Throw Another Log on the Fire

Brrrrrrr!!!!

Its freezing here!!  I arrived 'down south' 10 days ago.  Perth was rainy, windy and cold for the 24 hours I was there.  And the road trip Thursday to Kalgoorlie was the same.  We left Perth around 11.30am 9 days ago and it took us pretty much 6 hours exactly so by the time we got to 'Kal' my friend had finished work and I went back to her place for the night.  She has just installed a 'donga' (transportable quarters of 5 small rooms) behind her mums house, that she bought second-hand.

As I am broke, broke, broke - I am on a strict budget.  My friends mum had a heap of orange trees and a mandarin tree in the backyard just full of fruit so if I felt a bit peckish I would have a couple of them.  My friend had left me instructions to help finish off the 'extra' Jenny Craig meals in the freezer that she had left over. Happy to help fix her guilt problem! And with the shopping for the camping trip (which I still had some food left over) I managed to go without another big shop while I was there.  I did pop to the corner shop to get 2 loaves of bread, 1 lt milk and a small jar vaseline for my chapped lips for $19!!!  I nearly fell over!

I then scored another lift with the bloke who I had travelled to Kal with, to my hometown where I have been (exept for 3 nights away on my mates farm) ever since.  My brother has an excellent vegie garden in so I have been making vegie soup every day and am really only shopping for staples every 3 or 4 days - milk, bread etc.  When I went to visit my friends farm I also gathered 2 large bags of pine cones to burn in the fire, 2 bags of lemons (I have made one batch of lemon cordial* already) and we made a heap of soap that is now curing.  More for fun than budgeting.


*Lemon Cordial Recipe

2 cups lemon juice (and then I strained it before use)
2 cups sugar

Heat in a saucepan till all sugar dissolved, cool and pour into bottles for storing in the fridge.

Dilute as per shop bought cordial.

Whats left?

Its been a range of many emotions while I've been packing up my late fathers house.  My mother passed away 2004 so theres also all her 'stuff' to contend with too. They both kept everything!!  I mean everything!! So apart from grief, I mostly feel overwhelmed.  Mum had cancer so I guess when she knew that it had got the best of her, she had time to label stuff and sort, and also write a list of what pieces of belongings whould go to whom - my brother or I.  Dad on the other hand died suddenly of a heart attack, and with his latest passion being research there was stuff just everywhere.  Each room - except his bedroom had papers and old photos and little scraps of paper spread everywhere. He obviously had a system but in our frenzy to clean up in preparation for incoming rellies and funeral arrangements we pretty much just had to throw all of it into a box and stack it away.  And it hasn't been touched for over 15 months. 

So its been a hugely slow process although I started with the easy stuff.  Sheets, blankets, dads clothes and mums (dad hadn't got rid of much of mums stuff either) clothes too.  Hundreds of books, over a hundred ornamants, mums art and craft work (everything from paintings to handpainted fabric made into cushion covers etc).  There were blankets from our childhood and quilts that I have put aside and as I go through all the belongings I find other 'stuff' that is tugging at my heart strings, my pile of stuff is building up and then I have to cull that too.  I have inherited some furniture (most of it made by my late great grand father) so I have to arrange for removalists too.  So can send it all back with that.

But as I go through each room and throw out mostly everything, I also sort of wonder what my parents would have wanted me to keep?  And I know that I can't take heaps back to my house so its very tricky to say the least.  Whats left of their lives after their passing that isn't just a bunch of trinkets? I mean dad published a book (he must of had a reprint before he died as there are about 7 boxes of them) and mum was an artist so there is heaps of her art too.  Out of all of their photo albums (did I mention dad was into photograhy so there are mega amounts of photo albums and packets of negatives) I will only be able to keep a few photos from each otherwise it will just be out of control. But basically it seems their lives has boiled down to what they let behind.  And frustratingly what my brother and I can't keep - there are just so many memories in everything but it would be impossible to hang onto it all.  We both live in smaller dwellings and physically cannot keep everything we would like to, and thats probably a good thing (that we physically can't fit all this stuff into our homes) as I could imagine trying to add all this stuff to my stuff at home - phew!!

May I suggest that everyone go through their stuff and do a major cull?  Luckily I had been reading for a year prior to my father passing, a heap of organising books (and though my BF can't see it) I had been systematically going through each room and trying (its not always easy) to get organised.  Clothing that hadn't been worn for a year - donate or sell! Trinkets - regift, upcycle or donate! Now I am glad I had been doing all that as I have more stuff to come in. 

I miss my dog...

Party Time..

So its only 4 days till I head off down South so today (Sunday) I organised a party for lunch time - my birthday is next week so its sort of for that too.

Usually it seems only a third of people turn up from the invite list but so far I have almost 30 people coming!!  So just having a "Barbie" and easy food to heat up.

I'm quite looking forward to it and decided to invite so many people coz I'm sick of only catching up with people at funerals as seems to be the case this year.

Owl @ Wildlife Park 2012

More on Dentist Run to Bali

I noticed a lot of people interested in the Bali Dentist trip so thought I would add some more detail.

As I mentioned in my previous post a week or so ago we had been told about

Bali 911 Dental Clinic

They take a couple of weeks to reply to email queries but heard you could just turn up and pretty much could get in straight away.  As our trip was spur of the moment we just took a punt and showed up at the Kuta branch of 911Dentist.  They were booked out so we took the taxi straight to Denpasar.  The street outside might look grubby in comparison to Western standards but the front is swept a few times a day and the inside is clean although a bit worn.

For a crown and I believe veneers too - you need to allow at least a 10 day trip - the crown takes 5 days to make after the initial consultation.  The day we went back for the fitting was a very long day.  Our appointment was for 1pm.  After having our new crown fitted to size it then went next door for glazing which took an hour or more.  The clinic does have water, tea, coffee making facilities, and these little sachets of like a rice porridge stuff that you add hot water to. I would recommend maybe just carrying some food with you if you use the Denpasar branch, as there doesn't seem to be much close around (although I didn't think to research that before we went) .  There is a toilet there too. The Kuta one is located in a shopping centre so that is no problem for food, toilet or entertainment while waiting.  There is also a laptop in Denpasar for free wifi access while you wait.  The waiting room is quite small and sometimes full and a few people hang out the front - smokers mainly of course.  There aren't any seats out the front and the parking area is usually filled with cars and drivers waiting for their customers inside the clinic.  I'm sure the clinic would call a taxi for you after your consultation so that shouldn't be a problem.

Like I said previously, there is a 5 year guarantee on crowns and 1 year on veneers. All in all I am happy with the experience and would definitely go again.

See my other Bali Dentist Run post - for other details.

2011

Stunned as a Mullet!!

So I just got the estimate of my refund from the accountant.  I was hoping for 10k.  i got 1k!!! Less $200 I owe the tax Office from 2011 year - less nearly $700 for accountant bill. So bugga all in the end and that unfortunately was my big grand plan of survival for the month ahead plus a chunk towards planned 2013 trip. To say I am feeling numb is an understatement!!  And I don't think it has truly sunk in yet.

As luck would have it  my BF -  as a birthday present and contribution towards my farewell / birthday party expenses, popped $1000 in my bank account for me without me knowing for a few days.  So that was completely awesome of him - I haven't used any yet but had planned to so will just have to budget a bit wiser for the party and when I am away.

Wow.....what to do....

A Few Dollars

I haven't posted for a couple of weeks - my depression got the better of me.  It was 1 year since dad died in May, but then in the last 2 weeks - Dads birthday, Fathers Day, World Suicide Prevention Day and the 1 year anniversary since my cousin hung himself.  Suppose its normal to feel depressed.

Today I have about 4 hours work with one of the clients left over since I closed my business down, and I have advised him that today will be the last visit.  So I should have enough money to scrape by on bills for another week hopefully when he pays me.

Somehow I am just managing to scrape through financially - I withdrew some money from a little investment account I have -only $500 and then my brother and I have money in a joint account for the house down south so we both took some from there. And this week - the work. 

And then I am off next week for about 4-6 weeks to finally pack up dads house down south.  I should find out in the next few days the refund amount (hopefully) from the Tax Office as my accountant is close to finalising 2 years income tax.  Thank goodness.  At least I will know where I stand financially - hoping for $10k but not sure if that is a bit optimistic.

And today I must remember to post away and ask for pretty much the last of the money from my investment account - $500 so that I have some money for on the road for the 5 days before I get to dads house. And after that, not sure - it'll be 3 weeks to a month I'd think before I see my tax refund.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Jan 2012

Organisation

When I first quit my last job (end of June 2012) - the one I had for  few months - after closing my business in February 2012, I spent many an hour reading from Down To Earth blog.  A great site on living frugally and simply, saving money and enjoying the simple things in life.  I originally started reading this site as I found myself with a lot more time on my hands from when I was self-employed and also I was learning to live on income at least a third or half of my previous income.  Of course a lot of those expenses actually came from having my own business -subscriptions to industry organisations, Professional Indemnity insurance, seminars to keep up to date with industry changes and so on.  By cancelling all these expenses I was able to reduce my bills quite substantially - saving about $250 a week. The job I had (learning to make picture frames and such) and earning $500 a week, just covered my mortgage payments and and bills, after I canclled all my industry related expenses.  Any extra I made on the side by working for a couple of old clients I used for entertainment or extras I wanted.

It was while reading the afore-mentioned blog that I was first switched onto the idea of setting up a household folder and I had also read about this in a great book on being organised (the name of which has eluded me at the moment) but the author was one of the founding members of Messies Anonymous.  As per the book, I listed Daily tasks to do, Tasks by the day and seasonal checklists.  So even I missed one days checklist, it would be done the following week as per the schedule.  This system worked for probably a couple of weeks or so and then it lapsed as I became distracted / absorbed by other things.  So the last few days I have been working on a bigger and better version of the folder after reading some more tips on the website Organized Home.  They have printable forms online but as I don't have a printer right now I am just using handwritten notes for now and probably that is the way to go until the folder is set up properly and I tweak my checklists and schedules.  And I am using a bigger folder!!  So it is not as easy for me to ignore. 

And I have been working off my Dailies checklist and my Monday checklist this morning in between coffees and blogging.  This way it is not so daunting for me either -looking at a whole house to be cleaned and tidied can seem quite overwhelming, so by breaking it down room by room, or chore by chore it doesn't seem so impossible.  And technically each week will get easier as the standard of tidyness increases day by day according to my weekly checklist.

These following tips are helpful

Finish The Job!!  My biggest problem.  Half finished projects laying around when I get distracted by something new or even tidying up after I make coffee (I'm a messy blighter).  My brother is a nightmare when it comes to this.  He seriously cannot/does not even put lids back on jars or milk back in the fridge after making a coffee!!  Dude...

If a chore will take less time than 30 seconds do it straight away - I am perfectly capable of walking over and around, say a piece of thread or similar on a floor.  Instead I should just pick the sucker up!!  For me one of my main 'problems' is the bedroom - if I get changed a few times a day - each old set of clothes ends up flung on the bed or on the floor and every few days I have to sort the piles into dirty laundry, clothes that have another wear in them and so on.  If I could just deal with it straight away it will save a bigger job later down the track.

Speaking of which - I had better finish off my 'Dailies Checklist' and Monday chores - I have almost finished so I can start the day feeling virtuous and under whelmed - is that a word?

 

Great Ocean Road - Jan 2012 - "Stowaway"

Have a great day!!

Another Market Day

Another day another dollar....

Reasonably successful day (measured by the fact I can pay the mortgage tomorrow - yay).  And apparently other stall holders said that it was a quiet day.  Will have to get some stuff together for next week which should be better I'd think being Government payday. 

Will be sitting eagerly by the phone tomorrow morning waiting for a temp call. Hows that for positve thinking?  Will it to happen.

Oregon 2010

More online revenue ideas..

Okay so I have spent a bit of time today online registering with a couple of websites that I hope will bring me some location independent income.

Elance

Rent-A-Friend

With Rent A Friend I am the only female for my area (I am only accepting female only contact) so hoping that I have some luck here.

Dentist Run to Bali - August 2012

While I wasn't working is seemed like the perfect time to do a Dentist Run To Bali.  We'd been talking about it for ages and after receiving quotes from our local dentistsin Australia (my required treatment worth almost $2000 and BF about $6000AUD)

Anyhoo - we found flights for $500 return each on Jetstar which is actually a very expensive fare - you can get them as low as $140 return when they are on sale.  But we we booking pretty much last minute - only a few weeks in advance.  Using Lateroom we booked the first few nights for $54 a night - reduced (apparently) from $165 a night. And the other 6 nights we were 'booked' to stay at a mates villa for only $50 a night for the two of us. 

Quest Central Park Kuta - $54 a night per room

We initially rocked up at the Kuta 911 Dental Clinic but as they were booked out for a few days we decided to jump in a taxi (we only ever use Bluebird taxi's as they use their meter every time!) and head straight to the Denpasar Clinic.  Taxi cost would have only been about $8 AUD from memory.  We were ushered pretty much straight in and after explaining what we wanted - I needed a crown and clean and BF 2 crowns and root canal - they got down to business - ground my tooth back, made a temp and mould for new tooth - charged me $410 and booked me in to finalise the treatment for a few days later.

3 days later we headed back to the dentist - by now we had moved to the villa in Jimbaran Bay area so we organised a driver for $5 an hour who took us for our appointments,  waited for us and took us via the local supermarket on the way back. And we lashed out and bought Thai fusion take-away since we had to wait about 5 or 6 hours for both of our treatments.  My treatment was to remove temp crown - grind tooth a bit more - fit new crown -send it off for an hour (luckily just next door) to glaze it and then wack it in.  BF's 2nd one got buggered up by an overzealous dentist on his grinding foot-pedal so he was booked in to return 2 days later to finish his treatment. All in all I was very happy with my dental treatment - they offer a 5 year guarantee on the crowns. And even if we had to go back twice for repairs we would still be in front financially even after paying for a holiday at the same time.

Friends Villa in Jimbaran Bay area - quiet and tucked away - $50 a night or 2 of us

In between the dentist trips - we did only the minimum of exploring around Kuta (involved stepping out the doorway of the hotel and walking in any ol' direction) and even less in Jimbaran Bay until our friend joined us for the last 2 nights.

The Homefront Update & Getting Organised

Well after all my raving on about how much I love to travel, I also love the fact that I have a 'base' to come back to.  But more than just a base I guess - an actual home.  My parents house (that I have recently inherited a 50% of) was my base for a while but never really felt like home after I'd been gone so long and mum went sick redecorating and reclaiming our bedrooms.

 

 

Now I am lucky enough to have a 'home'. And I have lived here with BF for 8 years I guess. After all my years of travelling solo I also now have a wonderful travelling companion. I may not be such a wonderful travelling companion for him of course - I snore, always worry about what I can shove in my belly next and am quick to emotions - just to name a few of my 'issues'...ha ha...

Organisation skills (on the homefront at least) - are completely lacking in me for some reason.  Housework is not a priority on my list - apart from the fact I do like a clean bathroom and we are tidy in the kitchen (more BF than me I must admit).  I have trouble with 'Finishing The Job'.  Today being a classic example - I am surrounded by fabric and half finished projects from the last 3 days, that need to be mostly finished by tomorrow morning to have a stall at the markets.

Over the last 2 years I have been reading and researching organisation skills - yes- it is possible to learn this and it is possible to be lacking in this too.  Because I am prone to distraction easily I can quite easily 'forget' about sweeping the floor or hanging out laundry.  Or at least not prioritise it as I should.

Last night after much 'research' on the net, I started to put together a 'Household Folder'. This is to include such things as Cleaning Schedules, maintenance schedules, Daily clean list, weekly clean list, recipes, budgets, bills, instruction manuals etc etc.  Most of this I already have half organised due to my attempts previously and so once I finish this rambling I will work on that for another half hour before tackling my daily chores.

De-cluttering is the other most important duty as well as being organised.  Usually if there is crap laying around everywhere, it is one of two things - the item doesn't have a proper home or there is simply too much crap.  I am going to have another purge today (which will also give me more to sell at my markets tomorrow).

So my plan is that by de-cluttering the physical space around me, it may also help to de-clutter and calm my mind into actually being able to get my act together.  And if not, at least I will have a super clean house and would have got some exercise.

Online revenue...is it possible??

A few months ago I signed up to ews (sort of like an online shop linked to Amazon) - originally my wesite was aimed at the cruise industry.  Today I have updated it to be called Travel Gear Pro and linked it to the products I have been researching myself lately and that I hope to own one day. (Update 26th Jan '13 - I have since discontinued using this site mainly due to the cost - $30 a month for no sales and am focusing on updating a website I already have prepaid for - more on that later too once up and running) Therefore I can also provide accurate reviews of the products from personal use.  And this still would apply to the cruise industry.

Imagine if someone were to sponsor me to use and review their products.  Sort of like the No Bag Challenge offered by Scottevest.  I already have a travel vest from Scottevest though my item is now not in stock any more - mine being a lighter version of the this featured vest.  Actually the No Bag Challenge has been on my mind the last couple of days as I have reading blogs from people who have completed the challenge already.  So a thought to tuck away for future use.

Me 'travelling lite' with a day pack and large messenger bag - 2011

 

I guess now that I have my 'shop' set up, I need to promote it somehow.  While popping it on my blog seems the obvious choice, I doubt very much to be able to survive on any income I may derive from my current traffic of 2 readers (hello). 

So on with learning about HTML and widgets and stuff.

Passion...

Travel Gear Pro - my site I set up the day after this post.

You know- after I finished my post yesterday - I realised what my funk is all or at least partly about. 

I just don't want to work for anybody else!!  I've been self-employed for 8 years and believe me, I just cannot feel passionate about going to work for someone else!!

Just by analyzing the passed weeks worth of web surfing and activities - I can tell you that my passions are

TRAVEL

TRAVEL

TRAVEL

CRAFT

And yesterday after this revelation, I decided to spend all day (see when you are passionate about something it is not a chore) sewing and making travel accessories to sell at the markets!! 

You may remember me mentioning in a previous post (if there is anyone reading my blog - hello hello?) that I have trouble actually finishing...  well... anything.  By late afternoon yesterday I had a pile of unfinished products.  My main reasoning at the time was that I needed to purchase extra materials. So I made myself think outside the square slightly and just made do with what I had! I ended up with 4 finished products - a mini travel pillowcase (stuff with clothes at night for cushioning and doubles as a stuff bag for dirty laundry or whatever),a smaller bag with zip, mobile phone cover and another wee storage bag. 

etsy.com was a great source of inspiration and I will endeavour to set myself up on etsy.com too.

With all my "research" on the web during the week it was no surprise I ended up actually purchasing something - a new High Sierra AT605 backpack.  BF is working away for a week so I am hoping it turns up while he is away - not sure how to break it to him I 'needed' a new bag.  Oh - and I also found on ebay some convertible quick dry pants that zip off to 3 different lengths!!

The reason for all my "research" lately is the forthcoming trip for 4 months overseas next year.  My best friend will be joining me for part of it and I am hoping with all my nagging that my BF will come and join me at the end too. 

While its still fresh in my memory I will start a new page on my blog about the proposed trip.

New Orleans - 2010

Feeling funky...and not in the good way

Aaaaaagh....

I cannot seem to climb out of this deep unmotivated rut I am in.  (Not sure if there is such a thing as an unmotivated rut but there you have it)

I literally have only enough money to pay the mortgage this week and then I'm out of cash.  But the thing is - I cannot seem to get motivated enough to actually want to work - well not for someone else anyway.  Although I did do over 5 hours on the gate of the local rodeo and earnt myself $100 on the weekend. Previously being broke has been the biggest motivator I need to get my act together but not this time.

The employment agency has now registered me (I know this because I missed a call from them Monday morning about work - rats!!) so I shower and get dressed early and sit by the phone by 9am the last few days.  And then if there is no phonecall I sit at my notebook all day just researching...well...stuff!  Mainly researching travel to be honest. BF often comments that if I put that much commitment into looking for work I'd be earning by now.  Can't deny that.

So a couple of the sites that I have found and have been "researching" are

Wise Bread

The Professional Hobo

Excellent resources on frugal living, travel, independent living and everything in between.

All good

Well I am pretty happy with my market yesterday - made a $100 less market stall fee of $24.  It doesn't sound like much but I can tell you it will be very handy.

I have just finished more online tests with the employment agency so hope all goes well there and I get a call for work tomorrow.  They rang this morning to chase up the tests so hoping that means they are keen to get me on the books coz they have work.

And supposed to be (according to my own schedule) taking in a heap of recycling here for cashing in.  We get 10 cents a bottle for glass, plastic and cans. This just started here earlier this year. So I have a few friends that I collect from as they can't be bothered with it all.  And once a month I do  run and get anywhere from $50 to $80.  It all adds up I suppose.

This cute little lizard from Thailand 2009

Market Stall tomorrow.

Well... I've rang the market organisers and if I turn up at 7am tomorrow (Sunday) they will allocate me a spot for my market stall.  $24 for the day to have a stall and the markets run from 8am to 2pm.

I've spent the afternoon - doing a practice set up of my stall at home.  And I will finish the labelling, pricing in the morning and experiment with lay-out through the day to keep me busy.

For about 2 and a half years I did the markets when I first moved here.  I sold beads, jewellery, crafts, recycled clothing and bits and pieces.  Although I also worked full-time back then, the markets were my first taste of being self-employed and I loved it!!

My main aim at this stage though, is to bring in some money while having a big de-clutter before I have to fit in some inherited furniture later in the year.  And to have a bit of fun!

So the car is packed.... and I'll do an update after the markets - hopefully with good news to report!!

Cushions I made a few months ago - given as a gift. 2012

Feeling pretty pleased with myself!

Well - I feel I've done heaps this week - yay!!

My tax stuff except for say 5% is through to my accountant (2 years worth)

I have completed registration at the employment agency (just 3 online tests to do before Monday)

Again I noticed still having trouble entirely finishing tasks but thats my mission Monday coz hoping I should pick up some temp work Tuesday.

And I'm about 75% complete with organising my market stall for tomorrow - although I don't feel ready at all!!  But one of my favourite sayings when I wasn't feeling motivated is "Don't Think About It - Just Do It!!"  So thats my plan.  Just get ready, pack the car and just head off in the morning and see what happens!!

Technically, though and especially if I take the recycling in to cash it in and after the markets - I should have some money on Monday!!  Yippee...

Wild Orchid in Western Australia 2011

 

Plus check out some of my Pages - I have updated Travel Links and Travel 2011/2012



Distractions...

Singapore - save the elephant campaign 2011

 

 

Focus - I have to tell myself that all the time - I am soooooo easily distracted - I have so much running around in my head. And I try and do too many things at once without actually completely finishing anything. And so the house and outdoor area looks like a bomb has hit it - half finished market stall stock ideas, the recycling has built up and I need to cash it in, we have moved furniture out of the house and the stuff that was inside said furniture is still awaiting my inherited furniture to arrive (which won't be until at least November)  .  So today starts with a list - housekeeping first on it!

In saying that - I feel I have actually achieved something this week.  I was going to list what I had finished this week, but true to nature I realise how little I have finished but how much I started. 

So what I started this week that I need to finish:

Registration at employment agency
Tax for Accountant
Market Stall
Housekeeping


I just realised that Housekeeping ended up down the bottom of the list again - but if I finish the first 3 things on the list, it all means money in my pocket.  I am housekeeping in between paragraphs though, as I have spread out with trying to organise stock for my market stall.  

I'll do a separate post on the market stall later.

Well as much as I would love to keep on about being distracted - I'd better go and do some stuff (sigh)....

Homefront Update

I was just looking back over my posts of the year - didn't take long - ha ha but it was interesting and thought I might provide an update - more for my records and for future motivation.

My crocheting is going well - have spurts - the original rug is huge - and after the next pattern finishes I will finish the rug.  Its too big to take with me so I used to make cushion covers instead during my lunch hour. I made our dog a wee blankie too - a bit chilly this dry.

The vegie garden was going okay - until the scrub fowl got in there while we were in Bali and dug 50% up. So I will replant, repair the fence and go again.  Still getting good supply of chillies though and a few tomatoes (if I can beat my chooks to them) and my Lime tree is flowering heaps so I am hoping for a good supply this year - its only ever produced 2 limes 2 years ago for first fruiting.

My first attempt at preserving (Dill Cucumbers) was a flamin' disaster - the recipe asks for 1 cup of salt in the brine!!!  Completely inedible!!  Yuk!!  Although I did a fair bit of banana chipping there for a while and I experimented with a loaned food sealer - love it!! I also bought a 4 tiered sprouter (must put some in today) which is awesome.

And I have been doing maintenance (like the chairs below), and tiling and grouting the new shed bathroom - looks great - if I do say so myself.

Crunch Time

Its official - I'm broke!!

Soooooo....I know I should be a completely stressed out mess but I'm not.  In fact a little excited about the challenge!!

The last month of unemployment - just a few hours of work here and there - has chewed through the last of my savings.  And a month of high expenses - my notebook finally died so I had to get another so loving that, and we also travelled to Bali for the dentist (which I saved over $1000 compared to visiting an Australian dentist after flights and expenses were taken out!!). So that cost too - yeesh....

However the clarity (and therefore motivation) I have gained in Bali regarding my short term future is a relief!!  Maybe chewing through a book everyday and generally relaxing and not overthinking allowed my mind to settle.

So the plan (so far) is:

In late September I will be flying "down south" to attend to my dads estate and I will book a one way ticket.  And just stay until the job is done. Hoping not more than a month though.  Mentally and emotionally I feel I just need to get this done.

So in the meantime - get some income in - last week I registered and completed online tests and induction for an employment agency who I will go and visit.  I'll list on ebay also and if nothing comes through straight away work wise I will do a market stall this weekend.  Love it - reduce clutter and make some money! And I will just do temping until I go south.  I also am going to do my tax return for 2 years!!  Aim to have that in today!!  Whatever I get back will hopefully provide me with money for when I am away.

So all in all - a pretty good plan I reckon - not ideal but still a plan!!

I have used this particular photo - from the opening of the new Art Centre on Tiwi Islands - with the kids dancing - its all like a new era - a fresh start

Feeling lethargic...

Lack of motivation and energy seem to be the issue today, although I have left the yard to actually do some paid work.  I was only thinking yesterday arvo how busy I've been since finishing work a week ago.  Usually I try to squeeze in a 'nana nap' on the days I don't work and I haven't even been managing that, so maybe its time to slow down and maybe head back to bed with my crocheting for a couple of hours.

Yesterday I did some painting in our linen cupboard, delivered extra eggs to a friend, crocheted and then helped B grout the new tiles in his shed bathroom. I did manage to squeeze in a nana nap too.

Homemaker Day

Monday's lately have been my homemaker day - cleaning, gardening, diy hobbies etc

Currently in my food dehydrator are seasoned tomatoes, with bags of apple and finally bananas  (to make banana chips) to also go through the dehydrator in the next two days. Preserving fruit and vegetables is something I am keen to learn more about especially since our vegie patch only produces mainly through the dry season and also the price of some of the supermarket vegetables at certain times of the year is double what it is at other times.

Online yesterday I ordered some organic vegetable seeds and 3 different fruit trees - Ice Cream Bean tree, Mandarin and Strawberry Guava to add to my vegetable garden.  And I will pot up some spring onions also bought from the supermarket today - repotting keeps them fresh and they continue growing on in the pot for months.

Tomato flowers

Another project I started this morning - due to the cold weather - are some crochet rugs for my dog to sleep on and I pulled out a patchwork quilt that is only half finished.  Scrounging through my clothes drawers and old fabric remnants I found some more pieces I can cut up and add on and hopefully also finish this project this Dry season.

My fish aquarium pump gave up so I spent some money today on a new filter and some more fish - I figured no point having "stuff" if its not working properly. 

And that was pretty much this Monday....

June 2012 Update...

Wow!! Incredible that its been 6 months since I last posted.


Mid - February to present - I was offered work 3 days a week with one of my ex clients in February.  I enjoyed learning a new trade - even if just in training. And I kept 2 clients from my old business also for a little extra income.  One weekend I also got asked to work on the ticket box at a local rodeo - so earnt an extra $100 there.  My extra time after work I spent on little projects at home.  Work at this new job finished this week so back to job searching.  Being on a tight budget again re-iterated the value of money so that was a valuable lesson.

One of my projects using scraps from work.



My car has failed to sell so far and even worse got vandalised.  So I am still using it and will put it up for sale a bit further down the track.  

De-cluttering is still underway with possessions and I am noticing a difference - however slight (with construction of a shed in our yard still underway).  Most of it I have donated as my advertising of a few items went mostly unsold.  

My latest passion is to upcycle "stuff".  Mosaic above from leftover and new tiles.  Partially, a patchwork quilt has been made with my huge collection of fabric and cut up old colourful clothing.  Waiting for some more clothes to cut up for squares to complete that project.  Crocheting is back in full swing too - I started a blanket last dry season and have been working on it again plus practicing a few other crocheting stitches. Wondering whether to start a market stall on weekends for these projects??


On the homefront - my vegetable garden is going well however still not producing as much as I would like (except for chillies).  I have tomatoes, brazilian spinach, chillies, strawberries, basil etc etc in and so hoping for a bumper dry season crop.  My food dehydrator got a work out on some cheap bananas a few weeks and I sealed up a heap of packets of banana chips. (Long since gone).


So thats the update so far.... pretty much back to where I was since my last blog - looking for income....

Back to reality...

Back in the tropics

Melbourne was great and very warm. I'll post some info and photos soon.

And now I only have about 2 weeks left in my current business and I will be looking at getting other income - sell my car and today start listing on ebay (is the plan).

I also spent a weekend working on my little renovation project caravan.

So more details soon...

Melbourne so far...

Today is going to be over 30 degrees Celcius and the northerly wind is gusting.

Saturday we hired bicycles ($2.60 per day plus by the hour - $20 each for the day) and cycled around Docklands, Southbank and to the War Memorial Shrine where we had a picnic lunch to save money.

Yesterday being Sunday we drove to Hanging Rock outside Macedon and had a picnic there too. I am ashamed to admit while my friends climbed the rock I slept under a tree.

Today while my friends are out running errands I am checking out my onward travel to Wangaratta by train and then I should have a lift to Swan Hill and then I will train back to Melbourne a week today.

About Me and Melbourne planning

Photo - ponypics Moorea 2009

I've finally got around to adding some content with links to my pages. About Me and 2012 - Melbourne so far.

Melbourne approaching...

Photo - ponypics Flying to Tiwi islands 2011

Today is Tuesday, and I have just realised that tonight is my last night at home for almost two weeks. Tomorrow I fly to the Tiwi Islands for 2 days work and I fly out 6 hours after my return for Melbourne. Which reminds me - I need to contact my friends where I am staying as they have offered to pick me up from the airport.

Melbourne is very difficult to pack for - there is a saying in Australia - Melbourne has all four seasons in a day so you have to prepare for every possibility. so although its summer and I'd love just to pack summery clothes (and fit more in) I have to also pack for an unseasonal cold snap should it occur. Since I am flying with just carry on and attempting to travel light I will have to put some thought into my wardrobe and travelling accessories. These days it seems like a bit chunk of space has to be allocated to cords for charging laptop, camera, phone and e reader.

So in saying all that, and as I have to actually go out to work today (rats!!), I'd better get going....

Yay...

Photo - ponypics Samoa 2009

Monday and I'm not at work!!

I've been doing some writing though which I have to say is a lot more fun than working.


KISSLIST

Kindness - offer of assistance to friend in need

Interest - contact family - show some interest in their lives

Self education - read read read

Strength - share my knowledge to help others



So the update on me selling my possessions is that I earnt absolutely zero!!

My ad didn't run in the paper, my magazines didn't sell on ebay and I can't advertise my car for sale until back from Melbourne. Luckily this week I have a pretty good earning capacity winding up my business so I should have some money for Melbourne (still yet to book my return tickets) and to cover bills for a week or so. And some clients don't pay immediately so I should have some money dribble through when I am away.



Saturday I spent working on my renovation project - "Casa Bella" a 16ft caravan (photos above of when I first got her) that I bought 7 months ago. BF refused it on our premises, so I parked it behind a clients shed, and then BF refused to look at it for months only to break into hysterics when he finally did see her!!

Since then I have moved her to a friends rural block about 45 minutes drive away and I go out the first Friday of every month for the night. And it was while tidying up to head back to town this visit, when I discovered a full tin of paint and a paintbrush stashed away in the cupboards. Someone was dropping me a hint! So I spent about 5 hours painting cupboards inside and out and measuring up for the next lot of renovations. Painting just perks me up no end, you can see immediate results and I left in the afternoon feeling pretty pleased with myself.

Friday...

Photos: ponypics Khao Lak Thailand 2009


I love Fridays!!! In the same way I dislike Mondays - well working on Mondays anyway...


Sort of weird when I think about it - but those days of the week wouldn't matter if you are doing something you enjoy.


My diary is telling me I have about 2 hours work at a clients this morning and while I don't want to go and would rather spend the time gardening or writing, I need the money - Rats!!


My "Flea Market" ad didn't run yesterday - there must have been too many to fit them all in. But I had a bonus with the dentist as my health insurance covered the whole lot so I spent $100 getting some new seat covers, dash mat and floor mats for my car to spruce it up for sale. Which I realised I can't advertise until my return from Melbourne.


While I think of it, my first experience with a Virtual Assistant didn't turn out as I expected - pretty much they provided me with a list of websites - something I could have done just in Google - I thought they would research the websites (after all the job title was internet research). And some of the information wasn't relevant - providing me with details of companies on the other side of Australia. Next time I will ask for a Personal Assistant or someone in admin perhaps.

Melbourne

Photo - ponypics Thailand 2009

Next Friday (the 13th as it turns out) I have a flight to Melbourne and at this stage that is all I pretty much have worked out.


Money is tight right now so I will need to practice some self control and plan a bit ahead - shop at the supermarket, not buy magazines and crap. I plan to document all my expenditure for future reference.


I also need to look at how I will get back home as I haven't booked anything yet.


Och well...

Sell sell sell... money money money....

Thats the mantra for the day.

Clothing

Today my "flea market" ad will run however I have some concerns that I may not get many calls - maybe everyone is broke after Christmas OR (and this is the way I hope it works out) everyone will call as they have Christmas gift money to dispose of. I have advertised 5 lots of clothing but thinking if I get my act together I should rustle up some more lots ready for when people arrive and offer more choice (and thus more sales).

Car

After I clean the car up (today!!), I will photograph and complete my "For Sale" advertisement in the local paper. This is a slightly more expensive option than another company offering a 12 week run of ads for a better rate but in the recent years has gone to on-line only. And I will do up a big sign for the car to advertise as I drive around. Once I have advertised it will force my hand to finalise the detailing (to be honest - START the detailing)!!

Ebay

And since I don't have to be at the dentist for a few hours I will list something on ebay. That dentist is using up all my earnings at the moment!!

Other Income

Savings

Unfortunately today I have to send off a letter to my investment fund managers authorising a withdrawal of some funds to pay back BF for IOU's (bless him). That will leave about $1000 in my emergency fund - crikey....


Self employment

One of my clients paid me last night (thank goodness otherwise have no idea how I would have paid for the dentist!) and I have a few hours of work today that I will definitely get paid for tonight. Fridays however is the day that all my automated payments come out for the week so I may have to juggle a bit of money around a bit but I should scrape through. On a brighter note - I have 3 full days of work booked next week with possibly Monday to fill if I can (or want to - I have this weird aversion to working Mondays).. Friday I fly to Melbourne.

Subscriptions

Today I am also posting out 3 notifications to companies cancelling subscriptions, however that will not take effect until end of Feb when I officially close my business. And I think if I was serious I still have one or two more I could whittle off as well. It would save about $400 a month!!

Medicare

Australia has Medicare where we receive about $30 back on a doctors fee. I have been saving one in my purse for an emergency cash injection and today is the day!!

Actually that was a good exercise - I can see that I will be okay (more next week than this week) but I will scrape through!!

Freedom...Getting rid of crap...

Photo: ponypics Spider Lily Dec 2011


Clutter adds stress I've noticed. Interestingly the definition of the word clutter is


"a confused or disordered state"...


and that's how my brain feels I guess when I look around and see "stuff" everywhere.

My collection of 'stuff" started 10 years ago and then went into overdrive when I was on a higher income and more settled.

As I had backpacked pretty much since my late teens, through my 20's and early 30's I was always too broke (spent all my money travelling) to acquire much crap and also having to carry all that crap on my back.

So when I met BF and moved into his house after selling my bus (converted into mobile home), I became more settled which freed up some money and I had more room to store all this crap.

But now all I want to do is get rid of as much as I can!!! I feel smothered and restricted!

In preparation to advertise my car for sale I emptied out all the rubbish - stuff in the boot I was meant to have donated, camping gear and while I was on a roll I unloaded some clutter from the house - and amazingly I feel a bit liberated already!!!

Getting Serious!!

Photo: ponypics Holmes Jungle Dec 2011

So I'm getting broker by the day - BF has a big running tab of IOU's - bless his little cotton socks, but I need to think hard!! I just updated my Resume - I've been self-employed for 7 years so not even sure what "the go" is these days with presentation etc.

Anyway its done and I've just then sent it out to a temping agency. Yesterday I started listing on Ebay and today I will rifle through my spare room and back garden shed and pull out anything that I haven't used for yonks and sell it in the local papers Flea Market this week. I'm sure I will be surprised with what I pull out.

And I will advertise the car for sale by the end of today (that's my goal anyway)- after I have given it a bit of a detail (luckily - or unluckily - I have some experience in this having given it a go for about a month).

Okay - I have a plan!!! For today anyway.....

oh yeh - I have decided to go to Canada at the end of the year maybe for a few months hence the panic for money to start coming in.