Day 23: Getting There

 

Slowly making my way through the house my two little blond helpers, are more a hinderance that anything else. they make every job five times as hard, but they think they are doing a wonderful job. they just drain my energy (4 days until school starts). They get so excited to help. Especially Hurricane who like to come and remind me at least 20 to 30 times a day that she is my helper. Sadly, I can't tell them no when they want to help.

My head is pounding today, and my back is tweaking just a fraction. I just have to take out a bit of time for me. Not that I'll get much rest, because the three girls will come in and talk to me all day long.

Today we are cleaning the back patio and yard so that I can finally get in and mow. The wind over the last couple of days has blown in rubbish from other yards, this is a regular occurrence. I can't even pinpoint which neighbour, because if you look into their yards, they always look neat and tidy.

until tomorrow, remember: Life is a onetime offer... use it well.

Day 22: Doctor Day

 

Today my daughter has to go to the doctors. she has a cyst/boil looking thing on her back. So, she needs to go and get it looked at and possibly get some antibiotics. This is what happens when you have a fucked up immune system.; and she's had one since the day she was born.

Graceful has gone on a playdate; so, I only have the other two hellions to look after while their mum is out of the house. I'll get to help me clean something. probably give them some sponges and let them wash a wall. something they both like doing, even if I do have to go behind them and reclean it. At least it will keep them out of trouble.

I noticed it's been that hot outside of late, that even the cats are spending most of their time indoors... I can't wait for it to start cooling down again. I hate the heat. It is much easier to cope in the winter. Though, then I'm probably going to complain about the cold.

Until tomorrow, remember: Some call it chaos; but we call it family.

Day 21: Kid's Movies

 

Okay, this school holidays I have watched my fair share of movies just for the kids. Some I like, others, the movie was crap, but the music in it was good. Here's a rundown of what I had to watch these school holidays.

1. Minions (all of them... numerous of times; I've actually lost count of how many).
2. K-pop, demon hunters (one where I didn't like the movie, but I did the music).
3. If (I found it kind of cute).
4. Rim of the world (I liked it, I don't think the kids did).
5. Lightyear (always a good one).
6. We could be heroes (one I'm not sure if I liked it or not).
7. Muppets (always a classic).

There were more, but I can't list them off the top of my head. we also had some Wednesday, Twirly Woos, Digital Circus, Paw Patrol, Sponge Bob and other kid's shows. Today it was mainly Minions.

Until tomorrow, remember: You never truly fail until you stop trying.

Day 20: Start Of The Cleaning Plan

 

Today is the start of the cleaning schedule before our house inspection... I have 18 days in which to get everything done. It's doable... Most of the heavy lifting will be done when the girls are back at school; that way, they aren't going behind me and pulling everything back out. I love them to death, but in some situations, they can drive me bloody bonkers.

Each day until the time rolls around. on top of my normal daily chores, I will pick one room to deep clean. Not that our house is really messy. This just lets me clean everything from top to bottom> walls, floors, windows, and change all the bedding. A couple of hours a day and I will be done.

There are a couple of big-ticket items that need to be done. Mainly things like take my daughters old broken bed to the dump. and there is one paint stain on the floor of the garage that I'm figuring out how to get rid of. It annoys the crap out of me each and every time I see it.

I burnt my finger the other day on the BBQ, you should see the freaking blister I have now. I can't remember if we're supposed to pop them or leave them go down on their own. So far, I have left mine alone and the blister is the size of a pea... hurts like the dickens.

Until tomorrow, remember: If you have to go somewhere; it's okay to make it as weird as hell.

Day 19: Tired As Hell

 

Well, we were without power for 26 hours... luckily, we have a generator that we could put into action... once we got it started. At least mum could still have a fan, we could charge our phones, kindles and hook the fridges and freezers up... sweltering otherwise.

I ended up reading Harry Potter and The Cursed Child... I really liked it.

Weigh in today was good> 103.9kg... the person I'm keeping weight tabs with lost also this week My niece<weighed in at 147.5kg so we have been keeping each other motivated. So far, it's working.

Graceful had to get new school shirts today, and a school hat. she had a bit of a growth spurt, and the ones from last year are just a tad too small/short. luckily, for us, the smaller ones can be handed down to Hurricane. Eight days until school goes back for Graceful and Hurricane; and 10 days until Monsoon starts kindy (not that I'm counting).

19 days until we have our first house inspection for the year. I'm going to have to make up a job's list/chart to make sure we get everything done in time. it's the only way I know to keep us all on track. At least by the time the day comes the kids will be in school and not at home underfoot.

Until tomorrow, remember: There is no use in going back to yesterday; we were different people then.

Day 18: Made It Through Another Week

 

It might not have been the smoothest running week, but I made it all the way to the end and I'm still breathing and getting shit done... I've knocked a few things off of my to do list for the year. So, I'm happy about that

JOBS DONE:

1) Loo deep cleaned> from scrubbing the loo to washing the walls, windows, and floors.

2) Built the 3 shelves for the plate pantry so it's now not looking so cluttered and there isn't all the wasted space at the bottom.

3) Changed out the wheels on the BBQ (only some touch up painting and swapping out the switches to go... my niece did the wheels and is doing some research on the switches).

4) Got the new beds, mattress and chair. 

5) Hemmed the curtains in the lounge room and dining room (Mum did it).

6) Gotten over half of the yard (paddocks 1.48 acres) done. Slow going, but I'm making progress in that area. Best part is... as yet I haven't seen a snake.

7) Inventoried the freezers so that I know what food we have. Just so we don't have end up buying multiples of the same stuff over and over. this year is going to be different. I wish I had somewhere else to keep the linen that way I could have two pantries as isn't quite big enough. right now, I'm just going to have to make do with what we have because we really don't have any spare space.

8) Reorganised the kitchen, trying to make it more efficient for my use. It's all part of my deep cleaning process. I'm not rushing it but getting it done slowly but surely.

9) Made some new charts up to add to my folders. Some for cleaning, and some for my weight and health.

10) Got rid of the last dump-run stuff (thanks to the girl's grandad who did the runs for me).

Until tomorrow, remember: Don't be afraid to start over; you may like your new story better.

Day 17: Let's Dance

 

Hurricane is going to an open dance class today to see if she likes it, and if she wants to do it full time like big sister Graceful. I can't see it myself as she gets bored too easily; but that's what you get when you have ADHD.

I'm tired today. So, freaking tired, but I'm pushing through to get my jobs done. It's just taking me longer to get them done. I'm catching up on all the washing. With all of us being sick at some stage over the last couple of weeks, it's just gotten away from me.

Also, I'm deep cleaning the laundry to get that job off my list. Luckily, it's the second smallest room in the house. It's not going to take me that long, which is always a blessing.

I'm also hoping to swap out the school bag hooks on the side of the bookcase, seeing as we need to add an extra bag this year, and the ones there are just way too small. It won't take long to do. I just have to make sure the drills are charged.

until tomorrow, remember: You don't have to be related to be family.

Day 16: Why Is It?

 

Why is it when you've hurt yourself; you keep bumping said sore spot over and over.

1) I don't keep bumping my back, but I do keep moving in a way that really twinges it and has a shooting pain run through it.

2) My fingernail on my right pinky tore off right down to the quick; so of course this is the one I keep bumping.

3) I bit the inside of my cheek (left side), You guessed it, I keep biting the damn thing. so damn sore.

4) I think my ear infection is back in my right ear; it feels weird. Feels more swollen than actually sore.

5) and at the moment I am suffering a case of the travelling sciatica. it keeps swapping between my leg and my back. Just when I think it's gone the bitch comes back and yells surprise. 

Until tomorrow, remember: Somedays I'm not sure if I'm just in a bad mood or if everyone else around me are idiots.

Day 15: Fixing Day

Today the guys are coming out to see what has to be done about the ceiling in the girl's room. It's going to look so much better than what's there now. I might even ask for suggestions on how to get the paint stain off the garage floor. I'm hoping it's as simple as paint stripper. I could even ask about the one on the exterior brick wall. They are the next big jobs on my list of shit to get done. The ones I do in between rounds out in the paddocks getting that cut down. 

I'm proud that I have done over half the yard in total. I know I will eventually get it all done. I'm just not going to push myself to the point of exhaustion again like I did for the first week. The paddock now is going from scrubby grass to reedy grass and cobbler's pegs (so many cobblers' pegs) have I mentioned that I absolutely loathe cobbler's pegs. They c stick to freaking everything and are so hard to pull out... well not hard... just time consuming.

My back is still sore, but I'm trying to push through the pain because I have so much shit that needs to get done, and it won't get done unless I do it.

until tomorrow, remember: Don't put off until tomorrow what you should be doing today... because let's face it; you won't want to do it then either.

Day 14: Getting Back To Normal

 Today, even though I'm still stiff and sore, I have to get back into cleaning mode because I have the maintenance guys coming tomorrow to check out the ceiling in Monsoon and Hurricane's room (water damaged from the rain).

I'm not sure I'll make it down to buy the groceries today. A) because I have a screw in my tyre and it needs to be changed out, and B) I don't want to have to take the 3 girls with me, that would be a mission all on its own, and I don't think I'm up to that. It's tough enough having to deal with them at home (I just keep telling myself, 13 days until school starts again).

The girls were so excited because yesterday and they got to show their grandad (dad's dad) before he left to go home... Don't know when he'll get back down for a visit. The girls will miss him like crazy.

Thank God the bins are emptied today so that I can start filling them up again. At least now they should begin to just be normal size bin days, because thanks to the girl's grandad who did a few dump-runs for us most of the trash is now gone. We still have to cull the kid's toys and clothes seeing as they have all had growth spurts. That is the last big job inside the house to do. though my daughter has to do with her clothes and stuff. Me, I'm always getting rid of my clothes (giving them to my sister) especially if I haven't worn them for a long time. If my sister doesn't get them, I donate them to the op-shop.

Until tomorrow, remember: One person's trash is another person's treasure.

Day 13: Still Out For The Count

 

My back is so sore today I can hardly walk... Though I have to get up because my daughter is the one who is sick today, she's in bed and I have to take care of everyone else. Life really sucks sometimes.

No yard work will be done again today. I really can do with the rest. hopefully tomorrow I'll be recovered enough to get something done even if it's only twenty minutes.

Today I'm working on updating all my charts. I only lost .4of a kg (104.5kg), but I lost cm all over, which I'm happy with. At least I'm still heading in the right direction.

Until tomorrow, remember: Life is like an ice cream cone, when you think you have it licked... it drips all over you.

Day 12: Not Feeling Well Today

 

I'm going to be spending the day in bed because I'm really not well. I have whatever virus is going around. Mum had it a couple of days before, I wonder who will get it next. I'm trying so hard not to vomit. Though mine is also because I've got a touch of the sun.

Today the three girls have decided it would be the best time for an all in war.  My head is pounding like it's ready to split open and my sciatica has moved up my leg and into my lower back... Yay, what fun.

Until tomorrow, remember: Puddles were made for jumping in... so, make sure you have your wellies handy.

Day 11: How Time Flies

 

I can't believe how fast the last 11 days have flown by. I hope it's not a sign of how the fast the whole year is going to go. Though, in saying that. If it does, then I'll reach my 2-year plan at exactly when I'm meant to, but it will seem faster.

I'm determined to enjoy this year and not let anything get under my skin. My year overview of my stars says that I will achieve my goals this year and I believe it. I'm just stubborn enough not to let anything defeat me. I'm hoping eventually my attitude will be contagious and my daughter will lift her game and start helping more around the house, but it probably won't happen until after she's had her surgery.

At least I'm still on track with all my current projects. If I keep going, I might even be able to get ahead on the paddock. I'll let you know what happens.

I'm also hoping that once the girls are back in school and the house is quiet for most of the week, that I will get into a better routine. I need to make sure I manage to fit everything into my day = getting my yard work and my household chores done. If I make a timed-out schedule that it will fit everything in, then I'll know what to do and when as I will have to fit the chores in and around the yard work (while the batteries are charging). I can do it. I know I can. I just have to wait 16 days to set it all in motion. right now, as soon as we clean up the three girls mess it up just as fast.

Until tomorrow, remember: It's okay to embrace the glorious mess that you are.

Day 10: Let's Chat A While

 

Before you ask... yes, I'm still out in the paddock, but it is getting easier, well, kind of. At least I'm sticking to it. To tell the truth it's starting to look really good. will be even better once it's mown. I'll start that once I reach the end of the big side paddock.

My next job to mark off the list is to build the 3 shelves I want to put in my plate pantry. I have all the material. I just have to do it and then decide if I want to swap the plate pantry with the food pantry. I'm trying to make things easier for myself.

We're supposed to be heading into a heatwave, and sadly I believe it. It has been muggy as hell. Either heatwave, or we are getting more freaking rain.

17 days until the girls are back at school. Not that I'm counting... who am I kidding, I am absolutely counting. They are freaking loud, all the damn time. I don't t think any of them know the meaning of inside voices... especially Monsoon and Hurricane, and they are all crying at the drop of a hat since they have had the chicken pox (though, mainly Graceful).

I'm proud of myself, I've still had no deep-fried food, and when the others had take-out, I didn't. I made my own food, so I knew exactly what I was eating and I'm sticking with the smaller meals. I'm not hungry in the slightest. I am drinking a shit-ton more. Though, I think that's more to do with all the freaking hard and hot as hell yard work I've been doing.

Until tomorrow, remember: The trick is not to let people know how weird you are, until it's too late for them to back out of the friendship.

Day 9: Happy Birthday, Daughter

 

I'd like to wish my daughter the happiest of birthdays. She may think I always forget her birthday... which is sometimes true. I should mention I forget mine as well. I'm figuring she must be turning 36 today. I usually cook her pancakes for breakfast. I guess I'll have to wait for her to wake up before I can find out if she wants them or not. This picture is not actually her cake, but I know she like Supernatural, so I thought it appropriate.

I'll be out working in the yard again today. I'll probably get a heap done before most everyone is even out of bed. I usually just wait until our noise restrictions say I can be loud, and then I head straight outside. I'm trying to play catch up from being sidetracked for two days and only getting half days in the yard.

My left knee is killing me. I'm not sure if it's because I'm overworking it or because of the rain, (have I already said that?) but at least I'm working through it and getting shit done.

I want to do a detox, (Not from drugs or alcohol), but just from the crappy way I've been eating. If anyone has any ideas, leave me a comment, because at the moment I'm just winging it. I've been sticking with my indoor walking. though it's painful to do the arm bits if I've done a lot of whipper snipping during the day.

Until tomorrow, remember: It's not about finding shelter from the storm, it's about learning to dance in the rain.

Day 8: Mr Bowie.

 Miss him every damn day.

Listen to him every damn day.

Just Awesome.

Until tomorrow, remember: Be happy... it drives people crazy.

Day 7: Crossing Off Another 2 Jobs

 

Today is the day my niece is coming over, and we are changing the wheels on the BBQ, and taking down the dog run in the back paddock. We'll also be having a BBQ, so I'll have to make garlic potatoes for my sister.

I'll get out early and do a stint in the back paddock. I'll also do more after everyone goes home, or if they annoy me while they are here at the house. I'll let my daughter entertain...LOL. Though while my niece is here, we'll make a plan to chainsaw up the one tree that is in my way of getting the bottom tier of the top drive completed.

Seven days into 2026, and I've already marked off a heap of stuff on my to do list. I just made up my mind this is the year I tell myself I can accomplish anything. I'm not taking no for an answer (not from myself I mean). Hopefully, the mindset and the momentum last throughout the whole year.

I'm giving myself little goals throughout the year... making it easier to achieve them. That's why I chose to do the hardest one first and I'm already almost halfway through it, by the end of this week, I'll be a little over halfway.  

Being the list lady that I am. I have made charts for everything just to keep myself on track. I have them for the following:

* Get shit done this week list

* Grocery List (because I want to see how much our spending changes)

* Food intake list (making sure I eat)

* Weight & Measurement Chart

* Yardwork Chart (keeping track of hours I'm working and what I'm doing)

* To buy List (household)

* To buy List (presents = Birthdays, Easter, Christmas)

* My chore chart

* Grandkids chore chart

* Budget

* Savings

* Debt pay down

I find I work better when I have a visual/physical thing in my hands that I can mark off and see that stuff is happening. This method might not work for everyone, but it works for me and that's all that matters.

Until tomorrow, remember: True friends are like diamonds, precious and rare. Fake friends are like autumn leaves and found everywhere.

Day 6: I'm Tired Today

Mental Health Check:

Today is the day my mum has to have hers done. It takes an hour; my daughter is taking her down because I'll be still working in the yard. it gives my daughter a break from the kids. and it also means I don't have to put a bra on to go downtown... which is the real reason that my daughter is taking her.

When she gets home, I'll be back out in the paddock and I'll start at the back fence line and work my way toward the dog run, to where I finished off yesterday. Hopefully it comes down easy.

As much work as I'm doing, you'd think I would be tired, but alas my insomnia is still ever present. So, I go to bed tired, and I wake up just as tired. It's a vicious never-ending cycle that I can't seem to break. It doesn't help that Monsoon has decided she needs to be bed buddies with me, because apparently, I let her watch the phone for longer. Though mind you, at the moment we are re watching Stranger Things.

 

Until tomorrow, remember: Dance to the music in your head like you think no one's watching.

Day 5: Marked Off One Goal

I might have already mentioned my yard is freaking huge. the top tier of the top drive is 140 steps from the front fence to the back fence and it's 27 steps wide. It's taken me a week but I finally whipper snipped it all down, plus another patch in the back paddock about 25 steps by 15 steps. I'm proud of the fact that I worked out a plan to tackle it and I've been sticking to it. I had just finished for the day when it started to piss down rain. My luck the grass will grow back twice as fast. I'm saving like crazy to get the ride on mower serviced and to get the seat either recovered or replaced.

Today I weighed in at 104.9kg so I lost 1.7kg this week; probably from sweating so much. I did lose 8cm from around waist, and 1.5 from around my hips. I'm not actually dieting (I might have already told you that) I'm just eating less and choosing healthier options for cooking (no deep frying).

My other goals to achieve this week are to remove the dog run, all the old dog bowls in the big paddock, and replace the busted wheels on the BBQ (which should be happening on Wednesday).

22 more days until the girls are back in school, which is good because they are driving me nuts. Hopefully this isn't a warning for what they are going to be like as teenagers, because I'm telling you now... I won't survive it.

Until tomorrow, remember: Stay weird... it makes the normal people nervous.

 

Day 4: Shit Happens

 

I was hoping to have reached my back fenceline on my top drive by the end of today... alas I think I'm going to need another day, possibly two. And yes, the damn dog run is still up. We don't even have a dog. I just want it gone because it's an eyesore.

Today's lunch is another classic favourite of mine, a salad wrap.  Some days I just don't feel like cooking up a big meal. though I do cook my mum whatever she wants, at almost 94 she can eat whatever she damn well pleases.

I'm feeling the burn of doing the paddock now, but it is so gratifying looking back at what I've already done and seeing it all down. As it is just as daunting looking ahead to see what I still have to do, but the best part is knowing that I am doing it myself... (okay, in all honesty, I did have to get the young fella across the road to put my brush cutter together for me. I had no freaking clue).

Today I also marked off the three shelves for the plate pantry.  This is another of my January goals to get done. I have all the supplies. I just have to get it done.

Until tomorrow remember: Drink more coffee, because murder is still illegal.

Day 3: Hit A Snag

 

You guessed it. still more yard work. I'll be at it for the whole of January I think, but at least the gras is coming down easy. I'm not as young as I used to be and move a lot slower these days. Anyway, today I have hit the old dog run. I need to figure out how to get the damn thing out of the tree and rolled up (It stretches from tree to tree), and I'm too damn short to reach it. Might have to ask the young fella across the road to give me a hand.

Another overcast day today, so I'm not dying while out in the paddock. though, I did get bitten on the same damn foot. they look like bull ants, could be worse, it could have been green ants or fire ants, thank God, we don't have them. well, not that I have come across any; nor have I seen any snakes as yet.

Today's lunch was a steak and salad wrap. It was another delicious meal. I have banned myself from deep fried food for a while. It was making me feel bloated and lethargic. So, I've cut it from my repertoire for the time being and see how I feel.

Is it bad that I'm counting the days until the kids go back to school. Graceful and Hurricane have twenty-four more days, and Monsoon goes to kindy the day after the house will be quiet again. All the gifts they got for Christmas and for the last three days they have been digging mud pits in the yard. They didn't like it when they were made to fill them in.

Until tomorrow, remember: Reach high like a giraffe and stay grounded like a turtle.

Day 2: Just My Luck

Here I am slogging away at the top driveway which is literally a third of my yard. (Seriously underestimated how big this yard was). Anyway, I got bitten three times throughout the day and all on the same foot (my left one). I wonder if that is significant. I'm about 2/3 of the way down the top driveway I swear to God, the more I whipper snip, the further away the back fenceline seems to be getting. At least today is nice and overcast, but I'm still sweating like all get-go. Today I used my brush cutter for the first time. The damn thing is longer than I am tall. Thank the be-all-and-end-all that it came with a harness.

I've decided this year I'm going to try at least one new meal a week to broaden my horizons a little. Mind you, I'm talking about food I cook myself. Today I decided on stuffed chicken. (I stuffed it with green capsicum, onion, chilli, garlic, and cheese). I really liked it though the filling needed a little salt. I must have forgotten that part. the others in the house weren't too fussed on it. so next time I make it, it will be just for me, and the others can have plain old, crumbed chicken. That is always a winner.

My niece made me a feelings journal she wanted me to test it out for her. I have to fill it in every day and give her any suggestions on how to make it better. I've had a few. We'll see what happens when I see her on Wednesday for a BBQ.

Until tomorrow, remember: I may have woken up tired, but at least I woke up.

Day 1: Happy New Year

 

TWO YEAR PLAN

Today is the first day in my two-year plan to be debt free, and to have bought/replaced all the things in and for the house that I need to. After a shocker ending to last year, (where I was sick more than I was fine), I've decided this year I will start off on a positive note and get my mind in the right headspace.

Over the next two years I have certain goals that I want to achieve. I've decided if I set my mind to it than anything is attainable. Here are just some of my goals so you can see where my mind is at.

GOALS:

* Pay down my debt: This means setting a budget and sticking to it. Budget is not a dirty word. It's what makes sure the bills are paid on time.

*Getting the paddock cut down: I just didn't realize how large our block of land was when I started this adventure. I've decided to put a positive spin on it and look at is as a portion of my daily exercise. Trust me there is no getting away from the sweat while doing yardwork.

*Get my savings back on track: I hope to have a certain amount in the bank by the end of the year $5,000... let's see how close I get to my target.

*Get my health back on track> Not dieting, but eating healthier, if that makes sense... I also do indoor walking, which has taught me that I am very uncoordinated, but I get there in the end.

Our Year ended and began with Monsoon, Hurricane, & Graceful having the chicken pox, so three very miserable little girls, luckily, they are all on the mend now.

Until tomorrow remember: Deep breaths and get shit done.