Hi Everyone! Since it’s been a few months since my last post, it’s time for the July 2021 Update! We’re going to start with family updates, and then move onto the renovation plans, blog, and shops. Lots of good things are happening for us this year!
Family Updates
Mr. H
Over the last few months, a lot has happened for our tiny little family. After being on furlough for over a year, Mr. H has found a new job. He’s working as tech support for the post office, which he seems to enjoy so far. I’m glad he’s trying something new, as his job before was working with his parents at their family restaurant since he was young. This job has the opportunity within a few months to advance in his career, which means a higher salary, set working hours, and more employee benefits. The best thing though, as this company is global, so he can be transferred to an office in the US if he wishes! That’s super exciting for us!
Punky
Punky has done a phenomenal job with his schooling. It’s now summer break, and he’s finally relaxing as he should. After months of home learning, a positive covid case in his class requiring the entire class to isolate for 10 days just before the end of the school year, and much more, he’s almost caught up to his peers. As you probably know, schooling hasn’t been easy for Punky. During this last year, he won star of the week three times, a PRIDE award for his engagement in his lessons, and star of the block at the end of the school year, too! Punky has definitely put in the effort required this year. I couldn’t be more proud of him! It all came down to the individualized attention he received from his teacher and me during the year and allowing him to take breaks as necessary.
I told a few people about how Punky was struggling with his mental health in 2020, and the beginning of 2021. I’m happy to report that he’s doing much, much better. We’re continuing to work on building his self-esteem and confidence. If you know of any books for 11-year-olds that are helpful in those areas, please let me know!
Me
In news about me, I have finally been able to apply for my biometric card, transferring my indefinite leave to remain visa out of my expired passport. As soon as that arrives, I’ll finally be able to work! Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved and have been lucky to be a stay-at-home mom, but Punky is old enough now that he is more independent and doesn’t need me 24/7. I have missed getting up and going to work, meeting new people, and feeling like I’m more than a cook, maid, errand girl, etc. I’m hoping my card arrives before my birthday, so I can really start saving for our move. International removals companies aren’t cheap!
Mr. H and I have both had our first Pfizer covid-19 immunizations done. We’ll have the second one done in 6-8 weeks. Luckily, our symptoms were pretty mild and only lasted for a couple of days. We were exhausted and had really sore arms. Other than that, we were completely fine! I slept for the majority of two days while the guys enjoyed each other’s company by playing video games and eating junk food.
The Flat Renovation
Mr. H and I have finalized the plans for the renovation, gotten quotes for the work to be done, and I can honestly say that it’s not as expensive as I was thinking it was going to be. We have picked out paint colors, flooring options (no more carpet, woohoo!), cabinet doors and worktops for the kitchen, and all of the appliances. It’s all starting to become real, and I couldn’t be more excited.
We had planned on renting another small flat while the renovations were being done, but that didn’t make sense for us financially. We’re supposed to be saving money, not spending more! So instead, we’re going to rent a storage unit, pack up the flat, and store most of the stuff there while the floors are being redone. It shouldn’t really take long to rip up the carpet and install bamboo flooring throughout the entire place. Our flat is only 600sq ft, so it should only take a couple of days, max. We’re going to have the bathtub refinished instead of installing a new one, and leave the carpets in the bedrooms alone since they’re still in good condition. I wanted to remove the old 80s fireplace surround and replace it with a new wooden one, but sadly it’s out of our projected budget.
Timeline
We don’t have a timeline for the renovation right now. It all depends on when I’m able to start working, so nothing has been booked yet. I do hope that the local flooring and kitchen installers won’t stall as the roofers did!
Speaking of the roof, we finally had the gutters cleaned and repaired and the roof inspected. I can happily say that there’s no more work to be done for that! We’re waiting on a local joiner to come and repoint all of the stone on the front of our property, and have been checking to see what other little jobs need to be done outside. It’ll all get done in the end!
The Blog, Etsy, and AHD
I realize that I’ve neglected my little corner of the internet for almost a year. That sucked. I’m trying to get back into the groove of writing. As soon as I pull up a blank word document, my mind goes totally empty. I don’t know what to write about, so I procrastinate in researching new topics to talk about.
In the Etsy shop and the Amanda Ho Designs shops, I have a mix of apparel, digital art downloads, and homeware. Please go check it out and see if there’s anything that you like. For years I’ve contemplated making different planners for a few topics. Ideas I’ve thrown around in my head are:
-Budgeting
-Meal Planning
-Health & Wellness
-Emergency Contacts worksheets
-House Cleaning
There are more ideas brewing in my head, but they aren’t fully formed plans yet. Are these digital printable planners something you would be interested in? Would you prefer that these planners are all bundled together in an ultimate planner? Please let me know in the comments!
I’ve gotten a few sales on Etsy, and a little bit of traffic to the AHD site. My goal is to completely break away from Etsy, but, marketing isn’t my strong suit. I find it very difficult to promote my blog and shops because my inner introvert is telling me that nobody will like my work. It’s definitely not an “If you build it they will come” situation!
I think that fully rounds out my July update. If there is a custom item you’d like me to make for you, please let me know. I’m more than happy to make something that you love!
Have a great day, everyone!