Monday Monday

It's Monday all ready... I have a lot to get done today and will be going into work a little earlier as there is a conference call this morning and the ordering has to be done and and and.... Welcome to the new job has finally set in now that the Christmas rush is just about over. Genevieve will be having her baby soon and will not be available to help me much longer so I better ask LOTS more questions today.

I should still be asleep but wasn't resting laying there so I thought I would just get up and do some things before work. I'm looking forward to my days off this week as I have a bunch of cleaning to do and some projects I have to follow through on. Never seems to be enough energy left when I only take one day off every few days so this week I'm taking off Wednesday and Thursday and then next week I'm off Saturday and Sunday. OH to one day have a job that I'm off all weekends... but thats not retail... oh well I'll survive and then retire.

I just realized that today is THE LAST DAY OF 2007.... WOW! This year just flew by!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

GREAT Joy and Sadness all in a day

Yesterday one of my most favorite Uncle's died from cancer. Uncle Bert was trying to survive MANY types of cancer but it won yesterday. I will send flowers up as I can't get away to go up for the funeral. I am so glad that I was able to sit and talk with him some when I visited NY in September. I will always remember that last conversation with fondness.

That was the sadness and the joy is... Jack and Nichole may be expecting twins. They will find out for sure on the 14th of January.

Mystery Quilt

http://www.claudiasquiltshoppe.com/freebom.htm

I'm going to do this mystery quilt from Claudia's site. I have ever so many scraps and it's such a lovely quilt. I've printed off the first three blocks; oh.... I should mention it's not the baby quilt but the one below it.

Window Progress

Yesterday I had to work and when I got home Scott had made some progress on the window replacement. The new windows are going to help us so much with the electric bill and getting the exterior walls insulated will help immensely as well. Should be interesting to see how much of a difference it will make.

We nixed the windows for a stroll

They extended the Riverwalk on our side of the river and we decided to take Amelia for a stroll while the weather was nice for walking.

Mr Tesla's new toy

Scott picked out the bugged eyed toy for Tesla. It has feathers and crunchy sounding feet. Tesla thought that it was GREAT fun when combined with a piece of tissue paper from Christmas. After playing awhile he turned on his "Cute charm" and I just had to catch a picture.

Waggy Ducks

These are the "three bachelors" in my Mom's barnyard... they are such lovely birds and will wag their tails when you get near them. As soon as we opened the barn door they were there waiting on a handout.

Today's project(s)

These are the windows in our den. You can see to the right the paneling that we've been removing and to the left you can see where Scott has put up new dry wall.It's amazing how much larger it looks in there with the paneling gone. On the exterior walls Scott is also adding insulation that they didn't feel was necessary in the 1960's. It should make a big difference in noise control and our heating and cooling bill. We will be replacing the windows with more energy efficient replacement windows today... weather permitting.

Christmas Revelations

I have come away from this Christmas with some new appreciations on life. My brother Jack and wife are expecting a third child near summers end. I've not seen my brother so involved in family in years. It was so wonderful to watch him with his children and enjoying just being part of a large family again. I've missed that part of my brother... it was AWESOME! His wife Nichole seems to thrive in the arms of love our family holds for her. I do so enjoy talking with her and she is wonderful with her children. Both sides of our family seemed to share such joy this year in just being together and sharing stories and discussing gifts. A truly loving Christmas was had by all I do believe.

MERRY CHRISTMAS '07

Well it's Christmas morning and we've exchanged gifts. Greg and I have all ready put in our tortilla requests with Scott since I got him a nice tortilla press and cookbook to go with it. And I'm SO HAPPY!!!! Scott got my engagement ring repaired so I can wear it again. It's still as lovely as it was 23 years ago when I first received it from him. It's been such a wonderful Christmas so far. We will be going to Spartanburg after we shower and load the car. It will be so nice to see my family again.

Christmas Eve!

I can hardly believe that it is Christmas Eve all ready! WOW! This year has flown by with so many changes... ALL for the better I think. I am thoroughly enjoying my job now and the people have been GREAT so far. Gotta get rolling as I told Isabelle I would be in earlier than 8 in the hopes we can get out sooner than they were scheduled. If we all work together it can be done!

Christmas weekend

Here it is the weekend before Christmas all ready! It's going to be wild at Cracker Barrel today with all the travelers and the last minute gifts to be purchased and wrapped. OH WHAT FUN! Hopefully by the end of today we will have a nearly empty stock room ready for Spring merchandise. Once Christmas is behind us I will be able to focus more on settling in and getting things organized and functional. Everyone has been so nice so far.

Fairy Name

Your fairy is called Field Elffly

She is a cheerful sprite.

She lives in fields where wild flowers and poppies grow.

She is only seen at midday under a quiet, cloudless sky.

She likes to wear red petals in her skirt. She has delicate green wings like a cicada.

Get your free fairy name here!

I had to find out my fairy name after I read Phil's on her blog. I do like splashes of red!

Thursday Morning

Here it is nearly Thursday all ready and I will have completed my first week at Cracker Barrel tomorrow. WOW! Sales have been wonderful and the store is looking better each day... at least I believe it is.

Still need to pick something up for Hazel and Scott... I may just buy a Cracker Barrel gift card for them.

Merry Christmas

We've set our tree up in our front window in the room we use as an office as our den is still in the remodeling stage and I didn't want to have a tree in the way "in case" we are able to work on that project during our holiday break. We bought new lights this year as ours are all about 20 years old and were needing someone to go through and replace bulbs and neither of us had time to allot for that. The new ones are larger and brighter but not nearly as big as the ones I grew up with. It's always so much fun going through all the ornaments and finding the ones Greg made as a child is heart warming.

Winter has arrived!

Yesterday the temperature dropped steady throughout the day till it got down to about 27*... it's now just 34*F. Makes me glad I bought all those sweaters while in TN. Today is my first day in my store; I have to be there at 2 this afternoon.

We have gifts for everyone but my sister Hazel's husband, Scott.... not really sure what to get him so I'm thinking a gift card will fit. I will look into that once I find out my schedule for the rest of this week.

I have some laundry to do this morning and bills to pay so I better get to them before the day gets away from me.

Floral Greeting

Before I left for Tennessee this Amaryllis was just pushing the buds up and this is what I found when I got home. It's BEAUTIFUL and DOUBLE!

Cracker Barrel Christmas

It's our first Cracker Barrel Christmas! One of the other Managers in Transition (Reta; from Alabama) gave me this ornament to serve as a reminder of this time in our lives.

Christmas Projects

http://www.quiltwoman.com/QW_Nor/QW_Nor_xmas_01.htm

Just in case someone needs a Christmas project or two to round out this holiday season. I stumbled on this site and thought it worth sharing. The Advent Quilt looks awesome!

Off To TN

Well I will be flying out to TN this afternoon and will be out there until the 14th. It will be fun and educational but I will miss being at home with the family. I still have about 9 gifts to come up with for family members too. Perhaps I will find some stuff in TN; the thought of shopping when I get back isn't too appealing as it will be just 10 days from Christmas then... yikes!

Last night Scott and I went over to David and Debbie's for their Christmas party. We took three types of chocolates and a bottle of wine. Debbie had a nice spread of food for everyone and it was nice seeing some of the same folks that usually attend their events and some new folks too. Debbie invited us to Christmas dinner at their house. We may stop by late in the day as we had pretty much planned to go up to my parents' for Christmas day. We usually spend Christmas Eve with Scott's family so it will all work out.

Well i better get back to the laundry and such as I have to pack yet and then there are some other home type financial things I have to resolve before I leave this afternoon.

Gratuitous Cat pictures

Here is our three spoiled cats....

Terrible!

Thats a word to describe the store I used to manage... I KNEW things would go bad without me but not THAT BAD and not THIS QUICKLY! I have NEVER seen that store look so bad! It will be awhile if ever I go over there again; I may just shop the other location instead IF I need any fabric and I will stick to Hobby Lobby or AC Moore for yarn. It just rips my heart out to see that place in such a horrible state... D-E-P-R-E-S-S-I-N-G!

The good thing about my trip in there today was that I got to see Lenora and Sonya! AND KONA COTTON WAS 40% OFF! I bought the rest of a bolt (7 yards and 15 inches) of black to use with the jeweled toned noodles I'm getting in this quarter from my swap partners. It will make for a very rich looking quilt.

Store ASSIGNED!

I won't even work as a bench manager through the rest of the year. I've been assigned my own store! YEAH! And it's not far from where Scott works so we are thinking that we may be able to car pool and save on gas. I have my work cut out for me as the store is in need of some tender love and care. I can make it work! I just have to complete my 2 weeks of training in TN and then I will take on my next adventure.

Autumn Sunset

Last night we had the most amazing sunset out our back door. It was so intense and glorious that I had to try to capture it.

HOME!!!!!

Yeah! I'm home until Thursday morning and then I will have just 2 days (Thursday and Friday) left to work in Fort Mill SC and then Sunday it's off to TN for 12 days of training! THEN I will get to come home and STAY and work here in the area. Not sure which store I will be a Bench Manager yet but thats OK... at least I will be sleeping in my own bed EVERY night for awhile. I've learned a LOT and am looking forward to learning more.

It's good to be home! All the animals missed me; especially Tesla. He will hardly let me out of his sight and when I do get out of his sight he MEOWS. Silly cat!

GWEN made the top 5 and will be going to the Mall of America to perform and is closer to winning the money for college! YEAH! And if you voted for her and Christine's video - THANK YOU!
http://www.holidayholla.com/watch.cfm?id=12

I've got a lot to do the next couple days and then when I'm home over the weekend I will have a lot to pull together in time for my trip to TN. And some how I've got to figure out how to finish all my Christmas shopping as well... perhaps I need to pull together catalogs to take with me and plan on ordering from them in my down time while in TN. HMMMMmmmm..... I will have 10 days to shop once I get home.

Christmas Season

Well today is the first day of the Christmas madness! I have to be back up to Fort Mill by 2 pm today and then will stay up there until Monday night. I will actually get two days off in a row next week and then I will work my final two days in Fort Mill. Next Sunday I will be leaving for Lebanon, TN for my 2 weeks there. Should be interesting and I'm sure educational. I'm going to miss being home though and will look forward to December 14th when I return home.

I'm trying to get all the laundry pushed through so that I can pack and be on the road by 11 this morning. I would like to have my oil changed in my car as the light has come on saying that it's time for a change. Perhaps Scott will get up soon and take care of that for me.

Tesla has decided that he needs to be the center of attention this morning. He keeps running by and has had me open all the blinds along the front of the house. He is such a spoiled little wretch.

HOME SWEET HOME!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Tomorrow is turkey day! We will be going over to Scott's Moms' for dinner and I am to make a broccoli casserole and I am thinking about making a Mexican Chocolate cake. A lot will depend on what time we get out of bed in the morning. Dinner is at 1 per Scott's Mom so I will aim for that.

Only one more week of training in Fort Mill and then I'll have the two weeks in TN of training and after that I will be a bench manager at another store until mine is completed. Should make for an interesting ending to this year.

VOTE FOR MY NEICE AND FRIEND!

http://www.holidayholla.com/watch.cfm?id=12

Gwen and Christine are trying to win this jingle contest... it will help pay their tuitions!

U.S. Navy

Greg and his Dad have gone to talk to the recruiter; I'm a bit nervous and scared but feel it's something he needs to do to help him grow up. I pray to God nothing happens to him as he is my only child but if he remains here something could happen too. He's got to get some education and some skills on living away from home. All I can do is hope and pray like any other day.

Where's my Momma?!

This is Mr. Tesla and this is what he does when I'm away... waits at the door or the window or he walks around the house looking for me and meowing. He IS a bit spoiled; can't say whose to blame though... ha ha!

FALL! Colors out our front door

This is what we see when we open our front door. We believe it to be a Hawthorne tree; isn't it lovely! The next time I'm home the leaves will probably be on the ground.

My brother Jack's kiddos!

Aren't they adorable... Dougie and Christina!

Thanksgiving - just 3 days away

I can hardly believe that it is nearly Thanksgiving all ready. My training time in Fort Mill is nearly over and then I will be starting my two weeks in TN the first week in December. I'm afraid I'm going to get horribly homesick. It's been nice coming home every few days to sleep in my own bed and to see my best friend who happens to also be my husband. Oh well it's ONLY 2 weeks and then I will be home and starting another grand adventure with this new job.

Scott and I both have appointments with Dr Grigg's today - sinus infections for the both of us I believe. YEAH! NOT! Oh well it's better I get it taken care of now while I am home.

It's finally feeling a bit more Fall like here and the trees are dropping their leaves. It's been quite the beautiful drive the past couple times I have come home from Fort Mill. Now the trees are showing more limbs than color. I absolutely love FALL colors; they're all so Earthy in tone.

Poor Tesla!

Tesla has a urinary tract infection. I knew something was major up with him by the amount of liter that was on the den floor when I got home night before last. So yesterday I took him to the vet and got him some medications that now Scott will have to give him twice a day as I won't be home again until Sunday evening. Tesla has to take the medication for 10 days and then go back for a recheck the following week to be sure it's all gone.

I'm getting ready to head up the road and Tesla is following me around... he even tried to climb in my back pack. The stinker!

Back to Fort Mill!

I'll be leaving in about 20 minutes for Fort Mill. I'll stay up there tonight and will come back home tomorrow night to do laundry and reload my suitcase. When I go to TN next month I will need to have enough clothes with me to go 12 to 14 days with no laundry days. UGH! that will mean more shopping! YUCK! Once I'm done with training and traveling I plan to sew up some outfits for myself in fabric and styles that I like. I'm taking my pattern box with me this time so once I get my homework out of the way I will cut out pattern pieces while I'm settling down for the evenings. Well I better load up the rest of the stuff and get out of here. It's truck day so I will get to help with that today.

A last summer rose!

I noticed this rose earlier today and decided to photograph it tonight. This was the best shot... I would have tried for something even better if I hadn't been out in the yard in my nighty barefoot taking pictures with it dropping to about 37* here before morning.

My Mom's HAM BONE!

My Mom's dog seems to adore me and when I pulled out the camera the last time that I was up there she kept striking a pose... this was the best shot. EVERYONE PLEASE LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO BUTTERCUP! PUP!

Training WEEK !

Well the first week went pretty good at least from my perspective. Everyone has been so helpful and positive... it's been GREAT! I came home last night and will need to get back up there either tonight or early tomorrow. I will see how I feel about an early morning drive later today. It WAS so good to sleep in my own bed with my own feather pillow.

The animals acted so mad at me last night but are warming back up to me this morning. I think they all thought I had been eaten by predators or at the minimum my head had been bitten off.

On my way home I stopped at Jo-Ann's to see the girls and to give Lenora the baby girl hat I crocheted her for "luck"... she all ready has two wild boys. The store looked empty.... it was so sad to see so much empty space... I bet their sales have dropped WAY OFF. Oh well I just couldn't stay in that environment anymore. There was 6 people on the sales floor and no freight was being pushed. OH WELL... NOT my concern anymore. The big thing at Cracker Barrel is freight is ALWAYS moving from the stock room to the sales floor with the retail employees shopping the stock room for guests too... when you go back to get one thing you bring out at least two more things that go with what you went to look for. It's GREAT!

I've got three more weeks in Fort Mill and then I will be going to Lebanon TN for two weeks. LOTS to learn and lots of fun to be had!

An intersting thought provocative article

http://www.pamij.com/hickok.html

Understanding the new way of organizational changes in the work force. I'm still reading through this so will add more later once I've "digested" it all. It's one of those things I stumble upon and share with others. If we don't educate ourselves more we are doomed to become two dimensional knit whits!

Slowly but surely...

I'm making my way through the build up in our dining room next I will clean bathrooms thoroughly and catch all the laundry up tomorrow; it's getting late and I don't want to be up all night. Greg got a job ticket to wash dishes at the Radisson Hotel. I wish that he would find a real job with benefits or join the Navy. He has got to find some sort of direction SOON!

I stopped in to Jo-Ann's today to get my pay stub and to check on the girls. There are changes happening and I'm not sure who will be left standing there when it's all said and done. I leave Sunday and will begin my training in Fort Mill on Monday. I wish that I knew more about my schedule for this next week. But I won't find that out until I get to the store on Monday morning. It's all so exciting.

New lap top and clothes mission

Well Scott and I went to Walmart and got a lap top so that when we are traveling we will have a way to get online to check email. Now to learn to use it before Sunday. We also looked for some more business clothes for me but everything I tried on had that "new" teeny bopper below the waist line crap... YUCK! I may end up making some clothes tomorrow. I did get a total of three new outfits a few days back and they are pretty much interchangeable so in actuality I have 9 outfits and one pair of decent shoes. May need to get another pair in black. I will be staying across the street from an outlet mall so may just wait and do some shopping up there in Fort Mill. It's so hard for me to buy "professional" attire after spending nearly 20 years at home being a homemaker and Mom whose ward robe really didn't matter as long as I got Scott fed and clothed and Greg to the places he needed to be each day. Now I'm having to learn about real work clothes that present a professional appearance. I'll get there with probably some major OOPS! along the way.

Paperwork Mountain

I have spent the day going through our personal papers and shredding the outdated stuff. So far I have taken 3 black trash bags of shredded paper to the garbage can. WOW! I can not believe how neglectful I have been toward my family and our dwelling and am wishing now that I had put in for 2 weeks vacation BEFORE I turned in my two weeks notice just so that I would have a bit more time to get this house back in order. But I'm getting there and hopefully if I get us caught up and ahead of the game a bit we will be better able to care for things from now on. At least thats the plan.

EARLY Morning!~

I'm up again at this early hour of 4 AM; I'm not sure what is going on with my internal clock but it is whacked out thats for sure. Yesterday I survived the clothes shopping but only came home with 3 outfits and a pair of shoes. I plan to try again today; I got a bit more clarification on the dress code for managers and that has opened up some other possibilities that I will revisit. I was called by Janet the Training Coordinator yesterday and they have everything lined up for my training and lodging for the next month. So different from my recent history and so wondrous to look forward to; maybe thats why I'm having trouble sleeping these days.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

WOW! Is it really the last day of October all ready? We probably won't get many kids this year as it's a Wednesday night and a school night. Most of the churches have "Fall Festival's" going on as well to keep the children from going trick-or-treating as it seems safer. Thats OK!

I'm going clothes shopping today! Something I truly HATE! I guess I'm strange for a woman but it's like one of the last things in the world I want to do is buy things for myself. But it's got to be done. So I'm going to pull myself together and then head out.

Catching up!

So far I've caught up with a friend and met his wife and some of his children while helping at his new store. I wish Tim and Carmen and family well and I believe they will be successful with their new endeavor. Their store is THUNDER SPORTS just off I-77 at Exit 85.

Between my two days of helping them I went and visited some of my family in Spartanburg. I got to see Mom and Dad; Jack, Nicoal, Doug and Christina. It was fun playing with the kids and the baby is nearly walking all ready; it won't be long now. I took some pictures and will post them when I am a little more awake.

Nightmares!

I HATE NIGHTMARES! I had one of those nightmares that upset me so bad as it felt so real and I had to get up and do something for awhile. I've made coffee and had a cup all ready. I think I'll swap out laundry next and then try to go back to sleep for a little while.

Watching each other work

That is what Scott and I have done all day today. He watched me deep clean the room we use for an office and then I watched him grout the tile on the front porch. Our 80+ year old neighbor came over to check on our latest project and talk with Scott some. They are the sweetest people and would probably jump in and help if they were in better health. I was able to pull together a trunk load of stuff to donate to either His House or Children's Hospital and in doing so I was able to get all my cookbooks with in easy reach once again. Now to tackle the dining room of disaster. I feel like I'm ME again! And my house is mine once more not just the place I come to crash and wash clothes.

Life's Pathway(s)

Life... how far have YOU come? This photo was taken when I was in New York in September. It's the view of the farm I grew up on from the "lower place". I have memories of summer evenings bringing the cows home from the lower place. Even as a 7 year old little girl it was my job to turn the heard once they reached the lower gate just across the narrow one car bridge. Nothing like having 30 to 50 full grown Gurnsey cows coming at you to build strength. I have come so far since leaving this place and yet the memories stay with me... some good some BAD beyond belief but I choose to remember the good times there anymore as the other is really just a waste of possible positive energy. I need to learn to look at the positives from my recent history as well and move on.

Training location

I'll be training in Fort Mill SC and then in Lebanon TN. It should be very exciting! I've got to go clothes shopping to be appropriate for Cracker Barrel. I've been dressing for Jo-Ann's for so long I have few other clothes. I'll shop some tomorrow afternoon. Goodies is having a blowout clearance sale so I want to check them out for sure.

Today we took Amelia to the River walk and she got to meet some new doggy friends there.We need to get a new leash as the chain one hurts my hands anymore and I want a choke collar to get her to quit pulling on us so hard. Her training has really fallen to the wayside. While I am at the pet supply store I also want to buy a collapsible bowl so we can give her water on hikes.

Scott and I also went to Atlanta Bread for lunch - YUMMY! He was such a trip - TOO many choices! He just couldn't stand the fact that he got a choice on bread and all the different ways you can order a lunch blew his mind. And THEN we decided the cheese cake sounded good but when the girl said, "What kind?" I thought Scott was going to fall over... HUH? he says.... you can tell I don't get him OUT enough. All in all it was just a glorious day together and thats all that really mattered anyway.

Morning walk about...

I just took my magazine order to the mailbox for Kandise's (my niece) school project. On the way back in I discovered the workings of some spiders and decided to grab the camera. I also took a picture of the 117 in broken tiles that Scott did on our front porch. It's that project that I could not resist helping with even after working 13 hours last Sunday. The plants pictured are Resurrection lilies. Their leaves come up now and in the spring you get the beautiful spider like red flowers. They really need to be divided as there are too many bunched together. No wonder I only got 1 or 2 blooms this past Spring. I could move a bunch up to our property while I'm off.

So much for sleeping in this morning

My internal clock says I'm to be up between 6 and 7 AM so here I am! Scott made it home safe and sound last night; it was after 11 when he walked through the door. I was so happy to see him and am looking forward to spending the next couple days with him. Today I've got to focus on laundry and cleaning this house up. It's been neglected for far too long. But for right now I'm going to enjoy a cup of coffee and cruise the web awhile.... MINDLESSLY!

I'M FREE!!!!!

I turned my keys in today instead of tomorrow. After I found out they are going to rip me off half of my vacation time I didn't feel much like completing my 2 week notice and since I've all ready worked 6 days this week I said ENOUGH!!!! It's really quite sad after working so very hard and trying to learn their never ending game. Hopefully my new position will be better with Cracker Barrel. I'm going to sleep as late as I want tomorrow!

Scott is coming home today!

YEAH! His flight is supposed to arrive late tonight but he said that if he can wrap things up early he will try to catch an earlier flight home. I'll be so glad to see him!

TGIF!!!! And it's RAINING!

Yeah! We are finally getting a nice steady rain. I could SO sleep in this morning! But no I have to be at the store at 8 and today we are to get 512 cartons! UGH! Again I will have to make miracles happen to get it into the building. I don't understand people that can't see progression... or the importance of making things happen in a logical order. Yesterday I was called to ask about something to do with paperwork and I told them the importance needed to be on the freight with such a HUGE truck arriving today... they just didn't get it and when I got there at 1:30 I had to go to the bank as they had decided there wasn't time to get change in the morning and when I got back the AM Manager decided to leave early. NO dedication to work, lack of drive and no sense of urgency at all. I've got to learn to instill these values into my employees or I will continually about kill myself to get the job done.

Morning wake up call!

Scott just called to say good morning as he is waiting for his flight into Corpus Christi from Austin.He is supposed to head home tomorrow and I will be so glad when he gets home as I don't sleep well without him. Business seems to be going well for him but the time difference is messing with his internal clock. He got to the airport about an hour early but thought that he was running late. He said there was good people watching at the airport this morning with a man about his age or older walking by with a 4 foot Mohawk that was bright red... he said either that or he was hallucinating.

I've got to run some errands this morning and then work tonight and try to get the stock room ready for 512 cartons... UGH! It'll be my LAST truck! THANK GOODNESS!

I need to make a list of things to get done around the house while I'm off too. Sleep is going to dominate though as I want to be completely refreshed at the beginning of the following week. I will visit with family and help Tim Monday and Tuesday and the rest of the week I plan to be a homebody doing things around here and recouperating.

We've finally gotten a little rain here; We need so much more though. I think people have forgotten how to drive in the rain as the ambulances have been going past the store 4 to 5 times a day taking accident victims to the various hospitals.

Better get the day started!

Scott made it to Austin!

Yeah! Scott finally got into Austin; poor guy had a horrible travel adventure. Makes me wonder if flying out for training will be worth the aggravation for me. Really long drives about kill my back though so I will still probably take advantage of the air travel.

I've got to work some magic today and tomorrow with shoving freight. LORD help them when I'm gone as I seem to be the only reason any of it moves at all. We are to get 480 cartons Friday... UGH! And this sale is going on and we have a bunch of people out... OH FUN! OH and there is a conference call this morning that I really don't want to be in on as it will cut about an hour out of my stocking time. Oh well it's only 4 more days... I can do this!

Next Monday and Tuesday I'm going up to help Tim with the opening of his new store. It will be nice to work with him again. Monday evening I'm going to drive over and visit with Mom, Dad, Jack, Nichoal, Doug and Christina and whom ever happens to be hanging out at the time. Mom has been selling off her goats as they can't afford hay to feed so many. The drought has really hurt them this year. But I'm sure there will still be new animals to introduce me to... Mom loves her new "kids" and they all get names immediately. : )

Washington Dullus Airport

Scott was stuck in Washington DC at the airport. I am hoping at this point he is nearly in TX by now. I hate when we have to travel apart... that co-dependency I guess. I just hope and pray for his safe return as I'm sure I would be tremendously lost without him.

Greg is looking into joining the Navy. I'm really hoping he will as they would train him and pay for college too. He needs more education so that he can get a job to actually care for himself. Scott and I worry so much about Greg.

It's late and I am beyond exhausted once again and I have to be at the store at 8 AM... 4 more days and then I'm FREE!

NEW HIRE PACKET VIA FEDEX!

Yeah! My hire packet arrived! I will read over everything in the morning and get it sent back in ASAP! I'm so looking forward to this change!

OMG! WILL IT EVER END!!!!????

This has got to be THE LONGEST work week of my life! It's ONLY MONDAY!..... UGH!!!!!!! Only 5 more days to go!

Last Week

Today starts my last week with Jo-Ann's! YEAH! I walked in there yesterday to pick up a magazine on cottages and bungalows to find Barbara the only one up front with lines everywhere. I got on the PA and started calling for back-up. Barbara just won't do it and when I did I found out why... a bunch of sour faced people came out from where ever they were with bad attitudes. LORD HELP THEM! Amanda needs to learn some kinder gentler methods soon! And they all need to learn to loose the sour attitudes; I dread how things will go without me there to turn them around when sour attitudes appear and they just build on each other. No wonder I feel so exhausted... there sure is a lot of negative vibes there. OH WELL... one more week and it won't matter! Well it's off to work now!

Mother/Julia's 80th birthday party

We just got back in from my mother-in-laws 80th birthday party. There was a banquet hall full of people there to help us celebrate at her church (State Street Baptist). The birthday girl cutting her cake and Scott and I as seen by our son across the table.

This Old Shack

This is a picture of the old shack... errrrr house thats on our property. It's been empty for years but you can tell that it once had a nice front porch. There are all sorts of bulbs and such around this house and I am looking forward to the day we move up there and I can "harvest" some of the bulbs and take them back to sunshine and a chance to bloom again.

Greg's Opposum!

Greg came out of his room this morning to report a opposum had climb up into his window and scared the daylights out of him last night. I'm surprised he didn't wake us up but both Scott and I were just exhausted. Scott is preparing for the Texas trip and is working LONG days trying to get all the traveling plans together. I wish that I could go with him as I have always wanted to visit Texas; maybe another time.

I'm working long days trying to get the store in tip top shape before I leave so the girls aren't struggling completely with catching up. Hopefully they will develop the skills to get it done without me there. They may all just up and move on too. I feel really bad leaving but I've got to make a change for my family and myself. I'm just so exhausted and stretched so thin; sometimes I feel like one more thing will make me snap and send me into a nervous breakdown and that is not good at all. I have made some wonderful friends at Jo-Ann's and I will miss them all immensely.

COFFEE... I NEED COFFEE!

It's one of those mornings that I'm going to REALLY need coffee to get moving. I feel like I'm dragging bad... I think it has to do with the allergic reaction to those cinnamon scented pine cones that came in. Yesterday I worked nearly all day right next to them and my head is killing me! I took an Alavert but that was after the congestion started. AH... COFFEE is READY!

Trying to empty the stock room out before I leave and cleaning it up some... it won't stay that way though; I've tried and tried but it's like what I say falls on deaf ears. I look at all situations like they are huge puzzles... all the pieces are there you just have to find the ones that fit together best. It seems that it is not easy for everyone; and anyone under 30 can't seem to clean properly either. I worry where the earth will be in another 20 to 30 years if the young people aren't taught respect again and soon. Everyone is given TOO much these days and they feel it's a RIGHT to have more things and to do whatever it takes to have MORE THINGS! For crying out loud it's just THINGS and CLUTTER and it will eventually take over and become out of control. Having people in our lives to share adventures and like interests is much more important than things. What's that old saying... "Money can't buy you happiness!" A person can live "simply" with few things and be much happier than a Millionaire. I've lived at different levels of income and I think I was happiest when I had more "time" than money.

Enough on that rant! Scott is to travel to Texas next week so my final week at Jo-Ann's won't disrupt our comings and goings much. I'm looking forward to some time off the week after that.

Fun Afternoon!

Yesterday when I got off from work Scott and I went up to our property and then visited with Michael McGinnis. He took us up to see his new "camp" back in the woods and it was SO QUIET and peaceful! Such a beautiful spot. It was fun walking about the property. I was so tired that I wasn't very verbal but that seemed ok with Scott and Michael. Every time we go up to our property we see something different in the animal world. This time it was a tiny woodpecker working on a tree in the edge of our woods. I am SO ready to build up there! While I am home I plan to start on the down sizing of belongings and will haul a bunch of stuff over to His House to donate. Or I may just call Children's Hospital to come pick it all up; either way I can get a tax write off slip. I would try to have a yard sale but we have never made much at them for all the work involved in putting it together. Well.... time to throw some clothes on and get over to the store... day 2 of my two weeks notice.. only 13 more to go!

It's OFFICIAL!

I've turned in my two weeks notice and once it's completed I'm taking a week off to rest and recuperate so I can go into my new job fresh and clear. It's all very exciting and scary! I'm sure I will spend a good bit of time this week fielding calls and trying to calm employees. I've just got to do something for me right now.

TWO WEEKS.... NEW JOB!

Yeah! I got the job and will start next month! YEAH! I'll be the Retail Manager at one of the new Cracker Barrel stores in Columbia. It's all very exciting and I am expecting some final paper work and such from the recruiter today or tomorrow. I hate to leave my co-workers but this is just too good a job to pass on. And I will have more time for family, friends and hobbies.

My talented sister, Robin has been at it again. Here is her last commissioned piece a pelican aquamanile.

Day after Day!

Thats life.. one day after another. I have been thinking a lot about the days as they come and go and if what I am doing is truly validating. Do I really come away with a sense of accomplishment and joy or is it all just drudgery with one day just following the next with no true value or meaning. Will my memories of this time in my life hold any value or will they be the years I just wasted away.

Organizing and using

Yesterday I swept and mopped the den and kitchen and dusted like crazy... it looks so much better. Then I started organizing my crafting supplies. I got a bunch of beads into the storage boxes that I bought for them and I sorted a bunch of yarn so all my specialty yarns are in one big tub and regular worsted is in another and kitchen cotton is in yet another. I also came across some tatting thread and size 10 cotton thread for doilies. I have got to use some of this stuff up before I buy anymore thats for sure.It's like a treasure hunt every time I work in sewing room.

I could not wind down last night so it was after 11 when we went to bed and now I'm dragging. I will need to jump in the shower if I'm to get ready for work on time this morning. SO SLEEPY!

24 years and my heart still leaps!

These days it's hard watching couples break up and go there separate ways especially since my heart still jumps for joy seeing Scott. I wish everyone could find such lasting love and passion. It's not always a bed of roses but with out the thorns occasionally we would forget that red rose of love.

A SILLY DOG PICTURE!

Amelia goes along on her tummy when she is extremely happy.

My garden of WEEDEN!

This is the beauty that arose along with it's weedy nature... morning glories! Some type of red flower - need to look that one up. And then there are the marigolds that self seeded themselves from last years blooms. The cat I bought at the end of Summer last year at Jo-Anns.

Up earlier than I expected

My back was giving me fits so I just got up; I've taken an Advil and am just waiting on it to start working. I may go back to bed in a bit as I don't have to be over to the store until 1 today... YEAH!

There is laundry... EVERYWHERE! It is a never ending battle to stay ahead of the laundry and housework when I am working so many hours. I'll start on it all in a little while as I don't want to wake Scott gathering it all up right now.

Tomorrow I am off from work and I have plans to complete some scrapbook pages for Julia's album and then I may work out in the garden as it is so overgrown right now that it's depressing. I would love to clean it out and then beef up the beds for winter and re-do the walkways with mulch. That way next Spring we could focus on having a nice garden. Tomorrow we may also pull down more paneling and put up some more sheet-rock... LOTS of ideas on ways to use a day off and get this place closer to selling.

I'm thinking I could sleep again so I'm going back to bed!

Twists and TURNS!

I have a second Interview Tuesday! You never know where life will lead you do you? If I get this I will be training for 6 weeks... 2 in TN! WOW! REAL TRAINING! That'll be GREAT! I'm not going to post anymore about this until AFTER that next interview.

Interesting day!

I went to that job interview at 10 this morning as was in it until about 11:45. The Interviewer seemed quite interested in me and said he would call if I was deemed "recommended" by his little quiz that I took. Once I left there I went to work and found a lot had run amok while I was away and it frustrated me so! I spent the afternoon/evening cleaning up after everyone that had let things slide.

On a brighter note I brought a bunch of merchandise back from Cary NC to "beef" up my Thanksgiving section and people were shopping it today. I heard quite a few ohhs and awhsss. Well time to hit the hay!

Shhhhhhh...

Don't tell anyone but I have a job interview on Thursday morning. I put my resume on Monster.com and I'm getting bites! It's to see how much I'm REALLY worth!~

Another week begins!

I wrapped up last week last night with TOO much vodka! I guess I'm too old to drink like that anymore as I'm hurting this morning! OH WELL! I needed the indulgence as I rarely drink and needed the release last night. I'll survive but will try to remember moderation next time. OUCH!

I was sitting here thinking about the little cottage and I came to the realization that we will need to decrease our belongings by 2/3 to fit into a smaller dwelling. I believe that we could very well do this but it may take a little time. I'm reluctant to get rid of much of my sewing/ crafting supplies as I can visualize those as a way to make money and stay home. We may very well have to build workshops for both of our hobbies. Perhaps a two story barn with me upstairs and Scott down or shared space in one building but divided in half. I'm always thinking! Perhaps opening a small store front at the road to sell my handiwork and Scott's wood working. He has also spoke about going to Tech to get his journeyman's license so that he could do electrical work. I'm sure we would make things happen for ourselves.

We also plan to grow a lot of our own food so we can be sure of it's content. It seems everyday we are hearing about another Ebola or salmonella occurrence. When we loose touch on how things are grown and prepared we are putting our health at risk.

Quilting fun

I'm working on some rail fence blocks using "noodles" - 2 1/2" strips. I'm in a swap with 7 other ladies and I will get 6 noodles from each lady which will make 2 rail fence blocks and leave some for some 2 1/2" sections that I hope to use in the border. I'll have 16 blocks which would make a 4x4 block quilt. I will add some sashing ( I think I'll use black) and then make a colorful border to go around the whole thing. I love how black makes blocks pop out of quilts. The picture above is of the blocks I made last night using the "noodle" fabrics that I will be sending to the other 7 ladies. I think they turned out lovely.

So SLEEPY!

I'm exhausted! I would so love to crawl back into bed right now! But I've got to grab a bath or shower and get over to the store by 8 as the truck is coming earlier than I had scheduled for and the stock room is NOT ready for the delivery. Just when I think things can't move any slower a pregnancy enters my world as well as a ruptured disc in another's back. I fear I will be severely reprimanded this next week and feel pretty much like I'm in it all alone now. If ONLY Icould get some motivated people!

Torn

Because I am the Manager I will be held responsible for how the store looks but do I really have to spend 12 to 14 hours a day 6 to 7 days per week in there to get it looking like it's supposed to? I get to feeling quite put upon at times and it makes me want to march in and fire nearly EVERYONE! UGH! I keep hoping and praying that I will get the right people inside my door and working for me but so far that has not happened. I feel I am getting better at choosing the people but getting them and keeping them motivated has been difficult.

Always thinking...

I am always finding little bits to think about and critique. Even spending time critiquing myself and my thoughts and wondering what ever made me think that way in the first place. It's one of those things I wish would come into play BEFORE I open my mouth and say something that I would not have said if I'd had time to think about it a bit first. I think thats why at business related team gatherings I don't answer as quickly as they would like as I want to mull it over in my mind first before I throw an answer out to the group. It's not that I don't know the answer but I want to be sure of it in my mind before I say it. AH contemplation~!

AH HOME AT LAST!

I went into work and completed two weeks worth of schedules and thought about working on the rest but decided I needed to come home and work on my house and laundry instead. It would be nice to have dinner waiting for Scott as well.

So nice to be home! Greg is getting moving at the stroke of 3... AGH! He is never going to get a job!

Trash Day!

Tuesday is trash day here at the house and I have gotten the main stuff out to the street. The lady that walks around the neighborhood with her empty stroller and goes through peoples trash has all ready been by our house. I didn't have anything she found worthy of taking home and adding to her next yard sale in which she will let you buy very little. Scott and I went to one yard sale and saw some of our old junk and when we ask how much someone else's junk was she'd say, "Oh thats not for sale". It was kinda of hilarious and sad. I'd hate to be her family when she passes away and have to get rid of all that JUNK.

I'm going over to the store in awhile to work in the office and get it cleaned back up... hopefully it'll take just an hour or two as I don't want to spend ALL day in there on my day off.

I bought a new book on fitting clothes patterns and want to sit and read in it some today. It's called FAST FIT Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure by: Sandra Betzina. The clothes they sell at the stores are just not made for a 43 year old woman. I keep getting told I don't look THAT old and when I tell people I have a 21 year old son they about fall on the floor. I just don't want to dress like a teenager and I'm NOT ready for granny clothes just yet. There has to be a happy medium between comfort clothes and hot mama!

I also want to be sure to leave some time for house cleaning today.. it REALLY needs my attention.

I slept so hard last night that I didn't even hear Scott get up this morning and he was about dressed and ready to head out the door when I finally woke up. Yesterday was exhausting!

A movie to make you cry....

Truly Madly Deeply

The story of true everlasting love and the road to recovery after a GREAT loss of a soul mate. I was so touched by this movie and it's closeness to my relationship with Scott. I would be devastated if anything were to happen to him... we've not nearly had enough time together even after 22 years of marriage.

THE PLANS ARRIVED TODAY!!!!

YEAH! The little cottage plans are so sweet! I can hardly wait to build it.

I may work on pulling down some more paneling in the den so Scott can hang another sheet of Sheetrock or two tonight. He stuccoed the ceiling where the built in shelves used to be and you can hardly notice it's new compared to the old except for where the old framing ended and left a dirt strip. We will paint it with Kilz and then white paint. Once we finish the den we will be tearing into our kitchen... should be FUN! LOL! Got to think up a new layout and cabinet arrangement. The cabinets will be white... we know that much for now. I'd like to open up the two rooms to each other more. Scott is talking about putting in recessed lighting above the counter tops and I'm all for that as it's always been too dark in there. I like the concept of some glass fronted upper cabinets but Scott doesn't seem too keen on that idea. And I have to keep in mind we are doing all this to make this house more exciting to a buyer and not for me. We want to get the most "bang for our buck".

Motivation

Why do some people seem so unmotivated... even with deadlines they won't move faster or work more efficiently. It drives me NUTS! I'm so in need of people around me that are as driven and motivated as myself!

Tomorrow is my day off and I am hoping to get it all... I need one day a week at least for ME! I think I will turn my phone off for at least half the day so I can focus on some deeply needed house work.

Fall"ish" Sunday

The air has definitely changed to a more "FALL" feeling. I feel that familiar hibernation feeling coming upon me. I'm so looking forward to homemade soups that simmer all day in a slow cooker and the smell of homemade bread baking. YUMMY!

We are taking Amelia for a walk and then I will need to start getting ready for work. Another long day ahead.

Doctor

I went to the Doctor yesterday afternoon so you know I'm pretty sick as I rarely miss work or go to the doctor. Turns out I have a sinus infection and have been put on an aggressive antibiotic to see if that will clear things up. I have to drive back up to Cary, NC on October 2 to the 3rd as they are having more people in from Corporate and they want a "team effort" to be exhibited while our guests are in. Richard from the Columbia store has made arrangements to ride up with me. I'm just hoping to be over this sinus thing before then. I was pretty miserable yesterday.

Sheldon Designs!

I just ordered the Surfside cottage building plans! And I ordered the reverse option and the detailed list of materials needed. I will be looking forward to their arrival. And we need to get Scott's car in the shop for repairs. It's good I have the job I guess.

Faith

The first 18 years of my life I attended church here every Sunday. I stopped attending Sunday school at about 13 as I was the only student in Miss Florence's class and felt weird. Grandma aloud it as long as I continued attending the service each Sunday morning. It is from this church and my Grandmother I learned the importance of helping people just for the sake of helping not for any gain or praise. The work was always to feel rewarded inside... soul deep not to make yourself prideful either. Pride always comes before the fall she would say.

Tara cat being herself!

We were walking back up the front walk and Tara decided we needed to stop and play with her some first. She LOVES trying to make us bleed by acting sweet and then turning evil and digging. She tries to bite too but she is so old and has lost so many teeth it's quite hilarious when she tries to bite.

Front yard findings

We found this delight in our front yard and had to catch a picture and then look it up. We believe it to be a Lunar Moth Caterpillar.

JAZZED UP!

Scott and I are both ready to get that cabin built now! Of course we have our jobs and the fact that this place needs so much done to it before it's ready to sell in the way of it. Scott was saying last night that he may be going to China soon for quality inspections and he may be traveling for as long as 2 to 3 weeks at a time.... UGH! I will miss him so much.

I'm seriously thinking about going to the Dr to see if I can get some medication to help me handle this stress. I was snappy yesterday at work and I don't like that. I feel I owe Barbara a HUGE apology for being so ugly. I wasn't feeling well and was extremely frustrated in the lack of movement on the freight from the day before and I fear I was showing it too much. Got to find my positive side again! It's just so hard to stay upbeat and positive these days and I'm not feeling the support I had before with the higher ups as we are still without a DTL and I am feeling kinda lost in left field running around looking for the ball. And now Christmas has arrived and we are seeing a big jump in sales and customer load but not in staffing hours. Hopefully the two will even out soon.

Enough on work! I am thinking about driving up to see my Mom on Friday. I also want to see Christina again. Mom says she is crawling all over the place now. And Doug is growing fast too; I miss seeing my nieces and nephews. Kandice has been writing to me and I've been sending her fun stuff I've found at my store. Just quick little fun craft projects to fill up some of her free time. Her birthday is next month got to think of something really fun for her! I don't hear from Kayla, Gwen or Drake much but they are all busy with their extracurricular activities. And Michael and Jason are grown with lives of their own. Jason has a little boy named, Drake as well and Michael drives truck and recently bought his own house in TN. I'm proud of them all.

CRAFTS!

AH so many crafts so little time. I have bought so many supplies for so many really neat crafts/projects; now I just need to find the time to work on them. I'm hoping that next week may be a little quieter at work so that I can actually have my days off as I am scheduled. And hopefully everyone will be healthy and more energized so that we can get more done in less time.

Chilly morning

I'm all wrapped up in an afghan this morning as it's a bit nippy. I should have slept a bit longer but my mind started working and wouldn't allow anymore rest. SO I'M UP!

Tara cat has decided that she may need to return to the indoors since cooler weather has arrived. I wish I could just stay at home and sew and hibernate for the winter. The daily feeling of dread is wearing me down.

Thats pretty bad !

Two people in one night thought I had just up and disappeared as I am NEVER home anymore.My neighbor across the street said that she misses seeing me in the yard and talking about the latest sewing project... what is THAT? AND then my Mother-in-law says that she wished that "we'd see more of ya'!" If things keep going the way they are at work they may not have that worry as I may be home again once more. I just can't seem to motivate my employees these days. My rear end is REALLY on the line in one week! Not sure I like this much stress in my life. Will see which way the wind blows.

On a brighter note FALL is showing sign's of it's arrival the air is a bit crisp tonight. THANK GOODNESS! I LOVE Fall colors and the wonderful soul warming foods of this time of year. Home made soups, corn bread, homemade pumpkin pies, stewed apples and apple pies. The beautiful quilts that are entered into the state fair and children's happy smiles in pumpkin patches.

Link to cottage plans

http://www.sheldondesigns.com/yrsmho/fhb/surfside2.htm

Peter Rabbit Coloring pages

http://www.coloring-book.info/coloring/coloring_page.php?id=50

I'm thinking of turning these coloring pages into redwork designs on fabric for the centers on some quilt squares. They are so cute!

Illness has struck!

Scott and I both have developed some nice head colds. We got up this morning and raided the medicine cabinet before we started coffee and cleaning up a bit. Scott has all ready unloaded the dishwasher and started reloading it with the dirty dishes we created just before bed last night. I went around and gathered up laundry and put a load of towels over to wash. I wanted to clear off our dining room table again so that I can use it for the scrapbook project I mentioned in an earlier post. And tonight on my day off I'm going in to work from 7 to 11 to push freight. Hopefully between Lenora, Sonya, Faith and I we will get the majority out to the sales floor. SO much Christmas! And we HAVE to clean clean clean as we go as a week from tomorrow I am to expect a visit from the RVP and VP... YIKES! I'm just hoping that I don't get my A _ _ handed to me on a platter! This is NOT a good time for me to become ill!

Southern Pig

Southern Pig is located just off I-77 and it's YUMMY!

Deer and the old shack

Hoof prints in the mud of the dirt road that cuts through by this old shack. We were amazed at the size and wondered if this buck knows hunting season isn't too far off now. We have plans to reclaim some of this old house by resurfacing the planks in a planer and reusing the foundation rocks in some way... perhaps an awesome outdoor fireplace.

Deltec home here...

I like this spot for our main dwelling as it's centered on this open area and I could have a nice garden to the right just behind my car. The cabin site is behind the tree shadow you see in the foreground of this picture. This way guests can have some privacy from our dwelling but easily walk over if they needed to. Our main windows would face the opposite direction and toward the woods which are to the right in this picture.

Cabin and Deltec homes

The little cabin would fit nicely here....

Property trip/ time out

We made it up to the property! And we looked at possible sites to put up the little cottage as well as a Deltec Home. First picture was of my dear husband, Scott; he always looks so relaxed up there.

Saturday OH SATURDAY!

I am so happy to be off from work today. Scott and I are planning to drive up to our ten acres in awhile and walk around if it's not raining. And we may go to this seafood restaurant that we pass and that seems to always be busy.... must be good to draw that many people. Just a nice quiet chill out day!

I would also like to "play" some in my craft room... mainly clean up in there and organize some more. I have some scrap book pages that I have to get done for a family project thats in the works for next month. And I have got to work on the 1000 triangle quilt some more as we will NEED it shortly with Fall's arrival.

Scott discovered a building plan for an adorable cottage on line and I printed it off and have it hung over my desk. We still want the Deltec home built but an interim dwelling would be this small (less than 800 square foot) cabin that we could later use for a guest house. It's really quite adorable with a wrap around porch to enjoy at different times of the day. And we could build it quickly and move up there sooner. We still have to finish working on this house first and have it ready to sell come Spring. I'm so ready for a HUGE change... where we live and work!

Doors of Life

That saying that "when one door closes another one opens" has been on my mind a good bit today.
I'm just hoping that the next door that opens is to something more wonderful and fulfilling.

It's been drizzling a bit this afternoon. We REALLY need a good steady rain for a couple weeks as it's so dry here. But is nice to see any rain and the birds are singing happily about it out in the yard.

When IS ENOUGH .... enough?

That is what I am struggling with in my mind these days. How much longer can I truly hang on at my job before I'm burned out or "let go". I work so very hard everyday and hit the ground running but it never seems to be quite enough. I keep thinking about the Moral Issues course I took awhile back and wonder if staying on there is what will bring me true happiness and a sense of well being. I can say in all honesty that I am feeling a bit overwhelmed and uneasy these days. Like I'm waiting for the other shoe to hit the fan. I'll hang in awhile longer.

ONE MORE DAY!

Just one more day and I will be OFF!!!!!! I plan to S-L-E-E-P late tomorrow! I'm starting to get a sore throat and my sinuses are feeling yucky! Perhaps the Fall weeds are starting to do their thing.

AH COFFEE! Sounds like it's ready!

Isn't she lovely ?

This is my beautiful and talented niece, Gwen. She is a Senior this year and looking forward to graduating. She is my sister, Robin's daughter. She and her brother, Drake are both gifted and talented!

Ever muscle aches!

I truly believe that every muscle in my body is aching and on fire. I took a Back-aide tablet in the hopes it will at least stop the pain in my lower back. Getting the store back in order after I was gone last week has REALLY taken a lot out of me! And the fun is just beginning. We are all ready getting CHRISTMAS! UGH!

I so wish that I could have one day 100% off~! I'm hoping to spend Wednesday in my sewing room creating something new for me to wear. Time will tell as Greg's cat Little Nickie needs to see the vet he had got in a fight awhile back and the wound is not healing with all the care we've been giving him; I think he needs an antibiotic.

Good night!

I'm SO JEALOUS!

Scott got to go up to the property yesterday~! He took the tractor up and mowed our "yard". We have a clearing between the woods and the large field where we are planning to put our Deltec home. I wish I didn't have to work today and we could go up there together. I need the peacefulness that the country property brings to me. The stress level has been turned back up and I'm wondering if something else would "fit" me better. Six months sounds like a good plan to me... 6 months to get this house ready to sell and six months to see if I'm really valued for all I do at work.

Just HOW MUCH can I do in ONE DAY?!

Yesterday I helped push about half of last weeks delivery to the floor - when I'm away nothing seems to move... THATS GOTTA CHANGE! I did 2 plan-o-grams and filled them up with the new products. Shifted several fixtures to make the new 8 sections of vinyl work and then set that plan-o-gram. AND I helped take delivery of this weeks truck of 179 cartons... all of which has to be to the sales floor by the end of the day tomorrow. My office looks like a tornado hit... AGAIN@! And they have everything mixed together and disorganized so who knows what we've missed but I'll see what I can do to "fix it". AND tonight is the new sale set! UGH!!!!!! Some days I wonder if all this stress and work is worth what I am getting paid. OH well! I guess I'll grow with the Company or I'll move on in the New Year. I keep thinking about how much further I would be if I had gone to Business school at 18. I lacked the confidence then that I have now. I wonder if I could handle going back to school now. Perhaps if we can get this place ready to sell by Spring we could move up to our property and build our smaller Deltec home and then return to school for a couple years. I'd love to own my own Quilt Shop with beautiful high quality quilt fabrics and unique quilting tools. AH DREAMS! Everyone should have one or two that speaks to them SOUL DEEP!

YEE GADZ!@

Scott Gardner caught me at the Banquet! Not a bad picture either.