Almost Christmas!!

Took advantage of my free time before starting my new job to crank out 30 hand painted cards for my friends and family. Didn't take the time to snap a picture of each one: however, did capture my workspace along with the pics my family sent me of the cards they received.

I have a big bag of lip gloss that I bought from Ross for about $3.99.  In light of the holiday season, decided to sport the red gloss. Now, I never wear red - every time I've tried the color was too dark, too brown, and just not flattering! But this red gloss was different - had more of a blue tone, was sheer, and was the first red to work with my skin tone. Love it!!

Earlier this month met sis Luna at Guse's coffee shop. It's been in business for years but I'd never checked it out. Great coffee, great company, and it was a perfect visit!

The Blue Jacket Diva's met up at the local Latin restaurant Riggo's for a holiday get-together last week. We ate a lot, laughed a lot, and played the gift game. We never have enough time to visit with each other - I think we need to plan a full day or overnight stay just to catch up with each other properly!!

Cleaned and filled the hummingbirds feeder and the hummers have been out in force!!

Started my new job on 12/9 and love it. Manny said it seems I've been in a better mood -definitely lifts my spirits by having returned to being a productive member of society! 

😁😁😁😁👍👍👍👍

Finishing my Christmas shopping and plan to be all set for breakfast with the boys on December 25. To get in the spirit, I've watched three versions of A Christmas Carol, Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas in Conneticut, and It's a Wonderful Life. Nothing better than black and white classics to set the stage for the holiday season!!  🎅🤶🧑‍🎄🎄

Have a Merry Christmas everyone!

December Already?

November was focused on landing a job! Was referred to a Seattle insurance agency by my former boss. We actually met up in Tacoma for a lunch at Matador, including a few of my previous co-workers.  Been so long since I had a girl's meal. 

Had a first interview, assessment, second interview, then I received the offer!  Fully remote with better pay than my last job!! Looking forward to starting on December 9th!

I think my stress was hovering on the back burner as once I accepted the offer, the cold crud hit me big time. Congestion, coughing, sneezing- the whole shebang. Thankfully I'm on the downhill slide - today was a good day as I was able to cough without wetting myself!! And the winter bug helped me shed 7 pounds!  Unfortunately, I shared the bug with Manny but he's getting through it fine - just the typical man symptoms with exaggerated whining and embellished achyness.

A couple weeks ago son Sam begged me to clean his house - for pay - so couldn't pass it up. I've cleaned it before so I knew what to expect - lots of dirty dishes leading to the question of "clean or toss?"  Spent over three hours and Sam gave me a 20 out of 10 score.

Not actual kitchen - example for reference 😉

Thanksgiving was a quiet day spent with Jordan, Candy, Sam, and Jordan's childhood friend John. Went instant all the way - mashed potatoes, boxed stuffing, jarred gravy, and store bought pies. Did roast the turkey from scratch.

Spent Friday simmering the turkey carcass to make stock then used some of it today to make turkey corn chowder. Yum!  Here's the recipe if it's calling you!

Decided to paint my Christmas cards this year. Bought a package of 50 brown paper cards and envelopes at 40% discount. Spent yesterday penciling in the design and today began painting.  Seven cards done with another 23 to go!!

Christmas Cards in Progress

Let's try to keep the stress level down this December!! Happy Holidays!