I’ve not written many non-bookish posts lately. I suspect it’s because I’ve felt I’ve had nothing to say. Anything I really need to get off my chest I tend to do so on Facebook or Twitter. (And yes, if you follow me there, you’re very welcome!)
There are probably a few things marinating around inside my little mind however and – as I found a draft of an October check-in I’ve done nothing with – I thought I’d partake in a little brain dump here this month.
Work stuff
I’m really enjoying my project management contract (which also involves a bit of writing). It’s anywhere between 10-20hrs a week but (on-average) covers my bills, keeps me off the street and offers me a little play money for frivolous things like lunches out or paintings. (I realise normal people would probably say clothes or shoes, but… meh!)
Home stuff
My to-do list of stuff for the house is growing. There are the actual things I ‘need’ to do, like: get toilet seat and bathroom tap fixed (so I can remove ‘DO NOT USE’ signs that have been on them for over a year; some tree lopping; and tidy my desk so I can see it… But then there are things like… rearrange pictures on my walls.

I fell in love with this print and bought it on sale at Early Settler. But can’t decide where to put her.
Reading & reviewing
I’ve almost reached my target of 120 books for the year. I went ‘over’ last year but this year I’ve had plenty of non-reading bouts, intermingled with a ‘book-a-night’ binges, so it’s averaging out.
I’ve also started working on my ‘Favourite new release novels of 2019‘ post. I’m a little worried there have been a couple of very popular books I’ve missed for review. I get so many for review (including many I haven’t requested) that I don’t allow myself to buy books. I made an exception recently as I’d met the author and was intrigued by the story. Last year I bought Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton at the last minute and was glad I did. (As an aside I initially had a brain freeze and called that book Man Eats World. Perfect name for a sequel perhaps?!)
#Grandmothersitting
My 23yr old niece came to spend a few days with my mum this past week to relieve me in my #mothersitting duties. I think both enjoyed it, especially mum as she’s only got the one grandchild.
While my niece was here we* took the opportunity to visit The Story Bank – a Mary Poppins / PL Travers’ museum in Maryborough – as it’s the birthplace of Travers (author of Mary Poppins). It was more fun than I expected – very interactive. You get a ‘stamp’ on your guide if you find all 21 painted mice in the museum. We started searching a bit half-heartedly but became *slightly* obsessed and ended up asking one of the workers where #21 was. Not because we wanted the stamp but agreed we needed a sense of closure and might never sleep again if we hadn’t identified them all! #perfectionists #runsinfamily
And… that’s about it from me. I’m hoping as my mum improves and I get back into routines I’ll start blogging more regularly. Or I’ll take a break for Christmas. So… one of those things.
How’s life in your part of the world?
* My niece and I… not the old woman on crutches! 😋
November 30, 2019
I love that picture you bought…and did you find the 21st mouse?
November 30, 2019
We did, but only by cheating and asking a staff member. She knew which one we hadn’t found. (As did someone else who’d been, so it’s a tricky one….)
And yes, I love the pic. I bought it on 30% off but of course it’s been reduced since then with Black Friday sales. I just need to work out where it goes. I think it’ll look better in the living space on the feature walls, but I do like it in my room.
December 2, 2019
That museum looks so fun! I’m pleased you found that pesky 21st mouse! And go you with your reading, I thought hitting my target of 55 was impressive but that pales into comparison compared to your reading list! PS Great to see you back by the way!
December 4, 2019
Thanks Sammie. I want to make more of an effort. My book reviewing will also slow down now, so no excuse for not blogging more.
December 2, 2019
Sounds like things are going well in youre world Deb – you sound positive and upbeat and the job seems like a perfect fit for you. Glad you had some family time and I really like that print you bought – she reminds me of someone famous – now I just need to figure out who???
December 4, 2019
She matches a Frida Kahlo print I have but this is much bigger… I still haven’t decided where I’m putting it.
December 3, 2019
My to do list is always long and it feels never ending! That museum sounds great, I would be obsessed with finding all the mice!
December 4, 2019
I mentioned that I’d gone on my personal Facebook page and lots of locals commented on ‘having’ to find the mice Anne!
December 4, 2019
It’s great to hear how things are going in your world Deb and I love that term – grandmothersitting! I am in awe of your reading that many books, I’m up to 102 and I don’t work at all! I only set a goal of 55 so I’m happy to be ahead by that many. #lifethisweek
December 4, 2019
102 is amazing Debbie. My mum’s read a similar number. I have a weird rule about not reading during the day as well (until I’m retired), unless I’m on holidays….
December 6, 2019
It’s amazing when you keep track of what you read isn’t it? I wouldn’t have said I’d read anywhere near that number!
December 7, 2019
Yes!!!
December 4, 2019
Golly gosh! 120 books for the year? I’ve hardly made it through 2, ha ha! Something I hope to remedy – I’m doing the ‘read two pages, fall asleep’ dance at night so that’s not very progressive. Loved hearing your news. Hope your Mum is still on the way up. Sandra Xx 🙂
December 4, 2019
I envy people put to sleep by reading. I wish it was the case for me Sandra. And mum sees her surgeon tomorrow for her 6wk follow-up so I hope it goes well.
December 4, 2019
Lovely to catch up. Wishing your mum a full recovery too as I bet she is “over” the lack of true independence. However it was still really special her only grandchild came to stay. Love that the two of you played tourist. I hope you get a happy place for your ‘lady’ in the picture. It takes time that kind of decision making. Glad the job situation is going well. Thank you for linking up for Life This Week. Next week’s optional prompt is: 49/51 Taking Stock #5 9/12/19 Hope to see you there! Denyse.
December 7, 2019
Thanks Denyse. Yes, mum’s happy to be able to drive again. I bet one of the first things she does is go to Aldi as we didn’t get there while I was her main driver!