#BlgLife938 - No peace this weekend

I don't know what to do now. As predicted (Friday) is another disaster.

I got billed for today's supposed cleaning from Fantastic Services, only for it to be cancelled again.

Emop sent me a 15% discount that expires today maybe. Which horrible company do I pick?

I'm waiting for them to get back to me, as I missed the call. Maybe I'll get a discount from them too?

I guess if I am dissatisfied with the update, I will revert back to Emop.

I just wanted it done so I could relax this weekend until next week's appointments.

Now I'm in limbo, waiting, waiting, waiting. Why couldn't it be straightforward?

There's nothing I can do but stress and continue to be scammed for more money and no work.

Let's rationalise this out. If I pick Emop, there's no guarantee it will be done, but usually they can have cleaners at short notice.

Plus it's cheaper and they show up!!

If I choose Fantastic Services, they keep cancelling but promise to stay until it''s complete, if they ever show up..

They are way more expensive and I suspect want to find an excuse to charge me more.

Oh and the volunteering chats, two are dubious. I pay attention to inconsistencies and these are huge.

I'm not a fan of that, maybe it's a misunderstanding on my part, or they were nervous but it's put me off those two.

If I'm spending all this time listening, offering you my patience and sympathy and you keep changing your story, what is the point??

So it's 2pmish now, 3 hours to get back to me, to say, they'll be in touch?? Not so fantastic a service.

I just figured, Hey if I'm going to be taken for a ride again, might as well be the lower cost version.

I don't know if the 15% went through or not. Oh by the way, as of nearly 7pm, no news from Fantastic, pfft..

I booked with Emop for tomorrow and figured, if they have anyone fine, if not will try Sunday and/or Monday.

Then got a call to say, can't do it in the morning, 1.30pm is free though, ugh, always the afternoonys.

But I accepted it. They've preliminary charged £78 but only for 2.5 hours, not the usual 3/4.

I wonder if that will be enough? Doubtful, as they take an hour per room.....

Or even sometimes 4!!! Then I think for possibly every hour over, it's just under £7..

I'm glad it's a female and a different one, maybe she will take pride in her work and just get on with it and not go slowly.

Or for once, not try to pull me aside for extra cash...

I'm guessing either it won't be done yet again. She'll do one room and then quit...... And leave..

Or she will say sorry changed my mind, this job isn't for me..

Or...... No I don't believe a miracle will finally happen and I'll be happy with the outcome..,

What else will be broken or go missing??

As always I will update you and I have to stop talking to P about this, I'm sure he's fed up by now.

Maybe you are also but it's consuming my thoughts, so until it's sorted, I can't move on..

I thought of a compromise, if she can manage the bathroom and hallway, I'll say what about just doing half the bedroom ha.

Sounds really weird but I just want the 3 rooms mopped. I don't want to pay anymore damn bills.

If this is the only way, then I'll compromise. Just under 2 hours to go... Hmm..

It is so weird I have to sacrifice my needs... That was unusual the cleaner texted to introduce herself and confirm the arrival.

That's classy so I just repeated the instructions on how to get here and said call/text if you need me.

45 minutes to go. I gotta trim my hair and nails soon, they are both too long..

Well the cleaner is running late, maybe 2pm-4.30pm instead. At least she texted me though.

And no haven't eaten, no hunger pangs at all.

1.50pm - 4.20pm. Well I think it amounted to about 3 hours but because she was late, it wasn't really charged overtime, I don't think.

I went ahead and booked a cleaner for tomorrow as the hallway is done and the bathroom is done and my bank balance is done.

The only thing not done, is the bedroom floor. Once more wasting money, but to be honest, she was a lot nicer than the previous ones.

I'll hopefully get a full club and cleaning refund from the idiot service Fantastic and I bet they would have quoted a couple hundred to do it.

Altogether for 5 rooms, the total will probably be £280. The first clean was £115. (2 rooms), 5 hours.

The second was £78 (2 rooms), 3 hours and the third will probably be the same £78 for 1hr30 maybe for 1 room.

So because it's not done yet, I'll have crisps for dinner. I could get takeout but that's more money lost and I'm not even peckish.

I woke up early and even by 8amish Pret was sold out of the chicken baguette so I didn't bother with it.

They finally emptied the bins so I de-cluttered a bit and took the trash out, still more to go though.

After today is done and next weeks appointments are finished, I'm hoping my eating will return to normal.

The worry will be alleviated as the significant responsibilities will have been finally dealt with,

I still feel a bit numb, maybe it's hormones. It's been so difficult to get every seemingly straightforward task done.

It does feel nice that my place looks emptier and more simplistic with most of the junk gone.

Well, well, well. You can probably guess what happened??!!

The cleaner called to say she was running late and could it be after 5pm but as my room light is broken, there may not be enough natural light.

I wonder if craziness happens to anyone else?

She said she'd cancel the booking but then called back and said she couldn't, could she do it tomorrow instead.

I was literally rebooking for tomorrow and requested as early as possible.

She said 12pm would suit, which is good. This really holds me back but she's new and seems dedicated to staying until it's cleared up.

She can help me de-clutter and then mop and then maybe I'll feel like I deserve food, who knows?

I won't be eating today though, I have water. There hasn't really been cramps.

A lil bit of nausea. At least I can post this tomorrow to stop it turning into a book..........

I was watching foodie videos hoping that would inspire me to munch but I feel too twisted in turmoil.

If I do not make the surveyor appointment really soon, I'm going to be in big trouble, that's what is scaring me.

That's why I can't eat and do the usual food shop, well that and something else..

I shall probably post this way, way, way after 12pm and then you'll know, if she turned up, if it was spotless, if I'm finally done with cleaners...

Or if I'm rescheduling yet again for Wednesday as Tuesday, I'm busy.

(Ps unlike yesterday 5pmish came around and it's all bright and sunny. Ugh, could have risked the appointment).

I might as well add to this post as it is all relevant. I heard back from UnFantasic and they provided me a new quote..

I knew all those last minute cancellations were just a money grab.

They wanted to gouge me for more money just to declutter and clean.

The new price made me laugh, as it was 3x times the amount of the original.

I was not surprised at all. They wanted to stretch it out over 2 days, to make it more expensive.

If you cancel at the last minute, you can't call yourselves professionals.

Sorry before I can move on, I have to say this. UnFantastic called and was really surprised I wanted a refund.

She balked at my tone, that I wasn't happy and then said, Well you cancelled so I don't know about a refund.

I said No, You cancelled last minute, twice! I expect a full refund for your unprofessional service.

She said, maybe we can tailor it to your budget ha!! Then she was deflated and said Um, I'll consult with my team.

Pfffft!!!

Nothing more I can do about that. The cleaner from yesterday arrived.....

I was gobsmacked. She was nice and insisted on helping me declutter.

I have to say, the amount of junk accumulated was embarrassing.

It took all day to be honest but she stayed and did it and wasn't clock watching or complaining or judging.

She just got on with it. As I ran out of bin bags and had a voucher, I did a mini zoom and bought her the lunch deal, wrap, drink and chocolate.

It was the least I could do, it's not much. Oh and she spotted some booties she liked, so I gave them to her.

I don't really think I wore them, too big a heel and she really helped to put my mind at ease.

I can't explain why I got so rattled with the door opening and closing and any sudden bangs.

Anyway I hope the binmen actually come early this week, the neighbours will hate that I filled up the bins with trash.

Actually, she insisted that she was happy to take them out. I honestly insisted but she was stern and I was relieved as they were heavy.

And just like that my hands are stinging with pain. Unfortunately the Surveyor was closed by the time she was done.

I will contact them tomorrow to book it for this week. Oh and happy to report..

I ate some nuts and an egg sandwich, also water. I grabbed the starburst and crisps but I'm full.

The half sandwich stopped the cravings but because I opened, I finished it off.

Ok you'll be relieved to know, that is it. See you tomorrow.....

#BlogLife935 - Angst overload/Cleaner Scams

The volunteering was going smoothly but today I hit a few rough chats that I could/should have handled better.

I think it was the subject matter. One was flip-flopping and I found that really confusing to have two extreme views and then do a complete turn around.

But I've taken a break as the cleaner arrived and I'm not feeling good but so be it.

As I feel judged and told it will take longer and cost more. Hmm. I'm not lucky with cleaners at all.

I guess what annoys me is that I was clear about what my needs were and suddenly it's outlandish.

The problem with this is that, nothing extra can be done, like helping declutter and the annoyance of having to come out multiple times when the instructions were clear.

The other chat was Umm... Hmm open to interpretation maybe? I felt I came across as judgemental which no-one wants but I was trying to show that actions have consequences.

Anyway I will strive to do better next time. I'm not perfect, just trying to lend support.

I will just say that, it feels like certain people want me to say Yes you're doing correct things and carry on, it's fine.

I'm just not that person. I like to paint the full picture but stress it's their comfort levels that matter.

I can't ignore self destruction at all. I just feel bad that person didn't the unburdening they deserved.

It's going to be a long day. I am so dizzy and sore. Why do I kid myself hiring a cleaner will be a magical experience?

I'm confused so I was charged £115 after all for 5 hours and only 2 rooms done?

Maybe because it was incomplete and maybe I got the discount.

So a disaster from start to finish, she couldn't locate my address and I had to go out a bunch of times and repeat myself.

I was not happy. Then as usual she ignored my instructions to just mop each floor, that was it, nothing else required as I can manage.

She took 4 hours to clean the kitchen. I can't even fathom how that happens.

Were you on the phone? Were you taking a nap? It's bizarre to me.

A mopping and a wiping? Wow. Then she literally rang me on the mobile, instead of just calling out, that there was 20 minutes left.

And she was cryptically saying, You can use the service or pay me an extra £60 for the remainder.......

I don't bloody think so. Although at that point, I hadn't eaten or drank for the entire day so I was tempted.

The hallway, bathroom and bedroom and lounge were left, which is a farce.

What was funnier, I mean I wasn't laughing she had made a bigger mess of the floors.

So I was just so dizzy and tired at this point (6pm), I just said you can just finish up.

I hate confrontations and I didn't have it in me to say nobody asked you to do anything except the floors and you couldn't manage that.

You truly take the biscuit and are a scam artist. Hope you're pleased with yourself preying on someone that's longterm ill.

Now I figured right, I can barely stand at this point, I'm tripping over wires and reiterating once again, I only wanted the floors mopped.

She looks at me incredulously and repeats it? Just the floors, that's all?

I stopped myself rolling my eyes. I figured right, she is packing up, I feel like a fool who hired an incompetent service and expected a good result.

I make my way to my room and just sit waiting for her to pack up and say Goodbye.

I don't know if it was to protect her rating, seeing me fragile or what......

But she then proceeds to carry on with the kitchen, pile 3 heavy bags of clutter, that I can barely carry and for an hour (5 altogether).

Decides she will mop the living room. This makes no sense at all to me.

Unless she's realised Oh Bollocks, I'm done for, 5 hours and one room looks bad to any employer..

So she calls me on the mobile again, an hour later after fretting about the time before and says she is done and I should rebook another cleaner tomorrow.

Oh and it would only take them 2 hours? Excuse me........ Youu couldn't manage jack in 5 hours.

I literally spot in the corner 3 black bags and she looks at me and says Oh they are just garbage.

As if why are you touching that? Just leave it. She does offer to help with one, but it's like where do I put it?

Same place as everyone else on the planet, it's right outside!! So I said it's fine, I'll do it.

Instead of being considerate and loading them evenly they are so heavy I can barely move them.

And this is all after I've told her about the health conditions. I just feel like an idiot really for reusing that shoddy service.

Even though it's Bank Holiday and I'll pay double probably. I'm tempted to book another same day service.

I just don't want to give them anymore of my money as Emop is a colossal joke.

I will look elsewhere, 3 rooms, hallway, bathroom and bedroom.

I feel taken advantage of, unheard and used as a cash cow. I tried to help myself, seek assistance.

Someone to lighten the load but I got treated like crap, it just backfired.

I got to say P was really supportive, he had to listen to me winge because I felt so anxious.

And now I have to go through it all again. I wanted this completed so the Bank Holiday Monday would be carefree.

It's just stressy. Oh well a waste of time and money. I feel extra peeved because I realised she dismantled the bloody plug for the fan and the usb wire is nowhere to be seen..

Why is there always a headache. Why would you even mess with a plug???

Ugh good job I had one last usb wire spare. An update booked a cleaner, well it turns out I was offered 2.

Outrageously expensive for 4 hours, he even offered 3 but that's over the top.

But I took it because I'm sick of being ripped off, paying for an incomplete service.

I'm hoping the price means it's more professional. I'm hoping there will not be any excuses.

It's way more than I wanted to pay and I could have done 3 hours but had to cover myself.

I'm surprised they are operating so late but I guess there is a need for it.

I've never found a sufficient cleaning company so maybe this is it?

Whatever happens I will review them and add to this post or the next.

I probably should have got more quotes but the more time raced on, the less likely someone would be available.

It would have been 2x cheaper to rebook Emop but the customer service and standards suck. I wouldn't be confident they would finish it.

Ugh I can never get the morning appointments. This one is at 6pm, yikes, long day.

It's only lunchtime now, I didn't eat yesterday due to stress and today might be the same.

I can't help this nervousness. More strangers, more judgyness potentially and I hope there will be enough natural light, my bulbs seem dim.

My stomach is in knots again. I slept a bit, then woke at 6amish fretting I wouldn't find anyone.

They could always cancel, take my money and be scammers but I have to calm down.

They wouldn't last if they did that. I know I should have called elsewhere to get an earlier slot but there was 1 left and it was too risky.

Besides I don't think anyone else would have offered me 2 people.

I remember way back when. I think that was the only time there were 2 cleaners but the male, was on the phone the entire time.

The lady I'm sure did all the work. I never used them again. I hate clock watchers, while there is stuff left to do.

Ok fine, be aware of the time being up and maybe you have other appointments..

But I think there was maybe 30 minutes left and they requested to go and I found that a shoddy service.

No cleaning isn't glamorous, but if someone is paying for your time, at those prices, you should make every second count.

Or ask, Hey, the time is almost up, before we leave is there anything small left to do?

I would have appreciated that more and said as much to the company.

I also don't see the problem with taking the trash out, it's right outside. I don't think that's demeaning, it's just helpful but none of them do it.

Talking of which, our binmen haven't been this week so it's piling up. Typical Bank Holiday weekend so they take the week off.

I have to stop this nervous babbling and try to chill out then before 6pm I can resume getting tense.

Well the development is, the booking was cancelled so as much as I hate Emop, at least they show up and partially do the job.

I have to, as much as it pains me, rebook a cleaner with them. I just don't know for when.

Tomorrow I have an appointment, 10-1pm. It's impossible to get a morning time, I could risk an overlap and try for 7am.

But no that's too stressful if one of them is late or early. I'll wait for tomorrow's appointment to come and go and then decide if I will make it for that day or Wednesday.

Ok my head is spinning, I can't even finish this post. Emop called and said I should book soon as the slots fill quickly.

I was just doing that, when the other service called about the cancellation and apologised and said We can rebook you and will stay until it's done.

4 hours or more, so I was taken aback and as crazy as it is, I will give them a fair shot over Emop.

What I didn't realise is I'm signed up to an annual club that's £89 but apparently is saving me money, hmm..

I told them not to renew that, so I pay the club fee and the cleaning fee.

I'm not going to think positive or negative, I will just see but it's the last chance and if they let me down, then Emop it is for sure.

I want to feel confident one visit will clean the remaining three rooms but we'll see.

Oh and Yes remembered to ask for female only cleaners, if someone is coming into my room, then yea I deserve to feel safe.

I shall update in future posts, exactly what happens next, the prices, the attitudes, all of it.

I am shattered.

#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...