The Best Is Yet To Come

slm6002

Today didn't get off to the best of starts.  The bank after 18 hours decided to call me back as I was brushing my teeth and about to leave the house.  I guess they didn't know this, but after trying to get hold of a real person to speak to for over 3 days now, I wasn't going to hang up.

They had a very strong accent so between that and the kids hustle and bustle of a morning I had to get them to repeat most things twice.  He told me the mandate had not been changed to which I was very shocked and annoyed at because it has been with them for almost 2 months now and cheques that were signed by the new signatory (the lady at the bank in half term said it was ok to start doing this) had cleared the bank so obviously they hadn't been checked very well.  He then resent the mandate form.  'Can you see if it has arrived in your inbox', by which time we were 15 min late at least and my patience was wearing thin.  I declined to look and said I would deal with it later.  Fast forward to after work and I joined the bank queue on the phone again.  After 45 min a much more helpful man answered and let me know that they do in fact have everything they need and I just need to answer a few questions on another form before it can be released by a different department to be processed.  Lots more faff but faff on a different form and not one already done.  Hopefully that can be done tomorrow.

As I was late into work (still on time rather than early) they asked if all was ok.  I said I was angry and they suddenly got all concerned for me.  They haven't seen any emotion other than happy from me.  It really did hang around for most of the day too as I knew I would have to deal with it when I got home.  At least it is partly sorted and my mood has lifted a little.

I then had training which was ok and gives me 45min of flexi time when builders arrive.  I've been trying to keep an eye out for surveys as I'm only 43p away from the next £10 voucher.  Be nice to get March's vouchers off the ground.

Tomorrow DD2 has a celebration breakfast with the head teacher.  Last time parents were invited, but not tomorrow.  Cant believe it is the end of the week already.  It has flown by.  By tomorrow night there will only be 4 weeks left until easter holidays.  Crazy.  Also realised it is already time to withdraw the food shopping money.  Will try to get it tomorrow.

Sorry for a moany rant today - hoping tomorrow will be back to normal

slm6002

Good morning, been woken by one cat chasing the other across my chest and face. Anyway I am up and dressed and ready for the day.  Quiet from the children's rooms so I have an hour or two to myself.  Got the radio on and going to enter some competitions.
My mood improved after that one grumpy day even though the bank still isn't sorted.  I can hopefully get that sorted this week once I've received all the information from others.  
Yesterday was a busy day (I even completed my steps target for the day!) as my brother came round in the afternoon to put the new worktop in.  It isn't completely finished but is stable and we can use it.  It looks good and works how I imagined it would. I'm happy.  Living room has had bits removed so it looks like a liveable room again.  I guess its only going to last a week as building should happen next  week,  We cleared the stairs and landing yesterday and put some bits in the loft.  We just need to hoover throughout and I will feel house is cleanish and tidy.  Washing is mainly done - nothing from DD1 as yet.
No money spent in the past few days as been using bits up out of the freezer.  Bought a few bits in from the outside freezer as we have done well clearing the one inside.  Today we have bacon butties for lunch, and roast pork, both from the freezer.  I have sausage meat in there and I think I will make up mcmuffins with the one night this week and get some hash browns.  Will work on the remaining days meals today and then shopping list.
Another busy week ahead and a meal out on Friday with the ladies from work which be lovely.  Ok I am off have a great day

slm6002

It has been a few days since updating, but been busy.

Building work hasn't started but should do on Monday when the drainage bits are sorted.  The rest wont be until the week after but at lease it will be started.  Hopefully it will be all finished by the time my uncle comes to stay the Easter weekend.  My sister will also be here that weekend so will be nice to see what she thinks to it all.

The kitchen worktop is still not quite finished but is usable and my brother hopes to come and do some more work tomorrow when we are not here.  We will be at a music concert all afternoon and evening as the 2 younger children are performing.  It will be good to get that crossed off the list as lots of work and things to remember are required, plus being the child safety person and the groups official chaperone, I will have lots of responsibilities.

I have finally managed to cash out my  first £10 from the surveys for this month.  They surveys are less frequent this month for me so not sure how much we will make this month.

DS has just had an email saying the local firm are hoping to offer him a work experience placement for the summer, but will confirm on Monday for definite.  Finally after emailing lots of people we have had some luck.  I am keen that he has this week to see what it would be like as he is set on this career, so it will hopefully give him an idea of what is involved.  If he decides it is not for him, at least he wont have done all the studying with this in mind only to find out he is not keen on the job.  He could go down a different route.

DD1 has got a new job but doesn't start until July.  She will be cleaning the school 3nights a week.  It is double the hourly rate she is on at her current job.  She doesn't have any hours this week and hasn't for the past 3 weeks at current job.  She is keen to quit but I have warned her it will mean no money

Tonight I am out with the work ladies for a Chinese which will be lovely hopefully.  Need to work out what I am wearing (something warm). Tomorrow is the concert and Sunday we need to get ready for the builders.  Monday I have some training to do which can be done from home so I can 

slm6002

Seem to have stopped mid sentence lol.  Training will be at home on Monday so I can keep an eye on the builders and answer any questions they may have.

Meal out was lovely

slm6002

The builders are here.  We have a plan of where things are going which is slightly different to before.  We now know what needs doing.  Things are being dismantled and holes being drilled for plumbing.   Lines drawn on walls ready for cutting a door in place.  Internal doors to cupboards removed.

All 3 builders were surprised at the level of space under the house which should make it easier (fingers crossed) to do the plumbing and drainage required.  So far I am impressed as they are clearing as they go being very mindful of any mess.

I have finished the training I was home to do for work, so now am just keeping and eye and doing any surveys that pop up.  I miss being home in the day to do things like this.  Feel I get so much done.  The sun is out too. 

I was exhausted yesterday after a long day on Saturday of being in charge of children (not just mine) at the music festival.  It was a great day a lovely show but such a long day.  The children enjoyed themselves and got something from it.  I expect we will be welcomed back next year too.   Yesterday was mainly moving furniture for the builders today, while youngest 2 were out with XH.  Last night the children got home and because it was much lighter than previous weeks I wasn't ready for them.

slm6002

Well the builders left at lunch time, which I was a little gutted about as thought they were here all day.  I was hoping that the pipes and drains were all being done today but I guess not.  They will be done next Monday or sooner if it is really raining one day.  The chap doing the work is currently on an outside job so if raining he can do my job as indoors.  Lets all do a little rain dance lol.  I asked and by the sounds of it the whole job should be done by Easter weekend as they plan on doing bits here and there.  Just like the last builder then.  Possible rain for Thurs which would be good as kids are off school so could be here should they need to know where things are.  Might be painting in the holidays again by the looks of it.

They have at least said the carpet doesn't need disturbing, so the furniture can all go back in place now (just done this).  I need to find a new location for the printer and filing cabinet though as the new door will be where it sits now.

Guess I better go and collect the children

slm6002

It is raining!  Will the builders turn up?  No news as yet.  Everyone keep fingers crossed that they appear and get the next bit done

I am still tired today and mainly as I kept pottering around last night so didn't get to bed at a good time.  DD2 has her first performance of the week tonight so dinner needs to be ready early.  I will drop her off and pick her up then bed.  This week will mainly be the shows and me acting as a taxi.

Right time for breakfast and then work

slm6002

Good afternoon.  Well the builders didn't turn up and the sun appeared later that morning so guess they knew that would be the case.  I will just need to be patient and wait until next week and hope the outside job gets finished this week so they can concentrate on my job.

Only DD1 and me have been at school yesterday and today.  Some work has been done by the other 2 but minimal, unless playing on the xbox is work in which case DS has done vast quantities of work.

Council tax bill arrived and has increase by £10 a month.  It does say those on benefits can get a reduction but not sure if I qualify now as last time I earnt just over the threshold.  Will apply and see - you never know.

Car insurance is also up for renewal within the month.  They would like an extra £100 per year, so will look around and see if I can reduce it any further. I have been with them a few years now and they have been ok but if I can get the same cheaper elsewhere it is worth a few phone calls and emails.

We are off to visit nana shortly as it is her bday tomorrow.  Will get some flowers on the way and a card, then pick DD1 up from school.  Visit nana, then off to club on the way home.  Once home just at gone 8 (hopefully) we can relax a little and get an early night.  It's been a long few weeks and I can tell from the snapping from the children we need a break.  Not yet though, so will grab a few hours here and there when we can for now.

Need to withdraw the money for food shopping for this week.  Got enough for club later tonight but we are needing bread and snacks for pack ups.

slm6002

Today has been looked forward to for some time now.  DD2 has been rehearsing for the musical for months and months on end at school.  Late finishes and weekend practices.  Tonight was the last performance and it was so good.  All those hours were worth it.  She is a natural on stage and no idea where she gets it from as that is my worst nightmare.  I'm hoping for a little rest before the next afterschool thing starts other than her music lessons one day and orchestra another.

Work was very quiet.  The lady I share a room with was working from home, and several staff were just off.  It was too quiet for my liking.  Staff and children are worn out and are ready for the holidays now.  I am ok and trying to cheer everyone along - they probably hate me for this lol.

After work I met with an old boss for lunch which was lovely as I haven't had a good natta with her for years.  We will meet again soon hopefully.

Tomorrow I am off to re-learn to ride my bike.  Not sure how it will go but as long as I improve and can do some riding of the bike that will be ok.  I need to fit the bike into the car as yet.  I would have done this tonight if we hadn't have been out so will see if I can wake DS early to help.

Tomorrow I also need to do a food shop as we have nothing much left.  Well that isn't true, but need to make a plan and work out what is missing.

Ok off to bed as exhausted and will need some energy for tomorrow

slm6002

Well I did it.  I can ride a bike again.  I managed to do everything that was asked of me even if some of it was on a scary busy road.  We got drenched but home now and trying not to cease up - can feel it in my knees.  Could also do with a comfy seat lol.  The washing is on and I am now not going to do an awful lot until dinner time.  Don't feel I can relax until DD1's boyfriend goes home at about 5.

Nothing else planned in the diary apart from the builders for some time.  March has been a busy month and I think we are almost there now