Holiday comes to an end

Stitch and Frame, my LNS, had a Happy New Year sale on January 1.  Just so happened that I got some money and a gift certificate for Christmas, so what better time than this to go stash shopping?  

I’ve had my eye on a pretty pair of copper colored scissors for a while, and they were just what I had in mind when I requested the gift certificate. 

I’ve admired several of the samplers by Lizzy Kate, but when I saw Alphabet Lessons I couldn’t resist.  I picked up the LHN Sampler Monthly for Jan/Feb I’d ordered, and one of the ornaments of the month that I’ll be getting monthly.  I also picked up a snowman chart from the sale bin and some linens – do you think I have favorite colors?

So this helps define some of my goals for 2010.  I’ve updated the list on my left sidebar if you care to take a look.  I’ve one finish – the little sampler I did trying out one of the sulky threads, and one new start – the LK Alphabet Lessons.

To add a little time for stitching – ha – I got myself a Roomba – the little robot that does the vacuuming for you.  I’ve only used it a couple of times, but so far I love it!  My floors are nice and shiny, and all I had to do was push a button and then empty the little bin.  

The holiday break is just about over – back to work tomorrow.  It really doesn’t matter how long the break is, I’m never ready to go back.  The good news is that we will have a holiday on January 18, MLK Day.  Then there’s the stitching retreat to plan for in mid-late March!

Quit Smoking update:  A big thank you to so many of you who offer encouragement and support.  Someone from an email group asked me how it is going.  This may be a repeat for some, but here’s some of my reply:

November 13, 2009 was the date of my last cigarette.  After only these few days, my nasty cough is gone and my shortness of breath is better.  Even get more stitching done.  I was never one who smoked inside the house, but those outside breaks do take time!  During this type conversation, this topic never fails to come up.  I smell better!! 

I quit once using a combination of bupropion and patches.  Personally, that way was harder because you still have the withdrawals and strong desire.  I know it's hard to believe but with the Chantix, you just don't want them anymore.  The medication blocks the nicotine receptors in the brain.  My son tried to tell me how they worked, and I still didn't think it would work for me.  During the first week of Chantix, you can smoke as much as you want.  As bad as we all know they are for us, as much as I did want to quit, and as unappealing as they were after the first few days, it is a scary thing to know that "tomorrow will be the last".  I don't really know the psychology behind that, whether it's the fear of failure or the addiction saying “You can't do this,” but that was the hardest part for me.

If anyone else is interested in quitting, I encourage you to do it!  What a brave way to start the coming new year!! 

Thank you for dropping by today and I enjoy and appreciate all your words of kindness and opinions

    Peace~Love~Joy
and Happy Stitching!

Charlene