Finally Debt Free After 34 Years, But Still Need to Live Frugally

HairyHandofDartmoor

Onebrokelady said:

Hi Hairy,I've just had a thought,some supermarkets are taking on temporary staff while all this is going on,would that be something you would consider doing until things get back to normal

Delichon said: 

Snap, Onebrokelady!  I was going to mention that idea too.  I know it isn't ideal, HHOD, but it's better than no money coming in.  I think all the supermarkets are recruiting lots of staff, mainly shelf-stackers (which I assume might be late evening/early mornings) and delivery drivers.  You could probably combine it with the MSA job if the hours work out.  Or could DH maybe do it, or your sons?  

Thanks for the suggestions but I think it would be taking a big risk with my family's health if any of us did this. DH has diabetes, high blood pressure and is obese, so he has been self isolating for a week already. DS1, DS2 and I have asthma. I probably shouldn't be working at all.

At least at school I see the same people every time I go there and I know their history. Also there will be a smaller pool of children from now on. In a supermarket I could be exposed to hundreds of new people every day which would be a much greater risk for me and my family.

HairyHandofDartmoor

Thanks everyone for thinking of me . Maybe it's for the best that I've lost my TA cover as I'll have less exposure to the virus. I'll still get my meal time assistant money and I hope DH can still bring in money. If his work dries up then perhaps he can sign up for universal credit or something. Although we already get working taxx credits so I'm not sure that would work. We need to wait and see how all this affects DH's income.

Friday was such a difficult day that I was too upset to post . Everyone was emotional at not seeing many of the children again until possibly September and I felt upset at being thrown on the scrapheap. They put me in a different class so I wasn't with the children I know best and the teacher had me running around all day de-cluttering and tidying the classroom, going up and down stepladders, fetching and emptying sick bowls, etc. I was exhausted as I still had to work at lunchtime. I was in tears after the children left as it all got too much for me . 

Yesterday I just sat and read and watched telly all day as I felt exhausted and had developed an upset tummy (probably from emptying the sick bowl). 

HairyHandofDartmoor

I've was coughing a bit in the night on Friday night and coughing a bit in the early hours of this morning, so I may have the virus . It only happens when I lie down though as I didn't cough at all in the daytime on Saturday. It may just be a dry throat or a left over tickly cough from my cold. But I can't take any chances so I'm keeping as much distance between me and everyone else in the house as possilbe. 

Our living room is quite large luckily so I'm sitting at one end and DH and DS1 are sitting at another end. DH is going to sleep on the sofa bed for seven days and we're not going to be in the kitchen or bathroom at the same time. I feel like a leper . I've also still got an upset tummy too .

So no Mother's Day walk for me . I really hope that DH and the DSs don't catch it. I may not even have the virus, but I might, so I feel like I should play safe.

I hope our Mr T delivery arrives without too much missing! Two of my friend's have a husband who is high risk so I coudn't ask them to get food for us, but I have another friend who I think would be able to if I asked and my cousin lives quite close to me so I'm sure he would drop food in if I asked him to help out.

On a positive note the sun is shining ouside and DS1 has given me a large box of chocolates for Mother's Day

I hope everyone is keeping well and has a lovely Mother's Day .

[Deleted User]

HairyHandofDartmoor said:

Onebrokelady said:

Hi Hairy,I've just had a thought,some supermarkets are taking on temporary staff while all this is going on,would that be something you would consider doing until things get back to normal

Delichon said: 

Snap, Onebrokelady!  I was going to mention that idea too.  I know it isn't ideal, HHOD, but it's better than no money coming in.  I think all the supermarkets are recruiting lots of staff, mainly shelf-stackers (which I assume might be late evening/early mornings) and delivery drivers.  You could probably combine it with the MSA job if the hours work out.  Or could DH maybe do it, or your sons?  

Thanks for the suggestions but I think it would be taking a big risk with my family's health if any of us did this. DH has diabetes, high blood pressure and is obese, so he has been self isolating for a week already. DS1, DS2 and I have asthma. I probably shouldn't be working at all.

At least at school I see the same people every time I go there and I know their history. Also there will be a smaller pool of children from now on. In a supermarket I could be exposed to hundreds of new people every day which would be a much greater risk for me and my family.

I think the supermarket jobs are mainly replenishing stock when the stores are closed but like all jobs (your TA work in the other post) you may be called on to step in and do all sorts of other jobs where they have a need.  Probably a good thing for you all to keep your distance from any risks in the circumstances. Better to be safe than sorry.  Sending hugs to you all xxx.   I heard on TV that being asthmatic shouldn't be too much of a worry in itself but asthmatics should interact as  little as possible.  Some other useful info pasted here.  Might be useful as 3 of the family have it.   Pasted here:

According to Asthma UK, respiratory infections can also have an impact on asthma symptoms – although it’s been reported that those with asthma are at no greater risk of catching Covid-19 than anyone else. If you an asthma sufferer you are advised to take the following steps: Keep taking your preventer inhaler daily as prescribed Carry your reliever inhaler Download and use an action plan Start a peak flow diary If you smoke, give up to decrease your risk of complications from Covid-19 You can also reduce the risk of contracting the virus by washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water, using tissues when you sneeze or cough and making sure you put them in the bin, avoiding touching your face, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, and avoiding unnecessary travel or social interaction.

Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/17/people-asthma-high-risk-coronavirus-12411797/?ito=cbshare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/

Incidentally, the NHS are sending out letters tomorrow to all those who have been identified through their systems as being particularly 'at risk' and vulnerable.  This isn't just the elderly.  Anyone getting one will be told to self-isolate for 12 weeks which means not leaving the house/garden.  I hope your DH doesn't get one.  DH and I are expecting he'll get one as he has a white-cell disorder that needs monitoring by blood tests and seeing the haematologist every 6 months.  His immune system is very compromised although he is perfectly well and does as much or more than most men of 65.  He seems pretty robust but needs to avoid catching anything anyway not just Covid-19

Even if your DH doesn't get 'the letter',should he really be driving all that way to fetch DS and his stuff next weekend?  As he is the sole driver in the family a lot of responsibility may be falling on him in the next few weeks/months and given all his health issues that you've mentioned  and the fact he has been self-isolating already he should be staying safe at home IMO.  He'll no doubt have to leave the cocoon of the car en route even if just for petrol, toilet breaks etc, not to mention going to and fro from DS's room to help carry his stuff.  All have the potential for touching stuff, maybe not being able to self-distance appropriately, plus all the stress (physical, mental and financial) which is bad.  I know you said before that  DS has a massive computer that he needs to get home (and he may be home for longer than he expects this time) but in the sad eventuality that DH contracts it or is ill from some other cause DS would have to find a way of getting himself and his stuff home.  It would be inconvenient and probably expensive but not within the scope of  an adult male who is bright enough to go to University.

Seasidegal58

Take care of yourself Hairy. ☹️  I think you were bound to be emotional because of not seeing the children you have bonded so well with for the foreseeable future. I don't think you should view it as being thrown on the scrapheap though. On reading your previous posts you are obviously a valued member of staff - it's just these unprecedented times that have made everything so uncertain going forward. 
. 

I hope you feel better as the day goes on.

Happy Mother's Day!  💐💐💐

[Deleted User]

HairyHandofDartmoor said:

Friday was such a difficult day that I was too upset to post . Everyone was emotional at not seeing many of the children again until possibly September and I felt upset at being thrown on the scrapheap. 

You weren't thrown on the scrapheap, HHOD.  Don't even let that thought enter your mind.  These are unprecedented times and with the school functioning with only a fraction of the children they aren't going to need all the regular staff never mind temporary ones.  The staff would have been as sad to lose you as you are to have left but maybe you'll be called in to cover when/if a regular staff member has to go off sick.  I would have thought you'd be their 'go to' person when they want someone totally reliable who already knows the ropes and has proved their worth every single time they've been asked to help. 

You must be feeling very emotional, I can totally understand that.  My heart goes out to you.  Just remember, none of this is from anything you did wrong.  Take care xxxx   Sending virtual hugs your way.  Wonderful to be able to give even virtual ones in these self-distancing times. 

HairyHandofDartmoor

Delichon said:

HairyHandofDartmoor said:

Onebrokelady said:

Hi Hairy,I've just had a thought,some supermarkets are taking on temporary staff while all this is going on,would that be something you would consider doing until things get back to normal

Delichon said: 

Snap, Onebrokelady!  I was going to mention that idea too.  I know it isn't ideal, HHOD, but it's better than no money coming in.  I think all the supermarkets are recruiting lots of staff, mainly shelf-stackers (which I assume might be late evening/early mornings) and delivery drivers.  You could probably combine it with the MSA job if the hours work out.  Or could DH maybe do it, or your sons?  

Thanks for the suggestions but I think it would be taking a big risk with my family's health if any of us did this. DH has diabetes, high blood pressure and is obese, so he has been self isolating for a week already. DS1, DS2 and I have asthma. I probably shouldn't be working at all.

At least at school I see the same people every time I go there and I know their history. Also there will be a smaller pool of children from now on. In a supermarket I could be exposed to hundreds of new people every day which would be a much greater risk for me and my family.

I think the supermarket jobs are mainly replenishing stock when the stores are closed but like all jobs (your TA work in the other post) you may be called on to step in and do all sorts of other jobs where they have a need.  Probably a good thing for you all to keep your distance from any risks in the circumstances. Better to be safe than sorry.  Sending hugs to you all xxx.   I heard on TV that being asthmatic shouldn't be too much of a worry in itself but asthmatics should interact as  little as possible.  Some other useful info pasted here.  Might be useful as 3 of the family have it.   Pasted here:

According to Asthma UK, respiratory infections can also have an impact on asthma symptoms – although it’s been reported that those with asthma are at no greater risk of catching Covid-19 than anyone else. If you an asthma sufferer you are advised to take the following steps: Keep taking your preventer inhaler daily as prescribed Carry your reliever inhaler Download and use an action plan Start a peak flow diary If you smoke, give up to decrease your risk of complications from Covid-19 You can also reduce the risk of contracting the virus by washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water, using tissues when you sneeze or cough and making sure you put them in the bin, avoiding touching your face, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, and avoiding unnecessary travel or social interaction.

Read more: https://metro.co.uk/2020/03/17/people-asthma-high-risk-coronavirus-12411797/?ito=cbshare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MetroUK | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroUK/

Incidentally, the NHS are sending out letters tomorrow to all those who have been identified through their systems as being particularly 'at risk' and vulnerable.  This isn't just the elderly.  Anyone getting one will be told to self-isolate for 12 weeks which means not leaving the house/garden.  I hope your DH doesn't get one.  DH and I are expecting he'll get one as he has a white-cell disorder that needs monitoring by blood tests and seeing the haematologist every 6 months.  His immune system is very compromised although he is perfectly well and does as much or more than most men of 65.  He seems pretty robust but needs to avoid catching anything anyway not just Covid-19

Even if your DH doesn't get 'the letter',should he really be driving all that way to fetch DS and his stuff next weekend?  As he is the sole driver in the family a lot of responsibility may be falling on him in the next few weeks/months and given all his health issues that you've mentioned  and the fact he has been self-isolating already he should be staying safe at home IMO.  He'll no doubt have to leave the cocoon of the car en route even if just for petrol, toilet breaks etc, not to mention going to and fro from DS's room to help carry his stuff.  All have the potential for touching stuff, maybe not being able to self-distance appropriately, plus all the stress (physical, mental and financial) which is bad.  I know you said before that  DS has a massive computer that he needs to get home (and he may be home for longer than he expects this time) but in the sad eventuality that DH contracts it or is ill from some other cause DS would have to find a way of getting himself and his stuff home.  It would be inconvenient and probably expensive but not within the scope of  an adult male who is bright enough to go to University.

Thanks Delichon . DS3 has said that he is not coming home for the Easter holidays as he doesn't want to risk infecting his Dad. Although I feel sad that I won't see him for possibly six months I respect his decision and it's very sweet of him ❤. His housemates are also going to stay in their house and not go home for the same reason.

HairyHandofDartmoor

Seasidegal58 said:

Take care of yourself Hairy. ☹️  I think you were bound to be emotional because of not seeing the children you have bonded so well with for the foreseeable future. I don't think you should view it as being thrown on the scrapheap though. On reading your previous posts you are obviously a valued member of staff - it's just these unprecedented times that have made everything so uncertain going forward. 
. 

I hope you feel better as the day goes on.

Happy Mother's Day!  💐💐💐

Thanks SSG . All the staff were emotional. I know it's an economical necessity not using me for the cover, but honestly I've been helping to keep that school going since Christmas and I didn't even get a thank you from the head teacher (although I do think some of the teachers I've been working with appreciate what I've been doing). Anyway it is what it is.

Happy Mother's Day to you too SSG 🌺.

HairyHandofDartmoor

Delichon said:

HairyHandofDartmoor said:

Friday was such a difficult day that I was too upset to post . Everyone was emotional at not seeing many of the children again until possibly September and I felt upset at being thrown on the scrapheap. 

You weren't thrown on the scrapheap, HHOD.  Don't even let that thought enter your mind.  These are unprecedented times and with the school functioning with only a fraction of the children they aren't going to need all the regular staff never mind temporary ones.  The staff would have been as sad to lose you as you are to have left but maybe you'll be called in to cover when/if a regular staff member has to go off sick.  I would have thought you'd be their 'go to' person when they want someone totally reliable who already knows the ropes and has proved their worth every single time they've been asked to help. 

You must be feeling very emotional, I can totally understand that.  My heart goes out to you.  Just remember, none of this is from anything you did wrong.  Take care xxxx   Sending virtual hugs your way.  Wonderful to be able to give even virtual ones in these self-distancing times. 

Thank you Delichon . I'm sure you're right.

elizabethhull

Thanks Delichon . DS3 has said that he is not coming home for the Easter holidays as he doesn't want to risk infecting his Dad. Although I feel sad that I won't see him for possibly six months I respect his decision and it's very sweet of him ❤. His housemates are also going to stay in their house and not go home for the same reason.

I'm sure that's the right decision for all of you, even though you will obviously miss him hugely. Can you FaceTime him, Skype or something ? I anticipate all-night gaming junkets in his student house if they can't go home !!

I hope it's 'just' a cough you have - take care xxx