Auntie and I went through my quilting box and found the pieces to this already cut out. When I am not sewing, she is sewing. It is like a round robin here. Isn't this pretty? I can't wait to see it done.
I have a wedding dress to do a small alteration on today, and then I have to iron it. I was pleased that I was able to get through my list yesterday. It seemed so daunting. But I did it.
I got up this morning and made 8 pie crusts as Sissie is making chicken pies for the freezer and for other people. She has her ingredients all done and ready to put into pie shells. Slave driver she is.
We went to lunch today with an old director friend of mine. The Civic theater called and asked if I would do the costumes for "Grease." I declined. I am not up for that abuse at the moment. But it was nice to be asked.
I saw the board of directors at Joel's funeral. I thought where are they going to get someone who can pay, the viola, the violin, the cello and direct at the drop of the hat? Also, he rewrote the orchestrations for the last musical for many of the instruments as they came in poorly written. He said they were way to complicated and could be played much better if he rewrote them.
I don't know if I already told you, but they also asked me to take Joel's job at the school district. I also said no. First of all, the pay was not good, so they said name your price. Still don't want it. I can make much more sewing and I don't want to be at someone's beck and call. Boy I am getting grouchy, or maybe just smarter.... ?
I need to sit down and pay bills and so many of them are doctor bills and I just don't want to face them. But it has to be done. I can do this. I think.
The house is slowly coming together, and I am just waiting for the flooring for the kitchen to come in and then the kitchen sink will be replaced. The man who is doing it, already has the sink, it is just a matter of him finding time to install it. I feel like I have a brand-new house and I practically do. I have been blessed.
Trying to stay afloat in more ways than one!
Kim
Oh how nice to hear you are saying no! Getting smarter in your old age. Or maybe just prioritizing yourself a bit. Well done. Healing sparkles! Hilogene in Az
ReplyDeleteThanks Hilogene. I just know how selfish many theater people can be and I don't need that shit right now!
DeleteYou are neither grouchy or grumpy. You value the options you've created in how you make money. You can say no in the sewing room and not to an employer.
ReplyDeletePaying bills: can you hand off to Siss or Auntie and have them do it all and you just sign the checks written? (My sister did that when her hubster died unexpectedly).
Hugs and take good care. I can see you are enjoying the time with Auntie in the sewing space and yeah, Sissie is definitely a slave-driver.! (where is that LOL emoji?)
Thanks Elle, I am just not willing to put myself in a place where I have obligations right now, I can hardly get myself to sew.
DeleteYour obligation right now is YOU! Take care of yourself and allow the space to grieve. Your heart is raw. hugs.
DeleteSmarter, in my view. I have been asked several times , since I refused to renew a teaching contract, to take over teaching some dance classes, but, given the way I was treated at my last studio, "abuse" doesn't even cut it. I'm not sure why administrators/business managers treat dance and music instructors so poorly, but they do, even in private studios. Even in the best of circumstances you don't need that in your life. "NO" is a great word.
ReplyDeleteAs for the bills, yes, you can do it, but, you can also ask someone else to do it for you if you feel the need. When my son died, I let a trusted person handle all everything.
Oh Meg I did not know you lost a child. That is by far the worst and I am so sorry. I think people in the arts are generally selfish and self-absorbed. They really don't care about others. At least that has been my view. SO many egos and I don't need that shit right now.
DeleteGood for you saying "No". Proud of you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous quilt that will be when done.
God bless.
Thanks Jackie. Maybe losing Joel has made me stronger in some ways.
DeleteThe quilt is beautiful! Cindy in the South
ReplyDeleteI am excited to see it done!
DeleteGood for you for saying no! Right now, prioritizing self-care, sewing and time for family is important. In connection with the medical bills-if Joel was on Medicare and has separate retiree or Medicare Part B supplemental coverage, you may want to call each provider to verify that all insurers have been billed. Since becoming eligible for Medicare, I've found that we often get billed right after Medicare Part B pays, and before our Medicare supplemental plan is billed. The bills don't always show whether or not the supplemental plan has been billed. Also, most hospitals will work out a payment plan for you if you agree to make payment of a set amount every month.
ReplyDeleteI just sent all the info and I hope there is very little owed!
DeleteYou must really trust Aunt with your sewing machine! Hand off things you don't want to do or enjoy doing to others if it will make your life easier and support sewing. I think you are getting smarter, not that I ever thought you were not smart. Now is the time to be smart and selfish.
ReplyDeleteWell, I do believe the loss of Joel has made me a little tougher.
DeleteSmarter... you have realized that even though it's someone's need... it's NOT your need.
ReplyDeleteSo, so true!
DeleteYou are being smarter and more selective. That is good. Nice you are learning to say no! The quilt will be beautiful. Love the colors.
ReplyDeleteYour house must feel brand new - you have had so much done.
Take care and keep moving forward!
Well, I just don't want to deal with egomaniacs right now.
DeleteI'm happy to hear you're being more selective on what you'll do. You have to take care of you right now and that is not selfish or mean.
ReplyDeleteI love the colors of the material. It will be a gorgeous quilt. Hugs to you Kim.
I am excited to see it done.
DeleteOH definitely smarter to say no to those offers. Sewing makes you happy, and pays the bills. Better work life balance is always the way!
ReplyDeleteDarn right.
DeleteJre Joel sounded like a brilliant man. And so glad you said no. What a stressful job that would be!! And like you said you can make way more money sewing and can manage your own schedule. If the medical bills are pretty straightforward fine but if not maybe your lawyer daughter could help, as busy as I’m sure she is I’m sure everyone wants to know what they can do for you. She may feel better if there’s something concrete she can help with. (Or someone else).
ReplyDeleteWell these people did not ask for any info as far as insurance was concerned. Probably due to his death and trying to be thoughtful.
DeleteSmarter, smarter, smarter!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you for learning that the word no is a complete sentence.
The quilt top is gorgeous.
Well, I don't need their shit right now in my life and I know that is blunt. But really? Just no.
DeleteYou are right. I am not ready to head out into the world of selfish actors.
ReplyDelete