I got the confirmation from the tax-company that I'll get a (preliminary) tax-return which should mean the money arrives in my account tomorrow or so.

To 'celebrate' we went out and got some stuff for my balcony: pots / containers / soil), and seeds and plants.

I got four long wooden containers (they look great!) and the following plants:

• 4 tiny celery plants
• 4 tiny parsleys
• 4 tiny corn salads
• 1 big cucumber plant (with baby cucumbers)
• 1 small sweet pepper plant
• 1 bonsai basil (very nice!)
• 1 small lovage

and seeds for: * spring onions * rosemary * garlic chives * corn salad * courgette (or zucchini or summersquash depending on where you live)

Through a friend I got three tomato-plants, seeds for beetroot, basil, parsley, peas and several types of beans. I'm still looking for pinto-bean seeds, but they seem somewhat unavailable in the NL. I also still have rocket-seed, Tropaeolum and tons of seeds for sprouts (alfalfa, garden cress, etc).

I think I have enough.... (though boyfriend promised me oregano and thyme plants / seeds)

I want a bunch of smaller pots to put herbs in. It'll look nice and helps to sow in phases.

I'm looking forward to seeding and growing, especially the sprouts. I seem to be able to eat bread again, so that would mean nice summer sandwiches with veggies and cheese and herbs and such :D

I have a balcony on the south, and even though most Dutch people think we do not get any sun, I can assure you we do. It gets pretty hot on my balcony, which I hope will help with the somewhat exotic plants (cucumber, peppers, tomatoes, courgette).

Now I only need a garden-hose, cause I'm not dragging water over every day :P

We haven't set it up yet, but will take pictures when we do.

My sister's due date is the 5th, bf's birthday the 7th and mother's the 9th.

I've started thinking about gifts for them. I have budgeted some money for these and want to try and gift a nice non-expensive gift (cheap makes it sound bad).

For my sister I can't really think of anything original, so I want to purchase a sweet little baby blanket at Ikea for 3.99 euro and then sew the name of the baby on it, to personalise. In all honesty I don't think it really matters what I give, she'll get swamped and I'll most definitely get 'outbid' by his family. I have no intention of trying to keep up with them (I don't even know them) and I do want to give a useful gift. I figured, baby blankets get puked on and dirty, she'll probably have use for one more anyway. I like the idea of a personalised blanket, so that's what I'll do :)

For my mother I want to sew something, but I don't know what. She's a pretty independent 50-something year old woman who enjoys hiking and drives a cab for a living. She enjoys going to Germany with her boyfriend where they have a caravan at some camping-site. I'm considering sewing maybe tablecloths for the tables there, with a set of napkins, or perhaps making a fancy laundry-bag (of a recycle shopping-bag and some nice fabric, for when she goes out to the caravan). Not entirely sure yet... Maybe something to pamper herself with, but what? (limited budget, willing to spend time and she'll appreciate that)

Speaking of fabric, I noticed Ikea has some pretty nice fabric. It's not all great and fab, but it can certainly compete with the store where I usually get my fabric. I also noticed they have nice cheap duvet-covers that I could buy just for the fabric. I thought that was pretty good thinking ;)

No clue for boyfriend's birthday though... What can one give a geek that basically has all he wants and needs?

So far, I've only purchased groceries and have not let my temptations get to me, hehe.

Still not sure about going out for dim sum in two weeks. I'd like too, but not sure if I want to spend that money right now. Also noticed it's pretty easy to not even consider things. At work we regularly have outings, that cost a little money. I saw the poster today and immediately thought 'Nope, can't do, No Spending Month!' It feels pretty liberating :)

Though I don't follow any religion I have had a lot of Christian influences in my life (has to do with where I live(d)). Growing up we had Carnival (which shows I grew up down south) and only later I learned this proceeded Lent. Ever since the concept of Lent has intrigued me, not from a religious point of view but more from the challenge point of view.

Lying awake in bed thinking about that and my current situation, I've decided to participate. I will give up frivolous spending and TV for Lent under the following conditions:

• I read Lent is about fasting but Sunday doesn't count.
• I will fast on TV shows except on Sunday when I can watch all I want.
• I will postpone watching that Grey's Anatomy episode till the next Sunday and nobody will give me spoilers!
• I will go for one dim sum lunch on Sunday march 15.
• Boyfriend and mother have their birthday, will spend some money on that as well as the birthing day of my sister's child (not frivolous IMHO).
• I will not spend money on anything else unplanned unless absolutely necessary, which means no booze, no craft supplies, no 'fun' stuff, no iPhone apps, no online ordering. Yes to medical things for me and Nano that can't wait.

As far as I know I'll start wednesday, which is exactly payday. It's a sign ;-)