Never too old to learn

jools1985

Another unexpected overtime shift for me today - a full 8 hours so that along with the 8 hours I did last Saturday will more than pay my water rates bill. Overtime is very rare so to do 8 hours 2 weekends running will be a great boost at the end of the month.



I got my 6 monthly water bill in yesterday - £147. I need to get in touch with the water people to see if I can pay it monthly. If not I'll start putting away £25 each month for the next one in April.


I really must stick to my budget.....and I will

Chrystal

Great news on the overtime. Hows your Mum doing?

jools1985

Chrystal wrote: »

Great news on the overtime. Hows your Mum doing?

Thanks for asking Chrystal. She is getting stronger and is eating at long last. Her weight had gone down to 5 and a half stones as she just didn't eat. Doctors have put this down to severe depression. Mum had been looking after my step dad at home and for the last 4 years he's had Altzheimers. He finally went into a care home in June as my mum was just too frail to continue. She has been wracked with guilt ever since and just seemed so sad.



A DVT was found during a scan 2 weeks ago which was a shock for us all. She had another CT scan today while I was visiting her in hospital. Timing was good as I was able to go with her and wait for her while she being scanned. Hopefully the blood thinners they have been giving her are working to disolve the blood clot. She appears so much better in herself and is taking an interest in other things for the first time in such a long time. Really hoping she's turned a corner.....:)

Chrystal

Oh Bless her. That must have been really difficult, both for her and you. The only good thing about Alzheimers is that, hopefully, they aren't aware of what's happening, but I can understand the feeling of guilt - I've cared for my disabled husband for the last 20 years and the feeling of responsibility can be overwhelming.
Keeping my fingers crossed that things continue to improve. ((hugs))

pidge04

Just read your diary and I want to say I am full of admiration for you .. for no gambling and for getting your DMP in progress. Well done. Sorry your Mum has been poorly. Good luck to you!

jools1985

A bit of a mixed day for me today. My mum was expected to be discharged from hospital yesterday, then today but when I rang at 11am they said she has a chest infection so is staying in. I didn't go to see her today. I go one day, my sister goes the next. It takes about an hour to get there and back again and it's becoming exhausting for all of us - my poor mum included. She is so bored with it now.


The good news is the scan she had 2 days ago shows that her DVT has disolved so that's a relief.


Whilst I was on the phone to the hospital I heard a 'thud' of post landing on the hall floor. Oh oh I thought bet that is all from creditors. I was right, apart from a letter from Sky offering me a reduction to go back to them (I kicked them into touch in favour of Freeview via my telly) the rest of my post was from credit card people. There were 2 other items too. I will come to them in a bit.



So.....MBNA x 2 and Nationwide have both agreed the payment offered via Stepchange. There was also a cc statement from RBS - no interest or late fees charged this month woo hoo. I had another letter from RBS - notice of Default telling me to pay up by 26/10/18 or they will terminate my agreement - bring it on I say. I think this is a warning that they will default me. Not too sure if it is the actual default or a threat of default. The main thing is thanks to avidly reading this forum I am no longer afraid of such letters.



I also had a 'reminder' from Santander that they are increasing the interest rate on my Santander credit card to 23.something%. I intend to post it back to them reminding them that I have already told them by post and by phine that I have rejected the increase and they cancelled the card. It's all immaterial now anyway due to the DMP.




The other 2 bits of post were - a lovely card from a friend who had missed my birthday afternoon tea out. The card also had a £30 Debenhams gift card in it. I was quite overwhelmed. People are so kind and I so blessed with my friends.


The final piece of post was an NHS envelope. It contained my invitation to paerticipate in bowel cancer screening and contains a little kit to ahem smear poo with little sticks provided and put on a little card thingy over 3 days. It also has an envelope to return the 'samples' in. I suppose this is the only time to legally send $h1t via the Royal Mail .......Now I'm not knocking this at all and will certainly 'participate'. I'm all for having any health checks offered.


A mixed day with mixed post indeed........

jools1985

Time for an update on here.



2 significant things have happened this month. The first is I have been gamble free for just over a year now - that date passed in early December. The second is my first payment to Step Change was made on the 10th of December so I've started to make a dent in my debt. Both of these events made me feel so content. I feel like I'm back in control of my life.



Christmas this year was all 'bought' with cash or loyalty points I'd saved up - Boots and Nectar. Nothing was bought with credit this year or with 'dirty money' - gambling wins.



My mum is home and going from strength to strength. She has started to eat again and is taking an interest in thungs - family stuff, the news, TV shows etc. The depression seems to be lifting at last which is a huge relief.



Bring on 2019 for an better year.

DD265

That's all brilliant news Jools, I'm really pleased for you. Onwards and upwards! :beer:

Chrystal

Fantastic update. So pleased for you and your Mum

jools1985

Just checked Noddle and see RBS have defaulted me - I'm happy about that!