Lock-down Day 188

My Mew-larm went off before my alarm did. When the alarm went off, Mini tapped my ear to make it stop, as I had snatched it under the covers with me. To avoid it landing under the bed. During the night one mip had tried to get into the shelf and missed - everything landed on the floor. Mips were busy last night!

I had a really weird dream this morning, about a blockage opened by my current landlord, which opened the kitchen to the outside and I found a straying neighbour's dog trying to get into my kitchen and mippies ... were huddled somewhere inside. Four more days and all this will be over!

I'm going into full anxiety mode again - so much to do, so much that can still go wrong ... I'm quite driving myself nuts!

I just found the article explaining how pre-paid power companies are ripping us off - and how best to reduce cost in your home. Basically, the more you use, the higher your price per unit. Which re-sets on the 1st of every month. So, buy a months supply on the 1st of every month ... only, from the graph, it looks as if you automatically jump into a higher price range, if you buy a months supply? I'm going to have to figure that out once I know where to buy ...

After lunch I started feeling really tired ... I did a bit too much packing last night, or maybe I didn't sleep too well. I made it through the day, though ...

Back at home, first I packed the car. Mippies are very curious, climbed into the car to investigate why is stuff going into the car now ... they're getting a little anxious now. They didn't go away at all, just stuck by my side. Sitting on my back while I clean the litter box, under my feet when I carried stuff into the car, in the car when I wanted to close it ...

At least they all came in really early! I gave them their evening treats, then we shared my dinner! Now I'm quite tired again. and mippies want cuddles ... also again! I'm happy to oblige :)

Lock-down Day 187

Aaaaand my Mew-larm is back in action! Just sits next to my head, gawping at me, mewling ... doesn't want cuddles, just 'get up, mommy! Now!' They see things packed away and going away, so they are wondering. Four more sleeps, then one day of horrors and: HOME!

I'm tensing up again over all that still needs to be finished by Friday. I think I should make a list, and work off that - that should calm me down. Seeing the full picture, not just glimpses here and there, wondering how I'll fit all of them together. I may want to do one more trip on Thursday ... let me make my list and see.

I'd like to take another load through on Thursday. If I don't have the info on how to re-charge electricity by then, I can look at the box, take a photo and see if I can figure it out myself. I've asked and asked and this is quite important! I've added some 'loose' items to the list of 'pack for Thursday', like my portfolio and such.

Right now, I really wish this move was already behind me ... so many things I'm letting slide at the moment. I received a voucher for my next meat order - I haven't looked, but I suppose it will be expired by the time I can use it. I need Whiskas again, and I should also get a de-worming for Ziva. I've tried the diatomaceous earth, but she really dislikes having that sprinkled over her food. I want to order a tobacco filler and tubes and process more leaves and make my own cigarettes again.

But at least this is going much faster than when I moved from PE! There I had unpacked EVERYTHING, whereas here, at the most, I had only half my boxes unpacked. Plus, of course, I had already started packing in June, so that this past week I had only about a quarter left to pack - and I've been reducing stock on practically everything, planning for a move in the near future since June. When I was informed that I'm forbidden to use the bath! And most of all, of course, all I had to arrange for the cats was an extra carrier - no flight, cat hotel, vaccinations, etc. I had packed half the lounge when I was still at home, as well as quite a lot of the kitchen. I never even unpacked my display shelf, nor most of the displays. I never even unpacked my printer ... no space ... so, on the whole, I never REALLY was at home here. In the beginning, I spent all my time in the garden - and that was fine; but indoors? Was simply too little space for me to be me.

I'm looking forward to being able to start projects again - and not having to either finish or pack everything away, before I can do something else. I'm looking forward to being able to set up something on my desk, and not have to balance a tray or board on my lap.

I also want to get sewing! Something I've wanted to start for more then 5 years, now. I was thinking about curtains for my new home and how difficult it will be to find ones that I'll like, as I'm done settling for 'good enough'. And then I thought: why not make my own? Which took me to 'I'm going to have to go through heaps of material stores to find something I like' which brought me again to 'why not make my own'? Buy white material and print my own design on it! It'll have to be something simple. Sowing such large items requires a large work surface, I think the dining table will be big enough. I think that green would be a nice colour, so maybe dye the material a hint of green and print leaves on it?

It's probably not a realistic idea - but it's nice to dream! For now, I'll just put up my torn curtains everywhere and I'll keep an eye out. At least there are some lace curtains already covering most of the windows. I'm not sure whether they were left behind or put there to avoid the place looking empty. Either way, curtains isn't an immediate problem.

I also want to have plants indoors again. I was thinking of growing the Avocado trees to a good size, in pots, indoors, before planting them outside - although, they do grow long taproots, so they won't be able to stay in pots for very long. I'm thinking of using some of those green or brown outdoor pots, and make some decorative holders or outers for them. Again - not an immediate issue.

But the nice thing is, that in my new home, I CAN start something and just leave it for the next day / weekend. Of course, mippies will investigate and may do some damage - but that's life with mippies! I can live with that quite happily! Plus, of course, without deadlines, I have time to cuddle and play with mippies when they need me ... No more 'must wash floors' every weekend. Though, of course, there are still plenty of 'must finish' on weekends, like laundry, cookie baking, bread baking, etc. And all that unpacking and cleaning before I'm properly settled in! I'm going to have to take everything out from the shelves again, clean the shelves, wash the dishes & things before I can put it back for keeps! And all that laundry I'll need to do on Sunday! I really want to wash my duvet, the curtains need to be washed again ... but it's all in my own time, and without fear of shouting or dirty e-mails!

I'm actually itching to get home, to get packing ... I want this move behind me. Fast!

I just found an online store which seems to have white bread flour in stock - so that's where I'll order on Sunday.

Back at home, I started loading the odds and ends into the car, not everything, more to go tomorrow. I also packed a bunch of books, so: progress!

Had to wait for Janey, she enjoyed an extended playtime. Not a long wait, though. Just enough to start the horror movies in my head, ha ha!

Indoors, mippies have a new game: hiss, growl and swat at the dog through the window! They can't reach through the mesh, of course, but they're enjoying themselves bullying the poor dog! It's a big dog and the poor thing is actually scared of mippies! I had to call Ziva off yesterday, she was going towards the dog, hair all up, bushy tailed, hissy and growly! Poor dog isn't doing anything to them! Just wants to play!

Oh, and those duplicate deductions for the cat food? Have all already been refunded - I just didn't look through the whole statement.

I shared my dinner again with three mips: Mewthos, Ziva and Mini. Janey still doesn't like meat. No worries!

And now, mippies want attention. Again. Janey just snuggled in my arms, now she's mipping for me to open the wardrobe ... I'm not sure why, but she just keep wanting to look inside it. Ziva needed a lot of cuddle cave time and Mini just loves being brushed! I don't understand how people can still believe the reputation cats have of being aloof, distant, treating their humans as servants and all that crap. Mine are absolutely nothing like that! No cat would be, it's all about how you treat them!

And mine are going to get treated with lots of lovies again ...

Lock-down Day 186

I woke up staring straight into Mewthos' eyes! He'd settled next to my head and was watching me sleep. That was around four this morning! I wasn't able to go back to sleep, but I snuggled under the duvet and watched mippies.

At work, I realised that I had packed everything - except for my cigarettes! Sigh! Now I have to take the fully loaded car to the shopping center, not a smart thing to do. At also has no cigarettes left, so I want to buy him a packet as well.

Done. I figured I might as well go quickly before we get busy with the delivery here.

I've arranged to go and offload around eleven this morning, we'll also do the checklist of any repairs and things.

Done. We also did the full incoming inspection. Cracked and broken window panes, holes in the walls, lots of nails & screws in the walls, some cracked walls ... nothing serious. Then I off loaded everything, unpacked and was back at work 2 hours later! It's a 20 minute drive outside rush hour. During peak traffic it'll take a bit longer.

When I got back, I found mail from my current landlady asking to confirm the date I'll be moving out and - politely - asking whether I'll be paying October notice period, as 8 days is a bit short notice. Very politely worded, and she's writing off the 2nd months notice rent. I'm not going into the details that there is no 2nd month notice rent to be paid, at best only 20 days ... I want that chapter closed. She did mention refunding my deposit - after inspection, so, who knows? Hmm ... I wonder if they're advertising for a tenant? Anyway, I did explain that moving out so fast was not my plan, but that I stumbled across a bargain I could only secure by immediate occupation. Which is the truth. I don't like paying 2 rents for the same month, either ... but it IS fair.

I guess that I can start planning where I'll want to put what in my new home, eh? The unpacking part, I mean. Like arranging the kitchen. It's going to take me a long time, since I've been stashing all sorts everywhere for now ... just to get the boxes back for more.

Back at home, I took the empty boxes into the lounge, then sat outside for a smoke. It didn't take long for mippies to show up. Inside, I checked my credit card statement and found that the cat food orders had each been deducted twice! Yikes! I took screenshots from both and sent off a mail ... let's see what happens. Then I paid the notice-rent she asked for.

And then I saw an SMS from that Garden Flat I looked at the same day I looked at the house I'm moving in to. She asked whether I've got a flat - not sure why, though. Anyway, I replied that I had, and think that she'd have regretted allowing 4 young cats right after they explored her neat and tidy garden the first time! No need to mention the rest of her control issues. That place was a definite 'no way'.

Mippies are real quiet now ... I'm kind of tired, so ... watch an episode, then sleep ...

Lock-down Day 185

I had some interruptions to my sleep, courtesy of mippies! Also, the Mew-larm went off very early - again! And I have a headache - also again!

Ah, well! I also realised something else during the night: I don't actually have to pack all those large appliances! I can pack them in my boot and drop them off - anytime! I do have a key to my new home, too, so ... 

Mippies are keeping me busy with their 'come play the cuddle game with me'! One after the other after the other ... non-stop! And I'm struggling to get going again. Not doing too good today, so much to do has me overwhelmed ... and I'm just trying to stop the movies spinning around in my head.

Quarter past eleven and all I've done so far is bake cookies and wash dishes. Still a ways to go ... The cookies didn't turn out great. Dough is crumbly and the chocolate just keeps sliding off, making a mess. Just like I'm feeling now: crumbly and a mess.

Now I've got the bread dough in progress ... half past twelve ... and I haven't packed a single thing! Yet.

Just past one, and the boot is packed. Mostly clothes and large kitchen appliances - fast to unpack, light to carry. Quick job on Monday or Tuesday.

Ten past two and the car is fully packed! Bread dough is ready for the oven.

Ten to five, almost finished packing the kitchen, bread is ready, bread machine is packed. Only cleaning materials and day-to-day dishes need to be packed. And I'm working my way through the fruits in the freezer, making smoothies.

Just past six and mippies are all already inside and fed! Why? Because Mewthos and Janey decided they want their treat early tonight! Mini was also around and came inside happily with them - I just had to wait for Ziva. But she's inside now, as well.

While I took a shower, one of my mippies threw up all over the bedroom floor ... so, when I came out of the shower, they were all mipping for more munchies! Trust them! I gave in ...

Well, I've got stacks and stacks of books still to pack ... sigh ... I'm not too worried, though. Worst case scenario: they can pack the last books on Saturday! At least everything else is packed! That's the tricky stuff.

Well, it's now just past seven and I'm done for the day. Time to curl up with mippies. Ziva just twirlied the twirly jersey! I'm happy to say they don't seem stressed or anxious in any way. They obviously know something is coming, but they're not worried. They'll have a really bad day next Saturday - but so will I! And all of us will have a very good Sunday together! I'm looking forward to that!

Lock-down Day 184

I slept reasonably well, but woke up with a headache. Which, fortunately, went away. Mippies were eager to go out, so I let them. Then they were eager for attention, so I gave them. With the headache, I decided to start the day easy ... and now I'm freaking out again!

I've taken out all the boxes I have left and they are definitely not enough! The books? I just don't have enough boxes left ... I don't know what I'm going to do! I am determined to make it work, though!

I started by trying to finish the bedroom - it didn't look like much was left, yet I'm still not done! Yikes!

Twenty past ten and the worst is STILL ahead! I've packed some more of the kitchen, mostly appliances into their boxes - but I still have some large appliances without boxes!

Okay, ten past eleven and at least the bedroom is finished! Poor mippies are also a little out of sorts. Understandably! Yet, they are not overly stressed, just a little out of sorts.

Oh, great! Headache is back! Nice!

Man, every time I think that maybe, just maybe, I may manage - I pack another box, see just how little is gone and how much is still left and ... I deflate! Headache still going, and it's twenty to two!

Ten past three. Much has been done, but the books? Still in the shelves ... and I'm very low on boxes. Seriously, I don't know how I'm going to do this - all I know is that I'm determined to get it done!

Almost five and a lot of the kitchen is packed. My head is still aching, I just hope I'll be fine tomorrow!

Sheez! No wonder my mippies are traumatised here! My landlord just slammed my window shut - just in passing, because it's in his way! Whatever their issue with me, taking it out on helpless animals? That says a lot about his character! And 'forgot the animals were there, too' is no excuse here! Nor is trying to tease my cats an excuse. I was going to say that animals don't understand the concept - but then I remembered Mini hiding in a box to tease Ziva! Still, it's not teasing when it comes from someone you're afraid of!

Sigh, I tried to call mippies in since Janey is here, but the sprinklers are going everywhere - there's no gap for them to get through dry now. I'm going to have to wait for them to choose their own time ...

Twenty to seven, all mips are home! We had to wait for Mewthos, then I had to go collect Janey and Mini is still playing games. I had to go out and get her - again!

Janey went and climbed into an empty drawer for a game of peek-a-boo, and now Mini has jumped into the only shelf which still has clothes in it - and re-arranged it to make herself a comfy nest!

Well, after today a hot bath would have been nice ... next weekend! It's nice to have so much to look forward to! I'll be really glad when this move is over!

Early night for me tonight, though. I don't want to wake up with another headache tomorrow ...

Lock-down Day 183

I spent at least half an hour brushing mippies last night. Mostly Mini, of course, because as soon as I pick up the brush, she comes running and flops down right under my nose! She absolutely adores being brushed! Mewthos came to flop down at the foot of the bed, so I moved Mini to give Mewthos a good brushing as well. Janey was at the head of the bed and I brushed her, and Ziva also got some brushing. They all love it, but none are as demonstrative about it, as Mini! She just flops down, rolls on her back to get her tummy brushed!

It seems they pick up on my relaxed attitude more than on the physical changes in their current home - the Mew-larm didn't go off at five, but waited until my alarm went off. Janey didn't try to get outside, so I didn't have to try to get her safely inside before I leave. And Mewthos was happy with a single treat! No mewling for more!

It took me an hour to get to work this morning! There was a major hold up at the toll gate right by my home - I'm not sure how long I waited there, more than half an hour. The problem? Well, looks like the Army is mobilising! Scary, that! There is an Army base near my current home, and the road was totally filled with their trucks - one seemingly endless caravan! Not the ones they use to move their troops, but the closed tank-types. SAMIL something or other. 20 or 50, sorry, I'm not much of a truck spotter. It did have the steel container, not the canvas on the back. I've had a look at the news, and no mention of anything ...

As there was nothing urgent to be done at work, I left around eight to offload the car. This time, I took my camera along! Mostly I photographed where the plugs are, where the windows are and such - but I'm going to love living there! It took much less time than I had anticipated to offload and unpack everything. Then I did a key check, to make sure that I have one of each of the critical keys (garage, front door, security gate, outside room) then handed back the spare keys, where I met the owner. Nice guy - more concerned about my well-being and safety than anything else. Well, he WAS worried about a single woman taking the place - but he told me lots about the security measures in that area, neighbourhood watch kind of thing, and he'll give me an alarm button. If I press that button, his guards will come as fast as they can. He also suggested that I get a dog - something that makes a noise when anyone comes near; since cats don't. It IS something I'm considering ...

I've also had a chat with the guards on their site, when I first came to pick up the keys. The second guard immediately offered to work my garden, and his wife is available for house work - he lives nearby. I don't know about that ... I did thank him, though, and said that I would let him know.

As I drove out the gate, I realised that it is quite narrow. A car can drive through easily, but our truck won't be able to get through. So I suggested we use the 1,5 ton truck. Since current & new home are only 15 minute drive apart, making 3 trips should not be a problem. I think the boxes will all fit on the first trip, then take the bed, table washing machine, fridge on the second, more if it fits, and then, the last trip, all the flower pots and the last of the furniture.

This afternoon, I think I'll do just packing. Stress free, easy stuff ... just pack ... then, tomorrow I can worry about all the 'must do', like baking cookies, baking bread, laundry, etc. Oh, and I should order more Whiskas for mippies!

Yet, I'm suddenly so tired! I could just lie down on my bed right now and go to sleep ... I wonder why? Well, I've packed a couple of boxes in the kitchen ... better than nothing. Early night for me tonight, for sure! It's just after five and I could go to sleep right now ...

It's probably that I'm not running on nerves anymore, but relaxing. Back to my normal self, not high-strung, walking on egg-shells in my own home - getting to sleep late, not sleeping through the night and getting up early. I guess I have some sleep to catch up on. Which I'll have to do tonight, because this weekend? Major packing mission! With some cleaning thrown in.

I think that what went wrong with my current home is quite simply that my landlord & landlady thought a tenant would be the same as having their son live here, only with rent. That pretty much explains everything. They are very narrow minded people ... to them good people = in all ways identical to them. Different = bad. And since I'm a good person, they expected me to life exactly like they do - since I don't, I'm probably a bad person now.

Half past six, I'm seriously tired now ... time to call mippies!

Janey and Mewthos arrived fairly quickly, Mini went off then came back and Ziva showed up without much of a wait ... and then Mini gave me a run for my money again! Funny thing, when everyone else came in, she turned around and went for another run ... then, when I went out to get her, after my other mips were safely shut in ... at first she ignored me, and then came running at top speed and let me carry her inside! I have a feeling she STILL feels somewhat insecure, like she needs reassurance that she's loved as much as the other three. They are a very tight family, and - although she's largely accepted - she's still not an equal member.

Well, they are all inside now, so I can go to bed and catch up on my sleep!

Lock-down Day 182

Mewthos woke me up again and again throughout the night! I really hope he settles down in our new home. If not, I'll have to take him to the vet! Fortunately, Onderstepoort is very close to my new home, so it's not a long drive.

Sigh, I let him out and not ten minutes later he's by my side mewling, mewling, mewling. I've spent ten minutes exclusively with him, waddling after him, picking him up, scratching his back, holding him, yet here he is ... cross-pawed, mewling, mewling, mewling. As soon as I get up, he runs happily into the bathroom and throws himself at the scratching arch I bought them - so enthusiastically, that he dismantles it, since he's big and heavy, ha ha!

When I held him in my arms while sitting at the PC for a while, he finally had what he needed - apparently, as he waltzed off happy! Phew! Peace!

And then Ziva mipped for her turn, ha ha ha!

With my brain finally starting to function again, I'm sitting here, typing and planning! I think the best would be to take stuff in boxes, not lots of loose bits, so that I can carry it in fast and just topple it out of the boxes into some shelf and take the boxes back home. 

I think I know why there are so many piddle puddles! Sheez, my landlord is doing some work right outside the bedroom & bathroom, right by the wall! No wonder they are terrified all day! I guess, as it has to do with the plumbing, it can't be postponed ... I have been catching the odd whiff while smoking behind the bathroom, where I'm allowed to smoke.

I fear that I've packed too much loose stuff into the car - it's going to take quite some time to offload! Sigh ... It's stuff that takes up a large box, without actually filling it, though.

The car is loaded, but that's about all I've accomplished so far. Sigh ... My head keeps bouncing from 'quick to unpack' to 'wish was ready for me' and I just can't think straight. My own fault! I've been doing such a lot of planning beforehand, I'm having trouble untangling the web of plans and pick the right ones.

Bathroom is packed, except for mippie food (the open bags) and for me only what'll go into the suitcase. The key is with the one guard I met on Tuesday, I just asked for his number - but the manager will answer his phone, if I need anything.

It's going on one, so I had better start the bread dough!

Poor mippies are not having a good day! Landlord has a troupe of family visiting, with screechy kids! Mippies don't like kids, ha ha ha! But kids like mippies!

Bread dough is in progress and dishes are being washed.

Dishes are done as are the bread rolls. They smell delicious! Half the bedroom is also packed - I'm tempted to leave the rest for the weekend, but ... well, I prefer to have a bigger job behind me than ahead of me! The kitchen is still going to be a mission, though, so I'd like the bedroom finished today.

Half past five, almost done. I've had my last Schnitzel, but left the milk for the weekend. Still a couple of shelves in the bedroom, though.

Almost seven, mippies are finally inside! Mini gave me a bit of a chase, for a while I worried I might have to open the carport gate to go and get her! I suppose they are a little worried about the packing. At the same time, I hope they sense that I'm no longer anxious, but relaxed. Hopefully Mewthos will pick up on that as well, and stop mewling me into insanity!

Ah! They are playing with boxes! Sigh ... at least I've taken the box with all my flour into the car, I'm afraid Mewthos might decide to mark it! That would make for some funky bread - and NOT in a good way!

Well, I may still have a few shelves to pack in the bedroom, but I did pack the desk and a couple of boxes from elsewhere, so all in all, I've made all the progress I could wish for! I feel confident that I'll be finished Sunday night!

I'm a little worried about the trip tomorrow. It just might take more time than I really want to spend away from work ... but that's tomorrows problem.

Tonight, I have mippies to entertain. Mewthos is strangely quiet, even Ziva isn't demanding attention, but has curled up in the shelf ... ah, I spoke too soon! Mewthos is now in the lounge mewling! Well, better tend to my mippies ...

Lock-down Day 181

Mewthos started mewling early in the morning again. I don't know what is the matter with my little fat boy? Is it psychological or physiological? He eats, he purrs, he plays - but when he lies to sleep, he grunts as he breathes. I don't smoke indoors, nor do I use any sprays - not air freshener, not deodorant, not mosquito repellant (well, not for the past couple of weeks) ... I don't know what to think. This morning I found another puddle at the front door!

I will just have to wait and see whether he calms down after the move - when he has a whole big house to play in, and they can leave their toys lying around everywhere again! I've also noticed that they are less enthusiastic with their litter box lately. What I mean is: they seem to take care not to mess too much outside the box, I mean litter, not droppings. Like they try to keep all the litter in the box, so I don't have too much to clean up after them. And that is really depressing! It's a lovely gesture - but they shouldn't have to restrain themselves!

I've called the manager, proof of my payment has been received. He'll send me a mail today with all the answers to my questions, most importantly: how I re-charge electricity! They have been purchasing units online, so I shouldn't have to go to a specific store - which is good, as there aren't many shops in that area, ha ha! Bit of a thing about the essential repairs (particularly one broken window) as they plan to do it after I've moved in ... when my cats are in the house. But since it's a short drive from work (only traffic during peak time makes it a longer drive), I can just pop around to shut them in one room for that!

I'm also facing a couple of challenges, as the house is not what I had planned! You know the old saying: If you want to make God laugh, tell Her your plans? That's where I'm at now! I've made plans, which resulted in a lot of laughter and now I get to discover what She had in mind!

The first challenge will be setting up my PC. Firstly, of course, I must hope it works after the move - PCs are a little delicate. They don't like moving. I always struggle to get it started after a move. But then comes the question: Where should I set it up? I mean: that's my one and only entertainment center. It's where I watch my DVDs, listen to my audio books, play games, and chat online! Plus, of course, I do my budget and other work on the PC. The desk will have to stay in the lounge - I don't see how that can be moved into any of the bedrooms ... and the 'spare' desk I had in PE, is the one I'm now sitting at. At work! And anyway, whether I put the PC in the bedroom or in the lounge - means that one location will be without. I think I will leave that decision for the Sunday after I've moved in.

Now, about tomorrow. I've got the cage in the car - I'll just have to check how it shuts. To prevent mippies from coming out at their leisure, ha ha! I've made a list of 'take through on Friday', mostly the unwieldy stuff like the bird cage. I think I should also take a box with mippie toys ... like maybe the pool noodle, and other toys they're not playing with at the moment. Oh, they take toys out of the drawer for themselves when they want them! Grin, they're a clever bunch of mips!

I went to the shop this morning and bought myself another carton of cigarettes. Prices have gone up substantially! I really need to get the leaf processing going again - but during this time of crisis, I just don't want to take up time doing anything that doesn't help the move ... 

Trouble is, I'm leaving a lot of stuff for 'once I've moved' - and I don't actually have much time for all of that, either! Still only evenings and weekends! I may have more energy, though, so ... let's see how it goes! At least there is no rush! Nobody peeking through the windows to judge me!

I remember when I first moved in how the first restriction came almost immediately: 'don't change the setting on the ceiling fan. If you do, the wiring will short out. Choose a setting and don't change it.' At the time, it did strike me as strange to have an installation that malfunctions - and rather than fix it, to restrict the tenant. Since I don't use the fan very often, anyway, and don't change the setting either, I didn't give it much thought. That could have been my first warning!

But then again, without the benefit of hind-sight, and the string of restrictions which followed ... it really was a minor matter.

Anyway, I also bought 6 liter long-life milk at the shop today, as it was on special. And I will - once again - need long-life milk for my coffee. That's going to stay in the car and will be offloaded in my new home.

At asked why I haven't taken time off from work, so I can pack and move THIS weekend. That's what he would have done, if his home had become as unpleasant as mine is now! Especially seeing the toll it's taking on my mippies! I have thought of it, to be honest. But I would much rather keep that an option AFTER this weekend, in case I need it. I'm not a very spontaneous person. For me, moving in a matter of 2 weeks is spontaneous enough! I feel so much pressure - not having made any notable progress, yet ... and there are such a lot of unknowns ... so much that can go wrong! I'd much rather have a little leeway, just in case - even though it means enduring unpleasantness for a while longer.

I just think of the long list of things that I need to get done: not just the packing, but cleaning everything and then there's the garden! I still need to pull out my plants and plonk them back into pots ... I don't know how they will take that? Especially the Pelargonium, which is in full bloom right now!

I just keep remembering how much work it was to pack everything in PE, how long it took me - and that WITH the help of my friend, who came and packed all the books for me! At the same time, I look around my flat and so much that I've never unpacked! Really, it shouldn't take too long to re-pack that? My mind is reeling off one endless movie, flashing images of everything that still needs to be packed. Three bookshelves. The desk. The kitchen. The bedroom. The bathroom. The plants I want to re-pot for transport. Back to the bookshelves ... over and over and over. I think I may be driving myself insane here.

I've been thinking that maybe it would be an even better idea to stack the boxes in the garage? I mean they are labelled and marked. All the red dot boxes go in the kitchen (red = need all the time), then the green boxes in the lounge and everything else in the garage? That would keep the lounge clear and not turn it into a labyrinth, yet still have the books close to the bookshelves and not too far to carry?

I've got my list of 'take through on Friday'; so I can start by packing that into the car, tomorrow morning. Then I'll see if there's space left - if yes, I can decide whether to take kitchen stuff or boxes of clothes, which are quick to unpack. I think my priority should be 'quick to unpack' and not worry too much about 'wish it was ready to use asap'. 

Right, almost time to go home now. I hope I don't forget my milk! I want to make myself milkshakes tomorrow and this weekend - using up the frozen fruits from the freezer. I'm trying to empty the freezer as much as possible, so that everything fits into my small cooler bag. I'll need to pack that Friday afternoon and defrost the freezer for the move Saturday morning.

I only got 1 liter milk today, as the 2 liter bottle was forgotten - so I'll get 3 liter on Monday. I'm going to be swimming in milk next week!

I've packed a couple of boxes tonight, but mippies demanded my attention. Mewthos mewled around me as I was cleaning the litter boxes, strolling onto my back, jumping off my back, strolling with hope along their food bowls ... then he and Mini went off and Janey mipped insistently for attention. I ended up going outside to sit with them. Ziva and Janey wanted lovies - Mewthos and Mini had to be called.

Tomorrow morning I'll rootle through the freezer and start taking out small packets to use up. Chicken hearts, sausages, that kind of thing.

I've also had to clean up more piddle puddles. Three. Again! Front door, passage and the corner of my bed. I really hope that stops in our new home!

Mewthos is mewling down to my last nerve ... 

Lock-down Day 180

Apart from the alarm going off a few times, as I was trying to go to sleep, I had a good night. Mewthos is still very mewly, and Janey wouldn't even come for her treat - I had to collect her from the front door, where she was sitting filled with hope that she may go out!

It rained again last night, I'd say the rain season is now upon us ... I must just hope that the day I move is a dry day! It has also occurred to me that this will be the first time in my life that I am renting a house! I've only ever rented flats before, once a garden cottage, but otherwise always flats. Usually in a block of flats. Oh, once a room in a commune - but that was a nightmare! Very badly run commune. Still, never a house. Not ever! I wonder whether I'm up for that challenge?

Oh and the rain also explains Mewthos' mewliness, I suppose. Rain in the air, whether it comes down or not, he feels it in his leg.

The lease is signed! Well, by me - just needs the owners signature now, but I have a lovely, spacious new home!

I took a much closer look today as well, and took a few measurements - it is so, so, so awesome! Bigger than I remembered. All my furniture can fit into the lounge with room to spare - all my bookshelves, the desk, everything! Okay, so there's no room in the kitchen for a fridge - which is weird, but not a problem. I can simply put it in the washroom, which is right next to the kitchen. Two bedrooms have built in wardrobes, one has 4 doors, one has 3 doors (2 door hanging, others shelves) and one bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe. With mostly shelves, but also two rails to hang clothes (one top, one bottom - no place for dresses in that one, ha ha!).

I've sent my notice to my current landlord - I wonder how they'll react?

And here's their response: "According to the contract you have to give 2 months notice, but if you want to leave sooner, just send me a mail with the dates of notice." Cool! I just replied: "Thank you for your kind response. I would like to move out on either 3rd or 10th October 2020."

No need for me to repeat 'let me know what you need from me' - I may get very lucky and pay ONLY the rent up to 3rd or 10th October! I'm not counting on that, though. Whatever they ask, I just want to walk away without guilt nor fear!

By the way, I just realised that I'm going to have to get myself a lawnmower! There's a huge lawn out front, which - with the rain season coming on - will need regular mowing! 

And the reply from my current landlady: "It's all right" I'm translating from Afrikaans, her actual words were 'dis alles reg'.

I'm not exactly certain what that will translate to - I will probably find out tonight, whether they want pro-rata payment for October or maybe even no payment? Worst case scenario, they can ask 60 days (not 2 calendar months, but 60 days). I think they think that I'm downsizing? Well, in a way I am - in the long term, financially, the new place will definitely be cheaper. Half the annual increase, and what I'll pay for electricity, I'll save in toll fees. And those go up, without fail, every year, too!

Anyway. Time to think - if only I had a functioning brain! It is still mostly blank, filled with dread, not thoughts.

With the measurements I've taken, I've drawn a rough floor plan, to help me decide where to put what. I'm still not even sure whether to shut my mippies into the 2nd or 3rd bedroom. I just can't seem to think straight.

Okay, I meant to have all the boxes in the spare room - out of the way, because that's what I've always done. Except where I live now, because there was no spare room. Now I'm thinking: why not put all the boxes in the lounge? It really is a very big lounge, as big as the one in East London! At least, that way, I won't have to carry them all the way from the bedroom, through the kitchen, into the lounge, when I unpack! And it would also be only a short distance to the kitchen. And the boxes that go into the bedrooms, are mostly clothes anyway - they are light. Whereas the lounge is where all the bookshelves will have to go - and those are the heavy boxes.

So, I have got my plan where to put what furniture. Grin, the place is going to look quite empty even after I've moved in - except for the lounge! That will look as bad as the one where I live now! Furniture crammed with everything, behind tall piles of boxes! Ha Ha, not for long, though!

As far as curtains are concerned - I only need to put up what I wish in the bedroom, as there is nobody anywhere nearby to look in through any window! I can hang up what I have - with no worry about how it looks from the outside ... and then I can get nice curtains later.

Oh, and I won't need to buy a cat carrier! The cage we used to catch Mini is still here - I can take it home tomorrow, so they can get used to it. They could probably all fit into that comfortably - seeing how they squish together in the cat carrier I do have, when they sleep in it. I'll take it home and put some blankies in it for them to get used to it being around. It's just got a small trap door that I'll have to push them through. But otherwise it's simply a wire cage, so they'll see me the whole drive! And I've just checked on Google Maps - it's less than 15 minutes! Okay, so along the old Warmbaths Road - not a good road to drive (remember I used to take that road to work, when I first moved there - and eventually gave up and took the toll road). But on a Saturday morning it shouldn't be too bad. Turning off the Warmbaths Road will be the biggest challenge.

I keep thinking to take car loads, starting tomorrow ... on the whole, though, I think I'll stick with my plan of taking a car load on Friday and then take it from there. Tonight, I can start packing room by room.

I was just talking to the colleague who's been the truck driver every time I've moved and he said, since it's so near, it may be better to do 2 trips, then there's no damage. Sounds good to me! That also means that I can empty boxes and pack any left-overs on the 2nd load. Poor mippies will have a very bad day, I'm afraid! But they'll have their toys and blankies and litter boxes and food bowls and everything 'home'. And when the move is finished, they have a whole big house to explore! And at least this time, it's only one bad day - not a whole week separated!

I got home and saw my landlady outside, so I greeted. She greeted back. Period. He strolled around, peering from a distance, but otherwise - nothing. Good!

Best part of this for me is: no more sneaking! Everything is open, cards on the table! THAT is the biggest relief for me right now!

I have to confess, though, that I do have a bad feeling ... and I don't know why. I mean, everything is falling into place, my new home seems too good to be true ... am I just being silly? I hope so!

Mippies again don't run off or even go walkies. There are now two new workers living here, one was mowing the lawn, so they couldn't go out back and their playground was also occupied. So they just milled around me and ran inside hopeful for a treat after less than half an hour!

I tried packing - I managed one single box. Then mippies demanded attention again, especially Mewthos, of course! I've wiped up three puddles tonight! Three! Kitchen, passage and one right by my armchair here in the bedroom! Okay, so there have been puddles in my bedroom before - well, the wall next to my pillow, for example! This is getting too much ... 

Mewthos is mewly again, driving me absolutely insane. Food seems to comfort him ... if he keeps eating like this every evening the next two weeks, I'll have to cram the three ladies into the cat carrier, he'll just about fit into the cage! Well, at least something is comforting him. I suppose he's picking up on my anxiety, I've been so tightly wound, you could power sixty coo coo clocks with me!

Since they didn't go out for a run, they all have quite a bit of energy now ... which they are taking out on my lounge! They've already thrown over the drying stand, toppled some boxes and I know-not-what-else! I've eaten, so I think I'll just refill my water bottle and retreat to bed ... hopefully they get the hint!

Lock-down Day 179

My Mew-larm went off before my alarm again, though not by much. I had a restless night. There was a power outage - only a short one, I gather, but my PC was off when I woke around midnight. I was wide awake, so I got up and turned it back on.

This living in fear and hyper anxiety is taking its toll. I'm tempted to call the manager and tell him to explain to the owner that he can do all the credit checks he likes - it won't give him any guarantees! All those checks are pre-lock-down. From my bank statements he can see that I paid my rent throughout the lock-down ... but if I hadn't received UIF, and if I had been retrenched ... 

I don't even want to think about where I would be now ... And if South Africa goes into a hard lock-down again? Well, I will survive that for a while, as I've cashed in an annuity - but once I've paid two rents plus deposit? Plus the move? It's going to take me a long, long time to re-build my safety savings! And I never, ever again want to be in this position! So, I'd rather do without everything non-essential, spend as little as possible for the foreseeable future to build up a nest egg again.

Remember when all I had on my mind was which seeds to sow when? And how to get my plants to grow? I want that back! Do you also remember when my landlord threatened to come into my home to put up curtains of his choice? And now he's threatening my cats! Anyone who mistreats animals is capable of anything! Even though I think his problem with my cats is that they are a threat to his dogs ... that still does not make it okay to traumatise my cats while I'm at work! And he's doing that! Abuse is not always physical! And my landlords are masters of non-physical abuse, I'm sorry to say. Yet, they think of themselves as good Christians! And people wonder why I have a problem with self-advertising Christians (people who advertise themselves as being Christian)! Actions speak louder than words. And the abuse just keeps escalating!

Enough of that! Though that is easier said than done. I wish I could simply fast-forward to the 31st October without having to live through it! Although, if I find myself living in the same place ... I don't know what I'm going to do! I just don't know ...

Phew! The manager just called to let me know I've got the place! They're just doing the credit check now, but apart from that, the owner says everything looks good! I've been floating on a cloud of relief ever since! I will go tomorrow morning to sign the lease agreement and once that is signed, I'll give notice! I just hope there is no problem with the credit check ... there shouldn't be, as I don't have any accounts, but you never know. All it takes is one fraud! I'm going to do my best not to obsess over it and wait ...

I've just replied to the garden cottage / house, that I won't be making an appointment to look at it. For now, there is nothing further I can do regarding that entire topic, so I'm focusing on my work. Tomorrow will be a different story ... the ugly dance will begin, I fear! I've changed my 'notice' - I've removed the 'shortly' after 'I will be moving out.' It now all depends on how fast I can pack ... It would be lovely if I could move on 3rd October! But I will have to see how the packing goes ... and how the box situation stands. But all that is tomorrows thinking ... 

By the way, that person I helped on Friday? She's being portrayed as a scammer - I agree that there are some discrepancies in her story, between what she says and what her Facebook shows ... But if you were to check out MY Facebook, you wouldn't see any indication that anything is amiss in my life ... 

WooHoo! I just got the call: My credit is clean - my new home awaits me! Tomorrow I sign the lease! I feel like I'm floating on a cloud!

I tried asking for legal advice regarding my notice period - I'm asked to schedule a telephonic consultation costing over R2000 per hour! Yeah, I think not! I just want to know whether they can actually hold me to the 2 months notice period in the contract - seeing as they are not keeping their end of the contract; specifically turning off my water, not removing my refuse. And what my rights are, with regards to moving fast, since my cats lives have been threatened. Ah, well. I'll worry about that tomorrow.

I meant to take a car load this week, but I think I had better postpone that to next week. Or to Friday - depends on the reaction tomorrow evening.

Tonight, I will order a second cat carrier - I'd like it in the house for mippies to get used to before they get crammed into it. I think the best would be for me to take mippies to the new home as soon as the guys arrive to load the truck; then get back in time to wash the floors, so I leave the place reasonably clean ... and leave with the truck.

I will also make a list of the car load - what I want to be available when I arrive; also the abnormal sized and extremely fragile stuff I don't want to risk on the truck. When I've packed everything I want to take, I'll load any spare space with clothes boxes ... I can open them, pack the clothes away, and take the empty boxes back for packing.

On the roads, Level 1 has visibly increased traffic! I drive under the road, where I'll be turning off in future - and it's bumper-to-bumper, in the direction I'll be driving. I may choose to leave earlier in the mornings and I'll have to figure out the best time in the evenings. But first, let's see how far this bumper-to-bumper goes on.

At home, I thought I could maybe get some packing done - not a chance! Mewthos is in full mewl mode - must play catch, must brush, must cuddle ... mewl, mewl, mewl. I did, however, manage to scrape the toilet bowl clean again - remember how I was threatened with 'needs to be replaced'? Bollocks! First of all, that build-up is NOT just recent and secondly - it's the water, not dirt, building up in the bowl! Well, it looks much better.

As I didn't sleep too well last night, I've got some sleep to catch up on tonight. I'm so tired, and the emotional roller-coaster ending in relief has me looking forward to a good nights sleep! Let's hope, eh?

Lock-down Day 178

I had the weirdest dream this morning. We had moved to the top of a round apartment building and I was on the roof, with mippies. Janey jumped over the wall - my heart stopped as I was certain she had fallen to her death! I leaned over the wall and saw her quite happily sitting on a ledge enjoying the view! Sick to my heart I picked her up, hoping I wouldn't fall over in the process - I struggle with vertigo. Looking over a high wall like that has me feeling as if I'm being pulled over it to fall.

Then there was a part where everybody had to stop at a certain workshop on our way to work, which felt the same as our morning temperature check - only for our cars. Weird, I know.

Another weird thing was a feeling that my future was blank. It's like I looked up to see ahead and there was a thick white wall of fog, thought it didn't feel like something one could go through, but an end.

Which made me realise that, if I don't get this place, I won't get ANY place! If I don't pass the extreme credit check - I won't be able to rent another place, either. Thanks to the lock-down, many landlords have been burned by tenants who's livelihoods have been ripped away!

So, although there is no reason I shouldn't 'pass' their check - in a way, my whole life rides on it now! I could end up stuck here forever! What an absolutely horrific thought!

That, in turn, also means that, if I am 'caught' packing, I could be given notice, too ... so I really need to wait for the results.

Sheez, now my anxiety levels are sky-rocketing again!

Who could have imagined so many effects, affecting every single South African ... when this lock-down started?

I'm also thinking of that poor woman who lived in the house I want to rent now. I mean, imagine not being able to pay rent, watching your food stores shrinking ... with no end in sight. No idea how to get out of this hole our government has dug for her? I can only imagine what she must have been going through ... and that could have been me! Still could ... once this move is over, I'm going to be on the brink of broke again! Did I mention that my anxiety levels are sky-rocketing again? I feel as if my insides are knotted tighter than my macrame belt!

Mewthos is being an absolute nuisance this morning. He went out and came back mewling, mewling, mewling. I've been picking him up, cuddling, scratching his tummy, giving him milk, giving him treats - he's still mewling! I thought it could be the humidity after the rain, troubling his leg, so I gave him some Metacam as well. He's still mewling - with short intervals of quiet.

Ziva has also joined Mewthos wanting her ears scratched again and again. Janey wants to stroll along my shoulders over and over and over ... this is without sprinklers and without garden intrusion.

Then everybody went out again, and Janey came in demanding an intensive cuddle session - shedding so much, that I went to get the brush ... Mewthos had been sleeping on the pillow, but when he saw brushing going on, he came down and mewled for his turn!

With the above spinning around in my head, I'm struggling to get going. I'm just sitting here, thinking, writing ... with no energy to do the chores I need to get done.

Okay, someone please explain to me why my windows are being hosed down!? Sigh ...

I just thought of something: I gave them Rose's number as well as a reference. I gave it as 'neighbour' - maybe I should have put her down as 'Board Member of the Body Corporate'?

By the way, I called her on Friday, to give her a heads-up. If some stranger calls her, asking about me, her first thought might be that something happened to me - wouldn't want to put her through that. She's doing good, I'm glad to say. She's back doing deliveries and shopping, though she's also having to live with hammering upstairs at the moment. Apparently the flat has been sold, and the new owner is replacing the ceiling. Which should have been done ages ago, by the way.

I'm just thinking ... how on earth did I get into this mess? How did I go from 'happy home' to fear of homelessness? Well, with a landlord who decided the lock-down gives him the leverage to force his will on me. And me, not standing up for myself and playing along. Did I mention that one thing this lock-down did was to illuminate everyone's true colours? Man, I really just hope I get through this okay ...

Oh my gosh! My landlord just chased one of my cats - I think it was Mewthos - and then threatened to shoot them! I don't think he will, not right now ... but ... man, I have got to get out of here! This convinced me that he does traumatise them while I'm at work - and that that is why I keep finding puddles so many evenings! Just how did I get into this nightmare? How did this happen? How did this turn from home to hell? Well ... gradually ... step by step. And each step, I gave way. That's how! And if I hadn't given way each step, I would have been given notice a long time ago.

It's my way. Unless things are really bad, I endure - rather than change. It's a strength and a weakness. I don't easily walk away - and I'm also not big on change. Especially in my home. Especially moving. Again.

I called mippies in quite early - only because three of them were already around when I went outside, and Ziva came very soon, as well. And yes, I want them safely inside - the earlier, the better I feel!

From next door I have to listen to that stupid whooping again. Seriously, who does that? Screaming 'whooo hooo' at the top of their lungs? Yeah, there's a lot of things I probably haven't mentioned. Like I said: I ignore a lot.

Well, the floors are all swept and washed, bread is baked, lunch packed and in the car, dishes washed - all 'musts' are done.

Mippies bowls had become ant farms overnight, so after I washed them, I first put down diatomaceous earth all around on the counter. It worked on Mini's bowl and on the Orijen bowl, so ... whole counter covered in powder. Mippies did NOT like that. Not at all! Ziva didn't even touch her food and tried to go back outside. Janey the same. Mewthos kept looking at me and mewling, like he wanted me to 'fix the mess' or something. It took a while, but eventually they all sat down and started gobbling!

I'm not sure what to make of this, but I keep smelling something burning. It smells like burnt hair, of all things! It's quite strong at the moment and I can't tell where it's coming from. My guess would be outside, on this side, because I don't smell it out front. Nor in the bathroom. Lovely!

Well, I'm going to give sleep another try tonight. Hopefully I've poured everything out today, so I have nothing left to spin around my head!

Lock-down Day 177

Last night's party carried on till nine. They're up again this morning at six - sprinklers going full flow. Do you know how creepy it is to see someone moving sprinklers in your garden? To sit in your bedroom, look out the window straight into the face of someone looking in - even though he's just walking past? I just happen to look out at the same time - it's still creepy!

I woke up early with cramps. With this many paws, I haven't been taking my anti-cramp tissue salts regularly, so my levels are low. I had better re-stock my levels today. Wouldn't want to re-live the cramps I've avoided for the past 2 decades. My colon is also playing up - it's the prolonged anxiety.

Staying calm and rational in this environment is just more than I can do. I'm struggling to think straight - and thinking straight is essential for planning, so my planning ... haphazard at best! I really, really need privacy - and with everywhere I go, everything I do open to observation and shouting? Not that I'm always being observed - just that I never know WHEN.

This is ridiculous! I'm sneaking around in my own home! Only, that's the point, isn't it? I'm meant to feel that it's not my home ... and it's working. Not just on me, but on my mippies as well. They spent the whole sprinklers-on morning huddled inside. By the time the sprinklers are done, it's their nap time. It's not just the sprinklers, but having my landlord walking around my garden that has mippies running inside, hiding.

Well, I've packed a bunch of things into their factory boxes ... making progress. I've also done the laundry - but not the dishes, nor any cooking. That's a problem, isn't it? I can't dedicate my entire weekend to packing - I still have normal stuff to do. Or I end up going to work naked and hungry.

The skies turned dark early tonight, my ladies all came home to be safe ... Mewthos? Stays out for who-knows-what. I called and called, the ladies mipped and complained, eventually he came running. It was very early, but I'm relieved to have all my mippies home safe and sound when there's a chance of thunder and rain.

Around eight it starts pouring down by the bucket load. I wonder whether the sprinklers will be turned on again tomorrow morning?

Anyway, I'm off to bed, cuddling mippies. I could do with at least two more hands, though ...

Lock-down Day 176

My Mew-larm went off at five again this morning. He wakes all mippies and I become a trampoline! Every morning!

I couldn't find my phone last night, I was sure I had taken it inside - but I looked everywhere and couldn't find it. I got a call from a friend on the way home, and I was sure I had put the phone back into my pocket afterwards ... it wasn't in the pocket, so surely, I had put it on the bed, as I always do? I looked on the floor as well - no luck. Which led me to believe that I must have forgotten it in the car? Yet, that seemed unlikely ... 

When the alarm went off at half six, I found it under the armchair!

As I was up very early, I enjoyed a nice, large cup of coffee - and was still very early at work! First thing I did was to compose my notice to my current landlord. Compose, not send! First, I want to be sure I have secured a place to move to. Here's my notice:

"Good day, I agree with you that this is not working. Therefore, I will be moving out shortly. Please let me know what you need from me, so that we can part amicably."

Short and sweet. I'm sending this in reply to their mail from last month. Here's what they wrote:

"I have a problem, which I feel I should bring to your attention.

Yesterday afternoon the fire alarm went off, I then went into your apartment to see if there was a problem. Fortunately, there was nothing wrong. But I was shocked to see how dirty and unhygienic your place is. The bathroom throughout was very dirty and cluttered. The apartment also smells very bad. The toilet is so dirty that it can no longer be cleaned, and will have to be replaced. The rest speaks for itself. I'll give you two weeks then I'll come see what it looks like again. If you do not want or can not give your cooperation, I will have to give you notice. Look at the photos from when you moved in, and now, you can imagine for yourself that one cannot live like that. When you said your place is your santury and you like gardening, I thought it might work, but now I doubt it more and more. Think carefully about what you are going to do and send me an email back. 

Thank you for paying regularly and on time every month, I appreciate it."

Nice, eh? By the way, that toilet? Was much worse when I moved in! It may have looked nice last time they used it - but they left it standing, unused, for months on end! THAT's what she's referring to! And the dirt? That's the bird feathers! And yes, it was cluttered with cat toys - what does she expect, that my cats put their toys away after they've finished playing?

I just went back to re-read my blog from that day & the next - just making sure I'm not duplicating. But I hadn't posted their mail before ... I'm being scolded like a child, eh? And remember at the beginning of the lock-down, when I started spring-cleaning? I got shouted at for doing that, too! 

It's now twenty past eleven and I still don't have an answer ... my nerves are absolutely finished ... I've even had a look at the advert again, to see whether he's maybe uploaded photos (which would mean he's looking for another tenant), but it's still the same. I'm just afraid that my credit check may have been a problem. I occasionally receive messages from debt collectors - none of which are ever for anything I know about. I always contact them, though, to clear up the misunderstanding ... they are always very rude and ugly, and never let me know if the matter was resolved. At best, I don't hear from them again ... so ... my head is playing a stream of 'what if' movies right now ...

Right, lunch time, I called the manager! Turns out they're busy with the credit check (told you it would take time to get a result!) and the owner wants references. From previous places where I've stayed. Turns out the tenant before me left with 6 months rent arrears! Being an understanding owner, he offered she could pay what she could afford - and apparently she could afford nothing. Now the owner just wants to prevent being in that situation again ... yeah, that's how it works! One person steps out of line and everyone afterwards has to live with the additional precautions ... Sigh.

Okay, I've just spent over an hour writing my home resume - where I lived, from when till when, who I rented through, their contact details, reason for leaving, etc. I had to look up a lot of details; fortunately, I happen to have a back-up of my PC here at work. Well, a back-up of my documentation. Either way, this won't be finalised today. I'm going to have to wait with my notice ... and I also don't want to jinx it. Yeah, I know it's silly - but I can be quite superstitious on occasion!

As I was driving home, it struck me how the situation between the manager and owner sounds a bit like a game of good-cop-bad-cop! I don't like games ... Well, I've sent my bank statement for the past 3 months as well.

I read a post from yet another desperate person on Facebook this morning. This time, I messaged her. Her post was removed, as it wasn't the right platform ... but frankly, what is the right platform? Well, I may be being played, but I helped.

I tried to start packing, but the tape is really loud. Well, loud enough to be heard next door - and I really don't want heads bobbing through windows to see what I'm doing! I guess I can pack some boxes and tape them shut another time.

All that anxiety is taking its toll on me again. It's only half past seven and I'm about to fall asleep here ... time for bed ...

Lock-down Day 175

Predictably, I had trouble going to sleep - my mind is totally scrambled! Trying to calm that down enough to allow me to drop off and sleep was ... a struggle.

My Mew-larm went off just after five, they also feel the anxiety and tension. I'm not sure how much of it is coming from me and how much is coming from my landlord. I found my bedroom window closed last night, not shut, but I don't think it was the wind, either. His habit of splashing my windows has my mippies in a state, too. They also don't feel really safe in my home, as there is no place where they are really private - sound intrudes everywhere. Mini has taken to crawling under the basin in the evenings. Janey has taken to occupying my chair - both the PC chair and the armchair. I always have to move her whenever I want to sit. And Ziva has become very demanding in the cuddle-cave. Last night I also found a puddle at the bottom of my fridge. I could also smell something, but I couldn't find the source.

About the place I've found, I have to confess that safety concerns have arisen. It's perfectly private and reasonably isolated - which suits my personality, but at the same time raises some safety concerns. I'm thinking of fitting motion-detection solar-powered LED lights outside, like I have outside my front door now. I don't want to light my porch and the house, but lights that show the garden and any intruder. I've also given some thought to getting a dog. Grin, mippies won't like that - they won't like that at all! But they're coping well with the new dog my landlord got. But a dog is also a life-time commitment. That's going to be a 'later' option - first, let me be sure I'll be staying there and I'll be happy there.

This also got me thinking that I'm just glad tenant discrimination doesn't yet extend to gender! I mean, children, pets and smokers are already perfectly acceptably discriminated against - it has become not only accepted, but expected! Next, I suppose they will refuse single women to rent homes, as we are soft targets ... not that I have any clue how that is a landlord's business, but hey. The same applies to children, pets and smoking - none of which is really a landlords business! It used to be a matter to be resolved among neighbours ... the world is becoming less human all the time, getting more clinical, remote and distanced. I'm glad that I'm not young anymore - I don't know how many more of these changed I want to live through ... it's like we're implementing everything described in the novel 1984, step by step, each step under a 'for your own good / protection' guise ...

I've been contemplating my next move regarding the home situation. I do not want to give notice until I'm sure I have somewhere to go. I also don't want to go on my new 'landlords' nerves by calling all the time. The guy I deal with manages the rentals, he's not the owner. He's a really nice person, without being over hearty, like the current guy. He strongly sympathises with my difficulty - and I confess, I'm playing that a little, but not excessively. And then he called me! Cool! He was a little uneasy, because his boss asked for a credit check - but I put his mind at ease, as I totally understand. He's dealing with an unknown person - and I could be a confidence trickster. Letting a stranger move into your property DOES carry risk, so you do want to take every possible precaution to avoid serious losses.

I had planned to give notice today. The manager also said that I can take it as given, that I'll get the place - but, well ... I really don't want to take any chances, either. Otherwise I could have given notice at the beginning of the month. He promised to have a definite answer (once the credit check is approved) within the hour - but I think a credit check takes longer to get results? After all, what's another day? Better safe than sorry.

I'm also going to need another cat carrier. I've just had a quick look, and that's going to cost ... I'm going to have to measure the one I have at home so that I can be sure of the dimensions I'll need. I'm thinking of transporting them 2 per carrier - Mini will only be welcomed by Mewthos, though. So the biggest and the largest ones will have to share one carrier. Then Janey and Ziva in the other. Mini is still naughty with Janey and Ziva - she teases them, by coming closer to them than they like and it gets hissy. Like it did last night, when Janey was on the pillow above my head and Mini tried to give Janey a derogatory sniff! Growling and hissing ensued! Little minx!

Although, it's a lot of money for a once-off half hour drive, eh? I'll ask my boss if he has something I can borrow - even the trap he used to catch Mini would be fine! It's humane, she was in no danger of injury. And once the trap is sprung, it's simply a cage.

Golly, I've been keeping a firm eye on my e-mail, but ignored my phone! Turns out I had a message asking for my details ... sigh ... info sent :)

Received a form asking for my details - completed, signed and returned.

I'm trying to bring my head to work, but it's a struggle. I spoke to my boss and he says, when I give him a date, when I'm done packing - he'll move me asap. So, I need to hustle.

I was following the updates from some friends in PE - I couldn't believe what I was reading: protesters slaughtering horses! I wish it was fake or a hoax ... I know, though, that it isn't. It's made the news ... unbelievable! Makes me want to rush home and hug my mippies till they squeal!

Facebook is currently filled with photos of dead horses ... I just want to cry.

That's one of the side-effects of this prolonged anxiety: I'm emotionally finished ... ready to cry at the drop of a hat. I've been like that for weeks already, just haven't mentioned it. This has been building up for months. The turning point, of course, was, when they turned off my water as I was running myself a bath. I'm still not quite sure what they really want, and I'm not going to waste my energy trying to figure it out. Either they just want me out, because they've come to realise that they just don't like an outsider living under their roof - or they think of me as a charity case, they are kindly helping by allowing me to live under their roof? They have clearly been planning to enforce restrictions during the lock-down - then, as soon as evictions were legal, they took action. I mean the very same day! They clearly assume that I don't have the financial means to move - which gives them the upper hand. Law & contract be damned ... I have no choice but to dance to their tune (giggle, with their constant Boeremusik assault, a little too literally). So, while they've been working towards this enforcement, I've been expecting ... something ... and arbitrarily getting shouted at & scolded. Which has increased my anxiety levels continuously ... being 'high-strung' naturally takes it's toll ... and I'm an emotional wreck. Which is invisible. You wouldn't know it, if you saw me - or even, if you interacted with me. Unless you know me really well.

Right, I've just spoken to the manager again, he's sure he'll have a definite answer for me tomorrow morning. He doesn't see any problem and is quite certain I'll get it. Hold thumbs! Just hold thumbs!

Back at home, I finished one closet and started on the other. As I walk around, I see such a lot of little bits here, there, everywhere ... this is going to take forever! I just have no clue how I can possibly get everything packed! Plus, of course, there's the issue of boxes ... I don't think that I have anywhere near enough boxes left! I have a bad feeling that I'll run out of boxes really fast!

All that unpacking I kicked myself into doing ... which I now wish I hadn't! I tried so hard to make this home ... pity the game was rigged!

Anyway, I'm hoping I can do at least one trip to take a bunch of boxes through, empty them and bring them back. It would be cool if I could do one trip every evening - but that's going to be a bit of an issue, because the traffic at five is already bad - it'll be even worse next week; and I would end up getting home around seven or eight! Which also means: no milk! Plus: mippies can't go out ... so I'm afraid that's not a viable option.

Mippies were too afraid to go out tonight - traffic in the driveway. Which is rare, but it kept the lot of them under my feet. Now they want cuddles ... time for me to oblige. I didn't sleep very well last night, but I think I'll sleep much better tonight. For starters, I'm tired enough!

Lock-down Day 174

Another early morning for my Mew-larm to go off ... I made the mistake of turning on my back, and he promptly came bouncing onto my bladder!

I saw a message, very late last night, that the guy had tried to e-mail me photos, but they just queued in his Outbox - that happens to me, sometimes, as well. No worries. I messaged him this morning, if I could look at the place around 9. That's cutting it a little fine with the other place at 10 - but they're only 20 minutes drive apart. And I'm not making a full inspection today, just looking to see if the place is suitable for me and my mippies. Sigh, I confess that I do hope so!

I apologised to my colleague last night, that my work hasn't been up to its usual standards and he said that he didn't notice! Ha Ha! Yeah, everything that needs to be done is getting done. On time and right, first time, every time. That's me, ha ha! Old reliable!

Okay, I've got good news! The house I just looked at? Perfect! Absolutely perfect! Okay, the kitchen isn't exactly open plan and it has an electric stove - but that's the biggest issue! In all other aspects, it exceeds my expectations! Totally!

As I was driving along the road, I had a strange feeling of 'I'm driving home'. I have a tendency to overreact to such feelings, so I'm putting them aside nowadays; rather than attempt to interpret such feelings. As I turned into the dirt road, there was a car - the guy was already waiting for me! Awesome! I followed him, and when he drove through a gate, into a separate property with a house, I was thinking 'let this be it! Oh, please, let this be it!' As we got out, he said 'This is it!'

It is a free standing house, surrounded by garden, which is fenced and walled off - perfectly private! My own big garden! At least the size of what I have now! And the walls are standard height - so, if I want, I can add another section at an angle to keep mippies inside the yard. That will be a little more difficult out the back, where it's just mesh fencing - but that's not an immediate issue. They'll have to be shut in for 2-3 weeks again.

There is a large porch out front, under the roof. So, even if it is raining, I can enjoy time outside, if I want to! Then you walk into the lounge, which is not too big, but big enough. I'm sure my desk and some bookshelves will fit there with no problem!

It also has a garage, so I can park my car inside plus, I can store empty boxes in the garage! There's a door from the lounge into the garage. Perfect! Just one door to get through to leave the house with mippies inside! The garage would serve the same function the lounge does now: a room where they can't escape outside, even if they sneak past me. Which they actually don't! Still, better safe than mip-less!

From the lounge you walk into the kitchen. There's no door, just an opening, like a doorway. The kitchen is large with lots of cupboards! Room for my fridge as well - lots of counter space ... just awesome! There are two exits from the kitchen, the first has a gate leading to a small passage to the bathroom (full bath and separate shower) and the three bedrooms. Built in cupboards - I can't remember whether in only 2 or all 3 bedrooms. It doesn't matter, I'm only one person, after all.

The other exit from the kitchen leads to a room behind the bathroom. The bathroom window opens into that room, which is somewhat strange, but no problem. In that room there's a laundry basin - you know, the type with a rough side, so you can rub hand-wash laundry clean? Well, I can connect my washing machine to that tap and place the outlet into that basin. So, no problem there, either!

From there, a door leads to the back yard - but he says he'll fit a gate there, to make it safer. I'm not stressed, though - a single lady stayed there before me, and like I said: no place is ever really safe!

Okay, there's a braai, which looks lovely! And then there is a free standing, separate room outside! No clue what that was ever meant to be, but hey - it's a spare room! I could do stuff with that - like turn it into a nursery. The kind for plants, not little humans! Eeek! Where's you mind? Or a hobby room ... whatever!

Good news is that I can afford it, for at least 3 years at my current salary - the increase is set at 6%, and after the 3rd increase the rent will still be below my upper limit.

And the best part, in my personal opinion is: I've got space to grow! I will be able to unpack everything, I will be able to put up my display shelf again plus I will be able to use my 'camping wardrobe' again, as well. Which will give me all the space I need to really go through and sort out 'keep' and 'reduce'.

My only concern at the moment is that I'm not sure which of my furniture can be taken through to one of the spare bedrooms ... anything that can't get through, will have to stay in the lounge.

I can lock up mippies in the 3rd bedroom during the move. I thought of shutting them in the outside room ... but then I could have a problem if one escapes when I try to go in there to get them into the house ...

Okay, first hiccup: the owner doesn't want the house to stand empty for a whole month, so he's said that if anyone else calls, who will move in sooner, to give them first priority. But I've established a good rapport with the guy and he would like to help me get out of my current situation. I told him that it's not entirely up to me, I'd have to talk to my boss - as I'd be using his truck & staff for the move - but I would give him a definite date no later than close of business tomorrow.

The biggest problem is the packing! I'm not packed! There's too much to pack! And I don't even know, whether I have enough boxes!

I've spoken to my colleague, then to my boss. Next Thursday being a public holiday would give me another whole day to prepare. Plus this coming weekend. With help from my colleagues, I just may be able to move on the 26th - next Saturday?

I've cancelled my five o'clock appointment tonight - my head is just too scrambled for anything now! I did look at the garden cottage this morning - seriously? NO! I mean, prepaid electricity, but she controls the geyser - it's on 2 x 1 hour every day! WTF? And 'oh, the bath isn't working, so you'll have to just shower' ... and for mippies? Not at all! Totally landscaped garden - she'd have ten fits the first time mippies went outside!

Okay, so within the past 24 hours I went from tied up in knots about finding a suitable place to stay, to tied up in knots about moving in 10 days ... did I describe this blog as being about a 'dull, boring life'? I'm eating those words right now!

Tomorrow is going to be bad, because - once I've slept on it - I'm going to have to give notice ... I can just picture my being ambushed when I get home tomorrow night! Man, I really hope not! I'm going to ask a colleague to help me compose that mail ...

Once I've done that, I'll have to finalise a date with my boss. Then I'll have to sign the new lease and take measurements, so I can work out what to put where ... and get more details as well. I think I remember seeing a walk-in closet - but I'm not sure whether it was today or in photos somewhere (yes, I know one of the places had a walk-in closet, but that photo had clothes on them. The image in my head is empty shelves).

At least, once I've given notice, I can pack openly - not sneakily. I also have a few items that I want to take to work, like the spare external hard drive.

I suppose tonight is my last 'peaceful' night, eh? From tomorrow night, I'd better hustle. If I can get the bathroom, bedroom and kitchen packed - that would leave only the books. I wonder whether I have enough boxes?

I'm so caught up with my private panic that I forgot that we're 'My fellow South Africans' again - meaning, our president will address the nation tonight. I missed it, but could watch it later - no problem. Okay, so from Monday on we'll be in Level 1. International travel will open - with severe restrictions. And everyone is supposed to download the Covid-19 contact-tracking app ... 

Oh, and he encouraged all South Africans for Heritage Day (next Thursday's public holiday) to take up the Jerusalema challenge!

Anyway, I'm going to be busy with my little life for a while .. very busy ...