07 April 2008

Hello, I'm Back!

Hey all!

I can't believe that my last post was in November - it only feels like yesterday, where's the time gone?!

I'm really sorry if my extended hiatus has concerned or worried any of you. Unfortunately, since I last posted, things haven't been very good, what with my depression, which hasn't got any better, but on the upside hasn't got any worse either, and not nearly as bad as the bout I had back in 2001/2002. It's been an uphill battle to be interested in anything - everything seems such an effort! Summoning up the energy to go to work and come back just about kills me, so surfing on the old net is not something I've kept up with I'm afraid. I can just about cope with checking my emails, and that's about it. Then just as I had got over my kidney infection, I had a really bad dose of the flu, which lasted for most of December - and it's this bout of flu that has really set me back, as my immune system was next door to rock bottom as it was.

Also, work hasn't been too brilliant either, so on the recommendation from my Doctor, which went along the lines of "Please Heidi, find another job for the sake of your sanity", I've updated my CV and it's currently doing the rounds of the local recruitment agencies. I think this girly has reached the end of her tether, what with the low morale and stress of the job, plus the attitude of certain 'colleagues' not related to my team/area of work, who seem to think that I'm their PA. So, to cut a long story short, this girly is shipping out! I am quietly optimistic - I'll keep you posted if anything comes through.

OK, it's been a long time...so where do I start with the piccies? Hmmm...Christmas. Well Fudgie cat volunteered to help me put up the Christmas tree...


As you can see, he volunteered on an 'overseeing developments' sort of basis, i.e. not rolling up his sleeves and actually helping me, but, quite rightly he argued the point that, in fact, he has no sleeves, so begrudgingly I had to agree with him......

...and here he is, inspecting the Christmas tree box...


And finally, here he is 'helping' me to wrap up some presents.....


As you can see, 'overseeing' is tiring work! Aww, he's such a cutie - he's been such a tower of strength to me and sarcasm aside, I don't know what I'd do without him. He's been my friend, my rock and my everything through all of this. All I can say is thank the good Lord for Cats! :-)

As far as the stitching goes, it's really the only thing I have stuck at. Again, my Doctor encouraged me to keep at it, and I'm glad she did, because it helps me to wind down at the end of the day - plus it's something else to focus on. There's so much floating around in my mind right now - the depression, the job situation, also the fact that I'm divorcing husband this year. It's been all to easy to focus on the negative, which is really selfish as there's so many people in this world so much worse off than me - so stitching has really helped. Sometimes I only manage to complete a few stitches, then on the other extreme I can sit down on a Saturday at 11.30am and go right through to 6pm. Here's progress on 'Cat Knot' so far...


It's coming along, slowly but surely...and here's the 'Happiness' sampler. I've not unpicked the huge 'frogged' section yet - instead, I've concentrated on another area. As you can see, I've finished the first line of the saying and I've started stitching in the leaves and acorns that surround it...


Well, that's about it for now. I will try my very best to visit your blogs and return your good wishes - and there are some emails that I have received from you which I've opened, read, thought 'I must reply!' and never returned, so once again, huge and heartfelt apologies if I've seemed very rude. I really didn't mean to come across that way, honest! xxxx

Anyway, much love to you all...and I will be posting more often in future. Thank you for being such good friends, and thank you for thinking about me! This tired old thing really appreciates it.

Carto xxx

7 comments:

Kim said...

Ick the computer ate my post so appologies if two appear!
Christmas is always a hard time for me too but well done for getting through and keeping strong, things will get better - and your stitching is looking amazing x

Unknown said...

wow, I'm sorry your having a hard time, your stitching looks great and your cute kitty is just adorable! I guess 2008 is the year for divorces. I almost went through one also as my DH asked me for one and we agreed but then weeks later he apologized and said he wanted to stay together. Anyway I hope things look up for you. :)

Alberta said...

Your comment this morning was a most welcomed diversion! So I felt the 'need' to reciprocate! lol!

I think you are making incredible headway...an updated CV...I can see great things in your future. Just think of the opportunities, positive minded co-workers,team work, challenges and finally recognition. It's just around the corner!

I love your cat...lots of ahhhh moments and your 5 Simple Rules looks so vibrant. Can't wait to see more.

Take care!

Felicity said...

You feel down, I know, but you cheer a whole lot of people just by being you. Hugs. I'm glad you ventured back online to blog. You've inspired me on two stitching projects, yanno.

Rowyn said...

Great to see you and Fudgie back :-)

You've got some great stitching going on there too!

Aussie Stitcher said...

Great to see you back, I think we should join forces and give that old black dog a good kick in the rear and send it on its way. Your wips are looking great, and I love the photos of Fudgie helping with Christmas.

stitcherw said...

I'm so glad to see you back, and of course I don't think you were rude or anything for not responding earlier. Some days (and months) it is all a person can do to just put one foot in front of the other and just function to the level that is required, there isn't anything left for above and beyond. Been there and done that, so I totally understand. I hope that the black fog is lifting and will go off and leave you alone to move forward. It is so hard trying to function when it feels like you're trying to wade through pea soup just to move.

Glad to hear Fudge is doing well and has been such a comfort, great Christmas pictures. I don't know what I'd do without my furbabies either. There are days when they are the only reason I climb out of bed. Also, nothing beats the feeling they give that you are the most important person in the world to them. Your WIPs are looking wonderful. Stitching is such a comfort, and is great at easing stress. There is something so peaceful about just sitting and stitching and watching something wonderful start to develope from a blank piece of fabric. I'll look forward to seeing your pieces move forward.

Good luck with the job hunt. I hope you find something better suited to you soon (and with a more positive and supportive environment). Take care of yourself, and know that we are thinking of you and sending warm thoughts your way. {{hugs}}
Sue