After a year or so it we accepted that my condition wasn't going to drastically improve and we went through the appropriate channels to apply for development grants from the local Council. In turn, we were assessed by the NHS Occupational Health department and whilst we were found to fit the criteria and be in need, as my husband was working we didn't qualify for any help. It was hard to hear that if he gave up his job, the council would pay for all the building work necessary. This wasn't an option for us anyway so things came to a standstill. We've struggled along through potty training two children, my varying degrees of mobility, commodes in the converted garage.... you get the idea.
I'm proud to say that after recovering from the initial set back in our grant application we carried on trying to look to the future in a positive way. I adjusted the way I live to - sometimes this meant that I often lived the majority of the day upstairs - just so I could avoid the stairs.
Anyhow, against that background you can imagine my absolute delight to finally be pursuing building work to enable a downstairs cloakroom to be created!! We are so happy (and a bit scared) to be doing this. We've had to remortgage to fund the work but we are finally moving forward - we have been given planning permission for an extension!!
This will enable us to have a shower and toilet downstairs and give us a slightly bigger kitchen which should be able to fit a small table in. Our dining table is currently in the lounge so this will save my legs in carrying food, dishes etc extra distances which will make a big difference to my pain levels in itself. We have to do the work on a really tight budget but have been researching kitchens and showers etc over the past few months, which has given me a great excuse to peruse lots of magazines and decor books for ideas!
My dream other than to have a toilet downstairs (simple but oh so vital) is to have a dresser in my kitchen for my china. I've been on the look out for one for a while - of course it will be second hand, and wooden but other than that I had no particular style in mind. I've seen a few in the charity shop over the past few weeks but when I saw this specific item my heart skipped a bit - it was definately the 'One'.
Bonus was it was £45 and has some deep scratches so I won't feel bad about painting the wood (oak I think!). I'll share the update once it's done (it's on a very long list of my Pretty Filter project!)
Thank you for reading,
J9 x
Today I'm sharing in these fab parties!
Hurray for bathrooms!! How exciting for you! You must be through the roof!! That dresser is gorgeous! I really like the carving on the doors and drawers. I recently bought one too. Mine isn't quite as elegant as yours, but hopefully, when I get it painted up this summer, it will shine like new and look perfect in my kitchen! Can't wait to see yours "done up", too!
ReplyDeleteWhat excitement for us both! I love a furniture makeover - all the better when it's a thrifty one! Yes, I am excited - not yet scared by the imminent building work - starting some time in July but very excited - definately!! J9 x
DeleteI'm so happy for you. You must be very excited and relieved to be doing this. The dresser is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer! Yes, you are right - it is a relief and I'm very thankful that we can finally do it (only 6 years after!) but all good things come to those who wait ;0) Gotta trust in that! J9 x
DeleteIt is so terrible that you were unable to get help doing the work you needed. One could say a lot about the fact that the people who do nothing get more than people who just need some help getting what they need, but maybe this isn't the place. Anyway, I'm glad you're able to move forward now and hopefully it will make a difference for you. Love the dresser too by the way, it looks gorgeous and so much better for being second hand I think. Lots of character!
ReplyDeleteS x
Ah yes Sandra - you're right, no point dwelling on what you can't change - I've certainly learnt that lesson over the past few years! Glad you like the dresser - just right for a paintastic makeover! J9 x
DeleteI am so happy for you! The bathroom is definitely needed. So hard to understand why some people seem to get all the help they need and others don't qualify. Crazy, that if your hubby had quit his job you would have. Just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. The cabinet is a beauty. Can't wait to see her refinished! Things are looking up my friend! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
Oh thank you so much for such an uplifting comment. It's all good progress to be made. Gotta look to the future - which shortly will include my furniture makeover - can't wait to get started! J9 x
DeleteI'm glad your finally getting the space you need! Good luck with the project...I can't wait to see how the dresser turns out!
ReplyDeleteThank you Nicole! Am aiming to start the dresser in next couple of weeks - my daughter is off school with a chest infection (improving rapidly though) but has stalled my plans somewhat! Just want to get started! Thanks for popping over! J9 x
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