I don't even know how to begin this post. That's probably why I haven't posted anything since November 14th. That's a long time. I know. Life has just intervened.
over and over again.
It is what it is.
So here I am with a few minutes and I'm just going to ramble for a bit. I hope you don't mind.
Thanksgiving was great. I got two days off which made for a wonderful and much needed long weekend. We went to my in-laws where we enjoyed lots of fantastic food and spent time with family. I love Thanksgiving. The roasted butternut squash risotto with bacon and sage that we contributed was amazing, if I do say so myself. We didn't take any pictures. Can you believe that?
The job is going well. After two months, I can honestly say that I really enjoy it. We moved our office to a new location a month ago and it has been liberating for me. The space is bright and cheerful and I feel more organized and together. I still have a lot to learn; but I feel like I'm in a good place with it all. I'm encouraged.
With the new job though, I haven't done a lot of cooking lately or taken very many photos. I guess I've lost my mojo. I think about cooking.....I think about taking photos.....I think about blogging about what little I cook and/or photograph....and then I get distracted by something else and move on. That's just where I'm at in life right now, I guess. Maybe the new year will bring a renewal of sorts and I can get back into the swing of things.
Christmas is roaring in like a freight train for me this year. I did manage to get the tree up the day after Thanksgiving. We have a huge pre-lit tree that is absolutely gorgeous and absolutely too big for our home. Since we had it, we decided to try to make it work in our little cottage. We carved out a place for it and set it up only to find the branches and the lights to be a tangled mess. Pre-lit trees are a good idea...in theory....but when you don't have a box for it at the end of the season and you wrap it up in plastic and bungee cords, it tends to be in sad shape when you take it out to set it up for the season. Having said that, I determined to take all of the lights off and start over so I tore my hands up in the branches getting the lights off and when I had them all off, I decided that I really wanted white lights instead of the colored ones that came on the tree. Since we were going to have to buy lights anyway, we thought we should buy the LED ones and save some electricity. David and I made a run to the store before the LSU/Alabama game started and got new lights. We are saving electricity alright; but, I'm not sure that I'm sold on the way the LED lights look on the tree yet. I probably should have gotten the "warmer" lights instead of the "cooler" ones; but you live and learn and we're making it work. It's coming down in a couple of weeks anyway. I'm always excited to get the tree up; but, I'm usually even more excited to take it down again.
There are a few presents under there. I'm still not finished shopping yet; but I've made a good start, I think. I won't consider at this time that I only have one more weekend to get it done. Shopping up here is not an easy endeavor. It's a drive to get to stores or the mall. That can be a good thing, I guess, but it's difficult at Christmas.
I'm excited about the holidays this year though. My "baby" flew in last night to stay with us for awhile and we are looking forward to having all of the kids around this year for Christmas. We are settled into our cozy cottage and our sweet little Monkey is getting so big and being so much fun these days. It's going to be fun to do Christmas with her this year. What a joy to experience Christmas with children!
Thanks so much for stopping in and catching up with me. You have all been so sweet to send emails to check on me and I appreciate that more than you know.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!
Love,
Merry Christmas Candice pleased your well
ReplyDeleteChristmas with the kids, that's fun :) Enjoy your break and your family! Looks festive at your house. Merry Christmas, Candace, to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your job is going well and that you are enjoying it! I've missed you but I absolutely understand (I'm sort of in the same boat myself). I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your family. I know you're thrilled to have your "baby" there :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear you're doing well Candace! I miss your posts and pictures, but I definitely understand about life getting in the way! stay well and check when you can/feel inspired!
ReplyDeleteIt is good to hear from you. Glad you are doing well.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to see you've posted again. You have been missed. Just back in and blog, okay?
ReplyDeleteI hope you're enjoying the holidays. I am.
BTW...did you see the fudge I made? Oh.my.word! So incredibly good.
Big Christmas hugs for you sweet friend,
Kat
Sigh .... I read your words, and I feel every ounce of the ennui with you. Too much stress, too little time, too much of what we don't need and too little of the restoration that we DO crave. But Christmas is for babies, and that beautiful smile will wash everything else away when her eyes open wide and her joy washes over you ... :)
ReplyDeleteWell all seems fairly well.. sorry the tree lighting did not go that well, but at least you get your family with you for Christmas.. that makes all things better for sure!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to know that you and your family are doing well and that you'll all be together for Christmas! I'm with you about taking the Christmas decorations down!!
ReplyDeleteHello Candace,
ReplyDeleteI got the idea that work was keeping you away from blogging and also the business of the season.
It is nice to know you are enjoy your work and getting used to that new routine in your life.
Must of us feel like that about blogging some times. We understand.
Take care, enjoy your precious family but once in a while drop by to say hi. Since I do miss you.
Hugs!
Mely@mexicoinmykitchen
I know exactly how you feel Candace. I am right there with you-I have no idea how i am going to manage it all with a new baby but I am trying to stay positive:) it is so great to hear from you again and catch up with your family. It sounds like you have been doing wonderful and I hope you have a great Christmas! Love
ReplyDeleteJessica
I love that first photo. I am so glad that you are enjoying your job. Enjoy the kiddos this season. Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad the break was because of just doing other fun things and not because of something bad! Just take life as it comes to you. You don't have to put more pressure on your shoulders. I am happy you had great Thanksgiving and I wish to you even greater Christmas and New Year's Eve. Enjoy yourself and don't think so much about blogging. We need sometimes to just change our routine, it's good for our psychology. We will be here when you will post again, waiting your beautiful recipes and ideas. Take care and have fun, life's too short dear friend!
ReplyDeleteIt is good to take a blogging break sometimes. It refreshes one's ideas and when you come back you will be in full swing. That is great you are settling into your job and enjoying it. I hope you are doing well. It is a mild season here in New England. Have a wonderful holiday!
ReplyDeleteMama Hen
Life can get very busy and we sometimes have to set priorities. Home and family come first and all bloggers know that. Take care of yourself. You will get around to a post when and if you can and we will all enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand! Working can drain you and sometimes there's little left over to share. I've missed you! It's been so hectic around here with this painting deal and I still feel that everything is in a topsy turvy condition...or maybe it's that I am! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe time is flying and I so wanted a nice, gentle prelude to Christmas...time to really enjoy and remember what this season is all about. Time to bake, create, you name it! Have I done that? A little...just not like I would prefer. Ok, it just is what it is now.
The new year will bring a fresh start and more time I think as we have a few weeks of winter that might have us indoors a bit more.
Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and all good things for the new year!
xoxo
Pat
You do what you can, when you can! Life is busy! When I stop "seeing" you around Pinterest, I'll know to start worrying ;)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Candace! I hear ya, things get busy and life gets in the way! We'll be here for you anytime! Glad that you are enjoying life!
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays!
Lots of yummy love,
Alex aka Ma What's for Dinner
www.mawhats4dinner.com