Naomi - glad to hear about the interview. Sounds great! What line are you in? Will hold thumbs for you.
Newbie - room looks lovely. Nice a peaceful and tranquil. Well done!!
Ash - if he does give you a hard time, then it will only be cos he feels bad that he hasn't done something sooner and now you have gone and made your own plan. I think it kinda worries them that they can be made redundant so easily. Its like 'I'll ask you, cause it would be nice if u could do it for me, but if you can't/won't or don't, I can always buy it, or pay someone else to do it for me' I think it really gives the message of - 'ur services are totally replaceable' Not trying to make you feel bad, I completely agree with you and do the same thing. I will ask for something a couple of times, but then after that, I'll either do it myself, pay someone to do it for me (plumber, electrician etc) or buy a new one!! Easy as that, not gonna beg, nag or hover around feeling helpless.