The Best Is Yet To Come

slm6002

Today was the first day that we were all back at school.  All had a good day even if it meant having to return plus blisters on heals from new shoes (I did suggest they wear them around the house in the holidays to wear them in rather than fully wearing them on the first day back - did they listen?? - No!).  Its been busy at work as everything needs working out for the new term.  I have picked up the new bits of my job and am getting on with those.  Once all of the systems are in place it will run like clockwork, we are just having a few teething problems.  I am used to this and worse from previous jobs but people are a little stressed.  I have been trying to jolly people along and cheering them up as much as I can.  I was asked if i was ok earlier as things hadn't really gone to plan and they were worrying about me being the newbie of the team.  I am more than happy and just getting on with things.
I also had my physio today.  I felt a little silly going as it doesn't hurt all of the time and today is obviously a good day, but as the lady poked and prodded i soon felt the pain in one area so guess it's still there.  I have some exercises and another appointment mid oct so we will see how we go.  I am also treating myself to a session of aqua aerobics.  I do enjoy this but i couldn't justify the cost and always seemed to be at work at the time it ran.  Now my hours are just mornings, the timings work really well.  It is tomorrow so i need to pack my lunch to eat in the car and costume so i can go straight there from work.  As i am also on benefits I get to pay as a concession rather than an adult, saving another £2 plus.  I'm looking forward to it
Food delivery has arrived and only 4 substitutes - many being the same as previous weeks.  Its fine as it will all be eaten / drunk.

slm6002

Not sure where this month is going.  Work is going well and I had my first probation meeting with my manager.  She was very complimentary and thinks I have settled in well even though it has been crazy in the office.  I just need a little more confidence and it will be perfect.  Last night all of our department went out for a meal which was lovely to do.  
I was also interviewed the other day for another part time job - 10 hours ish from home mainly.  It would work well around my current job and keep the work coach off my back when DD2 gets to the age I need to work more.  I need to follow up with him, but think it went well.
DD2 has been on her residential trip after missing the one in year 4 due to lockdown.  She had a great time and is still trying to catch up on her sleep.  She has a stinking cold but some have come back and are now isolating, so testing her every few days too.
I have also had the quote back from the builder who will be splitting the girls room in half.  It is slightly more expensive than I expected and he didn't  include the building regs costs, but still within budgets.  No other builders are willing to quote so guess they are my builders. I am still hoping for oct half term but they are getting back to me with dates this week.  I've also had the architect pop round to measure up and discuss what i need.  I went for the washing machine / dryer space in it as from what he said it made little difference in the size.  He was on holiday last week but was going to get going with drawing and contact me after that.
I am hoping to do a little stocktake of food and other bits today if DD2 will help, and maybe get the freezer outside into the garage.  Will see how we get on though as we are all tired from  getting back into school etc

slm6002

Wondering how much it would take / cost to get gas fire removed from living room and put necessary bits in place to have fire in the fireplace again.  Next door still has theirs, but I guess previous owners wanted something easier.  I'm just thinking with all of the talk about energy prices rising would it make more sense to have old fashioned fire (dad has plenty of wood available).  We don't use the gas fire as our tv is on the chimney breast and XH said it would ruin the tv.  Not sure if this the case but will need to investigate and if needed rearrange furniture so tv is on a stand away from the fire.  Would I be right in thinking its just a chimney sweep once a year that I would need to pay for once it was sorted?  Plus wood but hopefully that would be sorted.  Just an idea for now.

I managed to get the bulk of my stocktaking done.  Still another kitchen cupboard and freezers to do, plus drinks in the garage.  Think we would be ok if we needed to stay put for a while.  While in the cupboard we cleared the mass of coats.  Not sure why we had so many of them.  We all now have a suitable amount and arranged so we can still get to the food 

slm6002

It's definitely cooler today even though the sun has tried to peak through the clouds.  Had windows open as both DD's now have the cold and we are letting the germs out hopefully.  Will re-test them before school tomorrow, just in case but I believe it's just a cold.  I was up bright and early for my flu jab today as I was invited to the walk through clinic.  I jumped at the chance - I always get it one at A$da and happy to pay, but I know they aren't starting until oct time.  Happy to be protected just a little earlier.

Just been pottering around today really as still really tired. Just put the chicken in the oven for our Sunday roast.  Been trying to think of money saving ideas around the house, mainly because everything seems to be going up and my bank balance will be going down with all of the DIY on the horizon.  I think most of the house is in a decent state (old but not too past it) so nothing major needed to make it watertight or to keep the heat in etc.  Most things are cosmetic as nothing was done for the15 years XH put himself in charge.  I do still have my emergency fund and other pots but they are for specific things throughout the year so wont touch unless it really is needed.

It's just that time of year where I feel I need to be prepared for all eventualities

Honeysucklelou2

Re the fireplace...we just get the chimney swept regularly.  I do like having the fire going on winter evenings and gives some back up in case of power cuts.

HoneyRoastedParsnip

Just catching up. Glad to hear that it seems you're ticking along. 

slm6002

Thank you Honeysuckle, this is my thinking.  I used to love sitting in front of the fire when living at home, and goodness knows what is going on with energy (or anything else for that matter) at the moment so might be something else to look into.  My energy contract was due to end in Dec but before everything got even crazier I did switch to the best tariff with my current providers.  I decided not to go elsewhere as didn't want to move and then they go bust.  Currently with BGas so hoping that means it will be ok.  Monthly estimate is £12 more per month but think that is much better than some.
HoneyRoastedParsnips,  you are right, things are ticking along nicely, I think at the moment.  
It was first of the many paydays yesterday so my bank balance has been topped up.  I did have to get petrol as I was down to 1/4 tank left and knew we were going out today.  Tried several garages before going out of town to local village, but queue was just as bad.  Filled up and went on my way.  We will be walking when we can.  I have tried learning to ride my bike again after 25+ years, but balance just isn't there.  Would love a 3 wheeler lol.
Bought some candles to add to my prepping stash today.  Might never need them but better to get now than panic buying if things do go wrong.  Wondering where might be the best place to store them.  I know mum stored hers in the loft one year and the next time she looked they were distorted as the heat in summer must have melted them slightly.
School also gave us a voucher for older 2 to buy some new uniform.  Really pleased as DS had one polo shirt he liked and I was washing every evening. I don't think we will get vouchers for food this half term as think now gov think covid is over that's that.  I sent a thank you letter as we really are grateful for the help we get from the school.
I've been a bit slack at doing surveys lately but back on it.  I already have £11.42 ready to cash out but waiting a little longer to see if I can build it up.  Not heard anything more about the extra job, but might get in touch with the gentleman to see if he is still looking for someone.  Just knowing I have all of the hours I will need and that the majority of the extra hours can be done from home while still being here for the children is something I like the idea of. 
DD1's 16th bday tomorrow and I need to wrap some bits still, but think she has some nice bits and bobs to go the watch that I bought her earlier this month that she is already wearing.  Got a cake sorted and a 16 candle sparkler type thing. She is with XH tomorrow but we will make the most of it before and after.

slm6002

Really quite cross / disappointed for DD1 as XH has at this time of night just text her to see what she wants to do for her bday tomorrow.  He has been on holiday all week doing what he wants but has failed to think / arrange what they discussed last fortnight.  He was supposed to be booking cinema tickets and table for pizza hut.  He has clearly done neither.  Last year he made them sit still while he cleaned his caravan to try and get deposit back as he moved out of it that week.  It's her 16th bday and he has done nothing.  She already told him just to put money in her bank account so he didn't need to worry about shopping for a present as never knows what to get any of them (doesn't know his own children's interests).
Am I surprised...no, but feel for her.  She wasn't even that keen on cinema but at least it was something.  She really isn't that fussed about going anyway but this has kind of sealed it for her.  I don't expect her to visit much more, or to make an effort as he clearly hasn't.  I've told her we can do what she wants next weekend if he doesn't do anything.  I have kept my opinions to myself this evening, as they need to come to their own decisions, hence the rant on here.  Stupid XH!

slm6002

Ok still cross with XH but he did at 10.30 last night say he had booked table and they would go bowling.  Unsure if he booked it but will keep fingers crossed she has a good day.  I have set up the table for an old fashioned children's party.  Not saying she is a child but cheese and pineapple / sausages on sticks, jelly and cream, choc rice crispy cakes and cheesy ball crisps will go down a treat with her.  Found a happy bday banner too which is now on the door ready for her return, plus party hats and streamers for the table.  Not quite the bday party some of her friends are having but for us this is a treat and she will enjoy and appreciate it.  Got 2 years to figure something out for her 18th lol.

Next one is DS in a months time and 2 weeks after is DD2.  Think I am sorted for gifts for DS, but need to get thinking on DD2. Then of course we have Christmas to get sorted.  Still no idea on dates for bedroom as yet so don't want to commit to bedroom bits for xmas until I know its definitely going ahead, but also don't want to leave it much longer before getting things.

slm6002

Well XH wanted to look at a car so they went on a wild goose chase all over the countryside so no time for pizza hut as planned.  They had portion of chips each at bowling instead.  Looking at the car took most of their day up so yet again DD1's bday was mainly about what he wanted to do.   He really cant think about anyone but him.  Thankfully no need to deal with his ways for another 2 weeks