Checking in

A lot has happened since I last posted! Let me fill you in...

I had talked before about some of the problems at my home like the flooding, the sewers backing up (over 20 times this past year), the moisture seeping into the walls, the concrete degrading and starting to fall off the walls and ceiling (which continued even after attempts were made to repair the concrete).

In November, a family moved in next door. I was surprised about that, thinking that maybe they might not be aware of the water/sewer problems(not to mention the condition of that building).

After they had moved in, I went outside to use the washroom (our only washroom) and there were two of the young men from that family out there. One on the ledge of the wall (right across from the washroom) and one on the wall directly above the washroom. This problem was compounded by: 1) me not being able to lock the washroom/shower 2) and having to keep the door to the apartment unlocked while using the washroom. This seemed like a very uncomfortable and potentially unsafe situation, particularly for my daughter, (especially at night).

I finally decided enough was enough. I began hunting for a new place to live.

Even though I dedicated entire days/weeks to the task, I didn't have any success. Often there were a lot of other families looking at the same places I was. The competition was fierce.

So, I decided to look further inland.

On the 29th, I found a house listed for rent. We made an appointment that day to look at it, later that day we signed the lease. The next day we began moving in. By December the 1st, we were completely moved in, and I had scrubbed the old apartment from top to bottom.

It really amazes me how powerful action can be. How much can change, and how quickly it can change. I was really amazed by how much we have accomplished in just a small amount of time. It makes me very hopeful that we can do a lot more, and go a lot further. We just need an action plan.

Since moving in, we've put up mesh so the cats can't escape out between the bars(allowing us to keep our windows open), mosquito netting (there are many more bugs here being out in the countryside). We've organized everything in and set everything up.

I'm still working on the yard(I have more weeding to do yet --I strained my wrist/hand badly and had to rest it-- otherwise, it would be done). I took all my plants with me from the old place. And, I am happy to say every plant survived the trip!

It's a lovely little 2 bedroom house(I have my own room!!!). The atmosphere here is so much more peaceful. The neighbors are friendly (but not invasive). It's also cooler here being further inland (noticeably!).

Even though it is rural and there are not many houses, there is a large park just a few doors down. Orion (our dog) loves the park. He absolutely loves it!

I am thrilled by the peaceful atmosphere, and of course the yard.

I asked the landlord before signing the lease if I could plant the yard and I am so excited about that!!!

My large tomato plant is already producing tomatoes. I have 3 more tomato plants that are already about 2cm tall. I have 3 bean plants started(about 8cm tall already). Some mums. 8 large carnation plants (2 white, 2 light pink, 2 dark pink and 2 orange). I have rosemary, stevia, mint, peppermint and oregano planted. I planted a rose bush (orange roses). I planted all my succulents. I planted one of the plants my old neighbor gave me plus 2 small flowering bushes. I also have a jalapeno plant and my 5 spider plants. There were already 8 small hedge bushes and 3 small trees. Oh, and my buganvilla which seems to love it here too.

Every plant is thriving (just my jalapeno plant requires a lot of water or it looks droopy).

I am so excited to watch it all fill in. Of course, I will be planting more. Since I don't have a car, I will be planting the parking space with crops. Why not!?

It's been good, therapeutic, to be in a better atmosphere, a peaceful place, and to be able to spend a lot of time outside. It's really been helping me.

I really like we have a deadbolt gate so that we can leave our door open during the day. The window beside the door is my kitchen. The window on the other side is my room. The back of the house has windows too. A light breeze passes through the house that is so pleasant!

We are really grateful for this new place to live. This has definitely been a change for the better.

-Akiroq