And You Thought I Was Gone?

It has been almost six months since I posted anything. That is six months longer than I planned to be away, however, life has had a mind of its own. Lots has happened in the last six months, too much to cover in one post. Most of the time has been very busy and very good and recently I have discovered why it has been so difficult to find time AND energy to post anything.

In the last 1 1/2 months, my energy level has been taking a nose dive. It was a gradual nose dive which kept me from realizing what was happening. The last two to three weeks I started feeling like taking naps in the afternoon and did not want to get up in the mornings. When I mentioned it to my mom, she asked me if I was depressed. I did not feel depressed and last week, I was able to determine with the help of my PCP and my annual blood tests, what was happening. For the first time ever in my life, I have become anemic. This has never even been on my health horizon, so I was quite surprised when my doctor said that all of my tests were good except the one indicating I was anemic. Given that we eat a healthy diet with fresh vegetables and fruit and I have cut back severely on my carbohydrates (though not cut them out completely) in the last year, this was very abnormal.

Iron pills were prescribed and after taking them for half a week, I am starting to not feel like I want to sleep all of the time. There has been an adjustment with them not making my stomach happy initially, but that has been resolved and so far, I am starting to feel a bit more energy. I hope this will continue as I have lots I still want to accomplish between now and the end of 2019.

School has been very busy. Six classes have been completed and I hope to have class #7 complete by the end of this week. I need to have a minimum of three more after this one completed by December 31, but am hoping to actually have a total of 12 completed by December 31. That will put me closer to my goal of finishing all but one big final project by December 31, 2020.

DH completed his Masters program this last spring and we will attend his graduation ceremony in early August. I am so very proud of all that he has accomplished on this! He worked hard to achieve this goal, while working full time, handling the directorship of Pathfinders for the Idaho Conference, and juggling everything here at home.

Crafting has been ongoing, though at a much slower pace. Details on that will have to come in a later post with a few pictures. There are no promises as to when those will be uploaded, however as we have two trips coming up next month. My plan is to continue a recent schedule of spending a minimum of one hour every day except Sunday (I work a 12-hour shift every Sunday and am too tired to craft.) on DS’s Christmas stocking. I would like to complete his and make up both DS’s and DD’s for this Christmas.

My knitting has become a bit selfish, with the exception of a bit of knitting and crocheting for my BFF and the occasional pair of socks for DH, DS, and DD. Currently on the needles is a short-sleeved top for me that I just have to finish the edging of one sleeve, block, and wear. Besides having a new top to wear, I have been able to go down two sizes in its making to a medium thanks to lowering of carbohydrates. There is also at least one pair of socks for me as I always make them for everyone else and am trying to fill my sock drawer with socks that fit me. DD is not as fond of homemade socks, but will take the occasional pair. She prefers something cross-stitched. Once my top is done, I will cast on another sweater pattern for me. My wardrobe is slowly being overhauled as I have lost inches and weight. I am seeing more skirts and dresses in it again.

DH and I are continuing with the youth work through Pathfinders. This is the year for the International Camporee again and DH is particularly busy with the final planning. We will be teaching pewter casting at this event for 3 1/2 days with our team of volunteers. It should be an exciting time for all.

Lastly, but certainly not the least, DD has grown into a lovely young lady of 24. She has completed her two-year liberal arts degree and is working part time while exploring options for moving out on her own in the future. She is hoping to transition to a full time position to make that a bit easier. DS is a handsome young man of 19 who will make his mark on the world whether he intends to or not. He is caring and a natural leader that people gravitate towards. Like his sister, he works part time. However, he is also in college full time and is hoping to transition from community college to a full university in another state in the next couple of years. DH and I are very proud of who are children are becoming!

This is all that can be added for now as I need to dive back into studies, errands, and chores. Laundry and accounting courses are waiting! Hopefully, each of you are staying cool and finding time for your passions whatever they may be.

 

Update: 01-16-19

This is just a quick update to let you know that I am still here, but VERY busy! School is going well. I am almost halfway through my second class. Knitting is not happening as much, but I did finally finish the cowl for DSIL. I have a pair of socks on the needles that are picked up when I am listening to a lecture that I already have notes for. My fingers and brain are itching for some more knitting, but school is the priority for now.

Our first Pathfinder Bible Experience bowl for this season went well this last Saturday. We had seven teams and should have 9-10 at the next level event in February. Other events are planned out, but for once I am only in charge of these two.

Family is busy as well. DH is almost done with his Masters. He hopes to have it complete by the end of February. DD has a part-time job at the same place she worked at through college She is hoping to turn that into a full-time one when a spot becomes available. DS is in the second semester of his second year at community college. He will be there at least another year, but that is ok as he is finally not rushing to grow up. As a fairly newly minted adult (still not 19), he has decided to not rush through life, but to enjoy it a bit while still working and going to school. He has not given up his goal of becoming a materials engineer, but is expanding what he does on the way there. I am very proud of each one of my family.

I cannot tell you when I will be back here to share what I have completed and where things are going, but I am taking pictures and will try to get another post up with progress at some point. Schoolwork and a quick lunch are calling. I have tried to catch up with a brief scan of others posts and at least “like” them. The result has been the “itchy” fingers. 🙂

Thank you for stopping by and hanging in there with me.

Update 12-12-18: Oops!

Do not be shocked! It is just a quick post while I eat a bite of breakfast.

Yesterday I started cooking up apples and canning applesauce. Six and a half quarts were put up because of a bit of an interruption in the middle. Another pot of apples are cooking on the stove so I can run them through the Victorio. My hope is to run 3-4 canners of quarts through today and then maybe a few more tomorrow. All depends on whether or not DH has to stay late at work and skip a Christmas party tonight. We would like to go, but not sure if it will happen.

Must go check apples, finish breakfast and coffee and move my day further along!