So, aside from the fact that I haven't posted in almost 2 weeks, I'm still here!! It's just been one crazy thing after another. And I'm also
incredibly overwhelmed with my "unread replies". There are like, 20 topics to catch up on!
I certainly hope that there are some happier things floating around in those other threads. *Hugs* to all that need them....Jeez, I've missed you all a lot.
Anyway, long story short:
Still no news about the house. Fingers still crossed.
Was swamped at work for the days coming up to Thanksgiving- we donate baskets of food to families in need around the community and the point person for that was out sick most of the week prior, so another coworker and I took it over. It was wonderful to see how grateful everyone was and it felt great to be so involved but MAN was it a lot of work!
Day of Thanksgiving was nice- went out to lunch with Nick's family and then did dinner with mine. A little more traveling than we're used to, but it was so worth it. Minimal stress, quality time and amazing food.
Day after was not so great. We found out that one of Nick's cousins passed away. 29 years old, had a 4 year old daughter. I'd only met him once (a few months ago, at a funeral of all things). From what we know, it was drug related. Unsure of whether it was accidental or on purpose. Either way.....incredibly sad. The funeral home was jam packed and it was really heartbreaking. Reminded me a lot of my friend Katie....also WAY too young.
Makes you wonder if things would have turn out differently if people knew how many lives they had impacted in their short time with others.
*sigh*
Anyway..
Aside from all that I've been chugging along, started another job (at a painting party studio!!! YAY) and have been wrapping up my second (third?) job at the local community college. Today will be my last day there for the semester. It's been fun but I'm ready for it to be over. You can only sit still in the same pose for so long. On the other hand, it's been amazing seeing the students paintings come to life. Their work is beautiful. The additional good news about that being over is that I will have a few extra hours a week to eradicate the giant mess in my apartment that comes from being spread too thin. Now...if only I could find my freaking planner. I think it may have been eaten by a pile of laundry.
Christmas is taking over my life now.....lots of grand plans. About 90-95% done with my shopping. Just have to buy for the people whose gifts get shipped, so I can wait until my next paycheck because those generally get sent after the actual holiday. Thank goodness, because my bank account is suffering. Now, I get to wrap like a madwoman and then start the homemade stuff. Only doing a few ornaments this year because I still haven't fully recovered from The Great 8-Month Craft Bender of 2012/2013. However, I will be tackling the kitchen with full force. This year, I'll be taking on chocolate covered pretzels, gummy candy, fudge, mints, beeswax lip balm and by request, more of what my friends lovingly referred to last year as
Christmas Crack. And of course, a few batches of cookies.
Until then, I'll be busting my butt to get our "Angel Tree" at work situated. We do it every year and this year we're pretty overwhelmed with requests. We've got about 80 kids to buy for this year and in general, we only get enough from our donations to cover about 30 of them. (PS......if anyone is feeling the holiday spirit and wants to help out, we'll gladly accept toy/hat/scarf/whatever-you're-willing-to-give donations!! PM me for my office address!)
I think that's about it. Maybe?