The Best Is Yet To Come

slm6002

Thank you DFW.  I am trying to let her sort herself out - not only because she is not listening to me, but also so she learns for herself.  She is not seeing the whole picture currently.  She has her first shift tomorrow at the pub but is unsure when the next will be.  Tomorrow is her birthday so getting everything ready for that this evening.

Work was ok and I am slowly building a list of things to ask when the lady visits from head office and allows me the technology to do the job.

DS managed to navigate the train system and get home from college by himself.  He hasn't been on a train since he was a toddler and is the type of person who needs a practice run for things like this.  Unfortunately we ran out of time so I ended up walking him through it on the phone.  He is going to be doing this every week, so I have bought a rail card as it will save him 50% each time.  The card will pay for itself very soon.
  
Been trying to complete some tidying up each night, rather than leaving it until the weekend.  Managed to sort the kitchen and do a load of washing this evening.  Tomorrow we are at club so it will be a quick bowl of spaghetti before we go and then home for showers and maybe tidy the living room or my bedroom a little.  Off to bed shortly as it will be another busy day tomorrow.

slm6002

We made it to the end of a very long week.  Hopefully Monday I will find some more out about the job situation and possibly be shown how to do some extra bits and bobs to help more.

DD1 did her shifts and was paid for that job as well as the one that she quit.  Hoping some money will come my way soon for housekeeping.  She got a call from a care home which would be a better job on her application for uni and more related to the degree that she would like to do.  It says she needs experience which she doesn't have, but maybe they will let her try and shadow people for a while.  She is yet to call back though so maybe her chance has gone.

We had a band concert last night (well DD2 was playing and I was watching).  It was really good although we were the youngest by far there lol.  It was also a quick turn around from work to leaving for the concert, and then we didn't get home until almost 11.  I was then up and at the local car boot for 8 meeting a friend.  I didn't buy anything but had a good catchup.  I then went to Aldi to do some shopping for the next few days.  I have had a snooze on the sofa and still feel sleepy so it will be a very early night.  My car windscreen had ice on it this morning and my new car doesnt have a heated screen like the old one.  Will need to figure it out for winter.

We are having homemade pizza for DD1's bday treat (few days late), dough is in the bread maker so it will be a little later than planned.  I think it is then some catchup tv and bed for me.

slm6002

I will shortly be delivering DS to work and on the way home I will stopping off at B&M to see if they have any of the bags you heat in the microwave for winter.  Our hot water bottles are looking a little worse for wear and knowing the dangers of them bursting they have gone in the bin.  I thought the microwave bags might be safer for us all.  I have had it on my list for a while but wont go to the shops until it is a free parking day.  I am also going to see if I can get a new light bulb for the outside light.  Now it is dark much earlier, going out down steps is becoming more dangerous, and it needs sorting.

Need to put the beef in the slow cooker and several loads of washing are needed.  But other than that I plan to catch up with reading on here and finishing some tv that we didn't manage to watch last night.

Not putting the heating on as yet as jumpers and blankets are doing their job.  DD1's BF keeps walking round in a t-shirt.  Sure the jumper will come out soon when he realises we don't just stick the heating on.  DD1 also moaned that it is that time of year again where she has to remember to shut the living room door to keep the heat in.  Trying to get her to write a list as there are quite a few things she needs to sort tomorrow and Tuesday before she is back at work.  She often says that she forgets, so a list would be good.  She probably wont listen though.

Right I had better get DS to work

slm6002

Well what a soggy day.  Not sure the rain has stopped.  Another couple of long days at work so far this week, but getting on top of things.  Off to see my work friend tomorrow that I am covering for which will lovely as I miss her in our little room.  Will be taking her the big box of goodies that everyone has put together for her.

DD2 has a concert on Saturday that requires a costume.  We bought one a while back but have been waiting on delivery.  Apparently it had been dispatched but it was cancelled today.  Several things from Amazon have been doing this lately, its a little strange.  Not sure what is happening.  I have scoured the internet and found another and just need to keep fingers crossed that it arrives on time.

Yesterday my savings account matured.  I earnt £55 interest so this has gone against the car loan.  Hopefully that will be gone this month as my help to save account will also be maturing.  I knew when taking it out that it would only be for a short while, but I don't like owing money, so will be glad once it has been paid off.

DD1 paid me her housekeeping yesterday.  The job hunting isn't going as she planned, and she has found that the course she has pinned all her hopes on, may still not get her to the course she wants to do at uni next year.  She at least has work tomorrow and possibly Thursday and Friday, although the boss hasn't confirmed this as yet.

The electrician came round today to swap a switch for me so the lights don't flicker.  DS said he was here for about 5 min max.  Not sure how much he will charge (I know I should have asked first), but he is very good and will probably only charge me a minimal amount.  The outdoor light bulbs also arrived so we can replace those this weekend probably.  It is in an awkward place so not easy to reach safely.

We've run out of bread so I might put a loaf in the bread maker for lunch tomorrow.  Will save going to shops for another day.   Am also needing to put a load of washing on tonight so my trousers might be dry for tomorrow - best do that now.

slm6002

Was lovely to see work friend last night after work.  We had a cup of tea and a good natta although she was keen to pass on lots of work knowledge to fill the gaps - wish I had taken a notepad to write it all down.

Tonight we have club so have emailed the centre and told them I am now taking over the admin and DD1 is now running it.  Dinner is out of the freezer defrosting so hopefully no need to buy anything later.

Yesterday DS missed his bus and had a panic as he then needed to get a train and buy the ticket himself.  I walked him step by step through it and he managed it and made it to college on time.  He then missed the train home, so was thoroughly fed up with public transport.  I have just had notification that he is on the bus so no drama hopefully today.

DD2 had work yesterday but it was quieter than last week so finished an hour early.  She is also in today and tomorrow.  Her days have now been set as wed, thur, fri each week.  Another care home turned her down.

I best get going as need to leave for work soon

slm6002

I slept really well until about 3 last night and then kept waking up for no known reason.  Half day today (as per my manager) so maybe I can have a nap later.  This afternoon I need to do a food shop.  The fridge and freezer are looking very bare.  All the meals that I prepared for the freezer before I went back to work have gone (maybe a single portion of curry left).  I will be doing this again but not today.

Yesterday after work I tried to change to bulb in the outdoor light.  I climbed the ladder that I hope was safe - its a special ladder that can be used on stairs etc, but I still felt very wary and not sure about being that high.  Turns out the bulbs I bought are the wrong size.  I have reorder some more which should be the right size and will return the bigger ones.  They should arrive today so will get DS to hold the ladder and try again.

Work was busy again yesterday and I think we will all be glad once the weekend is here.  I did get quite a few bits done, but still a long list left to do.  I have a meeting today so that will take a chunk of time up so I doubt I will get anything substantial done today.

I have been put forward for a small pay rise as I completed my objectives and although not agreed as yet I think my manager would fight for me if it was a no.

I would like to go in the loft tomorrow to get a few bits down including some handmade Christmas decorations.  I have told the local museum that I will decorate a tree for them.  I made salt dough gingerbread decorations maybe 10 years ago and plan to use them again.  I just need to make sure they are still useable and if not I will need to make some more, so need to know sooner rather than later.  I will also get the Halloween decorations down at the same time as that will come around quickly.

So weekends list:
- Loft
- Town to collect jeans ordered for DD2
- Mend outdoor light
- Get jabs (Sat afternoon so wont get much done after)
- Take DD2 to Oktoberfest to play in band - hoping friends may bring her home but if not it will be a late night
- Washing and clearing up

Well back to today and I best get to work - I hope you all have a great day

slm6002

Glad to have finished work for the week.  I've done some shopping but didn't really buy much for the money.  I do have several meals though,  it just doesn't look a lot.  It's all been scanned and put away ready for children to moan they are hungry.

I replaced the lightbulb in the outside light but will not know if it has worked until it is dark.  Hopefully it is sorted for the next few years.

DD2's costume arrived and fits thankfully so we are now all set for tomorrow.  

DD1 walked off in a huff as I asked her to keep the gate shut.  Her response was 'I pay rent now so can leave it open if I want'   er excuse me!  She went off with the BF before I could talk that little response through.  I don't think the £70 a month really allows her to have that much control over the house.  I just don't want the random neighbours walking into my kitchen unannounced like I used to get.  I don't think it is too unreasonable.  She has had a similar attitude since working / getting BF and I am not keen on it.  Even DS said if I was her landlord and she was paying rent, there would still be rules she would need to follow.

Right I am not going to think about it for now, but will deal with it on her return or probably tomorrow.  Time to put a load of washing on and think about which meal is for tonight.

slm6002

Happy to report the light works even if it stays on for a really long time - Yay another DIY success

Moneywhizz

Sorry to hear that DD1 is being a bit objectionable just now. I read along with your diary and it always sounds as if you have a good family life that you have created for yourselves. I am sure it won't be long before she realises that £70 a month can hardly be called rent. Does she have any idea how much food costs? Let alone any of the expenses of running a home. Hopefully it will be resolved soon and harmony will be restored in your house. 

slm6002

She has always been quite thoughtful but at the moment I am walking on eggshells and her attitude towards me stinks.  Although she thinks a part time job will see her through until next year when / if she goes to uni, I also think it is worrying her too with all the uncertainty and it is obviously playing on her mind, making her grouchy / snappy.  All of her friends apart from one are either settled in their jobs or at uni themselves/  She has kind of been left behind a little.  Not my fault but I am clearly an easy / safe target.  It is much easier to ignore and go off with BF who treats her to food / nights out / gifts, than to deal with answering hard questions.

She has just come down to make her dinner - I did offer to make her something but I was told not to.  Still in silence but hopefully will be better tomorrow