This month has been A-MAY-zing...

It's so fast this month... ~ Everything ~ ...we've succeeded in so many ways.
Something I know SO many are striving to do ~ we paid off the "fantastic plastic" in full! That's little piece of plastic, found fitting neatly in many a wallet across the nation, often many varieties mixed in together with no discrimination ~ but much abuse and mistreatment!

Our VISA is ZERO'd and the limit lowered!
Barely 5 years ago, our dear CeeCee was up in the 5 figure range and sadly the first number was not a 1 and often it was up within cents of its maximum, regularly actually. But for two years now we have been single income and the only debt we have is our mortgage! Is that not perfect?

AND we have savings ~ and the account is only going up! Sure, it will take a beating when we have our holiday in Queensland, but that was the purpose of saving.

We bought a water tank!
What is the point in trying to grow vegetables when, taking away the access to tap water due to drought, you dont have access to water. Sure, we've had the little tank at the front of the house, but I cannot cart it ~ hard enough to pour the watering can sometimes.

Plus we are looking at having insulation put through the roof to keep heat in the house a heck of a lot better that we have been. Although there is only a little more than a month left to the financial year end, we might even see if we cant get the paperwork in for solar panels. Might have the initial outlay ~ but the savings just will end up to be massive!

Oh Day3 is a funny thing...

After struggling to wake this morning, I had a really good thought Wish I could remember what it was The third day of these patches seem to have been feeling quite drowsy and, while not out of it, it tends to be a day of deep sleeping. The new home help just dont get it ~ I miss CleanerVic. "If its not on the palm pilot I didnt know." This seems to be the excuse.

I dont think I am asking for much. And I really dont understand why the home made cleaner cant be used. It has lavender or eucalyptus in it - "which is poison" but so is bleach. Its not like I am expecting the cleaner to drink either. I get 1.5hrs home help a fortnight ~ OK. Not a heck of a lot but I want a few things to be done.

I want the shower, bath & basin cleaned down. I'd like the couple of toys that end up on the far side of the bath chucked into the toy box at the end so that run of tiles can be wiped also A wipe down of the cabinet doors might be nice occasionally.

Before vaccumming the tiled area - sweep it and remove the fluff bunnies ~ two long haired people & two cats mean for hair that is only going to (continue to) clog the vaccum hose and make vaccumming so difficult. It doesnt need to be a sweep to clean - that's the purpose of running the vacc and then mopping the kitchen, dining and hall at least. If I could do it my self, trust me I would.

Same with dusting. I did intend to dust in the lounge ~ especially as the fire box is now running (bbrrrrr it is a wild viciously chilly wind tonight). But I slept. When vaccumming the lounge (where MyMan has lifted the coffe table, games box and rug up as home cleaners are not allowed to lift), why is that not noticed and done

Would it be out of line to ask the cleaner to remove all the nick nacks from the shelves on arrival so I can dust and set up the lower shelves and then reset the top shelves - its the up/down of picking things up I cannot do One reason if something is on the floor it stays there. Probably not allowed.

I do not expect one iota of work done in the bedrooms

Ever Fred's room is his responsibility and forms part of his pocket money earnings. Our room is a pig sty. I live in here, things are logically found ~ too hard to explain how and why, but I can put my hand on any item received in the past month But if you want to help, take the pile of newspapers out and the bags of crap to the bin ~ oh, that's right... you don't lift.

CleanerVic used to let herself in, banging loudly on the door and calling a big 'yoo hoo' coming through each room ~ knowing I may either be laying here on the bed, 'out of it' and asleep, or possibly there to greet her. She'd grab the mail on the way in, make me a cup of coffee (never for her - she had her water) and get straight into it.

If I was on a Day3 ~

She'd bring in my cuppa try to get me talking, keep coming in with cheery comments or light questions. She always vaccummed the big dining room rug and roll it up before vacuuming underneath tiles She not only preferred the natural cleaning methods, she helped herself to anything and everything under the sink or in the pantry for cleaning and put the elbow to glass. She wiped the powerpoints, door handles and along the doors where it tends to get handled and grotty. Same with the fridge.

I miss CleanerVic ~ she had empathy, insight and offered more than just the cleaning - there was conversation, motivation, real help in the home. She is definitely the start of home help cleaning services. Since she left, I've had 2 or 3 different cleaners. All seem to be 'bewildered' and not know what to do with vinegar, bicarb and other cleaners that dont come directly off the supermarket shelf.

Where is everything again...

They have not been able to remember where things are and, as I am sure most people would do, cleaning aids are generally in the laundry and cleaning detergents that are not in the laundry are under the sink ~ I even bought stuff for them to use, like the Orange Power cleaner and Earth Choice items Today at 1030, the time due - I was on the phone, the door was open yet I got another call to say the cleaner had been there for 15mins, knocking to come in. Since I lost my domestic angel ~ that would be the third time I've had a call from council.

Any how ~ lets hope tomorrow I can remember the interesting thing I was going to talk about. That was just a vent...

One step at a time girlie...

I think I can see a light ahead - that's a little change...

It was absolutely lovely having Di stay ~ a few bubbles, lots of talking, way too much sitting up-right for way too long and it is not like we could not have just laid on the bed and gone blah, blah, blah ~ Di you wrecked me for the whole weekend! *chortles* it was SO worth it - put in me in great spirits.

So much so I have got in touch with a few friends of old, chatted on phone and even have a friend dropping for a cuppa soonish! It's not for long ~ but I know that it is necessary for my moving forward to regain that 'social' life. Bit awkward with people - so not me!

Taking it slow ~ I want to do so many things, this time on my hands could be used for so much. But we have returned to the addage: “softly, slowly ~ my cheeky monkey” and it IS only six months post op. I have to remember the surgeon always said at it would be at least 12 months and 18 months is not to be unexpected... I am just too eager and impatient (but recognise that) so there is a certificate course starting end May for Training & Assessment which I was undertaking before my back gave out ~ time to jump in to refresh and complete it.

~ We have been afflicted by the global economic crisis ~

MyMan's place of employment has had redundancies through all offices nationally. Luckily, he has been spared however all remaining staff from top to bottom have been asked to take reductions in hours. They offered a 9 day fortnight or 4 day week. MyMan is taking the 4 day week and with a little jiggling all my doctor, therapy and hydro sessions will move to Wednesdays over the next 3 weeks so he has 2 days on, Wednesday off, 2 on - then the weekend. 80% income is at least not 0% in this climate!

That starts next week~ and as hydro will be Tuesday for a few more sessions and we'll have doctors next week then not again for 4 weeks ~ it is full steam ahead - garden, house stuff, de-clutter the garage and have this bloody garage sale we've been going to have for the past 10 years. Should make a few bob, its all crap. So long as it pays for the dumper to get rid of the remainder, I will be happy!

I know life is tough & shit all over ~ we are certainly not the only people struggling. But we dont have me as back up in any way (no pun intended). Short of being able to undertake some type of computer work at home with a very loose deadline, there is not a lot I can manage that will generate income. I still need to rely so heavily on others and there are very few up here who can afford me time. So many are back working during school hours at least - you have to actively look for work if all kids are at school. MrsBrady has been a friend indeed, and has been able to commit to taking me to hydro on Tuesday morning, providing one of her bunch are not sick, or a day off school, or holidays.

~ Big huge thanks and appreciations MrsBrady ~

I dont think I even say it often enough Carol. It is so great, and even more so with the after therapy cuppa and gossip about things that are happening out in the community ~ who you see at the shops, what you found in Mike's yard while gardening, whether there is water in the Lake when you do actually make it out for a run...

School is almost out ~ but Fred is off to Uni on the bus tonight. The Fantastic SchoolFamily who have been getting him to and from school have the occasional need for the boys to travel by bus to HisWork, HerWork is shift and thus the occasional travel. Fred likes it – takes 50c to spent at the milk bar. His wants are simple...

~ Speaking of wants ~

I want a break. Just a wee small one.

So we are going here : http://www.ashmorepalmsgoldcoast.com.au/

Not for a few months yet ~ but we plan to fly into the Sunshine Coast to see VBGF and the boys then down to the Gold Coast and let the males and their testosterone run wild in theme park heaven while I try to reduce my ability to reflect and deflect sunlight off the sheer whiteness of my skin ~ and maybe even gain a little colour, even if just a hint of pink ~ doctor said I need extra Vitamin D...

Until ron

The point of power ~ Todae:

Here's an interesting little read:

A 27 year old male bellows at a colleagues as she speaks about her ideas on the world, the environment, so innately and avidly. She knows he is joking, just stirring her environmental pot, but she wonders, ‘What is with this guy?’

So, one night, after they started getting riled up over how chickens are treated, she asked him, “Why is it, that every time we start talking about this stuff, you get all defensive and start throwing around judgemental slurs?”

She posed a rather interesting question and he responded with an even more interesting answer.

You see, there is a whole subconscious psychological process when it comes to dealing with environmental issues and after thinking about it, it becomes perfectly clear. In his own words, “it is easier to react to it this way.

To make fun of it, to deny it, to pretend that it’s all a fallacy. Because if I actually acknowledge it, take it all in, I realise it is bigger than me. It is so overwhelming; I start to panic a little. So, for my own self preservation, I choose not to deal with it. Plus, it’s so far into the future, it is hard to comprehend.”

Dr. Steven Moffic states that our brains have never developed a built-in, natural response to dangers many years in the future, such as global warming. To recognise such danger, we need our rational thought processes to convince us that distant dangers are worth our attention.

These other more immediate demands influence one of our main psychological defence mechanisms as described almost 100 years ago by Sigmund Freud. That is denial.

It is easy, and even necessary at times, to prioritize problems, and deny to ourselves the importance of other problems that we can't - or don't want to - attend at the moment. This can be conscious or unconscious denial. All this makes global warming, which is a threat that may not seem obvious for many years, easy to deny or put aside for now.

But, what will happen, if majority of us, like my friend, do put it aside? Will we wait until our rational thinking recognises immediate danger? The way I see it, we can do one of two things:

1. Deny, deny, deny and deny some more or;

2. Acknowledge, accept and react.

We DO have the power.

We have the power as a collective group, as a species, to do amazing things and I have no doubt, that when it comes to the crunch, we will react as we have done in the past.

But the point of power is in the present moment. The point of power is now.

So, next time you think about any environmental issues, take note of your reaction.

Courtesy of Todae:

February ~ Friends, Fires and Financials

You might know I am currently incapacitated and recuperating post spinal surgery. Taking a heck of a lot longer ~ and I am seeking work I can undertake from home, not physical, and flexible in hours to fit in with physio, hydro, medicated induced sleep and the good days/bad days as they fall.

Having said that, I am reliable, honest, dedicated and have worked in a multitude of industries through almost 20 years as a professional temp! I have also worked in advertising, publishing, recruitment and had my own business services/documentation business.

But do you think I can find anything??
All our savings have been 'eaten' over the last two years ~ I am only looking for $150-$300 a week to cover my therapies (and then be able to start additional unaffordable supplements) and get savings going again to move to QLD.
So much better for my bones!

Actually, did have one opportunity pique my interest ~ writing for the web. However, my concern is who is this chappie, how does he get his moola, am I going to be ripped off and more...

Maybe I am the ol' fashion type of employee ~ and I am a weenie bit nervous. My VBGF is here at the moment. Life has given her the short straw, yet it is hopefully going to be the turning point for change. For all that I cannot do, this is something I can ~ just being there, being a friend. She has fretted and woed her inability to be here for me, and that we got her to us in a moments notice.
Of course, I've promptly become ill (through my own stupidity, but with the heat in the 40s I felt so little ache in the bones, freer and more able, so I sorta cleared things up) so she has taken over the house and I've slept, thrown up, slept, eaten a few grapes (oh, how Cleopatra-esk), slept, popped the odd pill or 10 and now feel so much better! But honestly, feel like I am back at about 2mths post op - not coming up 5 months.

Also, I have this massive strength in being able to assist others budget, set up, look outside the normal options and get back on track. I have done this for about a dozen people now ~~ and I think I am worth a little bit from those who only have a little . . . and more from those who have lots!

Ha!! Who am I kidding!! I think I will just get writing. I know I can do that!! Oh what to write about ~ I like boundaries. A little boundary here and there is a wonderful way to get started, get comfortable, then do what I bloody well want (within reason). Geepers - that sounds like a load of piffle ~ not exactly what I mean either. Damn meds! I can see, hear, taste the words - but never seem to pull the right one out.

Chickies are growing. Skippy has attached to Fred big time. Sits on his head or shoulder when Fred goes down to the run. I cannot tell you how pleased we are that Skippy is a girl, not a rooster. Piccies to come - this has taken days...

Sweltering ~~ in 45 degrees . . .

Well it's too darn hot ~ I tells ya. If Mr Whippy trucks are melting in Melbourne ~ rest assured the pets' water bowls are boiling in Ballarat!

I honestly planned to come play blogging the last few days, but with MyMan having to stay in Melbourne the week because we KNEW the trains would be up the spout and buses just make life difficult ~ so he has stayed and hopes to escape early on Friday.

If he has done extra hours and been early/leaving late then it will be no hassle ~ some of the guys are working from home ~ but we'll see if he can escape around lunch!

BACK IN THE WATER

Yahoo! Back doing hydro therapy, oh boy it was good. A bloody huge struggle actually, but if I wasn't frowning or grimacing, I was beaming from ear to ear. It was a bugger to walk in a straight line - felt like I'd done a marathon when I got out and had to sit for a while before heading to the showers - with an escort - just in case.

Chickies are growing ~ we are thinking either 1 boy / 3 girls or it is two of each. Few picks for your viewing pleasure. I shall return later Ron.

It is 2009 ~ This year I will SHINE . . .

Christmas happened; so did the start of 2009. I think I am almost at the start of the year, still getting it all together - but moving more and about to start hydrotherapy. Bit stir-bloody-crazy. It can be rather boring doing a lot of nothing.

Christmas was good ~ all of us together and no arguments. A few cold shoulders but really not my problem. It's not as if I have avoided anyone ~ although I did miss a January birthday. We remembered it was our anniversary while eating dinner on the night. 5 years married - 13 together. So it was a kiss across the table and on we go to the next one . . .


We've just 'hatched' 4 little chicks ~ Fred got a dozen eggs for Christmas, knowing we could get 12 to zero, and we put them under a very broody chook. It took 23 days, he delayed his holiday away with Nanny so as not to miss their arrival - but we missed all of them hatching - they just appeared and popped their little heads out from under mother hen. Very cool!!


Any way - just wanted to say HI. Still can't play on 'freecycle' as I cant drive to collect, and I really can't work in a 'normal' sense ~ too unreliable as some days are harder than others! Oh, things will be good when I can get back in the garden proper. Things just have costs at the moment, things that didn't this time last year. Oh and to bake...

Been visiting a friend's online cafe ~ the Serendipity Cafe! Way cool ~ peaceful and easy in this frantic world. Funny too! The chat all happens in the forum. Great place for recipes, planning, projects around the home, spiritual influences and general friendship & support as things get a little stressed and strained.


Might see if there are better layouts for blogging ~ I've seen some super stuff that use the whole page and want to have more space to write and pictures and recipes down the side in little sections...
Well I can see it . . .

Hope the heat hasn't got you too much the past few days ~ and you stay on top of it during this week! Chat soon.