Feeling the Crunch

On Tuesday, while at bead group, I suddenly had an attack of something awful on my tummy. By the time I got home I was in a bad way. Death warmed over would be an apt description. I was sick all the rest of that day and all day Wednesday. In fact, I actually got a fever, and I felt so bad Wednesday I slept most of it. (Still, I made myself go out to do grocery shopping. The fridge was getting rather bare.)

I am feeling the crunch. Even though I started plenty early, or at least, I thought it that way, I find myself running out of time fast to get ready for Christmas and a cruise at the same time. Having just been sick for 2 days didn't help. I fell even further behind. Along with the tummy bug (and I have no doubt that's what it was) I've been feeling totally stressed out. I'd think about everything I need to do, everything that isn't done yet that 'should' be, and before I knew it, I started having panic attacks. That will not do! Christmas, and a cruise, are supposed to be fun. I'm putting too much pressure on myself.

This morning I woke up feeling human again. I made the decision to prioritize. Figure out what's most important, and chuck everything else. I do not want to go on my cruise sick, on tranquilizers, and a basket case. Therefore, I will not be making, baking, or cooking any Christmas gifts for Sweet Hubby's family. I went to Costco and 'bought' something instead. I've let go of the Christmas cards. They should have been mailed out last week. I have not had time to do them. I'll save them for next year. (I hate doing Christmas cards anyway).

While drinking my morning coffee I made a list, checked it twice, then grabbed daughter Ruth, and we went out and finished ALL the shopping, and I mean ALL of it. The Christmas shopping is done. The 'getting ready for the cruise' shopping is done. (Do you know how hard it is to find sun block in north Idaho in December???) The 'Christmas Eve dinner food ingredients' shopping is done. I ran every errand I could think of. I can stay home for the rest of the time I have left and wrap, pack, and prepare for the dinner. I can't believe how much better I feel, stress wise.

You'll notice I haven't mentioned the Lace Cover up. I have not worked on it since last weekend. I can't work on knitting when I'm sick. Just can't. That was adding to my stress. I 'MUST' get it done! I've been blogging about it. What will people think if I don't finish it in time for the cruise? The pressure I've been putting on myself turned it into a nightmare project. I'm not enjoying it anymore. So, I'm letting go of it. I can still finish it. I've got the time, but I'm not going to pressure myself to get it done.

Instead, on the way home from Coeur d'Alene today, I stopped into Fashion Bug and found 2 really pretty shear blouses that will work perfect as cover ups for my suits (They were clearance, 60% off too!) . One is purple to go with my black and purple suit. The other is the same blouse, except in brown, to go with my brown suit. If I don't get the lace thing done, it's okay. I have backup. To be honest, after I did that, I was filled with such relief I actually started feeling like I want to work on the lace cover up again. So I will probably get some done on it tonight. I'm not making any promises.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Have a great evening.