I need some new knickers!

Honeysucklelou2

Had to smile...my children seem to think those same magic fairies exist in our house .

tibawo

This getting myself sorted is not going well. I now I am keen to keep things light hearted but sometimes I either get in place where I just want to pull the duvet back over my head or the complete opposite where I'm so busy that i don't get things sorted. I wonder if this is my way of delaying things?

Today's excuse was that it is DD2 bday so we always have family round. I did meat in the slow cooker on rolls and then had cake. Normally I go over board on a buffet but worked out I spent about 25% of what I normally do [and there's still enough for dinner tomoz]. Everyone had a full tum and miles less clearing up to do as well. Can't believe I've never done this before - I could have bought not just some knickers but a Michael Kors handbag too!

tibawo

Back to work today. Which means back to normality and routine. I actually get more things done when it is term time as the girls do some many activities that if I don't keep semi on top of things I have no weekend to potter at the allotment. Allotment is my fresh air and me time. I don't take my phone but now take a torch. This is because the other month i was happily working and had not realised how dark it was getting. The gate is padlocked and under the cover of trees it was pitch black and I was nearly stranded for the night as I could not see the numbers on the key pad!

I have now written on a spreadsheet everything i need to pay out each month, the arrears and the 'ideal' savings buffer etc. I'm going to check other SOAs to make sure I have covered everything.It doesn't look too bad [not as bad as i thought] but it is not healthy neither. what has annoyed me though is i have just had my car renewal quote through from which is £100 more than the exact same cover if I do a new one on go compare with the same company. This is the second year this has happened so I am not impressed.

Really can't decide what to put as my goals for Easter: don't want to make them too hard as i know i'll give up but they do need to be challenging.

Bit of excitement [?] on the fridge front. My friend had a spare 'old' fridge in her shed that she has let me use. It's weird not having a freezer but am so grateful as the things for school dinners etc can be stored.I can also take my time now and find the right one rather than a 'that'll do one!'

Thrice

Morning tibawo, how are you getting on?

Good news on the fridge front!! I remember when we were younger and got our first flat together, we literally only had a mattress on the floor and a portable TV next to it! We didn't have a fridge or freezer, milk was stored in a carrier bag and hung out the kitchen window to keep it cool, glad we moved in during the winter lol!!

Have you had any more thought on your Easter goals? Are you thinking about targets (like pay off X by then, save Y amount etc), or more home-style goals, like clear out X room or paint the hallway?

x

tibawo

Thanks to everyone who checks in on me even if you just read and go.

My first post today is a moan as I need to get some things off my chest so I can focus on the things i need to do this weekend rather than let it all build up and make my mood even worse. So be warned!

Workwise I am classed as self employed but work under the umbrella of a tutor service. I've always been flexible and do the extra bits that might take an odd five mins or so a week. A new member of the team has just decided to give out roles of lead teachers for tutors without asking and expects us to give up our own time to do this unpaid. This role means at least an extra two hours a week doing something I don't want to. What's even more infuriating is I have just asked to lower my hours to fit in with everything I do outside work as I was struggling time wise. I know i need to address this but i am fuming especially if it now affects my relationship with the boss and get no work. Please bear in mind that some tutors who teach the same students are not expected to do this which is why i am even more annoyed.

Then to stress me out there's homewise. Being a single mum I have to be organised. As I mentioned I have a loving extended family who will help out when they can as long as I give them enough notice and don't take the micky. I am blessed that apart from the normal teenage things my kids are lovely, respectful etc. I've always encouraged them to aim high but am finding it more and more frustrating when the places they do activities at talk about commitment,being inclusive etc and just expect you to say 'how high' when they want you to jump. for e.g. dd club and region both have a match next weekend. I asked when they are making a decision on the team etc as i will need to make arrangemens for lifts as other dd has a planned activity. i put it very politely. I was told on Thursday eve. Unbelievable.
I've just found on the chat thread that there's quite a lot of irate parents as it is not just no team details but no times neither so you can't plan anything.

off for a shower to see if that will wash away some of my negativity.

tibawo

A lot better mood today but not been as productive as I anticipated. Mainly because i'd not realised dd had 2 rehearsals and not one. Tightening belt for next two weeks until payday. I can do it!

This weeks plan:
* make sure all letters to ask about reduced payments are sent
* to update leccy payment schedule
* all work accounts info collated
* update CTC

tibawo

I am sat here with a pile of things next to me. Somethings need putting away but other bits need shredding, putting in recycling but amongst it are a few unopened letters. Granted some of these are bank statements that need filing but I've found an odd one that needs addressing but what will teach me the most to open things is that there was also one with a voucher in from one of the sites where I scan my shopping.

Hard day at work today as it was my autistic student and he was just not in the mood. I've a good relationship with the family and his mum knows I think the world of him but he has got Brexit all mixed up and can't shake it off nor process it so is getting in a bit of the twist. His mum tells me he likes talking to me about things as I do listen and try and understand where he is coming from but today really tested me. Part and parcel of my job.

GlendaSugarbean

Hang in there! Kid activities are a nightmare - they always seem to assume at least one at-home parent.

tibawo

Wow, over 2 weeks since I last posted. I can start to understand how it is hard to develop a new routine and so easy to fall off the bandwagon.

It's the annual visit to the car doctor for my car this week. I'm hoping for a reasonable bill after the windscreen wipers at the end of the year!

Can't say I have moved forward on anything else which is quite worrying as time is ticking.

mark55man

well done on keeping the diary going. i try and post something everyday even if its just boring - eg I went to the shops. As a single mum of teenagers I doubt any day is truly boring for you. I find that sometimes just an odd thing you say and might think nothing off rings true with others and you have a nice chat and it helps you remember that was a good thing to do not just a random thing.