• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Country Life Experiment

Simple Country Living

  • Home
  • About
    • Start Here
    • FAQs
    • Contact
    • Disclosure
  • Food
    • Mains
    • Desserts
    • Cakes & Biscuits
    • Jams & Preserves
    • Snacks & Treats
    • Drinks
    • Food Hacks
    • Recipe List
  • Simple Living
    • Organisation
  • Garden
  • Country Life
  • Family Time
    • Kid Wrangling
  • DIY
    • Farm House
    • Crochet
    • Christmas

Seven Things You Don’t Know About Me

When I read a blog, I imagine what the author is like based on what I know about them; their words and pictures. But of course, blogs don’t tell everything about a person. In fact they tell you very little. So today I thought I would share a few things about myself that you probably don’t know:

I talk to myself – quite often. Sometimes I’m imagining a conversation, while at other times I am sorting out something in my head. Country Boy often catches me in conversation and laughs at me. I maintain that when I start surprising myself with my answers, then I will worry.

I’m naturally introverted. I hate meeting lots of new people at once. Going into a room full of strangers is hard work. I’m better than I used to be, but I would never say I am excited to meet new people. Moving here was hard because I didn’t know many people at all. A common misconception is that because I’m a teacher, I’m outgoing, and wouldn’t get stressed about public speaking – this is not true!

I’m not always happy-go-lucky. Life is not all rainbows and unicorns. I know that I am super lucky to be where I am. I have a great husband, and great kids. I put on a good show. I doesn’t mean that life is always great though. Sometimes life is just tough. Whether it be a situation at work, or just feeling overwhelmed with the amount of responsibility that I carry, or being tired and frustrated with the kids. It can get to me. Yes I’m good at coping, and yes I put my head down and keep ploughing on, but that doesn’t get rid of the fact that it is hard! And sometime I snap and get cranky! I wish I didn’t, but I’m telling truths today!

I like to be punctual. In fact I consider it rude to be late without either phoning ahead or having a good reason (ie flat tire/ medical emergency). If you have told someone that you will be somewhere, then don’t turn up or let them know you will be late in advance, you are basically saying to them “I am more important than you, so you can just wait until I am ready”. Of course things popup unexpectedly, but have the courtesy to call ahead if you will be late… Just sayin’!

I buy the same lunch everyday. That is right – Every. Single. Day. In fact the staff at work have a running joke about my gourmet chicken rolls. The school canteen makes them fresh daily, they are full of salad, and tasty. In a life which is full of decisions about food and cooking food, this is one less! In holidays, I stand at the fridge and wonder what to have before making vegemite toast.

I’m not an outdoorsy type of person. I guess with the whole farm thing going on, a lot of people think I would be a lover of the great outdoors. I am coming around slowly, but I still love to curl up with a book, or make something much more than playing around outdoors. Having said that, in Spring and Autumn, when the weather is gorgeous, I love taking the camera out to snap some pictures.

I don’t watch the news or current affairs on tv. I’m not naive. I know that there is a lot of bad/ scary/ horrific things happening in the world. The 24 hour news cycle makes sure that it is all delivered to us almost as it happens. It’s just that I don’t want those things in my head all the time (and I don’t want my kids to have to see them either). It is too easy to loose faith in humanity, and forget that there are lots of good things happening in the world too. After all good news isn’t really news at all any more. Instead I listen to the radio on the way to work, and read the news online.

So there you go: seven things you didn’t know. Of course there is lots more you don’t know about me, but I will keep that for another time!

Let everyone know:

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • More
  • Tumblr
  • Pocket
  • Print
  • LinkedIn
  • Reddit

You should also check out...

Previous Post: « DIY-ing
Next Post: A Walk Around The Grounds »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sonia@ LIfe Love and Hiccups says

    August 26, 2014 at 11:12 pm

    We are so alike in many ways Jo – especially the news turning off. I have been attacked on so may occasions by people for not watching the news and it isnt because I am turning a blind eye – I just cant get the images out of my head. Lovely to get to know you better hun and ahem I was the crankiest mum i the world this morning xx

    Reply
  2. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 24, 2014 at 2:16 am

    Ha! They are pretty good, but to be honest, lunch is not something that is on my radar. I usually gulp it down between playground duties, or lesson plans etc. It is nice to not have to make a decision!

    Reply
  3. Alicia-OneMotherHen says

    August 24, 2014 at 12:13 am

    I don't think I could eat the same thing everyday, they must be fantastic rolls! Otherwise I am very similar to what you have shared xx

    Reply
  4. Lisa says

    August 21, 2014 at 11:25 am

    The news is pretty horrible these days, I often have tears in my eyes from the things that humans do to each other. I am an introvert by nature and being punctual is a country thing. Thanks for sharing more about yourself.

    Reply
  5. Elisha Ross says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:19 am

    BBBBBRRRRRRR!!!!!!

    Reply
  6. Teresa Knitbakecultivate says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:19 am

    I must admit, I did the same thing a couple of sundays ago – although we were on a weekend away so it was a bit novel. The frost over the paddocks was wonderful, but my photos were nowhere near as good as these. T x

    Reply
  7. Jacana says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:19 am

    Love the toasted marshmallows that go with a bonfire.

    Reply
  8. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:19 am

    Ha! Not sure I'm perfect, but we do love to have guests.

    Reply
  9. Alicia-OneMotherHen says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:19 am

    Too cool 🙂

    Reply
  10. Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:19 am

    I start planning next year's garden in the middle of the current summer!! 🙂 It's always a struggle to plant the right amount but not too much, trying to take into consideration that you'll lose some plants. I think next year I'm going to try cucamelons and a few different varieties of winter squash.

    Reply
  11. Brenda @ 13 Acres says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:19 am

    Yes, i just did our big Diggers seed purchase. We hope to grow a good crop of tomatoes for passata too!

    Reply
  12. liz @ Strayed Table says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Great photos, and nice to see a few raindrops too. Extending the garden is a bit exciting, I am doing the same too, just got it ploughed yesterday.

    Reply
  13. GoingGreen says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    we also plan our summer garden in winter, dreaming of all the summer goodies in winter makes for a good afternoon.

    Reply
  14. Teresa Knitbakecultivate says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    It will be worth all the hard work when you reap the rewards. I will come back to this post for tips when we do our own orchard after our tree change. Hope the bird netting set up goes well.

    Reply
  15. Rae Hilhorst says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Just such stunning photos, I know your country life has many challenges, but what an awesome job you are doing x

    Reply
  16. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Thanks Rae! This kind of thing is definitely the fun part of our life!

    Reply
  17. Teresa Knitbakecultivate says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Fab idea. Those bubbles are HUGE!

    Reply
  18. Staci@LifeAtCobbleHillFarm says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    your photos are always amazing and draw me right in. Looks like some cozy time spent together!!

    Reply
  19. Katie says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Lovely photos. Looks cosy and happy.

    Reply
  20. Rae Hilhorst says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Very cosy, I am about to sit down with the latest Country Style, I see you have one in your pile x

    Reply
  21. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Thanks Staci! It is lovely to be inside in the warmth

    Reply
  22. Sonia@ LIfe Love and Hiccups says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    I am so not a winter person but you make it sound almost enticing. I think you could perhaps sell ice to an eskimo too xx

    Reply
  23. Fiona says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    It's a glass of wine and birthday cake for me! All the while in my comfy trackies – BLISS!

    Reply
  24. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    I'm not a winter person either, though I am coming around to it a little more. It does help that the farm isn't so busy at this time of year. Spring, Summer, and Autumn are always hectic with gardens, harvests and animals.

    Reply
  25. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    sounds heavenly!

    Reply
  26. Rae Hilhorst says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    If I meet someone I know I avoid at all costs looking in their trolley so I won't be tempted to judge xx

    Reply
  27. Christine Karlov says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    how lovely and cosy 🙂 I enjoy cooking more in winter. We had a beef and veggie pie with potato and greens tonight, it was really comfort eating and so satisfying

    Reply
  28. Erin aussiebookthreads says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Love it:) Hey we're reading the Hobbit too!

    Reply
  29. Stonefruit Season says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Absolutely! Nothing more to do on such cold days. We're loving our books!

    Reply
  30. Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    How awesome dad reading The Hobbit, this is one of my hubby's fav books ever, he can't wait to read it to our three!

    Reply
  31. liz @ Strayed Table says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    My hubby can't wait to read Isla the Hobbit. Glad to see your all cozy and love your magazine collection.

    Reply
  32. Elisha Ross says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Take over central here!! ha ha.. Good morning to you and what a lovely surprise to read this morning. Thank you very much Jo, and in good company amongst all the other lovely blogs including yours. Im off to check out Hugo and Elsa now. Have a great week. x

    Reply
  33. Anne Wheaton says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Shady Baker is a wonderful blog http://shadybaker.blogspot.com

    Reply
  34. Lisa says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Love it – will be sharing lovely lady xx

    Reply
  35. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Will have to check it out!

    Reply
  36. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    You're welcome!

    Reply
  37. Mel @ Coal Valley View says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Wow, what a lovely surprise! Thanks so much for the mention Jo, made my day 🙂 Off to check out The Windmill Paddock now…Mel x

    Reply
  38. Seona says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    I love reading every one of your posts, I would love to live on the land with a big veggie patch. Reading is my escape from my little 2 bed unit in the hussle and bussle of the Gold Coast. Keep up the good work

    Reply
  39. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Thanks Lisa!

    Reply
  40. AN B says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Hi Jo, I really enjoy your blog, I love your photos and like reading about how different but yet similar our lives are. If you feel like reading about my little slice of suburbia come visit me at http://www.suburbansonnet.blogspot.com (now back after a bit of a hiatus)

    Reply
  41. Elisha Ross says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    I hope you keep blogging. I enjoy seeing the goings on and ventures on your farm and I love your photos. You give me good ideas for our own little plot here in the backyard; chook pending. While its fun and you are enjoying it, why the hell not.

    Reply
  42. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Wow! Thanks for following along!

    Reply
  43. Anne says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Hi I am a big fan of A Year In My Garden. Jools the lady who writes the blog is from the Southern Highlands and does amazing photography.

    Reply
  44. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Will definitely be looking up that one!

    Reply
  45. Erin aussiebookthreads says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Jo

    Love Mel's blog:) read alot of country living blogs, guess cause I'm a country girl too. Sharing some here for you

    Country ones

    http://gooseberryjamman.blogspot.com/

    and some Outback ones

    http://cattle-kids-chaos.blogspot.com/

    http://mcarthurverandah.blogspot.com/

    http://thequietlifeqld.blogspot.com/

    http://shadybaker.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  46. Lisa @ Random Acts Of Zen says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    And that's the best reason to keep doing it Jo! x

    Reply
  47. joolzmac1 says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Any little boy would be thrilled with a cake like that – its so clever! I always made my girls their cakes but only decorated them nicely – usually pretty pink for girls with icing flowers and cachous etc. I was never into creating masterpieces. I think Brianna wants a Dolly Varden cake (with a Barbie sticking out of it) for her 21st this year because she missed out! I don't have any guilt as there are plenty of mums who just buy a choc mudcake from Woolworths and that's it!

    Reply
  48. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    I had a dolly varden once when I was a kid.

    Reply
  49. Rae Hilhorst says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    That's a massive project x

    Reply
  50. GoingGreen says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    your cake looks great, i hope Toby had a wonderful birthday. yes i have made too many fancy cakes to count, trains, characters from tv shows and movies. im glad my boys are grown and now the cakes are a lot easier. i had to laugh when you said he wanted a "bommy knocker" cake, one of my sons want one of those but it wasnt a wrecking ball it was one of those metal balls with spikes on a chain and a wooden handle.

    Reply
  51. Alicia-OneMotherHen says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    One of mine is asking for a 'Frozen' cake and the other Barbie! I have to think of something simple but looks like I've slaved for days! This cake looks awesome, and not too difficult, I am wishing one of them was a boy!

    Reply
  52. GoingGreen says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    you guys did a great job, that netting is awful to work with but it does a great job. the birds get more of our fruit than we get, its the cockatoos that do the most damage, they are at the fruit before its nowhere near ready.

    Reply
  53. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    What about a marshmallow snowman, and a heap of white coconut snow everywhere! If you're up for a bit more trouble, you could use white chocolate to pipe a whole lot of white snowflakes to stick all over it too!

    Reply
  54. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Ha! Love it. Did you make it???

    Reply
  55. Alicia-OneMotherHen says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Hey, they are some good ideas. Thank you 🙂

    Reply
  56. GoingGreen says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    yeah i made it just like all the other imposable cakes, it always seems like a good idea at the time until something goes wrong and your fixing it 5 mins before it goes out.

    Reply
  57. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Thanks Janine!

    Reply
  58. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Thanks Lisa!

    Reply
  59. Alicia-OneMotherHen says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Oooh, I've been wanting to get a letter punch set. It's been bitterly cold here, the beanies and coats have been out and I have never used my scarves as much. Your blog design looks great 🙂

    Reply
  60. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    There is always something to keep us busy! A bathroom reno sounds exciting though!

    Reply
  61. Lisa says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    What a beautiful taking stock. I grew up in the country and I really crave the sun-winter is too cold for me. Love your header, I think I may have told you that already but it looks great.

    Reply
  62. shambolicliving says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Hope your voice comes back soon! Blog redesign is lovely.

    Reply
  63. Reannon @shewhorambles says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Just clicked over from a link Lisa shared- loved what I've read so far 🙂

    Reply
  64. Jo@Countrylifeexperiment says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    I got the punches off ebay – they weren't expensive at all.

    Reply
  65. Kim H says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    I feel like I've missed WAY too many of your posts lately:( I've loved being back here, catching up. everything's looking so lovely, Jo. Wow, the orchard's netted? Exciting. And a little birthday boy has had a gorgy looking birthday cake too:) Hoping you're well, Jo and that I won't be away from here for this long again:) xx

    Reply
  66. Staci@LifeAtCobblehillFarm says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Adorable!! What a great idea – you are so creative. 🙂

    Reply
  67. Erin aussiebookthreads says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    The picture of the star picket shows just how much frost! brrrr

    Reply
  68. Molly says

    August 21, 2014 at 6:50 am

    I'm right there with you on many things. I am not a teacher, but used to be in childcare, currently a stay at home mum, but when I was working I had to put on a brave face everyday, talking to parents and staff and the kids…I don't do public speaking!!!! I avoid all forms of news unless I walk into the room when hubby watching it. Nothing nice ever happens, sick of all the negativity in the world. Thank you so much for sharing! I try to have something new everyday for lunch tho….I get bored too easily if I don't…but if its something really yummy I might have it twice in a row.

    Reply
  69. GoingGreen says

    August 21, 2014 at 2:08 am

    i am the same as you with the first four and the last one i dont ever watch the news on tv, on line or the radio, if there is something i need to know my husband will tell me . I find the news to be too graphic they dont need to show all the footage that they do.

    Reply
  70. Barbara Good says

    August 21, 2014 at 1:36 am

    Wow, I could have written this word for word, right down to being a teacher but also an introvert not good at public speaking! I don't live on a farm but have moved out of the city to a regional town where I know very few people – that has been really tough especially as I don't currently worth either.
    There is one part I don't share, the buying the same lunch thing. When I was last teaching (a year ago now) the canteen was terrible, so I brought the same lunch everyday from home!

    I've been loving your blog by the way.

    Reply
  71. babblingbandit.me says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:19 am

    I don't know if it is that I am super tired but reading your taking stock post relaxed me. Your life in the country, described in a few dot points, sounds blissful. With three kids, I bet it is a little rowdier in real life though. V.

    Reply
  72. Beachstylemum says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:19 am

    Such great tips! So true about feeding the kids every 2 hours to maintain happiness levels and love your comment about including the adults in playtime. Definitely helps rebalance a situation and everyone gets the benefits 🙂

    Reply
  73. Rosehips and Rhubarb says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:19 am

    This is an incredibly useful and interesting post. You sound like the perfect host.

    Reply
  74. Kate @ From Katie to Kate says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Nothing I love more than being snug and warm inside sharing a book with the little ones too.

    Reply
  75. Kate @ From Katie to Kate says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    Bet the students LOVE a voiceless teacher! July? I'm just relieved I made it through July… winter blues get to me. But not yet! Yay!

    Reply
  76. Rosehips and Rhubarb says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:18 am

    I want to agree with everyone else. Your blog design is lovely and so true to who you are and what your blog about.

    My July was lovely but is sadly over and I'm now in the midst of a bathroom renovation and Semester 2 work for my Masters (and kids and work and all the other stuff that makes up my life!)

    Reply

Have your say... Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I’m Jo

I'm a city girl turned farmer's wife, school teacher, ideas woman, and mum to three country kids. Country Life Experiment is all about simple country living, growing and making our own food, and life on our family farm in rural Australia. Join me as I give country living a try. Read more...
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram

Search

Browse by month

INSTAGRAM

A lovely, easy Christmas with family, good food, a A lovely, easy Christmas with family, good food, a few presents, an afternoon swim and dinner on the veranda as the sun set. Time to stop and be thankful for the many blessings of the year. I hope you had a lovely Christmas too!
We have been mulling over how to fix up the drivew We have been mulling over how to fix up the driveway and lead up to our house for a while. Currently it’s just a dumping ground for old bits of metal and a big pile of mulch, but C would like to create a turning area and put in a garden. First up though, there’s a huge old stump that needs to go. What better excuse is there to have a fire on Sunday afternoon? C and the kids jumped on the quad bike and trailer, and hauled back a big pile of sticks and logs to help the stump burn. Once the fire was going, marshmallows were found and roasted. No better way to spend time together.
Team work makes the dream work. We were asked rec Team work makes the dream work. 
We were asked recently whether we “make” our kids work on the farm. The answer is of course not. Having said that, all three love to help out whenever they can. They all work hard because they want to; because they take pride in working hard and contributing in a meaningful way to our family life; because they love living on our farm and don’t remember life before we moved here. Whether it be planting trees or doing sheep work or feeding animals, they all want to be involved. As a parent, nothing is better than watching them grow in skill and confidence as they work along side you. We’re so glad that we get to spend time with our three, working together.
We’ve had an unexpected addition to the family ☘️🐑. She is a lot easier to look after than the other family members but she does try to escape her yard and head butt people. Poddy lambs are super cute but they tend to think they are a human. Clover the lamb is sure that Meg is her mum. Can’t think why… 🤔🤣
The perfect way to end a long winter weekend: toge The perfect way to end a long winter weekend: together, cooking damper around the remains of the bonfire.
It’s been a tough few weeks on the farm. We got It’s been a tough few weeks on the farm. We got through shearing without a hitch (thankfully 🙏) but we’ve had a run of the flu followed by Covid run through the family since then. The kids and I have tested positive (this is my second time getting it 🦠) though so far C has managed to avoid it. There has been a lot of lying on the couch feeling pretty ordinary. Han had to reschedule her driving test for a 4th time due to Covid, which is disappointing for her because she wants her freedom and for us because it would be so much more convenient if she could drive herself places. Just to add in to the mix, our hot water system has chosen now as a good time to die so we’re on cold showers until we’re all out of iso. This is not meant to be a whinging post but sometimes life just sucks a bit and it’s good to be real. Fortunately, the sight of the fire going with a stack of wood next to it cheers us up. Things will improve soon. Onwards we go…

Newsletter

Popular Posts

{Recipe} Spiced Plum Paste
Pickled Cucumbers
Pumpkin Fruit Cake
How Our Three Children Share A Bedroom.... Successfully
Homemade Honeycomb
Passionfruit Shortcake

Categories

Footer

Hi, I’m Jo

City girl turned farmer's wife, school teacher, ideas woman, and mum to three country kids. Country Life Experiment is all about simple country living, growing and making our own food, and life on our family farm in rural Australia. Join me as I give country living a try. Read more...
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Copyright © 2023 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress