WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY ANGELS

Upon arriving at work yesterday, I checked my schedule for the 10th time since my leave was over. My eyes focused on the three days off and 4 working days and I jumped for joy. I quickly looked at the next week and it was the same.

Oh yes, this is a big start to have more time to spend with my husband. 

JUMPING BEAN MADNESS

I feel like a jumping bean because I'm still trying to fit all my projects into the week now that I've returned to the work routine. 

I've sold paintings recently and put together several more doll puzzles while making some headway on how to make crowns and wings for them. 

The  grandchildren and I painted together this weekend.  I took mother and my friend to a movie, visited briefly on phone or in person with our children and now it's Monday and a workday.

While in counseling we had many discussions about my priorities and just what did I want for myself.  I was asked if I had friends to interact with because gamblers may have given up their friends. I do have one friend now who was out of state during my active gambling years.

We talked about what I would do with my time if I was not gambling.  That part of my recovery is okay I think.

What about my marriage, I was asked.  To continue down the gambling path I probably would not have a marriage much less a family.  And so, I chose.

My counselor asked me to read a book, The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman.  We then discussed how my husband and I express love to each other and how we return that love by identifying what our partner wants in return.

I am failing miserably because it seems clear my husband wants time with me in this relationship.
Just the two of us off on a road trip maybe camping,or just a day trip, perhaps sitting side by side reading our books or out shooting pictures with our cameras.  Just us. 

I want that too, I just need to find a way to make it happen more frequently.

HOW MUCH DRAMA DOES ONE PERSON NEED?

If I spend 30 to 35 hours a week working at a job and that work is with 10 to 12 women for those hours, would I need to watch reality shows for more drama?  I don't think so.
 
If I could work with earmuffs on I might  tune in at home I suppose, but I'm sure it would not be anymore exciting than what I am entertained with all week. I'd forgotten about all the drama while I was recovering from surgery.

I can't wait to go to work today.

IT'S NOT HARD OR TIME CONSUMING

Of course I'm referring to changing the counter first thing everyday. Maybe it means I'm getting too complacent and that's not good. Now that I've brought the problem to the front of my brain we'll see what the next few days bring.

I'm back to work now and about to finish out the first week tomorrow.  All okay.

IT WAS LIKE RIDING A BICYCLE AGAIN

I worried I would not remember how to do my job but it all came back to me.  The hard part will be reminding the schedulers that I am a part-time  employee.  They like to overlook that.  I will be forced to quit the first time 40 hours are assigned. 

Last week we squeezed in a visit to the botanical garden.  Before I went through the gate, two new fledglings perched on a branch under the huge canopy of a mature tree to enjoy the beautiful morning together.  I sure enjoyed the time spent with my partner that day.  Thank you for our morning.

LITTLE PUFF BALLS

ANOTHER ADDICT IN THE FAMILY

The dog is addicted to milk bones.  There, I've written it down.  It must be true.  He starts grumbling in his throat the minute I make a move toward the kitchen.  He then runs to the counter where the box of bones are and waits for me to catch up.  Since I'm up and down a lot, it's really annoying.

And he's learned to go from one to the other human begging for the treat with just enough time in between to prevent us from being aware we've been had.

But he's so cute.  I guess his many other attributes far outweigh this addiction that has sprung up. We'll keep him.

IT'S OFF TO WORK I GO!

I turned in my work release form and should be back working next week. How exciting, she says sarcastically. 

TODAY I CHOOSE AND IT ALL COMES BACK TO THE MONEY

Hard choices to make today. The pressure has been building.  I have the Doctor's release to go back to work. I only need to confirm the same job is available.

So my other pursuits,  which at this point are no or low money efforts, would then be lackadaisical, "the little woman at home doing her thing"  type of activities. 

Unless I push.

I've never been a pusher.  To me that's an unknown scary way to go.  I think I need a calming relaxing morning, I'm so off to watercolor painting session. 

My angel needs to help me off the ledge.  Come help me please!

WHERE DOES ALL THE TIME GO and other questions

I missed changing the counter yesterday.....again.  The project danger zone is approaching.  Between the dolls, shopping for their clothes, watercolor painting, family time, movie time, garden time, crafting with the kids, photography, blogging, housework time, and thinking time, there is no time.

The part I did not mention is that all these categories have projects within them.  For instance within watercoloring I am working on a "Leaf Sprite" series of paintings as well as miniature artwork to sell on EBAY.

I'd like to do a project photographing eyes. I want to learn how to build layers with the PhotoShop program.  I need a family dinner to highlight everyone's special talents. 

What about a clean house.  Company is coming soon. What about my job?  I go to the doctor tomorrow and we'll see.  On the 21st July it will be 2 months since surgery. 

Someone slap me silly.  Thank you!

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

My reclaimed dolls need a name.  In the last post, preliminary photos were shared and I called the project "New Life" dolls.  What about "NuLife" dolls? Yuk!  Further explanation may suggest a name.

I'm making dolls.  I take the heads off previously owned dolls and put them atop cups, saucers, dishes, glass chimneys, etc.  I'm going to adorn them with crowns, wings perhaps, baubles or beads. They will be one of a kind dolls.

Shopping the secondhand stores has been fun, especially learning the pricing system as I need to pay the least money.  All parts of these dolls are used except glass beads I may glue here and there.  Therefore all components are scared, chipped, or have dirt I could not remove from their previous life.

I am very glad the public donates their discarded items to charity rather then directly into the trash.  People become bored, disinterested, disillusioned with their possessions or they go out of fashion, get dirty, chipped or broken and I think most of these discards are usable, but in a new way.  These stores have lots of customers. My idea is not original.

I just need an original name for this project.  I'll brainstorm with random thoughts. "Hello again" "Remember me?" "Don't I know you?" "We've met before" "I'm adopted" "All dressed up"

I could name each doll.  Here's a progress shot. The doll on the left just arrived from EBAY.  It is the doll head I prefer.  They have pedestals but need heads and jewels which I have been collecting on the rack on the right.

The tedious work of dismantling the heads is next then gluing in place.  Off with their heads. Ohhhhh! How about Marie Antoinette Dolls. She was a princess first and then a queen and finally beheaded.

BEING BUSY AS A BEE THWARTS TRIGGER

Last night being 4th of July I did have a flashback of my slot playing. We drove home from a family evening and passed the casino.  That was the trigger.  Everyone was quiet and tired from a long day but that's just the time I would have escaped to the casino.  For many years I only went during the night.  Now  I have all my hobbies to work on during the night if  I'm awake. 

I'm making progress on my new life dolls.  I have lots of inventory of used items ready to have a new purpose.  Here are some views of the dolls I'm currently working on.  They are not glued together yet.  I'm thinking of larger pieces of glass attached to the edge of a higher dish and a person could hang their own baubles on it.  Pictures would help.

Sweetie

Ballerina