No longer in use

MeandO

So, I am expecting the updated quote from the builders tomorrow. The boss phoned me this morning to say ideally, that once repaired, the whole section of the house should ideally be re-rendered as it’s going to look pretty bad patched up. I agree, but have told him there is now way on earth I can afford it so it will have to ‘look awful’ unless I win the lottery. He understood, but just wanted me to understand it’s not going to look great when finished.

I am off work again today and I am forcing myself to be as proactive as I can and get things done.

I’ve sorted out quite a few bits to sell, the only problem being is that a lot of it is bits of jewellery and ‘antiques’ that I don’t know the value of. My parents have gradually been giving me bits and pieces that belonged to my Nan and aunties who have passed away and have been telling me to sell it. I feel bad, but what on earth to do with it otherwise? None of the family seem to want to keep hold of it and I certainly don’t want to lumber DS with it all when I’m gone. I don’t think there is anything of huge value, but I don’t know what’s costume jewellery from the real thing.

I have also sorted out a few clothes and more ‘regular’ bits and pieces to list on eBay. There is also an item which I will hopefully get around £50-£60 for, but it is heavy so i’ll have to list that locally.

I am also making some orders today for my craft business, only a few, but it all helps.

Two loads of washing have been done and are drying on the line.
DS is eating with his Dad tonight and tomorrow and OH is cooking for me tonight, so no need to factor in food for today, other than lunch, for which I am going to make the mightiest of comfort food: the fish finder sandwich (only to use up fish fingers from the freezer that DS can’t eat as these have milk in!).

Will update a bit more later, but for now I need to get on with things. X

MeandO

£30.39 added to the pot from some craft sales and I’ve sold the heavy item already for £60. :j I haven’t received payment for it yet, but will add that to the pot when it is collected and paid for. There are several people who want it, so if the first doesn’t turn up there are others I can contact to buy it.

I haven’t listed any items on eBay yet. I have made and packaged the craft sales though and they’re ready for posting later today.

Honeysucklelou2

You amaze me with how great you are at using eBay to sell things and chip away at things. Well done, inspirational...

Hope the quote is a bearable amount. Are there stages of work that need to be done? Just wondered if it's helpful to think of stages v chunks of money, so when you chip away you know that that chunk of money has gone on a certain part of the repair.

crazy_cat_lady

Well said MrsSave We are all just trying to do the best we can, and everything she has said about you and your ds is totally true. I hope you've had a few good cuddles with him - I like to cuddle with my boy (or girl but she isn't about much) when I am feeling c r a p p y.
I admire your tenacity and determination and how you just keep going with it all. I am crossing my fingers, toes and anything else I can manage that the quote is at least bearable for you.
xxx

MeandO

Thank you both for your kind words, it is so much appreciated and does spur me on.

Still awaiting the quote. Just wanted to update that £60 has now been received from the FB sale and £22.60 has hit the bank from craft sales, so both of those amounts have been added to the pot.

There’s now £1615.87 in there and £2704.13 left to go... :eek:

Just about to chase the builder for the quote now...

Sayschezza

A few years ago Hypno started a thread on here because following a house disaster where if I remember correctly she bought a house that was so dangerous it had to be rebuilt and subsequently left her in enormous debt. Her thread followed her journey to debt freedom and was inspirational to many people on here. If you can trace the thread it may help a little. Good luck. Xx

MeandO

Thank you sayschezza, I’ll do a search for that now!

MeandO

£12.35 added to the pot from craft sales; I should also be able to add around another £20 in a day or two when some money hits the account from my Etsy sales.

I had a really lovely evening last night and morning today. OH and I drove to a small town with a little harbour near us last night as it was such a lovely evening. We had a drink in a pub and then bought some fish and chips and sat and ate them in the car watching the sunset over the harbour. It was an absolutely beautiful evening.
OH stayed at mine last night and so I cooked us a nice breakfast and we had a little walk in the sunshine to OH’s house. I’ve walked back now as he is off to a sports event this afternoon, so am sitting having a cup of tea and a bit of down time before DS is back in half an hour.
The windows are all open as it’s such a lovely sunny day, but with a bit of a chill to the air - my favourite kind of day.

I had one part of the quote last night, £900 inc vat. I was expecting it to be more tbh. There will be another quote for another part of work that also needs doing. I’m almost embarrassed to say, my wonderful parents are insisting on paying it for me. They don’t know that I am saving to pay for a big part of the work, I didn’t tell them as I know they would pay for it and I feel so terribly bad about it. I know they can afford it, but it’s not the point. I owe them so much yet they will never have me pay a penny back. Their kindness and generosity is so overwhelming, it brings me to tears when I think about it.

I listed a couple of items on eBay yesterda and have sorted some more bits to sell, but will wait for a few weeks as I think they’ll sell better then.

Hillwalker11

As a parent myself with two adult children I can understand where your parents are coming from. I can also understand your reluctance in accepting. However when reading your posts you come across as being a very resourceful, hard-working mum, doing the best for your son and watching your expenditure. This work sounds expensive and unfortunate not to be covered by insurance.
Your parents generosity is to enable you to continue to live without the stress of an enormous building works bill. They are offering because the money is essential, you are not out clubbing, buying flash cars or having a designer wardrobe. You are managing as a single parent, giving your son all the right messages for his future. A difficult job which you do very well.
Buy them a large bunch of flowers and say thank you. They will understand and know how much you appreciate their kindness. It is what parents do, and they will be happy to know they have helped you.

MeandO

Thank you so much for posting Hillwalker11. I really do hope I can do the same if my son ever needs help in the future. I guess I just imagined I would be able to look after them financially in their older years, but it is still the other way round. I feel so fortunate to have such supportive parents though and I don’t mean financially. I so wish we lived closer.


Another £16.35 has been added to the pot this afternoon thanks to another craft sale. I know it’s a long way off the target, but I’m really pleased with my progress.

I have one watcher on each of the 3 recently listed eBay items, so hopefully they will be purchased too.

I’ve roasted a chicken today, which will feed me tonight and DS, myself and OH for lunch tomorrow. I am also co9ing lots of veg which we’ll use tonight and tomorrow.
DS has had meatballs from a big pack I bought as a ys item a few days ago. I’ve portioned them up and frozen the rest, along with some ys haddock portions.
I picked OH up some gluten free rolls today that were reduced too and frozen one pack for him.

I had to buy DS some more school trousers. We have loads that are too big for him which he’ll grow into, but we’re a couple of pairs short of his current size. I picked these up in the Tesco 25% off clothing sale and also bought myself a woolly hat for winter reduced to £6. My old one is about 6 years old and really on its last legs. I always feel so guilty buying for myself though, particularly at the moment.

Off to bath DS and have a quiet evening myself. Perhaps a bit of reading and looking at some new recipes for a change.