Happy New Year

Happy New Year to my dear stitching friends! I know something looks really strange below... other than the photo being a bit overexposed because I just do not have this photography talent... I loved this little Oakhaven Yahoo Group freebie that came out last year... I started it at some point, got annoyed by the many color changes in the lettering, tucked it away... and just found it a few days ago while tidying up a little bit in my stash room. So, I managed to finish it last night, still in 2012, so I figure it's all good, right?

Happy New Year 2012 Oakhaven Designs 32 ct Silvery Moon Linen, DMC Floss 2012 was a mixed year for me. My NH psychotherapy practice, although is only one day a week, has begun to take off quite well. My MA practice continues to thrive. I am contracted with more health insurance companies than I can count, and as a result, I do get a really nice mix of different types of clients and issues to address. This year has brought more relationship and marriage counseling to my practice than ever before. My CE (continuing education) was off the charts this year. I seem to be addicted to continuing education. I think that points to my innate desire to get my doctorate, but my age and wanting to keep our finances stable as we spiral towards the last decade before retirement age keeps me from doing anything at all with that desire. The time has come to think about retirement planning, not spending $200-$300K on more education. It just cannot be. On the health front, well I still have my tinnitus and my really pain neck, shoulders and back. I have come to the conclusion that the two issues are likely not related. Still without any health insurance here, I do my best to make the most of any appt I do get with any doctor. It is unfortunate that my neck, shoulder and back issues likely come from stitching - as in very poor, curled up, leaning to the left posture when stitching. When I grip my stitching I feel pain for a bit, then it passes. Next day it is awful in my left wrist and hand. Huh. My tinnitus appears to be linked to my deviated septum and bone spur in my left nostril. Really, really need to see my ENT and see what we can do about it, and what that will cost. I have an orthotic for TMJ now, and my headaches are signficantly relieved by this, at times... the little electric shocks under my skin from menopause cause me great confusion re: my TMJ as at times the shocks (hormone decline) sometimes are like a starburst in back of my head or curl up as if from my jaws to the top of my head. That is that on the health front. It is why I do not stitch or blog much any longer. Am on Facebook, though. Nice to see some of you over there. In general, I have to pace myself better in all areas of my life. Hoping for the best for all of you in 2013!!