Time just flies...

When you are making a new house into a home *grins*

Big apologies for the lack of updates this past week. Life is busy and semi-active and by the end of the day, I am in agony ~ a bundle of oww's and ohhh's. The new pain meds are a wee bit strong (considering I was off them 2-3 months ago) but I am getting a decent sleep. 

It's taking a little time, but house-sitting a fully furnished place takes a little longer to set up and make into your own. Especially when you are going to be living in it for about five years! So why have we decided to house-sit.

Back in 1997, Hubby and I agreed we would move interstate within 5-10 years to enjoy warmer weather and fulfil our dreams. The location was not determined at that time - he wanted to be in the Coffs Harbour region, I wanted to be in the Sunshine Coast or higher. Neither of us were insistent on either location, we just knew we were looking for a place warm with oceans and/or mountains to provide us with a true sea/tree change.

When SmallBoy came along in 1999, we'd made the move to Ballarat ~ close enough to family to be some distance away. In a nice way. *grins*  We had mountains, wildlife, bushland - but could still get to family within an hour or two, and have them visit if they chose. While this was not too often (aside from Hubby's mum on regular welcomed occasions) - we were fortunate to rent a farm house with an acre to ourselves for $120pw - a pittance in any climate. This allowed us to save for a home, more when we both worked but cope when neither were employed.

Bought the house mid 2006, and less that a year later I was off work - and discovering there were fractures in my spine from a car accident a decade earlier. Oh the joys! Had to wait a year but had a spinal fusion, laminectomy and bone grafting. Sadly the graft failed - but the rest has been progressing exactly in the time frame the surgeon advised. Add in a blot clot, some severe depression and anxiety, its amazing things have progressed on track.  

There were a few who felt they knew more that the Head of Orthopaedics at RMH which did nothing for my mental health ~ imagine being told you're wallowing in a disability which isn't there. Personally I think a little encouragement, some helpful phone calls and lots of cheers at milestones would have done me 100 times more good boosting my depressed, loss state of mind than pathetic put downs. I learnt who my true, honest friends are through this experience ~ the result surprised me. Those who have helped me through - especially with spiritual, helpful friends in those first months post op and the caring, motivational friends during the last six/eight months - you have been so special to me and always will be regardless of the distance. I have even gained weight and in twelve months have put on twelve kilos - from 45kg to 57kgs - gee I am so please and proud of me (and grateful for support of friends).

There's been ups and downs, rights and wrongs but overall - our little family unit is so strong and happy together, we knew we could and would cope with the decision to move to an area we knew no-one, with a campervan and the idea we would be able to get long term, low/no cost accommodation in return for work or caring for someone. We decided so long as it was between Buderim and Cairns (our choice of area since around 2004), it would work. We thought Gin Gin to Maryborough would be best, having looked at a few properties in Tin Can Bay, Kia Ora and Childers over the years.

And here we are ~ house-sitting a three bedroom place in the Bundaberg area for the next three-five years while the retired owners embark on their around Australia adventure. With our only expenses being electricity and communications, we hope to reduce our debt by half this year and then start saving for our own Queensland piece of paradise. 

More importantly for the short term is building a social/friendship base in the area. SmallBoy has settled into school brilliantly ~ proving to be quite popular with his classmates and even developing tanned legs. This we discovered when out on the weekend and his 'tan' was highlighted by the white 'socks' on his bare ankles. *chuckles* He has been put up a year academically and is coping with the extra workload and subjects. We are considering a tutor just to ensure no gaps in his learning will make things difficult in upper high school. 

Finally my therapies are set in place and I'll be starting hydrotherapy next week. I've got the homoeopathic work scheduled plus I am working with weights, magnets and yoga to get more movement into my right side (which is considerably weaker than the left side). Costs a damn fortune - seriously half our income is on therapy at the moment so I will have to cut back. Scarily, there is some bone spur and nerve blockage going on in my neck (nice to know I wasn't making that up either!) and it looks like my hips are not aligned, but this last issue should self correct as I strengthen my core muscles again. Being in tune with my body is helping and will be a lot easier once this run on pain relief has ended and the pain management clinic sessions start.

So ~ a little history, goals and plans. Much more interesting than hearing how we have unpacked suitcases, set up bedrooms and worked out where things are stored in a 'strange' house. Oh, but we have built our raised vegetable bed and hope to be enjoying lettuces and asian greens in the next few weeks. Can't wait.

This Week's Menu 

Sunday: Beef Stroganoff with beans

Monday: Pumpkin Soup and Pide bread

Tuesday: Nachos and salad

Wednesday: Chicken schnitzel and salad

Thursday: Spinach and ricotta pasta

Friday: Tuna Patties and chips

Saturday: home-made KFC

Sunday: Pork chops and veggies

Baking/Making: Pumpkin scones; Ham and cheese scrolls; Lemon meringue; home-made 'Savoury Shapes' 

Gosh I am loving life at the moment ~ for all the crap, I ain't dead yet and hope to be out in the ocean in summer and riding a pushbike again by the start of next year. The scars are fading (but I am so proud of the big one) but the mental scars are still healing. Its a journey. Thanks for sharing it.

Looking for the Good Stuff

I love a good 'find'...

And I'd love to say I had a day with no spending but with the chiropractic session (or should that have been waste of an hour being spoken to like I have no idea how the spine works and the issues I am facing) at a cost of $90 ~ sadly not. What a waste of time and money - not even a little bit of relief provided yet is cost a bomb. If someone would like to reimburse me for that, we'll gratefully accept any contributions.

Especially as I have now the need to return to my doctor and get another referral for further 'work'. I might just get the x-rays for reference to show another therapist what is the current status of my back and work with issues and tensions as I know them to be. OK ~ maybe he is being over-efficient, over-cautious - but to charge a non-refundable on information being provided just seems a little rich for me...

So it is off to the 'Purple Door' to see an Osteopath about a Care Plan and a Reiki practitioner about some acupuncture. It's never easy to find the right person who 'fits' with your body, mind and soul quickly ~ but we will get there *smiles*

It's been another beautiful day ~ we 'Mexicans' (as we Victorians from 'south of the other border) get called are being very careful in the sun, making sure SmallBoy has sunscreen on each morning and a roll-on bottle which he as proved he is using because I've had to fill it up already. *cheers* Both Husband and I also put on our sunscreen ~ although I do try to get 10-15mins in the morning sun before covering up to keep up the Vitamin D and ensure my skin is not too fragile when the sun gets hotter over the spring/summer months.

SmallBoy loves pie ~ we love this one used the leftovers

Must scoot ~ writing tonight and I've got the mojo for poetry again.  Keep safe, eat well and enter our UukyBearub competition soon. Details are available on the previous posts. 

You still get colds in Queensland

The flora of  Eucalyptus ~ stunning and natural  

Achoo ~ 'scuse me ~ gotta a lurgy...

Because I have been on such a run of medication, the last thing I really wanted was another tablet or some syrup which is going to dry out my nose but keep me awake all night. And I am not a fan of the chest rubs which contain petroleum and other nasties. But I do have alternatives, one which I have used since MudGuts was a baby. Because he cant use any additives or chemicals, finding a chest rub free of additives was quite a task 20years ago but there was one and I've stuck with it since I stumbled upon it.

Having touted the Bostitos Eucalyptus Oils for cleaning, freshening and disinfecting, I was asked if I'd like to try another great product. Blow me down (with a good snot into my hanky) if it wasn't our favourite chest rub. Affectionately known as the BearRub, EukyBearub is an Australian owned and made chest rub using the natural properties of eucalyptus, menthol and rosemary to help sooth the aches of a cold or flu and ease the blocked noses of little ones, helping them rest, sleep and get well faster. And I don't think you'd find that statement on the press release or packaging.

I truly find EukyBear to a much better option to put on your little ones chest or back. Even babies can tolerate EukyBear ~ just put a little on their singlet or jumpsuit and you'll notice it is not as over powering or tear-inducing as some others. Plus it doesn't have that burning feeling on the skin some chest rubs have, perfect for the big babies often known as husbands...

Not that I need any incentive to use EukyBearub - now in a non-breakable easy to squeeze tube - the makers have kindly offered a tube of EukyBearub and a cute cuddly Koala which I will be giving away as a prize to a reader and follower of Mands on a Mission. 

Because I have a head cold and am in no condition to think of anything tricky or clever, simply post the following statement (exactly) either in the blog comments below, on the facebook page or via twitter.

I'm going to snuggle up with #EukyBearub when I have a cold ~ Thanks @MandsMission

Each mention gets you an entry and, if you get a friend to follow the blog or facebook (I'd like to include Twitter but it confuses me still and would hate to miss someone by accident) - get your friend to include "my friend (your name) suggested I follow" and you can have an extra entry.

Entries close Sunday 31 July 2011 at 5pm with the winner announced the following week. Every entrant will be listed below so please let me know if you've not seen your name appear within 24hrs of your entry. 

These people are in the running to win a cuddly koala and tube of EukyBearub (total value $40)

1. Kimmie
2. Hells Bells :D
3. IMG (Helen)
4. Jan
5. Sharynne
6. Leimay
7. Leila Matthews
8. 

Don't be a goose ~ get your entry in now :D 

Finally ~ Reconnecting with 'The World'

We had rainbows to guide the way... 

We've travelled up the coast and we are finally here...

Mands on a Mission is back online ~ with a temperament and attitude as warm and sunny as the climate we now reside! Oh Queensland ~ you are divine *grins*

Honestly, I never thought I'd get back on-line to natter ~ Hellstra gave a little grief in setting up our phone line. Which leads me to ask why, when every other amenity we transferred from the house owners' names into our own could do it as we talked and confirmed details, when changing the name on the phone account and leaving all other information the same does Hellstra need to disconnect, reconnect and allow a 48hr no connectivity window?

But all seems to be up and running, lets send out the vibes for it to remain so...

Day 1 ~ Brunswick to Beechworth ~ to Stevie B's

The Month Just Gone

Was a rather expensive one for us but ~ having bought a campervan, repaired a car, secured tenants for our home, registered a car (twice), finalised accounts, paid for the results of storm damaged property AND moved across the country for under $10,000 ~ we incurred little extra debt and that we borrowed from Husband's mother was budgeted to come from our tax return. This has just been finalised and repaid in full.

In many ways, we are starting from scratch with debts now at $38,290.07 (excluding the mortgage). While it seems to be going up, the amount of bills and accounts attributing to the debt has reduced. Our next 'victim' on the debt trail is the credit card. With beaches for our playground and sunshine instead of snow, we should have lots of free adventures that will ensure low electricity bills and reduce other expenses we would have in a usual winter. Sitting on a beach is free, exploring along an esplanade is free, discovering the joys of Sunday markets and new places is free - all possible as its not bitterly icy cold!

There is definitely a satisfaction which occurs when each bill is removed from the equation of your own debt. Having no outstanding electricity, gas, telephone or internet - no arrears in the mortgage, minimum payments on the current remaining debt - its a much easier position to be placed.

Compared to last September, there are now only three remaining debts. The Line of Credit is currently being covered by the rent being received on our place in Ballarat. MrCentrelink advises this is still our primary residence and will be for the next two years so long as we do not purchase property or land elsewhere. On $602 per week, this is highly unlikely to occur. *chuckles* 

VISA: $6,982.55

Personal Loan: $9,414.00

Line of Credit: $21,839.52

The short term focus is re-establishing our budget. Using my "Bill's Budget" sheets, this will be set for the end of the month and run through August and September. Already we have menu planned for the next ten days and shopped under budget. Considering the cupboards were bare ~ this is truly satisfying and a mighty feat! We even got ice-cream for desserts this week! Baked some buns, made pizza and will be enjoying a roast on Sunday! Gee it feels great to say that!!

Tonight's dinner - Char-sui beef stir fry - under $2.50ea

So a big fat pooh-pooh to those who said we shouldn't risk moving, those who said we might be running into trouble with our accommodation plans and those who questioned the choice of Bundaberg. The Karma-Fairies have given us a wonderful gift and blessed us with the opportunity to help others while giving us the chance to get back on track with our plans and dreams. Knowing Husband, SmallBoy and I agreed together to make the move, to embrace the chance and enjoy the change makes the whole journey so much easier and the adventure more enjoyable. 

Here's to fulfilling your dreams ~ stay with us on the Mission to being debt free, budget savvy and if you feel the need to help along, the Spare Change Jar at the top of the blog is a great place to gift those 5c and 10c coins you find in the gutter ~ it all adds up for us. 

Don't forget to share ~ if you've got unwanted 'stuff', look up your nearest Freecycle group because someone else might need what you are ready to throw out! We've already sourced a plethora of plants, heaps of herbs, bagged a bookcase and given toys, clothes and utensils since arriving in Bundaberg using Freecycle. Its even on FaceBook - like all the good stuff (such as Mands On A Mission) *grins*

Chat tomorrow friends and followers ~ I've another giveaway to share this weekend, a perfect winter winner! So enjoy your Friday :D

Moving State on a Non-Existent Budget

 

Could be seen to be quite a silly notion by some...

I am very grateful to not have had the misfortune to not have had the pleasure of discussing our plans with the nay-sayers *grins* All our family, friends and dear loved ones certainly are on our side ~ understanding the why, why now, why not's we know this move will do for us ~ and our dear loved ones know they are going to be mightily missed physically only until the next time we or they visit.

SmallBoy has shown enormous acceptance, resilience and excitement about the adventure in the actualities of a move north ~ even the cull is something he sees as being an opportunity of a simple, clean start supported by strength of family and those very good, loving friends he has cheering him on. Most of the younger cheers come seeking either a place to stay in the warmth, near the sea, to play for a week or so in the holidays, or with that little tinge of 'wish we could do what you're doing'

MudGuts is still processing the information ~ more the fact we won't be around the corner to be ignored any more. We'll be further away and not around the corner should the need of help, care or comfort zone security blanket value be required. He is almost 21 ~ he doesn't realise we have a car waiting for him to be licensed and if he could have this by his 21st, bonus - otherwise it is there for Christmas and a flight for his 21st. 

More appointments with him over the next weeks to help him maintain the positive outcomes, deal with those perceived as negative, address the fears, provide information to him and update specialists, doctors, mental health professionals involved. And MrCentrelink for a heck of a lot of 'stuff' - that's a process hey!? Both Nana's see it as a good, growing move for their oldest grandson. We all go 'gulp' and get ready to hang on...

What are we doing??

And how many ways can you express that sentence to convey so many different messages!!??

'What are we doing' getting rid of absolutely everything? Its been talked about, planned, wished for so many times before so many moves over more than a decade the moment is NOW to actually do what has become a mammoth task. Once done - never need to again... 

The magazines, the jars, the newspapers - all cleaned for all the home made stuff 'gonna' be made before surgery stopped it all, kept because it would happen - out for freecycle, then dumper. If someone comes, takes it - bonus, its still gone. If it is too personal, contains 'numbers' or has memories no longer wanted or carried through to our future ~ we'll burn it.

Ruthless, fearless, release, be free of 'it' forever...

'What are we doing' going where we know no-one to a place we've never been to a house we've not been to owned by people we don't know who are leaving for an unknown guaranteed period of time??!! You know - even reading that I feel the adventure that should come with the "we won't die wondering why we didn't do it" decisions. Says it all really.

No more waiting for 'when we can' or thinking about 'if only'

'What are we doing' for a future? To those staying behind? About work opportunities? For income for all the 'stuff' in life? ~ gee there are a lot of questions but the biggest has been 'How are we doing this' with several messages defined by tone. It's not cheap but we think we've done it the most cost effective way possible.

'What are we doing' about the house? The chooks? The cats? School for SmallBoy? Care for MudGuts? Ideally with having someone we trust with our home - our primary residence and not just 'a house' - the mortgage side of our expenses are covered for at least two years. Not charging much more than our payments and we've managed on pension payments and savings over the years. IF the chickens 'come with the house' or not - we have avenues to give them new homes. The school is sorted and the care stuff is in process as we speak. 

The cats are coming ~ be it immediately or with a wee 'stop' at MILs and flown up if a better option. They are acclimatising to knowing the cupboard with some jumpers of ours as warmth to be their new 'outside bed' and do that whole 'pecking' order of which shelf for which jumper to which cat. This will change with the weather no doubt. It is my almost perfect to know the cats will be fully outside, not this in and out habit it seems to have become ~ in the 'zero' temperatures, its not fair they freeze like cattle...

Keeping a Tally

Only because I think I need to have a really good way to keep on track and accountable. It's not going to be cheap but we've only got about $5000 to do this and no caravan or car capable of towing one at this moment. If our solar panels can be transferred to another residence, even another name then we've got an additional $1000 deposit possibly refunded on thsoe - if not, investment to the solar industry...

The station-wagon has had a 'new / change-over' engine purchased ($650) and replaced, now running over for roadworthy ($550) ~ although there may be a new bits to replace/rectify for registration and the VicRoads inspection. Hopefully to be registered and the job can be done/finished this week and (even better) come in under $2000-$2500 - because we might also need to get some brake system if we get a pop-top or larger van to tow. Still only got a trailer/camper type budget - and there are some decent looking ones around the top end of our budget...

We will have whatever comes at tax time to start up in QLD as payment into the Line Of Credit for a buffer against mortgage payments while our 'tenants' get all their bizzo set up. I know she'll be right, but when someone close is involved you worry about that 'expectation of a little leniency' you know you have in transition over flow. Oh I just want a buffer of a month or two.

There is the option to get an 'advance' payment which is about $1500 all up but deducted incrementally for six months leaving us with about $400pw; but adds an extra month, so there can be that first month hiccup covered if required. And to appease my poor brain, settle my nervous financial nerves. Adding $200 a fortnight with the family payment will keep this ahead if all transacts smoothly. At mental ease having that out there ~ even if it makes no sense to anyone but me it makes sense. 

At this stage, sort of in my head I know the mortgage will have a buffer of a month and a half ($1500), the Line of Credit will be receiving our $200pf as well as $1000pm in. Using the reduced disability and carer income only, we will have about $450 per week from June. This is food, petrol, bills, whatever other fees, expenses of changeover required.

Still hoping a few services can simply transfer across states - like the internode internet/phone package. Hoping the "Helstra" saga of disconnection does not $c?#% this up or make it expensive and difficult. Stuff like finally getting rid of 'MS Games' subs and get back $10pm to the budget. I don't know - each as they come and once organised, on to the next is the way I am getting through it all. Semi prioritised in as best way possible ~ it will all get done as it does...

Solar Savings : $5200

Plus 'carport $1 sale': $170

Now Hello QLD Acct: $5370

Less: 

-$60 : Towing to Recomm 

-$650 : Changeover engine

-$650 : Installation & work to RW

-$299 : Bloody big skip bin

Spend: $1660

Hello QLD Acct : $3700

Needing to keep another $200 on hand for the skip removal and weight charge. All up it is going to be $426.62 ~ so still got $127.60 at least to go. The car rego is up to $450 with appt fees ~ ideally this will give the car an ZYX end rego. We think a trailer or pop up van rego will be $120ish. Plus there is about $1000 *assigned* to getting it passed for rego to go through OK. Over the next few weeks that's $1700 'needed' from the account ~ $2000 for a camp trailer is more the budget at this stage.

We plan to have a garage sale over the weekend ~ this one where we get rid of a fridge (not for $1!!), motorbikes, tables, wardrobes and an unbelievable amount for coins. Not caring about the whole profit money making but ensuring items go on for use, stay out of the skip as rubbish weight and maybe we cover the cost of this Mothers' Day present. Or aim for the higher limit of the engine expenses!

Entered a competition to win ~ (wait for it) ~ a year's supply of Kleenex toilet paper, a month of Bakers Delight yummies and a clever cleaning pack from VIVA.  So if you want to win a Blue Mountain holiday which I am not interested in winning at the moment - its a time constraint thing - go visit Digital Parents Mega Bonanza Giveaway - there is other stuff to win.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Last week he fell...

  

   

  

 

 

 

Wordless Wednesday here, here and here.

   

New month, new budget sheet

Oh it's April - 

First important issue is SmallBoy ~ he is doing ok at the moment. He has knocked his broken foot going to the toilet and the pain sent him to tears and raised his temperature quite a bit. A quick call to the hospital and a re-visit to Emergency was required but all seems to be OK. A stronger pain medication dose is now in place and fingers-crossed nothing moved. We are not mentioning anything about operations, likely or not. I forgot to include the required purchase of a new ice pack ($11.95), an additional bandage ($12.50) and the 'hire' of two movies for SmallBoy's entertainment (free - only because the staff felt sorry for hubby when he was advised we had, and paid, $26 in late fees for a movie hired in July last year). 

I popped into school to collect SmallBoy's netbook to enable him to connect into school for work assignments, his 'publishing' book for project notes, his pencil case and a few library books. As mum is a teacher, she had previously suggested a few programmes school may be using. We have now linked into a comprehension programme, the Mathletics website and hope to connect to a few more so he does not fall behind with school work. 

It might sound odd we are doing this ~ however less than two hours before he fell, we had parent/teacher interviews where we leant SmallBoy was top of his class in comprehension and math, doing work at a level assigned to 13/14 year olds and discussed letting teachers know if he was bored or unstimulated by the class work so more challenging lessons could be given. He was on top of the world to hear only his handwriting needed improvement - one thing we have been working for several years with continuous, albeit slow, progress. Knowing that, its obvious he enjoys learning and we certainly don't want his injury to disrupt what seems to be a keen student.

Back to Budgeting...

Friday is 'pay day'. I went to the supermarket. Coles has Whiskas cat food on special for 77c a can - half price - so I bought 30 cans of various flavours to keep the pussy-cats happy for a month! More than half of the final bill ($54.53) was cat food ~ the rest was spent on specials including Turkish rolls and pida breads, some triple choc chip biscuits marked down to .99c - usually around $4 and I cant make them as good as these ones! - yoghurt, corn chips (for nachos), fruit juice, milk and a wee splurge on a bottle of Coke! Should get us through until mid month and, fingers crossed, only milk will be required around then. Regardless, I've allowed $21 for groceries each week for the next three weeks.

Also needed a petrol station stop - filled the car from empty for $49. I had a myotherapy appointment and had my neck, shoulder and back worked on which was another $55. At the moment, these appointments are weekly and do need to be maintained. Considering the past two weeks have been the first in four years I have been able to look over my right shoulder, the therapy is definitely worth it! Forfeiting my acupuncture for the next few months to allow me to attend myotherapy on a weekly basis, sorry Peter - I do miss the appointments.

Husband did a little work for his former employer - only a few days over the past fortnight which brings an extra $200 to the budget this month. Straight onto VISA. Sure, I'd love to use it to get the blackberries dug out by someone other than me! But I'll call it exercise therapy - save another $50 (in my head) and aim to strengthen my right side, stretch my upper body and work on my more muscles. It's time to be more dedicated to health and fitness while still lowering the grocery costs.

According to 'Bill's Budget' - my monthly budget spreadsheet - we've got $2970 in this month and expenses of $2725 leaving about $240 for extra payments on debt accounts. When you compare the outgoings of the past few months, we are getting ahead with steady little amounts. I've budgeted $50 a week for fuel, but suspect this will be lower with SmallyBoy not being able to go to school next week and the school holidays. Plans to go away to the family holiday house are off - can't afford to get sand into a plaster cast - we'll just find fun things to do closer to home. 

Our outgoings this month are the mortgage (2x 596.06), Fuel ($200), Therapy ($220), Personal Loan ($397.86), Insurances ($125.35), Phones/Internet ($173.60), Water ($25), Gas and Elec ($100), VISA interest ($45), Groceries ($120) - oh and the obligatory $2 for the Home Help bill. Plus I've budgeted $50 for Easter as our gift giving here has always involved winter pyjamas and one chocolate bunny or bilby.

Bartering eggs during the week next week ~ hoping to get some corn, pumpkin and maybe some asian greens. We'll have our own potatoes soon and I gave some tomatoes and eggs to the neighbours knowing they are both on pensions themselves and no longer able to keep a vegetable garden growing. It's what you do when you've got neighbours - well, it should be :D

Chat tomorrow...

Just a little 'break'

He is fine...

However SmallBoy decided to give us a bit of a scare on Wednesday night - gosh, that's only yesterday! He was ambling across the beams of the fernery which connects to the roof, as 11yo indestructible boys are known to do and, navigating the edge beam, lost his balance and fell. Like a cat, he landed on his feet. 

Unlike a cat, humans should not land on their feet from distances, especially those higher than the 2+ metres he did. So, after many many hours in hospital - from 6pm to midnight - it's good to know he has no compression spinal or neck injuries. He does, however, have a broken talus - a type 1 fracture so it is a clean, straight break - but not the typical childhood fracture and one bone which may require wiring or pins as it is still growing. 

We won't know if surgery is definite until Monday as the swelling is too severe at this stage to confirm whether it is aligned by good fortune or the swelling is what is holding the bone in place. He is not allowed to weightbare at all - he must lie with his ankle raised above his heart for the next four days. 

Please don't think we are making light of his accident ~ but that is what we see it as - an accident. Surprisingly for us, one doctor did make us all feel 'this big' with his opinion of having a little boy playing on the roof. Roof - tree - trampoline ~ for us it was wonderful to see SmallBoy trying to do something adventurous outside, away from 'screens' and with a confidence he does not often display. Kids are so wrapped up in a proverbial cotton-wool, when they do act 'naturally' condemning them is not appreciated. Especially when the act didn't pan-out as planned! 

Poor boy was a mess of distress. 'Scuse the 'French' but shit happens - kids fall, scrape and break things - then they mend, get up and carry on! Do you rush them inside when it rains so they can't get wet? $10 someone said yes - but the correct answer is NO. Let them play - rain wets, it doesn't kill! Mud gets them dirty, it doesn't kill. Falling doesn't hurt ~ its the sudden stop on a hard surface which hurts, breaks even - so does coming off a horse, scooters or roller-skates.  

Ironically I did the first part of my cert 2 first aid Wednesday afternoon, breaks and sprains and bandaging and less than an hour later there is need for practical application of the theory. The instructor said one would know if there was a break - and I did know it was broken. Even better, I knew what to do - and that was ignore Husband's opinion it was ok, maybe a strain and wait until tomorrow. Did the 'support and immobilise the limb', using a magazine and bandage. More frightening for me was when SmallBoy went into shock, but I also knew what to do and that helped keep the calm. Oi vie!!

So - Fingers crossed it all stays in place and he escapes with no surgery - I'm not confident this is going to be the case but we'll know more Monday if he doesn't end up back in before then. We've got some specific signs to look for - if any arise we need to be straight back. Already he is complaining of some additional neck pain but I am not going to panic unless when I check again in the morning the same area is hurting. Part of me says it is nothing, the other says its a strained muscle. I do not feel there is a greater issue than that but - if it is still painful in the morning, straight into the car - we'll head up to get it checked further. 

Less than 24hrs post accident, he is tired of laying on his back doing very little. He is 'sending me to school' tomorrow to pick up his NetBook, homework and some library books. Bored, sore and a little vague due to pain killers - only paracetamol and ibuprofen but he's never really had anything like that before, aside from as a baby with a high temperature. As everything here was out of date (and usually is the next time we have to use it for a second time), we've had to buy them - again... 

Because there was the chance SmallBoy was going to theatre - no food was given while he lay in Bay13 *irony* and 'everything' in Ballarat selling decent food closes by 830pm on a weeknight. Chemists here stay open later than restaurants mid-week! What's more, only TWO take-away outlets are open past 11pm - both displaying the same golden arches - and only the two in the centre of town. The 'account' went:

Hospital care - free 

Paracetamol - $3.90

Ibuprofen - $5.35

McDonalds - $35.80

Able to bring SmallBoy home - priceless

I am rambling now ~ so very very tired. The care SmallBoy received was brilliant - the nursing staff were caring, the orthopaedic surgeon had a brilliant bedside manner and ensured SmallBoy did not become any more anxious about the likely need for an operation. He decided it was better to send him home rather than stay in overnight, as was going to happen. We didn't get home and settled into bed until after 2am, SmallBoy woke me moaning a few times, needed water at 5am (thank you Husband) and I had to get to the second day of First Aid by 930am - it was a struggle on such little sleep. OK - must go, sleep - tired - rambling - yawning uncontrollably and making silly typos  - thank goodness for spell check! 

Yes - he was posing for a picture to send to school...

Night all - chat over the weekend - catch up then :D

Cross off the shop...

We'll waste and want not...

I have decided I need to follow a strict regime of 'Waste Not, Want Not' and push it to the point of ridiculous. This is one way to not just save money and lower costs for a period of time, its a way to prove  to myself, my family we have some silly frivolities taking up funds when we don't need them to be and show our ability to utilise the resources we have, be it the stock on hand and financially. 

Under no circumstance whatsoever will we be going into a supermarket for the remainder of March. Nil, nada, zip. Regardless of can or can't afford to, of which it is the latter for the most part, there has to be a way to make the most of everything, reducing waste and increasing our financial achievements. Oh what a venting post does for the soul ~ yesterdays misery guts moan allowed me to download, get a few things out of my head and on to paper - and over with. Many thanks to those who commented - it helps to get the blah out of the system sometimes. Picking up myself and moving onward and upward.

Today for example - instead of adding milk to my smoothie, I added a heaped teaspoon of powdered milk and icy cold water with the frozne banana, egg, vanilla, choc sustegan and wheat-germ. With no sustegan left, tomorrow I will have coffee, or nothing. SmallBoy has milk on his cereal and everyone is happy. We had toasted sandwiches with cheese and salami which has been in the freezer forever. All sealed up, no moisture or freezer burn and delicious! A huge pot of Spag Bog has been made up (and I mean 1.3kg of mince from March 10, 2L of tinned tomatoes, an old bottle of tomato sauce, bay leaves, stock and herbs) so that's for dinner tonight and at least 7-8 further meals - more if I add veggies or beans or whatever later down the track to add variety to the basic bog mix! 

So, this week's menu plan is going to include baking requirements and all three meals. Breakfasts will be reasonably the same daily ~ SmallBoy is a weetbix kid (even if it is the no-name variety). Husband is too, if he decides to have breakfast. I usually have muesli, porridge or a choc-banana egg flip smoothie *grins* As I plan to use up those gnawed apples, half chewed pears or whatever fruits and make muffins or biscuits, I might have these for breakfast as an alternative. Lunch will vary, as will dinner. But every skerrick will be used, utilised and eaten.

Monday ~ spag bog (funny that)

Tuesday ~ Omelettes

Wednesday ~ Sausages and veg

Thursday ~ Zucchini, rice and chizoro parcels (been busting to make this, got everything)

Friday ~ Tuna mornay

Saturday ~ Chilli con carne - bog with beans

Sunday ~ Lamb Shanks (roasted with potatoes and carrots)

By rights ~ nothing extra is needed to make each of these dinners come to life. I will also make some savoury scones - using the last of those salami slices, herbs and cheese and these can go to school or be for our lunch at home when the loaf of bread runs out. I've made up some 'freezer cookie' dough and will bake some tomorrow for afternoon tea and lunchbox snacks. Can't wait to show pics - all sorts will emerge over time! Lunch tomorrow will be scrambled eggs on a grainy bread roll ~ just need to find those in the freezer. I know they are in there - somewhere...

Just as the sun is setting in this picture, so is it now time for bed. I'd hope to beat pumpkin o'clock - only late by a few minutes so I shall say good night - sleep tight - hope to god I wake up bright!!

Cheers xx

Whinges, Woes and Wonder

Guys, I am struggling through stage two of opiate/narcotic pain medication withdrawal ~ apologies in advance (and arrears) for gaps and/or scattiness. Not having fun, not wishing to bore you, just needed to get it out there...

These past few days have been difficult - either sleeping for close to 18hrs of the day or surviving on 4hrs or less at other times. As I said to some girlfriends, moving into the next drop/change of pain med withdrawal and, 'scuse the inference, absolutely screwing with me, my brain, energy, family and everything. Some days I don't sleep others I don't wake - I feel I am looking and acting like those depicted in Dogs in Space or Train Spotting ~ and apparently this is kind of to be expected. I want to give up and return to the fog of pain relief because this crap is driving me insane, mad or something in between. 

Dear Husband is an amazing man - he is stepping up to the role of carer, cleaner, cook, husband and father like never before. It's been hard on him too because if I didn't expect to be feeling and acting as I have, he certainly didn't. Our marvellous doctor has been totally reassuring of the experiences, my head lady has been supportive and explains other issues I feel as being totally normal considering the situation and length of medication usage. Who would have thought.

But I hurt ~ I ache, feel stiff and sore. Part is because I've not used many muscles in many years but part is because I've had one side of my 'innards' rearranged or straightened and unhooked from the 45 degree angle, posture and stance in place for almost a decade. So there are parts inside really quite unimpressed with this idea of being straight and upright, the bits of metal enforcing this erection issue (hehehe, erection dysfunction even) and some bits are sick of being their new position and want to go back to the old ways. So its a battle on so many fronts.

Yes I whinge about our financial position ~ but its a little bit like being between a rock and a hard place. I can't work at this stage, but I need to be active. Husband can work, but I need his help - especially at the moment while Mands the Zombie is in da-house. I am dangerous in the car so Husband needs to do the school run - we are not on any public transport route which will get SmallBoy to school and back daily. I can drive, but I get distracted, feel sleepy and disorientated, forget where I am. How scary is that!? And legally I can be out on the roads like this!! 

What more can a poor girl do?

*Thank you Split Enz for the line*

There are programmes and activities I can participate in to help get through this ~ however we don't have the funds to do this. I've got to 'stretch' out my appointments with the psychologist to ensure I don't run out of my 12 'free' appointments this year. I need to be seeing her weekly, not monthly! I cant afford to see the myotherapist and/or acupuncturist more than once a month, however we are forfeiting grocery shops for back appointments at the moment - only fortnightly appointments of one or the other. I should be having an appointment at each at least weekly. The myotherapist had me able to look over my right shoulder for the first time in 9years last session - have you any idea how exciting and amazing that was? Sadly, but as to be expected, that regressed after 3-4 days - imagine if I was having appointments every 3-4 days!

Hydrotherapy is only available twice a week at the rehab centre ~ I am only 'eligible' for one session. However recent upgrades to the regional YMCA has seen a public hydrotherapy pool installed. At $6.60 per entry, this is quite reasonable - but that is milk and bread for a week for us - and I really should be going 2-3 times a week. We do not have $20 spare ~ I can shop for a week with $20 and sometimes don't have that available. How pathetic does that sound? 

I must stress - we are not starving, nor is it likely we will be in such a position in the next three months. If something catastrophic occurred tomorrow and all access to shops and transport were severed, but power, heating and Internet were still available, it would be of little difference to our normal day to day other than providing us with no petrol expenditure requirements in getting SmallBoy to school. Sometimes I think just an extra $50-$100 a week would do the trick...

Any ways - only a little spending last week with milk and petrol, oh and therapy. Hmmm - perhaps $100 spent all up and the rest on mortgage, bills and debt. All going well it will only be milk and therapy next week - I am guessing we will need milk on Wednesday and therapy is on Friday. The menu will be up tomorrow, its a public holiday so nothing will be open to entice us *smiles*  Hoping to find a deadly-treadlie push bike for me to ride and start strengthening up the right side of my body. Getting out in the sun, being active and being away from the house might be as good for the soul as it should be for the body! Anyone got a bike in good working order they could fling my way - even a loaner would do me just fine *grins*

Here's something for nothing

I feel sorry for those who have made it this far down the page ~ a very self centred sad sack misery guts post - so here's something for free you can request online and I have a feeling this product is going to be sensational. I've ordered one for me and one for MudGuts ~ he should enjoy getting this in the mail as much as I will!!

You know I use Bosisto's products in my home made cleaners, check the Blog entry Tripping through Tuesday in Feb 11 for recipes. Try the laundry powder for yourself & say Mands sent you *grins* You can get a free sample from this link:  http://www.fgb.com.au/information/bosistos-eucofresh-laundry-powder-sample ~ if the promotion has run clean (geddit!?!), keep an eye on future blog posts ~ there might be something else come up in the future. I'll let you know :D

Plus, because the mind is actually racing at a zillion miles an hour, I've the gabbling of a song going through my head so here's that in the making. Enjoy your Monday peoples...

Her Mother's Daughter

Hey there sister

Do you feel let down

Oh how you missed her

Now she's nowhere to be found

She's put you in the side lines

You're not a feature in her life

Guess you know you're now the one 

She's left with all the strife

Poor little sister

Hey there good friend

She sure dumped on you

You only tried to help her

Boy how you were screwed

She made it look all your fault

Her jealousy did that

When you went to hug her

She had to push your back

Poor old good friend

It's a lonely bitter lady

Standing in her mother's shoes

Copying the woman

She hates but has to choose

To be the same as

Send the blame at

Be ashamed as

She's her mother's daughter 

Oh dear children

Mother always so mad

If its not her friends or family

It's your brother or your dad

Coz it's never her fault

Ask her - she's blameless

You will learn

That she is shameless

Poor dear children

It's a lonely bitter lady

Standing in her mother's shoes

Copying the woman

She hates but has to choose

To be the same as

Send the blame at

Be ashamed as

She's her mother's daughter 

Why didn't grandpa ever like me

You're the reason I didn't feel free

She made me look a fool

He was such a jerk, a tool

I only lied to twist the facts

I can tell 'cos I studied about that

Why did I have to have a son

I can't be truthful to anyone

I am never ever wrong

Stop talking about me in your songs

She's such a lonely bitter lady

Know's she is like her mum

And pretends she's not that woman

She hates but has become

To be the same as

Send the blame at

Be ashamed as

She's her mother's daughter