#BlogLife944 - Do you have manners?

A few things running through my mind. I'm not sure what to do about the icky volunteer chats.

I don't want to leave them stranded but neither do I want to engage them further.

Secondly I feel like I've once again made the wrong decision and wasted money on what I thought was the best solution.

That's weighing heavily on me but what's done is done. 

At some point I have to ring BT about the switchover, something about landline phones being obsolete and changing to digital voice.

But I don't even use the landline and I'm sure they mentioned something about fibre optic, which they have stated I'm not applicable for, anyway.

I really can't be bothered setting up a new hub/router thingy. I wonder if this is a way to increase the bills?

I'm feeling quite irritated today, the appointment failed to show and couldn't be bothered to apologise and let me know.

I can't relax, I can't eat, I just emailed them and we'll see if it's delayed or postponed.

You pay for a service and they can't be bothered with the follow up, once they've been paid.

It's on to the next paid gig. Ugh! There's nothing worse than waiting.

They are 2 hours and a half late and no response!! No manners at all!

Also Fantastic hasn't refunded me yet, more money down the drain.

I was looking forward to munching but I'm anxious, will he randomly turn up??

I want to change back into house clothes. Ok sod it. It's just after 3pmish, took out the bins and changed.

I'm going to relax, I had the last of the fajita bakes. I'm not really hungry now, maybe will have one more small meal or snack later..

I don't give a toss if they turn up or not now, appalling service all around.

I haven't taken any volunteer chats today, I've just been supporting others in the forum bit.

I tidied and did the last of the clear out and also the washing is done, so finished all the chores now.

I keep expecting decent customer service and I keep being let down.

Is it because I'm a woman and they think we can mistreat her and she won't speak up???

#BlogLife934 - Checked off

I had such a gloriously long deep sleep last night and it's put me in a great mood, because the insomnia was pretty bad due to stress.

The last of the chores is done. I booked the cleaner for tomorrow morning, an ouchy estimate of £109.35 to a £145.13 reality jump and there was nowhere to put the 10% promo code sadly..

I just added it into the comment section, I doubt I will get the discount for the deep clean, but it is a Bank Holiday weekend.

I just prefer booking cleaners for the weekend, it's way less hectic for me.

I can't see it lasting 4 hours just to mop 5 rooms, even though it's a deep clean service.

But afterwards maybe they will wipe the tub or sinks or help me declutter.

Either way, although I feel guilty about not doing it myself. I'm also sorta proud of myself for reaching out to get assistance as that is so difficult to not be seen as capable.

My hands are already tender and I feel devoid of energy just wiping a lil bit.

I still feel the flu is lingering, bit stuffy, bit sneezy but I feel heaps better being productive now the energy has returned somewhat.

The washing is drying and smelling delightful. I can't book the Optician and get my spare lens until the bus station opens in September so that has to wait.

I will also get my pedicure done afterwards and that's it really. Very high expenses but if it gives me peace of mind, so be it.

I'm not frivolous, I don't spend heaps on myself, I continue to budget and seek bargains.

Oh and will probably book the Surveyor appointment for the week after next, this one is already busy.

I forgot to ask for female cleaners and if I could stay as I don't fancy going out and Ohh just realised I'm definitely staying, the buses aren't running all the way to the Market.

It's weird I remember things and then instantly forget, so foggy.

I think Scratchy is done. I needed to talk and let things out and I did that.

Alright, a strange morning indeed. I woke up to see conflicting texts and emails from the cleaning service.

One said, Sorry no-one is available. The other said, Yes we have 1 person, so relieved it's a female yesss.

I woke up at 10am called them, they were busy and I was just about to email and they called back.

I do like them for that, they don't leave you hanging in that respect.

When they cancelled I felt a bit deflated. I didn't sleep until 4/5am but then it was bliss.

I would have preferred a morning slot, I did book for 11am, but 2pm was all they had.

I wanted it out of the way so I could eat but I'll munch after. I don't know why my stomach is in knots..

Maybe it's the uncertainty of them not showing up and then this matter is still pressing.

Or maybe it's the judgement of, this is you responsibility not an outsider.

Or maybe it is having an unknown person in my home. I'm sure the cleaners are vetted.

I had to Googly it and yep there are background checks. We shall see how this experience goes..

The first was a mixed bag, good outcome but damage was done and no apology.

Plus I think he was late and didn't stick to instructions. I just wanted to sleep.

I think I was just tense, a male cleaner roaming the rooms, making lots of noise..

That's why I didn't let him mop the bedroom floor, it was my safe space.

Argh I forgot to enquire about the promo code discount. I'm really curious as to whether or not I will get it.

I should for all the faffing around. You advertise for short notice, lots available and then say, Nope nobody is around.

At least she will get double pay as it's the weekend. Umm, let's just say, things did not go according to plan...

#BlogLife785 - Double work for dodo advisor

It's now Tuesday afternoon and I got back a while ago, just had some chicken pasta.

It's been a really mixed day, the bus app said everything is running fine, but there was a half an hour delay so I was a bit late for my UC appointment.

Normally they are supposed to arrive every 10 minutes, so not sure what the problem was.

Luckily, they were running late too, so he wasn't annoyed at me. For the most part it went fine, I told him all about essential oils for his cough, and binaural beats to treat giving up smoking.

(I'm not sure why I felt the need to cure him, ha), but I guess I help people where I can).

But he was firing questions at me, like he didn't have access to the online journal, where everything is laid out for him.

How the hell do I have the extensive details memorised, when it's all there for you to look at? What the hell is the point of doing that, when you're asking for specifics?

I found that really tiresome, so he said, jot down some notes for next week, ugh, was hoping it would be next month, pfft.

I'm just going to forgo that crap and embarrass him, by opening the journal in front of him and recalling all the information, that the bs questions require me to know. *Rolls eyes*

Then he asked for a morning or afternoon slot and I picked morning and he said, 9amish is the only free time available, pfft.

At least that's done for now. I am so drained, my back is killing me and I feel a lil dizzy.

But I checked the post and there was a letter from the council so following my re-applying for the housing benefit.

And taking hours to fill in the form, and uploads loads of documents, it seems to indicate that I'm still entitled to it.

Thank heavens for that, it was stressing me out so much. As usual with the council, they randomly stop/start the allowance, which puts me into debt.

However for now, it seems like they are happy with all the evidence I provided and the fact that I added ridiculous amounts of excess information, to explain myself and my circumstances..

Seemed to go in my favour because I didn't have the rent statements to add and I have no idea when it increased so I couldn't provide those details and ended up sending them the rent receipts, I make sure I request from the landlord..

Ideally I would like to rest but I need to add stuff to the journal, to stop the nagging.

I'm still craving sushi but I'm going to continue being careful and then maybe at Christmas time, possibly it will be more affordable then...

Mama's all excited about it. I don't think she wants to do a roast this year, normally it's chicken but I think she wants fish and chips or Chinese this year, which is cool by me.

I'm not really fussed as unless she invites people around, which I kinda hope not, it will just be the two of us.

I'm not sure I will ever get rid of that eating anxiety, of munching in front of people, my appetite just disappears and I can't savour anything.

But it's her place and I never object, I just disappear into my guest room and take a breather instead.

I have seen a knock off version of Ferreros, Brompton House, 10x £3 but I want them to go on sale.

Or I might see if there's a dark chocolate version because both me and her, are quite enjoying that.

There's still time to decide what to get. She told me not to get her any gifts and I'm not sure at the moment I can afford to anyway.

As I've treated her to stuff already but if I can save a bit and find out she needs anything, I will try and budget and purchase it for her.

I'll definitely try and get some treats for us both though. Oh and she wants some essential oils so that's easy enough.

#BlogLife569 - 3 hours to fit a door?

Song of the day - Pepper Pepper - Drupatee 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZeMbZRnUkw&list=PLC743C3F57E46E499&index=34

This is Christmas song but it makes me laugh. I've probably posted it before but I don't care.

It always makes me laugh and feelgood and playing the Christmas list helped me unwind today.

I was caught on the hop. The maintenance people were due at 8-12pm but I didn't think they would get here this early at 9am.

I was up since 7amish though, with an uneasy sleep. I got up at 8am and just tidied up a bit more and then I heard the softest knock on the door.

They had arrived and just told me to leave the door on the latch and that it would take three hours??

Yeesh I thought maybe half an hour at the most. What is it that takes so long?

(It's the constant chitchatting, phone calls and whatever else, that increases the time). Zzzz

I asked him about the keys to a blank response and then I repeated myself because I didn't want to get locked inside my own flipping home.

Then he said Aww yes, we will give you several keys when we have concluded our business.

That was a relief because that was the only thing stressing me out, aside from strangers roaming around and the door being wide open.

I've got music on to calm me down. I didn't get a chance to load my room up with snacks or a drink and I never feel like going past them.

But I sipped some plain and lemon water earlier and I'm not hungry yet so I think I'll manage until after they are done.

This is my last appointment for a while so I'm relieved. I can relax after they have left.

I know that my stomach definitely gets extra agitated from stress.

I'm trying to keep even-keeled. There's not been any cramps and minimal nausea so that isn't bad for this horrible week.

I think if it had been a short job, I would have been tempted to supervise but for this, nope.

I feel nauseated and weary about them bursting in my room to ask me something.

That hasn't happened yet. It's like they are too impatient to wait and just barge in. Ughh.

I'm not going to clock-watch. It sucks to have the music low but I don't want to be oblivious, in case they call me.

I can hear several voices which is elevating my anxiety. I wonder if they will clean up after themselves?

I guess I should be grateful that I'm the first on their rota. How is it only 9.40am??

Yay two and a half hours later they were done!! Thank heavens and to be fair they did clean up afterwards.

They called out but didn't go near my room and waited because I couldn't lower the volume and had to take my earbuds out lol.

The new door isn't as ugly as I thought but neither is it pretty. It's just a medium dullish silver.

They remembered to put the number on, woop and a letter box thingy. I've never had that before.

It's always funny when they are explaining things to me because it always sounds confusing.

You lock it but it's not really locked, it's magnetic and so forth. What makes it easier is just having one lock now for everything.

I don't know about you but I don't double lock when I'm indoors. Mama does but I don't.

Ohh I think the latch is gone and maybe the peep-hole I didn't notice them.

No deadbolt but there is a twisty lock, so I just use that instead ha.

It's something I'll have to get used to when I'm rushing out the door.

Ooh something I forgot to mention before. I actually saw the scarce Christmas radox bath soak.

I don't find it often so I just bought one to use because it's my favourite one.

I guess the one thing about being early is that everything get's done faster.

I didn't nap although I was yawning a fair bit and now I will munch and think about the stories....

More importantly working on them..... Ish......After a few scrabble/looney tunes/fishdom rounds :)

#BlogLife519 - Cleaning gave me a mental boost

As promised (to myself), I started off in the bathroom and scrubbed the sink and then mopped the hallway floor.

I could not be bothered to dry it off. I hope the sun takes care of it as it is very warm today.

I did have to create yet another energetic playlist but then I soldiered on until the pain and tiredness hit me 20 minutes later.

Feels great to flop on my bed and switch the fan on. I actually wanted to carry on and do more but I made a start and it's more than I thought.

The gleaming surfaces are smiling at me. The bathroom, bedroom, lounge and kitchen floors are left to do.

I might tackle more later but I am totally depleted now and will continue resting and having my icy ribena.

The hardest part is always getting up and beginning the cleansing journey but once the momentum is going, you'll wonder why you were procrastinating in the first place?!

I just realised tomorrow when I get back I will be shattered. I will give myself until 4.30pm, an hour later and see if the hallway is dry.

It was partially damp still. Then either back to the bathroom or I will move on to the kitchen and living room.

Sometimes I have to do 2 rounds with the floors because the dirt smears itself around and I can't bend down to wipe every lil speck of grime.

Mopped the kitchen and lounge, just as the earbuds disconnected and the music stopped grr.

But I was too hyped up to stop so I just carried on. Tomorrow or Saturday will re-mop and do the bathroom/bedroom floor.

Ah I got another tip, I poured out the excess mixture onto the floor and left it, which will mean less mopping but also, longer to dry...

I also remembered to rinse the broom head in the sink. That's it for today, can't manage anymore.

It was the right day to clean because there wasn't any nausea so I didn't have to keep stopping midway.

I might skip dinner, I had a big late lunch. All I feel like is a 100 lollies but I'll settle for one.

It is the total opposite of yesterday, I feel really sicky and tired. I'm going to see how I feel in a few hours.

Dic didn't say much and I wasn't volunteering any information so it was a quick appointment.

I just called up about the gas meter expiring and that is booked for next Friday between 12-4pm.

I normally get morning meetings but I don't want to wake up early and hustle to get ready, I want to take my time leisurely.

I also called up about the door, apparently it's a safety thing, fire-proof I think.

It's been measured already so in a few months they will call to arrange a time to fit in.

Oh I'm thrilled that the new gas meter, isn't going to be a smart one, woop woop, it's just a regular type.

No skyrocketing energy bills yay :) My slipper order from Shoezone got cancelled as the address label was printed on incorrectly.

I can't believe in this day and age they would screw that up. If the shoes weren't so distinctively comfy, I would be tempted to write them off completely.

I'm sure last time there was an issue with them too. I thought they would have sent a replacement pair out but nope just a refund.

I already ordered a new pair and that should arrive tomorrow when I'm out grr.

I finally started my period yesterday so I'm feeling extra bloated, tired, grumpy and cold.

#BlogLife518 - Invasion of the mind snatchers

I finally went through my mail as I had ignored it when I sprained both my hands and found out what the mystery call was about.

It wasn't about the smart meter as such, the regular one had expired and needed replacing.

Even though it's outdoors, they needed to check out my gas appliances to make sure nothing was interrupting their service.

I have to book that in. Ugh strangers in the home for up to an hour, cringe.

Then I have another meeting, something about the front door and making sure it's..... Safe? Lol, I have no idea.

Goodness knows how long that will take, measurements, questions, someone else invading my personal space.. Yuckity!

I'm going to see if I can arrange them both for next week. Even though I have appointments on Tuesday and possibly another with Dic...

I'm seeing him tomorrow morning so I will know the schedule then.

I always try to tidy up before my home is invaded. Actually, surprisingly, I'm maintaining the spot cleaning.

Everywhere is mostly tidy, the only places that need work are the floors and I just need to wipe around the bathroom sink.

I actually read through the cleaning posts I previously composed to see what the mixture was.

Hot water, washing up liquid/soap and bleach. I recall that because of the steam mop I was using cold water and had gotten used to that.

But now I'm doing it by hand with sponges, wipes and my trusty broom, steamy hot water is better.

For the newbies who are wondering why I am not using a mop? 

It broke and the replacement was rubbish! I hate wasting money.

I have a few Amazon reviews to write but I cannot be bothered at the moment.

I am getting really hungry but I don't know whether to make a start on the cleaning or eat first.....

I think I will at least sort the sink out as that won't take long. I dread doing the floors, it's so slippery and then I have to kneel and wipe the excess water with a rag or old clothes.

But I'm pumped up and motivated and I'm holding on to the relief I will feel, when it's all sparkly and disinfected.

Knowing I will be able to rest and relax, having done what I set out to do.

The weekend will then be changing the duvet cover and pillowcases and that will be the last of it.

Oh I saw a few movies, Love again with Priyanka Chopra, it's cute, lots of musical stars.

Then Bean again with Rowan Atkinson. I think I first saw it in the cinema with my family and my cousin and Aunt.

She was mortified to be seen in public with her family but I thought it was fun to have us altogether, enjoying ourselves.

When I can't find anything new, I cycle back to the favourites, just to put my mind at ease before bed.

Oh the Amazon top updated the tracking, it's on a plane so it isn't lost :)

#BlogLife479 - Yet another period!

Now I know why I'm having sugary chocolatey sweet cravings. I started yet another period today, ugh.

I think the pedicure/eyebrow shape trip is going to be postponed again as Mama is fully booked except Tuesdays and I have meetings back to back, tomorrow.

Plus she and I both love going out in the mornings when it's less busy, although she might have a cancellation on Thursday but we'll see.

Aww I just opened up the saline bulk order because it's cheaper to buy them that way and maybe because I'm a repeat customer they threw in some freebies.

I got 2 complimentary lens cases which I needed and 2 sample size soaking solutions which I'll use when I'm doing the overnight protein tablet treatment, which I have to do tonight.

I can't even thank them because Ebay has a beef with them and blocked it.

Tomorrow DicTweet made an another appointment for me to see him, ugh, it's like talking to an idiot who makes my life ten times more stressful than it is already.

I saw him write it down, no Tuesdays and yet here we are...

Which means I can spend the whole morning walking up and down, as it clashes with something else and they are in opposite directions.

Or I'll just see him beforehand and potentially be late for the other one, yeesh.

I've ordered some new tiny curlers because the other ones are too big and fall out now.

I'm looking forward to adding them to my routine and having fun twisting them in all directions.

I wish they did colours other than pink but I'm not going to pay extra just for that, I go for the cheapest unless I'm outdoors, I'll just give the surplus to Mama.

We both don't use heat, hairdryers or curling irons, just leave in conditioners and air dry it but curlers make a great difference and turn it a lil spruced up.

I don't think I've epilated my legs with the hair removal tool for months and yet there is barely any fuzz, aside from on my knee.

I have some on my hands and arms but I couldn't care less about that, gone are the days of feeling self conscious.

I think I'm on day 4 of the Vitamin Store multivitamins. I don't know if they are also increasing my periods or if I'm naturally due on.

My cycle is sooo weird! I just called Dic and as usual he didn't answer and then called me back.

I swear he makes crap up, said that he couldn't see me before 10am so I'm definitely going to be late for the following appointment but I can't do anything about it.

I've noticed more and more that my legs won't go where I tell them too.

I'll want them to shift to the right or keep out of someone's path but they'll just do the opposite, it's kinda reminding me of a time where they wouldn't move at all....

Anyway I have enough to stress about, I'm not going to dwell on that issue.

I've found a somewhat easier way to pluck my brows. I was going to get a light up compact mirror but I realised experimenting with the camera has a bonus.

If you flip it to selfie mode, mine illuminates automatically for some reason and it's way easier to see the hairs that need to be plucked underneath the brows, just to tidy up a bit.

Mine look a lot less messy now. They still need a re-shape but at least I'm not cringing as much.

#BlogLife365 - Boiler timeout!

Good heavens first last winter the boiler breaks down after getting the all clear on the biannual check up and now it's busted again.

I suppose I should be grateful at least this dude did a thorough going over and spotted..... Don't ask me, I'm not technical as soon as he said it, it vanished from my head.

It almost made me laugh when he asked to borrow a pen and the only one I could find was green and I said will that do and he grumbled, it'll have too.

Then he asked an even dumber question, what do you decide? I can switch it off and you'll have no heat or hot water or I can leave it on.

I asked the question we would all enquire..... Is it safe to leave it on?? He replied Oh yea definitely.

Then healthy or not because he mumbled, you'll need it on for your conditions..... Who on earth would vote to switch the bloody thing off???

He made this whole song and dance about, I have to say the words I refuse and gave me this written warning attachment as though the thing would explode.

Didn't he just admit, it was safe to leave it on???

I just got a text saying it should be completed by the 7th but that seems ambitious.

I need the assessment appointment to determine if it can be fixed or needs a replacement boiler, then they'll have to order it.

There's probably still a backlog and they don't work weekends I don't think..

But again at least he reported it. In the passed people have forgotten and I've had to schedule manual fixes myself.

I'm going to try and not stress about it and enjoy the heated weekend ha.

For now it works, let me just savour heat while I can.... Oh I just got a text mentioning something vague about calling them and regarding the new boiler.

I wonder if they have decided it's easier to install a new one, rather than tinker with it. It is ancient. I think it's the same one they put in when I moved in.

I can't be certain though, it was ages ago. I'll just wait for my phone to charge and then I can arrange a date.

#BlogLife243 - Waiting on you

I got up extra early yesterday waiting for an appointment to show and I put certain things aside like the wet clothes and other bits and pieces and decided to hold off from eating a lil bit.

Then what happens is.... They are a no-show. No calls or emails or texts to say sorry got held up, can we re-schedule, they'll just show up unannounced at the worst possible time.

Grr as it's Friday, it may be today but this time. I'm not making any special effort. The washing can stay drying on the side of the bath and everything else can stay in place.

DHL just send me an email for a new game, switcheroo, find the bunny to win a discount or a hotel chocolat hamper. I'm not a huge fan but it's a fun way to pass the time, briefly.

https://send.dhlparcel.co.uk/parcel-delivery/game?utm_source=LeadFamly&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=EasterBunny_5

UK residents only, I'm pretty sure. I'm freezing today but I don't know what to have. I was having hot soup in the mornings as a warmup beverage but that's finished.

My lovely ritz crackers are done. I had leftover dairylea cheese but they were actually nicer plain. If you want another topping idea, try the Prince salmon paste, now that is delicious.

I'm going to do a food shop for tomorrow and I just bought some fitted sheets. I don't know if mine shrunk but suddenly they are too small and can't fit the corners.

They are quite a few years old I'm sure. It's tricky with memory foam mattresses. You have to get the extra deep and largest size.

Mine is practically a double bed or slightly bigger but I have to always get super king and 40cm deep corners. I think that's what I usually get or maybe this is a bit larger.

I looked for cotton percale or Egyptian cotton to see what was cheaper and paid £12 including postage which isn't too bad. I hope the quality is thick and durable. 

Quit lying and act like a professional!

Couriers do it all the time when they say "attempted delivery." You were nowhere near my place at the time stated, I was home, I would have heard you. 

Stop lying to people. It has been a stressful week with only a few highlights to revel in. I found a good deal on some headphones that met my criteria and were on a double sale, having further gone down in price. 

However I didn't expect them to arrive the next day. I had to pop out with some errands and apparently missed the courier. I had been checking the tracking but it wasn't detailed just stated "out for delivery." 

I called up to reschedule and miscommunication ensued but I got £5 worth of credit compensated to me, so I thanked her and expected it the following day.

Throughout that evening, the tracking changed twice to "out for delivery" but yet nobody knocked or buzzed. I would not have missed anymore deliveries as I was at home. 

Several calls later it turns out, the driver had gone to the wrong address and was in fact not at my destination. Idiots! This morning I was supposed to have a routine hospital appointment that I get picked up for. 

I have to be ready by 7am for an appointment that I usually make for 9ish so I was up at 5ish as I couldn't sleep properly and by 7ish I was dressed and ready to be collected. 

Suddenly it was 9am and no sign of transport so I called the hospital to double check they hadn't forgotten me and was told to be patient, that I was on the list and would be picked up at some point.

By 11am my patience had run out and I called again, only to be rudely told that they had been at my place at 8.30 and I was not at home. 

Yea right... I enquired as to whether perhaps the driver had gone to the wrong address by mistake and was flatly told NO.

I asked why when I enquired at 9am I wasn't told I had missed my appointment and the reply was make a new appointment.

Ugh! I love the bit he added on, which was *Oh we would have called but we don't have your number on file* I've given out my number to them several bloody times!!!

I can't actually reschedule the appointment. I will just receive a new one in the post but I did state exactly why I didn't make the appointment. 

A complete waste of hair, makeup and time I could have spent sleeping blissfully.