Get a little dirt on your hands...

Dad picked me up after work today, as we had arranged yesterday, to take me to the plant nursery so I could stock up on veggie seedlings. I've just spent about an hour and a half racing the encroaching darkness to turn the patch of soil in my backyard into a veggie garden. *dances happily* There's something so satisfying about looking at a newly-planted garden bed - all those little green plants, nicely arranged. I've yet to plant some pumpkin seeds mum gave me, and maybe some carrots, depending on space; I'm going to try and grow my pumpkins up a trellis, as there's a handy low brick wall to train them up.

In a way, this more than anything else can be considered a signal that yes, I have made my decision. A slight amendment to the Plan, if you will. I'm going to stay here until June - there's too many reasons why this is a good idea; financially and practically. Of course, my parents are also happy with this - Mum still worries way too much about me. :P

There's a couple of conditions. One, BRM will not be living here next year. As soon as he finds a teaching job (and he's looking for places now), he's out of here. End of story.

The other is that I'm going to ask Peter, my boss, to back me in asking for leave without pay for six months, at least. That's my travelling time - Europe, Canada and what parts of the US I can get to without putting my soul in further hock. Dad also found me an interesting job advert - working on cruise ships. Could be an interesting way to get home. *grins* It's something to check out, anyway. If I can't get the leave, I'm going to quit - simple as that. I don't owe the job anything, I've worked my arse off for the Department of Justice for the past five years, and if they give me grief about leave, I'm gone.

So, that's the Amended Plan. I'm sorry that I'm not going to be down there next year, Yas and Andraste, but this works out the best for me. Besides, where else could we have a bottle shop two minutes' walk away?

I also found a Tai Chi class advertised in the local paper today - $8 per session, in Wodonga, for ten weeks. Unfortunately, I'd miss a couple of sessions with AussieCon, but I'm going to ring and see when the next sessions after this one start. Or if I can miss a couple without hassle. And the weather's improving to the point I'm planning to start swimming in the outdoor pool behind work again. *grins* I've offered to coach Pete in technique - I have life saving qualifications, and taught swimming whilst at summer camp in 1993, and not just kids. There were a few counsellors who overcame their fear of water with a little help from me.

Speaking of work, today was blissfully quiet after last week. Just me and Pete and the occasional phone call and counter inquiry. Not even any intervention orders - the one inquiry I had, they weren't eligible, as the last incident was over two months ago. Not exactly imminent danger.

And, finally, the THOSD RR is back on, after somehow getting locked. Apologies to whoever _did_ lock it, if it was for a reason, but if you want these things to happen, you really ought to let me know you're doing them. ;)

Time for food - BRM's in his room, having fallen asleep in mid-sulk - so it looks like I'm the chef again tonight. *thinks* Could be Basic Tomato Pasta night.

Domesticity...

A continuation of my productive feelings from gardening, I guess. ;)

The problem with leaving your laundry for two weeks, and then doing it all at once on a nice sunny day, is that you end up with a vertiable mountain of ironing. Mine rivals Everest - there was a team of sherpahs making an assault on its southern face, I swear. Still, once I'd done the folding and put away the sheets and towels and every single piece of cycling clothing I own, bar one really uncomfortable jersey that I only wear when absolutely desperate (and was contemplating having to drag out this week if I hadn't done the washing), and things are looking a bit less... mountainous. The sherpahs have been replaced with day-walkers. A curse on this Army upbringing that cause me to come out in a rash at the thought of wearing something wrinkly. ;)

I've also burned a copy of Act of Free Choice by David Bridie, for a certain ficcer I promised it to a while ago. That, along with a couple of other things for other people, will be mailed tomorrow - I got paid this week, and having checked my account balance, feel slightly better about spending money. Still, I'm going to have to be a bit more frugal if I'm going to be able to enjoy AussieCon guilt-free. Pete's making noises about taking time off - I'll have to encourage that idea, as it will mean more full time work for me. "Gee, Pete, you're looking really run down - you really could do with a break, a couple of weeks off, y'know?"

Speaking of burning CDs and money, I do need to get some more blank CDs. If only so I can put together a road trip CD for the drive up to Sydney. ;)

Hmm, getting late, and considering I was on the phone to Yasmin until late last night, I should stumble off to bed.

Night, all. Have a good one.