I'm sitting at my desk, at work. And somehow, I feel a bit... irked. I look out at the trees, the gorgeous blue sky and sun, and I'm at a DESK inside. Bah. Then, I am roaming around online, looking at urban homesteading blogs. Sigh, dreams. Would it not be AMAZING, to be able to rely on what I did, what I grew, not how many hours I worked a desk job? Let me clarify... would it not be amazing to work in my garden to grow what we needed, go to my hen house each morning to gather eggs to bake with, instead of working a desk job I feel lukewarm about to be able to pay to get those things from a grocery store? Bliss.
I find myself looking on www.mls.ca for my dream. Then, fantasizing on how to achieve it. then, fantasizing on winning Lotto Max. ;) But really. I can't seem to wrap my head around how to go about getting my ideal. I also realize, my ideal may be on such a high, lofty pedestal it may disappoint me if I ever DO achieve it.
Sometimes, I find myself thinking and daydreaming much much more than is productive or even healthy, I'm sure! Dreaming of having a small farm. A small cozy home, surrounded by field. With hen houses, a couple ramshacle old barns to house my ramshackle old animals I seem to accumulate. My children playing a ways away from the house, but being able to see them from my kitchen window. And know, I can get to them faster than they can get into harms way. To let the door be open, let the dogs run unfettered, to smell hot oatmeal baking in the morning and knowing, I can go out to get my eggs now. Knowing, come dinner time, I can head out to my garden or porch, get some goodies to have with dinner. Now how's THAT for fresh and local?
I would gladly live without most modern conveniences. I recently disconnected our internet at home. Yes, we are a home-based computer free family. I check my stuff at work. At first, when my laptop died, I was a mess. Yes, I was FREAKING OUT. Now, though... I'm used to it. I plan my internet time. And I spend more of my time at home making our house a home, with the kids playing and creating, sewing... I find myself spending more time reading, painting, building forts. And I don't miss the internet at home anymore. I could also easily live without cable. Without a TV, maybe not. Cable, I would LOVE to cut that out. But the kids do love their DVDs and I love me some good Wii time, so a TV might be necessary. Also, I'm pretty sure kiboshing the TV would cause me to be a divorcee. ;) A washing machine, I would want. Or, a tub washer. Whatever. Something so I could do laundry without scrubbing my hands raw. Oh, I hate handwashing laundry. Shudder. A dryer, I can do without. A phone, well... I don't know. We didn't have a home phone for almost a year last year, just our cell phones. And we survived. Again, like the internet, I spent a lot less time chatting and killing time, and more time living and doing. And that's not a bad thing. My sewing machine, oh never never could I do without. I'd go mad. I need (NEED) to be able to whip up something useful at a whim.
The other day, my son asked me to make him something. A bag for his dart tag gun, I think. And then he said "On pyjama day at school I'm gonna wear the jammies you made for me. Nobody will think you made them!" and I was filled with this insane, burst-at-the- seams pride. Yes, my 8 year old seems proud of me... bashfully so, but all the same, I'll take it. I am sure some times it seems almost hokey to him, when I say "You need a new lunch bag, so I bought this fabric and it will be ready for you tomorrow". This sometimes meets with a groan, and a "Why can't I just buy that Superman one I like??" - with me then spouting off facts about over consumption and how if we are given the talent to make something, dad gummit I'm gonna make it. He shakes his head, and goes off grumbling about how mom is a nutcase. But he does seem pretty darn proud when he tells me- "My teacher said there was no way you made my new school bag. I told her you did and she didn't believe me that my mom MAKES STUFF." Ah, he does know how to make me smile, that boy.
Someday, I suppose. My impatience gets to me on this one- I wish I knew now what do do, where to go, who to meet, to get where I want to be. This whole "leave it to chance" thing.... gets to me. Must be the control freak in me. (wink wink).
Well, I suppose I should go back to work and do something constructive... instead of babbling like a loon about dreams... though, while I am at this desk, that's what I will be doing.... dreaming....
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
what to do, what to do...
Well well. I am faced with a pretty big decision right now. Here is the story...
After a long horrid 18 months of us both being laid off, losing our home, having to sell our truck, and a lost pregnancy, my husband found a great job in his chosen profession... so we moved to Muskoka. We found a fabulous townhome (pictures posted several months ago) to rent while we got aquainted with our new hometown. WELL. Our landlord has upped our rent to a ridiculous amount- $1450 plus utilities (about $400 per month). GAH! I am freaking out. I love this house, and the neighborhood. It's proximity to everything. So, we decided to struggle on to make ends meet, and I got a new job with better hours to cut down on daycare costs. I mean, we have only lived here seven months, we have moved 4 times in 2 years due to work issues... I do not want to move again. I have this place painted and decorated as I want it, and it feels like home.
But... the outrageous rent has me freaked out. Really freaking out. I try to be frugal, I really do. I try. I have cut down our grocery budget big time. Our hydro bill is down to about $75 per month. Cut out cable channels to lower that bill, went down to dial-up internet... but it seems like when I pinch pennies, and do what I can, something comes up, Rent increase. Hydro increase. Lay offs. It has been a bruuuutal 18 months. And it seems like I have done fine and rolled with the punches, during everything. You know, tried, I mean reeeeally tried, to convince myself- "everything happens for a reason." And I believed it. But now, lately, I kind of feel like... when is it going to get easier? When is some good luck going to come our way? When will we win the lottery (har har)?!?! I think maybe I just need a bit of good karma, of good luck... or of no bad luck, no bad karma. I would settle for that, too.
Well a bit of good karma did come our way. Kind of a mixed blessing issue. We have had friends offer to rent us their home they just moved out of. For about $200 less than we pay here. Yay! But. We have moved the kids so much, I just don't know. It is a lovely house, on the Muskoka river, with a dock, an amazing deck and view, beach, nice yard, it's detached, the landlords are awesome people, great location... but for some reason my heart is saying "Wait, wait, I don't know!"... it seems like a perfect, ideal situation... I just worry... the kids need a HOME not just a roof over their heads. If we DO move, it will be the last move for a long time. I mean, until we build or buy our own home in the country. I don't know... just don't know. Usually I have some sort of feeling or inclination one way or the other... some sort of gut feeling... but this time, nothin'. I am worried for the kids, but other than that... I guess we will see. For sure, it would be nice to sit on a deck and relax on the river, a fenced yard for the kiddos to play in, a swimming hole in our backyard... hrmmmm.
On a bright happy sunny note- I am sitting in the kitchen. Smelling cornbread muffins baking, and thinking I really need to make some more apple loaf. Droooool. Delish. We have been AWFUL the past 2 weeks for eating out- we need. to. stop. Back on the frugal bandwagon, so we CAN buy or build a home within the next 10 years. And hey, that 10 year wait might be worth it- Odin will be 17 then, and we can rope him in for some slave labour. LOL.
After a long horrid 18 months of us both being laid off, losing our home, having to sell our truck, and a lost pregnancy, my husband found a great job in his chosen profession... so we moved to Muskoka. We found a fabulous townhome (pictures posted several months ago) to rent while we got aquainted with our new hometown. WELL. Our landlord has upped our rent to a ridiculous amount- $1450 plus utilities (about $400 per month). GAH! I am freaking out. I love this house, and the neighborhood. It's proximity to everything. So, we decided to struggle on to make ends meet, and I got a new job with better hours to cut down on daycare costs. I mean, we have only lived here seven months, we have moved 4 times in 2 years due to work issues... I do not want to move again. I have this place painted and decorated as I want it, and it feels like home.
But... the outrageous rent has me freaked out. Really freaking out. I try to be frugal, I really do. I try. I have cut down our grocery budget big time. Our hydro bill is down to about $75 per month. Cut out cable channels to lower that bill, went down to dial-up internet... but it seems like when I pinch pennies, and do what I can, something comes up, Rent increase. Hydro increase. Lay offs. It has been a bruuuutal 18 months. And it seems like I have done fine and rolled with the punches, during everything. You know, tried, I mean reeeeally tried, to convince myself- "everything happens for a reason." And I believed it. But now, lately, I kind of feel like... when is it going to get easier? When is some good luck going to come our way? When will we win the lottery (har har)?!?! I think maybe I just need a bit of good karma, of good luck... or of no bad luck, no bad karma. I would settle for that, too.
Well a bit of good karma did come our way. Kind of a mixed blessing issue. We have had friends offer to rent us their home they just moved out of. For about $200 less than we pay here. Yay! But. We have moved the kids so much, I just don't know. It is a lovely house, on the Muskoka river, with a dock, an amazing deck and view, beach, nice yard, it's detached, the landlords are awesome people, great location... but for some reason my heart is saying "Wait, wait, I don't know!"... it seems like a perfect, ideal situation... I just worry... the kids need a HOME not just a roof over their heads. If we DO move, it will be the last move for a long time. I mean, until we build or buy our own home in the country. I don't know... just don't know. Usually I have some sort of feeling or inclination one way or the other... some sort of gut feeling... but this time, nothin'. I am worried for the kids, but other than that... I guess we will see. For sure, it would be nice to sit on a deck and relax on the river, a fenced yard for the kiddos to play in, a swimming hole in our backyard... hrmmmm.
On a bright happy sunny note- I am sitting in the kitchen. Smelling cornbread muffins baking, and thinking I really need to make some more apple loaf. Droooool. Delish. We have been AWFUL the past 2 weeks for eating out- we need. to. stop. Back on the frugal bandwagon, so we CAN buy or build a home within the next 10 years. And hey, that 10 year wait might be worth it- Odin will be 17 then, and we can rope him in for some slave labour. LOL.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
yay organic food delivery, squirrels, and moving? Again?
I recently found an online service new to our area, called GREEN EARTH ORGANICS. As the name states, it is usually local, always organic, and always yummy groceries. Fruit, veggies, baking supplies, grocery items, household cleaners, pasta, eggs, milk, bread, brownies, everything! FABULOUS! And they deliver it right to your door. (!!!!). Yes, I came home last week to a bin sitting on my porch, with squash, potatoes, parsnips, carrots, potatoes and some oranges.... what a homecoming! Our deliveries have been scattered, due to us being out of town a lot for hockey, but whatever! LOL... still amazing. This afternoon I am going to make some potato, squash and veggie soup. :D
www.greenearthorganics.ca
It has been killer cold here lately. Like -50c cold. Gah. I am right now sitting in my bed, under a warm duvet, with a heating pad on my sore back... and seriously considering cranking up the heat or putting on gloves. Arlee is in bed beside me, having a nap in the sun, under the duvet too. She's so adorable it's crazy. My hubby assures me it is just me being a wimp by complaining about being cold, and my son says the same- they're not cold. Brrrrr. Even our dogs won't go outside today! Gotta love living in Muskoka, hehe... seriously, for about 9 months out of a year I LOVE it here. Then, the other 3 months, I have a love/hate thing going on... January, February, March. Ick. But then, I think short of living in Cuba, those months would not be on my good books anyways, so.... shrugs!
I have been putting out cut up apples for the deer, and they are always gone within a few hours... makes me wonder if the deer get them, or those saucy squirrels living in our big maple tree. I witnessed the older man behind us throwing snowballs at the squirrels that were in his birdfeeder the other day... he's always throwing something at the squirrels, and the squirrels pretty much ignore him. It's actually pretty hilarious to watch, the poor old guy. Dilligently fills his birdfeeder, only to have it all stolen by those furry little black and grey charlatans. I admit though, I feed the squirrels. Oh, I know, I should be shunned by the neighbors. But you have to admit, the squirrels are great! They perform amazing acts of high wire acrobats. They chase each other, and provide hours of entertainment for both cats and dogs alike. They can fall from a really high tree and live to tell their grandbabies. They're great little animals! I know, I'm a weirdo.
We have been looking into renting a house a bit more out of town. While it has been fabulous being so close to town, shopping, WALMART, I think maybe it has also been a bit of a curse. With shopping sooooo close, it's just too easy to pop over to get one thing and leave with 50 things. Too easy. And, I want a killer garden this year. So, we need something that is within town limits, reasonable cost, fenced yard (oh please please please!), and 3+ bedrooms. I guess we will see, huh? I mean, I work to cover the extra costs associated with a large house in town. If we lived in a more cost concious home and lifestyle, I could stay home with Arlee and focus more on my sewing business. But I guess we shall see what happens... we have moved sooo much I don't know if I want to do that again!
Anyways, lucky me, I am off to try to have a nap with Arlee while I can... she just looks so darn peaceful....
have a good weekend!
www.greenearthorganics.ca
It has been killer cold here lately. Like -50c cold. Gah. I am right now sitting in my bed, under a warm duvet, with a heating pad on my sore back... and seriously considering cranking up the heat or putting on gloves. Arlee is in bed beside me, having a nap in the sun, under the duvet too. She's so adorable it's crazy. My hubby assures me it is just me being a wimp by complaining about being cold, and my son says the same- they're not cold. Brrrrr. Even our dogs won't go outside today! Gotta love living in Muskoka, hehe... seriously, for about 9 months out of a year I LOVE it here. Then, the other 3 months, I have a love/hate thing going on... January, February, March. Ick. But then, I think short of living in Cuba, those months would not be on my good books anyways, so.... shrugs!
I have been putting out cut up apples for the deer, and they are always gone within a few hours... makes me wonder if the deer get them, or those saucy squirrels living in our big maple tree. I witnessed the older man behind us throwing snowballs at the squirrels that were in his birdfeeder the other day... he's always throwing something at the squirrels, and the squirrels pretty much ignore him. It's actually pretty hilarious to watch, the poor old guy. Dilligently fills his birdfeeder, only to have it all stolen by those furry little black and grey charlatans. I admit though, I feed the squirrels. Oh, I know, I should be shunned by the neighbors. But you have to admit, the squirrels are great! They perform amazing acts of high wire acrobats. They chase each other, and provide hours of entertainment for both cats and dogs alike. They can fall from a really high tree and live to tell their grandbabies. They're great little animals! I know, I'm a weirdo.
We have been looking into renting a house a bit more out of town. While it has been fabulous being so close to town, shopping, WALMART, I think maybe it has also been a bit of a curse. With shopping sooooo close, it's just too easy to pop over to get one thing and leave with 50 things. Too easy. And, I want a killer garden this year. So, we need something that is within town limits, reasonable cost, fenced yard (oh please please please!), and 3+ bedrooms. I guess we will see, huh? I mean, I work to cover the extra costs associated with a large house in town. If we lived in a more cost concious home and lifestyle, I could stay home with Arlee and focus more on my sewing business. But I guess we shall see what happens... we have moved sooo much I don't know if I want to do that again!
Anyways, lucky me, I am off to try to have a nap with Arlee while I can... she just looks so darn peaceful....
have a good weekend!
Friday, January 8, 2010
pictures I can now post, thank you internet tech guy!
Today my plan is to get some pictures on here that have been sorely lacking. Then, as I chose a few, remembered some are still on my camera card. So, here are a few pictures, and once I get them off the card and onto my laptop, I will put more on here... ;)
Friday, January 1, 2010
internet is great- when it works.
Agh. My internet. Driving me INSANE. The guy who hooked up our cable/internet/digital phone... I'm not too happy with him. He installed it in our garage, and assured me, "It will work fine, dont worry about the cold."
Well guess what? Our phone doesn't work right, our internet is going berserk, and cable cuts in and out. Urrrgh. So, they're sending someone to move the equipment from our garage. Wednesday. Sigh.
So for now, no pictures. Though I do have some good ones to post when my internet isn't being so finicky. Like yesterday, I was sitting at the dining room table having a tea (peppermint, thank you very much!). I looked out... and... deer. 4 of them, in my yard. One was right beside me, only through our sliding doors. They are ridiculously gorgeous. I got 2 good So I cut up some withered apples I had, and tossed them into a flower pot in the backyard. The apples are all gone today. :D I also have plans to make some goodies for the winter wonderland visitors we hope to see this year. Now that the bear isn't frequenting our yard anymore, I feel a bit safer about it.
I made myself a big pot of chili the other day. It was FABULOUS. Here is my recipe for "quick chili"
-2 cans of "6 bean mix" from WalMart (about $1 a can) DRAINED
-1 can of "recipe starter" crushed tomatoes (Aylmer brand, about $1.70, I like the spicy ones)DRAINED
-1 cup water
-2 cups chopped cooked meat (I used leftover turkey, cost me $0.00)
-2 cups chopped veggies (I used celery and green peppers, about $2.50)
-package of chili spices, I like the clubhouse spicy kind.
Put it all in a crockpot, and let simmer on low all day. Cooking time isn't too picky, because the beans are cooked, tomatoes cook fast, and the veggies do, too. SOOOO GOOD. I usually make cornmeal muffins to go with the chili, and slather the muffins in butter. Awesome.
On another note, I am spending a bit of time today scouring the internet for CANADIAN coupon sites, and CANADIAN freebie sites. I found a few, but when you get to them, they're mostly US only deals. Urrrgh! I will keep trying though. That, or THIS blog will morph into a Canadian coupon site somehow.
ANYWAYS! HAPPY NEW YEARS everyone! I hope all of you have a FABULOUS year and keep safe and happy. :D
Well guess what? Our phone doesn't work right, our internet is going berserk, and cable cuts in and out. Urrrgh. So, they're sending someone to move the equipment from our garage. Wednesday. Sigh.
So for now, no pictures. Though I do have some good ones to post when my internet isn't being so finicky. Like yesterday, I was sitting at the dining room table having a tea (peppermint, thank you very much!). I looked out... and... deer. 4 of them, in my yard. One was right beside me, only through our sliding doors. They are ridiculously gorgeous. I got 2 good So I cut up some withered apples I had, and tossed them into a flower pot in the backyard. The apples are all gone today. :D I also have plans to make some goodies for the winter wonderland visitors we hope to see this year. Now that the bear isn't frequenting our yard anymore, I feel a bit safer about it.
I made myself a big pot of chili the other day. It was FABULOUS. Here is my recipe for "quick chili"
-2 cans of "6 bean mix" from WalMart (about $1 a can) DRAINED
-1 can of "recipe starter" crushed tomatoes (Aylmer brand, about $1.70, I like the spicy ones)DRAINED
-1 cup water
-2 cups chopped cooked meat (I used leftover turkey, cost me $0.00)
-2 cups chopped veggies (I used celery and green peppers, about $2.50)
-package of chili spices, I like the clubhouse spicy kind.
Put it all in a crockpot, and let simmer on low all day. Cooking time isn't too picky, because the beans are cooked, tomatoes cook fast, and the veggies do, too. SOOOO GOOD. I usually make cornmeal muffins to go with the chili, and slather the muffins in butter. Awesome.
On another note, I am spending a bit of time today scouring the internet for CANADIAN coupon sites, and CANADIAN freebie sites. I found a few, but when you get to them, they're mostly US only deals. Urrrgh! I will keep trying though. That, or THIS blog will morph into a Canadian coupon site somehow.
ANYWAYS! HAPPY NEW YEARS everyone! I hope all of you have a FABULOUS year and keep safe and happy. :D
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
plans plans plans...
tomorrow...
plan to go to the paint store... get 2 gallons of BOOMERANG recycled paint. Paint Arlee's room berry pink, finish Odin's ocean themed room... and... some CHALKBOARD PAINT. I have decided.... since our dining room set incredibly boring, but kind of farmhousey like I love.... I am going to paint the tabletop with chalkboard paint. Then, the kiddos can scribble away in the kitchen with me while I cook dinner and the like. I'm totally jazzed about it.
Make a hairclip holder for all Arlee's baubles. She has jewelry and clippies galore. So, I am searching tomorrow at the Salvation Army for a big old gaudy picture frame, which will be painted black, and hung in her room. I decided pink and black for her room would be pretty girly but not TOOOOO girly, you know? She also needs a dresser, which (once I find one I like) will be painted with a black case and hot pink drawers. OOOOH yeah.
Find some long branches out in our yard to use as window hardware. I have brackets, I have rods, but the rods are BORING. So, I will use branches. I will post pictures when I am done! :D
Make a plastic bag holder. We have a ton of bags, because we have dogs and cats (ew, I know, poop duty!) I have some divine vintage tea towels I am going to use.
I also need to patch up some of Odin's snowpants... again. AND I want to make a hexagon patch patch for my ripped up but stupidly comfy jeans. I will just keep patching them until the jeans are gone and I have a pair of pants made from patches. LOL
Bye for now!!
SO I will go start work on this list... and
plan to go to the paint store... get 2 gallons of BOOMERANG recycled paint. Paint Arlee's room berry pink, finish Odin's ocean themed room... and... some CHALKBOARD PAINT. I have decided.... since our dining room set incredibly boring, but kind of farmhousey like I love.... I am going to paint the tabletop with chalkboard paint. Then, the kiddos can scribble away in the kitchen with me while I cook dinner and the like. I'm totally jazzed about it.
Make a hairclip holder for all Arlee's baubles. She has jewelry and clippies galore. So, I am searching tomorrow at the Salvation Army for a big old gaudy picture frame, which will be painted black, and hung in her room. I decided pink and black for her room would be pretty girly but not TOOOOO girly, you know? She also needs a dresser, which (once I find one I like) will be painted with a black case and hot pink drawers. OOOOH yeah.
Find some long branches out in our yard to use as window hardware. I have brackets, I have rods, but the rods are BORING. So, I will use branches. I will post pictures when I am done! :D
Make a plastic bag holder. We have a ton of bags, because we have dogs and cats (ew, I know, poop duty!) I have some divine vintage tea towels I am going to use.
I also need to patch up some of Odin's snowpants... again. AND I want to make a hexagon patch patch for my ripped up but stupidly comfy jeans. I will just keep patching them until the jeans are gone and I have a pair of pants made from patches. LOL
Bye for now!!
SO I will go start work on this list... and
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
wow i am terrible at blogging!
I am SO sorry! I know several friends read this a lot, and I have done a shoddy job of it lately. I guess with the kiddos, Christmas, work... things got away from me. BUT! I am scaling back on some of that, so I will have more time now, for this blog and for family. All part of my New Years resolutions.
I have been itching lately to become more organized. To open a cupboard and KNOW where that fry pan is. To have a meticulously maintained family binder planner. To not be blindsided an hour before an event because we forgot about it. (Ohhhh how that makes me nuts). I have tried a giant dry erase board for the family, but nobody uses it. Except me. And I have made myself nutty trying to keep track of everybodys plans myself. SO this year, I am printing a "family organization kit" such as this fabulous one, from a seller on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35146287) which I am literally sighing and drooling over as I type. I keep looking at it thinking- MAN I WANT THAT! But after Christmas, things are too tight to spend money on a non-essential, so I will save up some extra (hahahah) cash and buy this one, I believe. Looks like it might help the organization resolution", anyways. My hubby has a full time job, volunteer fireman, and a volunteer hockey coach. I NEVER have any clue what he's up to. And I start a new job January 4th, and signed up to volunteer with older folks too. Our 2 kiddos go swimming, and I try to go to the gym as often as I can (THAT is resolution #2!). So I desperately need something to help!
About resolution #2... I have done better than usual with this the past few months. I have bought a membership, and since it was definately a stretch to afford it, I want to squeeze out every cent of use I can. I go about 2 times a week to the gym, and the kids go to the daycare (free!) while I work out. Then, we go to the family swim at least once a week. I want to lose (how cliche, huh?) about 35 lbs this year. Fingers crossed, and hard work!
Resolution #3. BUDGET! This ties in with #1 nicely! LOL. I really need to start saving, start thinking about RESPs and the like. No more of this getting by but not saving. So... I am meeting with a financial consultant to work hard at this one.
Resolution #4. Take the 2 dogs out for walks more often. They are strong as oxes, the crazies. Tootsie turned one yesterday, and Mocha is getting OLD. She takes a lot of time to make it outside and go do her business. She's creaky and stiff, and actually groans a bit in the morning. She has been to the vet who said she is in wonderful health, but she IS getting old. So, we have to take the two of them out a lot more. Which is going to be hard- I broke my ankle a few weeks ago and we have a TON of snow... eek. BUT this fits well with #2!!! :D
AND that is all the resolutions I am making. The general chaos at our house has lit a fire under my butt to just get on this stuff. I think it will make us all a bit more relaxed. :D
OHHHH and I have a few new recipes I am going to be posting on here tomorrow. Yummy... banana bread, barley stew, pineapple muffins... yum. See you then!
I have been itching lately to become more organized. To open a cupboard and KNOW where that fry pan is. To have a meticulously maintained family binder planner. To not be blindsided an hour before an event because we forgot about it. (Ohhhh how that makes me nuts). I have tried a giant dry erase board for the family, but nobody uses it. Except me. And I have made myself nutty trying to keep track of everybodys plans myself. SO this year, I am printing a "family organization kit" such as this fabulous one, from a seller on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35146287) which I am literally sighing and drooling over as I type. I keep looking at it thinking- MAN I WANT THAT! But after Christmas, things are too tight to spend money on a non-essential, so I will save up some extra (hahahah) cash and buy this one, I believe. Looks like it might help the organization resolution", anyways. My hubby has a full time job, volunteer fireman, and a volunteer hockey coach. I NEVER have any clue what he's up to. And I start a new job January 4th, and signed up to volunteer with older folks too. Our 2 kiddos go swimming, and I try to go to the gym as often as I can (THAT is resolution #2!). So I desperately need something to help!
About resolution #2... I have done better than usual with this the past few months. I have bought a membership, and since it was definately a stretch to afford it, I want to squeeze out every cent of use I can. I go about 2 times a week to the gym, and the kids go to the daycare (free!) while I work out. Then, we go to the family swim at least once a week. I want to lose (how cliche, huh?) about 35 lbs this year. Fingers crossed, and hard work!
Resolution #3. BUDGET! This ties in with #1 nicely! LOL. I really need to start saving, start thinking about RESPs and the like. No more of this getting by but not saving. So... I am meeting with a financial consultant to work hard at this one.
Resolution #4. Take the 2 dogs out for walks more often. They are strong as oxes, the crazies. Tootsie turned one yesterday, and Mocha is getting OLD. She takes a lot of time to make it outside and go do her business. She's creaky and stiff, and actually groans a bit in the morning. She has been to the vet who said she is in wonderful health, but she IS getting old. So, we have to take the two of them out a lot more. Which is going to be hard- I broke my ankle a few weeks ago and we have a TON of snow... eek. BUT this fits well with #2!!! :D
AND that is all the resolutions I am making. The general chaos at our house has lit a fire under my butt to just get on this stuff. I think it will make us all a bit more relaxed. :D
OHHHH and I have a few new recipes I am going to be posting on here tomorrow. Yummy... banana bread, barley stew, pineapple muffins... yum. See you then!
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