Weekend

It started off with the promise of being a very busy and productive weekend and like most things changed along the way.  We normally go to a farmers market as a family however this Saturday my other half dashed there without his family.  I was feeling a bit unwell and decided to stay behind with the children. It was raining and no one was keen to go.  (Later that day we were heading off to a birthday party down the coast for our goods friend boy. He was 8.)  He returned from the farmers market with lots of goodies and the prospect of a bit of work for a project that will give us a small amount of income.  Every little bit counts.  It takes some of the pressure off the Chief financial controller, me!  Amazing how accomplished he is.  I like having those moments when you think goodness this man that I am with is very clever, resourceful and quite amazing.

The birthday party plans changed from swimming and playing in their local park to back to their house due to the rain.   Its a fair drive to visit my friend however always worth it and we always look forward to our next get together as it doesn't happen very often especially with my study and workload.  Sometimes we meet somewhere else and let the kids have time together as well.  I love her and her family they are amazing and it is always interesting to see her renovations on the house. We were greeted at the door by the amazing granite bench top, so lovely. Black with flecks and all we could think was WOW!  Her family were already eating and playing and we joined them. We were late but it was a slow day, I was slowing everyone down.  We stayed long after everyone left. I was talking and enjoying the day and I realised after a bit the pressure that I had been under was enormous. I was being packed a take home pack and she was being amazingly generous and wonderful and then made us dinner. It was all a bit much after the big week and the tears flowed.  My friend requested several times that I stop or she would start. She is so lovely.  So after a wonderful dinner, the recipe was provided we were packed off home with more things than we brought, tired, happy and full.  Then on the way home the stupid check engine light came on. Not far from where we left. We got out, swore heaps (I asked my other half to stop as the kiddies were getting upset and very anxious.  Then after a few checks water, oil and all the usual,  I mean what can you really do when that light comes on, on a Saturday night on the way home from down the coast.  We proceeded home a bit slower than usual.  The kids were sound asleep after a moment or two of distress that we might not get home.  I reminded them that we would be alright.

So Sundays plans were starting to unravel as well.  An early morning call, swimming cancelled, afternoon plans cancelled and due to a late night, two very tired children.  So we had a quiet day. We made golden syrup and date pudding (Thank you Sue) for a lovely new cookbook that we were given as a present. Actually when I say we, my Petal made most of it, I just supervised and helped with the pouring and oven bit.  The Red Headed hurricane made the decision of having Thai red curry for dinner with beans and sweet potato and spinach roti.  So that was dinner and dessert taken care of.  I cut up tomatoes, onions, herbs, garlic and anything else that I could find that would go with them.  My other half bought home, 8 kg's to make into sauce so that is brilliant.  I have a jar promised to my beautiful friend from the coast when we catch up at Moomba next weekend.

That was it for the weekend, no study done, that is reserved for today as I couldn't bear to tackle it.  Off to have breakfast and do homework and anything else that I need to catch up on.

Started today

I ran out of time, I had big plans for making my massage bag, my phone had even bigger plans to die and take out our carrier with it.  I spent most of yesterday running around trying desperately hard to get it fixed and ended up getting another one. Then most of the evening discussing with my carrier that I shouldn't need credit on my phone to receive a simple text message and that I had not signed any contracts when I purchased my sim at Safeway.  Also when I did put credit on my phone that it was sending me the same message and that I was still not receiving the text messages and no I wasn't trying to send any and no I didn't want to go on to a plan and no I didn't want to take my sim card out and reset my phone to factory settings and NO I didn't want to go to another department and spend another 15 minutes on hold and NO clearly it wasn't my new phone that was causing the problem as the messages were coming directly from them.   Why on earth would I need credit on my phone to receive a simple text message and would they come through once I had credit, Yes of course I was assured and No they didn't was what eventuated.

An SMS you tried to send or receive has failed as you are out of credit for that message type. Recharge now to allow future SMS messages to be sent or received. 


I did find some material in my stash and I did stare at it quite intently whilst I was on hold to my carrier but nothing eventuated.

I managed opps I mean we managed (as my Red Headed Hurricane helped) to make some lovely Thai Chicken sausage rolls for the children's lunchbox and muesli but that is where it ended. I am out of lovely baked treats until tomorrow.  I am trying to think of something for next weeks baked treats and for visitors.

I started school and have a mountain of homework as per usual. Including an amazing project that if I prove to be good enough will be submitted to another authority and see If a grant can be organised. This is of course very early days.  I will see where it goes. The pressure is on. I have the bare bones of what I want to do and I am going to start writing this week. I am purposing to do my 6000 words on the effects of remedial massage on the soft tissue of a child with mild CP.  I really think that I will do everything in my power to make sure it is good enough who knew what would unfold today?  So this takes me in another direction again or maybe this is the right direction now.

I have also organised 3 massages in the near future and a meeting with another mum who already has her own business doing yes Remedial Massage.  I am very determined to get on top of the assignments, log book and research project and not leave it to the last month or 2 like I did last time. Although in all fairness one assignment last time was given to us in the last 2 months to complete instead of the allocated time.  Part time evening courses is very different to full time.

My Petal did a lovely surprise for us and decorated the table in fairy dust, so pretty I love that she lives in a world where things are lovely and magical  I felt very privileged to share this world during dinner and see all the pretty sparkles.  Sometimes it is the simple things that mean the most.

Very tired and a little overwhelmed by today's events sulking off to bed now. Good night.

time to get serious

Well a couple more days and I am back at school and of course I have not made or bought a massage bag that holds all my requirements, towels, sheets and hand towels etc and makes me happy. So with my limited sewing skills I am going to have to get very serious and make one very quickly. I have a 1/2 day of classes on my first day back later this week so I have a couple of days to do this.  Firstly I know that I need a pocket inside that will hold my oil and essential oils without leaking everywhere. So I need something like a plastic or oilcloth I think.  I am wondering if I need to have this pocket attached to my bag or just find something that works and pop it inside the bag?   This is all throwing around ideas and trial and error at this stage. I also need something that won't catch my towels when opening and closing so a clip not zipper closure.  I need handles that can convert to backpack style to keep my hands free when I have to carry my massage table as well AND something that is pretty but not too pretty if you know what I mean.  I also need another pocket to carry my small diary and papers,  again I am not sure that this needs to be attached to the bag or an inside pocket. I have to take notes and other requirements from clients as well as I think I will want to use this bag not just for school.

I have no idea on earth how to draft a patten so I will just wing that and see what happens. I figure that I can work it out as I go and laugh at the problems and bungles.  I am off to check the stash and see what jumps out at me to be converted into a bag.

Lets hope this rain keeps going so that I can keep finding at excuse to stay inside and work on my new and urgent project.

Coming up with Ideas

I thought it would be easy to think of things to do that cost very little money.  I thought I would have a wonderful idea of $16 entertainment blog. This is not the case at all.

The minature trains (1 ride with the children hardly seems enough) however comes in under budget at $3.00 per person. Going to St Andrews market and having thai for breakfast or brunch, again comes in under budget and is wonderful. We sit outside on the deck and watch the kookaburras (free entertainment whilst you are eating is always good!) Going to the local swimming pool and having as many turns on the 2 water slides is a winner as well but so far that is about where it ends.

So now i have to think up many more things. I have seen friends do this and wondered how they do time and time again.  The local library is the next idea and should prove to be very sucessful. Its cool inside. it has books and other wonderful things and just works so well with our limited budget. Op shops have been wonderful as well especially for books and craft things. We have a little list that we take with us to see if this is the day that we will find some treasures and also some things that we want to use to make things. I have drawn on my stash to help out. I have a stash of some vintage fabric, lace and buttons also some current fabric and wool.

The movies is just out of the question at the moment however I am doing surveys as fast as I can to get some tickets. I have 1 and working on another. Once we don't have to pay for adults this cuts down the expense to something almost reasonable.  Tuesday is also another option unfortunately this is my school day starting next week. 

Parks also seem to be another option especially as we have a fabulous not to far away from us. My Red Headed Hurricane suggested that we walk there and I think that will be high up on the to do list once the temperatures cools down a bit.

So ask me to come up with ideas about food and the list goes on and on and I even provide receipes ask me about cheap or free entertainment and I am stalling at 3-4 ideas.

It always comes back to the No factor. We cannot afford it, we have bills to pay, Daddy is not working, we have no income and well that is about it for tonight.

Thank goodness for the children. They seem to find the most amazing and affordable entertainment. The first one that has become a regular is a fashion show. My Red Headed Hurricane works both behind the scenes and introduces my Petal. He is happy coming out and making all the necessary introductions and updates.  Confident and happy explaining that he applied the make up and helped with the styling of the beautiful model. So cute. We also try to do a games night as well and that seems to be very affordable. They love movie afternoon with popcorn or chippies or anything that constitutes a yummy snack. If I have baked something that seems to be the most popular option.

They also make things for us to eat.  i am constantly being told (try this Mummy) Today we had a banana, strawberry smoothie, my Petal made with instructions from her self made cookbook.  My Hurricane made hommus dip and toasted bread that Daddy made fresh.  They are already organising their next cook off.  which involved my Redheaded Hurricane doing the cooking and making with a little assistance from his dad. My Petal doing the drinks and I can do massages until my arms are too tired to do anymore.  This is exactly what we need to do to make money.  So cute that they have all these amazing ideas and they are so hopeful that we will make enough money to take care of everything and all our friends.  

So what I need to remember and I seem to be struggling a bit with is, the cup is 1/2 full and we have a lovely family and family time is precious but not expensive!

Hump day

So more progress today. The car is being worked on, ideas are being discussed and information sought. More cooking, a red capsicum chutney or relish and I still need to find some more recipes . Routine is back on track and the days are whittling down quickly to when I go to school.

I have been planning lunches for the kiddies and dinners for the family. The pantry that is quite well stocked has been wonderful. Also what is left of the veggies patch after the hail on Christmas day has been good. Normally we have blueberries, tomatoes, herbs and other lovely goodies but this year just some strawberries a few and some cucumbers but every little bit helps. I am surprised at how easy the transition with food has been. We have stopped all take away and not one request for it has been made to date. It would seem as long as we make the things they are very happy.

I am considering taking some things to a market to sell. Nothing that I have made or anything like that just out grown toys clothes and other bit nd pieces. I will see how I go, I m getting together a collection and working out if I have enough.

tuesday pancakes

Whilst ironing, I was looking out the window as tv viewing was not holding my attention. The nasty neighbour family member was walking past. He stopped and looked around and made sure that no one was watching and then threw the empty bottle that he was carrying into our garden. I have been trying hard to ignore the build up of rubbish from their overflowing bins. Mostly I pick it up and put it in our bin, this time I decided not to ignore this and before he realised I was outside and walking to where he had thrown the rubbish, he ran inside quickly and shut the door. I left it back in his yard. So now I know where the rubbish has been coming from and where to return it ALL and there is quite a bit that will be going back to them.

Their rubbish is providing some source of amusement for us. There is a beer bottle sitting on their table outside and has been for quite some time we are wondering how long it will stay there before they finally get sick of it and one of the lazy people throws it in the recycling bin. To date it has been there for over 2 months. I might have to include a photo one day if it stays there for a while longer.

Pancakes and fresh bread happened today. The children enjoyed pancakes for dessert with homemade vanilla bean ice cream and maple syrup it is not a bad life. Our home was busy with cooking and making lots of mess. I am left to clean up and enjoy myself with a glass of wine and some dishes. My other half is out attending a seminar, with a bit of a push he was gone. Tonight it's me and the tv. Tomorrow I have to work through the box of red capsicums that we bought for a great price at the farmers market. I have stuffed a few, I am using some grilled ones for relish and then I will have to find one more recipe for the remaining 8 or so.

Do you know how hard it is to get back into the routine and achieve things when everything changes and there is another adult in the house during the day a lot less money and still the same needs. Just when I sort something out then it changes and not necessarily with a good change. I think I will have to stand my ground and make sure that things are working and flowing smoothly before I return to school...... next week.

i was doing the sums and it works that I have about 3-4 exams a month and this thought alone is making me panic. I mean really sweating palm and heart racing panic. I am still waiting for the results of last years certificate and then at least I know I have passed and can move forward and continue this amazing journey.

and more progress

My other half has been busy with creating and writing.

http://ausdiysolar.blogspot.com.au/

Whilst I am cooking, baking and sewing my other half is trying to be a great provider.