books. There's no point them gathering dust.

DD3 started a weekend job today. She's working at the same place as her sister and seemed to have enjoyed her first day. Good for building her confidence .

Cancelled a direct debit for freezer insurance. I already have contents insurance and I reckon I could have bought a new freezer by now, if I'd saved the £4 a month.

lucielle

Well done on the payment and cancelling the DD. As the saying goes, every little helps.
L