Another waffly one in Diary

General bits and pieces. I’ve had a little bit more work to do today, but it’s still been really quiet. I expressed my concern that I might be made redundant if it carries on like this, but my line manager assured me that they’ve already discussed the quiet areas and decided that no one is going to be made redundant. They’re working really hard to get more contracts in, so that’s a relief.

I’m only going to be paid for three days work this month as the cut off for payroll was 18th July, but it’s better than the NOTHING I’ve earned for the last three months. Next month I should hopefully be paid for 14 days, and then I’ll be up to full months of four day weeks. I read that 30% of women get into debt whilst on maternity leave. So, although I’ve been spending a lot on my credit card, it’s manageable, so I’m pleased I managed to survive the whole year with very little cash.

It’s been confirmed that I do have 33 days annual leave to take before the end of the year, woohoo! (25 days annual leave plus the eight bank holidays that have accrued while I’ve been off). I’ve booked three weeks off just to use it up, I’m going to carry five days into next year, and I need to decide what to do with the rest of it :o)

I also finally have a computer. OK so it’s a laptop rather than a desktop, as they still don’t have a desk for me, so I just have to sit wherever is available for the time being. But a machine all for me is great news, it means I can get properly set up. They even still have my ergonomic mouse from a year ago! I was wondering about that as I had really painful RSI in my wrist and it took months to get this mouse, so I’m pleased they kept it for me. I hope I get a desktop computer when I’m finally settled at a desk, it’s much more comfortable than a laptop.

So, good news on the work front.

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I got my car insurance sorted today. My renewal was coming in at £481, so I did a comparison online and managed to find a policy for £396, including courtesy car, breakdown cover and protected NCB! I was very surprised it was so low considering I now have penalty points on my licence for my speeding fine, but I was very pleased as I haven’t been able to get it below £400 for about five years. I suppose my eight years NCB must have helped with that :o) When I rang my current provider to cancel the renewal, I was on the phone for 25 minutes as he tried to fiddle about to lower the price. Come on mate, there’s no way you’re going to cut £100 off the price, just cancel it already!

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Last night we had a HUGE amazing thunderstorm at 1:30am. We had all the windows open as it was so hot, but then we were hit with gale force wind, torrential rain, loads and loads of lightning and really loud, explosive, rolling thunder for about half an hour. I ran down to close Harrison’s window and to check on him, and the little mite was spark out, it didn’t disturb him at all! I don’t know how he slept through it, but I was very pleased that he did.

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Oh the best thing about Harrison going to bed on his own is that we’ve been able to claw back a couple of hours in the evenings. Me and Dave have actually been watching films and TV, I’ve been doing a bit of knitting, reading in bed and sleeping through the night undisturbed! It’s been absolute bliss :o)

Oh, I almost forgot; Harrison has almost completely self weaned off the breast now! He actually asks to have a bottle of milk instead and hardly ever asks for boob anymore. I still offer it to him once a twice a day, and he has a couple of sips of milk, but then gets distracted and wanders off to look at something. During the times he was permanently attached right up until about a month ago, I thought it was going to be very difficult to wean him, but he’s almost done it himself and he isn’t even a year old yet!

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Last updated July 24, 2019