I've made a start on the decluttering, but it is going to take a while. I can't do it all in one go, the task is too daunting, so I am going to chip away at it bit by bit. When it's finished I will post some new pictures.
I got a bit preoccupied today, I thought of a way to make exercising on the cross trainer a bit more interesting. I am not spending as long on it as I ought to, because it's boring, and I should be upping my game. Anyway, I won't tell you about my genius idea because it will spoil the video for you. See what you think. So simple, why didn't I think of it before.
I had to put the heating on to strip off and make this, ha ha. Don't worry the heating was soon switched off when my many layers went back on. Brrr, it's blowing a gale outside.
Enjoy your Sunday. Toodle pip.
Woken by a power cut
11 hours ago
Ilona you're lovely and slim - very envious! Great idea and clever thinking especially with the belts though I wouldn't worry to much about you lacking in exercise with all the walking you do.
ReplyDeleteI love your home! Can we see more pics of it please? xx
To Ilona,
ReplyDeleteI live a simple life like you, juggling bills and food shopping, with children. I have one stress point, and that is a parent of mine. They come from a wealthy family, they went to elite schools, and inherited lots of money after I was a child. They bought a fancy house and invested money, and later lost the money they had invested in investments.
The parent didn't help me with any money, and spent the inherited money on themselves. I went to average government schools, and moved to a modest area to buy an average home with a mortgage.
One big stress in my life is the parent always saying what other wealthy relatives do, travels they make, fancy schools they send their kids to, or unis. I find it very insensitive, as I live on a tight budget and can't afford all those things for my children, and didn't experience those things in my life. The relatives can only afford these lifestyles due to inheritances or family help with those expenses, help that I have never received.
I know this is not something you experience, but I was wondering what advice you could give. I find it very insensitive of a person to talk about what well off people do, when I am struggling myself. If it was a friend or neighbour, I'd avoid them, but when it's a parent, what can someone do?
I am proud of the food and home I provide for my children and myself, and I have struggled to do it without any help from this parent. I get upset with these constant references to wealthy relatives, and all the fancy things they do. Any advice for how to deal with a parent like that, who never helps with anything, but just gives annoying newsfeeds of the wealthy people they know? The parent knows very well that I am struggling and that I can’t give these luxuries to my children or myself.
Kind Regards, N
I'd say just tell them straight that it's all very boring, that you don't need to hear about your relatives' well-off lifetyles and that you're very happy as you are thank you! (even if you're not ... Don't forget, these 'rich lifetyles' come with their own problems as well, so they may be frightfully well off but unhappy at the same time.)
DeleteI had that too a couple of years ago. Although my relative knew I was barely keeping my head above water financially I was constantly subjected to how well another relative was doing, big house and pool, fish tank the size of Plymouth Aquarium, business turning over millions, constant references to all the luxury presents the rich relative was giving. I had enough of it one day and told him that I was fed up with all the boasting and how insensitive it was taking into account my situation. Pleased to say the references stopped as he hadn't even realised he was doing it, I would advise you to basically say what you have written above as to how these constant references to wealth are hurtful, but I'd also say how although you haven't much money you are proud as to how self-sufficient you have become and maybe if they want to boast they could boast about raising such an independent child!
DeleteBTW you never know, maybe these so called wealthy people are putting everything on credit cards!
Good luck
Linda xx
People like to let others know how well they are doing or how fantastic their lives are but if you take a moment to think about it, why?
DeleteA normal tv does the same job as a mega tv, a car is a car, a holiday is for your enjoyment not just so you can brag so they're probably quite sad people that don't enjoy life but want everyone to envy them.
You should be proud that you manage without help.
Help comes at a price and can get thrown back in your face at a later date.
Take no notice and battle on.
Dave.
Thanks Sue and Linda. Yes, I know Sue, that many wealthy people are very lonely but cover it up. And thanks Linda for the idea for parents to boast about independence, very sweet. I think that's why I like this blog, as it's about surviving and making the best of things and not looking at what you haven't got. It's more about cooking and sewing and walking and making the best of things. Even if parents don't have much money they can create a lovely home for their children with home baking, library books and nice walks. Sometimes the best things for children are free. Even if I was wealthy, I'd want my children to experience those things as much as possible. Nx
DeleteThanks Dave Nx
DeleteThat's funny, I was thinking about the same thing to put in my garage with my bike trainer. I have previously had the radio on. There's nowhere on the bike I can fix an iPad as I use both the top and drops etc on the handlebars. I would have to fix something up on the freezer top.
ReplyDeleteGreat figure Ilona.
Hi that is a fantastic idea I know how boring in door walking can be I've upped my walking outside going everyday for at least an hour or more before a short shift at my casual job setting my alarm at 5am! To beat the Australian heat we have going on here also not worrying about eating chicken just veg and no glasses of wine expect maybe 3 or 4 times a yr like I use too I feel fantastic ! I'm on a tight budget do lot less spending on foods n drinks I don't need also n what you said reminded me of a situation in my life my parents have both died now and I was like you I never said anything the relationship between you and this parent is only holding together because we don't say anything what would happen if you said well I might do all that too travel etc if I had the money? The parent sounds very childish and this is like a game where someone is left out and can't play good things will come your way too in time
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nx
DeleteYou are so cool Ilona! I wish I could invite you over for acup of tea.
ReplyDeleteIlona, does watching the screen whilst you are in motion, head bobbing up and down a bit, not make you dizzy? I tried to read on a crosstrainer some years back, and couldn't do it, but maybe focusing on the computer screen is different. Or maybe it's just me! Anyway, if it works for you, I think it is, indeed, brilliant! :)
ReplyDeleteI'll let you know when I've done it a few times.
DeleteGenius idea! Loved watching you on the trainer, you are just like a dainty fairy.
ReplyDeleteWendy (Wales)
Dear N ~ What do you think of saying something like this to your parent:
ReplyDelete"I notice your constant references to wealthy relatives and all the fancy things they do, and it sounds like that lifestyle is important to you. Personally, I am tired of hearing about them. In this family, my values centre on my ability to provide and care for my children and myself and I am proud of my achievements. I’d much prefer to talk about something else when you visit." and then offer some other topic of conversation.
Great video and solution to un-boring your exercise routine! Watching comedy would add laughter to your workout...a win-win situation ;)
Liz
Thanks Liz, Nx
DeleteI hope 2014 proves to be a good year for you and yours.
ReplyDeleteEvery time you say "Hello" at the start of your videos my cats' ears perk up and they turn round to look at my computer - just thought I'd share that with you!
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could watch BBC Countryfile or Ski Sunday whilst you're working out. Great figure BTW!!
Linda xx
Brilliant idea Ilona, I also do something similar, I do the ironing whilst watching the telly. But you look fit enough to me anyway. Just make sure you only watch half-hour programmes though, if you put somthing like the film 'Gettysburg' on you could be there for the next five hours and disappear to virtually nothing!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea. They have big screens in the sports centre near where I live. No I don't use the gym, I should do, but I have seen them when calling in for other things.
ReplyDeleteCarolx
I used to be a member of a gym many years ago, they had big screens. All they ever showed was pop videos on a loop. The same ones over and over again. Mind numbing.
DeleteI didn't know that. It would get boring if you went regularly.
DeleteCarolx
Now thats an interesting contraption but it looks like it would be expensive to buy so i'd try making my own out of a couple of old bikes.
ReplyDeleteA real incentive to use the training machine would be if it generated the power to run the laptop instead of using mains electric.
Dave.
Very clever Ilona. You are such an upbeat lady and never stuck for a solution .
ReplyDeleteSue Mc
multitasking at it's finest!!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea thank you, could we see a guided tour of your house and garden, a bit rude I know, but would be lovely to see
ReplyDeleteIlona, people will call you excentric as you do amaze us with your funny inventions. Your excentricity is what brings us back time after time to watch and have a laugh. Carry on the way you do and you will have the whole nation laughing.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a genius idea! But.....why do you need so much exercise? You have a nice trim figure and seem to be one of
ReplyDeletethose "ectomorphs." You know, the lucky folks who don't put on weight like the rest of us.
I have a sit down bicycle that is in the "bunk house." That means I don't have to see it or remember to use it. I really had just asked hubby to bring it in the house since it's 5 below zero here in Colorado. But....it hurts my seat a lot to sit on it.
OK, no more excuses. I will have to find a way to make the seat tolerable. But.....I do like the idea of watching TV while
sweating away. Here in the US we are just now getting to watch "Downton Abbey," season 4. I guess I better try that!
Hi Caterina. I need to keep my leg muscles fit in preparation for long walks. To walk 15 - 20 miles every day for seven days takes some stamina. Besides, exercise is good for your whole body and mind. Good for your heart, your brain, and all your other bodily functions. It's not about losing weight, it's helping your organs to function normally.
DeleteWhat a brilliant idea. I love anything that enables me to get two jobs done at the same time. You look enviably fit and healthy :-)
ReplyDeleteDarling woman -- How envious I am that you are able to walk away from a video camera without having to be concerned about the appearance of your backside! I am inspired by your multitasking here, and I am going to find ways to be smarter around the house. Cute top - very flattering. Hugs from Texas, Jemma
ReplyDelete