Saying goodbye to 2013 and ready to say hi to 2014

I cannot believe that 2013 is about to come to an end.  It feels as if it happened too quick.  I remember waiting for 2000 to come and of course all the uncertainty that went along with it.  Will planes come crashing down to earth?  Will the ATM steal all our money?  Will our computers blow up?  And now that is about 14 years ago.

The last few nights we've been housesitting for some people on their lifestyle block (like a small farm).  It is fairly basic with no cell phone signal, but it is beautiful and so peaceful and quiet. If you sit quietly a few Californian quail will come running around.  They are very skittish so you can't make sudden movements and they are not tame, but they feel comfortable enough to walk around seeing what they can find to eat.  They are so cute and so fascinating. A while back I thought I'd get some quail eggs to hatch and then keep quail for their eggs, but we'd have to keep them in an enclosure as they would be totally exposed on our property and at risk of becoming some or the other cat's (maybe even our own Mr Cat's) lunch or dinner.  I'd have to do some research into it though.

Part of the housesitting duties is to feed the chickens and ducks every morning and night.  They are so cool and will stand by the gate waiting for you to come.  The ducks make this funny wagging movement with their tail feathers. Then we go and have a look to see if there are some eggs and this morning Mr P found a just-laid egg.  A new way to describe something very fresh - "so fresh it is straight from the chicken's butt" :-).  And every second day we water their tomatoes.

I think I could quite happily stay on a lifestyle block with enough space for all the animals I like and would like to keep, become more self sufficient that sort of thing.  I like the quiet.  I like how peaceful it is.  I also like that it is still close to shops and that sort of thing.  Not sure if this will happen one day or not, but in the meantime, I do like our place.  What I like about going to this place is that it sort of forces you to slow down for a bit.  Clear your mind for a bit.

I'm glad 2013 is about finish and done.  There were some great moments, but lots of challenges also which I will be glad to put behind me.  I've certainly learned a lot about some people and that was incredibly hard to learn, but that is life.

Now with 2014 just ahead of us, it is time to put some goals in place I think.

• This past year I invested in a great camera with the idea that I could do photography on the side.  I've been passionate about photography since 1995, but have never had the chance to really learn how to do it properly.  I have now done a basic course, but now I need to develop my skills and confidence. So that will be my aim - work on getting more experience with my photography.

• I need to lose some weight.  This will need to happen really really soon.  And getting fit - so I will be looking at some fun running / cycling events and prepare for this.

• I need to become better at saving.

• I want to make things to go to craft markets / Saturday morning markets.  

• Fix the garden.  Big time.  It is annoying both Mr P and me.

• Quality time when I have my kids.  So often they end up choosing to play on the computer or watch TV and I need to bring better and healthier activities into their play.

 Well, I have to go off and do a few things before we go off to our housesitting "home away from home" to see in the new year.

I wish you a wonderful and successful 2014 and may this be the best year ever for you!