Sunday, November 13, 2022

Stitching Stuff: Week 44 of 2022


We are still navigating my recent retirement. In some ways it's been harder on My Guy then me.  My entire routine has changed, but his basic routine hasn't changed much. He goes to work at the same time, at the same place, has the same office, though his job has changed somewhat due to the restructuring.  But now I don't ride to work with him. I'm not just upstairs in my office if he wants to compare notes on a technical problem, wants coffee from my Keurig or is ready to go to lunch.  It's only been a couple of weeks, so it will take awhile for him to get used to the new normal. 

In the almost three weeks since leaving my job, I've mostly figured out how things are going to work, at least for now.  I'm still in deep cleaning mode, the house needs a lot of that and a lot of decluttering.  I do that all morning, plus run a load of laundry.  On Tuesday/Thursday, I meet My Guy for lunch then I go to the gym. Monday, Wednesday, Friday I walk or do yoga after lunch.  In the afternoons, I read or find my way to the sewing room. I'm getting better at finding my way to the sewing room.

  • 15 minute days/week = 7/7 days
  • 15 minute days/Nov = 11/12 days
  • 15 minute days/2022 = 171/316 days
  • Success rate = 54.11%
This is the first time I've managed to stitch for all 7 days in a week since last June. With the holidays, I'm sure I'll miss more days of stitching, but at least I'm getting back to my old habits.  I even found some time to work in some embroidery this week. 



I've started on the second wing of butterfly number 5 out of 9.  Still a long way to go before the panel is finished, but it's been nice to see some progress on this older project.  

How did your stitchy week go? 


1. Ivani
2. Julie in GA
3. Karen
4. DonnaleeQ
5. maggie f
6. Quilting Gail
7. Melisa- Pinker n' Punkin Quilting
8. Amanda
9. Nanette Chopin Cook
10. Deb in Canada

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12 comments:

Ivani said...

It takes a while but you will get used to the new routine. I'm glad to see you're embroidering the butterflies project again. Happy stitching, Kate.

Julie in GA said...

Yes, there are definitely adjustments for both of you. I'm glad you are finding a routine for your days, especially since it has included more quilting time! I really should do some deep cleaning/decluttering myself.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

it is a lot of changes for both of you for sure -you need to find your new normal - I'm not sure how old you are so don't know if this is something you were totally not prepared for or what - maybe a new career is in the future for you?

dq said...

Oh wow, that butterfly looks transparent - beautiful!
I will link up my 15 minutes again next year. My numbers were excellent then I lost track and quit sewing for a spell.

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

I bet this change is very strange for your guy and he misses you! Your new routine sounds lovely for you, though. Glad you're having time for exercise and sewing, two *very* important activities!

The Colorful Fabriholic said...

Congrats on your stitching time this week.
I've been in your "sudden unplanned retirement" situation and if you're interested I'll tell you how I navigated it. I found a way to add structure to my time and make it more of a transition from one stage to another. Email me if you want to hear more.

MissPat said...

I've been retired for 9 years now (planned, not unexpected) and the funny thing is, deep cleaning my house never entered the picture. Oh well, we each adapt in our own way. I'm glad you are gradually getting your quilting mojo back. You will find a balance.
Pat

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

Oh yes retirement does take time to adjust but ya'll will get in the swing of things soon. How wonderful that you were able to stitch each day. Your butterfly block is fabulous.

Yvonne from Quilting Jetgirl said...

Oh Kate, I hadn't realized that you were no longer working. That can be a tricky thing to navigate, especially after working with your husband for so long (my husband and I have ever only owned one car and when I left engineering it was definitely hard to navigate our path forward). Sending you and your husband a lot of love as you continue to chart a new path forward.

seabreezequilts said...

Glad you are settling in to this retirement gig. I think my husband has adjusted quite well. He did go for a job last week but just got a knock back email not that he isn't overly concerned. It did take me a while to adjust to going off to work and leaving him at home so I understand what your guy is going through. I still manage to the the lion share of running around but he does do the housework so that is a bonus.

Chopin - A Passionate Quilter said...

Retirement is great. Enjoy it while things are calm. De-cluttering is really fun! You will enjoy your hard work when completed! Hugs

Jennifer said...

I’ve always heard that those left with the company have a harder time because those who leave get to move on, even if the choice to move wasn’t theirs. Those who remain miss friends (and spouses!) and have to pick up additional work. Hope that his adjustment period goes okay. Glad you have found a good routine, I’ve also heard that’s one of the most important things for a happy retirement.