Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Flogging A Dead Horse

I’d like to make it clear before I launch headlong (and wallet light) into this post that the bailiffs are not currently clamouring at my door demanding I hand over my widescreen TV and set of Chippendale antique dining chairs (I sent them round to the Polish family next door).

But money – that dirtiest of words – is tighter than the proverbial gnat’s chuff at the moment.

The pinch is starting to be felt. The long shadow of debt is starting to spread its wings over us and obscure the light of the sun.

The light at the end of the tunnel – my aunt’s legacy / estate – is still, unfortunately at the end of the tunnel. The phrase “in probate” is being mooted by the family solicitor and is obviously a euphemism for “a good 6 months away from being sorted out”.

Karen and I expected this. We’ve had encounters with the phrase “in probate” before so thankfully weren’t relying on this inheritance too much.

However, we’ve got to survive until the pay-out arrives.

Hence I have begun looking and applying for a second job.

Although, technically with my web design work which is already in addition to my full time job, it’s a third job.

And with my novel writing on top [is that a job? It’s certainly bloody hard work!] it could even be considered a fourth job.

Oh and maintaining a decent family life – I mean, that’s not a job but it’s a vocation of sorts and demands time, energy and money...

So. I’m applying for a fifth job to keep the wolf from the door, the bailiff in his kennel and our creditors fat.

I do not fear for I know that a peaceful future awaits me. Wide open spaces. The occasional gunshot breaking the all encompassing silence. And the discomforting smell of glue wafting faintly over the mounds of spent carcasses.

Welcome, dear reader, to the Knacker’s Yard.

15 comments:

MommyHeadache said...

Oh God so sorry to hear about all this. Serious question: have you ever considered emigrating. I say that because the idea of having that many jobs makes me just weep. I believe they take anyone in NZ.

Steve said...

Emma, I'll see if The Sagittarian can offer me board and lodgings in one of her rabbit hutches. Seriously. It may come to this. In the meantime don't weep for me. Just give me the number of your agent / book publisher.

And by the way, what did you mean by "I believe they take anyone in NZ"?! ;-)

The Sagittarian said...

While you're more than welcome Steve, I'm also unsure what is meant by "anyone"....you're not just anyone, you're someone. Big difference. Mind you, can you play rugby, drink beer and remain sensitive cos we're short on those skills here...am away to sweep out the hutch!

Steve said...

Aw cheers, mate, am away to pack me bags. Re: your requirements - I can do all three, Amanda, just not to excess. Or at the same time. Is that any good?

The Sagittarian said...

It's a start! Now then, where did I put those ballet shoes....

MOTHER OF MANY said...

Two of my daughters were discussing their similar financial states in the car earlier this evening but I am afraid to repeat their suggestions for raising extra cash for fear of embarrassing you!!!

Anonymous said...

Watch out Wonderful Steve! Too many jobs kill the worker...

Having said that, I can appreciate what you have to do to get by sometimes. Let's hope it is short lived and probate doesn't become prostate...shall we? ;-)

Cheeky Kisses to you and the family!

skatey katie said...

I believe they take anyone in NZ.

say wha'???
i am giggling down here too! X

Steve said...

Amanda, while I am certainly in touch with my feminine side I am unfortunately completely uncoordinated when it comes to dance. I can pass a ball but ballerina's are more of a problem... however, I can rub my nose with the best of them!

Ally, I can imagine and if I had better legs I'd be considering the same myself. ;-)

Sweet Cheeks, (see comment above) - let's hope I don't ever have to undertake any work that will increase the chances of prostate problems! ;-) But I guess there are worse ways to make a living. Politics for example.

Katie, I would love to visit NZ - it's one of a few travelling ambitions that I've held for a while and one day I shall make it. If NZ ever welcomed me on a more permanent basis I would feel highly honoured.

Rol said...

You Can Sleep When You're Dead.

And The Light At The End Of The Tunnel... Is A Train Coming The Other Way.

These, and other pessimistic platitudes, are available whenever you need them.

I'm not just there for the bad things in life.

Steve said...

Thanks Rol. That means more than you can possibly underestimate. ;-)

French Fancy... said...

Please tell me again what I have to put to add you to my sidebar - I keep arriving here late and I don't like being so behind with one of my favourite blogs.

My dad's probate took five weeks - this must be a complicated estate to be taking so long.

Steve said...

I'm not sure what's going on with the solicitors, FF. I suspect the delay is due to the fact that my aunt had her money invested all over the place and the hold ups are being caused by the various companies and policies she invested in.

As for the sidebar thing - it's very nice to know that you want to keep track of my posts! Alas I don't think the usual widget thing will work with my blog (to notify you of updates) as I publish to my own domain name which seems to disable much that Blogger has to offer. You'll just have to do it the old fashioned way I'm afraid and visit! ;-)

French Fancy... said...

Ha! found it! and I've realised that I did know you were writing a novel! one more! for good measure

Steve said...

One more is always appreciated! Thank you!