This morning I took my son to an informal interview for a college course. He came out grinning; they’ve accepted him on to the course. The good news is that it will only cost £40 for the year. At the moment he’s getting Job Seekers Allowance because he’s been looking for a job. He’s been looking for a year now, and college was his fall back plan.

The job centre has ‘threatened’ to force him to do ‘voluntary’ work because he hasn’t found a job yet. I stated that it wouldn’t do him any harm, and besides, it doesn’t stop him from going to college in September when the course starts. At least this way he’d still have some money coming in. I said to tell them that he’s been accepted on to a college course when he goes to sign on next week, and to see what they say about the voluntary work. No, he can’t do that. Whilst I was in work he phoned them and asked them to remove him from JSA. The upshot is he’ll now have no money coming in. Man I was mad at him! I’ve told him he should look for a summer job to tide him over; at least that way he’ll have some money coming in. He’s stated he will still pay me rent, out of his savings. I replied I’d accept. I have house insurance to fork out for next month, and car breakdown and insurance to pay in August. I still need a new stove! The little money I’d saved for that went on the car MOT and service.

I’d also had an email from my manager stating that they’re not happy that I could be working split campus next year – well neither am I! They’re looking in to me working for just one department, on one campus, however he feels they may not give me a full time contract. Marvellous! Twice recently I’ve come in early, once for a meeting, the other time because the academic hadn’t properly prepared for a lesson and I had to help out. I’ve worked the occasional lunch time too to help out. Last week I acted as an exam invigilator due to staff shortages – they get paid way more than I do. The point is, I’m very flexible and will help out when needed. Well it seems that flexibility and loyalty will get you squat!

On the plus side I had a nice relaxing 4 day weekend, though I’m not sure crawling round the garden picking weeds from between the paving slabs should count as relaxing lol. I picked 2 bucket loads over 3 days then called it a day due to the back of my knee hurting.

On Friday I took my son to his hospital appointment and they’re happy not to see him any more unless his Raynaud’s gets any worse. Good result! I took him out for lunch and we had a very nice lunch at a chain restaurant. Bit expensive, but hey, he only has a Birthday once a year. I was sat thinking, a year ago today I was in hospital, very poorly with a virus, and was pleading with them to let me out early as it was his 18th the following day. Wow that year has flown by! In July I’ll have the next round of blood tests and it’s stressing me a little already. I know I shouldn’t worry, but it’s always at the back of my mind niggling me.

I met with my friend on Saturday though after 3 hours I’d had enough of him. I felt like he was messing me about a tad, so took him home and used the heat as an excuse to get away early and get my groceries home. The traffic was a nightmare!

Sunday I popped out to my favourite town and got some good meat deals for the freezer and had a lovely drive, all by myself. I don’t mind people, in moderation, but I don’t live alone, and have to share an office, so I feel like I’m rarely alone. I like alone time. It was just one of the reasons that I left my ex; he never ever gave me any alone time or space.

On Monday I should have gone out with my sister, but after the traffic on Saturday I arranged to postpone it until next Saturday. Holiday Monday was spent quietly at home, in front of the TV, with a scrumptious beef in ale casserole slowly bubbling away on the stove. Delicious!