Holey Moley!

killerpeaty

Thanks guys! It's nice of you to say lovely things! Life after uncle is a very strange world, I think he would have liked the kittens though.

Although not sure about me being sensible, I had to clingfilm my front door yesterday because I thought it would be a good idea to investigate the rotten bit- turns out it's all rotten and then I ended up with bare wood exposed! Whoops! So today I ended up in a DIY shop again, mum was amazing and found the wood thing I needed and then found exterior wood paint in almost the same colour (ivory instead of white) which cost £5 instead of £20! Only £30 paid for all the bits I need, I'm hoping to start the work tomorrow after work.

Also went to that same DIY shop a few days earlier where I picked up wood glue and filler and paint for my furniture projects, again clearance paints are amazing. Hoping that the colours are true but I'm planning on properly priming the pieces, I have been investigating and watching videos about it so I'm not too worried about the paint itself. Spent over £60 on that day! Eek! I did however learn that wood hardener is literally excruciating if it gets on damaged hands and hammers hurt if you accidentally sit on one!

I lost out on the coffee table on ebay though, someone outbid me by 80p. So annoyed because I wanted to try restaining, however I will continue to look and pick up something when the right thing appears. I've been looking at etsy for what other people have done to their furniture for inspiration. 

Tomorrow is a workday, so sad that my holiday is over. I've had a lovely time charity shop shopping.

South_coast

Boo to work, glad you've had a good break though. Hammers also hurt if you completely miss what you're hammering and hit your wrist instead, which is what I did a few weeks ago 🙄 Hope the imprint on your bum has gone down!

Moneyfordreams

Mums do come in handy sound like you got a good haul to keep you occupied. Projects are really rewarding when completed.

killerpeaty

The rear end has lost its hammer shaped impression and the mother has been suitably plied with tea for her efforts, you will be pleased to hear.

Actually mum refused to eat for an hour today because the kitten was comfy and she didn't want to disturb him. 

The front door is no longer wrapped in cling film and has no inappropriate holes in it. It does however look really ugly and needs to be painted. It took approximately all of my life to do ha! I'm pleased though, feel like I've learnt a lot.

My lovely big side table has been sanded and had bits glued back together, along with a coat of undercoat. Although I will need to investigate because I'm a bit worried that I might need to resand part of it because I think I missed some dust and now its rough.

I had a massive migraine on friday, which hit me like a train at work. People were talking to me and it was just gibberish, luckily my vision was good enough for me to get home. I'm now anxious about work tomorrow because I'm nervous about the quality of my work before I went home in case my migraine snuck up before I realised and went home. Honestly, work makes me full of anxiety in general. Apparently on my week off my manager whinged about me to my office again, it's so unprofessional for a "senior" manager. Still, will go in there and try to improve on the performance from the day before. I have received feedback recently so I can implement it, although it wasn't fun to hear it honestly.

Oh! Most importantly of all, Aldi has this amazing low calorie ice cream which is white chocolate and raspberry- delicious! I have also tried their version of magnums, both flavours in one day (for science).

sofarbehind

I've just binge read your entire diary and loved it. I'm so sorry about your uncle, he sounded like a great person. I cheered inside when I saw the kittens, they are gorgeous and will make you very happy. 

I just wanted to say that you have made amazing progress and I'm really impressed with how you are coping at work. Your manager sounds awful and I think you are dealing with the situation very well and doing a fantastic job at working around a difficult health condition. I think it's very easy for people who have never experienced health issues to be really ignorant and judgemental, it makes me furious because it creates unnecessary additional stress. You are doing amazing things KP. I have just focussed on overpaying my mortgage and never invested, I keep thinking about it but it's just endless thoughts as you mention. Part of my reasoning is that if my health should make working difficult at least I would have a secure roof over my head but perhaps I am being too fear based. Thanks for making me re-think that.   

killerpeaty

Thank you @sofarbehind it's really kind of you to say those things. Honestly sometimes I feel like I complain too much and don't make progress so it's lovely to hear.

Health problems make you think so differently to your peers who don't have those same issues. It's all about pain permitting rather than weather permitting for plans! Avoiding stress is a big thing and if you feel that overpaying will reduce stress more than overpaying and investing, then overpaying is the way for you. I constantly worry about losing my job (despite not having any reason to- at the moment) so having both cash (I hate having less than £10k) and investments makes me feel a lot better.

killerpeaty

I got my furniture today! The delivery drivers were lovely and we had a nice chat over tea and coffee. I have cleaned the furniture now with sugar soap inside and out, one was significantly more dirty than the other which I was surprised about since it looked more clean! I didn't expect that the cupboard would be wood with a layer of veneer, don't get me wrong, I still love it but it just surprised me. It is a very functional piece and offers no apologies for it so I had assumed no veneer. However it does now make the repairs it needs more difficult, but it will be worth it.

The corner display cabinet is a bit more battered than I remember, but since I plan on painting it then it's not a big issue. It was quite funny, the delivery volunteer asked me if I was going shabby chic and then asked me if I am in Uni. You should have seen his face when I told him I'm 30 lol. 

Sanded my bedside table and put more primer on. I think that this little table is actually the best quality item I have and it only cost £5! It's definitely solid hardwood.

Also painted my front door with my cut price not-quite-white paint, didn't do a great job. Me not the paint. I should have sanded part of the item before I painted buuuuuuut I was already tired and didn't want to bother honestly.

Now I am knackered. Wish I hadn't done it honestly! Going to get hot water bottle I think.

newgirly

Sounds great KP, there used to be a shabby chic thread on here years ago I think it may be gone now unfortunately, where mse’ers posted phots of their upcycles. £5 for a table is pretty good, I had a go at coffee staining our side table during lockdown except I used too much and it warped badly 😆

killerpeaty

Coffee staining? I didn't know that was a thing! Sorry it didn't go well!

Yesterday was my late uncle's birthday so we walked along the river, none of us feel it is safe to sit in a restaurant which we would have done otherwise. I don't know about others, but at least in a shop you can leave at any point if there's too many people, but a restaurant doesn't allow that. It was nice, we chatted and people watched.

Bought another piece of furniture... It is a nest of tables in solid wood and is lovely. It cost £38 in an antique shop with the nicest man who seemed just as happy with the piece as I am! The eight little legs are attached to tiny tables which slot securely into the big (it's not big) table. Each of the sides have a curve carved into this which is a lovely feature.

Kittens for scale.

However, I have just done my banking and BOY have I spent far too much this month. I must rein it in. So no more furniture or DIY things, just a phone.

Also in about a week will be a year since I bought my flat!!

greent

Cute kitten!