Jan 5, 2022

Hello 2022!

It's already a crazy year and we are on day 5. Yikes. 

In any event, I hope 2022 treats you well. 

Life Update! 

Moved Again

It's been a little more than 3 years since we moved to Dallas. This summer, after we woke up from what I call our covid stupor (sitting in the house for over a year), we looked around and decided it was time for a change. So we sold our house. It was a blur of cleaning, packing, etc. -- 6 days from selecting a realtor to a contract!

In October we moved into an apartment about 20 miles north of Dallas in Plano. It's starting to feel right. I never have a good answer when folks ask why we moved. I think we were restless and wanted a smaller place, at least for now. 

It's a 2 bedroom apartment up on the 13th floor. I craft in a small section of our living area. It is surrounded by tall windows and bathed in light. It's a lot different from what I'm used to, but I think it is going to work. If nothing else, I'm forced to put everything away every day. 

School

I started an online graduate public health program in August - it's 5 courses. I wanted to get my masters degree in public health, but the cost - $75K - put an end to that plan. I've taken the first 2 courses and so far it's interesting, but I have to admit that I hate assignments. I guess I'm not cut out for higher education anymore.  

Other

I got an email asking me if I planned on finishing Stamping Destroyed My Life. Right now, the answer is no. I tried updating it a few months ago, but the passion was gone. It was work instead of fun, so for now it is a masterpiece unfinished (HA).

And here are a few cards.






If you want to see more of my cardmaking, please check out my Instagram account. Thanks!

MOOD WHEN DONE: Good! I hope to blog again soon. 






13 comments:

Kathy W said...

So glad to see you back! Congrats on your move. Cheers to hopefully a more promising 2022. Really like the 2nd card with the flowers and pops of color.

Meg M. said...

Hello Joan! I appreciate that you share your journey. I recently shared your "Stamping destroyed My Life" story with a friend who is recovering from surgery. She enjoyed reading it. I will have to go back and re-read it, it's been a few years.

I'm glad you and Mike are enjoying the apartment. Toodles for now.

Dorie said...

What a surprise to see an email from you, Joan. Paperlicious has been missed! Hopefully 2022 will be better for all of us. Take care.

Anonymous said...

Marisela Delgado said: Hey, girlfriend! I was wondering how you were. So happy to hear from you. Awesome cards! ☺🌻 Feliz Ano Nuevo! Happy New Year! Let's hope it's better for everyone. I am so over this. Stay warm. You guys are way colder than us. San Antonio has been warm and toasty. ☺ We're happy to have you back. ☺ Marisela Delgado mariandmonsterd@yahoo.com

Joan said...

As exhausting as moving is, it sounds like this was a much better move than the last one. I've missed your blog and cards and have wondered how you were doing. (Instagram and FB don't let you see the content unless you have an account of your own.) It seems you're keeping busy and out of trouble with school and life. All the best to you.

luvhymns said...

Glad smaller works for you!!!! Joined you on instagram and your cards there are wonderful!!!! happy 2022!

Anonymous said...

Your post just makes me smile...really, happy this morning. I felt I lost an invisible friend, glad to know she was busy with real life! Your cards are gorgeous. Enjoy your new place. Faye

Erica said...

Just want to wish you and your hubby a Happy New Year and hope you enjoy your new place. You do You.
It's more important than ever...for 'public health and safety.'

MyLittleBlueDog said...

What a pleasant surprise to see your post! So nice to see you are well and enjoying life it has been ages. I take my hat off to you moving house, it's something I have thought off but feels to daunting, so lucky to sell so quickly and be able to move on with your life. Hope it all works out well for you both and that you enjoy embarking on your graduate public health program. I think I must go back and reread Stamping Destroyed My Life... Thanks for pointing me in the direction of instagram I rarely go there and it was fun and inspiring. Happy New Year hope to see a bit more of you on the inter webs.

Andrea Hastilow said...

Mood when read your post :- delighted that your back & thankful for the sight of such pretty cas cards. A little goes a long way x

sparkling stamper said...

Glad you are back. Missed you! We moved too and my room (spare bedroom) is still a work in progress. I can’t imagine being limited to a corner in the living room! I outgrew my corner years ago!

TK said...

A bevy of colorfully CAS cards! Wonderful stash to have on hand, as they're great for male or female.
Hope you're settling in and enjoying your nice big windows while crafting in the sunshine.

Vikki H said...

Well, it seems that I've neglected looking at your blog! I'm so accustomed to seeing you on IG that I missed your reentry to blogging. I love the apple card and the simplicity of repetition on the first!