I Want.

As most PF bloggers are aware want is different to need. A 15 minute trip around a supermarket with my youngest is a prime example of want and need and not something I willingly do anymore !

I want to start another Open University course, but more importantly I need to. The children are getting older, there is more time and space for us as adults, but selfishly I need to acheive something for me. Even invest in me. Torn between a techie course or a social science course, the difference in cost will probably sway my decision.

The jewellery extra income will kick off for me after Easter I have been very busy planning, designing and yes spending on materials. Just discovered www.etsy.com - what a great place !

As for reclaiming my PPI with Cahoot, their first response was a 9 page letter from Abbey, the parent company, including a 14 point intrusive questionnaire asking everything they already know and not relevant to the claim. Second letter going off today.

I'm maintaining a positive frame of mind, even though the car will have to go in this week, I'm expecting a £300 bill, I'm staying close to my budgets, maybe not close enough, no extra snowflakes this month.

In one hand out the other

The story of my life really. The starter motor was going on my car, bought the parts myself (saving £30) and local garage fitted along with a full service, £200 on the car. That's okay, however garage noticed I may have a cambelt problem, can't find anything in the service history to suggest it's ever been changed, this car is 7 years old, done 78,000 miles.

After a bit of research I realise I have to have this done otherwise it's the end of the road, literally. Quoted £250, coming to terms with it. It's a lot of money, that I can afford without going into the EF or putting it on a card. Just that car tax is due next month aswell.

Cahoot have received my first letter re PPI, this morning I receive an email from them telling me that the policy for my insurance on my loan ( I don't have the loan or policy anymore !) is available via the website etc etc. Is this a mass mailing and coincidence or a response to my letter ? I know they are tough nuts to crack on PPI and I'm sure this one will go to the FSA.

My printer hates me, it refuses to accept any colour cartridge I put in it. I don't have a good relationship with printers. This one is 18 months old.

Aside from these little blips I'm doing okay snowflaked £150 extra on to my debts last week and staying focussed, these little things won't push me under again.

Still being good

I'm here ! Just been whizzing around all week, why does everything happen at once ? Parent's evenings, work meetings, Mother's Day all within a week.

Nothing major to report. Still holding on tight to the purse strings.