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!