Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you all. I have had quite the year in 2012. While I did quit blogging for awhile, I didn't stop thinking about blogging. However, there were lots of changes in my life. My son turned 18 and graduated from high school. Most of you know that he is a person with special needs, but has outgrown or developed ways to cope with most of his issues. I'm so proud of him! While he started college, I decided that it was time I went back to college as well.

I have been working as a substitute middle school teacher for the last 16 years, and now it's my time to get my credential. To that end, I started the Educational Specialist Mild Moderate Credential Program at University of LaVerne. I took three classes and tried to work one or two days a week. In a Master's program, three classes is beyond full-time. However, I really enjoyed being back at school and got two As and one A-. I'm not sure why I got the A- so I'm going to be asking about that when school opens back up next week. I know, I really should just let it go, but I worked my butt off and didn't think I lost any points. Anyway, I'm taking three classes again in the Spring semester and will try to work one or two days a week again. I'm so grateful that my husband feels that education is important enough to reduce my income for me to go to school full-time.

While all my sewing friends seem to be losing weight, I gained everything I lost early last year all back again. I wish I knew how to handle stress better. I wish my body handled carbs better too. However, I'm going to be working on finding a balance in my life where I can work, go to school, sew, exercise, and cook. Now if only my son would learn how to drive, that would take one thing off my plate. He has gotten very familiar with the bus schedule, so at least I can decline driving him if I need to.

In the next couple of weeks I am going to have to take a skills proficiency exam which is HUGE and I'm afraid of it. I am going to be cramming for this test a few hours each day, but I think I can squeeze in a couple of hours each day to sew as well. I got one garment cut out and I have some things already cut out. With that ugly task done, I should be able to have some sewing to share with you all this month. I'm hoping to blog 6-8 times a month. So I hope you come and visit me often.


This tunic is first on my list to sew. I cut it out in a brown and cream giant paisley print. I'm hoping it will camouflage my belly until I can get it back under control. I'm making the knot front with 3/4 sleeve length and mid thigh length. I plan to wear it with boots and leggings. My legs are my best feature on my body so I don't mind showing them off. I'm over the, "am I too young for this style?" way of thinking.

I'll be back just as soon as I get this tunic sewn and photographed. Meanwhile, I'm hoping that all of you visit me this year and come back often, and that your 2013 is your best year yet. Happy New Year to You!

27 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your brilliant results! I am sure they are well earned and reflect both your hard work and the benefit of the skills and experience you've gained by doing the job over so many years. Awesome achievement to fit it all in and the rest of life as well. Happy New Year!

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  2. Wow, you've had a lot on your plate, Sherril. But it sounds like you are poised for a great new year!

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  3. Sherril, I've watched you handle so many challenges and frustrations over our years "together" on sewing websites, that I have no doubt you will make 2013 a year to remember. Good luck finding that "balance" with time and priority obligations that would crush most of us. I'll be watching - and cheering!

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  4. Happy New Year and I think 100% that you ndo the right thing going back to collage. Go Girl!

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  5. Welcome back, Sherrill! You've been much missed. I look forward to your posts. Good luck with your program. What a blessing to have such a supportive husband as you return to academia.

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  6. Congratulations on all you are doing for yourself as well as your family. You have so much to be proud of. Don't put a lot of added pressure on yourself to blog. Just check in every once in a while for a little moral support.
    Wishing you a very Happy New Year Sherril!

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  7. you can do it!! i look forward to seeing your projects. i am also trying to get back to the blogging thing. seems like something always gets in the way.

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  8. You're doing amazing things. Keep going. Check in once in a while so we know yo're ok. Have a fantastic New Year!

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  9. Congratulations on both going back to get a masters and getting the kid into college. It's no small thing to get a kid all the way through high school and into college.

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  10. Congratulations on the both of you heading to college! I can't imagine taking three classes at a time for a master's program. :-) I can't wait to see the tunic.

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  11. Happy New Year, Sherill! I hope 2013 is wonderful and successful for you.

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  12. So good to see you back! You know you and I are "twins from a different mother", lol in so many ways. I'm so proud of you going back to school!! Something I wish I could do- so I will live that dream through you. I look forward to see what you are sewing and learning.

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  13. Happy to see you blogging again. You were a huge inspiration to me back in June and I ordered the Met. Miracle Bok and got started. I'm down 56 Lbs, and can't wait to get off some more. Your sewing is also a big inspiration for me, as I learn to do pattern alterations. I wish you a great 2013. You have terrific plans. Go for it!

    Cheryl in Germany

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    1. I'm so happy MM is working for you. I couldn't do the schedule, but I know if I stay away from carbs, my life is so much better. Stress, however, sends me to carbs every time.

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  14. I have enjoyed reading your blog in the past - so good luck with everything. Unfortunately it is very hard to juggle work, home life and personal time but it is so important to get the `me time` -I find sewing very relaxing when I can get around to it.

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  15. I am very proud of your accomplishments, Sherril! You will enjoy the next step of your career in education. I cannot wait to hear more about this and of course your current and future sewing projects.

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  16. Happy new year Sherril! You certainly are going for the gold. Brava!

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  17. You are inspiring me to blog again! I'm going to say 2-4 times per month because I super detest blogging and think 6-8 would kill me off for good. Happy New Year, Sherril!!

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  18. Great to see you blogging again and congratulations on going back to school. I am really looking forward to reading about your sewing adventures again.

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  19. Congratulations to you and your son. Glad your back and doing well.

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  20. Congrats on getting back in school.

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  21. Your blog is one of my favorites! Congratulations on those stellar grades and while working and while mothering and while sewing, etc. Superwoman! :) Wishing you and yours a happy new year!

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  22. Sherrill, so glad to see you back! Congrats on school, you have been busy. Looking forward to seeing your tunic. Happy New Year!

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  23. Anyone who reads your blog, knows that you will be fine taking that Skills Proficiency Exam, so don't let it worry you. I do like that Tunic pattern and am glad you chose the knot front view.

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    1. Thank you, what a sweet thing to say. I wish I felt as confident.

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  24. Hey great to see you back. I am finishing my degree in 6 months and sometimes dream to do my masters but I need a break after 3 years I think but it is hard to study and loose weight, I've tried and I can't seem to concentrate on that and everything else but keep at it and don't worry about it.

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  25. Happy New Year and Congratulations, Sherril! This is fantastic news. Three A's.., Who could bet that! ;-). I'm sure you will find a balance for all the activities and welcome back to blogging.
    Cennetta

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