Monday, January 2, 2012

Still in holiday mode........

......and loving it! 

I think I have finally started to wind down and relax after a pretty busy couple of weeks at work......this past week I haven't been doing a great deal of anything....but am finally feeling like getting stuck into 2012!  Summer has arrived and whilst I don't like the heat much I prefer it to what the people in Christchurch are continuing to deal with.

Had a fun NYE - don't usually go out but this year had an invitation to dinner at a friend's house so went along and had a great night.

I don't make NY resolutions but usually have a word for the year ahead.....2010 was "achieve"....and I certainly did that!  2011 was "live" and I think I grasped most opportunities that came my way .....lots of time spent with old and new friends......a few road trips.....some stitching.......all in all a pretty good year.  Which brings me to the word for this year.......thought about it a bit and decided on "continue"......since 2011 was a good year why not continue the fun into 2012......so "continue" it is......one of my goals is to continue my personal growth and be the best I can possibly be.......

I have committed to a couple of group stitch-alongs this year.....or should I just be committed!! I am already behind on the Some Kind of Wonderful SAL....but I have found the book during a clean up of my sewing room yesterday...that counts as starting doesn't it???

.
.....I have also committed to doing the Farmers Wife quilt with Claire and Val ...the first gtg is later this month.......lucky I found that book as well.  My sewing room was in a bit of a mess......and had become "home" for lots of stuff that didn't belong there....so yesterday I got in there and had a clean out.

Before Christmas I received a surprise gift of a charm pack from Lise...thanks Lise and I look forward to catching up with you in March!! (hop over to Lise's blog and see what she has set herself for the new year!!) I wish her luck....I was exhausted just reading the list!  Lise also "blames" me for "forcing" her to start her Jim Shore collection.....oh ok....guilty!!

Speaking of Jim Shore......Lynda knew that I was a fan of his Christmas decorations/figurines and sent me this......the nativity creche.....perfect for the wise men I bought earlier and for Mary/Joseph and baby which I found locally.....just need to find some angels and barn animals and I will be set!  Thanks Lynda......!! The collecting continues! 


I met the lovely Lenora in Febuary last year and was lucky enough to spend some time with her and her family on their dairy farm in Victoria...she surprised me with a gift of cards/envelopes for my birthday......thanks Lenora!

Kris sent me some goodies including a book she made .....which is fabulous.....and it's red!


I also have to share the gift John (Rhi and Mark's dad) gave me for Christmas.......gotta love a box of buttons!  The Christmas ducks are thinking they might be good to eat!


Rhi and Wade bought me my Christmas jigsaw....well....Christmas/New Year jigsaw really....I usually start on Boxing Day and work on it over the New Year break.........


and since they have been up to visit a couple of times and spend time with Mark and Terri.....mini golf.....Pictionary.....etc.....Rhi and Wade made a start on the puzzle while they were here......



Still a way to go......just as well I don't have to go back to work until next Monday!!  Lots of sea, buildings and boats to go!  As well as the jigsaw I have finished reading two books that I got for Christmas so I am really enjoying the break!!


Of course there is the cup of tea and cake to be enjoyed as an afternoon snack.....a girl has to keep up her strength to do all that relaxing!


I haven't been in to the city for the New Year sales but did find these beauties at a local store........love them!!!  so comfy.......(but I would love them even if they weren't...LOL)


Looking forward to the rest of the week......time to take down the Christmas decorations and get serious about some sewing before I have to go back to work.  The second Test starts tomorrow  so might have to organise some hand sewing so I can watch! 

 .....and a reminder to myself to carry this thought into 2012........


I hope 2012 is all that you want it to be...........Happy New Year!

'Til next time...................Lorraine




17 comments:

Shirley--Knot-y Embroidery Lady said...

Sending a Big Hug! Loved your post! You know every time someone shares "their" word I think that it is the one for me and keep changing mine - what does that mean LOL! Happy New Year and Live, Laugh and Love or how ever that goes. CONTINUE the Hugs

AnnieO said...

Continue is a great word and I'm sure you'll fulfill that as you go along. Nice wrap up for the end of the year, looks like a great end to the holidays for you and yours.

Chocolate Cat said...

Wish I was still in holiday mode but back to work this morning! Enjoy the cricket with your puzzle and some stitching and some of that cake!!! 'Continue' well in 2012!

Lenora said...

Continue, I like that one. Best wishes for the new year, I hope it is even better than 2011.

Leanne said...

Continue sounds great. Lots of lovely goodness there. Like the sound of a box buttons.

Pip said...

Still thinking about my word, it's been so hot I haven't been doing anything much, apart from lolling around reading.

Shay said...

Loved your newsy post Loz.

I didn't make midnight for NYE this year . We went out for dinner and I crashed on the lounge by 10pm. Pathetic!

Another week on holidays sounds divine if only the weather would cooperate.

Im so looking forward to spending time with you and the girls and doing the FW quiltalong. It's going to be so much fun!

Unknown said...

Lovely Post Loz...Enjoy the Rest of Your Break..
Here's to a Great 2012 for You.
Hugs
xx

seabreezequilts said...

Lovely post Loz. Continue is a great word. I'm going with a motto this year "Go with the flow" I'm not big on making resolutions who needs the pressure. Love that box of buttons. Have a good 2012.

Sue said...

Happy New Year to you Lorraine. You have a busy 2012 ahead by the sounds of things already. I'll be following you for my inspiration. My head is full of lots of things to make and do in readiness for next Christmas. And while I'm in the mode I'm going to do it.......i hope. xxx Sue

Kris said...

Oh my gosh... so many pretty things! Proof of your lovliness, people just want to give you pretty things. So glad your break has been relaxing. And yes, I think finding the books does count as starting. (You can't make anything without the books!) Anyway, the SKoW will fly by if you do it in front of the cricket! Have a great day in front of the cricket!

Red Geranium Cottage said...

Well missy you have made me very tired just reading this blog post. You have been busy this holiday season haven't you?
I'm glad to see that your happy and enjoying life over there. As you should!!!! YOU GO GIRL!!!
I'm so looking forward to meeting you this year, I can hardly wait till October/November.
Hugs and Happy New Year
Shazza

deb said...

OK what first..lets see, great word!!!
LOVE the shoes!
Love the polka dot cup!!!
and love that they gave you buttons!!!!!

Anonymous said...

loving the wonderful goodies you got - love the 'continue' plan for 2012 and hope I can 'continue' with you....lol....hope you're enjoying the peaceful and relaxing start to the year after such a busy end to 2011....cant wait to start seeing the updates on the stitch alongs...hoping there is some choccies to go along with all the breaks...

Sue SA said...

Seasons greetings, you certainly have made the most of the festive celebrations! Phew think I need a rest after all your activities, love the pressies, particulary the Jim Shore (think I might have to start collecting too) and buttons. Continue to enjoy your new Car, good Company and Craft, best wishes for 2012, happy quilting Sue SA.

Anita said...

Glad you are enjoying your break, I am in holiday mode too, can't seem to motivate myself to do anything really productive!
I am enjoying a jigsaw too, I am stuck on all the damn trees and foliage LOL

Terry said...

Have fun with your stitch-along projects! So far I'm not doing any this year. I'm not sure if I can continue to resist the temptation or not though! LOL Nice puzzle too! :0)