Good-Bye 36, Hello 37

I just thought my 35^th year was a busy one, I was so wrong. This year has been my most adventurous year yet and I didn’t even know it till I started getting my pictures ready for my post. I have started so many new activities and removed some very heavy baggage from my life.

One of the biggest decisions I made this year was to quit my job that I was at for 5 years. It was a tough decision but ultimately I made the right choice. The Lord has something in store for me doing something else. I continue to follow Him where ever He shall lead me.

Right after my last birthday I guess I got crafty fever, and haven’t slowed down since then. Here are a few of my many crafts made during number 36.

I also discovered the craft of quilting and I Love Love Love it.

Taught Amy M. how to sew and now she is better then me.

Discovered I am in love with thrift stores.

I WON the Kendrick Chili/soup cook-off 2011. Don’t hate!!!!

I established Wreaths of love this past year and it was a huge success. We touched so many lives. Can’t wait till next year.

We had our very first all homemade Christmas 2011. It was awesome and I believe will continue. This way everyone gets to participate. I got the best Christmas presents I have ever received.

In January, Boot, our sweet baby dachshund came in our lives.   

My garden was small and basic this year, tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. I guess my crafting had taken over a little.

I went on a vacation spree this year. I think my subconscious is trying to make traveling my new job. Lol If only I could figure out how to get paid to do this.

Gatlinburg weekend with Kimmy.

Christmas 2011 in the mountains with the entire Whitfield family and some.

New York City with Scott.

Isle of Palms – runaway trip

The Keys FL with Scott.

One of my biggest fears is marine life. Even the little bitty fish scare me. This year I went snorkeling. Nothing like just jumping in to get rid of that fear. I’m not saying I’m cured but I can get in the lake and ocean with out dying.

Week one

Week one of the no spend diet has been difficult to say the least. I am so used to going with Amy M on our weekly thrift/antique store sweep on Tuesdays. And on Tuesday that withdrawal came storming in with a vengeance. Once I got over that hump I was feeling ok. I will say I have had to put most of my crafting aside for the moment. The thing about crafting is if I need something I might have to run out to the store to get it and I know I would get distracted and start spending.

So what do I do with my time? I have been spending some time organizing and selling. I have so much stuff I haven’t touch in more then a year and its all just taking up real-estate in my small but cozy home. This week I made $127.00 selling things just sitting around.

I know for a fact I can’t just go window shopping so when I need something that I can’t get at the grocery, I just send one of my boys to get it.

As far as doing this forever is….. well that’s not realistic. But I do think this will slow me down and take control of my spending a little.