Choosin' to Be Chillin'

Whoa boy... here we go again... December. I am trying hard.. really, I am... to be chilled out this month. It's not easy. What a balancing act this is.... 2 children with December birthdays, Christmas, a busy job, and a husband who has a demanding job.. and a 45 minute commute home from work. (translation: comes home late and tired)

Every year in December, I feel like If I only..... tried harder, was more organized, scheduled less, worked less, was Martha Stewart, had a staff of 10, ran away in November.... then I would enjoy this month. I really want to enjoy it, and I DO enjoy parts of it.... I just wish there was more enjoyment, and less stress. It's really ironic... if I hurry up and get it all done at the beginning of the month... then I am physically exhausted , but I can relax emotionally and enjoy some quiet time the rest of the month. However, If I take my time getting it all done (a normal pace) then physically I'm not exhausted, but my anxiety level is skyrocketing because "it's not done yet", and emotionally, I can't really relax and enjoy. Does that make sense? So which do I choose?

This year, I decided that I needed a mantra, so my mantra is .... "I'm choosin' to be chilllin". It seems to be helping, and the key for me is to tell someone else my mantra, so that when my head starts to spin around on my neck, they can gently remind me that I have a mantra. If anyone out there wants to borrow my mantra.. you go right ahead. I'm happy to share.

The picture at the top of the post, is of the store that I manage in town. I just took it as I left work tonight. There's a rumor that my Christmas window may have won a prize in the Chamber of Commerce window display contest... woo hoo! My window is on the left, and if you're wondering what those monsters are, sticking out of the tree and the shopping bags, they are UGLY DOLLS. Not dolls that are ugly... but UGLY DOLLS. Follow the link to check them out. They are HOT, and I can hardly keep them in stock. Kids buy them, adults buy them.... my favorites are Chuckanucka and Ice Bat.

I am really enjoying buying for the store, and seeing all of the fun stuff that's out there. If you're looking for some interesting gifts, here's a list of links to some great companies... I think that most of these links have online shopping, or store locator info... if you want to purchase items.

Fred
Sublime Stitching
Bodum
Baked Beads
Perpetual Kid
World of Good
Asian Lanterns
Lantern Moon
Carrot & Stick Press
For Life
Mudlark
Schylling Toys
Vance Kitira Candles


I'm not doing any Christmas knitting this year. I am, however, doing some mellow knitting to keep me sane this month. Will you look at my slippers! These were one of the first things that I knit... they are about 4 years old now, and in rough shape. I think living in a house that's under construction has done them in.





















I've knit up a new pair, and they have been felted, but they need to dry. I can't wait to have warm toes again. This old pair has thinned out, and they just aren't as warm as they used to be. I may consider sewing on a leather sole to this pair. Has anyone out there done that?... how'd they turn out? I'm afraid they won't be as comfy that way.

I leave you with a picture of my Cozy cat... this is what I wish my month of December could be like... lazing around on a bed, with a down comforter on top of me, and someone else to feed me.