New Aquisitions

I just got a load of 2x6's and 2x8's for free by responding to an ad on Craigslist. Not sure exactly what I'm going to do with them. Some of them will be to add some height to the strawberry patch and some will probably go to build my compost pile.

I need to get some seed for a cover crop this fall. Probably clover. It will come back and keep the weeds down during the year. I really need to sit down with my farmer boys and make the plan for next year. Crop rotation and all.

Sometimes I hate it here

I got a call today from my son at school. Someone slashed his tires, again. That goes along with the bullying, name calling and general abuse that he gets. I live in a predominately Hispanic neighborhood and my son is blond with blue eyes. They call him a Nazi and hit him in the hallways. My house has been robbed once and my garage twice. My own bike has been stolen twice, by son's once and my husband's tools were taken as well.

The whole situation gets me so angry my arms feel like vibrating because I want to take the little fuckers and beat the shit out of them. No goddamned respect for other people's belongings or the money it takes their parents to replace what you are destroying because you don't like this boy who hasn't done anything to you but look different. He doesn't insult you, he doesn't pull pranks on you. He doesn't want to make fun of you. He just wants to go to school and make friends. He wants to know that he can walk down the street without fearing that you will stop and beat him up.

Further Realizations

I never realized I could be this happy. I'm calm, not too stressed out. It's wonderful. Although I did have a small meltdown earlier today. And it reminded me why I hated working in computers. They do things with no meaning sometimes. Do computers have a purpose beyond a useful tool? Why have we become slaves to these things? Because we want to stay connected to the rest of the world and play games. I've noticed that I am spending more time away from my computer. I'm not on it for hours at a time anymore. I have things to do. Things that make me happy and provide for my family and their well-being. Cleaning the house, canning food or making stuff for the house.

I was able to get rid of a large stack of movies today. Took them to a place that buys them. I wanted to get cash for them, as I don't want to buy anything more. They offered me a respectable amount, but they would give me twice as much if I wanted in-store credit. Since I wanted to get rid of them, I agreed. Even though it annoyed me.

Then it was off to get my tire fixed. I love this place. Very nice guys, especially to a pretty woman with a smile, and very reasonable prices. They fixed it for free. Made me feel fantastic. I will definitely go there again.

For the life of me, I can't really remember doing much productive after I got home. I watched a movie, ate some watermelon with my son. Then watched a show with my husband while my son went out with his dad to a concert. It was very nice. But I do feel guilty for not doing all that much this evening. Tomorrow will be productive though. Have to get more green stuff to the landfill and get a truckload of compost to have tilled in for next year's garden. Really looking forward to that. The garden, not the landfill.

Now just waiting for my son to come home so he can go to bed. And so I can go to bed.

Slowly changing everything

It's been a little over 2 weeks since quitting my job and sooo much has changed. I've started, for lack of a better word, homesteading. I've also started to pare down the clutter of my house. I'm going through everything and getting rid of stuff I can't use by donating them. I'm also going to make use of the things that I have. I'm finally starting to use the fabric that I have. Found a great pattern for an easy handbag to make for selling. My sister informed me of a consignment store where they take handmade goods.

Mostly what I've been doing is finding the best way for me to stay home while still being able to provide additional income to help with bills. I've decided to work for a temp agency a few days a week. That will ensure that I can be home at least a few days a week, but I'm also able to do what is needful at home as well. It's flexible work and I won't get bored or frustrated.

I had my first adventure in canning today. Here's hoping it will go well. The blue strawberry jam looks great. We'll see if it sets.

It's late and I need sleep. Have a full day tomorrow.