Happy New Year!

Today I worked on staying inside and cleaning a bit. So far I have done dishes, "fixed" the vacuum, (which really means just taking it apart and cleaning it...it's a Bissell Pet Hair vac so it has to have the filters cleaned from time to time) done a few loads of laundry, and made a grocery run. I've also been walking on my treadmill the last couple days to try and get my exercise. I have been scared to get even the least bit out of breath since I've been out of the hospital, but I know it will do me good. Did a little over a half mile today on it, plus walking around Walmart probably ended up being a mile! I can't believe as of January 1st it has been 4 months since I was admitted to the hospital. I am down to getting my blood drawn every two weeks instead of twice a week, and soon will be able to go to once a month if my INR is steady. I have found a support group for people who have had Pulmonary Embolisms called DailyStrength. It is not great to harp on it all the time, but I have days that I really struggle and it helps to know there are other people out there with the same problem.

I just have to keep reminding myself:

More of the Beach Room

Our Beach Getaway (Room, hehe)

The bed is pretty simple. We are on a tight budget, but I got everything while we were in Panama City Beach at Pier Park's Target. I had an old but good comforter in a King size...bought this duvet and pillowcases set in a Queen, stuffed it in and it makes a nice neutral bed. I didn't want everything to have palm trees, but I love them and they represent Florida so I got this pillow.

The net I'd had in my office but knew it would work perfect in here. I had picked up some postcards one year at the beach and arranged them on the wall.

Dustin found these today at Kohls, the set on sale for $9.99. I would have been happier with $5.99, but I took what I could get.

I definitely seek tranquility by the sea.

Painting the Living Room Part 2

While the paint is drying...(excuse my mess)

Finished!

Christmas Day and More of the Living Room

Good thing my husband's brother, Tyler, had spent the night and was there to take some Christmas photos.

We look so good up in front of my decorated fireplace I worked so hard on!

Beautiful!

My "doodads" as I like to call them, that I added later after the previous photo was taken.

I love doodads! I went to Michaels right before Christmas and found a TON. The bunches of berries, even the crystallized ones, were like 39 cents! I may go up there again soon and see if I can find any after-Christmas stuff left for next year.

Painting the Living Room Part 1

Then.

Fireplace with Christmas Decor.

My purty stuff. :)

Beginning the painting - a little unsure at first.

I decided one day that while I am unemployed (and bored) that I will take care of the ugly cream in the living room. Don't get me wrong, cream isn't ugly EVERYWHERE. But it is ugly in my house. And even though we won't live here forever, (we are renting from Mom and Step-Dad) I could only live with the color so long!

Family Reunion

Here are Mom and I just a as things began. It was a really cold day in Highlands, NC.

Two of my uncles looking thrilled to be there, of course.

My Aunt Linda

The rest of the fam.