And she's back...

Miss me? 

The past few weeks have been rather a family affair ~ trying to set up reasonable routines now Husband is my at home carer, not spending money, trying to pay all the bills and de-cluttering our home.  We are no-where near finished, some would say it looks barely started, but we know we've done heaps and can only keep going.

For a little while I've had to think about whether or not to run two blogs or merge both into the one.  For the next few months I am going to spend a lot more time on Mands On A Mission as the family really needs to come first and making promises to children (and extracting promises and commitment from them!!) really need to be honoured.

I've noticed quite a few 'grown-ups' elicit promises from their children to undertake an activity, a job, a change in circumstance for a period of time, only to change the ground rules to suit themselves, telling the kids it doesn't matter if 'things' change. This isn't just the 'give up lollies' or 'promise to do your homework as soon as you get home' type stuff ~ more the we are going to have two vegetarian meals a week (and not following through); give this new school a year or two before saying you don't like it (and letting the child dictate after six months); promising music lessons for a year (and pulling out because 'we don't have the money so you cant have this any more').

Don't get me wrong ~ I know and appreciate things can change or happen to require a change of plans ~ this is more about setting children up to think it is OK to just give up, not commit or follow through if 'you don't like it' or change your mind.

SmallBoy is aware we are on a budget.  He is aware we are trying to only spend money on the necessary things so we can get ahead.  He is not fully aware we are living hand to mouth ~ he gets his three meals and snacks each day means we must be too (in his mind). When he recently said he wanted something . . . but "we can't coz we've got no money" he was corrected with the explanation we are trying to only get the things we need, not things because we want them.  Why should a 10year be left worrying about his parents' finances?

Kids just can't seem to be left to be kids. Too many parents seem to expect their children to be little adults, to lie and cover for mum if she forgets something or say dad has been too busy when they know he hasn't.  *sighs*  I'm just a little worried about a few children we know and the way they are being forced to tell half-truths, follow the 'mantra' and be so secretive about their life.  I don't think it instils confidence, only confusion.

Well ~ a wee rant ~ silly really because how many will think I am referring to them? I am confident in saying it is none of the followers of the blog ~ or is it.... *grins*  nah - its not :D

Pouring with rain, working away on the decluttering of the pantry and kitchen this weekend.  Wish us luck and follow the progress on Mands On A Mission.  It would be a privilege and an honour to have you on board, hopefully seeing dramatic change and cheering us along.

Blah blah blah

Oh it is a case of the blahs...

I think I am sick and tired of aching, feeling sore and unable to function without pain medication. Actually, there ain't no thinking about it - I am sick of it.

I so thoroughly enjoyed myself at Powderfinger but I think if I had the choice again, I would not have gone. Since the show I feel like my legs are not connected properly. My right side is dragging and I hurt - all over. Heaps. I am sure part of this is my own fault, having not being as fit as I could be.

Anyway, if it helps in any way - a lot of changes have been put into place. Most to help get off these stupid pain medications but after 12 years, the pain memory imprint or whatever they call it, is so defined and I just don't know how to change it. Would it be possible to find some type of retreat where you are taken outside of your normal, away from your everyday to enable and empower positive change?

I am too tired to think about these things tonight. Even if there was something available - we can't afford it. Hell we can barely keep everything paid. I want to work, do something but there are mornings I can't even get up, out of bed - the cold here doesn't help - but days like yesterday when I am up, sparkly, doing the morning muck about, chatting to the SmallBoy and his mate who had stayed over. Lay back to rest my back and slept for six hours. What the??

Yes - part of the lethargy is due to not eating, poor eating - however its just not in the budget to afford the items I was able to purchase during the weight gaining months of Happy House. We can barely afford milk - how on earth can we buy yoghurt, or dips or even fresh, organic veggies? Heck I am at the point it is the scrap bin and perhaps I do need to go dumpster diving. But what if I hurt my back?

Oh it is a case of the sad sacks these last few days ~ part of it might be the removal of some drugs from the system, trying to get to all the therapy appointments and do all the exercises being put in place. And as the weather gets warmer, I know it will be easier and more comfortable that it is now. 

Up, down - highs, lows - good days, bad days - and the general apathy that can come along... I think I am just tired of hurting, seeing a glimmer of recovery and then get knocked for six. We notice an amazing difference in mobility and pain reduction when in the warmer states ~ seriously the difference is amazing and it is like the warmth seeps in and 'softens' the ache. 

These last few weeks I feel like I am teetering on a break-down or something. Changes mean I no longer have additional work online or the interactivity to keep me mentally stimulated, but the timing was right to finish up. I am so tired, sore and whenever I rest I end up sleeping for 4-6hrs - great but not in the middle of the day or afternoon because then I'm not sleeping until after midnight. 

I am not very good at managing my pain, there are probably some serious imprinted pain memory paths after 10years of leaning on an angle to alleviate pressure. Poor ~Mands!  Plus the blow to my psyche with the tirade from a former friend has made me realise this is a lonely journey.

Enough of the sooking ~ the only way is up and forward. Yippee

A few more from the Fairy Chronicles ~ I don't think these have appeared previously.

♒ Seeds of Change ♒ βყ ℳ∢η₫☡

It only takes a moment ☮

But once it's done, it's done

Be it experienced with others ❤

Or simply just as one ☺

As gentle as a quiet breeze

As destructive as a hurricane

Someone know its coming up ☯

Some things not seen the same

Yet once planted it can grow

No matter how explained ♫

It sprinkles down, along the ground

And feeds the seeds of change ✰

ℒΦϑє, ʆίφђϮ & ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ

☮ ❤ ☺

♒ Peaceful ♒ βყ ℳ∢η₫☡

So quiet is the deep of night

It's gentle silence freeing

Void of light, ears sharpened

Hear Mother Nature breathing

Then little noises there & here

A mouse, a frog, a rabbit, an owl

Scuffles, sniffs & moving brush

A whoop, a squeal, a howl

The pitter-pat of rain & dew

Of distant calls from faery meetings

It's always peaceful late at night

When everyone is sleeping...

ℒΦϑє, ʆίφђϮ & ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ

☮ ❤ ☺

This Life..

...well, it's slipping right through my hands  ~  These days turned out nothing like I had planned...

Oh how good were Powderfinger! I think my ears were ringing a little! 'Scuse the absence - recovering the energy to do anything has taken a little longer than I expected. I knew Sunday would be a day for sleeping and resting, however I think the adrenalin still ran through Sunday because things like dinner, chooks, tidying were able to be done.

Yesterday ~ zip. I could barely keep awake to eat. Absolutely wrecked. At least today I am walking without dragging my right leg ~ walking back to the car after the concert was a huge effort, not quite to tears or anything like that, just took a lot longer than I honestly expected. I've exercise therapy today so I might take it easy until this afternoon's appointment.

It's almost the perfect time to wonder what is in store for today, for this week with a quick look at some horoscoops.  Ideally this week a lot of home cooking will accompany a big stocktake, reorganising of the pantry, menu planning and shopping plans so we can have that extra $20 for specials on items like cat food.

The home is a haven for Scorpio individuals during October 19, 20, making it an ideal place to retreat and meditate on circumstances. You?ll get a kick from doing things around the home. 

Excellent - just what I would prefer. A week at home, pottering, resting, being a bit influenced by my own personal beliefs and surroundings. Faded a little as the day has gone on ~ but I'll be up for making pie tonight.  It's on Mands On A Mission as it uses only left overs - my speciality!! *grins*

It's budget day tomorrow, plus I really do need to get stuck into the week's plan. The task's have all been recorded and I am rather annoyed the loading of more items on eBay did not happen tonight as planned and hoped.  If anything, I really wanted to get a few pieces that should get a few extra dollars in so that at the end of the month we can put more into the debt.

Dozing did occur and doing the old exercise therapy was not a success at all. By the afternoon, even with a heap of sleep, the body has proved to not be as strong as the will and the want of this stubborn poppet. *grr* I know, one year expect nothing, second year the improvement starts, the third year is the progress and that's what we have now begun.

Still rather wrecked so I might be back tomorrow but might be playing catch up. As my good wise friend BBJ says: "back to small steps missy" and the horoscope for Wednesday only reinforces this wisdom:

As much as possible don’t pack too much into your day, making the most of the Moon’s last day in a playful and creative part of your chart and Mercury’s last day in a dreamy and imaginative part of your chart. Together they create a day where your creativity and your imagination need to take the lead, ahead of what is destined to be some very busy days, especially on the job front. Leave enough room in your day to dream and imagine.

Time for bed ~ no poems of late - my apologies.  Here are the fairyland chronicles:

The day's dawning brightly

New adventures unfold

The sun rises quickly

A shimmer of golds

Making most of the moments

Put out to share

Time to enjoy the weekend

Hope to see you there

Busy morning ~ just flew in

Time to head out visiting

With little watering can in tow

Who knows whose garden we may go

A sprinkle here, a splash over there

Good wishes to fairies everywhere

ஜ Gratitude and Love ~ Namaste ஜ 

Praise be FairyLand and its visitors

So many dear fairy friends

Happy I've got time for Fairyland again

Making good changes, all looking up!

And finally the time to come run amok

Thanks for blessings and wishes

Shared strength, healing kisses

Going forward with every day

ℱя❀₥ ~ℳ∢η₫☡ & ℑǺℨlყȵ ♏∂ℯ

✿ ℒΦϑє, ℐﻪ℧ჭɦʈeʁ & ʆίφђϮ ✿

Flowers stand up strong and tall

After friendly sprinkles

The sight will always make me smile

And smiling means less wrinkles

For grins are always well received

So are friendly notes

Spread the love in Fairyland

By leaving happy posts

. (

♥))

   ██o... 

A mug of hot cocoa, all ready for bed

Thought we'd sprinkle your garden instead

Of reading a book, or watching a movie

My fairy friends are so terribly groovy

Here's to a day full of butterflies & sun

Most of all see your friends, have some fun

~ Catching up with fairy friends ~ 

Oh joy - another wet frantic day

As you see, all weekend - no time for play

My fairy friends ♥ oh you know me

I'd have rather been here sprinklin' 

We've grabbed a moment to race thru

We wish love and many gems to you

Hello to all, fly-bys, good friends

We hope to splash by - see you again ♥

Chat my tomorrow morning, your afternoon, tonight  

World flies wildly on

There's a mighty storm brewing 

Blimey it is cold...

Wet too ~ its been raining heavily and steadily since late yesterday. We are even expecting snow ~ which I really hope we get (because if it is gonna be cold, it may as well be pretty) but I don't think it will fall much lower than Buninyong. You can smell it every now and again - that icy icy chilled in your nose. *grins*  Actually, it is now snowing - middle of October and it is snowing.

So I think we shall be rugging up for the Powderfinger concert. Food is planned and has come in at under $30 for dinner, nibbles, brunch and cuppas for 8 people.  And that even counts the flour for the pancakes on Sunday!  I am really impressed and think this is better than I expected. I've made cheese twists, making Ferrero Rochers, maybe even home made KFC.

I am a little disappointed the house has not has had as much put into it with regard to de-clutter, sorting out homes for things that should have them, even simply getting the dining area in order without it being left to the last day and a mad panic tonight and even more so tomorrow.  For the moment, I have stopped.  I wanted to post the Mands On A Mission blog post for tonight, because I think staying under budget when it is so tight is worth celebrating.  But right now I am annoyed that my coffee mug motif "If it wasn't for the last minute, nothing would happen" does not make me smile.

It's not because of Husband ~ if I start getting into a task he will get straight in there with me and either work along side me or find another area which requires his input or muscle.  Some times I wish he was the one who got it started and got it finished. Yet, if it was not for how Husband has organised the kitchen bench and sink area, that would still be a cluttered mess only he has it so all the working space is cleared and the 'things' that lay on the bench edges have been put away or tossed. We use little things like the bread seal/clips and bread packaging for additional uses, but often they just pile up in the corner. Husband has given them a home, its working really well!

Yes, I have good and bad days - and the days which are the hardest are usually the Day3 patch when I feel more pain, want to sleep because that hurts less, ache. If I am up by 8am, then the day moves on and on those days usually a lot gets done because if I sit, I will fall asleep - it almost cant be helped! I like to read on those days, try not to stress about feeling like a useless bump on a log. On the other two days, once up the day goes - this used to be a trait in my youth, only I required a shower to open my eyes. Housemates have often laughed as I come through from bed, eyes closed, clothes in hand, to the shower and then burst out of the bathroom a bright happy sparkle of hello good morning! I really only need a few moments blinking to get there(ish) now. Still the happy sparkle, little less bright, but possibly more due to 'engine' problems as the beast grows older...

This weekend should have been a goal end date to at least have the spare room set up properly. The minute it was going to be my sister using it, as opposed to our girlfriend, the urgency dropped. Nothing to do with my sister, not that way at all, its more that sometimes you know with family they've seen it worse... *blushes* This will look rather respectable, compared to even the pictures on the Mission page, Mess to Impress. By rights there should have been more action and more pictures there.  I've not even dared with our bedroom yet! But its not too disastrous compared to other 'versions' of the bedroom.

Tomorrow's horoscope:

Knowing how important the next few weeks are going to be, with so much happening, it’s important to get your bearings and to listen to your intuition. Within the next 7 days alone you'll experience both a Full Moon in your work sector and the Sun’s return to your sign, with Mars reaching your income sector just days later. Whenever possible find that still place within, so that you can centre yourself and get your bearings before things really take off.

*sighs* So there is always next week...

I think there was a little excitement from Husband with the sale on eBay. He is not just saying he is keen about our Mission, he is contributing things which have occurred resulting in a win or a lose on the bargaining and savings stakes. He wants to have an area set in the spare room to take pics at all times, using this desk and that cloth. I want the room cleared first, set up to accommodate others, then sectioned off to allow for such an area to be set up. Both he and I want to bring things up from the garage to use, next week is fine, but can we get the items we both know need to be taken out to the garage for the moment out there please?

There is only a little work involved in clearing the alcove and I will probably get most of that finished tonight.  I'd like to sit in front of the television too sometimes.  Especially now the antenna is tuned and there are about 8 extra channels to see and work out - and I am really quite slow on the uptake of all things new - then I run with them like a pro and learn more very quickly. This is the slow, learning phase of digital for me. Another remote to master.

Seriously, if all the empty boxes could be removed, perhaps even put some of the loose items identified for sale in them, and get these into the shed. So easy - by tomorrow I'll have forgotten about it - well, maybe not because I've written it. I just want the spare room, bathroom, bedroom, dining room, kitchen and alcove less cluttered. *half laughs* The lounge, loo, laundry and SmallBoy's rooms are fine. Should be able to manage all of that.

I wonder what could be in-store for tomorrow on a higher level:

Today is the day to break out of your routine! Having the same custom and practice day after day adds positive foundation to your life but leaves little time or space for new developments. Rather than same old – same old change something about your day. By days ends you will have experienced life in a different way and find your mind more open to new ways of being and future possibilities.

Actually I agree with that in more than one way. We've lacked a discipline to manage time in both work and leisure, mostly due to lack of motivation. Other valid reasons exist, but when some plans are made, they are really only 'gunna' plans. I would like to see Saturday as the start of new changes, getting things done. Super-wonder woman my sister who is a tornado of energy and gunna do it now kerpow will be up, so hopefully it will rub off. Taking the SmallBoy to a concert is such a new experience for him, and for us it will have a different feeling compared to concerts of our youth - wild, reckless and up for anything days.

Time to consult with others. You are a truthful person, but others do not always want to hear the truth. Honor and willingness to stay and face the music. You will not run from a situation just because it is uncomfortable. Someone needs to know that you are there for them. Someone has the wrong idea about you. You need to set things right. Expect positive experiences with your religious or spiritual growth. You have witnessed a profound healing and are eager to experience this for yourself. Keep an open mind and heart, but don't expect the same results as others have, you have your own path to walk.

See, in that I see a confrontation, a need to defend myself against someone else's maliciousness or assumptive tongue speaking out as fact. I am tired of that and at a point where it's not my problem what others think or do. I don't wish to seek those who need me to prove myself, if there is something that is a problem then tell me and there is something I can do to help rectify it, I will - but I am not solving, fixing it or taking on the effort to 'pay back' for time owed.

You don't carry your left over time in the day for another day you need some extra. I agree that I am truthful, that others dont like the truth, if there is a problem I will stand and talk it out to a point, I would even be there for my ex friends, their kids, partners, their friends even. I am on my own path and some guidance has come from hearing, listening, seeing in others areas I wish to grow or aim toward. But it would always been done my own way...

Piffle ~ Must be having a grumpy old lady day. Hydro was great today, thinking about grumpy old ladies. *grins* Actually they are more like funny old ladies. They make me laugh and get me full of oomfph for the rest of a Friday. Sometimes having discussions about the 'old days' really does make me wish for a simpler life. Of course, leaving with an "I'll email you about catching up for lunch next week" proves these girls aren't just silly old ducks! I think they are amazing.

Time to disappear. Powderfinger and the amazing tidy will be taking up tomorrow, so I shall see you Sunday. Have a wonderful weekend.  Shall ramble on some more later... *grins*

Wednesday was yesterday still...

I is spying on the little chickies ~ TeddyCat knew spying was OK 

Wednesday was a hump of a day

It was all about updating our Mission, and the meanderings just did not sprout forth.  Had pie for dinner and it was yum. *grins* Rather than wait for the miraculous appearance of MudGuts - Husband collected him unannounced at 930 that morning to help for 3hours before his afternoon appointment. Together the enclosure for the roosters which gives them heaps of space to scratch, eat and get fatter. I have worked out which one is crowing and, well, you know what we are getting around to doing. Just need to work up that confidence. All budget, adding, transferring from there...

Today's horoscope

It was the Moon’s position in your income sector over the last few days that has left you with a greater appreciation of what you want, what you're worth and where you need to stand your ground. With Mars, planet of passion, drive and ambition now just 2 weeks away from your income sector, don’t just hold onto that awareness but start turning it into a game plan. With a second Full Moon in your work sector in just 7 days time, you're better positioned than you realise.

That sounds a bit all-right and today went a little more to plan.  After getting SmallBoy off to school, Husband had a first aid course to do, the TV antenna was finally getting replaced, rewired and tuned, plus I had a trip to the doctor and groceries to get.  This is a big day, but it pain patch Day1 so I do tend to cope better on 'Day1'. In order to save, we don't book private appointments any more but join the general queue and wait for our doctor to become available. It's an interesting way the practice works but at least you can see the doctor(s) you've paid to see for the past 7-8 years and read a book while waiting as a bulk bill patient. It saves over $70 a fortnight, so I am grateful the option is there.

Plus when you wait in a waiting room long enough, and often enough, you do get to chatting to people.  This time there was a mum with a 'terrible two' who had us all in stitches on occasion. Full of one words, he wandered around pointing out items then, with the cheekiest look, he would make eye contact with mum, raise his eyebrows and dash for the stairs - always stopping a good five paces back. Such a fun game and mum, back in heels for the first time in two years for work, would do the silly chase despite a full room. He had a snooze during the wait, so she and I exchanged names and chatted. Before I went in, I grabbed a perfume sample from my hand-bag - 007 by Avon - and gave it to the little guy's mum and let her know I thought she was a bit of a super-hero herself. I've got a few and it's really nice to share.

I think I'd been in about 20mins when Jim's Antennas were in to fix up the tele-vision! We've been saving for this for the past few months - $50 a month in to the savings while Husband worked (and we could manage the stupid debt) and finally booked it in.  The chap who did the work was brilliant - he was slightly early, removed the old cables and antennas from the roof - which can be used in the garden for a climbing something or other - and the whole job came in under budget by $45.  

We'd saved $300 having been quoted $200 for an antenna and $75 labour, plus any cabling from 'another' mob but decided to call Jim's  and Steve was charming. Did I mention slightly early? Anyhow - he had the same $200 antenna, plus another one for $50 extra, stronger, more durable and a 3yr warranty, cabling included and $5 for a plug thing for the cable. Bonus. The vision is great and Husband has enjoyed watching a MotoGP replay on One this evening, the race last week and this week is Phillip Island. It will be great to watch it live and with brilliant reception with the digital HD tuner.

*referral* If you are in the Central Highlands/Ballarat area - give Steve a call, say Mands referred you and if he does the job, he'll send us two movie tickets and Husband SO misses the movies. Movies are on the 'not' list.

We have made one concession for SmallBoy on the whole 'No Spend 2011' which has started now - help, effort and general behaviour will be rewarded at the end of each month with a lunch order from the canteen to the value of $5. Because the little guy has been helpful, doing chores with little grumble, not asking for different things to buy, helping out in the kitchen, we thought that could be his monthly 'bonus'.  Husband has chosen a large cafe bought latte as his reward, as have I *grins*  If we've been really good - we might get a brownie or lemon cheesecake to share.

On with the day, and it was supermarket time *grins*  Currently we have the budget for groceries sitting around the $100-$120 per week mark.  Trying to stretch the budget is possible because we've been at $300 a month in the past - in another 6-8 weeks we should be getting a few things from the garden.

Ending on a domestic note, must scrub the loo and the bathroom sink.  I know its an old crappy loo, but the sink hole - it was the one thing I noticed getting worse and worse.  Initially I didn't have the ability, nor the strength. Until recently, I haven't had the inclination.  It's amazing what guests can make you do. Because we are on septic, I don't want to put nasties in. As mentioned previously, we've never had the 'pongy' tank and we've never put chemical cleaners down either.  

I'm going to use salt to clean the toilet - it's a good natural all-purpose cleaner with an abrasive side to it. If I get in there with a scrubber (and long think rubber gloves), it should clean up the bowl and a little vinegar will pull out the smell.  Just not sure about bi-carb in the septic.  Old memory thinks no. No substance to the thought, eventually I might even google it *grins*

Just not sure what to use in the bathroom basin - it might even be easier to turn off the water and take out the pipe bend - I know it hasn't had a good clean with home care but beggars can't be chosers and the cleaners did vac and mop ok. The first one - Vicki - was always the best. *sighs* She got a great hotel position - not surprised. She was the only one happy, insistent even, upon using pre-mixed home made cleaners. All others 'had to have' those on the prescribed list.  The first bottle or two were...

Late, 'tomorrows' horoscope is in...

Make the most of the Moon’s position in your communication sector and the ability this gives you to not only speak from a place of truth, giving unsaid words a voice but to combine intelligence with imagination and logic with intuition. When emotional and intuitive lunar vibes operate in a smart and savvy part of your chart you have the best of both worlds, especially if you have the courage and confidence to trust what your instincts are telling you.

That's a bit all-right to know too.  What's not alright is that this comes in after 1230am and this means it is after 1230am.  Arrgghh - must go to bed. Not for want or trying, its always after 1am when we are getting to bed. And there are so many things than need to be done. Especially we are now two sleeps away from Powderfinger ~ the forecast is for snow.  Too cool! Freezing even *laughs* 

Actually I think it will be awesome if it did snow because if it is going to be cold, it may as well be pretty and snow while the music is playing. I've started a pile of gloves and beanies so we can just gather them all up to take. Oooo - too excitement.

Do have a pop past Mands On A Mission - especially the weekly report for last week. The debt went down a little and we even made a sale on eBay.

Enough ~ Meanderings out . . .

Starts in sunshine; ends in storms

Eggstreme Eggagerations and Eggciting Eggsplosions 

Boy that was a downpour 

I have this theory if it is going to rain, or forecast to rain in the afternoon, you can be almost guaranteed that means school pick up time.  Just before, during or after you hop in the car to go pick up children from school, the bus terminal, the station through to the return home, there will be the start of rain. Usually it continues until you are home, inside and dry.  Today this theory again held true. *grins*

The day was off to a lovely start - sunshine, blue skies. Perfect for getting items sorted in the garage and bringing things out on to the lawn to put back in with the ability to access. Perfect for setting up the little roosters in the larger area of BigBed to scratch back the weeds while awaiting their turn for dinner duties. *gulps* We've been a bit 'chicken' here - both Husband and I remember the activity from our childhood - just not the nitty-gritty details. Google and BackYard Poultry have been helpful. Of course the promised arrival of MudGuts did not eventuate. Funny that we really were not counting on him...

As Husband waiting at school, he called to see if I had noticed the clouds. Noticed the clouds? More like felt the thunder rumbling up in the distance and heard it travel up the road like a truck. The clouds were barrelling in on two fronts with those rich, blue black clouds indicating a good old storm was in there. As the SmallBoy jumped out to deal with the gates, the heavens opened like a dam letting go of the excess. Husband rang to put the last few things on the lawn away and heaven's dam broke its banks. Thought that first rain was heavy - this was awesome. It's now raining at a more respectable, steady rate.

So tell us about the diet

Um yes, the diet. Meaning to eat food and gain weight. The one set up using the Happiness Diet and the premise of positivity to manage ones weight. Not good. Losing weight again because I am not eating again. The need is there, the concept has great key points, but the pilot programme has not even come together with a supportive continuation follow up or measurability method, plus those promoting the diet can't be counted on to cheer on, listen or follow the one's who dont 'fit' the success. 

I only blame myself for the actual 'failure to pick food up and stick it in my mouth' because that is the key factor to gaining weight. I've even made the sandwich, the toast, the cereal, the coffee and walked away without a bite or a sip - full in knowing it is there and made, then forgetting it is there and made. So again I've had the lethargy, the no-care just want to sleep because I have no fuel for energy. *smacks* Silly Mandy. At least it is a 'known' rather than not understanding why things were happening. Husband is going to 'ban' me from the computer if I don't get up in the morning, eat and go outside for at least 30mins. Until that occurs, no computer. A great idea, so long as he can put up with my complaining, this will succeed.

There are times I wish we did have an extra $50 each week just for groceries - I would buy fresh mangos, apples, cantaloupe, melons, salad mixes, fish, chicken, hams, cheeses, deli items, bakery delights that would excite the palate. Cheese on toast, baked beans, peanut butter sandwiches are great, but I really do need variety to find that urge to eat. Cant be bothered otherwise. I do like the green smoothies, but I've not got celery, capsicum, fresh tomatoes,  spinach, fresh herbs, pineapple, oranges, pears, kiwi or other fruits and greens that are needed. The garden will eventually give much of this to us, just not at the moment. *sighs*

Does poverty make you sick? Yes it does. What about low income, does that make you sick? Yes, again I think it does because low cost is not always good healthy value. It's not a savings to buy 'plastic cheese' or long life milk if you don't use it. That's a loss and a waste as both will ultimately require replacement. Sometimes buying the no-name or store wrap is the cheapest option, but waiting for the special on a 'nice' cheese means lower spending on foods that will be eaten. Often this still means a block of pongy cheese is out of budget - although occasionally it crops in the 66% off - almost out of date bucket providing a treat if within the budget and is definitely going to be used.

I'm not trying to provide an excuse as to why I don't eat. Lack of variety through lack of income is one aspect I don't eat what I like, but there is plenty here to eat for simply nourishment. So tomorrow I shall be up at about 730am, have breakfast with SmallBoy, make his lunch and do all that mummy-type stuff. *grins* It also means I know he is putting on a clean uniform and brushing his teeth properly. I will make some muffins and provide pictures as evidence.  I shall also make biscuit dough and photograph the rolls.  For lunch the fish patties and salad will be eaten on grainy bread. Dinner is the pie.  This I will do, and need to do for my own health and mental well-being.  I get so annoyed with myself sometimes.

Only four more sleeps to Powderfinger. I must check in with my sister about her plans and then to the Slatey Chick on her accommodation and catching up. Oooo - must put more champagne in the fridge - thank goodness for wine racks and medication - a fair bit of the red are now years older, but there's left over bubbles from last Christmas/New Year to use and this is most definitely one of those very special occasions requiring the special champagne.  Too excited.

I guess I should leave it here and go to bed. The time has come to get going. Tomorrow Husband is dropping past MudGuts to check the house has been tidied 'as promised'. It had better be clean. Then both will come back here to get the little boys new area set up and some of the heavy items in the garage moved. I really want to get the nice desk inside, but can't until some of the boxes from the spare room come out. Appointments all around for peoples tomorrow. Plus banking, bills and bartering. No time for Wednesday being Hump Day for us. 

Pop past Mands On A Mission, tell others to visit and make a donation into the Treasure Chest because the sooner our Mission is complete, the sooner our Dreams will be realised. I am so going to write a book if we get this debt paid down by the end of 2011 and I truly believe we can, even if it does mean getting some help from others.

As the land becomes dry

Where do flowers go

Where do flowers go

If mother nature cant supply

Water makes the flowers grow

Yes it makes the flowers grow

The time to think is now

While the rain is falling down

With showers here, flooding there

Water's falling everywhere

Limit using what we've got

Help the farmers plan

The planting of their land

Use less before its hot

Rain falls upon the seed

Help them get a water feed

We've got to prepare for more

And keeps a water store

Come the days of heat and dry again

Keeps fields wet through to the end

Girls like you...

Blew a gale last night

And our little cocks have started to crow. Darn it. We had hoped to get one more corner of the big veggie bed weeded by these fiesty scratchers and clearers of all things green! Awesome job done but only half finished. Maybe we can tolerate it until after the Powderfinger concert. Five more sleeps...

Well, no car. Still no MudGuts. Eternally grateful to friends able to include the SmallBoy in their school run. While I know he ate his breakfast and put on a clean uniform, not sure if those teeth got a good scrub this morning. We are letting the chookie boys have same time on the loose, out of their enclosure and have worked out which is crowing. He looks like a good roast! This will be interesting, and so long as we kill it and eat it here, no issues. Speaking of issues - Oh my - tall lanky teen here and the car is finally home. Money spent on the car for a temporary tank sealant, petrol, other car bits. Husband went to supermarket, flicked through a motorbike mag, a pc mag - didn't buy them. Well done. He did buy some extra salad, veg, fruit items and was very restrained. Note to selves : chives in the garden can be used instead of spring onion to thin. 

Gave MudGuts a dozen eggs for help, got 2 empty cartons in return (yeah!) and a promise to return tomorrow to help rearrange in the fast filling garage. We'll see if it happens...

A lot later

Well a big afternoon - the wagon is home, but not going anywhere. The little car has had the little leak temporarily patched and she goes. A heck of lot quieter than the wagon. I am more than happy for this to be the vehicle of choice - its quieter, smaller and best of all, automatic. Although it will mean more right side usage, this is the weaker side and it might build up the strength in the right leg. Always the best outcome.

Nearly forgot about menu planning. Usually it stems from the roast meal on Sunday, this week we had a Moroccan lamb shank casserole/slow cooker type dinner. 

Tonight's dinner used up those few tablespoons that get left over or randomly stacked onto someones plate. Rather silly if it helps make a meal. It was fish patties, stretched the need to shop another day because everything was at hand. The snowpeas, avocado, tomatoes and herbs can go on pizza or into the picnic dinner for Powderfinger. So the week is planned like this:

• Sunday - Lamb Shanks
• Monday - Fish patties and salad - with two over for lunch Tuesday
• Tuesday - Lambs Fry on grainy toast
• Wednesday - Chicken curry and rice
• Thursday - Lamb shank sauce, cous cous and cauliflower pie
• Friday - Home made pizza
• Saturday - Powderfinger concert - picnic dinner
• Sunday - Roast chicken

I fancy a chicken pie or pasta sauce in the week following. *grins* Using the left over roast pieces, so I shall grab out a large chook. I might need to buy cheese for pizza or change pizza to something else and then no more shopping for groceries, until milk on Friday, is required. That's on about $30 since last Wednesday and the rest from the freezer, fridge or pantry. Oh, I will need potatoes again.

Rather zonked and tired so we might leave it there. Got therapy tomorrow and hopefully we can work on something to strengthen my back without a residual ache. Don't forget to see what we've been doing with our Misson - spread the word, we need the help out of a hole at the moment. Every 10c is going to be in for the debt reduction - heck we've been collecting and adding 5c found here and there.

Thus the ramblings begin...

Night - sleep well xx 

Sunday Sunshine, Blue Skies...

Even the fairies enjoyed today's beautiful sun... 

Absolutely glorious!

Slept like a log.  Felt a little like a log when I woke up thanks to some tickling of whiskers in my nose.  No, not an amorous good morning from Husband *cheeky*  it was the cat, Rossi, who had lay herself across my shoulder, asleep holding my hand in her paws.  Cute - but annoying.

MudGuts has still not arrived, called.  The car is still up the road.  Husband has not cracked the poohs yet - but this might be different mid afternoon.  Stay tuned.  *called him at 2pm - on his way - not here at 3pm*  Husnabd and the SmallBoy have got the bicycles out, dusted them down and are heading up to the servo to get petrol for the mazda.  This is a little car with a big hole in the tank.  Husband has been waiting for some time to get the tank off and sealed.  Sadly, this shall be put off again and we will breathe fumes if it ends up being the case.

Made a fruit smoothie with kiwi, apple, pear, cantaloupe and banana to have with lunch - grainy bread with hommus, spinach and pinenuts.  *yummo*  I was a clever girl and remembered to take the lamb shanks out of the freezer and into the fridge at some stage yesterday - I will now admit to 'pulling an all-nighter' and tidying, budgeting, sorting, writing, planning and thinking from Friday through to 10pm last night. I was only half-kidding when I said no hallucinating.  I did 38 hours - stupid, but productive and ended up sleeping through for 11 hours to wake up refreshed for once.  I don't think I moved during the night.

So, using my whiz-bang Chefs' Toolbox Square Roaster with thanks to Dianne, I will cook the shanks up like this:

• Dust the shanks in seasoned flour
• Dice a big onion, crush a few cloves of garlic, some Moroccan spices and fry up in oil and butter on the stove top in the roaster, saves the need to wash a saucepan
• Add the shanks and lightly brown all over - some people take them out again, I cant be bothered
• Add a large can of crushed tomatoes, some red wine, (fresh rosemary or thyme if not moroccan)
• Add sliced carrot, whole beans - optional, gets the veg in
• Gently combine everything over a low heat until at a simmer
• Turn off the heat, cover and put in the oven at 190 for 2-3 hours
• Serve on mash potato, rice or cous cous

I really hope the boys will go for cous cous - actually, even if they dont, I will and Husband can make extra mash to use in fish patties during the week. Sounds a bit like menu planning. Clever thinking there!  Fish patties work better with chilled mash potato, then you can freeze extra patties prior to cooking.  I wonder if I can convince the SmallBoy cold cooked fish patties work well as a lunch.  That could be a nice change, especially when we save $5-$10 a week not using the canteen at school. The left over shank veggie sauce mix, while no meat, will be used in a pie with some left over cous cous and cauli and broccoli added.  Yum.  All stemming from $3 shanks!

 

At 430pm, there is still no MudGuts ~ nasty text sent, just expressed displeasure at being told he is on his way (verbally I add) and he has no intention to get here at all. Being Sunday there are no buses and there is not enough dinner to spread to one extra, let alone his royal stretchnhollowness, so he needed to be here to be catered for. Not that he'd be even offered after this non-performance. Just rang and his mate answered the phone. He 'slept' through the whole conversation, so she is going to put make-up on him, take a pic on her mobile and send it to Husbands mobile to email to me for up-loading tonight. Boy I hope he really IS asleep and has no idea. Hmm - although if he looks good as a girl, his mate is looking for a new girlfriend at the moment. Perish the thought...

For those who use FaceBook, some of the prattlings for our Mission can be seen on the Mands On A Mission fanpage.  Feel free - learning about this whole public media as we go along.  When the documentary on the food habits show is broadcast, it will be awesome to compare the changes now from the changes that were being undertake then.  It will be on SBS, but more closer to the time.  Hopefully there will be no internal ramifications with family and friends, but as it is about me and my eating and my headspace over 8-12 weeks of recording going into two hour long programmes, I can't see it all being about me.  There were 4 others in there, plus the good ol' Dr Happy. And the camera crew, sound guys and producers...

An interlude

Thought I should read the horrorscope predictions - must say I have enjoyed some of these lately because the messages have been very strong, positive, go forth and conquer type stuff.  Need a bit more of that going around here *grins*

For the first time since 1982 Mercury and Saturn, the planets of communication and conviction, are aligned in a very intuitive part of your chart, giving your intuition and your imagination a voice and the ability to turn these into plans or strategies that can be committed to. This gives you a chance to put your thinking cap on in a very smart, intuitive and creative way, looking and thinking outside the square, while remaining mentally focused and sharp.

Oh goodie - all about making the fantasies into reality.  Why not back when Jon Bon Jovi was just a little hotter - actually, Johnny Depp is still pretty out there with being part of the imagination - he'd be a treat to motivate, support and provide lavishings of gifts - in single dollar increments too if he so desired...  *flutters*  Oh - sharp and focussed, well pfft - there goes any Johnny Depp fantasy *sighs*

Must say, all jesting and jokes aside, I am so grateful to have my dear Husband here, by my side, working together to maintain in the belief of our dreams while getting our currently in order and on track to achieve the dream.  Our Mission is about the actions, motivation and support clearing our debt ~ Our Dream is all about simple self sustaining living with water and mountains and greenery. Few chooks, goats, pigs, beef, fish, seeds, a shed, a chainsaw and a tractor - sweet!  All we'd need to get have others start to see our Dream. *wistful* But first our Mission...

If you've not found it, a separate blog called Mands On A Mission is being updated about our savings, our ways to make rubber meals ~ meaning the meals stretch further, not become rubbery!  Tonights $1 lamb shank (x three shanks) slow roasted dinner will also stretch into the fish patties and a Moroccan vegetable pie later in the week, or month for the pie filling.  Clever Mands.  Plus, as our Mission aims to provide tidiness and less clutter, I've already put the leftovers in the fridge or freezer as required.  It is almost 11pm, its all cooled, its finally time for bed!

Feeling very pleased with the productivity on 'everything' this weekend.  Checking in the week ahead readings and they are looking a little like this:

You'll meet people who can considerably help you in more than one sphere. Dazzling professional progress, and also some money in. For couples, understanding will be good. You'll be invested with beautiful joy of living and brimming optimism; profit by this situation to liquidate definitively the anxieties which have often tortured you. These astral influxes will grant you the possibility to count on the help of competent and efficient people; try to show yourself worthy of their confidence; don't neglect their counsels for the benefit of those of the persons who're less well intentioned toward you and who would lead you into a dead end. Keep a close watch on the health of your children; a thorough medical checkup every semester is recommended for them. It will be absolute calm on the sentimental plane; you'll profit by it to recuperate from your recent amorous feats.

Now doesn't that seem positively wonderful and achievable?! The changes over the last six months has almost been setting us up for this forward action, changes in lifestyle and formation of healthy relationships with friends and family.  Cant end an entry on a much higher note than that!  Until tomorrow...

A quick joke from my father:

Public School Teacher Arrested 

A public school teacher was arrested today at John F. Kennedy International Airport as he attempted to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a set square, a slide rule and a calculator. 

At a morning press conference, Attorney General Michael Mukasey said he believes the man is a member of the notorious Al-Gebra movement. He did not identify the man, who has been charged by the FBI with carrying weapons of math instruction. 

"Al-Gebra is a problem for us," Mukasey said. "They desire solutions by means and extremes, and sometimes go off on tangents in search of absolute values. They use secret code names like 'x' and 'y' and refer to themselves as 'unknowns', but we have determined they belong to a common denominator of the axis of medieval with coordinates in every country. As the Greek philanderer Isosceles used to say, 'There are 3 sides to every triangle.'" 

When asked to comment on the arrest, George W. Bush said, "If God had wanted us to have better weapons of math instruction, He would have given us more fingers and toes." Aides told reporters they could not recall a more intelligent or profound statement by the former president.