NYE 123123

Happy New Year's Eve which goes completely uncelebrated by me (us). I'll heat up some leftover sausage balls and pinwheels for hubby and that's the extent of a "party."

I did get to a last draft of the 24 for 2024 list. It looks pretty good. I'll sit with it for a beat and then write up the final list. Looks like I missed 5 of the 23 list -- recap on that in another post. Not bad actually. I also reread the letter I wrote myself about what I wanted from 2023. Mostly a MISS -- geez. Also, more on that coming soon. Debating on a letter again -- maybe something from a different angle since it obviously didn't motivate me. Actually, I forgot about it, but found it behind my 23 list. 

Practicing shower table scape. I ran the pictures by my design friend. Details under the pictures since they'll load strange (even if I load one-by-one). I chopped up 2 Christmas bouquets to get a feel for the flowers. I'll get a nicer selection with fuller vases for the shower.

This'll be the rented round table
center with a white table cloth.

Option for napkin and silverware.
NO (!!) Too messy.

NO to lanterns.

Front view with lanterns.
We agree it cheapens table.

Cleaner look.
YES (!!)

YES (!!)
Also cleaner look.
I'll tie a longer ribbon.

The shower favors are done. Art work from my aunt, quote from Winnie the Poo. M&Ms ... customs with the jungle baby animals. I wanted to do a blue tie, but the ribbon clashes with the m&ms. I tried natural twine, but I didn't like it. This is okay and I'll leave it since no one will really notice (except me). I'll leave it unless I have an opportunity to find better ribbon. I'm so tempted -- something white and pretty.

The head count is radically changing -- I need to made a table and chair decision by Tuesday. It's just on the cusp of the 2nd extra table (of course). Good thing the RSVP date was December 20 for crying out loud. Par for the course with this kind of thing.

Our youngest got engaged (!!) We're so excited. No pictures here because of the bots, but they turned out so beautiful with the actual moment captured. I'm dropping off a little goodie bag for our DIL-to-be today and getting a first look at the finished ring.

I need to hit a grocery store -- very bad timing but I'm completely empty after Christmas. 

I gave out neighbor gifts too. I met everyone outside, but one neighbor chatted a long time and then mentioned she was sick. Good lord in heaven ... seriously?!?!? Hopefully, I don't get it. She was on the backside of her "cold" and we were outside. Fingers crossed.

Still working on shower stuff today too. Every little thing I can do ahead is a good thing. Ironing napkins and selecting baby pictures (I'll do a mix of mom and dad for part of the decor). Appetizer menu is giving me some grief -- still searching. I have the activity idea sketched out and I'll plan it with my DIL's mother this week. I need one more gift in case there are multiple winners. Probably some sort of lotion goodies since we're in winter. 

Hope you ring out 2023 with lots of joy and hope for a better 2024. Later gators (c-ya next year lol). 

P.S. Just checked my phone it make sure it's actually NYE. I'm so confused this week -- geez.

PSA

I lost my Oura ring yesterday. Searched and searched. Bad news was I was still in organizational mode so I feel like I touched every part of my house. Good news is I didn't leave the house. I had it to wake up to sleep data, put it on the charger while I painted my nails and then no more memory of it. It HAD to be in the house.

I went through bags of messy trash THREE times. Nothing. Trash day today so that could be the point to lose it forever if it was in there (that was my best guess after searching). 

Oura ring "find my ring" feature is lame and showed it a mile from the house a 5 am.

Here's my PSA. Who knew (not me) that there's an app to find wi-fi devices? Tried the free version and got "far" signal in my hallway and garage (both share a wall). By process of elimination, it wasn't the trash (took it curbside). Had to sign up for the $5 weekly membership to get more precise distance. 

I found it in the back of the console (that's on that wall between hallway and garage) in the apron drawer, under the Christmas aprons I put away yesterday. Holy cow. I wouldn't have found it until next Christmas.  (Thanks, google for the tip.) I never would've guessed it in there -- I forgot I put away the aprons.

I didn't feel it slide off because of the cut on that finger and bandage. I'm shocked it came off -- especially over the bandage. 

I had already ordered a replacement so I submitted a request to cancel it. It's returnable but I hope they can cancel before it ships.

What drama. Geez. The replacement was hella expensive now. Glad I don't have to spend that money.

Speaking of spending money, I'm thinking VERY HARD about canceling my life coaching membership. This is the last year and Brooke is doing all the coaching. Not sure if that's good or bad. Means far less group coaching sessions and the one-on-one coaching is already very limited because she's let so many coaches go (I guessed she was changing things up based on that alone). 

Letting go is hard for me. I decided to give it January to decide. If I don't love it, I'm canceling. If she's amazing and I feel like I'm getting a lot out of the membership, I'll stay until I don't or it ends. I think she's too distracted to be excellent at it again. Lately, her coaching has been my least favorite. 

I'll end things here today. I'm mentally pooped after the search this morning. I haven't slept well this week because of baby shower panic -- it's back in full force. Wonder if I can get a coaching session about it?

Later gators.

The In-Between Week

I got a bunch of new books for Christmas (from me to me). Some used, some new. It's a hardy stack and I also have a big list of reserves at the library. Guess I need to get reading. 

Forgot these two too!

Eclectic mix

I finished the last of my holiday gifts -- neighbors and a couple of local friends. Not typical looking Christmas wrap. It's filled with 4 varieties of wildflower seeds. Labeled and decorated in little 2x3 inch ziplock bags. In the name of looking for types of gifts that aren't food/alcohol, I'm going for bee loving fun again. Last year's were a hit so I'm expanding this year. I forgot to take pictures of the seed packs, but here's the outside. I made bags out of wrapping paper and added planting direction tag. It's in lieu of cards.

Chose this wrap because
it matches the wildflower
theme.

I've been hit with a little clean-out bug this week. Sock drawer, office, kitchen drawers. Feels good. Things were getting sloppy and I needed to reorganize. Closet needs to happen sometime in the spring -- that's an all afternoon kind of project.

I've also been working on my 24 for 2024 list. It's coming along, but not right yet. I need some inspiration -- I feel like I'm missing something. I'll chat about this all later. Year-in-review and year ahead posts coming sometime in January.

I also have a blank spot on my list of 10 goals (and I'll have 2 other spots after the shower). I've got nothing. Maybe it's time for a focused meditation or maybe I need to wait for more quiet space before some inspiration heads my way. I'm not worried (yet), but I get excited to find something new. I feel like it's all on the tip of my tongue. 

I love a new year and a chance to set intentions, goals, focus -- whatever you want to call it. 

Hope this in-between week is whatever you need it to be. Later gators.

That's a Wrap

We made it! We did it! Woo hoo!!!! Christmas 2023 in the books -- hope the same for you.

It was a good day. I forgot to take group pictures but here are a few random pics.

New mortar grinder came in handy
for the pepper corn crust.

GRANNY!
In the baby's signature green.

Adult crayons

Kid crayons. Equally
as fun.

My DILs knocked my gifts out of the park too. Flower pressing kit and a framed picture of our house in Asheville (graphic mockup). It feels good for people to "know" you and notice what you like. Our family is growing to its next rendition (can't think of another word) and it's really nice. It sounds like I'm saying that because I liked my gifts -- it's about feeling like we're a family and seeing and knowing each other. 

Dinner was a bit hectic as much as I tried to keep it chill, but it turned out well and we had a good night with our DIL's parents too.

All that good AND I'm totally and completely exhausted. Today is ME and regrouping and putting some of the house back together. I'll un-decorate later this week and switch gears to shower planning by this weekend. One last thing -- last one, best one. Fingers crossed. But, first I need to be still for a few days. No planning, no thinking about hosting, nothing. Focusing on end of year reflections and plans for next year. Calming down.

I didn't drink at all, but I had a lion's share of dessert last night and I feel it this morning. Worth it. And now worth it to stop. 

I'm happy with how I managed the holidays. Kept me in the mix of what I wanted -- little Christmas crafts, using good dishes, wearing new clothes, fun aprons. Taking a little time to add my touches -- things I enjoy. Those are the easiest to let go of when I get busy. It takes practice for me to remember how the little things make a difference for me.

Hope it was good for you all too (even the bots lol). Can't believe it's Tuesday -- I bet it feels like a Monday for everyone too. Later gators.

Merry Christmas Eve Recap

Family hike - check.

Three little dogs

Hiking family

The set up

Lead the way

Climb to the summit

I left a little Christmas fun

Family lunch - check.

Playing on my lap

Beautiful weather to be outside

Nervous pups

Christmas card contest. We open cards and vote each year on Christmas Eve. It's always between my artist aunts for the big win. We're a little snarky too and also vote for least effort, funniest, etc. Fewer cards each year is making it harder, but we'll always have the aunts. They love to compete for the title lol!

My aunt finding out she won
after 2 years at #2.

Original. It's so cute.

Dinner was good. Still work no matter how hard I try. Got a big knife cut that's not helping my speed in the kitchen. I probably need a couple of stitches, but not happening on Christmas Eve so I'm keeping a tight pressure bandage. Throb, throb, throb.

Slush cake was the best part of the meal. It's a vintage classic of all the fake food desserts. Left overs today but I need to watch my sugar intake if I'm putting on a big dinner -- no sugar crash before I finish cooking.

I got to feel the baby moving -- best feeling. I can't wait to meet this little boy.

Oh and half our kitchen electrical went out. We knew it was coming -- bad breaker. We couldn't get someone out to fix it. It's happened before. Long story, but hard to find parts ($$$) and eventually they'll all need to be replaced. Fun. Doing some creative cooking. Hopefully it gets fixed by the baby shower.

Merry Christmas. 

It's Go Time

Eek -- today is 1 of 3 BIG BIG holiday days (i.e. all day kitchen stuff). I've planned a different holiday this year, but I'm not sure if the final run will be any easier. The lead-up has been lighter though (i.e. only one Christmas cookie, 1/3 of the decorations out, no lights).

Speaking of run ... Duke and I took our pre-Christmas run a little early. Someone put more Christmas decor around the trail. So fun. I'm going to remember this for next year and maybe add a few around our neighborhood trail. It was like a little treasure hunt.

I bought this book for a holiday read with my grandson (eventually). It's a sweet story from the 1960s. Someone recommended it as their favorite childhood Christmas story. Mine is Santa Mouse (I have my original copy), but this one is good too.

I finished The Wind in the Willows. A classic - beautiful book with illustrations. It's a keeper.

One final crayon wrapping ...

If I have myself together next year, it would be fun to do an entire wrapping like this for next year. A little crafting project for December that looks pretty under the tree.

The yarn never came from Amazon (I ended up canceling the order) and I have plenty of little hats, but I'm bummed to be finished. I like the kind of mindless (low skill level) crafting while I'm sitting at my desk. I have my eyes out for more projects like this to use for little package accessories. 

I'm giving out wildflower seeds again this year in lieu of Christmas cards. They came in the mail -- I have to package for my neighbors and local friends. Toss and grow. Couldn't be easier. Most of my friends used them and enjoyed the summer flowers (so did the bees).

I'm up early and heading to Whole Foods as it opens. Final grocery store run for the salad fixings and veggies. I have to double back this afternoon to pick up the pot pies and quiches, but it's worth a double drive to avoid the shit-show that will be Whole Foods by this afternoon.

Hanging on for 3 more days. Goal is to also enjoy the days. I'm already planning how to ease my December for next year. #1 is NO BIG TRAVEL during the month. 

Best to all of us living in the kitchen right now. Relief is around the corner. Later gators.

More Crafting ...

I'm finishing up the Christmas wrapping with a few more boxes that I've hand decorated. I have 2 or 3 more to do depending on time.

I'm making the little hats too.  The yarn from Amazon is delayed until tomorrow night (at least) which is a bummer. I don't need anymore hats, but they're fun to make and I want to do more of a variety. Maybe MY fun today will be going to Micheals to buy some yarn. 

I have a lot to do these last 4 days, but I'm having trouble caring or planning or something. It's almost like denial that I have a big Christmas meal looming with company too. I've simplified some things, but I'm now cooking and bringing Christmas Eve LUNCH to my aunt's for after our hike. Lunch for 9 people. Geez. Calm before the storm usually isn't calm for me. I'm usually trying to get far ahead and I sort of don't care this year. It's a little strange and I know I'll pay for it on Friday and Saturday. I hope the food feels festive enough, but I'm not doing much about making that happen. 

I probably should offload some of the work today to save my back. I'll think about it. All I want to do is craft and chill though.

The Christmas cactus is getting ready for the holiday. It's so amazing how specifically these plants time their blooms.

We're on the final stretch, then a few days break, then the run up to the baby shower. I'm tired and ready for a break. Next year I'm doing things very different. Later gators.

Christmas Crafting

More Christmas crafting today ... and cooking ... and wrapping. It's a big check list day that'll be fun (if I remember to make it fun) and feel good to have it finished. 

I've already wrapped and stuffed the stockings, made a few new mini-hats and started wrapping books using greens and crayons.

Kitchen time once the cleaning crew finishes -- bummed I couldn't finish the messy cooking ahead. I hate to immediately mess up a clean kitchen.

Monti saw the vet and he's starting on new medication for seizures. It's a low key one with no side-effects. Fingers crossed it works. 

I had trouble loading this site today so now I'm up against my morning time. Quick hello. Hope you are having a good week. Later gators.

Mini Snow Hats

I made good progress yesterday. Thank the lord for lists.

And I found time for some fun for me. A little crafting for Ferrero Rocher candies. I saw this on a craft IG. I'm making one for everyone's place setting at Christmas. This first one took a bit to figure out yarn length, tie-on direction, etc. but they won't take too long to make.

I'll need more yarn so I ordered a multicolored bundle. I think it'll look cute too.

Also, in the name of choosing myself, I ditched the bookclub read which I found cloyingly obvious (Oona Out of Order). I was about halfway and I googled the ending. Done and dusted. I started this children's classic -- can't believe I never read it. It's fitting to read over the holidays -- wholesome and endearing. It's a big, long, heavy hardback.

Just the outer jacket.
Book was too heavy to hold!

Some shifting plans too. Looks like my youngest is going to get engaged in Atlanta instead of Asheville -- in part because the ring is burning a hole and he can't wait. If this holds true, it's a lot less work for me in January. I might be going with him on Thursday to pickup the ring. He'll let me know tomorrow. That'll throw a small wrench this week, but I can figure it out. I WISH my boys didn't wait to the last minute to make plans (when it involves me). Is it generational? On both sides? The decision doesn't need to linger -- no new information. Just decide either way. Geez lol.

Today's fun is an early lunch with my aunt. We'll go as soon as the restaurant opens and it won't be crowded at all. Quick hello and catch up before Christmas Eve hiking. I've been masking everywhere -- this'll be a careful exception. Fingers crossed.

Lots of kitchen duty today in-between lunch and the vet appointment. Story of this week.

Hope you are all well and happy. Later gators.

T'was the Week Before Christmas ...

Monti had a seizure this morning. He had one before but I wasn't sure. I found him as it was over and it hadn't happened again, so I thought maybe he had just peed and slipped. This one I witnessed and I thought we were losing him. Fortunately, we have a vet appointment for physicals tomorrow with our favorite vet in the group. My sweet boy. If something happens today, we'll get him to an emergency vet. He's an old man -- we think around 13-14 years old and lots of health conditions. We know our time is limited, but we adore this little guy. He seems no worse for wear after (thankfully).

Switching a hard left ... we went to a neighborhood of lights event last night (took the dogs too). 350 homes decorate each year for a local charity. It was started 15 years ago to support a neighborhood child with cancer. There was a LIVE nativity (with animals), snow makers, lights, music, Santa, reindeer food stations. It was incredible. We live about 15 minutes away. We got there as it started and waited 25 minutes to start -- took 90 minutes to drive. When we left the line was 2 hours to the start!! It's only one night each Christmas season.

The pictures aren't the best -- videos are better, but I won't bother to download them here.

It was one of the FUN things I wanted to make time to do. I'm really glad we did it. I think this'll be a yearly tradition if we're in town on the evening. 

It's Christmas GO WEEK starting today. Costco finished yesterday -- phew. Waited in line for the store to open and that was helpful. Carpet cleaner early this morning and then grocery shop so I can get started on canopies for the holiday (the ones that freeze).

It's a three drink morning ... adding a little matcha caffeine to the morning mix (and anti-inflammatory). Woke up to my monthly -- 35 day cycle. Better than 14 days and I'm glad to have it out of the way for Christmas. Feeling all the puny feels, but it won't last too long. There's a win.

Good luck to all as we begin the final countdown -- one week to go. Later gators.