A Ditherer's Diary (again)

Naomim

I hadn't thought of that EH but a very good point. 

Naomim

So I've had another thought about the travelcard. I might open a Starling account and just use that for travel. Pay as you go is capped at the same price as a weekly pass so if MrM and I use the same bank card we can take advantage of the cap. It's not as cheap as buying a monthly pass but will save a bit.

EssexHebridean

That would work well, and a far safer bet than sharing a Travelcard I think. Good thinking! 

Naomim

Good Morning,

A very spendy week this week 😒  We had 16yo's room done as his ceiling was literally falling down and I was worried it would land on him in his sleep! So ceiling fixed, holes in the wall where the radiator was replaced fixed and room decorated. £600. 

Then my car was also in the garage, originally because my seatbelt is temperamental and my heating didn't work.  Then on Sunday my indicators, reverse lights and parking sensor all stopped.  The garage have managed to fix the heating and lights which has cost me £305 and emptied my car maintenance pot but the seatbelt unit will cost £398 + labour so looking at £600! Apparently it's rarer than hens teeth! I can't justify spending that money on it so will have to live with fighting with it for now and see if I can find a spare one on fleabay or from a breakers yard.  I checked yesterday and none so I'll have to keep looking.  

But the good thing the £900 I've paid out was all saved.  I was re-jigging the budget this week but will definitely need to up the car maintenance pot as it's now empty and my MOT is due early next year and MrM's not far behind.

Good news 16yo has been offered a job and just interviewed for one he wants more. It's at a local golf club and within walking distance of home. Because he is studying catering they have said they will try and get him in the kitchen when they can so I have everything crossed for him.  His GF has also got herself a job full time at our local Odeon. Problem is she is talking about doing the late shift 4pm - 12pm so I need to talk to her about getting home and want to sit down with her to help her budget her salary.

This week has felt incredibly long so I'm pleased the weekend is nearly here.

Naomim

ladyholly

Did you know there are on line breakers for cars. Sorry I cant give you any links but I know DH got something for our car that was needed. It might be worth you googling if I am not preaching to the converted.

EssexHebridean

Might be an idea to have a chat with the garage if you haven't already about the viability of a second hand option for the seatbelt - my concern would be that you won't know whether it has potentially been in an accident and that is why it's ended up there. A bit like tyres - there are things I wouldn't consider "pre-loved" and I think a seatbelt is in there, for me.  well done on the maintenance pot and savings covering the other stuff you've had to have done though - having it sitting there ready and waiting is definitely progress, isn't it! 

Also great news from 16y/o and his girlfriend too - fingers crossed he does get put in the kitchen and she has a god solution for getting home safely after a late shift - there may be others there who live in the same direction she can walk with, I guess? 

Naomim

@ladyholly @EssexHebridean the garage have said they wont supply a 2nd hand unit but would fit one for me if I do manage to find one. I am searching but I'm not hopeful.  Just means I have to save for a newer car I think! 

WinterWarrior

Some places pay for taxis for their staff to get home from late shifts, could the odeon be one of those? It makes sense for large companies to be thinking of their staffs safety at a silly time of night. 

Naomim

@WinterWarrior that's a good shout. I tried to look online but it seems only if they work past 1am. I also just checked the bus timetable as only one goes her way but the last bus is midnight. 😥 I might have a look and see if I can work out how much an uber is for that time of night. She might end up spending her salary on cabs! It's only £6.50 an hour so not well paid at all.

Edited to add: checked Uber and it's £8.50. I've just emailed a local lady safe cab firm for a quote.

WinterWarrior

If she has the confidence she may be able to negotiate a cab if they are in need of late shift cover?