Wow, what a year. Let's summarise:
1) House building - trees got approved to be removed (although it felt like touch and go as we were told we could only remove them if they were hazardous). Pool has been dug and concreted. Home loan approved with first progress payment complete. Outlook for 2014 - Good.
2) Work - didn't get Senior. Not good. Performance review was superior. That was good
Went for interview elsewhere. Got it. Senior, more money. Decided to leave. Big two weeks of hellish uncertainty. Certification - passed (fantastic!) Outlook for 2014 - On paper, should be good.
3) Kids - bit sick this last month but otherwise they are gold. Kindy next year for my girl. Move to new school next year for my boy. Outlook for 2014 - Good.
4) Health - not exercising enough, look like my new year's resolution. Eating healthy though and weight pretty stable, not losing or gaining.
5) Personal life - making good friends and connections. Hubby and I are gold. Plans for travel next year but not Vegas due to house build.
Outlook for 2014 - Good.
6) Inlaws - father in law quite sick but causing trouble. Complaining about money and annoying us. Causing mother in law a lot of stress. Due for serious operation in January where there is 50-50 chance of pulling through, has asked to go to nursing home as well.
Brother in law and sister in law looking to move next year. Son is going to speech therapist, lot of work to do there, fingers crossed it goes well.
Outlook for 2014 - Not good, more stress to come.
7) Retirement plans - property wise, if brother in law moves out, we could sell that house, we got hit by large land tax this year. Goal is to get at least one more investment property in 2014, hopefully Perth.
Outlook for 2014 - Good.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Spring is near...
and so marks the time of new beginnings...? we're more than past the half way mark of the year now and its been a good year so far. So what is new, we've just come back from a week at the snow. It was a fantastic time, fresh snow fell on the first night, but was sunny days after that. The ground was patchy but the kids had fund nonetheless and we're all looking forward to next year already.
How is the house building going? We've been approved in part! The certifier has reviewed the house plans and says all is ok, but now we're just waiting on the tree removal approval which the certifier needs before finalising the CDC but we're on our way! Demolition quotes are being sourced, the pool approval has also come through and we've also picked our exterior colours. We're going with a darker brick with light grout and whitish window frames. I'm quite happy with it. We'll soon be planning the kitchen and might be a good idea to talk to a landscaper as well but not sure if we'll actually do that.
Had a significant event happen to me actually in July. I got pregnant. Not planned. Mixed emotions. Before it was confirmed, my first reaction was that I would have it, was even planning names for a boy. Then reality hit, starting again with a new baby, nearing 40, quite comfortable with things at the moment. Told my husband, he also had mixed emotions. Got the pregnancy test, used it, waited for the result. Positive. Blast it. We both felt like teenagers with an unwanted pregnancy. We remembered when conception happened. It was a day or so after my period. We assumed it would be safe. Guess we were wrong. I had a cry. Didn't really want it. Neither did he. I looked up medical abortions and there was a place nearby at work. Booked myself in and after consultation, was told I was suitable for it if I wanted it. Took the tablet, some minor bleeding but nothing major. Just felt nauseous and feverish during the first two hours of taking the tablets. Was frustrated. Went back for second visit and was given another round of tablets and was reminded that I had been informed it might not work and also might not happen in the first week. Second round produced a lot more bleeding as was expected. Third visit proved that abortion was successful. All done in two weeks. Felt so easy, too easy. But no regrets. Do I think about the baby that could have been. Yes. Do I regret it? Not yet. Only my husband and mother know. My mother was very supportive. Not comfortable letting any friends know, just seems too controversial.
His name would have been Jesse.
How is the house building going? We've been approved in part! The certifier has reviewed the house plans and says all is ok, but now we're just waiting on the tree removal approval which the certifier needs before finalising the CDC but we're on our way! Demolition quotes are being sourced, the pool approval has also come through and we've also picked our exterior colours. We're going with a darker brick with light grout and whitish window frames. I'm quite happy with it. We'll soon be planning the kitchen and might be a good idea to talk to a landscaper as well but not sure if we'll actually do that.
Had a significant event happen to me actually in July. I got pregnant. Not planned. Mixed emotions. Before it was confirmed, my first reaction was that I would have it, was even planning names for a boy. Then reality hit, starting again with a new baby, nearing 40, quite comfortable with things at the moment. Told my husband, he also had mixed emotions. Got the pregnancy test, used it, waited for the result. Positive. Blast it. We both felt like teenagers with an unwanted pregnancy. We remembered when conception happened. It was a day or so after my period. We assumed it would be safe. Guess we were wrong. I had a cry. Didn't really want it. Neither did he. I looked up medical abortions and there was a place nearby at work. Booked myself in and after consultation, was told I was suitable for it if I wanted it. Took the tablet, some minor bleeding but nothing major. Just felt nauseous and feverish during the first two hours of taking the tablets. Was frustrated. Went back for second visit and was given another round of tablets and was reminded that I had been informed it might not work and also might not happen in the first week. Second round produced a lot more bleeding as was expected. Third visit proved that abortion was successful. All done in two weeks. Felt so easy, too easy. But no regrets. Do I think about the baby that could have been. Yes. Do I regret it? Not yet. Only my husband and mother know. My mother was very supportive. Not comfortable letting any friends know, just seems too controversial.
His name would have been Jesse.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
The big three nine
So.... its two weeks after I'd turned 39 and I'd have to say, its not looking too bad up here. Had a fantastic birthday week at work, lots of greetings and special treatments. Planned a night out with some old friends and was getting plenty of ribbing about whether we'd make it to midnight. We did ourselves proud that night, I had a fantastic time and that night was rated up there as one of the top nights for a long time.
On the home front, things are still slowly progressing with the house. Almost finalised the draft and have gone to the brick yards to pick out bricks, going for a darker look with nice white grout for some contrast. The choice of brick is key, if chosen wrong, then a new house could look outdated quite quickly.
I'm now more focussed on career, studying for certification, putting my hand up for training at work and contemplating testing the waters of contracting. I might do so in a few months.
Still nothing finalised for the big 40 and we're already halfway through this year. Its a lot to organise and I'd obviously want to do it surrounded by close friends and family. Not sure how it works if I decide to contract as well and take a few weeks to travel. I guess its possible. But throw in the new house and selling the old house, there's going to be a lot going on early next year.
Having an easy time of it at work, lots of periods of restlessness. With 40 around the corner, it really does make me want to be in a good position next year. Its kind of a milestone I guess. When I turn 40 I want to look back and think, yep, I've done well, I'm in a good job, in a great house, lots of good friends and making real connections with people. So far its looking ok but I'm not satisfied yet.
Also trying to keep my goal of early retirement on the radar. Am looking at salary sacrificing and contracting to earn more money and once this house is built, invest in a couple of properties to solidify our bases and get some steady passive income happening.
I read in the paper about a woman who had a fantastic life material/wealth wise and threw it in to row across the ocean to find more in life. She wrote two obituaries, one for the current life she had and one for the life she wanted and realised she wasn't happy to stay on the same path despite all the material wealth that most people strive for. I think I will try that exercise. Mind you, she ended up leaving her husband to embark on this adventure. I definitely don't intend to do that.
On the home front, things are still slowly progressing with the house. Almost finalised the draft and have gone to the brick yards to pick out bricks, going for a darker look with nice white grout for some contrast. The choice of brick is key, if chosen wrong, then a new house could look outdated quite quickly.
I'm now more focussed on career, studying for certification, putting my hand up for training at work and contemplating testing the waters of contracting. I might do so in a few months.
Still nothing finalised for the big 40 and we're already halfway through this year. Its a lot to organise and I'd obviously want to do it surrounded by close friends and family. Not sure how it works if I decide to contract as well and take a few weeks to travel. I guess its possible. But throw in the new house and selling the old house, there's going to be a lot going on early next year.
Having an easy time of it at work, lots of periods of restlessness. With 40 around the corner, it really does make me want to be in a good position next year. Its kind of a milestone I guess. When I turn 40 I want to look back and think, yep, I've done well, I'm in a good job, in a great house, lots of good friends and making real connections with people. So far its looking ok but I'm not satisfied yet.
Also trying to keep my goal of early retirement on the radar. Am looking at salary sacrificing and contracting to earn more money and once this house is built, invest in a couple of properties to solidify our bases and get some steady passive income happening.
I read in the paper about a woman who had a fantastic life material/wealth wise and threw it in to row across the ocean to find more in life. She wrote two obituaries, one for the current life she had and one for the life she wanted and realised she wasn't happy to stay on the same path despite all the material wealth that most people strive for. I think I will try that exercise. Mind you, she ended up leaving her husband to embark on this adventure. I definitely don't intend to do that.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Time to take stock
Well its only two more months or so til I turn 39, 1 more year before the big one.
Workwise all is well, I have contemplated trying out contracting but maybe a permanent job paying more money will be wiser. I do want to retire early and I have my financial goals so I need to decide what my priorities are, I've been cruising along in neutral career wise so maybe its time I stepped up and made some effort.
Healthwise is looking good too althought i still have the chicken pox scars. I'm trying a mix of treatments, bio oil, turmeric, home microdermabrasion, daily scrubs but i think time will be the main treatment so hopefully it will fade eventually. The only annoying thing is I have to use more foundation that I normally would but its a small price to pay.
Kidwise, they are wonderful. They are balls of loving energy and I adore them to bits. I miss them as babies but I love having conversations and showing them the wonders of life. A part of me is sad though as not only do I intend to show them the wonders but I also want to show them the woes as I want them to know the traps and terrors to avoid. Like what could happen if they talk to strangers.
Housewise, things are kind of slow but I guess there is no other pace when it comes to building. We were set to go with our custom builder but then a friend recommended another builder so we are waiting on a quote. I would like to invest in another property (as part of our retirement goal) so I'd like to settle the financial aspect of our principle residence so I can see where we are at for investments.
We've also come up with an idea for an app and had several occasions where it would have been handy if such an app was available so this seems like a good indication that it could be a successful app. We've written specifications and are up to looking for someone to develop it but hubby has decided to learn this part.
Plans for the big 40 year havent been fully realised yet. We were planning a big trip to Vegas to celebrate with a bang but it might be a bit costly for us and our friends so other options are Philippines and Vietnam. I was thinking of changing my last name as a surprise for our 10 year anniversary as well. I kind of like the idea as it feels like I am putting on a new persona heheheh. I'd also like to get him a watch although this gift is likely to be quite expensive as he has mentioned Tag watches which are a few thousand.
So i'd have to say, this year is travelling well if not a little too fast. Life is pretty good, but could it be better?
Workwise all is well, I have contemplated trying out contracting but maybe a permanent job paying more money will be wiser. I do want to retire early and I have my financial goals so I need to decide what my priorities are, I've been cruising along in neutral career wise so maybe its time I stepped up and made some effort.
Healthwise is looking good too althought i still have the chicken pox scars. I'm trying a mix of treatments, bio oil, turmeric, home microdermabrasion, daily scrubs but i think time will be the main treatment so hopefully it will fade eventually. The only annoying thing is I have to use more foundation that I normally would but its a small price to pay.
Kidwise, they are wonderful. They are balls of loving energy and I adore them to bits. I miss them as babies but I love having conversations and showing them the wonders of life. A part of me is sad though as not only do I intend to show them the wonders but I also want to show them the woes as I want them to know the traps and terrors to avoid. Like what could happen if they talk to strangers.
Housewise, things are kind of slow but I guess there is no other pace when it comes to building. We were set to go with our custom builder but then a friend recommended another builder so we are waiting on a quote. I would like to invest in another property (as part of our retirement goal) so I'd like to settle the financial aspect of our principle residence so I can see where we are at for investments.
We've also come up with an idea for an app and had several occasions where it would have been handy if such an app was available so this seems like a good indication that it could be a successful app. We've written specifications and are up to looking for someone to develop it but hubby has decided to learn this part.
Plans for the big 40 year havent been fully realised yet. We were planning a big trip to Vegas to celebrate with a bang but it might be a bit costly for us and our friends so other options are Philippines and Vietnam. I was thinking of changing my last name as a surprise for our 10 year anniversary as well. I kind of like the idea as it feels like I am putting on a new persona heheheh. I'd also like to get him a watch although this gift is likely to be quite expensive as he has mentioned Tag watches which are a few thousand.
So i'd have to say, this year is travelling well if not a little too fast. Life is pretty good, but could it be better?
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Happy New Year?
BANG! FIZZ....
Well we're in the first week of the new year and its already been an interesting one. Our holiday in Gold Coast went really well, we theme parked our hearts out until I started feeling ill and spots began to appear. Two days later once we got back home on NYE, I visited the medical centre only to be told by some quack woman doctor that there was nothing to do as it was either an allergy or infection.
NYE I lay in bed alone while hubby went to the party we were meant to go to (with my permission of course, he's not a bad guy!).
NYD and I woke covered in 10 times more spots!! 3 days in hospital later, I've got chicken pox!
It was hell.
Also, my husband's aunty passed away. Double hell.
But what has happened in the last 2 months prior to all this?
Workwise, I got moved onto a project as a Lead which was a great acknowledge even though no financial gain has been made yet. It was scary and exciting and I've been told I was doing a great job which always feels great.
Housewise, progress was slow. We pretty much have found a builder we like, a custom builder but he is terribly slow at getting back to us. He comes highly recommended by many who have built with him which is why we're sticking to it. I cannot wait to get the ball rolling.
So here's to you 2013!!
Well we're in the first week of the new year and its already been an interesting one. Our holiday in Gold Coast went really well, we theme parked our hearts out until I started feeling ill and spots began to appear. Two days later once we got back home on NYE, I visited the medical centre only to be told by some quack woman doctor that there was nothing to do as it was either an allergy or infection.
NYE I lay in bed alone while hubby went to the party we were meant to go to (with my permission of course, he's not a bad guy!).
NYD and I woke covered in 10 times more spots!! 3 days in hospital later, I've got chicken pox!
It was hell.
Also, my husband's aunty passed away. Double hell.
But what has happened in the last 2 months prior to all this?
Workwise, I got moved onto a project as a Lead which was a great acknowledge even though no financial gain has been made yet. It was scary and exciting and I've been told I was doing a great job which always feels great.
Housewise, progress was slow. We pretty much have found a builder we like, a custom builder but he is terribly slow at getting back to us. He comes highly recommended by many who have built with him which is why we're sticking to it. I cannot wait to get the ball rolling.
So here's to you 2013!!
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