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My 2011 in Review

Well, 2011 was an emotional year for me.  My youngest daughter graduated from high school, my mother went into a nursing home, various other problems that I won't mention here, and I did a LOT of reflection.  Where have I been, where do I want to go, etc, etc.  I'm sure all of you have had similar times.

With a now empty nest, I took on a lot of new roles- a new job as a mentor coordinator with the school district, teaching sewing lessons for community education programs, and tutoring reading.  I even took a short lived job at a local bridal store as a seamstress.  (What a nightmare job that was!) 

My husband has been wonderfully supportive during this transitional period, even though I'm sure that he misses having home-cooked meals like we used to have.  I hired several new people at SewBaby..  (And they are doing a great job- thank you Shirley, Elise, Jonathan and Christopher!).

I can't say that I'm any closer to answering any of those big questions.  I really love my new job, I love teaching sewing,  I love tutoring, and I still love SewBaby!  Certain things that used to be a priority have taken a backseat- my sewing, exercising, and reading.  My 2011 sewing was mostly for my daughters and easy to make Christmas presents.  My exercise buddy moved away, and I haven't read a single book for my book club this year!  I hope to be able to balance things out better in 2012, making time for those things that I truly miss and enjoy.

Now that I'm working outside the home, I really do need some nice quality career wear, and I think that will be my sewing focus for 2012.  I don't think that I'm going to get any more specific than that.  If there is one thing that I've learned from 2011, it is that life changes directions when you least expect it to, and have to embrace the people and possibilities that you have at that moment.  To everything there is a season, and eventually I'm sure I'll be sewing for weddings, grandchildren, and school dances in the future.

Here's to the end of 2011 and to a bright 2012 for all of us!

Kind regards,
Ann

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