A MONTH IN REVIEW - November 2011
What books and/or magazines did I read this month?On my Kindle I have been reading Mansfield Park by Jane Austin for what feels like for-ev-errrrrr. In reality I did start it about 2 months ago. Not being a hard copy I had no idea exactly how long it was... my lovely husband informs me that he saw a hard copy and it was some 500 pages, which might explain it. Thank goodness I'm somewhere in the chapter 40's and passing the 80% mark. My aim was to have it finished by the end of the month. I think there are 8 chapters left and only 4 more days... close, but I don't think I'll do it.
The girls and I also made a trip to the library where they borrowed 4 picture story books each, while I borrowed a slow-cooker cookbook (because I don't use it enough and wanted some new ideas), a idiots guide to sewing (with some cool projects I want to make), and a book on cupcakes to get some ideas for an upcoming High Tea I will be hosting.
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
To be honest, not a lot. I like Parenthood but that seems to have finished it's season now. House is a continual favourite but I need to catch up on the last 3 episodes. I also have a bunch of Amazing Race episodes to watch when I get a chance. We downloaded a rental of Cars 2 that we watched at our friends' house in their home theatre.
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
At the start of the month Emily had 2 weeks of swimming with her class, walking to the pool everyday. The second weekend this month was spent at our friends' house. We even had an impromptu visit to Ikea (when is that ever a bad thing). The weekend after (as well as numerous afternoons) was spent staining and constructing my sisters' side fence. This weekend is being spent doing family things - playing games, reading, etc.
What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Hmmm, does my time count? I purchased some chocolates in readiness to give to Emily's teacher for the end of the year. I also gave a box of chocolates to some friends who had us over for dinner. The girls received some gifts from 2 ladies at our church for being such well behaved girls - which was a very nice compliment.
What special or unusual purchases did I make?
At the aforementioned Ikea trip I managed to buy sheer curtains and rods to hang in the front 2 windows - to block the UV rays and stop it fading our couch as well as us being able to see out but others not being able to see in. I also purchased 2 stainless steel lanterns to hold a tealight candle each that will be nice for outdoor barbeques this Summer. I also visited a local nursery where I purchased a Crimson Seedless grape vine to go in our backyard.
I also bought some dog related paraphernalia including a pet carrier (more on that later).
What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
We heard from a few people that there is Chicken Pox doing the rounds at the moment. At some stage this month we have all managed to come up in one or more itchy red spots but nothing developed beyond that so perhaps it was just a coincidence. Emily was a bit off-colour the weekend we spent at our friends' but we put that down to a full week of swimming and exhaustion. Emily has a very wobbly top tooth - front right - so much so that it is starting to stick out as the new tooth is pushing it out of the way.
What were my accomplishments this month?
Consistently walking at 10:30am to the pool and returning home at 12:00pm each day for 10 days (with Sophie). Setting up a reward chart to encourage Sophie with her toilet training. I planted out the grape vine, some pansies, some strawberry plants and trimmed the apricot that was beginning to get overgrown looking (despite it not being the "right" time to prune). The grass is looking awesome and is proof that my watering efforts (while we had the exemption to water) are paying off.
What were my disappointments this month?
I'm a bit disappointed that Sophie hasn't really gained any ground on the toilet training front. She doesn't alert us she is needing to go. Despite going a few hours dry, and sitting on the toilet regularly, it always ends in wet pants.
How did I do on my goals for the month? (Or any current short or long term goals)
Craft-wise, I made the invitations to the High Tea. I managed to do no scrapbooking and not much photo taking. Something to improve for next month.
Anything else noteworthy to include?
We (well, me at least) have been looking for a dog recently. I normally do a search online while I'm waiting for Emily to finish school. I found a 3yr old King Charles Cavalier advertised as free to a good home, which I enquired about and we all went to meet. We found he was a gentle natured dog (very happy to see us and no barking at all) but he was quite boisterous jumping up on the girls and unintentionally scratching them. We are looking for a dog with a quieter nature that will happily let us and the girls pat him/her without getting too excited and are definitely looking for a small dog. I have always liked the Cavaliers but they can have some health problems common to the breed as well as being anywhere from $600 - $1000+ to buy a puppy. As mentioned above, I purchased some equipment in readiness should we have adopted the dog (bowl, toys, food and hard plastic pet carrier) which didn't happen, but we are pretty set on the idea that we will get a dog (or puppy) some time soon, so the equipment will be useful anyway and I'll just get a refund on the food for now.
