Pages

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Hey there... Hi there... Ho there...

I got a little carried away with my Holiday break...sorry about that!
My Christmas was fantastic!  I had the chance to visit with family, eat lots of wonderful food and enjoy huge amounts of snow-fall. Here's a fun little shot I got one frosty morning.  It's Frozen Fog on my Mickey Mouse antenna ears.



I've been busy getting ready for the upcoming CHA trade show this month in LA.  We are releasing some exciting new stuff, but the best part is that I get to see my Jennifer (makes me so happy).

I've gone through some changes to better myself.  As you know, I've been investigating my sleep issues, found out that I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. I went through a second sleep study to determine the level of air pressure needed to keep my airway open during sleep.  This coming Monday, I get my machine... bitter sweet, but am so looking forward to feeling refreshed.

On another note, this may or may not come as a shock to you...I've been a smoker most of my life.  This was especially hard on me when my mother passed (lung cancer).  Her death drove home the fact that I needed to quit, I felt the pressure but also needed the crutch that only cigarettes can provide.  On New Years I set down the cigarettes and gave up my nasty habit.  I was ready, the time was right and I have not looked back.  I'm on my way to a smoke free life.  YAY!!!  Now to work on my husband!

Now this brings to mind another funny tidbit...I have not done giveaways or sent cards to many people because of the smoke smell.  Such a shame...but with the new year and new commitments, you may see a few random giveaways pop up from time to time. 

Sorry to ramble, that's what's been happening with me.  I'm doing great, feeling strong and embrassing my new begininings!

Love to all!

39 comments :

Kelly said...

good for you! I wish you a continued smoke-free life! My SIL uses a machine at nigth for her sleep issues and she's SO much more rested!

Eveline said...

Good luck with the non smoking issue. I stopped 17 years ago because I didn't want to smoke when I had children and I haven't smoked since.
Good luck with the machine too.
The picture is lovely. What is it?
Eveline.

Barbara said...

Hurray for you for stopping smoking!!!!

Danielle said...

What wonderful changes your making!

CinnamonSally said...

Hi Shari
I am so pleased you are giving up smoking, it will make such a difference to you life and hey, it may help with the sleeping as well. Love your frosty Mickey by the way.
Sallyx

Kath Stewart said...

great to have you back in blogland and big hugs for giving up the weed...this may help with your sleep problem too and go easy on hubby...he has to want to give up...gentle persuasion only....hugs kath xxx

Karen said...

I am a smoker. I have given quite a bit of thought to quitting lately. I know I am not quite there yet. I will be soon though. As with anything, if we are not ready we won't succeed. I never worried about giving away my crafts because I have never smoked in my house. I do have to admit that there have been times when smoking dictated where I went or what I did. I know that is sad and I know my time is coming. I am enormously happy for you.

joy said...

Oh, wow! That is a huge change to make! Good luck in sticking to it; and good luck with the machine - is it a C-Pap?? A friend has used one for years and it definitely helps her!

Lin said...

YAY, Shari!! What a great resolution, and I'm so pleased to hear that you are keeping on keeping off the cigarettes! So pleased for you! BIG Hugs!

Lynne Forsythe said...

Love you girl!!! am SOOOOOOOO PROUD OF YOU!!!!

Barb said...

So nice to see a post from you! Way to go on quitting! So happy for you! It's not an easy thing, giving up the cigarettes! Best of luck in continuing to be a non-smoker! :)

Sarah J Moerman said...

Yay, Shari!!! Smiling BIG over here. Sounds like your year is off to an AMAZING start!

jill said...

Good for you!!! I quit 28 years ago. It wasn't easy but I did it and never looked back....keep up the good work!!!

donna mikasa said...

What a great way to start the new year! Good for you, Shari....so proud of you =)

Nancy said...

Kudos to you on your new beginning, such a wonderful positive decision you've made. I'll be praying for continued success in your resolve to quit smoking. I'm looking forward to seeing you again at CHA, I'm so excited!
blessings to you...

Anita Rex said...

AWESOME! So happy for you with your quitting! I know you can do it! :> I can't wait until you've had your first night with the machine and wake up feeling so much better!

Merry said...

So great to hear from you and what a fantastic photo you have shared. Good on you for giving up your cigarettes.....stay strong. How fantastic getting ready for CHA....

Alice said...

very neat photo! so glad to hear that you quit cigarettes and hope the treatment helps you gain some much deserved sleep. all the best wishes to you and your for 2011!! =)

Angel Estes said...

Fantastic! Good for you!

Ruth S said...

Good to hear from you again ;)
And good for you with the quitting - it will be worth it so be strong and stick with it! Thinking of you xx

Tracey said...

SO proud of you Shari for quitting smoking!!! Seriously this is one of the best decisions you have ever made!!!! What a fantastic start to 2011! Glad to hear that you have the sleep problem figured out...keep us updated on your cpap machine. Hugs, TRace

Betz61 said...

WAY TO GO!!! So excited for you it's hard but sure worth it try rewarding yourself with the money you spent on cigarettes. Or save it for a nice retreat or vacation you'll be surprised how quickly the money adds up.

Debbie F. said...

A big "atta boy" (or should it be "atta girl"?) to you for making the big commitment! Full speed ahead!!

Ruby said...

Yeah! I was so happy to read of your new commitment and I will pray for you to stay strong! Love your blog as I look forward every day to view it.

GinaE said...

Stay strong with your new commitment to stop smoking. Such a tough thing to do, but you are such a great person and we want you around for a looooong time!!! I'm rooting for you!

debbie said...

I love your frosty mouse!
I am so glad you found out about your sleep issues and have decided to stop smoking. You will stay young and healty!!! Much blessing to you in your new life.

Tandra said...

Yay to you Shari for quitting smoking! I hope you can inspire your husband too!!!

Your frosty Mickey made me laugh! I was at D-Land monday, and it was soooo cold!!! lol

stamper2 said...

Yay for you Shari!! I quit smoking 32 years ago, before the birth of my daughter. It is soooo worth it! :) You will be amazed how much you dislike the smell of smoke now! lol
Wishing you much success! I need to keep you around for many more years of inspiration!! :) I so love your work!

Paula I said...

Good for you Shari! It's not easy, but I truly believe that one you "the smoker" comes to terms with it and is ready to quit, that's when it happens. You can't do it for anything or anyone else. This was my experience anyway. Good luck on your journey. And thanks for sharing everything with us, I'm sure at times it's isn't that easy of a thing to do. But you know, we don't judge, we're here to support each other in whatever path we take.
All the best,
Paula

debbie said...

what a great way to start the new year! Wishing you much success!!

Dotty Jo said...

Good luck sweet Shari - plenty of positive changes ahead! Jo x

Sharon D from Canada said...

Wow, Shari - sounds like you had a wonderful and important break!
My FIL had serious sleep apnea issues and was so thankful to get his machine - made a huge difference for both him and my MIL!
And good for you to quit smoking: Keep strong!

Anne said...

Glad you had a great time over the holidays and that you will be getting your sleep machine going soon so that you can finally get a good nights sleep. I feel your pain Shari....I've been trying to quit the same BAD habit since the New year as well- gosh it's so very hard!! Wishing you the best of luck and sending some willpower your way. Feel free to send some willpower back to me as well (I need it!):)

BrookeK said...

So proud of you! I've lost my mom and my mother-in-law to smoking related cancers so I understand your motivation. With your positive attitude you will succeed!

judy said...

Hooray for you, Shari!! I know it is
hard to give up a long standing
habit but this will improve your
health and life-- so proud of you.

Whimsical Wendy said...

Hi Shari, how's the New Year's resolution going? I guess we're on Day 17 now, presuming all is going well? Y'never know, quitting might also help with your sleep-related issues too.

Let me know how you progress!

Hugs, Wendy

Anonymous said...

You don't know me, but I am so proud of you for finding out what is causing your issues. Most people bury their heads in the sand and stay there. You have given us so much and yet have a ton more to give.You truly have a gift and we need you around to teach us all. So I am personally glad you have a new little friend and to many more years of great learning from you. Thanks
:) Liz

Anne said...

CONGRATULATIONS in your perseverence of a new you in 2011!

It takes 30 days to create a new habit -&- your well on your way to accomplishing your achievement!

Wishing you all the best! You just may inspire your spouse to give-up the habit as well!

Warmest Wishes,
{-AS-}

PS... on a craftier note... your blog of creations are inspiring! Especially your tribute to your lovely mother... BEAUTIFUL!

clu60 said...

I just read this post so my comment a little late. I am one of your "silent" blog reader and I wanted to offer up cengrats and encouragement on quitting smoking. I smoked for 26 years but have been smoke free for 10.5 years now. As difficult as it may be, you will be so happy you made this decision. On another note, my mother uses one of this apnea machines a is now very well rested. Good luck with both of your new ventures.