When you have too much fun at work...

So, today at work, I was lucky enough to make a second appearance as our store mascot (and Simpy Southern mascot).  I had so much fun doing this.  Now, I know y'all that know me are thinking, "what the hell is she even saying, and who is doing this post, and WHAT happened to Deanna?"  Well, this is a different type of "people-ing" for me, because it's not ME that's out there, it's the turtle.  They aren't seeing me, or talking to me, they are interacting with a character, and I have fun being her.  She loves kids, hugs, and selfies!  I had so many hugs and pictures with so many people today, probably the most I've ever had outside of family reunions.

Also, more components for my Halloween party came yesterday, super stoked!!!

Got our pool back up and running after a very long and frustrating fight with the "green".  While it's wonderful for Halloween, not so wonderful for swimming when it's still in the 90s here in Florida!

This weekend will be the clean-up completion of the garage so I can efficiently work on projects.  Sort of cleaned it a bit last weekend.  Have to get my office moved out and get the room ready for Brandon's return!!!!

T-minus 7 weeks...

So, today I was going to work on getting my garage cleaned and organized, but it's so hot and muggy outside that I'm just not feeling it.  Instead, I'm sitting in my office (which I sort of cleaned up), surrounded by Halloween things and watching horror movies, brainstorming ideas for Halloween and the party.  The first part of my party invitations came this week, so I'm trying to find the perfect wording for them and how to put what's in my head all together.  I'm really excited about this year, it just feels like it will be the best one yet.

I've decided on making the party the weekend after Halloween this year, to give us another week to prepare and so that we aren't competing with the Florida/Georgia game again.  I've got lots of help planning the party too, so I'm thankful for that and some fresh ideas on the table.

And now, back to the creation of things....

A year of change....

This year has been an interesting year, to say the least.  Lots of changes so far this year, and more to come.  I left Walmart, went back to the Artsy Abode family, but not making jewelry full time.  I love my job and the people I work with, and it's much less stressful than the Evil Empire.  Tom is doing well at his job after leaving Walmart in October of last year as well, so we are much less stressed and happier in general.  My middle child Taylor moved back home from Maine; my baby girl Emily turned 16 and finished the year with straight A's; we FINALLY got Tom's daughter Emily here to visit with us for 2 weeks from Puerto Rico -- AND, my oldest child and only son, my Marine, is coming home in mid-October!  Super- excited about having him back with us.

Speaking of October, I'm also super-excited for Halloween and this year's party.  I've got my ideas for invitations and a costume, ordered some supplies for those and can't wait to get started on them.  I'm trying to plan out the party in a theme this year, which I normally try to steer clear of because I don't have the time, money or energy to change themes every year.  This year, however, it's a running theme in my head involving a symbol of change, and won't be too hard to incorporate into my current decor.  Sadly, I won't be using my gossamer on the walls since I repainted the entire main living areas of the house and don't want to ruin it yet.  I think with proper lighting, I can pull off a different look to change it up some.  I've given myself an extra week this year as well, since I'm sick of competing with the FLA/GA game, and we'll be hosting the party the Saturday after Halloween instead of before.  We're all really looking forward to everyone being here for the party this year, it should be a good time.  We've got some fun adult things that we're gonna set up to do at the party too, so hopefully it'll be the most fun party we've ever had and not a snore-fest.

As far as Halloween night goes, I would love to rebuild a prop or two, maybe even Helena's crypt, but I don't know if time will be on my side for that.  I'd like to at least have everyone fixed and working properly, and set up on time.

But first!  I have to clean my garage again.  It's a mess.  This weekend will be the organizing weekend for all of that, and maybe rearranging some in there for better utilization of the space.  I also have to move all my stuff from my office to other areas in preparation for Brandon's return, so I'll need to make room for that too.  I also have a ton of ideas for some things for my Etsy store (which I will be renaming soon) using some of my treasures I've been hoarding over the years out in the garage.

All-in-all, it's been a pretty terrific year mostly, and I'm looking forward to the string of holidays coming up, starting with the best one of them all.