A New Outlook

As I follow my morning routine this morning, I can feel a nudge and drive in my soul pulling me toward a simpler lifestyle.  I believe this all started with the loss of my Job at the end of March.  I took some time off to really think about the direction I want to move in.  My kids are grown and are leading their own lives.  My husband is a working from home, and I just want less.

Being a Capricorn, things have always been important to me.  Why?  I don't know.  I like to have the latest gadgets, a variety of clothes to choose from, books and movies to occupy my mind, and enough knitting and stitching (craft) supplies to keep me busy.  But as I look around my home I can see that 17 years has really accumulated a lot of STUFF.  We've rotated things out and made donations, but I still have a lot of stuff, everywhere.  The attic is full of not only our own things but now my children's things as well.  A business, A craft room, the man cave, have all been over run with things.

So during my soul searching "time off" I came to the realization that we can do whatever we want.  We aren't tethered to jobs in the city anymore.  Our children are capable of living alone and have.  Two no longer live with us and the third, well he's home from the military and enrolled in college.  He needs to finish school.  But being over the age of 21 and having been in the military (and living miles away from mom) makes him a man.  A man capable of fending for himself.  Does he really need me?

I had a conversation with my husband that began with "Honey, we need to talk.  We need to discuss what we want and what we don't want.  Where do we want to go in the next 5 years, 10 years?  Where do we want to live?  Where do we want to retire?  I think we need to make sure we are both on the same page."  His response was as expected, " OK, when do you want to have this talk?"  "Well" I replied " I was thinking we could have a brief discussion now, then take some time, say a week, to think about things and then revisit this conversation in detail.  I just feel a need for change."  He's an awesome man, and agreed.

Following our conversation, we'd come up with some definite "on the same page" thinking and desires.  We were both on the same page, just maybe on different paragraphs.  We agreed that it's time to downsize our life a bit.  Less is more.  We agreed that if a job opportunity took us out of Florida we'd be excited about that, however to move of our own volition out of the state for a fresh start was impractical due to parents needing us here now or in the future.  We both agreed that we are over Tampa, and ready for a more simplistic lifestyle.  We don't need to have Chinese food delivered, or be able to run to Culver's for hamburgers because we are too tired to cook.  I'd like to have some chickens and have fresh eggs, I don't want to have neighbors, with blaring music or screaming kids that echo through the neighborhood.  I'm ready for change.

Embracing change is the first step.  We are embarking on a journey, but we're taking those steps together, and in reality, he is all I have ever needed.

Officially, we move at the end of June.  To  a house half the size of my current home.  To the country with  2.5 acres of land on a pond, with a vineyard of muscadine grapes, a small persimmon tree orchard, and two established (yet overgrown) irrigated garden areas.

I'll be sharing my journey, as I downsize,  I expect there to be some struggle for me as I let things go...

Great Mail Days

Is there anything more exciting than getting goodies in the mail?  I don't think so.  I LOVE to get magazines, and packages in the mail.  The anticipation of receiving a purchased item just adds to the excitement when it finally arrives.  You just have tear through the packaging to get to the item.

Some things I received in the mail this week:

1) My favorite white eyeliner - I needed a replacement so I ordered NYX white eyeliner on Amazon.  I LOVE Amazon Prime - get it in 2 days.

2. Machete - Wait a minute I didn't order this?  Hmmm, why would Amazon send me a Machete?    Well that's a good question.
ME: "Hello Amazon?  I received a machete that I did not order.  I think there has been a mistake."                                      
AMAZON:"Do you have a shipment tracking number?"                                                               ME: "Yes I do. That number is #### #### #### #### ###"                                           AMAZON:"I'm sorry we don't see that tracking number.  The item may have been sent to you as a gift.  If you weren't expecting a gift, then it's possibly an error, so you can keep the machete, or donate it.  Do what you like with it."      
  ME: "Ok, I don't know who would want to send me a machete but thank you for looking into it."  Have a nice day"

3.  My antioxidant capsules recommended by my dermatologist.

Today Choose Joy by Lizzie* Kate

Never Give Up by Lizzie* Kate

Collect Moments Snippet by Lizzie*Kate

Autumn Tree by Barbara Ann Designs

I know what to do with my eyeliner, and my Heliocare.  However, the Machete?  I gave that to the hubby, and now the only remaining question is... What do I stitch first?

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Life Happens

I'm a terrible blogger!  No, no it's true.  I just get side tracked by something shiny and I'm gone.  Talk about a short attention span.

I've had the last few weeks to take a hard look at myself, and decided changes are in order.  As often happens, LIFE just happened.  My job was terminated due to budgetary cutbacks.  Well that's always a bummer.  And I"ve spent the last few weeks, wasting the hours, playing Diablo III, goofing off on Facebook, Beginning a Project Management Course, doing some chores, and trying to figure out What I want.  I'm not sure I've managed that yet, but stay tuned, more is coming....

My Universe

Me on the shooting range

Hello Fans and Followers -

Carolina Wren living in my mailbox

Sending love to all of you.  Life has thrown me some curve balls this year.  WOW it's already nearing the end of September and I've NO idea where the year went.  Dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and much of our time has been spent with him.  Hubs was laid-off, I got promoted with a ton of extra responsibilities, and then things got really crazy.  Let's break it down:

Dad- he's currently in the hospital and has been for 11 days now.  I'm hoping that we will be able to get him home soon.  There is no doubt that there is definitely a decline happening and it's sad to watch.  I'm grateful that my husband has been able to be the primary care giver as well as that my dad trusts him and allows him to help.  Less so for me.  My sister is now getting to know him, and I'm happy about that.  She is still dealing with some of the feelings that she has.  I love her and she's made a tremendous effort.  I know it was hard for her.

Mr Pitt's Socks for Hubby

Hubby - well the layoff occurred just days before the diagnosis for dad, so you know what they say everything happens for a reason.  I believe it.  With the level of care he needs even with Hospice it is not enough and Hubby has been FANTASTIC.  I couldn't ask for a better man.  He's taking this time to determine what he wants to do, care for my dad, and to work on some training and classes.

Kids - Well DD1 - has been made a store manager of Teavana.  I'm so excited for her.  She has a wonderful career ahead of her if she stays on this path.  I want her to follow her dream.  She's a lovely lady and I hope someone realizes that some day and she finds someone to share that with.  She's a great girl.  DS is doing well and started at the community college.  I'm really proud to see how seriously he is taking his studies.  and DD2- recently was hired on at my company so we get to see other every day.  Very nice.

Socks for DD2

First pair of Fingerless mitts - fantastic

Knitting - Off the Needles - Not much really.  I did finish the socks for my daughter.  I also made a pair of fingerless gloves and the honeycomb cowl.  I did not get pictures of the cowl before I mailed it to it's recipient.  On The Needles: My moderne day log cabin blanket is still on the needles.  I needed a break from it.  I'm currently working on sock 2 of the Mr. Pitts socks for my husband.  I love socks they are so easy and fun.  I still have some shawls on the needles that I want to work on, but haven't in awhile.  When my  son moved home and then dad moved in I had to take a part my stitching/craft room and now I'm living in boxes.

Loose Feathers piece - still in progress

Pulled this LK out of hibernation and finished January

Cross stitch - I joined a group on facebook and have been inspired.  I participated in a few SWAPS. They were fun.  I also joined the Shepherd's Bush Fold this year and have been working on that piece, and I also am part of the SamSarah mystery stitch.  I have it, but have not started stitching it yet.  I am working on a Christmas card piece too (I started last night) for another group swap due to occur at the end of October.  I'm attending the DownSunshineLane Stitch at the Beach getaway this year.  It's in Myrtle Beach.  I'm really looking forward to the get-a-way.  I will be participating in a couple of SWAPs and completed a lovely Halloween piece and purchased some items for the grab bag swap.

You know what they say about the road to heaven - it's paved with good intentions.  Well I'd promise to keep blogging more regularly, but I'd rather not setup a false expectations.  I predict things will get a bit crazier before they get better.  Love and Blessings to you all.........................J

2014 Resolutions and Challenges - long post

Happy New Year!  Yes, I know I'm weeks behind.  I begin prep for New Year Resolutions and Challenges after my Birthday on January 6.  That way if I've decided a diet is in order, and it usually is, then I can enjoy my birthday guilt free.  So here we are January 19 and I'm still pondering my resolutions, and I've decided to ponder some challenges as well.  Time  gets away from me quickly during the week as I'm very focused on my job. Sot that's why today is important in helping me make some decisions instead of just pondering them (we'll see how this works out). 

Before all the Resolutions and Challenges on Jan 1, my cousin-in-law's wife, Ginger (who by the way is a pretty spectacular lady), posted on Facebook that she chooses a word for the year that will lead the way into the year and remind her to stay focused.  I LOVE this idea, and blatantly posted that I would steal it from her.  And I am.  However, I had a strong candidate in my mind that I felt was important in my life, and then after discussion with my daughter and my birthday, another candidate for the year popped up.  So it's caused me to give some additional thought to the word I choose for 2014.   So I'm now selecting between BALANCE and BELIEVE.  Both words hold a significant meaning to me. The battle within continues over these two words and as 2014 starts to fade into memory I realize I need to make this decision fast and soon.

First, the Resolutions, let's review this first. 
1) Diet - isn't this on everybody's resolution list.  I really don't want to think of Diet, I want to embrace a BALANCEd eating plan.  The problem with a diet is that I try to fit myself into somebody elses idea of what a diet is, and I fail because those plans fail to merge with my lifestyle and who I am as a person. So my resolution is really to lose some weight this year.  (This is not going so well yet, however this is why I never start on Jan 1)
2) Money- this is probably on everyone's list as well, I want to save some money this year and reduce my personal spending.  I need to reduce some of the nickle and dimeing that adds up to over spending.  So reducing my Itunes spending and my purchases on facebook will help.  I will reduce my hobby spending and only purchase yarn if needed for a project I intend to work and complete in 2014.
3) Cleaning - OH this is a big one for me.  I HATE cleaning. My husband does most of it on a daily basis, and I jump in where needed.  I do the laundry he does the dishes, he sweeps, I sweep neither of us like to dust.  So I resolve to clean to more.  More specifics to come
4)Reduce, Reuse & Recycle -words to live by.  I'm resolving to find new ways to reuse and refurbish old items in my home.  I want to reduce waste overall.
5)Focus- I need to focus on our business and I resolve to put forth some additional effort into the tea room and JTRB Images.
6) Exercise - get more exercise into my life.
7) Blog more and regularly

That's my list of resolutions.  They're common ones for most I think.  That's why I usually don't believe in resolutions, but they are a great place to begin when attempting to reach goals. 
So on to the Challenges
1) In an effort to assist with the Diet and Money resolutions, I'm considering on a homemade food challenge.  In essence We (Greg & I) will commit to homemade meals for breakfast lunch and dinner.  This means no fast food or eating out for the year.  Instead I will put my multitude of cookbooks to good use and come up with some tasty and nutritious meals that we can enjoy.  This would be HUGE commitment because with my work schedule I'm usually too tired to cook, but if we both commit it should be easy.  Maybe I can get the kids in on it too.  Rally the forces so to speak.  The RULES:

• 1. All meals must be made here at home. 
• 2. No store bought pre-made frozen meals or processed foods.  I will have to develop some exceptions to this rule.
• 3. Exceptions - Birthday's and special events, trips to Disney and the Storm Games (meals are included in our tickets)
• Blog the recipes, and the updates

2)The Money Challenge, I have started the 52 week Money Challenge in an effort to save some money.  I've saved Week 1, Week 2 & Week 3 already and have a total of $6.  If your not familiar with this challenge, in essence you save the amount of the week.  For example Week 1 you save a $1, Week 2 you save $2, and by Week 52 you save $52.  So at the end of the year (52 weeks) you have accumulated and saved a total of $1378.00.  I do not have a designation for this money yet.  I have seen variations on this saving method using quarters to help kids save money, and also multiplying it out by the amount of people in the family to take a Disney vacation.  Very versatile.
3) Reduce the clutter and get organized - enough said here.

Each year I try and create some personal goals based on resolutions and challenges.
The Goals
1) Complete 1 knitting UFO this year in addition to normal knitting
2) Complete 2 Cross Stitch pieces this year
3) Read 4 books (1 per quarter)
4) Lose 50 lbs
5) Walk 10,000 steps daily
6) Reduce the clutter
7) Open the Tea Room

So with all of this I think it's pretty clear why BALANCE and BELIEVE are difficult words to choose between.  What I'm currently working on ..... well that's another post.

Happy New Year,  May 2014 bring you all that you desire.  For me, I want Health, Prosperity, and Time.  Have a GREAT Year

Aw, Sunday mornings?  What can be better?  I know! Sunday morning the day before a holiday.  Yes, that would be better, sadly work resumes tomorrow.  After a Saturday of driving all over the Tampa Bay Area, including St Pete, Largo, Clearwater, Tampa, and Spring Hill, scouting locations for my business, it's nice to know I have today to relax.  Of course that includes doing the laundry.

The walk with the dogs was uneventful.  Rosie, our new dog, is slowly acclimating to the routine.  Learning when Dad wakes up it's time to walk, and eat.  Too Much energy!  So with the walk under our belts, it's back home for doggie treats, and breakfast.  With the pups fed, time to focus on the humans...So this morning started with a blog, HugsandCookiesXOXO to be specific.  She has some amazing food, so I remembered seeing a french toast stick. Yes, that would be perfect, I need to use up some bread...so Cinnamon French Toast Sticks it is.  You can find the inspiration recipe for my version here http://www.hugsandcookiesxoxo.com/2013/08/french-toast-sticks-stuffed-with.html.  Now I only used 2 Tablespoons of sugar in my filling and I used regular granulated sugar as well.  I make a lot of items with cream cheese and know how to get the results I want.  I added about 1/2 cup of frozen strawberries to my mixture, I thawed them in the microwave.  Now they made the filling a bit looser than the original recipe, but it was light and airy and it stayed in the roll without too much fuss.  I did not add any additional sugar thinking the cinnamon sugar coating on the outside of the roll would be sweet enough, and I was right.  I served mine with 2 turkey sausage patties, and I made a type of fritata to go with the sweet treat.  The Fritata started with 1/2 cup of bell pepper, 1/2 cup of onion, chopped and lightly sweated in an oven proof pan. I added a couple handfuls (about 1 cup) of frozen hashbrowns and let that all cook up together for a bit. I scrambled 7 eggs with 1/8 cup of water, salt and pepper to taste and then poured that over the onion and pepper mixture.  I popped that in the oven at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes.  After the eggs had set a bit, I opened the oven added a few slices of tomato to the top and some mixed low fat Italian cheese (about 1/2 cup) to the top and then baked another 10 minutes until cooked and the cheese was melted.  Wouldn't you know I forgot to take the "beauty" shot but oh well you get what you get...

 Breakfast was delicious.  The Hubs was very satisfied, although he had regular sausage.  I can't serve him the french toast sticks being sweet and then just sausage, he will always want eggs, and I just didn't feel fried eggs this morning.  So now that he's fed he's off to the tire place to put tires on Kelsie's car and get the suspension checked.  What a good Dad.  And for Kristy my gluten free daughter who is laden with anthropology homework I made a cinnamon toast using her UDI's glutten free french baguette.  She used the strawberry cream cheese filling as a dipping sauce for her treat.  Kristy is also my foodie, as we discussed the flavors of the french toast sticks, we felt those would make a wonderful dessert, however to serve for dessert I would dip half the stick in a lovely dark chocolate ganache, and Voila! dessert is served.  Easy-peasy

Thus ends the food related part of the blog.....

Now onto the knitting and crafting.  So I was feeling especially seasonal this morning.  The weather here today is AMAZING.  It's warm with a light breeze, but the temperature has that seasonal feeling that summer is ending.  Now in Tampa, that is a very subtle temperature change.  So I pulled out the fall linens for the table..

I still need a centerpiece.  Hubs made me put back the hurricane lamp I wanted yesterday (kill joy), but oh well, I'm sure I can find something else I just need some time to think....

I'm also working on an Afghan, the Moderne Log Cabin by Mason-Dixon Knitting.  You can find the pattern on Ravelry at http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/moderne-log-cabin-blanket.  My color selections are tan, brown, light green and a deep purple.  I'm currently on block 3, and I think this is going to be huge.  It's easy, straight garter stitch all the way. Which right now is all I can handle, based on the fact that I'm entering the busy season at work.  I'm just happy to be knitting.  I am inspired for crafting and decorating this year, so it's gonna be a great year.  Now back to the blanket.  I'm using Caron Simply Soft Eco.  GASP, I know, I know it's acrylic and polyester, however in my household with the dogs and my family I have to have something easily washable and not having to worry about the use of expensive wool.  I keep that for myself ...shhhh...did I say that out loud?
My colors are Perfect Plum, Wheat, Sprig, and Soft Taupe.
I'm having some fun with this.  It's a lot of knitting and getting larger and larger.  I can't wait to see how it turns out.  For the cross stitch side of life, I'm working on my old Blackbird piece, and I've made some headway, but not much.  I'll post more info on this piece in the next post as I'm being pressured to get finished with the blog to hit Office Depot....So with that being said TTFN for this week, and I will see you soon.  Enjoy your Sunday....