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.

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! 😋