A Busy Week

It's a wet gloomy saturday morning, Stu's at work and I'm relaxing with a hot chai latte and peanut buttered muffins. The washing machine's working (how to dry those clothes later??), the vacuum's done its round, and the dogs have been given their kongs. So much had happened this past week and I'll try to recount...

1. We went out window shopping last weekend and came back 2 grand poorer. The order's been put in for a beautiful cast iron, sandstone-tiled, 8 seater outdoor dining set. Been looking for an outdoor set for ages, it's one of those things still lacking in this house. Now that summer's arriving, it's the best time to get it. We didn't want the normal aluminium framed ones that everybody has, nor timber ones that need oiling every 2 weeks. Wanted something a little bit unique and finally found it - so unique that we had to choose mismatched chairs as well. The disappointing thing is that we've just been told that the set won't be here till late Dec, which will probably mean mid-Jan judging by Aussie standards.

2. We went to see the lawyer to add my name in the house deed and for re-financing purposes. Turns out that we had to pay another 2 grand for stamp duty (what the hell is stamp duty) on top of all the other re-financing costs. Because of another name, they see it as a new loan. We decided to scrap that idea for now. Am I disappointed? A little, but I can't justify the costs, especially all the other items we weren't told about, having to extend the loan for another 5 years, paying $300 annual fees for the new loan, etc etc etc. We talked about looking into another property for investment, but can we afford it? Stu will write a will, but will it be enough to make me feel like a co-owner? I just want something that belongs to me as well. Put the hilux in my name? But a car is a liability, not an asset...

3. Stu's mom went to the hospital for an angiogram and ended up being diagnosed with a 90% collapsed lung and had to have a major operation on Monday. We've been going to the hospital every night for 7 days now. The first night after the op was the worst, seeing her all grogged out with morphine, wired up, tubes with stuff draining out of her lungs, that was scary. Stu quit smoking that night (but he's now back to it, after 3 days). I might become The Irritating Wife and nag at Stu everyday to quit. Actually I have been doing that, even knowing very well that he has to stop on his own accord.

4. My poor brother rang and told me he's resigned. As if being HP's personal driver and being made to do dirty jobs is not enough, the boss has employed another character exactly the same as HP, who is terrorizing everyone in the company. Actually he's worse than HP. I feel so sorry for them all. This shitty company is really disintegrating. I only hope my bro finds a job quickly, one he enjoys, and preferably make use of his talents.