Christmas was wonderful - my children were grateful and my in laws were supportive. I felt like the break up north was a break from my worries. I was free.
I am determined not to start the New Year plagued with the same worries as I had last year. Not enough money - too many things to pay out - no way to make more money. However my new years resolution - "Only worry about things you can influence" has meant I haven't cried every day!
This quote is so true so I can't afford to sink to the pressure of worries about things I can't change.
I am working as hard as ever at work and enjoying my class. Really I think my class is the only thing that keeps me sane. I have thrown myself into organising SATs prep and smaller group work and think we should have everything sorted for the coming term. I hope so!
Christmas was good - a blessing - but it made me long to be in a position to move back up north far more then I had before. The atmosphere, the places, the people - I miss it all. With no real extended family of my own down here my in- laws stepped up which was so reassuring. If the absolute worst was to happen and my husband was not taken onto a permenant contract at his work we wouldn't be homeless - we could move in with the MIL and survive. Obviously it is the last thing we would want to happen but its a security net that exists and for that I am so grateful. It has given me a goal - something to aim for. Keep scrimping, keep paying things off and we will finally be in a position to move back up north.
We have budgeted to within a penny and we can just make it. I have opted out of the pension scheme at work - theres no way I will survive to pensionable age if I don't do something to make some more money now and between hubbies shifts and my day job it makes taking on part time virtually impossible - either through conflict of interest (I need all the hours I have to be the best teacher I can) or logistics (waitressing/bar work would rely on regular hours which with hubbbies shifts changes is impossible.) so, plough on tightening the belt as frequently as I can.
I am hopeful that 2016 teaches me to be humble and grateful for all I have - I know I am defiantly thankful for my husband, my boys and the roof over my head far more then I was for the vast majority of 2015. I have felt the kindness of others through freegle and gifts of time, money and kindness far more then I had when times were good. I got more curtains for my house from another kind stranger on New Years Eve and cried in the car for a good half hour in gratitude for their kindness. My second new years resolution is to remember - everything happens for a reason - perhaps this happened to bring you into my life?
What are your new years resolutions? Could anyone suggest any money saving/making tips I could try out?
Thank you for reading my blog - it is something that has kept me going when I could have broken.
Another day over - another day closer to Christmas! Got a heap of presents from the pound store yesterday for my boys. Little wrestling figures, toy guns, bubbles, popcorn, popcorn bowls, sweets, glow-sticks, books and I'm sure theres some things I have forgotten. It doesn't look that much on its own but I'm sure once it is the crate it will look amazing. All that for just £12 - don't suppose they will notice the difference too much. Would like to spend a few more pounds getting another couple of wrestlers for the older one. He doesn't watch it but seems to be quite into it with his friends and even though these cheap figures are nothing like the sturdy WWE ones from toy shops - they will do him just fine.
I also have their night lights - winning!
Work got more stressful today - trip tomorrow - off into London, trip the day after - that one doesn't get back until midnight! Hate being out of class for a few days on the trot like that. Makes me and the kids unsettled, still can't be helped I suppose. Besides, whats Christmas without a little mayhem!
Hubby got the bunk beds up while I was at work today - so exciting!Here's my little angels fast asleep in them now...
Their room is starting to come together a little now - just everywhere else to do with no time to do it!
Must book moving day from work - at some point!!!
I feel like I could shut my eyes and sleep for an eternity. Not good news when we have trekking to do in London town with children tomorrow! To bed!
So by the age of thirty your supposed to have it in the bag right? This life gear? Your supposed to be a grown up?
Stability. A home, a husband, summer holidays and a car. A job, money to pay the bills. The husband the kids - icing on the cake.
Well look at me now. According to my own criteria I would be a failure. All I have is the icing. I am starting over, starting from scratch just this time with three people who rely on me to get it right because I'm supposed to know. Im making a confession - I don't!
Last week I moved my family into a new flat - well new to us. It wasn't a planned move as such and the first time I have felt my life spin out of control since my very early twenties. But now we're in I have no money to decorate it - to make it homely not even enough for a Christmas tree. But I'm going to do it. I have to. My boys are relying on me to make a home - so by hook or by crook I will make us one. I am going to peruse some charity shops in the hope of picking up some curtains and while they are away this weekend I am going to scrub the place until it shines. So much to do so little time. I'll upload some photos to trace my progress tomorrow.
