Fashioning My Cyber Microcosm: On The Doorstep To The New Year

I can't even believe the new year is literally days away.

Franny kicked off Bat Fit 2015 on the 23rd, and as usual I am "fashionably" late to the party.

I can't even recall the goals I set for '14. Though I'm fairly certain it was along the lines of attempting to lose weight... I did, and for a while things were fairly predictable in a good way. Then we moved and lived in a hotel for about a month, and it was stressful, and all I ate was take out. Then we got the house we wanted to buy, and I began cooking again... but then I got a job at Albertsons, and I began having anxiety attacks that stopped me from functioning. I worked there for a month, and when things were beginning to look very dreary, I was offered the best job I could ever hope for-- at a local fabric store, working with some exceptionally fantastic ladies whom have known each other for years and years.

It was beginning to feel like the pieces of my life were just falling into place and gaining purpose-- something I felt I was lacking for so long. I was happy, and people commented on how happy I seemed-- life felt so good, and for a moment I felt impenetrable to bad news and negative energy.
Of course, as things go, it doesn't shine nor rain everyday, and with the news of my mother's diagnosis I was immediately plummeted back to reality.

So now we wait. Still hopeful for what lies ahead in 2015.

Like most wise people, my mother says making goals is important, even if they're small-- the idea that you've accomplished something you set out to do carries the same weight in your mind, whether it is solving a global issue or just helping a neighbor out.

And so, here are my goals for 2015 Bat Fit.

1. Organize my time better. I used to procrastinate so much, but now it feels like I'm trying to shove too much into my life. I need to find a balance again.
2. Read more. I used to read everyday, and now I find I can barely sit through one article without thinking about what I am going to do next.
3. Teach my mother to sew or knit.
4. Put more into rainy day funds. Seems pessimistic, but it's better to know you have a net below when you might fall, then to endure the complete hardship that follows. 

Mortem's Tricks or Treats: Crafty Release

Peekaboo.

I know, I need to stop disappearing. After dropping news like the last, it would seem prudent to stay on top of updates. I have a horrid tendency to withdraw from anything social when the seas get a little rough in the mental ocean... this includes social media of any type.

I have been spending large amounts of time in my sewing room; it sounds unhealthy to lock away and avoid contact if at all possible, but I truly feel it's a necessary part of the way I can cope with reality. I understand the difficulty involved for people to deal with the likes of me... but we were simply wired differently.

In any case, I want you all to know you have my greatest, deepest and most profound gratitude for all the well wishes and prayers even if I may not always show it or say it-- it's important for you to understand how much you've all moved me.

If it's not too much to ask, I'd love for them to continue as my mother continues on her journey to recovery. The surgery went well and she's in good spirits. We're all anxious for her to get better and hear more good news on that front.

One good thing that has come from my seclusion, is that I was able to successfully complete the impossible: a handmade Christmas... they said it was impossible, but I proved them wrong.

I have made a total of 26 gifts this season. 7 are still North bound because I didn't make the post office in time before I left for Phoenix to see the hubby's side of the family.

I also don't have all the photographic proof of this endeavor, however... my camera is practically broken, and will only turn on a quarter of the time, even with a fresh battery.

It would seem this year my hubby's Christmas was pretty much all from a galaxy far far away...

I made him a case for his external hard drive, a case for his DS and charger, and a drawstring backpack to carry it all in.

This wasn't enough, of course. I made him some shorts to sport (which he isn't currently because he was absent and I felt like writing).

Since I am lacking the proof needed, other than my own word here's a list of everything else I made for people... sans the ones still waiting to be sent-- they're a surprise.

Mother-in-law:

• Hanging toiletry case
• Matching flat iron case, complete with heat resistant fabric to be able to place a hot iron in
• Matching shoe bag for traveling with expensive/cherished footwear

Stepfather-in-law:

• Cowboys shorts
• Cowboys fleece blanket, double sided

Sister-in-law:

• Knit slytherin tapestry to go with her Gryffindor one
• Kindle/tablet case

Brother-in-law:

• Kindle/tablet case

BIL's Girlfriend:

• Flat iron case

Best Friend:

• Two teddy bears, one for her girl one for her boy
• Two doubled sided minky blankets, one for her girl one for her boy

Hubby's Best friend:

• US Marine corps double sided blanket
• Hot chocolate kit

Hubby's Best friend's Girlfriend:

• Monogrammed flat iron case
• Hot chocolate kit

Like I said, not everyone on my list is mentioned because that would mean spoiling surprises... but as you can see-- my crafting therapy has benefited not only my mental health, but a few people.

On a personal note, I have 2 weeks off of work and while I welcome the time off, it's a little inopportune because I need the money much more, especially with a trip up North in the near future... but it's unfortunately not a choice I have. We'll see how it all pans out.

I hope you all had a blessed Yule with family and good food.