Checking in after checking out for awhile

Sorry that I checked out for awhile. Work, home, life in general has been so demanding lately that I got that Calgon moment feeling...you know, the one where you beg to be taken away! So, when I get that *gotta get away* feeling, I usually heed it. Otherwise, I end up getting depressed and then I am not good to anyone.
Actually, this time, I didn’t heed the early warning signs and I realized a bit too late that I should have regrouped because I got that *don’t care* anymore attitude. A sure sign of burnout.. Fortunately, I caught it before I got into that *Life Slump* mode, the one where you check out emotionally, physically and mentally. I’ve been there and I don’t like the scenery, so I avoid getting to that spot at all costs. Fortunately, I didn’t travel there because the road back is long and rocky.

Work was and continues to be grueling. I am not complaing, no, it’s good to be busy. We had a hugh Customer audit last week, one where we prepared for 6 weeks in advance. We did well. I spent an inordinate amount of time at work preparing engineers, line operators, management and all that work culminated into 12 hour days last week during the audit. Tired, you bet!

Next week, we are working an internal audit. Long days again but without that pressure of jobs on the line.

On the home front, we have reached an accord with Mr. Contractor. We went to court and Mr. Contractor has 60 days to right his wrong with us. Needless to say, to save his sorry a$$, he came up with a proposal that we going to go with because a) financially we can not start this job from scratch a second time and b) we need closure.

He has us by the short hairs and he knows it. If we declined his proposal, he would just go bankrupt and we would lose our 50K and be stuck with a house that’s in a state of dishevelment with NO money to fix it. I need to get my house in order and get this depressing sight off my back. I sigh each time I come into our driveway and view the mess that I call home. So today, I get to repurchase windows that I already paid for once but hey, what’s another 20K in the grand scheme of things? Only my peace of mind and my retirement.

Are we uncomfortable with this arrangement, well yes, yes we are uncomfortable but we really do not have a choice. My only consolation is that we have NY State Supreme Court teeth behind us. I do not trust this man nor do I believe what he tells us. We've caught him in about a half dozen lies already trying to keep his head above water. And me, I kick myself each time I think I think of how I protected him for almost a year and put a strain on my marriage, my sanity and my health.

Regarding my needle and thread, I have completed all my exchanges now and I am free to stitch for myself for a little while. I had grandious plans for the holidays but like most of my plans they look great in my mind’s eye but not so good in the execution phase. There’s not enough time to stitch gifts unless I stick to small ornie type gifts of which I may do one or 3.

I spent yesterday (I took a mental health day) stitching on Maria Short. Not a lot of progress for 5 hours of stitching. I am s-l-o-o-o-w. On Saturday, I worked on a Halloween scissor fob. Not hard stitching, just a lot of color changes. It’s the finishing that I fiddled with for at least 4 hours. I am so finishing challenged! Or I’ve set my expectations so high that I can’t possibly meet them. Of course, I didn’t get half the stitching I intended to get done with my 3 day weekend but it sure felt good stitching.

In between exchange stitching, I started working on Primitive Needle's, Hallow Game Board. Unfortunately, the piece is possessed. I can not count on that piece for anything and I must have ripped out the border and the stars at least 3 times. I am stitching it on Lakeside's Autumn Gold linen and it feels scratchy. When stitching on it, the floss feel like it’s catching on the fabric and the threads are abrading even though I am using a short length. Frustrated, yes, but I love the piece and I want it on the wall next Halloween. So I will persevere.

Oh, and guess what else!!! I picked up my beloved, John Foster, from the framer. Boy oh boy, John is one handsome sampler, framed in burled wood. He is very GQ and he knows it, strutting his gorgeous self. Once again, the framer was unimpressed by his bright house and garden motifs but what does it matter, it is me who he must impress and he has my heart. Love ya, John Foster!!!

Once again, thanks for hanging in there with me. I am abundantly blessed in so many ways and I recognize the challenges that I face are just speed bumps. They get me down but are put into perspective when I step back and look at all the great things in my life.

Thanks for visiting and I promise pictures of some goodies and stitching progress.

The CADET IS COMING HOME!!!!

Oh, in about 2.5 hours, my boy will be walking off a plane from Detroit...he's coming home from field training! He called this morning at 5:30AM just to say hi (we haven't heard his sweet voice in a month) and it was so cool to hear him! He called a few times today, mainly cause he's got long layovers in Denver and Detroit.

Field training was quite the experience, I guess. He was ranked in the middle of his Flight of 22 which was the best flight of the three in this session. He's pretty pleased with himself overall with his performance in the flight.

While we were talking to him, he gave us his full itinerary for the weekend. By 5:30AM, he had made plans for me to make him a lasagna dinner when he got home tonight, vanilla cappuccinos and bagels in the morning, leaving for Rochester bright and early, shopping at various stores, including the bookstore and grocery store, and then topped off with treating him, the lovely Jenna and one of his buddies to dinner and ice cream. Whew! There's a lot of running around in the next day but who am I to refuse The Cadet?!!

I thought I was going to have a relaxing 4 day weekend but my boss has other plans for me. I have to put together a presentation for him (and me) for the 8 o'clock AM staff meeting with the Sr. Exec team. I have to be at work earlier to go over it with him before the meeting. Actually, I am a bit excited about all of this cause I think he's finally comfortable with me doing these things with him. Normally, I think he would have just done the presentation himself or had Tom do the work for him but this time it's my job. I just hope I do a good job for him and don't make him look like a fool...eek!

SO...I AM VERY HAPPY right now, cause my CADET is almost home!!

Where did my stitching mojo go?

Has anyone seen my stitching mojo? I think I misplaced it. Or maybe, it went to Aruba on holiday. Anyway, it seems to be lost. If you happen across it, please send it home, as it's owner is missing it. Terribly.

I haven't stitched anything in at least a week and a half. Just don't feel like it. Is it the Dog Days of Summer? Or just a needed break? I finished off a giftie and that's about it. For a few days, I looked for the fabric to M.Pollard cause I misplaced her. But I found her hiding out with another WIP this morning. Now she is snuggled up with the pattern and silk in her own little project bag. Guess she needed a vacation too.

I have been perusing blogs though and I must say they are keeping my creativity and desire to stitch alive right now. That and the embarrassing amount of stash that I bought recently. Shall I tell you about my Prairie Schooler binge?

Work is still the Land of the Drama Queens. I want to get off this project soon. Have to chat with Mr. Manager about it though, but I think he wants me to corral the misfits. Blech. I don't want to mother 50yr old women who whine for their supper. Mr. Manager, I am not up to the task. Nor, Mr. Manager, am I paid enough to take them on. It makes me tired....

Well, I thought I'd post just to say hey, I'm still here! Did you miss me? And to say, thanks for coming by the most boring blog in blogworld. I am glad you are here though. I appreciate all of you very much and welcome your comments.

Oh, and when the recipient of the giftee receives it...I'll post a picture, I don't want to spoil the surprise!