a life half lived

back again :)

October 29, 2011 in general, physical health | Leave a comment

Aloha faithful readers! Sorry for the protracted absence, but C and I went away for a week, down south to Margaret River. We did have (some) internet access, but we were too busy stuffing our faces and having afternoon naps to really do much, like post to blogs. Short story – had a great time, ate too much, had a nap every day, glad to be back home.

I really missed the cat, and ever since we’ve been home she’s been following us both around like our shadow. I spent about three hours in the front garden this afternoon, and she was there the whole time. She’s a sweetheart and we both missed her so much. I said at one point to C while we were away, ‘You do realise, if anything happens to her, we’re going to have to get another one’. He resignedly said, ‘I know’.

C’s dad and stepmum were wonderful, they came over twice every day and fed her, so she didn’t go without while we were gone. She just didn’t get her usual pats from Mummy or game playing with Daddy that she’s used to.

As soon as we got back from our holiday, I started zumba again – I even went to a class that’s not very close to home on Thursday (we got back Thursday midday), to get back into it. It nearly killed me but it set me up nicely for today’s usual Saturday class. I outdid myself today – straight after zumba (yes, track pants, purple sweaty face and all) I went to Bunnings and bought about $100 worth of plants to put in the front garden. Came home, did some laundry, had a snooze, then got up and planted almost all of them. I even went around and put Miracle Gro on everything. I’m exhausted now, but it was worth it.

It’s paying off, too. The garden is starting to look really nice, and it’s actually going to be sorted out for Perth’s long, hot summer. We do still have a few things to finish off, but it’s looking respectable for the first time since we bought it, really. And I’m getting pleasure out of doing stuff in it as well, which is a nice bonus.

We had C’s dad and stepmum over to dinner last night. Roast lamb with vegies, and gluten free apple crumble to finish. Fortunately it all turned out well, and tasted fantastic. They were most appreciative too, which is always nice.

catching up with M

October 16, 2011 in friends, relationships | 3 comments

My gorgeous friend M got married a year ago, and I was one of her bridesmaids. She and her husband C live in another state, but they came over (with their new baby daughter) just for this weekend, to catch up (briefly) with family and friends. All M’s friends live here, and all C’s family and friends, so there was a lot of catching up scheduled.

A large group of us from her wedding had dinner last night in Fremantle. I think it was originally intended to just be the bridal party plus their partners, but it ended up being pretty much everybody who came to the wedding (minus M’s parents, who are from Victoria). So it was a big group, lots of kids ranging from 8 months to 13 years old, and heaps of talking.

It was great to see M, and of course C and the baby. The baby is adorable – M has four children, and all of them are very very cute. She has a big shock of medium brown hair and the most beautiful skin you’ve ever seen. She was so good, too, not a peep out of her from 6:30pm until 10pm, when I left. Despite going from being a single guy to a dad with four kids in one fell swoop, C was also looking just the same as he did a year ago, which is good – the shock hasn’t killed him yet, so I think he’s going to make it 😉 I asked M how it was going with him and the kids and she said they just adore him, which is wonderful. I asked C how he was going, and he said really good, that it had its challenges, but it was good. Overall I think it’s all working out fantastically well, and I’m so so glad for M, who really deserves an easier life than she’s had, firstly married to her first (pig of a) husband, then being a single mum to three very small kids.

The only thing that worried me was M’s health. She’s had a chequered past in terms of physical health – at 17 she was diagnosed with three brain tumours, two of which were inoperable. In the last year these seem to have almost disappeared and all her tests are coming back great. That said, she is waaaaay too skinny – 47 kilos – and for the first time ever, she’s looking quite lined and old. I really got a shock when I saw her last night, she basically looked worse than I’ve ever seen her look before. When I asked her about her health she admitted that she seems to have some kind of thyroid problem, but they can’t pin down exactly what it is – most of her levels are fine, other indicators aren’t showing anything, etc. But she can’t keep any weight on (she eats like a horse, and C is a chef who does all the family meals) and she’s exhausted all the time.

So yes, while it was fantastic to see them, I am worried about M. I know there’s nothing I can do, and that fretting won’t achieve anything, but I can’t get the image of her poor little face out of my mind. 😦

assorted

October 9, 2011 in family, friends, physical health, relationships | Leave a comment

Not a huge amount going on to report here. Still keeping up with the zumba classes, still doing the usual – work, sleep, properties, etc.

I’m going to visit my mum this morning. She and J got back from their European trip last weekend but we couldn’t organise a time to meet before now, so today it is. She managed to hurt her ankle – not quite sure what she’s done to it at this stage, but 1) it isn’t broken, and 2) it seems worse than a sprain. She has to have a CT scan on it, her physio thinks she may have pulled some tendon away from the bone. YOUCH.

I caught up with a girlfriend from my previous workplace last week, and I’m doing the same with a couple more in the next two weeks. I used to try to get them all to the same lunch but found it didn’t really work – we all like talking, but an hour with three other people isn’t really quality time, so I’ve started organising to see them all separately. I loved seeing A and I know seeing T and G will be just as good.

zumbazumbazumba

October 3, 2011 in mental health, mental illness, physical health | 2 comments

Who knew that such a short period of time could make such a difference?

I’ve been going regularly to zumba classes – at the moment, 2-3 times a week. I’d like to make it a solid 3x per week, but that will depend on what else is going on. For example I couldn’t make last Saturday’s class, because I’d been to the chiropracter earlier, and he said it wasn’t such a good idea to go on the same day. However, I went tonight – I hadn’t done a Monday class before. With Wednesday’s evening class and next Saturday’s 10am class, this will make 3x this week.

I’m also being a bit more conscious about eating. I wouldn’t say I’m denying myself, I’m just remembering to think, ‘Is this really a good idea?’ So I didn’t have a muffin with my coffee today (which I probably do about once a week, typically on Mondays because it’s the start of the work week); I didn’t have a kitkat with lunch, and I did have a salad and an orange juice, instead of an iced bun (sad but true, this is probably my preferred lunch MO – I’d have an iced bun about three times a week). When I got home from zumba, I had two fish fillets and steamed vegies. I may well have a cornetto in a minute too, but that’s okay.

So yes, lots of lifestyle changes going on. It’s great. I just need to keep the momentum up now. My chiro was very happy to hear I’ve started regular exercise as well, his last words to me were ‘keep it up!’. Considering how good I feel after a class, I think I will. Not just physically good either – the endorphins zoom around my body like they’re on speed. It’s great stuff. I’m not fooling myself that I can kick the antidepressants cold turkey or anything, but the exercise does help, probably more than just about anything else that’s not pharmaceutical-based.

self care

September 25, 2011 in mental health, mental illness, mentalness, physical health | 2 comments

It occurred to me the other day that I’m starting to look after myself a bit better, in a few different ways – physically, mentally, etc. Some of the examples that spring to mind:

I’m trying to make sure I eat at least one piece of fruit every day. This sounds simple, but for me, it’s something that actually requires brain space.
I’ve started going to zumba classes 2-3 times a week (other life stuff permitting).
I’m finally doing something about my lovely case of toenail fungus. (Sounds appealing doesn’t it?!) I ordered three bottles of Funginix and have been religiously applying it twice a day, as per instructions. I’ve had toenail fungus for years but it’s got to the point now where I won’t wear any shoes that show my toes, so it’s time to actually sort it out.
I’m taking it easy when my body tells me to. For example I should be sorting out the peeling bathroom/laundry in one of our properties today; but instead I’m going to kick back at home, do some laundry, and have a substantial nap.
I’m being a bit more proactive than I usually am in having time off work. This means I plan it ahead and allow for it, with my boss’s knowledge. This makes me feel more in control and less subject to the vagaries of depression.
I’m making the effort to actually appreciate the fantastic relationship I have with C. A guy at work is going through all kinds of dramas in his marriage, and it has brought home to me how well C and I get along, and what a great life we really do have together.
I’m trying to enjoy the little/simple things – the lovely weather, gardening, etc.

I’m sure there’s other stuff, but this is all that springs to mind at the moment.

sunday again

September 25, 2011 in family, general, property management, relationships, work | Leave a comment

Wow. Busy few days.

I went to a zumba class on Wednesday night, and again yesterday morning (Saturday). After the first twenty minutes on Wednesday, I thought I was going to die. Talk about unfit. However it’s already getting easier – after yesterday’s class I didn’t feel so bad. Tired, yes, but ready to peg it, no. There’s another class on Monday night but there’s stuff I have to do for one of the properties, so I don’t think I’ll make it this week.

Interview on Friday went okay. Not amazing, but okay. I should find out in about six weeks whether I’ve been appointed or not. Until then I just need to not think about it.

It’s been a social week, too. We had my brother and sister in law over on Thursday for pizza, and we had my in-laws over last night for roast lamb. I now feel like I’d be perfectly happy not to interact for a couple of weeks with anybody other than C. However, I’ve been a good sister/daughter in law, the house got cleaned so it was decent, and I’ve covered off on my family obligations for a little while, so it’s all good.

I got a head start on the cleaning on Friday night – I did both bathrooms and toilets. Then I got up early and did laundry and food shopping before my 10am zumba class. I don’t know if I can keep this up, but I do like the precedent it set. I kept on with the good work this morning, by ironing three of C’s work shirts. In theory I need to get to the apartment today to continue work on the bathroom, but I don’t know if I can be bothered, to be honest. I’m worn out from all the housework, entertaining and exercise!!

day off

September 21, 2011 in family, general, physical health, property management, relationships, work | Leave a comment

Really the title should be ‘day off paid work’, but I’m not quibbling – any day off is a good day! I realised yesterday at work that I had some flexi hours up my sleeve, and that I was on top of my workload, so I asked the boss if I could have today off as a day in lieu, and he said yes 🙂

I spent most of the morning sleeping (how sad is that?!) then did some food shopping and had lunch. After that I went to the property we’re working on and did some more sealing and patching work in the bathroom/laundry. I’m really hopeful this is going to sort it out, the bits I patched today I’d sealed the other night, and they looked really good, and gave a great surface to put the polyfilla on. Hoping for the best!

I even have some plans in the pipeline for exercise. I randomly did a google search the other day for zumba classes in my suburb, and a few popped up. One is on tonight at the local hall, from 7pm and the best part (apart from being just down the road) – it’s only $12 per class! At that rate I can happily justify going twice a week. Whether I do or not is another story, but location and price wise it’s ideal. I’ve only done zumba before on the wii, but I love high-energy aerobic based stuff, so I’m sure to love it.

I spoke to my brother last night, who informed me that he’s leaving on Sunday to go to the UK for work for ten weeks. I was a bit sad as I haven’t seen him for ages, so he and his wife will be coming over tomorrow night for pizza for dinner. I even thought ahead enough to buy some garlic bread today when I was shopping that we can have with the pizza.

Finally, I have an interview for a permanent position on Friday. I keep forgetting about it. That’s probably not a good sign, is it? I’ll have to make sure my brother and sister in law don’t stay too late on Thursday night. The good thing about my brother is that we do have that relationship where I can kick him out at 10pm and he’ll understand perfectly. 🙂

blah

September 18, 2011 in general, property management | Leave a comment

I must admit, I’ve felt a bit blah for about a week or so. Not really sure why, but all I’ve wanted to do is sleep – more so than usual. This weekend has been particularly bad. Both days I woke up early, did a few things, then went back to bed for three hours. Then awake again, did some stuff, then back to bed. Then up again for dinner and back to bed. I haven’t counted how many hours I’ve actually been sleeping per day, but it would have to be around the fifteen hour/day mark.

As I said, not really sure what’s happening. The depression isn’t worse than usual; I’m not coming down with anything; and I haven’t started a new exercise program that would explain the tiredness. So yeah, out of ideas.

In my few waking hours, I did manage to start sorting out one of the properties. The bathroom/laundry in this property has been a problem since we bought it. The walls and ceiling won’t stop peeling. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sanded, filled gaps, sealed and repainted, but I’m starting to play hardball now. Sanded and crack filled as per usual yesterday, and today I did a coat of oil-based sealer/primer on the worst spots. We’re going to stop by after work and see how it’s looking tomorrow. If this doesn’t work, I don’t know what to do. The good news is we have until Sunday 2nd October to get it sorted, so there is some wiggle room in terms of time.

One other thing to note – I stumbled on the funniest blog ever written by a cat tonight, Urban Underbelly. I added it to my links, so check it out. Talk about black humour. It’s great stuff.

fathers’ day 2011

September 4, 2011 in family, general, property management, relationships, tenants | Leave a comment

Yet another busy weekend. We had one lot of tenants move out yesterday, and new ones move in today. Even though the place was left very clean, it still takes a fair bit of work to do a turnover. However the new tenants are in and appear to have settled in well, so that’s a relief 🙂

Apart from the property turnover, today was Fathers’ Day. My dad is dead, and my stepdad J is overseas with mum at the moment, but C’s dad is still around so we had him and C’s stepmum over for a cooked breakfast. I did bacon, eggs, mushrooms and toast, followed by buttermilk pancakes with strawberry coulis and maple syrup. It turned out well and was very much appreciated, which is always nice. I was smart this time and had breakfast before they arrived – I can’t eat savoury stuff in the mornings and I knew I was doing all the cooking, so I was prepared! (I’ve done this before but not eaten first, and just about passed out from low blood sugar by the time I do eat something.)

I was particularly happy with the buttermilk pancakes – I’ve made them before, but not with gluten-free flour (C’s dad is a coeliac) and they turned out beautifully, which was great. So many things don’t taste ‘right’ with gluten-free flour, but these were lovely and tasted ‘normal’ so to speak. The only thing was the mix went flat pretty quickly. Still tasted fine, but just very flat, more like pikelets than pancakes. It was also the first time I’d made strawberry coulis and that also worked out well. Very easy – a small punnet of strawberries, three dessertspoons of castor sugar, and juice of half a lemon, whizzed up in the blender. It made HEAPS, easily double of what we used, so I’ll also have to remember that in future.

weekend in the sun

August 28, 2011 in general, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Well, the sun was out for most of it anyhow. It wasn’t hot, about 20 degrees C, but very pleasant. We both spent some of yesterday and (most of) today in the garden. Yesterday we finished weeding one of our garden beds, and heavily pruned one of our hibiscus plants back. Just cutting up the hibiscus clippings took a couple of hours – it went from being about ten feet tall to about two feet.

Today C sorted out the retic in a new garden bed he and his dad finished not long ago (they did limestone retaining walls), while I dug out grass, pruned, and weeded. The place is actually starting to look a helluva lot better. This makes me happy 🙂

In other stuff, I looked at a couple of properties today (in between gardening). Both of them need a LOT of work. They both remind me of a one-bedroom unit we bought a few years ago, that needed every single thing replaced or repainted. It was a shitload of work. Haven’t talked to C about it yet, but I suspect he’ll want to pass, given the work required. I’d be happy going for one of them, but we would have to get it at a really good price to justify the amount of work it needs – like, about a 20% discount on what they want. We might be able to get one for a good price however as apparently the owner (same person owns both properties) has ‘over-committed themselves’ ie. got into too much debt. We’ll see, anyhow.