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2015 is almost over. I am not going to say it was the worst year ever (because it wasn’t) and I can’t say it was my best year ever either. What I WILL say is it is a year that encompassed a lot of changes in my life and whether they are good or bad remains to be seen!
First off- I was a terrible blogger. I thought about apologizing but I decided that it was nothing to be sorry for! Not blogging much just happened… And my “sewist” friends are also on Instagram and can pretty much keep up with me there. That said, I like to blog and now that my Year of Many Changes is coming to a close, I hope I can manage to do a bit better! We shall see!
I turned 50 this year. I don’t feel 50. But I AM 50. I do not really like that number. Half a century. Sheesh. How did that happen? I confess I am not really happy about it. Youth has a lot to be said for it! Of course I wish I knew then what I know now. But life does not work that way.
One of the biggest changes in my life is a move. I moved from sunny California to Texas. It was a BIG move for a variety of reasons. The hardest part of my move was leaving 3 of my children behind. It does not matter that they are 27,23 and 20. I miss them dreadfully. I love being a mom and needed and now, well I am a long distance mom and not needed so much any more. I moved because I AM 50, and living in CA on your own was tough. I lived paycheck to paycheck and started getting concerned about MY future. I spent the last 28 years worried about my kids and forgot to plan for me. The opportunity arose to come and live with my big brother and damn I took it. The move will give me an opportunity to start saving towards retirement. I do not want to work at Walmart when I am 75. I want to be sewing, drinking martinis with my friends, volunteering, and doing other cool things! So I packed up a 4 x 8 trailer and headed to a new state.
Things have been pretty good in Texas. I have been here 2 months. (I have to confess it feels like longer!) My youngest came with me. I was able to bring my job with me. 9 years at the same job although we were bought last year by a new company! Which brings me to my next change. 4 days before Christmas I got laid off. 😦 Boy was that a slap in the face. I guess I should be happy I made it through 15 months with the new company. But I am not…What I AM is realistic and should have known it was coming. But Christmas?? Well, that kinda sucked. (Although it has given me some extra time off to visit with my kids while they were here, sew lots and take up running.)
So, I go into 2016 50 years old, in a new state, and jobless. I also go into 2016 thankful! I am living in a brand new house with my own bedroom AND a 2nd bedroom I use as an office/ sewing room. My youngest is here with me in HER own room. My kids just left today for CA after spending the holidays with me. And I have the opportunity to start a brand new adventure. New state. New career. New challenges.
I never imagined I would leave California. I never imagined I would be laid off. Life can be a challenge sometimes when things don’t necessarily go the way you planned but I am viewing this as an opportunity to go forth and do lots of great stuff in 2016!
I would like to end this post with a picture of my super cool brother. Ya- that is his car… and yeah… I made him that shirt! #minions
Happy New Year! May you have many adventures in 2016!
Sew Exhausted 
Happy New Year in your new home!
Yep, life has a habit of happening, whether we like it or not and blogging sometimes gets postponed for a bit. Not to worry! (Try not to worry over inanimate numbers, or old-fashioned assumptions about them. 😉)
Wishing you all the best ! 🎉🎉🎉
Wishingyou the best as well! Yes… I’m trying not to think about numbers. Its all in how you feel!
Onwards and upwards Laurie, I wish you all the best in your new home. Here’s to new beginnings. xx
Aw thanks Anne! Wishing you the best as well! And here’s to lots of adventures in 2016!
Happy New a Year to you! It will be a better year for you!
🙂 Thank you Linda! Happy New Year to you as well! Lets make it a great one!
Age is like clothing sizes – just numbers that don’t really tell anyone anything. =)
My husband got laid off just before Christmas a few years ago – it really stinks when companies do that! However, you’re in a good state for job searching because Texas always seems to keep people busy even if you have to do contract work for a while. May a better and perfect job for you come along soon!
I love the minions shirt you made for your brother! (I have some of that fabric for myself.)
Blogging can sometimes be hard to keep up with but don’t beat yourself up about being sporadic with posts. Life just has a habit of getting in the way. Thank goodness we have IG – the best thing for micro-blogging! =)
Hi Brooke! Thank you for the encouraging words. I have to admit I was rather embarrassed to get laid off- you think because you work so hard you are invincible but now I know better! It is nice to know others have experienced it as well. I have high hopes for an even better job. 🙂 The minion shirt was fun to make. I just ordered the minions on the solid blue to make him another… And some Star Wars fabric as well. … IG! Best thing ever!
The timing of the layoffs does really suck. One of the biggest employers in my state announced they’d be doing the same for hundreds of people just before Christmas, and it’s looking pretty certain that my father in law will be one of the ones laid off. Very grinchy of them to put a damper on the holidays like that, IMO. But I’m glad you’re settling into your new locale, and I hope a new opportunity comes your way soon!
Thanks Becky! I realize it happens to many people- just didn’t think it would to me. But I will find something better- am already putting my resume out and in the meantime I am getting a nice little holiday!
Changes are always hard and scary but good! I am sure something better is just around the corner!
🙂 I totally agree with you! I am feeling excited to see what is around that corner!
Lots of changes, but it sounds like you are in a good place. Wishing you all the best to find the perfect job!
Thanks QSue. 🙂 I am feeling good about 2016!
Happy New Year!! Good luck to you in 2016–onward and upward, right? =) I am sorry that you’ve had so much uncertainty coming your way; my husband went through a somewhat similar situation several years ago, only a few weeks before Christmas and right as we were about to close on our first house.
That ended up working out for us in the end, and I truly hope that similar luck and good fortune find you this year.
When my mother turned 50 I asked her how she felt. Her answer? “I feel like the rest of my life is before me and I don’t have to waste 20 years growing up.” She’s still going 200 miles an hour 25 years later. Here’s to a new adventure! *cheers*
I like that and it is exactly what my mother would say! I will definitely remember to apply that to myself! Thank you for the reminder! 🙂 🙂
Oh, I like what Tia Dia said! And if it’s any consolation, I’ve been through some of the same, too. Way too much to put in a comment, but it will get better, I promise! So wonderful that your youngest is with you, and you are with your brother. Wishing you all the best. (2016 can only go up from here!)
Aw thanks Jen! It is always nice to know I am not the only one! I have high hopes for 2016. I am a pretty positive person which is a good thing! 😀 An yes- Tia Dia said it best!
I’m so impressed with your positive attitude, Laurie! I hope 2016 turns out to be an exceptional year for you!
Thank you! 🙂 Gotta have a good attitude!
I just discovered your blog, and am so happy you plan to continue to blog. Instagram is great, but blogging really lets us connect with eachother. I can’t wait to read the next chapter of your sewing/life story.
🙂 Happy you found me! I will do my best to keep up with 2016! 😀