The 'scenic route' to mortgage freedom...

savingholmes

Sounds like you have some positives to look forward to. 

Sorry you've been feeling down.

Ouch to the counselling bill. Hope it's helping.

PiggyBankShaker

Thanks for being such a stalwart on the diary @savingholmes. Counselling was good and the week was going well so far but something awful happened yesterday and its really set me back. I can't talk about it on the diary, but it is very serious and might have repercussions going forward. Currently I'm unlikely to return to work next week I'm just too stressed. I'll speak to the doctor on Monday and see what they say.

In money news, I got paid yesterday and got my expenses today. That means DH and I have £500 to last until the end of the month. We also took £500 out of savings to pay the house painter.

We're viewing two houses on Monday, but given how I'm feeling my heart really isn't in it. Also the BoE rate change is giving me pause, as maybe now isn't the best time to take on a pile of debt. Anyhoo, that's enough from me for now. Have a great weekend everyone and stay safe.

savingholmes

Sometimes you have to prioritise your mental health. Sorry things are tough

Cornish_mum

Sorry to hear that, sending gentle hugs CM

greent

Have some more hugs from me xx

PiggyBankShaker

I'm back from my weekend writing retreat. It was glorious and I had a wonderful time, except for one other attendee being insensitive and quite rude. I did my best not to let her get to me. The whole thing was fully catered and the food was good, I only needed to buy some tooth paste and sanitary towels (forgot to pack them ) and I also bought lunch on the drive up. I feel both rested and energised and have renewed enthusiasm for my book. Everyone was pleased to see me when I got him, DD gave me an extra long hug (she is not a hugger) but I immediately had to sort out a row about a football.  

11 days until payday and we have £310 left. £140 is earmarked and the rest will have to go on food and diesel. 

I intend to ring the doctor tomorrow about a sick note and try and rest and write. Also we have two house viewings to attend which seems about as close to 'fun' as I get these days *eye roll*

PiggyBankShaker

I called the doctor and was in a ridiculously long queue so I filled in the e-consult form and apparently I'll hear something by Thursday. Emailed my employer to let them know I won't be in. I'm hoping they'll sign me off for two weeks, I think that'll be enough time to get my head straight and work out if work is the real source of stress in my life or is it a chemical imbalance requiring medication. Either way I can do something useful with that knowledge then.

Nothing to report on the money front.

Its a lovely day here, I'm going to try and do some house jobs but without putting myself under pressure. Just pottering. There is definitely laundry in my near future!

Stay safe moneysavers.

savingholmes

Glad the retreat went well.

Dr sounds a pain

 Hope you get what you need

PiggyBankShaker

Its been a quiet week, and it has been nice. My headspace is definitely better. I've edited for two days and my novel is in a much better shape. And I also climbed a local mountain in time to see dawn and the solstice. It was amazing. Very life affirming.

We saw the two houses on Monday; the first was 20 years old, it had stunning gardens and a nice downstairs, but the upstairs and the bathroom weren't good. Not for us. The second was a period property, bags and bags of potential, the the gardens were rubbish and it needed a lot of work, new kitchen and new bathrooms. Plus the asking price was delusional. It could be lovely, but it wasn't. Again not for us.

DD has two inset days at the end of next week so we're off to Tenerife for five days next week, free flights, hotel £400. However, we're actually paying double as we're taking a friend and her three kids with us as well. She's had a tough time and its her birthday so we thought 'why not?' The kids are all best friends and they'll have a fab time. We'll do Siam waterpark which will be pricey, but the rest will be as budget as we can make it. Basically pool, beach and pizza. I'll either read or maybe try and write. DH will be working for two days.

The builders have finally come back with their quotes, for the exact same job one firm quoted £17K + VAT, inc. materials and the other firm quoted £9K no VAT and no materials., and one gave a verbal quote over the phone that I can't even remember because seriously who does business like that? We asked about 4 other firms to quote as well, in a process that started over six weeks again, and none of them got back to us. We're asking some follow up questions, but in all likelihood we'll go with the cheapest. I honestly wish I could just do it all myself, that way I wouldn't have to speak to people, I could get everything exactly the way I want, no compromises and it would be cheaper. But that way lies insanity.

On the money front, we're down to ribblings in both the current accounts. But we get CB on Tuesday and payday is later in the week, so we'll be okay. Just no splurges allowed!

savingholmes

Holiday sounds fantastic