The Best Is Yet To Come

slm6002

Another cooler day with sunshine and downpours.  I got my evening on the sofa without the BF appearing, and I think she is going to his house today.  This morning DD2 asked if she could walk home - yes of course you can - it means that once I was home from work I didn't need to go out again.  Have already changed into comfy and warm clothes as there is draft somewhere - think its the bathroom window open - will close it later.

I am half way through my online shop but waiting to hear from DD1 as she wanted something but I cant remember what it was.  I will be using my last summer holiday voucher for this shop so it shouldn't cost us any real money, and if it does it will not be much.

slm6002

We've made it to the end of the week.  It was been very busy but I have the weekend with nothing planned to maybe recover.

My uncle and now my sister and her partner are coming for a visit next weekend.  This means the garden really needs to be sorted and the house cleaned beyond my daily expectations.  I need to do a meal plan and work out if there is anywhere we can visit while they are here.

Some bad news about a work friend may mean my hours are increased to cover their job for a while.  Not sure of how much or for how long as we are still waiting to hear more.  Either way it is very sad, but about time they put in something in place for occasions such as this, as only they can do the work.  It has always been a problem but now it looks like they will have to sort it.

Off to collect DD2 shortly to go coat shopping.  The only one she has is too short on the arms.  Will see if I can pay DS cheque into the bank at the same time.

slm6002

Been mulling work over in my head and have had little enthusiasm for getting off the sofa to sort the garden and the house.  I have watched some tutorials on some of the extra jobs that may come my way, but until the head person comes to explain I have no idea what might be given over to me, or how many extra hours it may take.  I have been able to have a conversation with the person who is poorly which did put my mind at rest about them and that they are ok - kind of.  I am not very good with the unknown or change, and like to know what is going on and have a list.  Unfortunately it is not the kind of thing that we will to have answers to for some time.

I may make a list shortly of the main jobs that need doing around the house so I can perhaps bribe the kids to helps and work out which bits to do on which days.

I seem to have taken some admin on for the sports club too as the gentleman is in hospital so myself and another parent have been keeping it going for the past few weeks.  I wasn't aware of my work commitments at the time lol.  Oh well it will keep me entertained over these cold dark nights.  I need to see how much if anything is due for the hire of the hall and for them to confirm the dates booked as these change quite frequently.

slm6002

Emailed community centre about sports club, but then heard the gentleman has caught covid in hospital and now had a stroke.  Not sure how much more he can take as he is also diabetic and recovering from cancer treatment.  Poor guy.  His sister is on her way to see him as he has no children or wife.  Not sure if it is to help or to say goodbye.  

Got some chicken stew out of the freezer for dinner.  Will add some mash and peas.  The weather seems to perked up since getting dinner out to defrost, although I am sure it will get cooler later on.  DD1 is out for the night at BF house so no need to feed her.  Cleared the kitchen surfaces and loaded the dishwasher so done something at least.

Might wrap DD1's birthday bits while she is out of the house.  Her birthday isn't for another week and a half but I feel time is going to whizz by very quickly over the next month.  I need to get her a card, but have everything else here.

slm6002

Right I have woken up a little more refreshed this morning and a little less glum.  The sun is out and I really do need to get some bits done today.

Uncle is going to brothers for dinner on Saturday so have asked him what is on the menu, so that I don't repeat the meal.  He has also said that he will treat us to a takeaway so that will probably be Friday night.  So looks like it is just Sunday that we will need a main meal.  Will get bits for nice breakfasts and lunches.  Todays dinner will be homemade pizzas with leftover crumble from last night (was really yummy).

Shortly I will be taking DS off to work.  I would then like to get the washing sorted, some baking, some DIY and some gardening.  Bit of everything needed today.  Then throughout the week I will work through the rooms ready for Friday. 

Yesterday I swapped gas and elec tariffs to a slightly cheaper one, so will have that for another 12 months or until they come up with something cheaper.  Have kept the DD the same as that way we are overpaying slightly and I don't have to worry too much when I put the heating on.  Boiler service is booked for Oct half term.  I have contacted our electrician as there was a switch that he hadn't swapped over and needs doing.  There is money in the pot for it.  I need to contact the windows man to see how much a new door in the garage costs.  The frame is so rotten and really needs replacing.  If I can make it a little more water tight it will make a great useful area.  Might even see about the small window too.

Right must get DS to work

slm6002

Had a call from mutual friend of the sports club.  Unfortunately our friend passed away last night.  Sad news but at least he isn't suffering any more.  In practical news it could mean the club will fold, but DD1 is quite keen to take it on.  I think it will involve more than she realises but here to help should she take the leap, and if no one else fancies taking it on.

I finally did the gardening and without the weeds it looks quite bare.  Also managed to do 3 loads of washing so far, so nearly done.  DD1 hasn't bought her things down as yet though.  Pizza dough is doing its thing in the bread maker but no baking has been done as yet.  I also haven't managed the DIY bits as yet.  I did tackle the shower screen as the hard water has left marks on it.  It looks better now and I have managed to clean most of the bathroom in small blocks each time I went in there.

Expecting a call from DS shortly to collect him. 

slm6002

Couple of longs days done - took lunch on both days and will again today.  Cheated and takeaway last night though as hadn't taken food out of the freezer to defrost.  Cant do that again as so expensive and I don't have the money to waste.  The house seems to be getting messy rather than tidy, but I have just now put the bins out the front.

XH paid me £20 child support last Friday.  It is the first money since May so not sure if it will be weekly or just as and when.  Even so I wont rely on it as it isn't definite money coming in.

Next door is away this weekend which is good as my uncle can park in their space.  We are going to go to an event near my dad with my sister and her other half at the weekend.  DD1's BF is being dragged along too - her ploy to meet the rest of my side of the family I think.  They will like him as he has that kind of personality that everyone likes.

DD1 is still very unhappy at work and has signed up for an online healthcare course which will then give her everything she needs for paramedics course at uni next year.  She either needs to stick it out at work along side it or find another job.  I have suggested things but I am currently not being listened to.

My work is busy and I think people from head office will be coming to see us today possibly to discuss how things will work with work friend off sick.  Although I am capable and if shown what needs doing I can probably remember from 20 years ago what to do, I have no permissions online to do it. 

DD1 said she will take over the running of the sports club, but if she gets a different job then not sure it will work.

Too many unknowns for my liking at the moment, but will keep going.  Right off to wake DS as I can hear his alarm but no movement.

slm6002

Wow what a week.  The remainder of last week was all go, plus I hurt my foot (no idea how) and was hopping everywhere.  Thankfully the foot is better now.  The weekend was then full of family staying with us and DD1 wanting to quit her job - I am expecting this to happen tonight.  I am not happy as she doesn't have anything to do instead but she says that is fine.  Will wait for her to regret it as no amount of me trying to talk her through it has changed her mind so far. 

Not much money spent, only a little on food as the last of the milk had turned and the bread was growing things.  I also bought my Mum's Christmas present and some sports shorts for DS as his were no longer suitable for wearing in public.  Both these bits come from the savings pots.

UC people sent me a letter today saying I haven't updated them on a few things and so need an explanation and will possibly fine me.  I rang them and mentioned if they look in the notes they can see that is not true. I was told to write a note on the journal as it must have been an error.  The lady was lovely and reassured me that after the note that it should be fine as she could see the information.  I guess only time will tell.

Looking forward to a nice easy dinner and an early night.  I can never really relax properly when I have visitors here.

slm6002

First payday for me today as benefits have come through, although yesterday was child benefit too, so that topped things up.  DD1 should also be paid today although apparently according to the people in the office this could happen any time between today and end of the month as the boss is not very good at it.  Doesn't really matter now as she did hand notice in and has been lying about the house the past few days.  She has nothing to go to as yet.  I'm not happy about it but I guess she will learn.

Work has been hard.  The lady at head office was supposed to come and visit but feel she thinks its not needed as work friend that I am trying to cover is supposed to be back next week.  She is not.  It will be a very long time off and some things need putting in place.  Head put this very clearly in an email yesterday so maybe things will start moving forward.  I did feel very alone for the first time yesterday.

I have split the money I got into the relevant savings pots.  May need to pop to shops to later for some fizzy, but have got some frozen meals out for tonight so that is an easy meal later.  The meal prepping really has been a benefit.  I may try to do this more often.

Right time for work

debtfreewannabe321

Sorry to hear about your friend passing away slm.
Hope your DD finds something more suited to her soon with work. I guess at least with the club she has taken on she has something to fill her CV gaps with now whilst waiting on another job.