A whole new world, for now

beanielou

I was going over financial things with my DS on Sunday 
I think he got the vibe I was a tad stressed with it all.

Cherryfudge

I think it's contagious. In fact I'm sure it is. I brought home the form to fill in for my employer's death grant (payable to family if I fall off my perch). I might have filled one in years ago but I can't remember and I thought the tuppence ha'penny or whatever it now pays out might be useful (and I didn't want to have to come back to apologise for not having named them on it).
Actually, what we are doing is looking out for our nearest and dearest, which is the right thing to do, but in a few months' time this will be behind us and we'll be planning holidays, applying sun cream and saving up for Christmas as usual.

in_need_of_direction

So, yesterday we lost two more staff.  I’m now worried about how long the others can sustain the work.  They are being absolute stars and covering extra shifts as far as possible.  One staff member who absented himself last week is not responding to attempts to contact him.  Yesterday I got payroll completed and cheques signed.  It’ll be interesting to see if he responds to the news that his pay is in.  

We have a 72 year old who is fit and healthy and regularly does 4 shifts a week. We are faced with the loss of him if he is directed to self isolate.  

I have never before encountered a St Patrick’s day like yesterday.  Normally those on the bank holiday would be in town but the place was eerily quiet. A local hospitality based firm is shutting venues and paying off 800 staff.  Belfast has major pockets of deprivation and I wonder if it will come back from what might be happening.  Ironically dh’s public sector employer has yet to introduce home working despite everything being in place for it.  

In terms of contingency for me, it would have been one of our elderly trustees who cannot now come on site. This month I paid all staff any extra accrued hours they had earned.  If I am not available to do future payroll, the outsourced provider can remotely process a flat month.  

Today’s task include trying to get toner delivered for our photocopier / printer which has stopped working.  I also have a dental appointment that is going ahead followed by a treatment that is also going ahead.

today I am grateful for 
donated sausages for the furry one
being supported in decision making
a willingness to pitch in

beanielou

I don’t envy you. 

Take care of you too. Xx

in_need_of_direction

Got my tooth repaired yesterday which was just as well as my dentist will be moving to emergency only by the end of the week.  Also had a massage which helped immensely.  

At work someone who hadn’t been able to make it in came clean that it was related to a lack of childcare.  It’s amazing what no pay can sort out. I’m so annoyed with him for trying to hide behind the crisis while expecting others to pick up the slack. 

We had issues with our funder yesterday where a staff member advised that their manager was busy in a meeting re coronavirus.  This was while telling me that a process was changing that would require my staff to spend more time in small rooms with strangers.  This funder has closed their doors to the public which will put more pressure on service providers.

as of yesterday, the dog will have day time company as dh will be working from home.  This also helps me as it means I will have alone time on my home to work return journey.  Hopefully it will help separate out the two aspects of my life.  

Yesterday I stopped in a shop to pick up a few bits and pieces as I had £1 off a £5 shop.  I didn’t get a repeat coupon as I often would.  Wonder if this is part of the price rise steps being taken elsewhere.  I am just trying to keep on top of small top up shops.  Yesterday was under £6.  It’s so hard to keep a balance between the what if I have to self isolate and stockpiling.  Today I am heading to boots on my way in to get disposable caps for a donated in ear thermometer.

today I am grateful for
continuing good will
health and safety of my family 
contact from dd

beanielou

Hope your day goes well 😊

doingitanyway

Well done on getting your tooth sorted.
At least the dog benefits from extra company

milann

Pleased your dh is working from home - the dog will appreciate it. It’s certainly a stressful time for you.

Cherryfudge

Glad your DH's employer has got their act together - I am experiencing similar over here, with employers talking the talk but baulking at the implications. We are one staff member down, and another two possibly going, so this weekend's rota looks like a patchwork. I really don't know what the new normal is going to look like over the next few months.

I take my hat off to you for sorting the non-standard pay just in case. Hopefully it won't come to you not being available but if it does, you'll know that people are as well provided-for as possible.

I have the same dilemma as you about balancing responsible shopping and responsible preparation. It's really hard especially that feeling of 'if I don't get this today, it may not be there tomorrow'. 

Look after yourself x

in_need_of_direction

Today our alleged faker comes out of isolation.  Yesterday we were apparently denying him his human rights as we wouldn’t facilitate outside exercise.  He was also shocked to realise that he was expected to contribute a pre agreed service charge.  He thought that wouldn’t apply when “we were keeping him locked up”. I hope he moves on sooner rather than later.

yesterday I went shopping for disposable caps for an in ear thermometer.  I asked for two packs and the assistant was dithering as to whether I could buy the last two.  Happily the corporate credit card showed that my purchase was for a homeless hostel so she allowed me to get both packs of 40. 

A staff member who had advised of their availability from yesterday failed to show as they don’t like their new shift pattern.  They will be facing a disciplinary process.  Another apparently decided to extend their absence as they don’t like a certain team leader who was helping to cover gaps.  Both people are allegedly adults!  I got a communication from a staff member who is off sick with stress, predating the crisis, pointing out all the wrong decisions I’m making including considering new referrals.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could all get paid while not having to deal with clients.

it is also apparently my fault that staff who come to work aren’t being considered as essential as nhs staff as we are a charity and not a statutory employer.  Other staff just quietly get on with what needs done and are absolute stars.  

Today is my sister’s birthday.  I will leave a card and a bottle on her doorstep.  I will also leave a few Mother’s Day bits and pieces for her to drop off.  

It is my birthday next Friday.  I know it’s really selfish but I can’t help but being down that I won’t see either of my two on either day.  I am already tired of the non stop work with no let up for fun.  Last night it was after eight before I made it home.
right, time for this pity party to cease.

today I am grateful for 
having squirrelled away my earnings by only paying myself a small monthly sum. Yes, we have a mortgage but going forward, we should also have the means to pay it even if I have to stay at home
being able to mark my sister’s birthday 
committed staff