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So sorry to have abandoned this diary for so long! Surgery ended up with a couple of complications and I ended up on sick from work for three weeks, but I am now back and slowly but surely trying to get my brain back in gear. It was really nice to log on and see how many of you have been checking in with me, and I so appreciate you all.
I worked the election as a poll clerk last week, which will be an extra £240 in the account at the end of the month, which is sorely needed. Luckily I got full pay whilst being off sick, but things are rather tight. I have had my PIP assessment, and then a follow up phone call where they basically re-assessed me, and it was horrid. I'm hoping to hear back from them within the next fortnight. Apparently if rejected, I ought to press for an appeal, as 75% of all appeals get approved.
We bought some original seats for the van, and then when taking out the new seats, discovered a lovely great big rusty hole under the passenger side wheel arch, so the van is currently in the garage being welded. Boo. Other than that it has been an absolute joy - we managed a night camping before my surgery and it was absolutely fabulous. It's also so much cheaper on fuel - only £53 to fill the tank and it does basically twice the MPG the Sprinter did. So very happy with the choice overall, although I could have done without the rust, it turns out that I'm probably still better off after a month just because I'm not putting close to £400 a month in fuel into a giant brick on wheels. Now I just have a much smaller brick! A slightly rusty one, but still.
Mr Fox has really stepped up to the plate while I was down for the count, and its brought us a lot closer, which is really nice. There continues to be ongoing drama with Mini Fox's dad, and its lovely for us to feel like we are actually on the same team while we try and wade through the heartache his actions continue to cause. We've started doing tip runs and teamworking cleaning and cooking, and its been great.
Our house is on the market. I've put an offer in on a 3 bed semi, where the bills will be £160 a month cheaper than my current house. Offer was accepted but they're continuing to market until I am proceedable. The EA is telling any prospective viewers that there is an offer on the table, and so far, nobody else has thrown their hat into the ring. We had two viewings yesterday and they were both interested, but then one of them decided he did need to sell his other house (his parents live two doors up from me - argh!) and the other one wants to discuss with his financial advisor. I'm going to use any money left over to clear the non-Stepchange debts, and then that will free me up a further £91 a month. So £250 a month better off, and still within the same area, same school for Mini Fox, and closer to her schools. Two more viewings lined up on mine between tomorrow and next Tuesday, but the stress is driving me mental.
The puppy continues to be an absolute joy. He is so well behaved and a total cuddle bug and fills my heart. I'm so glad we have him, even if it was an unnecessary expense, because he has done absolute wonders for my mental health.
Anyway, getting back into things now. So will be around much more regularly. Going to try and make £300 this month on top of normal wages, as I have a feeling we are going to need it.
Lots of love,
Fox.
❀ total
debt at LBM 01/2023: £47,178.76 ❀ debt at highest point: £51,062.14❀
£1600+ made on vinted since 2023 ⚜ we could get better, because we're not dead yet - frank turner. ❧ ------------------------------------------------------------------------
