...it pours, doesn't it?
I haven't told the entire story because it was difficult to even think about at the time but... things are starting to look up a bit.
As a Christmas present to myself, I was going to replace my vintage old cook top and double wall ovens over the holidays. Saved the funds for it and I was ready... of course, it was past time since I was down to only the two small burners working.... but it's just me and I don't cook a lot of big meals.
Picked out the replacement appliances and then...
...followed within a week by:
which means that more folks need to be involved...
which, of course, means...
The appliance dudes were able to get the cook top installed before Christmas... but, in the process of installing said cook top... the counter top was slightly damaged.
Yes, the counter top can be repaired; however, it is vintage old as well... and needs replacement. I just wasn't planning on doing so right now.
And let's not talk about going thru sewing withdrawal.... sewing... which helps me unwind, relax, and otherwise de-stress. I have been watching stuff on Ebay...
...but couldn't quite bring myself to get one given the unexpected expenditures. Yup... big time deluge.
Chris B. would have been proud of me... I utilized all my hard-learned coping strategies, focused on the positives, and tried to stay calm.
So, despite quilts not getting finished and lots of unexpected decisions to be made... the holidays were good ones because being with family and friends is the most important thing.
Things are looking up... my Bernina is going to be repaired, the kitchen crisis is getting worked out, and I got a new laptop. I am thankful that I have a back-up drive so there is only one file that I need to recreate.
And, as a famous Southern belle once said...
I love the style of this post with the coordinating pics/clip art. Although, wow, what a lot of things you had happen at once! I'm glad it's all getting worked out and that you managed to keep your wits about you and remain calm and have a great holiday! Love the Scarlet O'Hara quote. :o) Have a great rest of the weekend and a great week!
ReplyDeleteYikes! You really hadn't been telling the whole story. You have maintained an incredibly calm online demeanor. I'm impressed! Glad things are looking up. Hope they stay that way for a good, long while!
ReplyDeleteFirst, I have to say I love that you refer to the appliance guy as 'dude'. You rock.
ReplyDeleteThen, when I read so much whining on blogs and facebooks of such trivial crap, here's you with perfectly legimate reasons to scream, holding it all in. You're a trooper. I'm glad you're able to keep perspective and focus on the family and where your life really is blessed. Things will be repaired and replaced and the disarray and inconvenience will pass and you will have great stories to talk about later. But moreso, you will have been a shining example of how not to sweat the "small stuff"; even if it doesn't seen small at the time~ I'm glad things are coming together for you now. It's a true 'new' year for you!
You have my complete sympathy. I was in a similar situation when I bought this condo....it had been a rental unit for years. Only 2 burners were usable and the oven didn't work....then the washer broke and flooded everything .... and there were a few other disasters :(
ReplyDeleteI hope your sewing machine is back ASAP! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you :)
You did cope well with all the aggravation! It will be nice when everything gets back to normal.
ReplyDeleteWhoa! You are not kidding. You really kept a lid on it. What a lot of you had to deal with here. Looks like you really kept out on top. Great job, friend. Great job. You certainly managed better than I could have!!!
ReplyDeleteYIKES!!!! And why do we sweat the small stuff when the other stuff is so much bigger! It is now out of the way for the year for you I hope....and the rest should be a breeze. You dealt with it better than I would.
ReplyDeleteWell that was a great summary of the issues. Glad to hear that even though inconvenient it was all fixable or replaceable and you are moving forward with a great attitude. Here's to 2012 being calmer. How could you not have a great tude with family like that behind you. I just love that picture of them even more than the one where they are behaving.
ReplyDeleteWhy can't we just win the lottery!? Sorry that everything happened at once - it seems that is always the way it works. But, glad things are getting back on track!
ReplyDeleteOh my! I am not sure why some things have to be so hard. I've been told it builds character. Glad that you didn't loose any files from your computer and that your sewing machine could be fixed. Hope the kitchen becomes easier or that you win the lottery...but you do have to buy a ticket to win...errr..more money. February will be a better month. Hugs from afar.
ReplyDeleteWell, that could not have been fun! Glad things are getting back to normal and your machine will soon be humming along!
ReplyDeleteFrankly my dear, I am so sorry to learn of all these trials ~ wow, SO much all at once, and during the holidays. Thanks for sharing life, and delighted to know things are getting ironed out.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you've had such a rough start to 2012! Hopefully, things will settle down now and you can get back to enjoying the things you love.
ReplyDeleteOne word. Holycrap. Okay, that should be two words, but a string of holycrappiness like that deserves a glass or two of something in the vino family. This, too shall pass.
ReplyDeleteYou have to admire the girl... she will be after it again tomorrow. Fiddle Dee Dee.
ReplyDeleteSorry you've had so much troubles. We just had workmen in our way for over a month. We had water damage and wall board mold - you know the bad stuff. So even though the only thing about the kitchen I would have changed, the cook top from 1953, I had to pick new countertop, flooring and cabinet color. Never did get a new cook top. Hope the trouble has stopped at your place, and mine!
Hugs,
What a great post! Knowing how difficult Blogger can be at times, I know it would have taken a while to find the images and get them where you wanted them. It cheered me up - hope it did the same for you!
ReplyDeleteOkay, all the bad things that could happen in one year you did in two weeks so the rest of the year will go perfect ( it's not exact what I wanted to say but I couln't find the right words )
ReplyDeleteThings do seem to happen in cycles and I think you're due for a good cycle now.
ReplyDeleteYikes! I feel your pain. Been there, kind of. New appliances are always slightly bigger than our space allows. So frustrating. At least you'll have some sweet new stuff!! Lol
ReplyDeleteMan OH Man!!! Your December was a bit hellish but you were a saint.
ReplyDeleteI am proud of you, you really kept your cool and soldiered on.
Way to go!
I am in love with your reds. Your lil sis is going to love her quilt.