In the Meantime

MovingForwards

Pampers are relaxing, you sound happier.
Good luck with job hunting.

savingholmes

Glad the beauty treatments went well

jwil

Glad you've had some pampering

doingitanyway

Thanks @MovingForwards, @savingholmes and @jwil the treatments were great. I must make more of an effort with self care. Having a groomed appearance makes me feel so much better 

I had a few days where I was struggling to stay on top of a bug. I'm ok, but felt lousy for a while. I got back on track and went off to work at the club today.  

I'm still debt free but hanging on to that hard won status by the skin of my teeth.

I have begun looking at flats as well as houses. I nearly went to view 2 tomorrow but cancelled as neither had a garden and I can't pretend it doesn't matter. I spoke to one of the estate agents today to cancel and I was honest as to why I wanted to cancel. By chance he had a garden flat in the area I want not yet advertised. I see it next week. No photos so it feels like a blind date for property!

I had counselling this week. It made me realise I do have options. If I can get a job alongside the creative work I should have just enough to rent a small unfurnished flat in the area I want to live in.  I could use a room in the flat to store my belongings and save on the unit costs. I checked today and for the amount I spend monthly on paying my host+storage I only need a hundred pounds more to have a place of my own. Of course I need to add CT, utilities etc. Not easy, but possible. This is something I will explore. Thank you @mark55man for planting the seed.

I hope everyone is ok.

MovingForwards

If you can't wait to view it use maps, street and satellite view. There may even be old listings from when (if) it's changed hands before.

Should you decide to rent, some of the utility costs will be offset against travel viewing costs and you'll have space to yourself, which is priceless based on your current conditions.

Try to look after yourself, eat regular, get rest as you're so run down at the moment.

savingholmes

I would want my own space if it was possible in your circumstances - and as MF says the difference it would make being on hand for viewing may offset some of the costs. It sounds like it would be invaluable MH wise and therefore boost your creativity too.

jwil

savingholmes said:

I would want my own space if it was possible in your circumstances - and as MF says the difference it would make being on hand for viewing may offset some of the costs. It sounds like it would be invaluable MH wise and therefore boost your creativity too.

I agree with this

doingitanyway

Thanks @MovingForwards, @savingholmes and @jwil

savingholmes said:

I would want my own space if it was possible in your circumstances - and as MF says the difference it would make being on hand for viewing may offset some of the costs. It sounds like it would be invaluable MH wise and therefore boost your creativity too.

Yes, @jwil I agree with the above too. The main barrier to this is a job. If I can get a job (working on it )and keep up the creative work too I can definitely look for a place of my own. Even typing those last 5 words lifts my heart.

Costs to travel are not so much of an issue as I am rarely travelling in as there isn't much going on to the market that suits. But MH wise it is a must!! Funnily enough my creativity is on a roll. Not exactly sure why it is going so well, but I am embracing it and getting work done. 

I have just realised how much I am paying in fares weekly. I need to get this down so thinking of going to the club 3.5 days a and on that day I will do other travel that I need to do using the same pass. If I do it that way I can come in under £20 a week so £80 a month instead of £30 a week or £120 a month. Saving £40 a month!

I have also noticed I am spending again on tea and coffee. I know I need to keep a flask with me whenever I leave the house. I am also scratching around for a snack to go with the coffee. I bought some chocolate from Mr Al. I am a bit of a chocolate snob but actually their chocolate is fine and saves me £1 a bar. 

Getting on top of the small fritters 

I batch made soup (loving my soup maker)

On the positive side soup plus salads and fruits and not feeling comfortable frying and using my hosts oven is good for my weight. It is going down 

My next frog is starting an early morning walk daily...

Have a good day everyone. 

another_casualty

You're managing things fine DIA 😼
As I keep saying ( yes I know it's mse ) , have the coffee out when you feel like it as imho it gives you a chance to switch off from everyhing . Helped me a lot when I was in a bad way in the first diary . 

On that subject, I mentioned to my local friend last week ( while we were having a coffee) how desperate things were and that as I was a regular in the various places I told them now and again it was my birthday and I got a free coffee 😬 . A bit cheeky but needs must /desperate times etc .

Keep plodding ..😼

savingholmes

Hope you manage to get a job that fits around your other plans.