My Christmas break from work is all but over......and is marked by the completion of "the jigsaw"......I like to do a jigsaw over the Christmas holidays......I usually don't feel much like sewing or starting any new projects so the jigsaw is set up on the table and I work on it when I feel like it......some days I didn't even look at it...other days I spent a couple of hours on it..it's perfect for they way I like to spend my break.....just pottering and relaxing...a bit of reading....some sleeping.....a couple of day trips with the girls.......pretty much whatever took my fancy......which is what holidays are for (I think). I used to feel guilty that I wasn't sewing or quilting or being "productive", but have gotten over that now. It's all about choices, and I chose to spend my time in the way that I did! At work I don't have such choices - there are boundaries/deadlines and most of all routine - don't get me wrong ...I love my job...but it's nice to have a break and be routine free for a few days. ....Now I am relaxed, rested and ready to go back. (and if I keep telling myself that I will be fine........! LOL)
So, this morning I figured I had better get on with the puzzle ...........and since the girls were coming over for lunch (and stitching) I had to get it finished before then......so about 11.00 am I was here....999 pieces in their correct spot and just one piece to go.....
The finished "article"..............
..........and a little collage of the progress over the past two weeks.....starting with Christmas day......yikes....two weeks ago already! (Wade was pretty keen to get the outside of the puzzle done before they left......)
I have also managed to tick off a couple of little jobs around the house.....I can now walk into the Walk In Robe...it had fast become a stand-at-the-door-and-chuck-it-in robe....and was a bit cluttered with a couple of boxes I hadn't unpacked since the move. The boxes were from the bedroom in the other house...and I think by that stage I had given up on sorting and throwing out....and just packed whatever was in the drawers and cupboards into the boxes.......it was a bit of a trip down memory lane when I sorted thru them......but it's all done now.
The sewing room clean / tidy was another thing I managed to accomplish.....and just as well I did that BEFORE I went to the sale at the Patchwork Apple....because it just reinforced that I don't really need anything! I bought a couple of Jane's storage boxes which is something I do need....very restrained!
I also caught up on some paperwork.....those things that you put off when you are working......got a quote for changing the watering system a bit....the modifications that Rose made weren't really working out! ......and had the gutters on the house cleaned out. I have a big gum tree in the back garden....great to look at....and wonderful shade....but the leaves had blocked the gutters.....nice to get jobs like that done. So I did achieve some things during my break!
Rose has enjoyed having me around during the day...well.....I am only guessing that...but she seems pretty happy! LOL
So ....no stitching to show off.....no projects completed for 2011.......but I have had a fantastic break. The time just flew by. I will be working on the Australia Day event when I go back to work...that will keep me busy and out of mischief!
I like the idea of adding some gratitudes at the end of blog posts......I will try to remember to add them each time....but for now:
Gratitudes:
Friends
Warm washing days = thick/thirsty towels (with no fabric softener!!!)
Jigsaw puzzles (and the time to do them!)
'Til next time..............................Lorraine
13 comments:
Completely agree . Holidays are for bumming round and doing what makes you happy and that's different for all of us.
It sounds like you made the most of the time off anyway !
That jigsaw puzzle would still be sittng unfinished on my table this coming Christmas. I am hopeless at puzzles.
I hope going back to work is not too taxing for you. First day back is always worst and then it's like you never left!
Must be something in the air. We're all cleaning up and looking forward. Happy New Year.
Glad you had a good break roll on 2011 & a few blogger get togethers XX
Well Done on finishing the Puzzle didn't take you that long to do...
Sounds like the Best Break to me..
Enjoy your first week back at work..
cheers
Sounds like you thoroughly enjoyed your holiday down time, and putting together a jigsaw puzzle is perfectly acceptable! How nice to have accomplished it, and the dozen or so other things you've been meaning to do. Don't you love how you feel, the sense of order you're enjoying?
I'm going to be presumptuous and count myself as one of the friends you're grateful for. That's because I feel the same way. Thank you dear cyber-friend!
Such a lovely, whimsical puzzle to finish before the return to work. Your days away from work sound perfectly relaxing and carefree, just what we ALL need.
One thing you mentioned caught my attention. I'd also done some cleaning/organizing/rearranging of fabrics, and dealing with all that has kept me from the urge to take advantage of a sale. My organizing opened my eyes, and hopefully they'll stay open.
So Rose modified your watering system, huh? What a talent she is!
we usually do a puzzle over the xmas holidays too...........
great you have had a lovely break.......
Sounds like a great holiday break. The break in the routine is fantastic, I have to go back to work on Monday, must say I have enjoyed just being home for 2 weeks its been lovely not having to go anywhere really. And have enjoyed being able to get into the sewing room before everyone wakes up but that will come to an end too. Oh well will have to become a night owl (which I am not but 3 weeks of stalls must be stocked). Have fun with Australia Day celebrations.
My kind of holiday too - I have sewn one block and about 10 stitches and that's more than I usually do when I'm on Christmas holidays. I have another week off - might pull out a jig saw puzzle. The worst thing about going back to work is no nanna nap.
I am glad you had a nice holiday vacation time--and for finishing the puzzle!! I sorta took the week between Christmas and New year's off--did not do much stitching--but ended up spending alot of time on the computer--filing--deleting--reading--updating blog lists ect--but it all felt good to have that done!!!
Have fun back at work!!
Hugs,di and miss gracie
Glad you have had a good time! I have spent most of my week in bed, but am just beginning to feel a little better. Yay! (Aren't antibiotics wonderful?) Hope the Aus day planning goes like a dream (As opposed to a nightmare!)
oH your holiday's sounded nice and relaxing... When can I have some?... he he
I love the puzzle.. looked hard though...
A tidy satsh is always convictin that we DON'T need anymore But a little bit will fit in nicely... I missed the sale as I had sick sick sick girls... maybe a good thing..
hugs Dawn x x x
Sounds like you have had a perfect and very satisfying break, getting those pesky jobs done and some tidying up feels so good, I cleaned and decluttered a couple of drawers in the kitchen yesterday, now I can sew guilt free for a couple of days anyway..... But first of all I'm off to our local toy shop to check out the jigsaws I think I need one.....
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