New Year's Eve Reflections

As this year winds down to a close, I would be completely remiss if I didn't stop and reflect on this past year. It's definitely been a whirlwind and I can't believe it's almost over. Life is marching on and I don't want to miss another minute of it.

I had so hoped this last year would have been a great year, but as a whole, it was less than expected. I think it is because I put so much of myself out there that once again I stretched myself too thin and was not able to complete some of the projects I wanted to do for myself.

As my husband said the other day, "I don't make the list." What a hard slap in the face that was! I don't make the list. Why is that? Because I don't put myself first. I spend so much of my time doing things for everyone else, life is just passing me by. This is a huge lesson to learn and one that I intend to fix.

My day job has been interesting, rewarding, and at times, all consuming. The more I learn and get comfortable with my duties, the more efficient I become. So with the new year just around the corner, I intend to stop and smell the roses.

My wish for all of you, is to participate in life. Enjoy everything it has to give to you. Celebrate all there is and love with all your heart.

Wishing you a fabulous 2014!

 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todayswritingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Christmas Eve Meltdown

Yes, I am not proud to admit this; but I did have the unthinkable, a meltdown, on Christmas Eve no less. I would just like to say that it is not totally my fault. Here's my story.

I got home early from work (Yay! A Rare Phenomena!) After a two quick stops; one for birdseed and the other for stocking stuffers and some nosh for the evening,  I was home by 3:00pm. This is unheard of for me, especially lately. The hubs was surprised to see me. In fact he said, "What are you doing home so soon!" It was almost like he didn't want me there for some reason. 

The night progressively got worse after that. 

Apparently he didn't feel well and I was automatically suppose to know that. Unfortunately, I didn't since he was basically uncommunicative. Apparently, he was almost peeved at me because I didn't make his Christmas cookies when he wanted them. Once again, he didn't say anything and just sat there looking annoyed.

Sorry, but I am exhausted. I've been going nonstop for the last three months without a break. Taking six weeks off from work was not a vacation. I might not have been working at my job, but I was working 24 hours a day for six weeks straight as a caregiver. I don't care what anyone says, that is work; probably the hardest work I have ever had to do. (For all you caregivers out there...you rock! I don't know how you do it day in and day out. Thank you for all that you do...every day!)

Anyway, by this time, I was getting very upset so I badgered him until he finally told me what was wrong (besides the fact that he was completely congested). He said that he was getting really tired of being "last on my list." I completely lost it! Yes, I lost it!

How was I supposed to respond to that?!?!? Thanks for making me feel like a big loser! It's not like I am doing anything extra, I've just been working an extreme amount of OT and have had no time for anything personal. He's off for three weeks and I am suppose to do everything? Seriously, I've barely had time to take a shower and go to the bathroom. I finally colored my hair after almost three months (BTW...I looked like hell with grey hair...uggh!) 

I told him all this and he said that he knows and went on to say that "You're not even on your list." Needless to say, I was completely hysterical by this time. While I was crying, I told him I hadn't even done half of the stuff I normally do this time of year. I was at a minimum three month behind on all my holiday stuff. At the rate I was going it would be St. Patrick's Day before the Christmas cookies would be finished. 

Not to mention the fact that my writing was virtually non existent, my craft projects were stacking up to the ceiling and the general state of the house was an embarrassment. I think I've made enough sacrifices here. I need time for myself but I don't think it's going to get any better for the next three months. I was just going to have to find a way to put him at the top of my list, even if it meant that I would have even less hours to sleep.

With my Christmas Eve Meltdown and his not feeling good and general crabbiness, we ended the night eating nothing and going to bed. Needless to say, I got up early this morning, did the dishes and made his Christmas cookies and a pot of coffee. I think I got about five hours of sleep...maybe.

As this holiest of nights comes to a close, I hope you all had the merriest of Christmases! I've just finished baking some goodies for the neighbors and cleaned up the kitchen again for about the fifth time today. Don't worry! I made 4 dozen cookies for the hubs so he should be good for at least tomorrow. As for me, I'm going back to work in the morning, resigned to the fact that I am going to live in a perpetual state of exhaustion for the next three months. 

In the meantime, I am going to try to fit "me" somewhere on the list whenever I can.

Wishing you moments to make time for yourself,

 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todayswritingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Christmas Preparations

I've been slowly putting out my decorations for my favorite holiday of the year. It seems like it gets harder and harder for me as this special time comes 'round. Not enough time or ambition or simply that I just don't care. I'm about three weeks behind right now.

This year, though, I was actually able to do more than I had intended. I put up several trees. A 6' one in our bedroom, my Charlie Brown tree, a 3' tree downstairs and my advent tree. Pretty impressive if I do say so myself! The tree in our bedroom has all my special ornaments, including my Barbie and Santa collections. There are several lighthouses, snowmen, old fashioned Beach Cars and even Hogwarts Castle! This is the first time in years that I have been able to put up so many trees and I am exhausted because it is a lot of work

I also found all of my Snowglobes. I can't believe I have over 12 of them! I thought I only had a few. I guess I forgot about a couple of them...more like 10!

I still have a bunch of things I want to do, but if I don't get them done then...oh well. I can only do so much and there are only so many hours in a day.
 

Today I prepared the cookie dough to bake some cookies. Didn't actually start the cookies, but I did get the dough mixed and its rolled into tubes and ready to be baked.That starts tomorrow after work. 

In the meantime...I am exhausted from all the Christmas preparations. I do a little bit every day. It's just easier that way.  At least I got my cards done and mailed and my packages shipped. Edward's packages are wrapped. I can't ask for anything better than that. At least today. Right now though, I am super tired and need to call it a night.

Wishing you moments to enjoy your Christmas preparations!
 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft, at todayswritingwoman@hotmail.com.

Replace old Christmas Decorations with new ones from Sears and Kmart

For those of you who need to replace those old or broken lights or other Christmas decorations, now is the time to take advantage of online shopping conveniences, especially those that are being offered by Sears and Kmart. 

I realized that after over a decade of collecting various Christmas lights and other decor, that some of my stuff was either broken or simply outdated. I want some new lights and other things that fit my tastes better. So out with the old and in with the new. It was very cathartic, purging all old items. Now I can get some a few of those great LED lights that use less energy (always a plus), and I can just sit in front of my computer and order them online at Sears or Kmart.

Best of all, both Sears and Kmart offer $10 back in points when you spend $59 and free in store pickup, letting you earn more points while shopping thousands of gifts online in the comfort of your own home before picking up your items in store in 5 minutes guaranteed (or whenever you're ready). 

No fuss, no muss and I can pick up my order without worrying if the items I need are going to be available. Totally worth it!

Learn more at Sears: http://bit.ly/HL896 and Kmart: http://kmrt.us/1bmIoR.

Happy Holidays!
 

 







"Presented by Mami Innovative Media, this is a sponsored post on behalf of Sears and Kmart. 

 All opinions expressed here are my own.” 

Christmas Purge

Well, I finally did it. I finally went through the 20+ boxes of Christmas decorations and ornaments and did the big purge. It was very cathartic. Three hours and two lungs full of dust later, we finally managed to whittle the pile down to less than half the boxes we started out with. The husband is happy because we have more room in the garage. I am happy because I can finally move some of the stuff I've been storing in the house out to the garage. 

Best of all, I can actually have my own tree decorated with all my special ornaments that I have been collecting for years. All my Hallmark Special Edition Series ornaments...sigh...I've been waiting for years to do this!

I don't feel bad about the purge, my tastes have changed and I only kept the stuff that really meant something to me. Everything else went to Goodwill as a donation so someone else can enjoy it for awhile. Also, I get to start collecting new stuff that is more in line with my current taste. I think I need to go shopping...online of course!

Wishing you moments to purge the old stuff!

 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todayswritingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

Hate Crowds? Shop Sears & Kmart Online and use their In Store Pickup Program

Did anyone go shopping today? It was absolutely crazy out there! The stores were insanely crowded with people everywhere...in the parking lot, in the aisles, and at the checkouts. I love shopping...but not at the store anymore. 

I love online shopping much better!

This Christmas, do yourself a favor and shop online at Sears and Kmart.

Both Sears and Kmart offer $10 back in points when you spend $59and free in store pickup, letting you earn more points while shopping thousands of gifts online in the comfort of your own home before picking up your items in store in 5 minutes guaranteed (or whenever you're ready). 

Shop online whenever you want and pick it up whenever you want. And best of all, you can send someone else to pick up your order if you're not able to get it yourself! 

Learn more at Sears: http://bit.ly/HL896 and Kmart: http://kmrt.us/1bmIoR.

Happy Holidays!
 

"Presented by Mami Innovative Media, this is a sponsored post on behalf of Sears and Kmart. 

 All opinions expressed here are my own.” 

The Repo Man comes to Walmart this Christmas Season

Most of my Christmas shopping was done online this year. It was far easier and saved me hours of headache and sour feet. Unfortunately, there are moments when I really have to go to the store...like today.

I've been shopping a Walmart for years. Now I know many of you might have issues with this place, but I don't. I save thousands of dollars by purchasing items here that are available at other stores. It's close to my home and it works for me.

When the economy was in the toilet, I saw a real change in the clientele shopping at Walmart. People with big fancy SUVs, cars and trucks started shopping here right along with the rest of us. All those years these people turned up their noses to this place and now they're shopping at the same store they gave the big thumb to...I knew someday it would come around.

Today was that day.

The hubs and I went to Walmart to pick up a few things. Just a quick in and out...ummm, no. In any case, we split up and each got what we were after. While I was in line, my husband came to find me as he had already checked out and put his stuff in the car. He told me that he just saw someone's really nice, expensive BMW getting repo'd in the parking lot.

Oh well...even the wealthy have bad days. I guess that's why they were shopping at Walmart. They couldn't afford their expensive car payments. I hope they didn't mind waving goodbye to that fancy car 'cause it looks like the Repo Man is going to have a Very Merry Christmas this year!

Wishing you opportunities to savor the moments!
 

Like anything you see here? Then contact me, Susan Dusterhoft at todayswritingwoman@hotmail.com. I am always looking for more books/products to review. I can also provide assistance with blog writing!

2013 Holiday Timesavers: Shop Kmart & Sears Online and Use FREE In Store Pickup

The Christmas holidays are a stressful time of year. And if you're like me, a busy woman with a lot of responsibilities, you probably don't have much time to shop at the mall or get in the car and traipse from store to store to find those holiday gifts. I am a great multi-tasker and always looking for ways to save time. One of the best ways I have found to do this is through online shopping. I can sit in front of my computer, anytime day or night, and shop to my heart's content. How is this a time saver? I can shop thousands of items without having to go up and down aisles or travel from store to store without having to deal with traffic during this hectic time of year.

There are so many great advantages to online shopping. Both Sears and Kmart offer $10 back in points when you spend $59 and free in store pickup, letting you earn more points while shopping thousands of gifts online in the comfort of your own home before picking up your items in store in 5 minutes guaranteed (or whenever you're ready).

Nothing could be more easy than this. No dealing with the crowds and no waiting in long checkout lines. And I can pick up my items from either store when I have to go out and get more butter or red and green sprinkles for my Christmas Cookies. I save time by combining stops while doing errands, especially since I know exactly what I am picking up! Ease your stress this holiday season and do your shopping at Sears or Kmart and take advantage of the free in store pickup.

Learn more at Sears: http://bit.ly/HL896 and Kmart: http://kmrt.us/1bmIoR.

Looking forward to sharing more great ideas this holiday season!
 

"Presented by Mami Innovative Media, this is a sponsored post on behalf of Sears and Kmart.  All opinions expressed here are my own.”