Thursday, September 11, 2008

To Sleep, Perchance to Dream . . .

I've been asked A LOT how I get so much done. I think the short answer is something along the lines of "where there's a will, there's a way." I always find there are so many, many things I want to do and not enough time to do them all, but I sure do give it my best try!

I'm very driven and goal oriented. I'm also focused and organized in my thinking. Maybe "efficient" is a better description. I'm pretty good with time management and lumping errands and chores together so I can get the not-so-fun stuff out of the way and leave myself nice chunks of "play time."

I'm pretty lucky that my Hubby has his own creative hobby and also enjoys watching sports--just about ANY sports--on TV. That keeps him busy and leaves me time to pursue my hobbies. If I was married to an attention-needy man, I'd have to kill him!

No, I do not do speed--other than caffeine. I have an IV drip in my arm hooked up to the nearest Starbucks. Okay, yes, that IS a slight exaggeration. And, in fact, I'm not even hitting Starbucks much anymore. Instead, we've installed a Stardimes franchise in our kitchen.


The Barristas leave a little to be desired, but I can get an iced latte without changing out of my jammies and it's considerably less expensive. I don't even need to leave a tip! I DO use Starbucks coffee though. Some things you just can't compromise on.

Then there's the question of sleep. I get asked that a lot too. "Do you EVER sleep?" "How much sleep do you get?" Interestingly enough, when I was heading into my blog tonight, I came across this story through a Yahoo link: 7 Myths About Sleep. For me, six hours of sleep is just fine. Six and a half max. Since I get up around 7 a.m., that means I really ought to be turning off my light and shutting my eyes around 1 a.m. Because I'm such a night owl, that leaves me quite a few hours of productive quality time between getting home from work around 6:30 and bedtime around 12:30. I figure maybe an hour or an hour and a half of that time is spent cooking, eating, and bathing, but the rest is usually play time.

Right now, getting to bed around 12:30 sounds like an indulgent luxury. I've mentioned before that I've stayed up past my bedtime the last couple nights. Last night I didn't get to bed until around 3 a.m., and even then, creative visions were dancing in my head!

So what have I been doing lately that's kept me up late at night? I DID say I would show you a few things, so here's one of my recent projects:


Yep, that's the former X-rated Schnibbles quilt with the baskets and applique added to the border. Kisses and Bouquets or Baskets of Kisses--I still haven't made up my mind on a name yet. Here's a close up of one of the corners:


This one won't get quilted right now. It will probably have to wait until spring. Because right now, I'm getting too excited about Autumn and--right around the corner from that--Christmas. And, you know, there's just not enough time to do everything. Yes, even I have to admit that.

Tonight, though, I'm planning to sleep. Maybe more than six and a half hours even. The past three nights, sleep could best be described as meager. But I'll be back tomorrow night to show you another project I've completed. Until then, pleasant dreams!

11 comments:

Unknown said...

That is really cute, Kim. Changes the pattern completely. The black check is perfect. Guess you can get that quilted in the Spring for your bed.

Maryjo said...

Your quilt is stunning! Love your color choices and applique!

Mary Jo in Iowa

MARCIE said...

You did it again! Another quilt design that you recreated! It is stunning!

Andrea said...

OMG - this is divine. I will let you have my address as it is a shame for this to sit around waiting to be quilted - lol !

Anonymous said...

Love, love, love that little quilt!
Nancy in WI

MichelleB said...

That quilt is adorable. I really wish I could get by on that little sleep. Maybe I'd get more done. Then again, maybe not.

Anonymous said...

Kim, I eagerly check your blog every morning to see the latest news. Love your latest done quilt. the b/w dots are so great. You have a good eye for color. Love it! You are in the Sac. area and I am North of you by 50-75 miles. There doesn't seem to be any great places to shop or thrift in Chico. I have antique shop envy. Your thrift finds are great. keep up the good work! Lizzie

DPUTiger said...

I am a TOTAL night owl and wish I didn't need as much sleep as I do. Actually, what I really need is to get back in the gym. That'll cut down on the amount of sleep that I need and I'll feel better all around (and be able to fit in my pants again)

Rose Marie said...

What .... an .... absolutely stunning quilt. What about 'Flower Kisses' for a name if you are still undecided. You've tempted me to do a bit of thrift shopping. My best find to date is a 100% wool blanket (queen size) made in Scotland for $6.99. Not bad, eh!

quiltmom anna said...

Kim,
The quilt looks really lovely- the applique is a pretty addition and really makes the quilt blossom with love. Perhaps that will lead you to a name for it.
You are really organized and a good planner- it is a great skill to have.
Happy Quilting,
Regards,
Anna

Unknown said...

I hope you are having sweet dreams tonight Kim, it's 2:20 am and here I am still bugeyed awake. I have always been a stitching night owl also, so I know what you're talkin about! Your quilt turned out really pretty and I do love the framed panel.