Thursday, December 26, 2019

Crappy Christmas

Tuesday: Turned out to be a shitty day. Got up wicked early, opened my Advent calendars:
The wood veneers are from the Advent swap, the cupcake punch is from the 12 Days swap and the washi, ornament and figure are from mine.
We left a little after 7:15 to go to the airport about an hour away. Security was a little different for me this time as I haven't been on a plane in 4 years. One of the security guys waived me and dad to the front of the line (probably because dad is blind) and then messed up the lines and didn't tell the other security people. Also, I got patted down and had a hand test, whatever, I get they have to do what they have to do. We get to the gate and our flight that was originally supposed to leave at 10AM is now pushed back to 11:15 and then about half an hour later it was cancelled and there were no more flights that we could get on that day or the next. Fog in Chicago. We ended up getting an Uber back home. It was all I could do to not burst into tears the whole way back. I was just starting to get excited about having a vacation, haven't really had one in a year and I don't know when I'll have time for more than a day or so. When we got home, dad wanted to have lunch and maybe see if we could get a ride to my aunt's Christmas celebration. I just wanted to go home and wallow in my misery. So, I walked home, carrying my bag, I needed that walk for the tears and just to vent to myself. I unpacked everything and headed back out to the grocery store for some comfort food and milk. I had a Swanson's fried chicken dinner for lunch with a Mountain Dew, it helped.
I found some mail when I got home.
A Christmas Card:
Another Christmas card:
And my first Winner Takes All of destash:
This Winner Takes All is kinda like a lottery. We sign up saying what we will send to whoever wins and give a number. I won and was so excited. I don't win a lot. I should be getting 32 pieces of mail for this.
I spent the rest of the day online and watching movies.
Wednesday: I had an extra in my Advent calendar and in the Advent calendar swap, so I opened those.
The pen is from the swap, the chocolate, ornament and washi from mine.
I also opened my purchases from Monday:
Count Chocula is from the cartoon blind bag, Ariel in her pink dress and Ursula are from the two Little Mermaid blind bags, and Wall-E wasn't a blind bag. My favorites are Ursula and Wall-E, I believe Ursula is my favorite Disney Villain.
One of my groups posted Christmas wishes, I granted a few and asked for happy mail, which is too tall of an order for some people, as I got one grant.
Wish of something sarcastic and Easter stickers:
I was granting the something sarcastic, but then didn't really know if these were considered sarcastic or not (funny, yes, I just wasn't sure about sarcastic), so I popped some Easter stickers in there as well. I had just gotten the quotes from a winter pocket letter, I think they're pretty great. "Everyone's all Ooohh, isn't the snow pretty, and I'm just over here thinking is it June yet?" "I'm not going outside until the temperature is above my age" (actually our temps have been in the 40's and 50's, so we're already there), My favorite winter activity is getting back inside.
Wish of something panda:
I couldn't find the one sticker sheet I really wanted to send her, but knew I had others as well.
It felt like a normal day off from work, except that everyone kept wishing me a Merry Christmas. I didn't want to deal with them. I changed my facebook profile picture to a grumpy emoji and wanted to tell everyone to buzz off.
I went to supper with my parents to a local more upscale restaurant, it's the third time I've been there and I'm never impressed with the food. I got a mac and cheese dish, it wasn't that good. I gave them their gifts and mom game me a gift of earrings and some Target gift cards. Dad said my plane tickets were supposed to be part of my Christmas gift, so here's some gift cards to cover that.
I've decided to watch all my movies alphabetically to see if I really want to keep them all, so I finished the night with The American President (keeping this one).
Thursday: I got up and went to the post office. I mailed the two wishes from above, a pocket letter, gifts for my brother and his girlfriend, and gifts for a friend.
And then I went shopping, I always go after Christmas shopping, it used to be a great way to get gifts for the next year cheaply, but as mom keeps pushing not to do big gifts, I just bought stuff for me this time (a bit too much for me). First stop was BAM, I keep meaning to go there, I just haven't.
Found this:
Was tempted to buy it, but I already have the book.
I also saw they still had Harry Potter Advent Calendars and a couple others. What I bought:
Gnome, Godzilla blind bag, two Little Mermaid blind bags, The Perfect Guy chocolate, some Almond Roca for my dad, he mentioned the other day he was craving these. Total spent $37
I am a bit disappointed that the gnome was not marked down and of course I wasn't paying attention at check-out and didn't realize it until I got home, typical.
Next stop was Walmart, they were pretty busy.
Long-sleeve t-shirt, Kit Kat, coffee tags, Dino Strike blind bag, double stick tape, Niffler ornament, Minion ornament, Christmas cards, squishy card holder.
I keep checking the men's section for long-sleeve shirts, they seem to have better ones than the women's section. The Kit Kat I found in the check-out, it's dark chocolate and mint. The Dino Strike blind bag was with the toys in the Christmas clearance aisle, but it didn't ring up at half price, I ate this one and put the other toy I figured was on sale back. Sometimes I think stores do this on purpose, see if you're paying attention and when you get home and realize it's not what you thought it was priced at you will decide it's not worth it to return. I was so excited to find the Niffler ornament and the Minion ornament. These ornaments are so much regular priced that they are still kinda pricey for me at half off. I picked up the cards for next year. I wanted one of these squishy card holders, but I wasn't going to pay $5 for them originally, $2.50 is ok.
unicorn activity book, bags, Kinders.
The book didn't ring up at 50% off either, but since it was a Christmas book, the cashier changed it. Thought these bags would be cute to use, and I wanted these Kinders earlier, but wasn't interested in paying full price. Total spent $53.
Next up was Target:
socks, gloves, ornaments, Surprizimals, How to Train your Dragon blind bag, toys.
I've been trying to find knee highs, but no one seems to have them. I have found sweater weight ones, and everyone's carrying crew. I need knee highs for my boots, I'm having the hardest time finding them. One of my coworkers said Target had them. I found these and a couple pairs with cool patterns, but I don't buy the cute patterned ones because no one sees them. I guess I'll have to go online next. I couldn't pass up these cute green gloves. I was excited to find the Minion ornament here, too. I picked up Harry Potter, because even though I haven't read the books or wish to watch the movies, I do like the merchandise that it's producing. This ornament was missing his hands and whatever he was holding in them. I thought he still looked neat. I picked up the other ornaments because they were cute, fox in a coat, blue yeti, fairy and a mushroom person. I was looking for a specific blind bag, but couldn't find them, I found this value pack of Surprizamals of 6 for $12, since they are normally $4-$6 each, this was a good deal. I wanted more blind bags, but only found the How to Train your dragon and the slime guys. Total spent $47. I used my gift cards.
Last stop was Dollar Tree:
tassel paperclips, washi, squishy Hulk, loofahs, Russell Stover chocolate, hair bands, Toy Story activity book, horror movie?, more chocolate.
I admit, the paperclips and washi were just cute, so was Hulk. I needed the loofahs and hair bands. They were putting out Valentine's Day chocolate, so I picked up a couple of these tiny hearts, they're really good. I picked up the movie cause it sounded like a horror movie, and the other chocolate just sounds good. Total spent $14.
I hit 10,000 steps shortly before I got home, and found 3 items in my mail box.
Winner Takes All:
of cards and washi samples. I love that Alice in Wonderland washi.
Wrapped flat item:
It was a stamp set:
Probably going to pass it on, as I don't really use stamps.
And another Winner Takes All:
of happy mail. I had to look at my records to find out, as there was not a note.
Like I said I should have 32 of these Winner Takes All coming in, they were supposed to have them mailed by yesterday, 13 people still have to send.
I spent way too much money, but the walk and spending money on me helped with my mood.

Monday, December 23, 2019

A purple monster

Friday's mail brought these cute sticker sheets:
 My mother texted the other day saying we should get together and open presents before going to Chicago. I did not want to, because what would we do on Christmas? I told her I had to work the day she suggested and my presents were packed and ready to go. She messaged back that they weren't taking my presents, so I should find time, wow that escalated quickly. I told her I had time that night, but not if she was going to be rude, I almost told her I didn't want to go to Chicago with her if she was gonna be in that kind of mood. She annoyed me so much, I opened the box my friend sent me:
 I was going to wait and open it after we got back, but my mom just annoyed me so much. It's so cute. I could tell it was a tin before I opened it, I thought it was gonna be a tin of cookies.
I also got out my Advent calendar I'd been putting together for next year, opened them all up again and re-filled them all. That was the whole reason I was going to go shopping, because I wanted to fill them all with blind bags, but I didn't want to spend a bunch of money on blind bags and since I probably wouldn't be after Christmas shopping. I started to fill them with gnomes from this year and last year. I took out all the blind bags and started opening them. I did continue putting a roll of washi in each of them, though. I've been raiding my stuff for the other items. I'm sure it helped that I didn't take a picture of the things I put in it.
I ended up going to supper at Texas Roadhouse with my parents and opening their presents afterwards. Here's what they gave me:
 Nothing that couldn't be put in a suitcase. Mom did say she wanted to give me the sweater before we went so I could wear it, but it would have been one day that I couldn't wear it. I was so annoyed that she decided we were only doing stocking stuffers this year, just cause she doesn't want stuff, doesn't mean she can't give me stuff. I do like the sweater, I just don't see what she couldn't put in her suitcase, I doubt she already had them wrapped. I bet they won't let me have a mimosa before we leave.
Saturday:
 I have to say this is the most disappointing day of my swaps/calendars.
The tape, macaroon and Santa clothespin are from mine. The Bo Bunny stamps from the 12 Days of Christmas swap and the rest from the Advent calendar swap.
What I sent:
A vintage pin
I put together some stuff to mail out as I have to mail on Monday.
Happy mail tag:
 Those Bo Bunny stamps (I don't use stamps that often and knew I wouldn't use them), stickers are from a destash swap, sticky notes were in my stash, envelope is from a homemade tag, postcard from another happy mail tag. This one may be able to be sent as a large envelope.
Happy mail tag:
 The House Mouse stamps (for the same reason), stickers from a destash swap, the stationery from a favorite animal tag, envelope from a homemade tag and postcard from another happy mail tag. This one is definitely a parcel.
Destash tag:
 Most of this is from a large destash swap.
More of the destash tag:
 Again most of this is from the destash swap, the thickers and stencil are from my most recent Peachy Cheap grab bag. Also will be a parcel.
I headed in to work at that point, and it was wicked slow.
I did find a Christmas ornament tag in the mail:
When I got home from work, I finished some more trim stars. I'm planning on giving them as New Year's presents.
One of my friends did that last year, and I thought it was a great idea. I did give out some Christmas gifts, but mostly cause I didn't want to wait. I now just have to figure out who to give them to. These have a cardstock background so I feel they could be mailed on one stamp.
Sunday: I got up and tried to get my laundry done before work. For some reason the washer wouldn't drain, so my load was wicked wet after running it once, and then I tried a rinse and spin and they were still wet and then I tried another cycle with a faster spin cycle and that finally worked. I got them in the dryer shortly before I went to work.
Advent calendars:
 The candy was from the Advent calendar swap, the felt candy canes are a card garland from the 12 Days of Christmas swap and the fluffy ornament and washi are from mine.
What I sent:
A handmade tassel, I was really proud about this.
I really wanted to go shopping at HyVee or Mayhem. I talked myself out of HyVee before work but was going to try for Mayhem after work. Work was slow, we had a little rush right after we opened, but otherwise we very slow. I think my work shoes are all worn out, as I was really tired as we got closer to the end of the day, but when I sat down it was much better. I ended up not going to Mayhem because I was so tired.
When I got home and took off my boots I was much better.
I finished a pocket letter:
 and relaxed for the rest of the day.
Monday: I decided to head to Mayhem after work.
My calendars:
 The sampler Pack is from the Advent Calendar swap, the paper from the 12 Days of Christmas swap, the mouse ornament and washi were from mine.
What I sent:
Some wood pieces.
I'm enjoying what I'm getting, but I'm so annoyed that my Advent Calendar swap partner didn't follow the rules of the swap. I worked so hard to follow the rules and make half of the items and she made 6 different items, most of them die cuts, some of them paired with other things for the days. I liked the embellishments and the tiny notebook. I'm just so frustrated, especially after seeing other people's pictures of all the cool handmade stuff they're getting.
I had pretty much given up on hearing from the bookstore about spring RUSH, there was an email in my inbox this morning, with instructions to fill out availability by Friday and that I had another step to take. Just one more thing to add to my day.
Work wasn't that interesting, but it felt like all our brains had already gone on vacation.
I did find some more goodies on my desk:
The bag was sitting on my desk and I couldn't figure out who it was from or if it was actually for me since I share a desk. I finally was told before I left that it was for me, so I decided to take them on the plane tomorrow as a snack.
I also ended up going to Mayhem after work, I didn't really have time, but I decided to make the time.
I'm excited to see what's in these, but I'm waiting until I get back to open them up. As I was checking out, I used my credit card and the guy helping me asked for my Herbie Hancock, I loved that he used that reference and mentioned it and that kids these days hadn't experienced Chris Farley and it was sad. It kinda made my day.
I took the bus back to the library earlier than I expected, I was going to visit another store but as it was a couple minutes before the bus arrived and I had stuff to do to get ready for tomorrow, I decided to just go home.
I stopped at the post office to mail some stuff and the bank to get some change. When I got home I found a bill in my mail that I was hoping would show up today (as it's due on the 1st) and paid that and got it out and into the mail.
I also found a winter pocket letter:
A couple Christmas cards:


And a gift from a friend:
This last one made me feel kinda bad as I haven't gotten hers in the mail yet, I've just had a ton going on. Did you see the monster? It's my favorite piece of the box.

Friday, December 20, 2019

Not in a good mood

Tuesday: I went to bed really early on Monday and had a great night's sleep. Advent calendars:
 The two ephemera packs were from the Advent calendar swap, the gnome and minion washi are from mine and the decorative brads were from the 12 Days of Christmas swap.
Close-up of what's in the ephemera packs:
 And the Christmas one:
What I sent:
 Some chalkboard tags.
I didn't do much all day, just relaxed and read. I didn't get any mail. I did have a Christmas card in my work mailbox from a friend.
Wednesday:
 The ginger bread die cuts, trim and bling are from the Advent calendar swap, the washi and Snoopy journal are from mine and the Christmas ephemera pack are from the 12 Days of Christmas swap.
What I sent:
A mini journal that I altered.
I had signed up for a Favorite color tag Tuesday night, thinking I wouldn't worry about it until later as I will be doing my mailing on Monday next week, I woke up about 6:30, so figured I'd just go ahead and get it ready to be mailed:
 It's a journal. When I tried to find the person's address I'm mailing to, I couldn't find it in the database, so I tagged the person and asked them to post it. I saw they liked my post, but I don't see them adding their address. They could have had this by Friday, but by not following the rules of adding your address, they're going to have to wait until next Thursday at least to get it.
I did find out that I won a Winner Takes All on my mail group, and will be getting 32 pieces of mail from that. That totally made my day. I highly doubt I'll get any of them before I leave next week, so I'll have a pile of mail to open when I get home.
Work wasn't interesting. I got my presents mailed out as well as two ornament tags and a winter pocket letter.
I found a Christmas card when I got home:
 And a favorites tag:

Thursday:
 The mini notebook is from the Advent calendar swap, the lace from the 12 Days of Christmas swap, the gnome and Paris washi from mine.
I was really excited about the tiny notebook, mostly because she made it. I also got really excited about the gnome as well.
What I sent:
 Also a cute little notebook, not quite as small as the one above.
I was planning to go shopping, but then I got sucked into YouTube and ended up reading and watching TV and then my mom texted me saying we should get together on Sunday to exchange presents. She told me awhile ago that we should just do stocking stuffers because they didn't want to do big stuff. I wait until the big holidays, my birthday and Christmas to ask for big things that I want/need. Of course, I'm still waiting on the microwave they were going to get me for my birthday, so I guess I just shouldn't bother. Anyways, I kept with that. There were more things I would've bought for her, but every time I thought about it, I kept thinking of her wording of not needing more stuff, so I didn't. It worked out with my schedule this year to go on a short trip to visit my brother in Chicago, so we're heading out early next week and coming back at the end of the week. Mom seems all bothered about packing the stocking stuffers and taking them to Chicago. I can't imagine what stocking stuffer she has that she can't handle (or fit in a suitcase) to take to Chicago. Also, that means it would just be my brother and his girlfriend giving us stuff and us giving them stuff on Christmas, I'm not doing it, it's all packed and ready to go.
I'm just always so grumpy this time of year. I totally blame my parents. The first year I was with my ex, they said they were going to Rome for Christmas, when I said I wasn't interested in coming, they were just like, fine we don't care what you want. Thankfully, my ex said I could go home with him and that became our Christmas tradition. That was 2007. In 2011, my ex couldn't wait one day for me to come home with him, so he went home and basically never came back. He must've had some deep conversations with his family and decided to break up with me, because he never made contact with me after he came back. He finally broke up with me in a really long text message around Valentine's Day of 2012. Obviously I knew by then we were broken up, but this time of year just makes me grumpy. I think that's why I'm always going overboard with Christmas swaps and stuff and continuing into Valentine's Day with stuff. I just want someone else to give a damn about me.
No mail, which did not help my mood.
Friday:
 The gnome and washi is from mine, the stamp is from the 12 Days of Christmas, the rest from the Advent calendar swap.
So, that's 5 days of handmade stuff, 3 days being die cuts. I should have 7 more days of handmade stuff. There's only 4 more days left. GRUMPY FACE!!!
I'm thinking of putting all my gnomes and yeti's in next year's Advent calendar, I get so excited when I open days with those in them. I can't enjoy them except during this time of year, so I should put them early.
I'm definitely going down south shopping, if only because my mother pissed me off and that's how I deal with stress.