I survived Christmas orders, both customs and 'in stock', managed to Christmas shop and actually mail packages to family in a timely fashion. No more last minute, have to overnight and pay exorbitant fees for me! Thankfully, my honey pulls his share and we tackled the task as a well oiled machine. Matching jammie sets were the in thing this year and I may just add them to the store. I also created a felt tool set as a custom order, Pops building an awesome wooden tool box, and we loved the end result so much, it, too, will get added this year! And! We actually decorated the house and put up a tree even after this Grinch said, bah hum bug early in the season. Christmas music certainly helped.
On top of everything else I normally do, I signed up for online writing classes this year, hoping to recapture my muse. I really would love to finish my novel this year and my brain cells needed a jump start. It worked, slightly, I do write again. I also started writing some occasional 'ramblings' to a small but faithful group of family and friends. Sometimes stories of work, sometimes a rant, sometimes just rambling. Thank you to those who tolerate these emails and a special thanks to those who provide feedback!
I also decided that I would like to learn how to decorate cookies. I don't mean throwing some frosting on cookies, I mean really decorating them. I tried and tweaked many a recipe and found a sugar cookie I was happy with and plan on making beach themed cookies for Adrian's wedding in May! I did a trial transport at Thanksgiving and was quite happy with the way the treats arrived.
We planned a last minute trip to FL over Thanksgiving and I'm so happy my aunt planned a mini family reunion. I saw family I haven't seen in years and it was wonderful to reconnect. I was also happy to spend the day with my mom and some time with Adrian, Brian and his family. Laughs are always abundant in my family and this trip was no exception.
Of course we saw the grandbabies as much as possible and enjoyed keeping them for a weekend while Tabetha and Jeremy celebrated their anniversary away and childless! I got my McDonald's fix for the year! Hope we have as much time or more this coming year with them. I know Mark wants to make a trip so we can ski at least once.
Adrian is training to run a half marathon and I would encourage everyone to donate to her cause!
I spent two days cleaning and organizing my sewing room, affectionately called the Toy Box, and now am craving the feel of fabric. I may spend this first day of 2011 sewing. It was a total disaster after Christmas production and needed some serious organizing. I still have a box of pattern pieces to sort and put away, but I think I need to feed my soul by sewing for fun first. Maybe some outfits for the babies.
Here's wishing you peace, love, and good health throughout the new year and here's wishing me better time management skills, a creative mind, and a peaceful year!
