A Post Long Overdue

I know I have been away a LONG time. Combined with the holiday season, a vacation, an illness, and my father's health, life has been busy!

The holidays brought me a 50s vintage chrome toaster, a ceramic Haeger bowl, a new 50s hat, an espresso maker, a dressform for sewing, and new 50s nightgown. I hosted Christmas dinner and I ate too many latkes and sufganiyot!

 I went on a cruise to the Caribbean with the husband and the in-laws during the second week of January and got norovirus upon my return. The trip was fun and after I recovered from my illness, my size 4 capris were loose so that is a plus!

My father is doing better but for a while, his sleep apnea and cataract surgeries were causing him some trouble. Not only is my dad's eyesight better than before, he is getting a proper night's sleep!

Last week I bought my tickets for VLV 15 and I cannot wait! This will be my second VLV and I am so looking forward to it! My birthday takes place three days before Viva begins and I will be celebrating my 37th in Vegas! Talk about exciting!

Speaking of Viva, I hope to see some of you gals there! As VLV approaches, I would like to organize a meet-up with my fellow bloggers who are going to the event. VLV is huge and meeting people by chance is difficult!

Nevetheless, I hope everyone had a lovely holiday season and a fabulous new year!

Very soon, I am going to post a few beauty product reviews, a "how to" tutorial for making hair flowers, and a "how to" tutorial for making resin pendants!  I also plan to do a new 300+follower giveaway!

A Fist Full of Sundays

As of late, I seems like I am wavering between actively posting on this blog and periods of absolute stagnation. "Feast or famine, "all or nothing," "stationary and static."

 Despite my chaotic absenteeism, I do have 'good reason' for my lapse in posting and leaving comments on others' blogs. My father has been going through some health issues and as a result, I have been spending a majority of my time travelling between my parents' house and mine. I am experiencing a sense of deja vu as I write this. (I have already stated this in previous posts).

I feel like my current mood is like Morrissey's song, "Every Day is Like Sunday."  The images of closed stores, listlessly walking down a cold, empty boardwalk, and wishing to be somewhere, ANYWHERE, else harbors a sense of familiarity. The hours spent driving back and forth, the doctor visits, trips to the store, drives to the shops, and the endless barrage of unpacking, packing, and doing laundry make the days seem seamless. The days blend together like the packet of Splenda melting into my morning coffee.

In spite of my blasse state of mind, I would do all of this over and over again. My parents need me and my love for them erodes any desire to kvetch about my situation.

What makes these current state of affairs difficult is seeing my dad enduring all of this. Regardless of what is going on with my father, he is strong and he positive outlook is inspiring. As for my mother, she has been through a lot already this year. She lost a sister and a cousin over the summer.So, whenever she calls me, I am there, ready to hop in the car at any given notice.

I am not sure what to think and/or feel right now. I waffle between feeling super positive to feeling totally vexed. I have been so busy travelling, I have neglected the gym and my blog again. And writing and working out is probably what I need right now, big time.  I need to conquer this "listless Sunday" feeling.  It seems to be hovering over me like an old itchy, heavy wool blanket, ready to pounce.

I cannot allow myself to wallow in worry and indulge in empty stares out my living room window. I need to be the beacon of positive energy for myself and my parents. I need to trade in this "fist of Sundays" in for mornings at the gym and projects on my sewing machine. I find that when I am active and busy, I am happier. But whenever  I feel this "meh" attitude, it tends to steer me away from what brings me focus and inner peace. Funny how that works, isn't it?

While I cannot promise that I will be "super blogger gal," I will try. (Heck knows I need it!) Nevertheless, I look forward to connecting with you all. I miss you, gals and your great blogs!

The Tale of "Where I've Been and the Well-Traveled Road"

This is my cat sleeping on my stairs on a recent hot, sunny afternoon. The "pooped out" look on her face how I feel as of late. Oh, what I would do for a vacation, let alone a day off. Heck, I will even take an afternoon!

While my cat's sluggish repose is due to her 'tedious' schedule filled with appointments with her toys, meetings with the sunbeams, and lunch dates with her food and treats, my exhausted state is due to work, family, and more work. I have not been on a proper vacation for almost two years. In addition, I have not been to the gym since late May. Yes, you read correctly: May. And it's driving me BATTY!! I need to workout but finding the time has nearly been impossible.

Along with my professional responsibilities, I have been driving back and forth to my parent's house (about an hour and a half away) almost every week since early June. My dad has had several doctor visits and due to my aunt's passing in June, my mother has needed my help. Moreover, another aunt passed away nearly two weeks ago. She was in her 70s and was suffering from dementia. Combined with the worry about my dad, my mother has had a rough go of things. I know if anyone needs a break, it's her.

Despite the fever pitch of happenings in my life, I am ok. I just worry about my dad and my mom. They are getting older and I find myself anxious and deeply concerned about with the typical issues that accompany it.

However, my parents are leaving for Europe to visit family in a few days and I know my mom will love the break and being able to visit with her sisters and brother. Moreover, my dad will enjoy playing golf with his nephews and having a round at the pub with my uncles.

As for me, I just want to get back into a workout routine, better sleep, and maybe take a mini-holiday somewhere. I also want to get back into blogging and connect with you all again.

Speaking of blogging, I have have some posts coming up including my new tiki room, a hot roller set review, new makeup finds, a hair flower barette tutorial, and a new giveaway! 

Nevertheless, I hope all are well!

Giving A "Shout Out" to My Fellow Vintage Bloggers!

I cannot believe it has been nearly a year since I started blogging!  During this time, I have met so many wonderful gals who live and breathe the vintage life like I do! The fact that I am not alone in my vintage pursuits makes me feel very good! I have learned so much from you gals and I am truly grateful! 

So, with that said, I would like to thank ALL of you who have made this past year so amazing! I also would like to feature some of the wonderful vintage blogs that I enjoy following and if you are not following them yet, then you are missing out!

http://temperamentalbroad.blogspot.com/

http://havinsomerockinfun.blogspot.com/

http://doradadama.blogspot.com/

http://moxietonic.blogspot.com/

http://dollycoolclare.blogspot.com/

http://www.andibgoode.com/

http://missdolliedeville.blogspot.com/

http://sailingoveracardboardsea.blogspot.com/

http://vavoomvintage.blogspot.com/

http://livingvintage.blogspot.com/

http://everybranch.blogspot.com/

http://melzaelf.blogspot.com/

http://pennydreadfulvintage.blogspot.com/

http://blog.bygumbygolly.com/

http://straighttalkingmama.blogspot.com/

http://niftythriftyretromama.blogspot.com/

http://betty2tone.blogspot.com/

http://highway101today.blogspot.com/

http://jitterbugdoll.blogspot.com/

http://sip-of-sarsaparilla.blogspot.com/