Never a good time but here goes..

ladysummerisle

Not much happening here except my car developed a noise to the front left that when taken to a garage promptly stopped. I had it serviced anyway and apparently bearings all fine so can’t be that. I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to spend a hefty amount on it soon as the clutch is on its way out. Money-wise I moved the pre-pay day balance to an easy access account in preparation.

 My mortgage balance now starts with a 17 so another mini milestone. I’ve already paid the maximum overpayment. Last month’s interest was £38 but interest on savings £32.. 

Busy day ahead with too many things to do and not enough time. The cupboard appears bare, commuting today and a rather large work task to do that I’ve avoided for too long. I need to knuckle down before my boss wants to see my draft later today. Suppose I’d better get up..

ladysummerisle

Finally arrived at my week off work. The kids have been off for the first week so it’s been noisy and stressful. Today I’m hibernating to try and restore energy but I’m hoping to get something things done / activities this week. 

I went to Costco for fuel on the way home from work yesterday and the clutch had a wobbler again. Not ideal at rush hour in a city on an incline whilst joining traffic. 

I called the garage this morning and said I think it’s time.. I can only assume replacing the clutch will fix the issue. I’m working on the basis that I’ll need replacing soon anyway so better to do it as a planned appointment rather than emergency. At least there’s no school run this week to do so hoping to get it done by the end of the week. 

I’ve been lurking a fair bit and reading diaries. I like reading about decluttering and veg growing but I lack the energy to do the same. One day maybe.

Later this week I believe I’ll hear about primary school place for September. Getting them both ready in the morning and on time will be a challenge but not having to do a midday school run each day will be good. Tips welcome!

drspouse

Good luck with the primary school placement @ladysummerisle, when my two were those ages my top tip was "nobody is allowed to go back upstairs". Teeth brushed first, dressed then breakfast, bags packed the night before. If you are in England you should I think still get free school meals for all Infants so that's no lunches to worry about, if you are driving you can even put the bags in the car the night before. 
I found out the exact Cbeebies schedule and it was shoes on when one programme started, leave when it ended. Not ready, no TV!

ladysummerisle

Thanks @drspouse - with my son I give him until a set time to have breakfast, get upstairs and ready but he has a habit of getting distracted and staring off into space. I’d never considered getting them dressed before breakfast as I assumed they’d get
messy but maybe with all the marker pen stains from school, that doesn’t matter as much! 

We’re in England so free school meals for infants but our school makes us preorder online these days. Fine for older but I think they should have flexibility when younger so they try more things. 

Oh how I wish I was a morning person..

ladysummerisle

Well somehow it’s May already. April was expensive (£700 for car - clutch and master cylinder). Survived the Easter school holidays despite picking the rainy week to take off work. I’m at the finishing line of a big work project too. 

I’ve tried to get a few things done today so booked the hairdresser, called the garage about this month’s MOT (woo-hoo), went to the supermarket, washing on the line and a plan for dinner. (Gnocchi, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and pine nuts if you were wondering!) Even squeezed some work in.

I managed to do more cooking and baking when I was off and I’d love to do more but everything just seems so hectic. I’ve got half term booked off and the kids have just arrived home so back to it..

South_coast

Ooh, dinner sounds good 😋

Hope the car thanks you for the recent spending with a smooth MOT 🤞!

ladysummerisle

Fingers crossed @South_coast - I’m expecting drop links will need to be replaced as there’s a rattle but hoping the rest will be okay. 

Other potential spending items include school trips for my 8 year old. School expect us to decide on a 2 night / 3 day PGL trip for next year with scant information. Currently on the fence as to whether it’s a good idea. He doesn’t swim, hates heights. My husband isn’t keen and I’m not sure I’ve the energy to convince him it’ll be safe. 

Mortgage balance now down to £17503 so creeping closer. As long as savings keep going in the right direction I’m still on track for next year. 

Hettyhound

I’ve said no to a 2 night 3 day trip for my son in October, he’ll be in year 8 then.  It was “only”  £250.  Mainly water based (he can’t swim)  or caving/rock scrambling (scared of dark).  After the initial melt down he realised many of his friends aren’t going either and has hardly mentioned it since.  I’ve said he can go on the treat day out at the end of term as that’s the bargain price of £34 🤦‍♀️

ladysummerisle

Thanks @Hettyhound - I think I’m swinging towards not going at the moment.
I’m sure he could be added on later. It’s £110 but the usual price seems to be £280 so obviously subsidised but still.. 

£34 trip sounds like a much better deal and far less stressful. Caving and kids doesn’t sound safe to me!

dawnybabes

At my son’s school the whole class went so I sent my son.  He hated all the activities so spent the entire trip pretty much rolling down hills with various staff.  He had a fantastic time !