Locked in and Left Left High and Dry: Part II

Heyy, 

After a poor night's sleep for fear of being trapped and locked into my accommodation if there was a fire or emergency due to the door being locked following the handle breaking the previous evening, I awoke startled. The morning after the night before was different from what I had been expecting. I had expected my first night at the garden studio at The Mills Guesthouse, with its big glass bi-folding doors and waterfall shower to be a bit more natural and easy-going, maybe even with coffee in bed thrown in for good measure. But no, my day started as it meant to go on, intense, stressful, and unexpectedly abrupt.

I arrived to work ready to tell my tales of woe from the previous evening, all sprinkled with some light-hearted humor of course. Come 10.30am I was ready for the day's meetings to begin and by 1pm I was back at the garden studio at The Mills Guesthouse, packing up to come home.

Why you may ask? Well, I had come to the decision that this whole thing simply wasn't working out as I had hoped. Now as avid readers of my blog will understand and be familiar with, I do not normally talk about work-related matters or employment. Not that this is about to change, as I am still sticking by this stance, mainly for privacy and professionalism, however, what I shall say is that I am absolutely gutted it didn't work out in the way I had hoped.

That being said, I have a new job to venture into, one a lot closer to home and where I don't have to confirm my room number every day. I will be soon joining an Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Heating company as an Operations Coordinator in Milton Keynes. The company is somewhere I had looked at prior to my Hertfordshire working holiday, so I was familiar with the company and the setup. I now have a few days to prep myself for my new role and a new job, a breezy 20-mins from home.

And I could certainly use all the free and spare time I have at the moment as with less than 10 weeks to go until our wedding things are super GO GO GO at the moment! With last weekend and this weekend chocked full of wedding stuff including viewing the village hall again, confirming all the details with vendors, organizing catch-ups with suppliers to go through things, order of service and other wed-min items, RSVP's, and more, honestly I am stressed and shattered. I must say it does make life a little easier knowing most of the RSVP's are back now and I know how many kiddo's I need to make PAQ's for (PAQ standing for Peace and Quiet) which will include colouring books, crayons, toys, sweeties and other fun stuffs.

So along with a trip to the local pound shop for those kid-friendly bits, I have a list as long as my arm of crafts and DIY's that need to be finalized and completed. I have blankets to wrap, signs to make, table centerpieces to design, table plans to create, flip-flops to tie and make pretty, bathroom baskets to make, confetti boxes to reprint labels for and that is before I even think about all the other bits I have forgotten to include. I mean I knew weddings would be stressful but this is bordering on breakdown!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Locked in and Left Left High and Dry: Part I

Hello Hello, 

Yes, I know. I missed last week. But honestly the week I have had ... you wouldn't be surprised.

Packing up my bag I was surprised I could fit a fortnight of clothes in my mini-case. "At least I know I could do a two-week holibobs," I thought, sadly wondering when the next time really would be given the travel restrictions still in place and the confusing rule and regulations surrounding them all. Loading it into the car I bid farewell to the pups and promised to see them at the weekend. The only difference being is that rather than me bombing it home on a Friday night with hopes of an Indian and lots of pup-snuggles, Mr. Warehouse would be bringing them down, along with himself to see me in my new accommodation.

It was going to be wonderful. And with "Freedom day" finally here my week was looking busy with plans already, meeting with Miss Tweedle-Dee and my Uncle Golf for some dinner in the week and all in the knowledge that masks were not a necessity and life was a little more back to normality. 

Ahh, yes. Freedom. Monday, 19 July 2021 in the UK has finally marked the ending of lockdowns (fingers-crossed) and with an end for all COVID restrictions, Bozza Jozza's looking pretty pleased with himself. Now don't get it twisted, I am as happy as the next person, but I do worry that this isn't it and that somehow it may all come tumbling down again. I feel as though there is still enough time for the figures to creep up and for numbers to increase so much so another lockdown could be on the cards and disappointingly I can see in coming into place right before our special day.I hope not. 

You would have been forgiven for thinking I had dumped my fiance and moved to Hertford the amount I had been staying away for work, pretty much five days a week since I started nearly 10-weeks ago was a lot for one person, especially when they had a whole life back home and a feast of family and friends that were being neglected. And all in the name of a career. But no, since I was asked to stay away for the full summer holidays in order to cover people's annual leave and childcare arrangements. I had agreed to get the company to rent a serviced apartment AirBnB type place - Somewhere I could leave a bottle of shampoo or my straighteners over the weekend, you know. 

And so I poodled on down the M1 to Hertford for another day's work, tottering off to my new abode to settle in for the evening and unpack. The Mills Guesthouse was a small self-contained studio apartment set within a seemingly large family home down a winding country road in Hatfield. Looking out onto a feature garden with a small patio terrace I was delighted to find that every room came with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom along with a wardrobe and some very basic cooking facilities including a microwave, tiny fridge, and a kettle. Although I was happy with this and finally glad I could have even just a ready meal over takeout every night.

Unfortunately, since the landlord was going on holiday soon, I was unable to indulge in the continental or a Full English/Irish breakfast, but she seemed friendly enough and welcomed me to use the other areas of the house including the kitchen, washing machine, and conservatory when she was away. Explaining it was normally students staying she explained I would be one of the only people at the property whilst she and her family were away which was not for a few more weeks yet. I was happy and the best part was it was doggo and visitor friendly.

After calling Mr. Warehouse and showing off my new pad it was getting dark and with it being blog night I wanted to make a head start soon and get an early night, considering we both hadn't slept much the night before due to the heat. Closing the posh bi-folding doors I was confused as to why it wouldn't lock properly or shut all the way, and, after YouTubing had not helped and WikiHow had no answers for me I called the landlord. She was equally confused, probably wondering why this bimbo can't close the damned door. Following her instructions over the phone I felt a snap. I looked down and saw that the silvery metal in my hand should not have come off and should indeed still be attached to the door in which it was being used as a handle.

Explaining what had just happened the lady sounded pissed as she said she would be over in five. Panicking I didn't know what to do but wait. After she checked it out, the Landlord confirmed what I already knew. the door couldn't be locked from the inside and I would have no option but to sleep with an unlocked door. Not knowing what to do she left with promises of a locksmith to come over and fix in the next few days. As soon as she left I called my fiance. I was in floods of tears by this point, mostly from tiredness but also from panic and being scared about the night ahead.

After all the suggestions were put forward there was only one option I had left. I couldn't call anyone from work, it was half-nine at night for goodness sake, and besides what could they do. I couldn't really sleep in my car, but equally, I couldn't sleep with the door wide open. Other than going and spending a night at a local budget hotel and claiming it back on expenses there was only one other option. Another studio garden room was available on the other side of the garden so I reasoned with myself and called the women back.

Apologizing for crying and having a fucking freak-out moment, I said to her that I simply didn't feel comfortable. She tried to reassure me saying it was a good area and she was staying in the house upstairs and that really I would WANT to have the door open because of the balmy night. Once again I said that I was sorry but I didn't know the area and the room looked out onto what appeared to be a busy and popular walking spot for people and that in all fairness I didn't know her from Adam, let alone anyone else in the house or that could be staying. I wasn't too bothered about my laptop or engagement ring, I had watched far too many horror films to know that this wouldn't end well.

Realizing that the other garden studio was not an option as it wasn't set up for guests (which was a crock of shit because I snooped earlier and it was perfectly set up no problems) and with it getting close to 10pm I reluctantly agreed with the only thing left to do - Lock me in. Now I understood in my head there were other risks which would ensue, like what would I do if there was a fire or emergency and I needed to get out but by this point, I was running out of options and all bar having Mr. Warehouse trapse down here with the dogs and stay awake all night on edge waiting for Freddy or Jason to come busting down my door.

Reluctantly I agreed to be locked in like a prisoner, unbeknownst to me that it would be my one and only night staying. Ahh yes, because life has a funny way of showing you who is in control, ripping the rug right from underneath you when you least expect it ...

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

It's not coming home

Evening All, 

This time next week. This time next week eh. Yes. Freedom. Hopefully. Next Monday, 19 July 2021 in the UK will mark the ending of lockdowns and an end for all COVID restrictions. Bozza Jozza's plans for the final unlocking of restrictions in England after the final stage of reopening on 21 June was pushed back, will finally come true. I truly hope so anyway, because I honestly don't know how well I or the rest of the British public will act should another country-wide lockdown happen, and god knows that Prime Minister Boris Johnson can't really go back on his word yet again, U-turning. 

In recent news, it has been reported that we have now fully vaccinated nearly 35 million people. That is 66% of all adults. 66%. A huge achievement and even more have had the single-dose awaiting their second one in the coming weeks. The success of the vaccine roll-out has meant that, despite the new Delta Indian variant of Coronavirus, there have been many days now where there have been zero COVID-related deaths. 

As Boris Johnson made his announcement during the press conference this evening he urged caution, saying the pandemic is not over and that deaths and hospitalizations from coronavirus would continue. Health Secretary Sajid Javid (Long story but basically Matt Hancock got caught cheating on his wife with some hussy from the labor party - an opposing parliamentary party, talk about sleeping with the enemy?!) has said although cases will continue to rise and he did not "believe that infection rates will put unsustainable pressure on the NHS". The BBC outlined that recent data suggests that the vaccination program has reduced hospital admissions and deaths, with fewer than one in 1,000 infections now estimated to result in death - compared with one in 60 during last winter. This time next week I will be talking to you from a face-mask-free, hugging and licking appropriate zone where everyone can go out clubbing and dance at weddings.

However, maybe it is just what the country needs, especially after the big Euro's finale everyone watched last night. The Three Lions, appearing in their first major men's final for 55 years, were agonizingly beaten on penalties following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes. Having absolutely no interest in Football and (successfully) not writing about sport of any kind (at least to my knowledge) in the last ten years of writing this blog, I had to do some research and fact-checking for tonight's blog post. On consulting BBC Sport, England reached their first men's European Championship final by topping their group, then defeating Germany, Ukraine, and Denmark in the knockout stage. 

But sadly despite the hype and the chants and the hope and dreams of a nation, it simply wasn't meant to be. They were the only two goals of the game, and Italy edged home 3-2 on penalties. I watched from behind a pillow as the final few shots at the goal took place, Mr Warehouse on the edge of his seat too. England's Euro 2020 final defeat by Italy was "incredibly painful" but the players gave "everything they possibly could", said manager Gareth Southgate. 

I did half expect after all of the efforts made, albeit in vain, for there to be a lot more abuse and sadly racial slurs and hatred spread online about the young players, several of which were young black men, one I was surprised who was only just nineteen years old. But with some gentle encouragement from their manager and some good old-fashioned cuddles too from teammates and supports, I think they will be OK. I mean I am sure all those millions and squillions in their bank account help no end. "We are all together. They have given the country some unbelievable memories," Southgate said on BBC One with Captain Harry Kane said the defeat would "hurt for the rest of our careers but we should be extremely proud as a group of what we have achieved," adding "I couldn't have given more, the boys couldn't have given more. Penalties are the worst feeling in the world when you lose. It wasn't our night but it's been a fantastic tournament and we should hold our heads high." 

I won't lie, I did worry about Bukayo Saka, the little black teenager crying his eyes out on the pitch after having his goal saved by the opposition and probably feeling like he let the whole country down. It's certainly going to hurt for a while, but my concerns were for some of the nasty comments and vicious tweets that can and sadly and inevitably will come after such a loss. 

However, on opening my news feed early this morning and scrolling through whilst pouring my coffee I saw nothing but admiration for those young lads. Tweets and Instagram posts heralding them as heroes and for doing nothing but giving their all. Now don't get it twisted, I am the first one to criticize and say that they are paid FAAAAR too much for running around a pitch and kicking about a ball of air (in days gone by it would have been a natty old pigs bladder) and how nurses and paramedics are paid annually less than a quarter of a footballer's weekly income is. 

But with that being said I have noticed a change in the wind. These boys are doing far more for their country than playing a poxy game. Rashford (Marcus) campaigned heavily throughout last year for free school meals for the most vulnerable children and when the government offered some measly half bananas, jam sandwiches, and an egg (yes as little as that) Marcus Rashford stood up and said "No, this isn't good enough". At nineteen I was more worried about holding down a job long enough to keep a roof over my head and afford to go out and get shit-faced and meet boys let alone taking shots in a Euro Final which could change history. How many other people can say they were doing something that great at 19! 

I am sure that the racism and disgusting comments and hate are there, but I am glad that the British public saw what I did yesterday. A kid. A kid who had tried his hardest. A kid who played his heart out. A kid who is probably more dedicated than some fully grown men double his age. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

covi-D Day!

Heyy everyone, 

So today we have learned here in the UK Bozza Jozza's plans for the final unlocking of restrictions in England. After the final stage of reopening on 21 June was pushed back, I think that the public knows that Prime Minister Boris Johnson can't really go back on his word yet again, U-turning yet again. The new unlocking date is scheduled in which all legal limits on social contact removed, nightclubs opening and restrictions on weddings or other social gatherings will be abolished is 19 July in England with Scotland and Wales to follow suit in the coming weeks also. 

Most recently it has been widely reported that we have had many days now where there have been zero COVID-related deaths and with the BBC confirming that, whilst still sad, the numbers today are only nine (as recorded on Monday 05 July 2021). That is still a huge difference from what we were seeing several months ago and the vaccine roll-out really is our savior. Despite the new Indian variant labeled the Delta Coronavirus, most of the adult population have had access to their first vaccine, more than 45-million people in fact, with many, like myself and Mr. Warehouse having had both which is now at an average of 3 in four people being fully vaxxed. 

As Boris Johnson made his announcement during the news this evening on the BBC he outlined a five-point plan for "living with Covid". Continuing with his address to the nation, the PM explained that "if we don't go ahead now when we've clearly done so much with the vaccination program to break the link... when would we go ahead?" something I think the whole country has been screaming at their tellies for weeks. Adding he said "We run the risk of either opening up at a very difficult time when the virus has an edge, has an advantage, in the cold months, or again putting everything off to next year." OH GOD PLEASE NO!

In line with this development and his confidence in reopening on 19 July, head honcho BoJo has said that most coronavirus rules will cease with the plan to include a reduction in the interval between vaccine doses for the under-40's, meaning everyone over 18 should be double-jabbed by mid-September, an end to the 1m plus social distancing rule, and no limits on numbers meeting indoors or outdoors. Legal requirements to wear face coverings will also end, Mr. Johnson said, but guidance will continue to suggest places "where you might choose to do so".

Finally were allowed as grown adults to use our own brains!!!

However, regardless of the optimism, as told via an article from the BBC, the Government has been careful with their words warning that cases were predicted to rise to 50,000 a day later this month and that "we must reconcile ourselves, sadly, to more deaths from Covid" I just hope that things don't change as this week Mr Warehouse and I break the less that 100-day mark on our wedding countdown. I just hope everything stays true and we can finally get hitched!

'Til next time, Love A.Lou x

Remember, if you would like to purchase anything then please feel free to check out my store at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Wooftys or visit our Instagram @WooftysDogTreats and use "TATOATS21" to get 10% off your first order over £15.00.

Fear is interest paid on a debt you might not owe

 Evening All, 

And so it has happened. I mean it is not like I knew it wouldn't, it is written into my contract. It is pretty unlikely that things would not have gone back to more of a normality, or whatever this new bullshit is now especially since shops are now open not to mention the restaraunts and pubs as mentioned last week. But as I sat in the hairdressers today on my day off, scrolling through my social media pages, flooded with back to school pictures, the anxiety I felt peaked. Why? Because tomorrow is my first day back in the office.

Week number seventeen and whilst the virus has no end in sight yet, we are being told from media outlets and Government alike to 'Get back to work'. On 17 July, Boris Johnson announced that from 1 August the Government’s advice for England on going to work would be changing and instead of telling people to work from home where possible and if they can to contain and cntrol the virus, employers were given more discretion and in turn asked the country to return to work safely. Workplaces up and down the country started to make decisions about how staff can work in a clean and COVID-secure enviroment. 

"Whatever employers decide, they should consult closely with their employees, and only ask people to return to their place of work if it is safe" said the Prime Minister. However, on 31 July following some local outbreak of the Coronavirus in the Midlands and North West, the postponement of some planned lockdown easing in England had to be halted and ergo the 'Back to work' chants. Since then the Government have updated the 'Working safely during coronavirus' guidance, but with the changes to the relaxation of restrictions and the potential for regional restrictions to be put in place should a spike appear continuing, is it sensible for businesses to consider beinging staff back, even on a part time basis? Everyone will need to have the capability to move quickly from one scenario to another as local lockdowns and quarratining from foreign countries changes by a daily, sometimes hourly even basis. 

This virus is still out there and figures from the BBC released today (Monday 07 September 2020) confirm that whilst the number of new cases of coronavirus is continuing to rise, the death rate is just 3 in the last 24-hour period; A stark cry from the blog post I wrote my first few weeks working from home in late March when the figure was already at over 1,400 which has already been dwarfed by the 41,500 deaths the nation has seen and it is still being added to. Prime Minister Boris Johnson had yet to update us since the 23rd of March with the rolling news and science or the growing number of deaths or what it would mean for Mr.  Warehouse and I as a family and all of the summer fun and activities and parties we would miss out on not only then but looking forward to the rest of the year also; Halloween, my birthday, Christmas, Christmas parties, New Years Eve and not to mention the effing wedding. This being said, however, his strict curb on life in the UK to tackle the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus has certainly shaken things up 

I spoke right at the beginning of all of this madness stating that whilst the last few weeks in the run-up to the UK's lockdown had been strange, the whole working from home situation had started off feeling odd. Slowly getting better as the days turned to weeks and weeks turned into months I became more and more settled. I had my own little morning routine and even during my lunch half-hour and breaks I would occupy myself with putting the washing on, cleaning or sticking the dishwasher on. I have enjoyed my time working at home all in the knowledge that I could organise a oven clean or some workmen to come round and I would be in. I could order something and know I could open the door to receieve it myself. I could look after the dogs and have cuddles whenever I wanted. It was bliss. 

I, like many workers will be concerned and anxious about even the prospect of being in the workplace. Thankfully I dont have to worry too much about travelling there and back as I don't have to use public transport. But alas it had to come to an end at some point I suppose. Now some of you may already be feeling this way and will want to know that your company or  organisation is retaining the support for physical and mental health as well as its current thinking about flexible and remote working both for now and for the future. Now whilst I accept that we all need to start getting back to our (post-apocolyptic it seems sometimes) new normal, discussions about returning to the workplace, be it a shop, bar or office should be at the heart of any decisions and plans that business makes and every effort should be made to make sure people feel safe and secure in an enviroment they spend more time at than at home, at least pre-COVID. However this is something I feel people aren't talking about not nearly enough. 

The last time I stepped into that office was back in May 2020, before summer, before heatwaves and before any thoughts about postponing the wedding. Even then I only went in to collect a few things from my desk to make it easier to work from home, or WFH as some people are now referring to it. And even before that optional visit it was back in March before lockdown when we were all back, crowding round the doughnuts someone had brought in or queuing for the coffee machine. But I have been assured it is safe with weird heat detection systems, air-cirulation units and socially distanced desks, I am sure it will be, but the communication out is a little sparse for my likling and I cannot, at the moment at least, hold my hand on my heart and say I feel confident and safe returning to work just yet. 

Despite all of this and how tiresome I and many others are finding this lockdown crap, regardless of its "easing", I am glad to just be getting some sort of news and clarity on what the future may look like, even if it is just up until the end of the year. But things are not over and to say that I am scared, anxious, worried, daunted and generally overwhelmed by the whole experiance now as I write to you all less than twelve-hours to go, is an understatement but I know it is for the best and hopefully it wont be so bad ... 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Change in the wind says I

Morning, 

Collapsing onto my sofa in my newly turned round living room (one of mine and Mr Warehouse's COVID Jobs to do up the house during lockdown) I was exhausted. As I listened and watched my future husband play on his Xbox I faded in and out of of my surroundings, sometimes falling asleep for mere moments and others just zoning out. I was burnt out and the last few weeks had been mental workwise which had lead to the position I was that Tuesday evening last week. 

You see, I had suffered from mental health issues before and with my depression and anxiety around certain things I was able to curb that and knew when it was coming and how the dark black cloud felt. But this was different and it had been building up and up for several weeks. And so after speaking with my doctors, they signed me off with work-related stress for a fortnight. I was shocked to say the least and as I tried to explain to the HR person I felt incredibly guilty, exhausted, stressed, tired and relieved all at the same time as feeling as though I was letting down customers, engineers and staff alike. And so after a brief discussion with my HR department (lady) the company took the decision to place me on furlough instead. 

Financially this would make me better ff as I would be on basically full pay for the fortnight my doctor has advised and should the worst happen whereby either there is not enough work for me to come back to or I am signed off for longer, as before my pay will be at 80% my normal salary (as paid by the government under the Coronavirus Job Retention scheme) rather than the minimal Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) which is approximately £90 per week. This being said however I made it quite clear that I wanted i noted and on file that the issues were as a direct result of work-related stress, something I had been trying to explain and communicate for weeks.   

Nevertheless, the "Free-Time" I have had, albeit a few hours in the day since I still need to drop Mr Warehouse to and from work every day has been nice. So far I have been able to keep up with some gardening, get into the kitchen to bake many a sweet treat including a monster of a white chocolate cheesecake that we are still trying t work our way through, despite giving a third away to Big Brother Warehouse and his brood. 

I am hoping that my time out of the "workplace" or whatever you want to call it can make for some time to craft and DIY. I have acquired my grandmother's old writing bureau and have plans to revamp it with navy chalk paint and golden metalwork to match the living room's luxe gold and dark blue theme. I plan on finishing off the crafts I started but never finished such as my pebble lamp and once I finish that, I plan on starting a few more including upcycling some white trainers into some 101 Dalmatian inspired sneakers and turning some frumpy looking creps into some bedazzling jewelled kicks to wear on the dancefloor once my feet get tired from the heels on my wedding day. And if I get all of that completed I have a long list of other things I want to either get some or at least get on top of for our upcoming nuptials including welcome signs, decor and even one of those fancy Captin Bride Hats I have seen on Pinterest that I refuse to spend £60+ on when I can just use some materials and gems to achieve the boujee look. 

Ideally, I would like to create some built-in shelves in the living room and even wallpaper the downstairs WC, although I think these are mainly weekend jobs for when I have an extra pair of helping hands. It seems as though we are all going to have many more of these bank-holiday-inspired weekends where everyone either does DIY or gardening. It seems as though "New Normal" and anything relatively life-enhancing is still off the books. With figures from the BBC that state that whilst the confirmed new cases of coronavirus in the UK are over 1,500 today alone, the death toll has significantly dropped to just 121 today alone (Monday 25 May 2020). Boris Johnson's statement to the nation several weeks ago gave us all some hope, and confusion plenty. 

I am just praying that we can get away in July and that the restrictions are lifted before 5th July, enabling our little family in the making to head for the beaches and beauty spots of Cornwall, although I fear that we will wither be amongst the disappointed millions, or the very first lucky few. Things are looking hopeful however, with airlines starting up at the beginning of June and July and promises of places like restaurants and cafe's being open beginning of July, I am hoping for the latter.

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx

Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work so most people don't recognise them

Hello, 

I knew that this week would be a strange one, but I never thought that life would be as different now as it was only a few mere weeks ago. The last few weeks have been strange to say the least, especially working from home which in the beginning was odd, and yet now seems more settled and I kinda have a routine. Boris (Johnson, our Prime Minister, and secret weird crush of mine) has yet to grace us with any more televised statements from Downing Street. This being said, however, his strict curb on life in the UK to tackle the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus have certainly shaken things up but as the UK death toll has peaked so far at 1,408 I am left questioning what happens in future weeks. 

Simply put, people have not listened, myself maybe being one of them. Like naughty toddlers, people did not heed advice from Government to stay at home (except for shopping for basic necessities, once-daily exercise, attending to any medical need or travelling to and from essential work). And so, as a necessary precaution in order to protect everyone, announcements were made that all shops selling non-essential goods such as clothing and electronics are being told to shut and gatherings in public of more than two people who do not live together are to be prohibited. The pubs, clubs, restaurants, bars and cafes are all closed and with nothing else left to do but to sit indoors and hope that this all comes to an end sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, some people still didn't quite get the memo as Parks and open spaces still became flooded on the weekend we BBQ-ers, sun-bathers and picnics. So much so that UK police have been forced to use their powers to enforce them, including fines and dispersing gatherings. Thankfully living out in't countryside allows us a little more freedom than some of the bigger towns and cities. 

Truthfully, in the beginning, I didn't take this whole thing seriously enough, still don't to an extent. Although that doesn't stop my appreciation for those doing a good job in order to keep everything in the country ticking along nicely until this whole thing blows over. But the last couple of days since Bo-Jo's address to the nation like something from 1945, has really made me question my own situation, I suppose rather selfishly. Early last week, on Tuesday 17 March, moneysavingexpert.com explained easily how banks had agreed with the Chancellor that they will offer 'forbearance' (tolerance and help) on mortgages. This means they all should offer those struggling a three-month 'holiday', allowing customers a temporary break from having to make mortgage payments during this time. Something which I think will help us with some of the more recent developments to do with mine and Mr Warehouse's work situation. 

For us, keeping up with bills and putting food on the table was never really a challenge, and might not be, but we are conscious about the ever-growing distance between us and that crack that seems to loom more and more as the days pass. Realistically having a forbearance on our mortgage at least will help a little, although I am hoping some of our other financial products such as car finance, credit cards and loans can catch up with the mortgage companies soon. It should help and maybe get us out of what could have been a very tight hole in the next few weeks and months, although after spending four-and-a-half hours on hold to our mortgage company last Thursday and then a further 3-hours the following Friday morning I was finally able to speak with someone. Feeling embarrassed I mumbled my way through the phone call with a lovely woman who explained that there was nothing to be embarrassed by and that everyone is in the same boat and to not worry or panic. And so, for the next three months, we won't pay anything, then when our mortgage repayments resume, the total we owe would be spread over the following remain years on our term, relatively speaking we will see a very small uplift in future payments.

Several days later, the UK Government announced a continuity of the COVID-19 Coronavirus package to help people affected by the pandemic which including a sweeping pledge to pay 80% of employees' wages if they are not working due to illness or to cover that of 'retained' employees, being those who would otherwise have been laid off due to the knock-on effects of the coronavirus pandemic. I mentioned last week that, hopefully, this will help many people who would have otherwise lost their jobs. However, it would seem as though I may be benefiting from this exact hand out ... 

iNews.co.uk explains that Furloughed workers are those whose employers cannot cover staff costs due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus, and as such, they have been asked to stop working, but have not been made redundant. The website continues that "under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all employers in the UK will be able to access support to continue paying part of employees’ salaries who would otherwise have been laid off during the ongoing health crisis." This means that whilst the employee is not necessarily working, the employee still has all the same rights as they did previously including Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) entitlement, maternity rights, other parental rights, rights against unfair dismissal and to redundancy payments. This also allows employees to access all company benefits such as health care, health insurances and even pensions. Obviously, there is a limit to the amount paid will be capped at a maximum of £2,500 per month / per employee (nowhere near my salary - Sadface), and the Government is saying that all is to be issued through grants which can be paid out to any employer and “before the end of April” with wages will be paid backdated to 1st March 2020.  

As it stands, I have yet to hear back on anything solid or any contractual changes that will ultimately need to be put in place before such a big rollout. I will hopefully find out the final results in the coming days, but here's hoping I can continue to work in whatever capacity that may be - Full Time, Part Time, Half Days, Full Days, Different departments - who cares! As long as I am doing something, my bit if you will, then I will be happy. Besides with no kids, childcare issues at nil, twenty-minutes drive from the office and having never taken ill since working for the company I would like to hope I would be a good candidate to keep the well-oiled machine going. I suppose only time will tell, and here's hoping that it will tell all soon. 

'Til next time, Love A.Lou xx