Odds and ends

I've been incredibly distracted lately. There has been a lot of pacing, sleepless nights and I'm not quite sure what to do about it. It's making me a little cranky, too.

Part of it has to be because I'm anxious about "The Great Job Hunt." I've been sifting through job posts online and am waiting to hear back from a couple of firms. I still don't have complete closure from my previous employer. This week I finally conducted my exit interview -- a full month after my last day, but there are still pending items that need to be resolved.

My mom went back to work this week. It's the first time she's been in the office since her August surgery. I call her multiple times a day to see how she's doing and I have a panic attack if she doesn't answer. I don't know whether she fully realized how exhausting it would be to go back to the grind, but thankfully she's taking it slow and will transition into her routine. It's been a long six months and it's incredible to think of how far she's come and how well she's doing. We'll all be at peace once this is behind us.

The Etsy shop is open for business. I hit the refresh button more times than I care to admit to see whether an item has received another viewing. I have a celebratory jig planned for when I make my first sale. The waiting process is nerve-racking. In trying to draw more folks to the site, I'm changing up my Twitter account (and vowing to tweet more) and added the shop to my Facebook page. Let's see how this crafting experiment goes.

Coming soon: A Simpler Me Embroidery

I recently rediscovered my love for embroidery. It's relaxing and easy enough that it doesn't discourage me from learning more. Not to mention it's pretty to look at. It's also a cheap hobby -- that helps. With this renewed interest and extra free time, it seemed logical that I could use this new skill and possibly get paid for my work.

So I'm opening an Etsy store.

Operation jumbo drop

Another five bags to Goodwill has my closet down to the lowest it's been in a long time. The empty hangers are starting to take up more space than what's actually holding up clothes. During the latest purging process I discovered more than 10 pairs of pants that have never been worn. They still have the tags on them. Forget the fact that a lot of money was wasted on these items, they don't fit. The only comfort I have is that most of them almost fit.

I find this highly unacceptable.

With this newfound time on my hands, I can begin and keep a regiment that will get me back on track to a healthier lifestyle. What does this mean? I'll have to (re)start an exercise plan. I'm thinking some serious time on the treadmill is in order. Plus, I need to eliminate any kind of fast food and minimize eating out. Whatever I make at home is going to be better than what I can pick up and it's a lot tastier, too.

This afternoon I took a trip to the market and stocked up on some lunch and dinner items. Tonight I made couscous stuffed peppers. I also prepped a French onion soup for later in the week. If I eliminate the yummy bread and cheese I'm left with a healthier, albeit boring, soup that will keep me warm during the cold snap.

Perhaps this will turn into a win-win situation: I'll spend less money on food and be able to get back into those damn pants.