Settling in.. finally

Well, finally we're back online after 2 weeks of hassling our telco. I have no idea how non-techies deal with problems, it's hair-tearingly frustrating.
A quick catch up of the move - packing up was hell and I will NEVER hoard stuff ever again; it's a nightmare trying to do it all and I went quite mad, leaving so much stuff behind that I now regret losing, but perhaps it's a lesson in zen acceptance and letting go. Maybe..
We ended up moving on the wettest day in years but I fled the scene and came down to the house with the laptop and waited for the movers. The dogs had been put into kennels earlier that week so at least I didn't have to worry about them. Unpacking was reasonably quick as I really wanted the house to look perfect as soon as possible rather than living with boxes so I worked my ass off to get it right. We still have all our pictures leaning up against the wall as there's almost nowhere to hang them nor will they really fit with the decor, but I'll figure something out. Eventually we'll do a bit of redecorating.. eventually.
In a fit of enthusiasm I started a vege garden; planted some lettuces and some asian salad greens - so far, Rabbits 6, Me 1/2 coz they don't like the asian greens so I guess we can live together in some kind of harmony. At least the parrots are enthusiastic about the seed I put out every couple of days and distract me evil bunnies.
Cleaning the house today - now I remember why I worked. I loathe repetitive tasks and housework has to take that particular cake. I've tried to persuade the dogs to help out but they claim their lack of an opposable thumb renders them useless, but I think they're just lazy, although I could make them wear booties so they could at least dust the floor a bit.
Vacuuming is next on my list of chores - great for back pain, should you ever feel the need for some. Oh well, here goes...

The new car..

I have my dream car - well, not the Ferrari, but close. My 'country' car, although it's not a battered old Land Rover or something that's intended to move sheep between muddy paddocks in the dead of winter. It's a very sexy Honda CRV which will easily accommodate two hooligan dogs and a grandson who tearfully informed me (after a rather hysterical encounter with said hooligans) that "I don't like dogs, I like CATS!". Yes. 'nuff said - Dogs will be restrained in the boot, darling.

I'm still initiating myself to the high tech wizardry of the car, including the heated seats which I hadn't realised were on and there was an odd moment when I wondered if I was having a very odd and specifically located hot flush. Ahem.

My last remaining dollars from my previous life as a career goddess were (almost) happily paid over to the RTA as registration changeover fees, as well as a Paddington parking permit and a full tank of petrol. At least I'll be able to drive from dumpster to dumpster to feed us until we sell our house and make the final move to the Southern Highlands.

Today has been all about the car so of course I haven't even thought about packing or cleaning out cupboards and it's only 3 weeks to go. Never mind. Tomorrow, absolutely. No, I MEAN it!
I've estimated that it will take 1 day per room to sort and pack, with the total exclusion of the spare bedroom which is truly horrible. A nightmare of my own making, and one task I can't delegate to Peter or the movers. I expect to find clothes I barely remember so the upside is I'll have an almost new wardrobe, although most things will be taken to charity shops as I can't envisage I'll need too many office outfits and high heels in Burrawang. That said, of course I'll keep a few pairs.. one never knows...

Darling Peter is being so calm, though it must be stressful for him as well. I can't wait for this all to be over and for us to be settled and happy with friends and family visiting to enjoy the delicious meals I'll finally have time to prepare.

Counting down!

Decision made - We're moving to the country!

Ok! After two years of looking we're on our way. Leaving the city for a tiny village in the country. The idyllic cottage has been purchased, complete with glorious garden, so it's time to pack and move. Oh. "Pack" and "move". Yes. Well. Hmmm.... I'm putting my well-honed procrastination skills into use in my appointed role as 'Project Manager', which really means I get to do everything. So, while I should be sorting 15 years of accumulated ebay purchases and items of 'sentimental value' i.e. junk, I've actually only got as far as:

• buying 2 chairs, bedding (uh, not the right size), a 'shabby chic' table and some kind of cupboardy thing off ebay. Yes, I'm bidding for more while I'm typing this. *Sigh*
• ordering online as a moving gift to me; gumboots - well, I HAD to have them; it's the country, right, and in my defence, they were on special and I didn't buy the fire engine red ones which were MUCH more expensive.
• Looking for a 'country' car for me. I think I've found one, but as I can't tell the difference between a blown head gasket and shin splints, tomorrow's anticipated purchase is still dependant upon a second opinion from a dear friend. Oh god, I LOVE this car and want it soooo much but have to be prepared to walk away if it isn't right for me. I can do it. I may have to be dragged rather than walk but I can do it. I'll keep saying this to myself while crossing my fingers that the deal will be done.

I'm presuming you've picked up on the pattern here? Not a moment spent cleaning out cupboards or cleaning; I've already transported myself to the new house and am in full 'decor' mode. Trawling through cupboards of clothes that haven't fit me for 20 years is nowhere near as tantalising as all the 'shabby chic' and 'french provincial' available via Google. *sigh* I have purchased super-strong garbage bags in which to transport all the stuff to charity shops so I can at least consider the job started; technically.

So much to do - moving 140km away has its own set of problems. We need a new bed and fridge, both of which need to be delivered to the new house before we move in, but there's such a tiny window of opportunity and until we have a confirmed settlement date I can't organise anything, plus I need to buy them locally rather than ship them from where we are now. Handy note: small town shops haven't really embraced the idea of online shopping, so I don't know what's there without making the trip down. Same with fencing and gates; these need to be in place before we introduce our dogs to country life, otherwise the last we shall see of them will be tails retreating over the nearest hill, in pursuit of foxes, rabbits and/or snakes. Yes, snakes. Not something we see a lot of in the city, despite a widely held view that Australians can't step outside our doors without encountering something venomous.

However, it will all be done, one way or another. Cupboards cleaned; fences built; beds delivered; a car. Onwards and upwards!