In the beginning ...

... there was Eden.

The Eden Project has been the beginning of our holiday for the last two years (previously it had always been a very long, but worth-it day out). We stop on the way down and stay at their wonderfully quirky, unusual youth hostel. It is the perfect start to our holiday and never fails to send me off feeling so positive that I can change...

Because change is good - a bit scary sometimes, but good. Life is taking one of its frequent sideways shifts and I will be time rich again, which I love 😍 but frugality beckons - it's those swings and roundabouts again. However, after some time at Eden, I start to see a path through the wilderness. Less buying is never a bad thing (not sure Daisyfay is totally on board with this in practice; there in spirit but ...) and priorities need focus. Our priority is always the Miracle Girl and the summer - so less spending is back, but I am going with the fact that what do we really need?

The main exhibition at Eden this year is Earth Story - one part of it, about extinction, reduced me to tears - I just stood there thinking it's all about money. Other parts were so inspiring about how to do more. So for me this year is going to be about do more - we do try, but once on the hamster wheel it's hard to keep focused. Don't get me wrong, we all need the money ... but there are some positives to having less of it, and some more time.

So I have a plan (again), my journal is up and running, I'm writing 😀, and I'm positive (I love an Oxford comma almost as much as an ellipsis...).

An inspiring place, with so much to challenge you...

The Little Green Car sallies forth

Oh, the life and times of the Little Green Car have been tumultuous recently. After a fairly consistent year, the technically brilliant driver's window system (which involved a nifty mime impression with both hands to lift and lower it) failed miserably when it fell inside the door after going over a speed bump and the MOT loomed - I long for a life when MOTs don't loom... Anyway, it cost a bit but she survived (thanks to the very nice garage people). And then came even more tumultuous times - the Rather Bigger Gold Car has problems. Again. And so the Little Green Car has been promoted ... to main family car ... which entails transporting us on the annual boho jaunt to Cornwall, surfing, sand, festivals, tents ... Car jenga has ensued - it's amazing what you can fit in a Nissan Micra!

So here we are, in our happy place, after a stop at the perfection of Eden and it's fabulous YHA. We have left Uncle Mark to house-sit and sallied forth in minimalist fashion. The Miracle Girl does not appear to have downsized on clothes despite the requirements of the Little Green Car ... but, at the moment, I can honestly say that I really don't care ...

Jump Leads

I like jump leads. I have a set which travel in my car. They are especially long ones.They are something I need possibly more than the wider population. We all have our Achilles heel.

It's been a busy day - timing is everything. This afternoon I combined teaching the difference between a tornado and a hurricane with corralling twenty one children so they could be dressed in sports kit. They are various sizes - the kit has other ideas when there are that many of them. We then transported them to the athletics competition where I used my military precision style tactical organisation (all drafted on a piece of A4 paper) to get them all to the various events they were allocated to, whilst keeping the remainder firmly BEHIND THE YELLOW LINE. I then shouted myself hoarse in enthusiastic support. It was rather fun. But long. I am very proud.

I left at nearly 6 and drove to Aldi. I parked, and then tweeted their wondrousness to the cybersphere - because priorities are also everything. Then I closed my eyes and rested my head on the steering wheel ... because, you know, it was quiet ... and still ... and just because. I didn't turn the lights off. Oops. Dead little green car.

Paul came. He was at choir. The jump leads were on the back seat. At least he had to be nice about it today ...

Folding

Who knew - holiday folding is a thing?!! There are whole industries out there dedicated to this! I have had a week of discovery - and our house is now seriously folded. It appears that the sort of folding that gets everything three people need for a month in a caravan/ tent into a fairly small car along with all the equipment needed for said holiday, plus the boxes of food (because frugality reigns!), foldable barbecue, badminton set, body boards, wet suits etc, etc ... well, this sort of folding is a method. And there is a very nice Japanese lady out there doing very well out of it. Why did I not think of this? I would have a fabulous camper van by now ... although the Prossliz Method doesn't have quite the same ring to it.

To be fair, she makes it look much more glamorous, and I have followed her on Instagram - to keep me on the straight and narrow. Operation declutter/sell your stuff/ ramp up the frugality is back on the road and gathering speed. A summer of footloose-and-fancy-free-ness beckons ...☺. We have started said operation with some expense - we are doing Daisyfay's room - it is looking very good so far and is helping on the declutter front, and is as frugal as possible. It will be ongoing so we can buy as we go. But the Konmari lady would be proud of me.

So - folding is a tick. On the other hand I have unfollowed the lady with the cleaning products - my eco-soul can't cope. Bicarb is very underrated...

In my happy place...

...well, one of them . My other main one is where we go in Cornwall, on the Lizard. We are in the Lakes, at a pub called the Tower Bank Arms. It's from Beatrix Potter, there's a picture in Jemima Puddleduck. I have two others... but they're from long ago and far away...

And while I'm here I'm making a step forward - I miss this ... I miss writing - and this is a chance to do that, so...

So, has anything changed? No not really - still no stability ... still no security ... still basically flying-by-the-seat-of-my-pants but with none of the benefits of itinerancy ... still no campervan ... hey ho!

But still looking forward ... and smiling ... tonight ...

Pondering #bettertogether

June 16th -  we had a picnic -  school/church in the church gardens, part of the Great Get Together for the Jo Cox Foundation. It was a lovely evening. We've had the picnic before, it was a good fit with the Great Get Together - bringing community together ... because it's true: we are always better together.
And that's where the pondering came in - I've wondered over the last two or three months, watching people not seeing that. Which in turn makes me look at how I think ... the pondering has made me decide to do more, and sometimes maybe say more. People are all out there fighting their own battles, getting done what needs to be done. Sometimes that's easier than other times. I try not to be judgemental - who knows why anyone is who they are, and there but for the grace ... if you look for the good in the people around you, you usually find it. Difference seems to be a problem for so many people - whether in a large-scale, political sense; or in an every day, at home, at work situation. I am no better or worse than anyone else, I'm just different - and if everyone was like me, it'd be a pretty boring life, with nothing new to learn. If we want the communities in our lives to function at their best, we need to encourage everyone - or they'll just stop - and everyone loses.
So, money where mouth is - stand up for people, get out there and do things, don't judge ... I shall find gaps in my gapless life ... because we really are better together.
There is more that unites us ...

Plan B ... or is that C ...?

Well, that didn't work. I have not regained my life. Not in the slightest. I thought for a moment or two that I would, but that idea crashed and burned... looking on the bright side, we are relatively (money-wise, for us, it is always relative...) solvent at the moment.


The big news is our trip - we did a wild and reckless thing ... and it was fab! Instead of saving my extra money for the summer when I can't work, we went to Disneyland Paris, and to Paris too. Life's too short and all that. We had such a good time.


Back on the frugality train now - but saving to go back too...


Trying to assert control of wrack and ruin land too - slowly but surely I am denting disaster - any progress is progress, however tiny.


I didn't know what to expect of Disney, but I loved that bubble of positivity - it's sticking with me, anything is possible ...

Wishful Thinking!!

Knew it was - the SCHEDULE lasted precisely two weeks, before crashing and burning under the unexpected, yet typical, requirements of an average week. Being completely honest, the second week was rather dicey ...

However, this is the week I get my life back - and, oh, does it need it - my house is at wrack and ruin point - I have great plans, again, so watch this space ... I'm feeling all positive...

Whittling not carving...

Carving out time, that's what I've been trying to do, since the beginning of December - but all I've been managing is a bit of whittling ... a very little bit ...


But, things are about to change, and today is the first day of change, today is the first day of THE new SCHEDULE. We've been revving up towards it this week, me and Daisyfay - increasing our implementation of THE SCHEDULE each day. I knew I was on it last night, when, washing under control, I made mini vegetable crustless quiches for packed lunches alongside cooking dinner. Uber-mommy or what? And tonight ... something unheard of has happened... I am sitting in the armchair in front of the fire writing this. The washing is controlled, I sat with Daisyfay for an hour doing schoolwork without time stress (admittedly, late schoolwork), Paul is cooking dinner... I could find jobs, our house is the sort of house that always has jobs ...but nothing is pressing.


 And why? Well, THE SCHEDULE, obviously!!


And, possibly, the fact that it is the Thursday evening of a typical week and we are not at climbing, which we have been every such Thursday since 2011! Climbing has moved to a Monday - this has necessitated much reorganisation of my week - but tonight it is paying off ... who'd have thought...? Even Daisyfay noticed - "Isn't this nice?" she said as we did her work, "We never do this, it's so much better."


So ... is it THE SCHEDULE ... or is it climbing moving ...?


Not sure yet, but have definitely managed more carving tonight ...

Elves...

Elves - little buggers!


Be careful what you start, I think, once it's a tradition it's never going away! Ours bring the Advent box, and pop back each night to leave a gift - lovely chaps :-) They are, however, quite talented at disguise and concealment - unlike their "on the shelf" cousins. I like our more intelligent types, who know how to hide when necessary - although I have been known to curse their very souls at 3am when I realise the lacksadaisical little tykes have forgotten where they should be.


Advent is inspiring me again - love the season to be merry - looking for the good, trying to be kind ...

Having a bit of a moment...

I've been having a bit of a moment - for quite a while now - been trying to move on, but not quite getting there. So, now thinking it's time - deal with it and ...


Pick yourself up girl, dust yourself off, and start all over again ... think it was the disappointment really - got so close to the campervan, and then ... but also it was Daisyfay's last term of Y5, which was really rather stressful - not nice to listen to your child decimate themselves, because, you know, I actually think she's rather fab! Anyway, as it went, it could have been worse - and we've been working on the positives - and maybe now is the time to look at my positives too...


Back being itinerant, which I do like, but frugality is also back big-stylie, possibly not a bad thing ... planning some forward-looking positivity ... sorry for being introspective, but love the fact that people out there listen...


Next time I WILL see the positives, one step backwards, two steps ahead...

The Techno-fairies of DOOM

This post was supposed to happen a week ago - but the Techno-fairies intervened. My photos wouldn't work, Blogger went doolally on me and wouldn't let me redraft, and, to top it off, my phone has expired - not good!
The phone wouldn't have been much good anyway, as we have no signal (which is no bad thing), but, despite this, we do have wi-fi (when the Techno-fairies are in the mood!).


So, it was supposed to be about ups and downs, swings and roundabouts ... it's been a fairly torrid month (I do like that word!) - lots of ups and downs!


On an up: Cornwall, relaxation, surfing, beach - a bit of focus. I love it here. We left VERY early and were on the beach at 9am, in the sunshine. The Miracle girl is settled in nicely - sea nymph habits kicking back in ... I love seeing her outdoors, relaxed, happy ... she's been a bit stressed lately, not good really - but that's another story - so, even more content seeing her now. 🏄🌌⛺️🌊

5am - halfway there...

9am - a little bit of heaven ...

Happy ...

Downs - ah well ... campervan had to go back - yet another story ... oh, and unemployed, again ...
Still, I appear to have defeated the Techno-fairies of Doom ...

Rejuvenation

Oh, I am on it! Got a plan. Movin' on up. Dealing ...


I am still so excited, I see possibilities, and a freedom to be...


However, we need to get going - a financial plan is needed - so far it goes - sell the contents of the house, welly up the tutoring, enjoy the time! Think this plan needs refining!


Supply is good, I enjoy it. Hoping I get enough, especially if I get to go back to where I am now. I like it there, so crossing my fingers... You have to look forward, and I'm seeing something worth having.


The plan, with a touch of refinement (you know I love a breakdown...):


* sell any extraneous stuff in the house - ebay, other sites, car boots ... twofold result  :-)


* make stuff


* sew stuff


* shop local - kind of emphasising this one again - we're going to need to soon.


The whole support your local economy was one of the things I meant the blog to push way back when - so, feeling rejuvenated, and intending to go with this.


We're all in this together, he said ... difference is, I believe it ...

Practicalities

So, here we are. We have a campervan. It's pretty cool.




                                         

                                       



Going to still be dreaming - whichever way the cookie crumbles, frugality is going to be up there. But, we will have the campervan and its associated freedom :-) .

Step 1 - M.O.T. - Eeek! Please! But should do...

Step 2 - Frugality and making more money - Prongs 1 and 2 will need a raised profile!

But in the meantime...

* Daisyfay has spent the whole afternoon sitting in it, ostensibly doing her (late) homework.

* We are planning an excursion to The Farm http://www.thefarmburscough.co.uk/ - our favourite after school ice cream and Sunday morning breakfast destination. They also have a campsite and Daisyfay has asked many times to camp there. But now we're thinking - great place to practise. And if we don't let her sleep in it soon ...


She cried when she realised we'd really bought it. So did I.


Oh yay, roll on everything ...



Carpe Diem

Oh my ...

Seize the day - that's what it means - and we did!

Been contemplating recklessness this week - probably impending poverty rearing its head! Got that "how bad can it be" feeling. I know about sensible, but I'm also seeing these days how quickly time slips away. I don't want it to be gone before we did it, every bit of it...

So we bought a campervan. ... oh yes we did ... 

Really...

Banana bread or pancakes?

There's more to that question than meets the eye - if I'm asking, it means I have time. It means I have time to be über-mommy and make fancy breakfasts. More often than not though, this is a distant dream - for both me and Daisyfay (who is rather partial to both banana bread and pancakes).



I'm back to looking for gaps again, and was mightily relieved that today was my last day before half term, when I can race around like a mad thing trying to catch up with everything. Starting with the washing. My mastery of the washing is now officially below expectations, caused by missing its' slot. Washing happens most days, but not on Mondays and Tuesdays, when no time slot is available as work, tutoring and Daisyfay's social whirl overpower me. Washing then emerges with a vengeance on a Wednesday, at which point it has usually reproduced at an alarming rate. It is intersperersed with marking, as I multitask like a whirling dervish, and has to be well on the way by the time The Miracle Girl goes to choir at 7 o'clock. It's like dominoes, if it doesn't all happen at the right time everything that follows collapses. It collapsed. Instead of washing/ marking, I spent two and a half hours traipsing from town to town (literally,), from shop to shop, looking for fernicketing ( I made that up, like Lewis Carroll) black P.E. pumps. Now it's not that I object to buying the pumps per se ( well, to be honest, in this particular case, I do - but that's another story ... ), what I object to is the last minute notice which steals my time. I don't have a lot. I am engaged in continuous striving to maximise what I have, so that I can be there for my child - when my time is stolen I lose those minutes, I'll never get them back. So, P.E. pumps, they fit badly - you can't just buy them, you have to try them on, and check they don't fall off if you move. And not everywhere stocks them at this time of year, and not everywhere has all the sizes, and even if they have the correct size that doesn't mean they will actually fit - hence Clarkes size 2 is too small, size 2.5 too big! Took 4 shops, in 2 separate towns, factor in the petrol ... pumps bought - knock on, no washing, no marking - need to get up early to do marking so children can do today's lesson - not a happy bunny.



And time has other aspects - it does that flying thing - the memories you make, the photographs you take, the events and milestones you expect to have - when someone steals those, it makes you very sad ...



This is not my most positive post ever, but I cried - the thief of time, was that a book ...? I'll live - the sun'll come up tomorrow - I checked the weather forecast ...

A little bit of nature

Daisyfay went to forest school. She loved it - so much so that I had to pay for a second day. Loved her enthusiasm and the fact that she would tell me about everything she'd done - and it reminded me about what I want for her, which is so much not what our education system is now. It's how to avoid it though. Anyway, forest school, and a little bit of nature, certainly kept her happy. Muddy face, muddy boots,  fabulousness ...


The tangled thoughts are slowly unravelling, and I'm working my way towards a plan. I have been ebaying, and am plotting car boot domination! Enough to cover the tooth crown and MOT trauma would be a good start ...


Campervan ... feeling a sense of urgency ... and recklessness ... maybe it's time for direct action!


In case you're interested, highly recommended ...

Green Wellies Forest School https://www.facebook.com/groups/1761166610781643/

Campervans ... nature ... adventure ... there's a world out there ...