Things I have learnt over the past few months.

That's lovely, Phoenix. You are resourceful indeed - and very wise!

The harder you fall the higher you can bounce.

That's lovely phoenix.

I have learnt over the past couple of years that you are kind, funny, resourceful and strong among lots of other things.

It's good to know you are feeling positive and that things are looking up.

for Pheonix I'm new and dont know you,but it's easy to see your attitude through it all shows a strong women!

Good positive karma to you .

x

Phoenix, you truly are an inspiration, I appreciate the way you always find something good in every day, no matter how tough that day may be. The power of positive thinking lives to support another day x

Two chicken thighs EACH!!?? I think you could cut back a bit there, phoenix!

Seriously, it's good to see you back on form after the tribulations of the last few months - onwards and upwards!

Having survived for almost 6 months on JSA following redundancy, I suddenly got a part-time job at the same time as my belated redundancy payment (only around £2,000) arrived. I was very tempted to splash out on a few treats - was particularly desperate to have a holiday - but circumstances (and an uncaring new boss) conspired to prevent this. We carried on with the same budgetary regime for several months and the £2000 remained in the bank as a cushion in case of further disasters. We never re-instated things like daily papers, magazine subscriptions or once a fortnight take-aways and I re-learned the delights of Thrift Shops, Grow Your Own and DIY.

Not the happiest time of our lives but certainly set us on a path that has led to a comfortable retirement.

Thanks for your OP phoenix reading it has taught me a lot. You are truly inspirational

I cant say I have lived a sheltered life. I haven't. Joining GN has opened my eyes to so many things, mainly how brave, strong and inspirational some people are when the chips are down. You are one of them

Many thanks to you all, but I have just learnt another thing!

My previous photos on profile were from a digital camera, but with a bit of help from Mr P, there is a scanned photo of me and Jack on the day I married Mr P!

(well, there should be!)

phoenix, what a really lovely photo. Beautiful indeed. You and your lovely boy. . xx

phoenix That is a beautiful photo of you both

You deserve some good times now, and I'm sure things will be better this year.

I've learnt something too......................you don't look a bit like I'd imagined!

Thanks Marelli In all fairness, that photo was taken in 2004, I have acquired a few more wrinkles since then! Plus it's not the best shot of my boy, he almost looks as if he doesn't want to be there!

Now that I know that photos seem to scan ok, I might upload a few more.

As Ana said - two chicken thighs each is way over the top ! I remember years ago feeding my then DH and 2 kids on 1lb mince and 1 chicken for a week with an egg or two for a treat !!

Lona please tell me what you did imagine!

Phoenix what a lovely photo of you both. You are amazing in the way your courage has moved you onward and upwards.

What a lovely photo of you and Jack, Phoenix, and it's odd but you look just as I have imagined you

Oh just seen Lona's post

If you're near a Waitrose you can get a free newspaper every time you spend £5, and a free cup of coffee every day.

You look so dainty, but you always make disparaging remarks about yourself and I don't know why, because you look lovely.

I agree - you don't do yourself justice when describing yourself, phoenix - you are petite and gorgeous! (and you can't have changed that much in ten years!) And Jack was a handsome lad.

apricot only if you apply for the Waitrose card which in my case took months to arrive. There are other benefits which to me are not immediately noticeable when shopping there. There is 10% off many items but I never discover what until after I have paid.

Because on the whole it is expensive to shop there, I go around looking for bargains all of the time and usually come out trumps. Waitrose is my nearest, 1/2 mile drive away.

phoenix Ana and I are always right!