Is it just me, or did Christmas fly by so fast that you missed it?
I woke up the day after Christmas and thought, "Wait...did we just have Christmas or was that something I dreamed?"
And for the first time, Philadelphia took all its Christmas decorations down the following day. In previous years, the city left them until the day after New Year's.
Being I'm in retail, I worked a lot of extra hours before Christmas. I worked Christmas Eve until 5 PM. But I didn't mind because I actually enjoy helping clients pick out gifts for their family and friends, as they (primarily men) run through the store in a panic because they waited until the last minute, saying to me, "Why are you out of everything I need?"
I want to say, "DUH....take a guess!?!"
Men and women shop so differently. Women shop in advance. Most men shop at the last possible second.
I don't know whether I mentioned this last year, but I changed jobs. I'm still in the beauty industry, however I no longer work for a retail store. I work for a specific brand as one of their field brand reps. And I love the job because I don't work as many hours as I used to, yet earn much more money. The company I currently work for approached me last year and offered me the position. It's a great job because I travel to different stores each week and experience a change of scenery.
My boss is such a fabulous lady. She doesn't micro-manage me or pressure me. She lets me do my thing and trusts that I will get the job done.
I feel very blessed.
And speaking of blessings, my dear longtime friend, Diana (who I wrote about here and here), mailed me a Christmas gift she made with her own hands. Diana is so creative. Back when we lived in Orlando, Florida, she used to make the most gorgeous wreaths from fresh herbs. Not only were they beautiful, but they smelled heavenly. She also had the cutest cottage house that had such a welcoming warmth because of the way she decorated it.
This year, Diana made something for me I am in love with. She made me a chunky knit blanket. In case you've never heard of them (like me), here is an article and short video on The History of the Chunky Knit Blanket.
Today, I would like to show you just how much I am enjoying it.
Here is a photo of Diana and her precious son, Nico...
This is the blanket and how it came wrapped inside the box. See how creative she is?...
Thank you so much, Diana! 🩶ya'!
P.S. And Happy New Year, everyone!🍷
Ron, you look so adorable enjoying your chunky knit blanket. What a great gift from your friend, Diana! Love the picture of she and Nico. He's such a handsome man. They look so much alike!
ReplyDeleteI really like the color of your blanket. And I bet you're using it a lot, now that it's winter up there.
You're right, as soon as Halloween was over, Thanksgiving and Christmas flew by so fast. And now it's 2025! Hope you had a nice New Year's day. Did you do anything on New Year's Eve? I went to a small gathering with some friends. It was very nice.
Enjoy your blankie! Hey, did you get any snow yet?
Happy New Year, Ronnie! xoxo
Ron, you cracked me up with your faces in that photo collage! I can TELL you're enjoying it. Lol! I really like the knit in that blanket. It looks like it was made with gray rope. I've never seen knit that large. What did your friend used to actually knit that blanket? The red ribbon looks so beautiful against the gray. "Made with Love" so sweet!
ReplyDelete"Is it just me, or did Christmas fly by so fast that you missed it? - it felt that way to me too. I prefer the build-up to Christmas because once it gets here, POOF, it's gone! I love the holiday though. Makes me feel like a kid.
You're job sounds great. Anytime you can work less and get paid more, that's IDEAL!
Happy New Year, Ron! Here's to a super great 2025!
Hola, Denise!
ReplyDeleteI know, isn't it a GREAT gift? And what makes it even more special is that she made it herself! She's so talented in so many ways. She's a great cook as well. And she throws the best gatherings.
You're right, she and Nico look so much alike! Nico is such a sweetheart.
Isn't the color fab? She called me about a month before Christmas and asked me what the color scheme was in my apartment, which I thought was strange. But then when I got her gift, I realized WHY she had asked!
No, nothing special. I usually don't go out on New Year's Eve because the city is filled with nothing but DRUNK people. Same with New Year's day. So, I don't leave my apartment until January 2nd. However, staying home was wonderful because I watched movies, listened to music, and cooked.
We got a tiny bit of snow weeks ago, however, it was mixed with rain so it didn't last long. But I did see that this weekend we're getting more. Yahooooooooo!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Happy New Year to you!!!!!
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Helloooooo there, Daniel!
ReplyDeleteYou bet! I am sooooooooooooo enjoying that blanket. Today the temps dropped down into the 30s, so I will be using it tonight when I go to sleep. It's the perfect blanket for this time of year!
You're right, it DOES look like gray rope. In fact, that's the first thing I thought when I opened the package and saw it. Isn't it cool-looking? Diana told be that she used her fingers to create the stitching. Almost like BRAIDING.
" I prefer the build-up to Christmas because once it gets here, POOF, it's gone! I love the holiday though. Makes me feel like a kid."
You sound just like me! I love this time of year and cherish it because I have such fond memories of my childhood.
I feel so blessed having this job. I love the product that I sell, which makes it very easy. It's a company that I have loved and admired for years. I'm very proud to represent them.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel! Wishing your a super great New Year too!
Have a great weekend!
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Ron, about three years ago I purchased a chunky knit blanket off Amazon. It was sage green. I LOVED that thing! What was really great about it was that it made you feel warm and cozy, but it wasn't heavy or too hot. I love the gray one your friend Diana made for you. And the red ribbon added such the perfect touch in giving it as a Christmas gift. And you mentioned that she made herb wreaths? I bet they were gorgeous. I like things that look natural.
ReplyDeleteChristmas came and went so fast this year. And from what I'm hearing from others, it felt that way to them as well. I am so looking forward 2025 and what it brings. I have a feeling it's going to be some good stuff. And this country needs it after the past four years.
The photograph of Diana and her son Nico is beautiful!
May all your dreams come true this year, Ron! I look forward to reading more of your blog posts this year. I enjoy them!
I'm with Daniel, Ron. Anytime you can work less and get paid more.....it's ideal! Sounds like you have a great job. And it's nice to have a boss that doesn't micro-manage. I'm sure she trusts you because she knows you're good at what you do, or she wouldn't have hired you.
ReplyDeleteLOVE that blanket. It's looks so warm and cozy. Does it feel heavy? I really like the color of the knit.
Great photo of Diana and Nico! She sounds so creative and talented. I would love to see one of her herb wreaths.
Hope you had a wonderful New Year's Day, Ron! Wishing you all things fabulous in 2025!
Hi, Barbara!
ReplyDeleteYou had one too? Aren't they fantastic? Ooooo, and I bet it was beautiful because I love the color sage green!
"What was really great about it was that it made you feel warm and cozy, but it wasn't heavy or too hot."
You are spot on about that! Like you, the blanket definitely feels cozy and warm, but not at all heavy or too, too hot. The blanket actually feels weightless. Which is ironic because of the thick knit, it looks like it would feel HEAVY.
I agree, other's I've spoken to say the same thing. Christmas flew by so quickly. And I love this time of year, with the holidays and the colder weather. We may be getting some snowfall this weekend and I am so looking forward to it. Today I spent several hours outside, walking around in the cold. It felt so good!
Isn't that photo beautiful? She and Nico looks so alike.
Thank you so much for stopping by and for your New Year well-wishes, my friend! Back at you!
Have a grrrrrrrreat weekend!
X
Hey there, Abby!
ReplyDeleteI feel soooooooooooo incredibly blessed to have my job because I love what I do and am proud to represent the company. Also, I have the BEST boss. She's professional and works very hard at her job. But she's also very REAL and just an overall wonderful human being.
No, it's doesn't feel heavy at all. In fact, I was telling Barbara in my comment to her that the blanket feels almost weightless, but at the same time...cozy warm. She had one too and said the same thing.
Yes, she is. She is very talented and creative. We met in 1995 when we both worked for Chanel in Saks Fifth Avenue. We've been close friends ever since. The wreaths she made were absolutely gorgeous. And smelled heavenly.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Abby! Wishing you all things fabulous in 2025 as well!
Cheers and X
Love your facial expressions, Ron! What a hoot you are! And I can tell you used to be an actor, just from your FACE!
ReplyDeleteWhat great gift from your friend, Diana! To me, there is nothing quite like receiving a gift that's been handmade and created by the person who gifted you. I feel that it makes it all the more special.
I don't know whether it's because as we getting older time flies by faster, but like you, this Christmas (and Thanksgiving) went by in a FLASH. I'm hoping we get some snow before spring hits because this winter has been so lame. I really look forward to winter (and fall) because I prefer cold over heat.
Happy New Year to you, Ron! Enjoy that blanket!
Greetings, Robert!
ReplyDeleteI'm such a HAM, aren't I? Once an actor, ALWAYS an actor. LOL!
I love what you shared here...
"there is nothing quite like receiving a gift that's been handmade and created by the person who gifted you. I feel that it makes it all the more special."
You are so right about that. It does make it all the more special because of the time and effort it took to create it.
I think you're right, as we age, time does seem to fly by quicker. I remember being a kid and thinking that a year was an ETERNITY. However, now, a year seems like two minutes!
"I'm hoping we get some snow before spring hits because this winter has been so lame. I really look forward to winter (and fall) because I prefer cold over heat."
I love you for saying that because I feel EXACTLY the same!!!! We may be getting some snow this weekend and I can't wait. Today the temps dropped into the low 30s, which made me very happy. I spent severl hours outside enjoying it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Robert. Wishing you a fabulous 2025!
Have a great weekend!
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Ron, just the way Diana wrapped that blanket in that bright red ribbon makes it look all the more delicious! And I love the "Made with Love" tag! How special is that?
ReplyDeleteShe is so beautiful. And her son Nico is very handsome!
I think it's great that you realize how blessed your are to have a job you not only love, but also get paid well for it. AND that you have a great boss! Many people don't appreciate what they have.
I love the collage of you. HILARIOUS!
May 2025 bring you new beginnings and endless possibilities, Ron! xo
I love your new, chunky, cozy blanket! I don't like the cold weather, but I do enjoy snuggling up in a blanket when I'm cold (which is most days in the winter, here in the Midwest). I agree that Christmas seems like it was so long ago; happens to me every year about a week after Christmas. Maybe it's because we take so long to prepare for it...all the planning, decorating, present buying, wrapping, sending out cards, making holiday treats, all the get togethers...and then boom, it's over in one day.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Melanie!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Isn't the blanket great? Yes, I think most people don't like cold weather. At one time I didn't either. However, as I've gotten older (male menopause lol!), I can't take heat anymore. I'd much rather be cold than hot.
"Maybe it's because we take so long to prepare for it...all the planning, decorating, present buying, wrapping, sending out cards, making holiday treats, all the get togethers...and then boom, it's over in one day."
I think you're spot on about that. And being that I'm in retail, it seems to fly by faster because the holidays are always so rushed. Even though it's technically still winter, I'm sure we'll be seeing bathing suits in stores in about a week, welcoming summer.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Wishing you all the very best in 2025!
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Morning, Clair!
ReplyDelete"And I love the "Made with Love" tag! How special is that?"
Isn't that tag the cherry on top? I saved it too! Also, the red ribbon! Diana always makes things look extra-special.
"I think it's great that you realize how blessed your are to have a job you not only love, but also get paid well for it. AND that you have a great boss! Many people don't appreciate what they have."
I feel SO BLESSED having this job because it allows me a lot of freedom, but at the same time, stability. My boss is such an awesome person, who I deeply respect.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Wishing you new beginnings and endless possibilities in 2025 too!
X
Ron, I'm with you. I really enjoy the colder weather. It's 100% easier for me to get warm than it is to cool off. I'm curious, have you always been that way?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great gift from your friend. And it looks so cozy.
Christmas was a blur to me. It came up so fast and then vanished so quickly. I had a great holiday, though. I just wish it would last longer. I think Christmas should be once a month, don't you? Lol!
Happy New Year! May this year be your best yet, filled with love, laughter, and personal growth! On to 2025!
"It's 100% easier for me to get warm than it is to cool off. I'm curious, have you always been that way?"
ReplyDeleteDitto, Candice! My sentiments exactly. And no, I wasn't always that way. It wasn't until I was in my 40s did I crave colder temps and found the heat unbearable. I lived in Florida for 20 years and enjoyed it until about the last 4 years. Fall and winter have become my favorite seasons. But it's sad because the weather has changed so drastically that we no longer get those seasons like we used to. Now, the weather is all different degrees of summer - YUCK!
I sure do! I think Christmas should be once a month!
Thanks so much for stopping by and for you well wishes, my friend. Same to you!
Cheers and X in 2025!
And I'm sure the company is glad to have YOU, Ron!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Daniel! 🙏
ReplyDeleteSame with me, Ron. There was a time in my life when I really enjoyed the heat of summer. But then something switched on me and now I can't tolorate it. I get hot flashes so easily. I can't imagine living in a place like Florida at this time of my life. Too hot and humid.
ReplyDeleteYup, same here. Which is why I moved back to the Northeast. I truly enjoyed my time in Florida, it's the weather (the constant heat and humidity) that I got tired of.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, that job sounds absolutely PERFECT for you! I love that you have more flexibility now and that you're making more money—such a win! Having worked retail for 14 years, I know firsthand how much better a job like that must feel. I’m so happy for you! Also, I’ve always loved working on Christmas Eve—it always put me right in the Christmas spirit.
ReplyDeleteI definitely remember your friend Diana and her son Nico! Handmade gifts are truly the best, and that blanket is just gorgeous. The love and care that go into something like that make it so special. I love the pictures of you snuggling up with it—you’re just the cutest!
Enjoy your beautiful blankie! It’s going to be really cold here this weekend. Are you expecting cold weather too? Stay cozy and have the snuggliest weekend, my friend! ❤️
Nico is so grown up and handsome! What a great photoshop of them. How are they doing? I do not own one of those chunky blankets, but I have seen them and felt them up in shops 🤣 They are so incredibly soft, but I love that they also feel so much lighter than the afghans my grandmothers made. Those were like having a sheet of lumber on top of you! I’m glad you are enjoying such a sweet gift, Ron! You deserve it!
ReplyDeleteYes, I remember you said you changed jobs. How fantastic to get to travel around to other stores. When you worked in retail, did you ever do the secret shopping thing to check out your competitors? That was my favorite part of my job. I felt like a spy, plus got to walk around the mall and see other stores.
Happy New Year! I’m sending you a pile of snow because it’s coming down like crazy right now😵💫😵💫😵💫 XO
Hey there, Kari!
ReplyDeleteI feel soooooooooooo blessed to have this job. Such a win is right! Less hours, more pay. Yahoooooooo! Plus, my boss is such a fabulous lady. I'm so lucky!
Yes, me too. I love working Christmas because it puts me in the right Christmas spirit.
"Handmade gifts are truly the best, and that blanket is just gorgeous. The love and care that go into something like that make it so special."
Yes, you expressed exactly I feel as well. The love, time, and care that goes into creating something makes it all the more SPECIAL. Plus, it contains a part of THEM.
Yup, we are expecting (and already) getting cold weather this weekend. It's going down into the 30s and 20s. And we might even get some snow on Sunday. Yahooooooooooooooo!
Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you and your family lots of love and positive energy all throughout 2025!
X
Yes, I thought the same thing. Nico is so grown up and handsome. He's 32 years old. I remember when he was just a teenager! He and Diana look very much alike.
ReplyDelete" They are so incredibly soft, but I love that they also feel so much lighter than the afghans my grandmothers made. Those were like having a sheet of lumber on top of you! I’m glad you are enjoying such a sweet gift, Ron! You deserve it!"
Thank you! And you're so right, they are incredibly soft and light. They have just enough weight to feeling comforting, but not at all heavy (like a sheet of lumber) LOL! I texted Diana after I first used the blanket and thanked her over and over again. It's one of my favorite gifts I've ever gotten. That, and my Dutch Oven from Kelly. I love that thing!
That (and the money) are the best things about my job. I really like going to different stores all the time because I never get bored. And no, I've never done secret shopping. Although I've always wanted to. As you said, you feel like a spy, and get to walk around the mall.
OMG, you're getting SNOW today?!? I am soooooo jealous! We're supposedly getting some on Sunday, but I'm not counting on it because so far this winter has been a bust when it comes to snow. NADA! Fingers crossed we make up for it January and February. Yes, send some my way please!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. I so enjoyed your post today! Happy New Year to you and your family!
X
OMG Ron, you’re are hilarious😂The collage pics of you wrapped in the chunky blanket is priceless 🥰
ReplyDeleteI truly appreciate all the wonderful comments from all the readers and thank you so much for writing such a wonderful post about the chunky blanket I made for you! It truly means the world to me that you appreciated it so much. Seeing your words and knowing it brought you comfort makes all the effort worthwhile. You have a way of making everything feel extra special. Love you❤️
Diana
Good morning, my fabulous friend!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you read the post AND the comments left about you and Nico. My readers LOVE you!
Please know that I am thoroughly enjoying my blanket, especially this time of year. It truly brings me so much warmth and coziness. And that YOU made it makes it all the more special.
Thanks again, Diana! Much LOVE to you and Nico!
X
Thank my friend, I put all my love while making it and I knew you would feel it ❤️
ReplyDeleteYes, I certainly did! ❤️
ReplyDeleteWhat a great present! And Ron, I had to giggle when I saw you wrapped up in that cozy blanket -- you remind me of a caterpillar snuggled in its cocoon, just waiting for Spring!
ReplyDeleteYES, Christmas passed by too fast here, as well. The city always decorates one of our big parks with lights and such; usually, they leave them up at least through Jan. 1, but this year (probably because Domer and I postponed driving through to look at them), they took them down the day after Christmas. Bummer.
You'd need that fuzzy blanket here today -- it's been snowing ALL day, with temps hanging in the low 20s (so anything we get will stick around a while). Time for a hot cocoa and a snooze with the Monk! XX
Helloooooooooooooo there, Debbie!
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend! Isn't that blanket such a GREAT present? Especially this time of year!
"you remind me of a caterpillar snuggled in its cocoon, just waiting for Spring!"
LOL! OMG, you're right, I DO! Although, I'm enjoying winter too much to even think of Spring or Summer. Your weather sounds like ours, however, we won't be getting snow until tomorrow morning. And I have my snow boots at the front door, just waiting to we worn when I step outside and walk outside and enjoy SNOW. We've had a very unusual winter this year. Up until now, it's been extremely warm and humid. I was outside today, enjoying that cold, cold wind blowing against my face. Ha! It was cold today, but very sunny.
"The city always decorates one of our big parks with lights and such; usually, they leave them up at least through Jan. 1, but this year (probably because Domer and I postponed driving through to look at them), they took them down the day after Christmas. Bummer."
Sounds like they were doing that all over the states this year. Bummer, indeed.
Thanks so much for stopping by today! Hope you're enjoying your hot chocolate and snooze with the Monk. Sounds wonderful!
Have a great week!
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