I did it . . . I turned the house upside down and shook it, yesterday. I then spent twelve hours solid making a temporary bedroom for me and Hamper G downstairs. I cleared Geekster's room for him so he has his own space back. This is all in preparation for me to start decorating. Yes, this is it.
Whilst shaking the house about, I found a box that I thought I'd lost, of some very old photos . . . Yay! I'll get the scanner out later, for a laugh!
The school have just phoned to offer Hamper G place. It's not our catchment school but it looks like I have no choice in this. Let's be positive, walking four miles a day will do me good. Hmmmm . . . we'll see about that in January . . . Hey, maybe I'll be jogging there by January, Hamper G can ride her bicycle, or scooter to keep up with me.
It's all happening. I don't want to speak too soon, but I definitely feel as though I've left the gear behind . . . well and truly behind.
I'm off to North Wales on Friday with my Brother, his wife, Hamper G and Geekster . . . Only for three nights camping to look after my Dad so his wife can go to her Dad's one hundredth Birthday. One Hundred, imagine that and he still flies out to Florida to "Evangelise". I hope the rain stops for a few days.
I've been spending some time writing my "story" . . . I will say this much, nothing is being added and nothing taken away. It's not all comfortable, I'm neither ashamed or proud. It is what it is, my life.
I didn't get time to comment on any blogs yesterday, but I did read them all when I finally settled down last night. I'm going to miss you all whilst I'm away. Really, yes.
OK, so much to get through again today . . . Off to buy Hamper's uniform and shoes, PE kit, bookbag etc. And party-proof the house as Stropster will be here alone for the weekend. Or not alone.
Thanks to you all for reading and being a part of this journey. Enjoy your day or night.
Have a good time this weekend! You are amazing - not just setting about to be clean yourself but freshening up the house too! You are inspiring! I just wish your energy was contagious too.
ReplyDeleteYou must be feeling like a whole new person - you sound it. Your kids must be thrilled but scared the old you will come back at the same time. The longer you stay with it, the more they will trust it's real.
Set out some limits for your son so things don't get out of hand on him if a bunch of kids who aren't his friends find out you are away and decide to crash the party.
Jeannie,
DeleteYeah, it feels like it's all part of the same thing . . . One almighty great purge. I had to move rooms, as every time I sat down in my "evening settling spot" . . it felt like I should be indulging. So we're all moving around. Also Hamper will need her own room now she's starting school (next tues officially :-)
Stropster is good at keeping order when it comes to "parties". I went camping for two weeks last August, him and his mates had a few good nights here . . . but I came back to the house exactly as I'd left it.
Also any local lads wouldn't dare come here uninvited. Even if I'm not here, they know I'll be back ;-)
I have to say, I LOVE your blog. I think you and I would be friends in real life. Have a wonderful time away and I look forward to your return! You sound so good!
ReplyDeleteThanks Annette,
DeleteI'm sure we would too.
I might still manage another post before I leave, Or at least post some of those old photos . . . I was so pleased when I found them. They're the only black and white ones left of our family. They're aren't many but they mean a lot to me for some reason.
12 hours is a long time to spend making a bedroom. True dedication. Well done you!
ReplyDeleteGw, ahh well that depends on the amount of stuff that needs clearing out of the room, before it becomes a bedroom . . . Three kids can accumulate so many clothes, toys, books, crap, dvd's, cd's and on and on it goes. Also the room we were leaving had to be re-made into Geekster's room with all his techno "stuff" . . . So there was a bit more to it than putting a bed in a room ;-).
DeleteI would've gladly listed everything it involved (cus I'm like that) but I thought it might be boring.
Anyway, that much is done and it's good to be in a new room. Thanks x
I wish I had your level of motivation! I felt really exhausted just reading about your purging! And have a lovely time in Wales, you deserve every good thing to happen to you.
ReplyDeleteKiwigirl xo
Hi Kiwigirl,
DeleteThanks . . . good things are happening. As I got started on all this shake up, I thought, maybe I need a new sofa (for my temporary bed until bedrooms are ready) . . . Yesterday, my Brother was offered a beautifully made, 3 seater, cream leather sofa, through a friend. It's stunning, it looks brand new. It's so soft and comfortable with low wide arms. The sort of thing I could never, no way afford (Ok I'll shut up about the sofa) . . . I just can't believe it. It's like, the more effort I put in, the more good things happen. How exciting.
I'm so looking forward to camping, whatever the weather, I love it . . . I'm just writing my list of stuff to get ready. And what food to take. It all tastes better somehow outdoors, even muesli. I'll get Geekster to bring his camera.
OK, back to my list, take care x
It's Karma! I always try to be nice and kind to people giving my time and money if I can, and I don't expect anything back. And guess what??!! I just won a trip for two to Tahiti, courtesy of the local newspaper. Wow, so I always say to people ,you will always get back from the 'universe' what you put out there. You just might have to wait a bit! So I know more good things are in store for you Bugz. xo KG
DeleteGood for you, Lovey! It sounds like you are doing well and writing and journaling about things in addition to blogging and getting the house in order too. Have a fun and safe trip if I don't see you around the blogging world in the mean time!! =)
ReplyDeleteHi Lovey . . . Yeah, I've spoken to the school too and Hamper G starts next tuesday!! I so can't wait. I've not had a day to myself since she was born, five years ago.
DeleteI won't know where to start . . . drawing, writing, back to the piano? O the freedom.
O shit a hamster just ran acrooss my foot. I kid you not. I'm sat in the dark and I know without looking that'll be "White boy 2" again . . . It wasn't. It's Reggie, I just went and checked their houses and his door had been left open a tiny bit. O well, he can have a night out. He is my eldest, the original one of two "males". He's a great grandad now.
I won't start on about them lot, or I'll never stop.
I hope things are good for you and your family. Take care x
I do love it when I see there is a new post from you. And from the new you as well. Not, you understand, that I don't love you as you are, but I am also excited about the great strides you are making.
ReplyDeleteDo you think you could come and turn this place upside down when you finish there?
To date: 50 freesias, 25 hyacinths, 100 scented jonquils, 50 or so King Alfred daffodils are in the ground. Still around 600 to go. Goodness how my back and calves are regretting this. Except the pain will only be a memory when everything blooms. That last sentence sounds like a pretty good analogy for your life changing moves of the moment.
Have a great weekend away. Sorry about the loooong comment.
The E'sC,
DeleteThat's a brilliant line . . . "Except the pain will only be a memory when everything blooms" . . . I love it.
Wow you must've spent hours, days, doing all those bulbs. I need to start on the garden when I get back, there's so much to do everywhere, but it'll be worth it when "everything blooms".
I know that you understand, and accept me, warts an' all . . . and always have done. You've cheered me on throughout and it makes me happy that you're enjoying the progress along with me. It's all good.
I'll have to come back in the morning to reply to other comments. I'm almost asleep, it's been another busy long day and N/A tonight . . . which probably means you're beginning your day. Enjoy yours and take care.
It makes me so very, very happy when you post and sound this good. And since, let's face it, it's all about me, I think it might be time for some more rearranging and painting at my house!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on Hamper G getting in to school.
Sherry
Sherry . . . I tried to comment at yours the other day . . . but it wouldn't let me, so well done on the French dinner party.
DeleteI wish I was at the painting stage . . . I need to strip old paper off and re-paper, then paint. O well, we're just off to Hamper's new school for an introduction hour, meet the teacher etc. I'm nervous. Hopefully I'll get time to up-date tonight when I've packed ready for Wales. Take care.
You do sound wonderful! Can I be honest (LOL)-you're writing is different when you are using. I say this because I see it in my son. When he is using, he is full of self pity, negative, always blaming someone else. When he is not using he is sweet, kind, generous...just like you in this post. (two cents from an impartial observer;)
ReplyDeleteAnd walking in the cold burns more calories!!
Hi Lou . . . Quick coffee break here inbetween packing, cleaning, school visits and a hundred other things.
DeleteYes I do feel more positive in general when I don't use . . . I don't know why I still, occasionally, have to go and ruin it all. I suppose as they say at N/A, I didn't get addicted overnight . . . Keep coming back.
It was a good "gathering" last night (10 of us again)
There was a young man (22) there who had done 90 days clean and did his "story" . . . I thought of Andrew.
That's good news about walking in the cold ;-) I'll need to update my "fitness page" when I get back as I've not weighed in this week. Hopefully lots of walking in Wales might shift another pound or two.
Awesome! You are inspiring. I do hope that you enjoy your time away. Nice that Hamper G got into a good school.
ReplyDeleteHi Syd, Yeah we went to visit the school this morning, it's good. Very music, dance and art orientated . . . I think Hamper G will love it there. Right, I better get some more packing done.
DeleteYou are so inspiring, seriously! I have so much respect for you, which is unusual for me honestly, but theres something about the way you write which really gets me. Its awesome :-)
ReplyDeletehave fun in north wales!
Thanks Catherine XOM'Wah!, that means a lot to me, really.
DeleteIt's good that although we probably have little in common, we can nevertheless, connect.
Wales was great, Thanks for being here x
I should have been in Snowdonia this weekend, I'm so gutted I'm not there & here getting drunk listening to loud music & contemplating scoring>. N Wales especially snowdon i consider to be my spiritual place of being, nuf z. xxx k
ReplyDeleteWow, it is so nice to hear that you are on track and doing well. You must be exhausted from all the housework etc. Decorating is fun and can be done cheaply from yard sales and flea markets. You sound uplifted and fresh. Isn't it wonderful? Have a super trip. xoxo
ReplyDeleteLori,
DeleteSorry my reply is rather late . . . as in ten days! I'm not sure how I missed these comments.
Anyway, yes I actually really enjoy decorating, once I get started; it's the preparation I don't enjoy so much.
I had a great time camping, Thanks x
I love that phrase, "while shaking the house about..." because that's what it's about LOL.... I am doing that too (actually I moved) and I have TOO MUCH STUFF but I am also finding some old pictures that I had forgotten about! That part is really fun.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you doing well.
Sherry, I've only just seen this comment (a week late) .. . Not sure how I missed these last few as I'm usually a tad OCD about replying to comments.
DeleteIt's good when you find stuff you'd forgotten isn't it.
Thanks for being here x
good luck to you mate,you got responsibilities in abundance kids , prison visits, sick dad, keeping house not to mention yourself. all those shallow yummy mummys that judge you and point and gossip do just that for a reason.....their lives are lacking.... all the best. jimbo x.
ReplyDeleteHi Jimbo, looks like I missed a few comments here.
DeleteThanks for your encouragement.
Yes, some days it all feels like a lot to deal with, but mostly they're blessings that keep me busy and distracted . . . I might start on the garden tomorrow ;-)
Thanks for reading and commenting x