So this is blogging

"I could never do this on a regular basis" I recall myself saying when I started this blog TWO years ago. LOL. Story of my life. I get so excited for something and when the novelty wears off- it's forgotten.

*sigh* A lot has happened to me over the last 2 years - its hard to sum it all up.

Getting older is interesting. Mind you - I am NOT OLD. It's just that the days go by quicker and health isn't the greatest. But - that's mind over matter isn't it? Pretty much most of 2009 has been a health roller coaster for me. I discovered that I suffer from anxiety/panic attacks. In the beginning, it honestly felt as if I were having a heart attack. It's truly a horrific feeling, but as time went on, I learned that anxiety/stress was the culprit of my "heart attack". I was scared and angry. I thought- why is this happening to me. I felt alone, but soon discovered that many people I know suffer from the same issues. Sadly, though, worse than me. As time went on my treatments were a combo of talk therapy and drugs. Let me just say for the record- I fought the drugs tooth and nail. I wanted no part of it, but as my doctor said during one exam 'Rachel, I feel the pain inside you. You need this.' Well, darn it all, he was right. I have him & my therapist for showing me the tools & techniques on how to handle future attacks, which I have to say are far and few between. Thank God!

Aside from suffering from anxiety, I've other health issues--some of which are still being determined and some are being managed. But I'll be fine. I've been in pretty good spirits overall and I am fortunate to have awesome family & friends for support. What they say is true--what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.

The holiday season is upon us...actually it's been around since JULY. I will never understand why why why the holidays have to be pushed earlier and earlier. Really people? Can't we just enjoy the seasons as they come. I think it's part the reason I'm so stressed because it seems like there's never enough time to do anything anymore and the stress of preparing for the holidays seems 10-fold. But, I'll make it through - as always.

Truth be told, Christmas is my favorite holiday. I have always enjoyed giving gifts to people. I take pride in choosing the right gift for those that matter in my life. Though money's tight, I'll figure out a way to make people smile - even with the smallest of gifts. To be honest, I truly don't need much. I want nothing in the way of materialistic things. Actually - I have what I have and I'm happy & most of all - thankful. I think about how much I have - really - A LOT. I start to wonder - do I need all this STUFF. No. I don't. I have to seriously look at my belongings and purge. I've been thinking about STUFF lately and how much stress I feel when I look at it all. I've been giving away quite a bit, but can give away so much more. I don't need everything. I am beginning to realize that it's just STUFF and the STUFF doesn't make me who I am. My problem is I place to much emotion or sentiment to my STUFF that it makes me hard to part with. I got that from my father-- sentimental pack rat. LOL.

So in the middle of preparing for the holidays, I will try to give myself a gift. A gift of simplicity and start living my life more fully. I know I can't tackle the STUFF all at once, but if I take a few moments out of each day, I can free myself of the STUFF that's stressing me out to make room for the STUFF that matters.

Well, that being said, I need to start my day. I hope for the best and will try not beat myself up for not doing EVERYTHING on the "To Do" list. I shall just start living.

Best,

Rachel

It's May---Already

Where has the time flown?

I can't believe it is MAY. It's nice though-the weather is starting feel like Spring. We had A LOT of rain recently. Thank goodness we didn't suffer the tremendous flooding like North Jersey did. I feel badly for the folks up there as they can't catch a break! Homes-businesses destroyed. just when you have things all cleaned up-BAM-you get smacked again. I pray for them and for their strength.

So, Mickey & I just spent 7 days in sunny Florida-Kissimmee Area. My girlfriend got married at the Royal Pacific Resort on Universal property. We attended the wedding festivities and then took the rest of the week for us.

We spent 2 days at Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure and 1 day at Disney's Epcot! Let me tell you-we're POOPED! I don't know how anyone can do theme park after theme park. It was too much!!! Walking in the heat-waiting on line for rides-walking in the heat-it wipes you out. Though, I have to say for the most part-Mickey & I didn't have to wait too long for the rides. We were lucky. We had a good time though-we got to take tons of pictures-especially with my new telephoto lens & macro lens for my SLR. I can't wait to have those developed. Yes, I said develop. I still shoot film, but have to seriously consider getting the digital body because it can get costly to develop & purchase film.

Anyhow-back to our vacation....
We ate at Hard Rock Cafe, Nascar Sports Grille, a really great buffet in Fort Wilderness on Disney, Captain Jack's. We also ate in Norway at Epcot.

We rode the Mummy, Men in Black, Earthquake, the Hulk, Mission Space, the "nemo" clamshell ride & this cool pteradon ride at Jurassic Park.

I think the next time we visit-we just have to choose one theme park and relax the rest of the time. It's not worth it-for us-to keep going & going without a break. It can be too stressful. You're not going to see everything anyhow.

We'll be in Anaheim in September. We'll probably do Disneyland, but I hear that it is much smaller than DisneyWorld. It's a little cheaper-which is always good.

I have to see about posting pictures soon. I know I keep saying that, but I'm lucky if I remember to post!!! We have completed our pottery course. Mickey and I may sign up for the summer session. We really enjoy it. Mickey really likes throwing pots. I like to handbuild. But I really need to practice handthrowing too. We're going tonight because we still have pieces to glaze & have fired. I made some ornaments for Christmas presents.

Mickey's really been getting involved with his Podcast - www.ludwigscafe.com - Check it out! He really takes the time to select the music & researches each artist. We have met some of the artists. Some of the ones from Jersey. We recently saw another artist that he'll play on the show soon-James Dalton. Very good.

Me, I'm just trying to get back into crafting again. I have really enjoyed creating ATCs & swapping them on www.swap-bot.com . I received this cool catalog from Oriental Trading, Co., that has all beading stuff. I saw a kit in there for hanging photos. I will probably order a bunch and make as gifts. That's one of the reasons why I want to get back into crafting to make gifts for friends & family. It gets harder and harder anymore finding "the perfect" gift for anyone & not to mention how costly it can become. I figure, too, that making gifts is more personal anyhow and it'll mean more to most receivers.

I get hooked on the craft shows on the diy network and get so excited that I want to try everything, but then realize that I can't. I have so many other projects at home that I have to complete. But I love learning & getting new ideas.

I promise that my next post will have photos.

I have to sign off for now---

Best,
Rachel

CAN'T SLEEP!

grr...

I've not been sleeping well lately. I am not sure why. Maybe because there's a lot going on right now with work and other stuff. But I'm a mess when I don't get enough sleep. And for me, I need 8 hours.

I refuse to take sleeping pills-even though my doctor said he would prescribe them. I just don't like the sound of sleeping pills and the thought of addiction scares me. So, I'll just try and manage through.

Thank goodness I have off on Friday, I can sleep a little later.

Here's to a better night's sleep.

I knew it

I knew it! I'm not one for this blogging thing. But, here I am checking in.

Spring has sprung! Though, I find myself still wearing my winter coat as there is still a chill in the air.

My last blog was about the Wheel Thrown Pottery class that Mickey and I are taking.

We have been having fun-though, for me I still find it frustrating because I expect too much right away. Anyhow, my first pot was glazed and fired and it came out great!!! I am currently working on handbuilding onto a pot that I threw and hope to at least throw one more-maybe a bowl. Mickey has mastered trimming pieces and making nice feet/bottoms on his pieces and has made a mug for himself. I'm very proud of him because I really wasn't sure if he would take to the class. But he's told me that he'd do it again!

For me, I'm looking at now taking a ceramics class-but we'll see. Scheduling is tricky right now because of other commitments.

Lately, I've been getting into creating ATCs-artist trading cards. For more info-http://www.cedarseed.com/air/atc.html This is site is one of many on ATCs, but I have found it is quite useful and is great source for explanation and inspiration. I didn't think I'd like it, but it brings out the creative spirit in me and the possibilities are endless!

Also, I've really gotten into swapping. One of the sites I've recently found-swap-bot.com is GREAT, but quite addicting. I've slowed down some because shipping out packages is expensive, so I'm going to try and limit the number of swaps I do and keep it small. Also US postage stamp is increasing yet again-39 cents to 41 cents.

I hope to post pictures of stuff I've done and of what Mickey has done in Pottery class to at least make this blog more interesting.

I also hope to post more regularly. Maybe I'll shoot for once a week. Life gets in the way and there isn't that much to say.

Until then....

Best,
Rachel

Wheel Thrown Pottery

My hubby, Mickey and I are taking Beginner Wheel Thrown Pottery class together. We took our first class on Tuesday and oh boy. It's a lot harder than one may think, especially for beginners like us. Let's just say, I haven't gotten the hang of it yet, but as the teacher and other classmates say-it's our first class. We will also be learning hand building. I think I'll be more comfortable with this step. I just felt too frustrated on how most people were getting it and producing something and I wasn't getting a "perfect" pot. But, I know, it's the process.

But, I tell you what-pottery is messy!!! We had red clay all over our clothes. We washed them right away--just a little bit staining, but we knew not to wear anything we cared about too much.

It's also fun to do something with Mickey that's creative. Though, we may end up with many oddly shaped pieces, but at least we can say we made it.

Until next week....

Ah-A 3 day weekend!

I have a 3 day weekend! Wee Hoo! Working for Gov't does have its perks!

I'll be spending Sunday with Mom & Mickey. Mom & I are going to a local greenhouse for an Orchid show. I hope to get some really great photos. It'll also be a good distration for mom. Mickey will stay behind-not his cup of tea. Afterwards, we'll all probably have dinner at mom's house.

Mom's a little down. Dad will be gone for 2 months now and mom's feeling sad. I don't really know what to say or do. Just love her & be there for her. I know it must be hard. She tries to keep busy, but weekends are hard for her. She's not at work and she's home alone, but at least she Lola, the cat, now to keep her company. Time is the only healer.

Mom did join us for dinner last Saturday at my brother-in-law's girlfriend's house. I was so glad she came. She needs to do that-surround herself with people that care & love her.

Aside from spending time with mom, I'll be running errands and getting a physical on Monday. I hope all goes well. I have high cholesterol-been taking meds, but I really need to exercise more. I also have been choosing healthier choices, but part of my high cholesterol comes from genetics. So, I really have to watch.

Winter is definately here-brr! Waiting to see if we really do get a snow storm. I don't mind snow so much, but it is difficult driving in it. One good snow storm is all we need, but I really don't envy those that have gotten more than their fair share already this winter.

Well, that's all for now!

Rachel

Weekend here I come

I have a 4 day weekend.

Yippee! I need a break from work.

A friend and I will be kicking off Fashion Week in NY tomorrow. We volunteer at some fashion events throughout the year to escape from our somewhat stressful jobs. It's fun meeting new people and being part of fashion. We get to see some of the ins & outs of the business.

Tomorrow's event we'll be arranging the Gift Bags. I hope to snag one for Susan & I to share, but we'll see. A new event coordinator is in charge and said we couldn't have one. We are trying to build a business and we'd like one for our portfolio. She may change her tune once she sees how efficient we are.

We are doing one more fashion event on Sunday for Fashion Designer Tuleh. This time we'll be backstage dressing the models. This, to me, though exciting, is stressful. Y'see, I'm short and models are tall, so dressing them can be a challenge. However, it is also very fast paced and that makes me nervous. There is no room for error, especially dealing with a famous designer. The models, in general, are nice and easy to deal with. And the clothes are gorgeous.

The rest of the weekend is taken up with dinner at my brother-in-law's girlfriend's house. I also took Monday off to take care of some errands and household chores. I hope to do some shopping for myself. I got some cash for my birthday and I need new shoes and a purse.

I'm most looking forward to the extra sleep!

Best!
Rachel