February, regrouping.

February was a tough month but I did a surprising lot and also my stomach was better. So I think at the end of February I'm in a better place than at the start.

I realised that I was actually legitimately fatigued and suddenly suspected it was low iron again, so I went to the doctor, started eating beef regularly, got a blood test and a half dose of iron infusion, and I'm on a better track now. But I did feel very sorry for myself for a while, with low iron on top of months of gut troubles, and nothing fun to do because it's so hot and I have no energy. But I got my act together and socialised with people, I'm getting my iron up again, and actually my guts were 50% better in February, finally improving after the Mirena went in back in June last year. So things are better now I hope.

First importance is plants. I've been tossing up between the below options for my pergola.

Today I went ahead and ordered 2 climbing roses! Kiss me Kate. I had always wanted Pierre de Ronsard, but I think KMK is similarly pretty with a higher climb and good spot resistance, so I've gone for growth rather than the ideal flower. KMK flower is similar to above but pinker. 

The only new houseplant in the collection is this cutting of varigated Devils Ivy from Alice.

My cyclamen is flowing again. I mention it because I bought it a year ago when I was sick, and they don't like summer, so the fact it has survived and is also flowering for the 3rd time is a triumph.

This bunch of flowers I picked last night are from the flower garden we made when I was sick last year also. I let it die off over summer but surprisingly there was a decent number to pick when I did gardening last night.

 I topped up the soil and transferred my camellia in from the garden that it hasn't enjoyed. I hope it grows better here, its leaves keep burning off in the hot sun. Under the pergola it might be better.

 Speaking of pergola, this was my biggest job this month. I bought 4L tin of weathershield paint and borrowed my dads ladder and painted it myself. It was the hardest job ever. Especially with low iron. I took a Wednesday off to do the 2nd coat as well because I had to paint on days that weren't too hot or weren't raining. I'm very pleased with the colour.

The other disgusting job I did was clean my gutters. Dad came over and held the ladder while I did it. They were so full, with some useless gutter guard that I pulled out. I plan to get good stuff installed but I'll leave it for a while. 

I forgot that I did some smaller jobs too. I moved a poster into a nicer frame that fits better. I broke the glass though, UGHHH and had to buy a new piece of glass which cost more than the original frame and glass.

I also added two more shelves to the tea cupboard. This is a big improvement.

There's been a lot of admin too. I organised a holiday and flights for March with Anna and Bec. I started organising the band and music for Women of Truth in May. 

So all of that, wow. That's impressive. 

Something I didn't do, I didn't have coffee with any older men from church. There's one who often wants to hang out and chat and another has decided to ask as well, and I've set boundaries and said no. I'm also pulling out of the church directory because I don't want these phone calls. I don't want people at church to be lonely, but I don't have time and energy for everyone and I need to spend it where I want to, not where other people want to.

Once I had that boundary in place I set about being proactive and catching up with the people I WANT to see. I had dinners and brunches with friends and parents. Maitland Show was one of them, I enjoy going at night and seeing the fireworks.

I've managed to kayak once this summer. I feel a bit guilty for not kayaking more, but I don't have a lot of time and energy.

Work has been mostly OK so far this year, I had one hectic week of meeting this month for Field Days planning, but otherwise I've been not too busy which is good because I sit at my desk feeling exhausted a lot. I've started another kids book, so I've visited the free range egg farm and that has been fun.

The eggs travel on conveyor belt!

Another highlight this month has been eating treats. I've had more opportunity to pop in to Icky Sticky, and also started a weekly tradition of buying an almond croissant on Sunday and sharing it with Coralie, she has her half for Monday breakfast on her way to Sydney.

Another flavour this month is that I've overused my mobile data and had to turn it off for 2 weeks to avoid paying for more. This is a good way to limit distraction at work. I've been trying to use my phone less, and added time limits to certain apps, but this is even better.

And finally, I've pretty much reached halfway on my mortgage! I have to check my numbers but I'm due to hit halfway in March or thereabouts, but if I include my shares I'm there already. I'm very thankful for my home. It's so good for my needs.

So Feb has been tired and busy, but I think my health and mood will improve and I've got the satisfaction of a lot of tough work done that I can enjoy in the months to come. Planting roses on my pergola, hearing rain trickle down my clean gutters and drains, and a nice holiday.