Blanket is complete!

I finished the blanket in time for my trip home. I'm hoping my mom will be rightfully delighted with this lil treat :) I started this blanket during the week of thanksgiving. 5 weeks later, I present to you the final product. There's fringe on the edges...

Psalm 34:8

I have completed a bookmark in record time. My mother requested that I make this bookmark for the pastor's wife at her church for a Christmas gift. As usual, I've blocked out the name for privacy purposes, but her name is at the top using the same font as the text in the bookmark. It's kind cute if I say so myself ;)

New Blanket Project

Well, I'm venturing into colors. Usually I crochet using one color all the way... here's my first color changing project. I just started. When I'm done I'll post a picture of the full blanket.

Alphabet Beads and Zipper Pulls!

No pictures this time, sorry! But I've made a few name bracelets and name zipper pulls using alphabet beads. Pretty cute for the shorties. It should help them learn how to spell their names as well as keeping tabs on their jackets at school. At least one should hope :) I'll have to take pictures next time.

Also, I'm currently working on a new blanket. It's multi-colored... usually stick to one color, but I figure I'd be adventurous. The colors are cream and sage green. I'll definitely post a picture. I just started but so far it is coming along well and quickly. It's a quick pattern (my preference).

There's this wavy pattern multi-colored blanket that I'd like to try, however, I did just one row and was wearied. I like instant gratification and working on a blanket with long detailed instructions for just one row doesn't make it. I like being able to memorize the pattern and work the blanket without constantly looking at the instructions. We'll see. I'll venture out one day. The complicated directions make for interesting blankets.

Ok, now I'm about to start rambling so I'll end here. Pictures are forthcoming...promise!

Bracelet Repair

I should have taken a before and after shot. On of my little people friends broke her lil Barbie bracelet. It was almost a lost cause and then it was remembered that I am kinda crafty and can maybe put it back together. Here's the finished product albeit a bit blury because of my shady camera phone. I haven't made any jewelry in a while. This may have inspired me to put some of those beads to work!

Job 19:25

"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth."

This was the focal point of this morning's sermon at church. I hadn't been to this particular church in quite some time, but I found the sermon quite enlightening.

The sermon was about Job, his suffering and his faith. I don't know a single person on earth that has suffered as much as Job. I go through some pain and suffering that in light of Job's experiences seem quite trivial. Yet, Job, who lost everything near and dear to him, still had a remarkable faith in God. My Redeeemer lives indeed!

Tunisian Crochet

Some time ago I purchased a Tunisian crochet hook set and a book of patterns. It looked interesting so I figured why not give it a try. Tunisian crochet is like a cross between crochet and knitting. It's like knitting with one needle, but you use the hook and make motions and stitches similar to crochet. Kinda weird and I'm not sure I did a good job describing it.

Anyway, I gave it a try using the most basic stitch and it's pretty cool and fast. I don't think I'd use it to make a full sized blanket or afghan, but it'll make some nice looking scarves or baby blankets. So, my first project is a baby blanket for my friends grand daughter. Yes, I'll be giving away my first effort. But why not? I do it for the fun. Plus, I made myself an afghan blanket that I use all the time. It's in my living room on the sofa and it comes in handy. How many blankets does a gal need? I plan to make one for my mom for Christmas. Hopefully I'll get it done in time. And before you ask, no, I'm not spoiling the surprise. If my mom was on the internet to read this posting, I'd be AMAZED :) She's not into the whole PC/internet craze!

I'll try to post a picture when I am done.

Say a Kind Word... Do a Good Deed

Here's a quickie bookmark I finished today. I don't have anyone in mind to give this to, but I'm sure it'll end up in a card I send to somebody one of these days. It was a quick stitch item. I finished it in 2 sittings though I'm sure it could have been completed in one but my eyes got tired when I started. I finished all the lettering the first sitting, then the decoration during the second.

An Afghan for my friend

I made this blanket for a friend. She's leaving town and really likes my arts and crafts. I'm a sucker for folks that like my work :) I tricked her into picking the yarn and the pattern (I have my ways) and then worked furiously quick to get the afghan completed in time for her farewell party. She loved the blanket and was quite surprised as I finished it in less than 3 weeks time. Usually it'll take me MONTHS. But, when you put forth the effort and the time, it can be done.

Socks like Gloves

Have you ever seen them? They look cute, but truthfully, they aren't very comfortable. The pair shown in this picture have been in my drawer for years. I got them as a gift. I'd never had them before though I have seen them in stores. It's rather chilly here in Michigan today, so I've decided to try them out while I relax at home. Ok, they have to come off. They are so strange. I'm consciously aware that I have them on. My toes feel weirdly segregated, like wearing toe separators while doing a pedicure! Weird socks!

An afghan for me!!!!

I finished an afghan for ME! My first blanket that I've made for myself. I've made baby blankets and a few blankets for adults and gave them away. They take so much time if I'm not consistently working on them. This afghan for me took about 4 months. I'm so excited. I'd post a better picture,but I find that it doesn't photograph well. It's a rich, deep purple color that comes out very dark in a photo so you can't see the stitching very well. Currently, it is draped across my sofa. The color matches the pattern in my sofa. It's perfect timing too as we embark upon the fall.

I'm currently doing another that I hope to finish in record time. That one should photograph great and I hope to be posting about it in the near future.

Finding Lost Friends!

A friend of mine talked me into joining the myspace cult some time ago. I didn't really want to, but I went ahead and did it. It's allowed me to catch up friends from college, high school and my neighborhood. Also, I have a bunch of cousins that have been connected to the myspace craze for years it seems. I thought I knew them, but they are all crazier than I thought :)

There's also this professional site called linkedin. Similar to myspace, but on a professional note. Through that site I've been able to connect with former coworkers and classmates.

There are so many sites out there that have the same ideas and concepts. And never mind the blog explosion. Who has time to read all the blogs out there? Individuals blog. Companies blog. News stations blog. Newspapers blog. And just who coined the term "blog" anyway? Couldn't they come up with something less weird sounding? :)

Anyway, I'll stop rambling now. I just wanted to post something. :p

Long Time No Blog

I went on vacation for 7 lovely days to visit with family in the Caribbean. It was too short of a vacation but I still enjoyed the ocean breezes and the laid back atmosphere...and of course seeing family too!

As for my car, the catalytic converters and exhaust systems were busted and had to be replaced. It wasn't under warranty because the damage appeared to be the result of something hit on the road. Though for the life of me I can't think of what that could have been. Anyway, my hopes for a less than $200 repair were completely smashed. But life goes on.

Now that I am back I am trying to get organized so I may enjoy the things I enjoy more often. Crafts and Reading. I read 2 books while on vacation and I recently ordered the entire Harry Potter set so I can read what I've missed in the movies. The last movie, Order of the Phoenix, had me wondering what it was REALLY about. So, I figure, why not start with book 1 and work my way up.

That's all for now.

Sunday Blues

This morning I was to meet a friend at church. I haven't been to church since Mother's day so a visit in the Lord's house was long over due.

I am on the freeway and my car is sluggish. It won't go over 50mph without a lot of accelerator pressure. I'm preparing to enter another freeway and I push the pedal to get over 60... for goodness sakes the speed limit is 70mph. People are plowing around me and I'm in the slow lane.

Anyway, after I push it (I know I shouldn't have), something goes POP. I turn off the radio and the AC because I hear a gush of air. Every time I press the gas, I hear air. Now the car won't go faster than 20mph, but it's still moving.

I turn myself around, call my boyfriend so someone knows I may be stranded and I attempt to make it back home.

I got off the freeway so I could do my 20mph without being a serious hazard. I throw on my hazard lights and I creep on home at 20 mph without any issues or further break downs.

I go on vacation on Tuesday. Whatever is wrong with the car, I hope they are able to fix it on Monday and for free (warranty) or less than $200.

Psalms 46:10

Here's a quickie bookmark I made recently in less than 3 hours. I plan to put it in a condolence card for a lady from church that is just really a nice person whom recently lost her husband. I don't really know her that well, but I figure why not. I plan to make a few more, with different themes (birthdays, holidays, etc). This one was just really simple...

I have a few friends that read that might appreciate a lil bookmark such as this. I think I'll come up with one for breast cancer too, just gotta find a free pattern with the pink ribbon.

Anyway, this was a quick craft that gave almost instant gratification. I'm almost done with my afghan... took many hours/months to complete, but I only stitch on it about 1 hour at a time. When it's done I'll post a photo. It should be done in a few short days.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

I started watching "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" about a month ago. I don't remember why I didn't watch the movie to the end, but I saw the first 45 minutes or so of it. I finally watched the rest of the movie today. What an emotional drain that movie was... I kept fighting tears but in the end I gave in to the grief of it all. I enjoyed the movie, but I can't say I'll be watching it again... unless I want to cry. Kinda like watching "Beaches" with Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey. I have that on DVD... it's still in the shrink wrap though.

Afghan

I am 70% complete with an afghan that I am making for ME :) I always give my crafts away but this time I will have a craft to enjoy for myself. After I complete it (it'll be done in about 10 days if I stitch on it every day or so) I will then embark on making ponchos. If they come out nice, I may be on to a new mini-business. They seem to be quick to work up (my favorite kind of project). I like immediate gratification. Working on projects that take months is tough for me. I wish I could just sit at home and craft all day as my full time job. One of these days :)

Coloring...

as in a coloring book. When was the last time you picked up a crayon? My nephew came to visit. He's terrible two going on three (is there an adjective for a child's 3rd year?). Anyway, I shared my coloring books and crayons with him. Yes, I have coloring books! I find coloring to be very relaxing and a great way to destress and remember less dramatic days.

My nephew also enjoys coloring and he likes to do so with company. "Will you color with me?" he'll ask sweetly. So, who can resist such a request. He proceeded to tell me what to color and with which crayon to do so. As I am coloring where told, he joins me... and colors in the same exact spot. After a while, I just let him color alone since this was secretly driving me mad :) He didn't like that I stopped so he tells me in him most authoritative voice "COLOR!". Sheesh... ok Napolean :P

Anyway, after my nephew walked through my coloring book and ensured that he added his coloring talents to pages that had already been expertly colored (oh, my masterpieces), I treated myself to a few new coloring books. Not sure if I'll let little ones color in these :)

Yes, I'm over 30 and I still color in coloring books with Crayola crayons or colored pencils. It is a simple activity that is peaceful and enjoyable. In fact, perhaps I'll color right now :)

Working From Home

I'm not feeling great so I'm working from home today to be ill in the convenience of my home. I'm not feeling so awful that I can't still add value at work.

What's cool about being home is the fact that it's quiet and people can't just walk up to my desk and interrupt me constantly throughout the day. I'm accessible via email and instant message and they can call me at home. Even being a lil under the weather, I can be way more productive.

And then there's the convenience of being home and able to multi-task by getting my wash done too :)

Psalm 104:31 Complete

I started on this bookmark last June! Finally it is done... and it was rather simple compared to others. I crafted this one for my sister. Her name is at the top... blanked out of course for privacy purposes. I hope she likes it :) It felt good to finally finish this one. Now I can craft on something else!

Words to Live By

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

----from A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson.

For the sake of blogging

It's been a minute since I blogged, so I figured I'd drop a quick line and let yall (whoever you may be) know that I am still here, alive and kicking. I've just been too busy for words. Busy at work... mostly. Busy after work... on occasion, but not doing anything that I've wanted to blog about. No new activities, no crafts, no weird experiences. I'll see if I can come up with something this weekend. I have a bookmark that needs to be finished and an afghan that I hope to finish before it gets cold again. I will be going on vacation sometime this summer... so that'll be something I can chat about... until then. :)

Reality TV

Ok, I admit it... I am a reality TV junkie. I watch American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Survivor, Charm School, and Celebrity Fit club kinda faithfully... ok, so I watched the Bachelor Officer and a Gentleman this season too.

Why do I watch?
Watching reality TV is like a mini brain vacation. I don't have to think about anything or do anything. I just watch the boob tube and am entertained by the shenanigans of the people putting themselves out there.

Am I ashamed?
Nope. I left "Flavor of Love" off my list, but I watched that ignorance too. It was so over the top. I simply could not believe people were doing such things on TV with no shame themselves. Why should I be ashamed for watching? It's not me up there :)

What are YOU watching?

Canadian Geese

While taking a healthy walk through the park, my boyfriend and I were chased by a Canadian Goose. This gander and goose were chillin' in the grass with their goslings. The walkway near the grass is where we were walking. I guess they thought we were coming to get their babies. One of the two birds hissed and then chased us. It was crazy.

The geese here in Michigan act like they own the land and the streets. They will cross the street and traffic will stop and wait for them. They aren't threatened by people or vehicles.
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__________________________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
- Dr. Seuss

Hair Salon Experiences

Why is it so hard to find and maintain a professional beautician? I
have had my share of better and worse experiences.

On the better than worse side....The salon I currently frequent has an
excellent stylist. She's big on hair care and quality. My only issue
is.... when life hapens, it happens to my stylist. She has to cancel
or reschedule appointments often due to personal and family related
challenges. Additionally, her daughters are shampoo girls. Most
times they do a good job, but occassionally I think they get too
comfortable with the fact that its 'moms' business. For that reason
they should always bring their A game.

This morning, the stylist told me that her daughters wanted raises!
And on this particular day they aren't doing anything worthy of a
tip....and theywant raises. She's trying to teach them values. Tell
them they can't sleep on the job. But they do at her shop because she
is mom. They will learn.

Neither daughter has asirations to be stylists. Once they get a job
from someone other than mom, they will learn what she's been trying to
teach them.

--
__________________________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't
matter and those who matter don't mind.
- Dr. Seuss

To Blog or Not to Blog... that is the question

A friend of mine neglected to post blog entries for a few weeks. Her blog presence was missed as her blog is most interesting to read. I've not posted in a few weeks... and guess what? I don't think a soul missed my ramblings :P

Dentalmare!

I went to the dentist today to get two new cavities filled. The fact that I even have cavities in this day and age is astonishing... here's my dental story...

When I was a kid I loved candies and sugar. I didn't take the best care of my teeth. My mom would faithfully take us to the dentist every 6 months. Cavities were filled, braces were applied and eventually removed, etc etc etc...

As a pre-teen, after a combination of a painful root canal, getting my 13th cavity and having my dad brush my teeth for me with baking soda (ouch and yuck!), I decided it was time for me to get my act together. No more sneaking candy just before bed :P

Thereafter, I was a poster child for the ADA. I brush my teeth at least 2 times per day, flossing regularly, etc. I'd go to the dentist and they'd tell me I had wonderful oral health. No more cavities, no more drills. Praise God.

So, imagine my surprise when I went to the dentist 2 years ago and he told me I had a small cavity. I was in denial. I hadn't had a cavity in over 10 years! I thought the dentist was tired of giving me a good report and wanted to make a lil extra money. I let him fill the mysterious cavity but I had my doubts. After that, I was a lil obsessed with cavity prevention.

At my recent 6 moth appointment in March, they discovered 2 new cavities. WOE is me! Not again. This is a new dentist... are they trying to get paid too? My enamel must be weakening with age. Maybe I am paying penance for my childhood sugar shenanigans.

I went to the dentist today for the fillings. All of my other fillings were old school amalgam silver. The new cavities were filled with the tooth colored composite. The composite is supposed to require less drilling so I was all for it.

I hate the sound of the drill used to prepare teeth for fillings. The weird water that comes out of the drill, the weird smell of enamel being drilled. Everything about drilling makes me nervous and tense.

The dentist numbed my mouth with this cherry flavored gel stuff (YUCK!). Then he stuck me with a needle in 2 places in my mouth. He started to drill immediately. WAIT!!! Give the Novocaine a chance to start working! He tells me "If you feel anything just raise your hand"... not a second after that utterance was I moaning in pain. The moans earned me 2 more shots of Novocaine.

The whole time he's drilling I'm tense. When the drill is off, I can feel my whole being relax. He turns on the drill and tension is in my neck, shoulders, arms, legs... what an exhausting experience. The only benefit of this cavity filling experience was that I wouldn't have to wait 4+ hours to eat. Not that I wanted to eat anyway. I felt like stroke victim unable to move the left side of my mouth (not trying to make fun of stroke victims either, I understand their struggle). The roof of my mouth, my lips, my jaw... all oddly numb. Hours later, my mouth still feels weird and I am just beat.

I dread the day my 20+ year old fillings need to be replaced. I had some of them replaced just before college (they were 10 + years old then) but they are olde (yes, with an e). The new fillings I got today were on a tooth that was already filled from back in the day. The old filling had to come out... bits of it were still floating around my mouth after I left the dentist to my dismay.

So, long post... what's the lesson? Take care of your teeth when you are a kid. My parents tried to instill that in me, but they didn't know I was sneaking candy after I'd brushed mine before bed (sorry mom and dad... I was a candy junkie).

One of my friends calls me the poster child for the ADA. I brush and floss, daily, more than once a day. And I still have cavities! NO FRIGGIN FAIR! I have a nice smile tho :) But, if I were a singer, you'd think I had bling in my mouth for all the flashing silver :P

Ok, so I'm about to start taking calcium supplements... fluoride treatments and I will continue to be the poster child for the ADA. Here's to hoping that I have had my last new cavity.

Wedding in Kansas City

I went to a wedding in Kansas City last weekend. I had a really good time. The wedding was beautiful. The weather was perfect aside from a bit of wind. The ceremony was unique. A lot was said, so it was a little long, but I wasn't bored or ready to go :) Everything that was said during the ceremony was profound. They bride and groom even instilled a bit of humor in the way they responded to the things the minister was asking.

What I found completely interesting was the exchange of the rings. The rings were on the base of roses. They each held the ring they were to give to the other. They recited their vows, then exchanged rings and put their own ring on their own finger. How's that for independence?

The reception was fun too. There was open seating. We found and table and then was joined by another 2 couples that we did not know. We did introductions and then instantly were into all kinds of conversations. We talked and laughed and truly enjoyed ourselves. One couple vowed to keep in touch and provided their contact information. They even invited themselves to my wedding and I'm not even engaged yet. But yah know what? I'll certainly invite them. They were beautiful people and I'm glad to have met them!

Jewelry For A Wedding

I am going to a wedding in Kansas City this weekend. It's a formal wedding (sigh). I found a dress that will do :) Shopping for appropriate clothes is such a challenge when you are fuller figured. But alas, I will survive. Here's a picture of the cool beading on the dress. I bought a pair of earrings that compliment the beads. I made a bracelet and necklace to complete the look.

Masonic Bookmark

I completed my brother's mason bookmark in record time (2.5 hours). It is a simple pattern, but it was difficult to design the logo. I created the design for this bookmark using pattern making software. I don't think I have a future in creating cross stitch patterns, but I am certain I can work up items like this in the future for fun. I will likely do one with the Lions Club logo on it for my mom. But not until I craft something up for my sister :)

Easter In NYC

I went home to NYC for Easter as has been my tradition since moving to Michigan. I didn't do much... didn't go out much... just kinda hung around the house. I did manage to go to church on Easter Sunday. I wish I took pictures or video of my sister dancing in the liturgical dance group and singing in the choir. Watching her dance brought tears to my eyes. Normally, liturgical dance is ok, but it doesn't move me. My sister moved me.

I did manage to take a few pictures while home of the kids. My nephew is so fast... as soon as he came home from church he took off his suit. He was quite handsome in his dark suit with purple shirt and matching tie. I guess my memories will have to suffice :) My youngest nephew and niece were kind enough to remain in their Easter best for a few photos. Here they are, my little hearts.

Pet Peeves on planes

• Being bumped and battered by people and their STUFF when they walk down the airplane aisles to find their seats... ARGH! It's a narrow walk way...act like it and mind your stuff.
  

• People bending over in the aisles placing their booties right in your face....nuff said.

• Little people kicking your seat...

• People reading your book or magazine over your shoulder.

• People from the back of the plane trying to deplane before the people ahead of them.

__________________________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't
matter and those who matter don't mind.
- Dr. Seuss

Don't let life pass you by

A friend sent me an email recently and told me a story about a woman who was sitting in a meeting that was not very productive and decided to leave because she felt like her life was passing her by. She had made the decision to stop letting people waste her time. If I left every time I thought my life was passing me by... I wonder... Because I feel that way quite often while at work, or at home alone.

Bookmark 4 of 4 FINALLY!

I am so pleased to announce that I have FINALLY finished bookmark 4 of 4. Once I put my mind to just sit and stitch, I finished it up in 2 sittings. I'm so glad to be done with it. I can't begin to express the lesson I learned stitching to order. I need to be more realistic with my time table. While it may only take 24 -48 total hours to stitch some pieces, making the time and being in the mood plays a huge role. But, this weekend I was inspired, and hopefully I can get some of my other works in process complete as well.

Here it is, book mark 4 of 4.
And while I'm posting, here are the other 3 bookmarks delivered to the same person. I hope the persons she plans on gifting them too enjoy them!

Bookmark Update

Ok, I am ALMOST done with my last bookmark.  I committed to finishing it by the end of the month and I am mostly on target for meeting that goal.   I finished all of the lettering.  I just have to add the outlines and a few little details and it's done!  I'll try to get a picture of me stitching on it one more time using the camera timer feature.  Yah know, stitching to a deadline isn't as much fun as stitching just because :P

--
__________________________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
- Dr. Seuss

Volleyball Season is Over

Yesterday was the last day of volleyball for my team. We were 7th out
of 10 teams by season end. We played the 10th team in the first round
and one quickly. Then we played the 4th team in the second round and
lost quickly.

It was a fun season. We played our best last night. Maybe we'll do
better next season....

On a positive note, I've worked out daily so far this wee inspite of
not feeling my best. 2 more days to go and I'll have reached my
health goals for week 2.

--
__________________________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't
matter and those who matter don't mind.
- Dr. Seuss

Week 1 Complete

Ok, so I worked out 3 out of 5 days this week. I got my hair done yesterday and I have food poisoning today. I know, excuses, excuses, excuses. We'll see if I can't make up a day tomorrow morning. But hey, least I worked out. It's better than weeks past.

A friend is going on this watermelon and grapefruit diet for 1 week. She believes she'll lose 5 to 7 pounds... and not just water weight. I'll believe it when I see it, but I think it'll all be WATER. But if it works out... who knows :) But eating watermelon and grapefruit all day, every day for 5 days... does not sound appetizing or nutrionally smart.

Anyway, I won't belabor this post, just wanted to give a quick status.

Fitness Evaluation

I got up at 5:30am this morning in preparation for my 6:00am fitness evaluation. Living down the street from the gym is going to make it easier for me to handle my business. I don't have to get up an hour early to make it for a specific time.

Anyway, my evaluation went ok. I didn't feel like a chump. All my numbers for strength, flexibility and aerobic were fair/below average. So, I guess the world is my oyster. No where to go but up from here. They took my age, height, weight, resting heart rate and blood pressure. Then they had me walk on a treadmill at 3.4 MPH with an increasing incline. It took me about 8 minutes to reach my max/target heart rate. Then I had to do sit ups and push ups and then a stretch test. All of this without warming up or stretching in advance.

I impressed myself by being able to do 9 push ups before giving up. Once upon a time I could only do one. Granted, this was the girly-push up but I'll be the first to admit that my upper body strength is suspect :)

Well... now I know what I need to do. In September, I will go back for a re-evaluation and see how much progress I've made.

Another Bookmark

I am finally working on book mark 4 of 4. It's turning out pretty well so far. It'll probably take me 8 to12 more hours of stitching before it is done. I usually stitch for 1 - 2 hours at a time, while I have good natural sun light. I prefer not to stitch using artificial light, but when I do, I use this really cool, bright Ott light. But it's still a little hard on the eyes.

Anyway, here's a shot of me stitching while sitting on my sofa with my legs covered with a green blanket. I took this picture myself so you'll only see my right hand pretending to stitch. Next time I'll have someone else take a picture of me stitching or I'll be sure to use the lil timer feature of my camera and prop it up on something. I could have had a better shot if I weren't wearing house clothes and a scarf on my head :) So, all you get is my right hand and my work in progress.

The stitches I've already done are with a light blue thread and a tan thread, so they don't show up in the photo well at all. I'd say I'm about 10% into the piece. I'll take another shot when it's about 50% done.

A poem quote

"I'm so hip, even my errors are correct." -- Nikki Giovanni

First Steps

Today I went to the company gym. I haven't been there in so long my ID was rejected when I logged in. I had to complete the documentation all over again and schedule a fitness evaluation. I guess it's all good. I need to see where I am and what I need to do to handle my business.

I'm usually the kind of gal that likes to do things decent and in order, for example, starting new exercise or diet plans on a Monday. Well, given my current condition, I figure, I'll start on a Thursday morning. Heck, why wait till Monday? I need to get into the groove as soon as possible.

So, in the spirit of documenting my goals to help make them REAL...

• Go to the gym in the morning before work EVERY week day... yeah, everyday, if for some reason I miss the morning, I MUST go that evening. NO EXCUSES.
  
• Eat smart - 3 healthy meals , 2 smart snacks, plenty of water, no eating after 7pm ; one cheat day either Saturday or Sunday... if I completely deny myself, it'll be over before it starts

That's it... for now. I'm not going to document any weight loss goals in terms of pounds or inches. Whatever I benefit from the above will be worth it. If I can just be consistent, the rest will come.

Cross Stitch Project

Last  year I was inpired to start this blog to share my love of arts and crafts, in particular cross stitch.  I haven't worked on a project in MONTHS.  Sharing this new blog opened the door to opportunity.  A member from my previous church saw my work and then requested 4 bookmarks!  I was honored and amazed to have someone ask me to make them a bookmark.  Previously, I'd make them for my own pleasure, capture a picture of it, then just give it away.

 

Anyway, I am ashamed of how I handled my first craft order.  It took me WAY longer than I thought to produce the items, and I still have one left to do!  I love cross stitching but I'm not always in the mood to do it.  I guess my love of the craft may be a bit faulty if my mood (good, bad or indifferent) impacts my desire to do it.  A friend told me I had the signs of depression... it's something worth looking in to.  But in the meantime....I need to finish that last bookmark and move on with my life!  With that said, I hope to post of picture of me stitching on the bookmark as a friend has suggested. 

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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
- Dr. Seuss

I'm a Fatty

I stood on the scale for the first time after many weeks of avoiding it.  The digital scale mocked me as it fumbled around for an accurate reading.  The numbers were not a friendly sight.  I was in shock at first, then I guess I accepted it.  The next day, it dawned on me that those numbers were the highest they have ever been for me... ever.  I was an emotional wreck.  Swallowed up by the realization that I have just let myself go.  All my current woes are due to that number.  I am having trouble sleeping.  My clothes are fitting just a bit too snug.  I've been having chest pains and all kinds of other pains (no, it's not heart trouble, got that checked out). 

 

So... what now? I've been losing and gaining the same 20 pounds for the past 5 years!  I guess the buck stops here.  I can't continue to live like this.  It's time for a permanent change. I hate feeling bad about myself. I hate that my health is being impacted because of my laziness.  Yes, laziness.  That's all it is.  I don't generally eat badly, but when I do, I'm not exercising to deflect the impact.  I'm not moving much at all, aside from day to day stuff and I know I need to do better than that if I am to lose and then maintain the loss.  Sigh... working out isn't my favorite pastime. I need to figure out a way to enjoy it so that I'll do it regularly.  I love arts and crafts and I don't do that regularly either, so this is no small challenge.

 

I may blog more about this challenge... then again, I may not :P  We'll see.  I'm still a bit depressed over the realization.

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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
- Dr. Seuss

I am not my hair

I went to a friends farewell party tonight. It was a this new restaurant/club called Crush. It was really urban, new, cool. That sounds kinda corny, but oh well. They had complimentary valet parking, dining area and bar upstairs, dance floor, bar and live music downstairs. We were in the downstairs area. It was a good sized crowd, good music and good fun.

There were several sisters there with these really cute, short haircuts. I'm talking fade like haircuts, but these ladies were rockin' it. Had me wanting to cut all my hair off. Not that I have a lot. I have the beginnings of a basic bob, since I'm growing out my last hair cut. I just liked the short fade like cuts. They seem so easy. Easy hair... that's what I always say I want. Easy but still feminine and sexy. Hmmmmm.... what's a girl to do?

Anyway, I am not my hair comes to mind after my evening tonight. My hair gives me a hard time all the time. I think in a 5 week period I may have 2 weeks of easy hair.

• Week 1 - new perm, limp hair
• Week 2 - easy hair, bouncing and behaving
• Week 3 - easy hair, bouncing and behaving
• Week 4 - weird hair, no bounce and rather naughty
• Week 5 - hair on crack, looking for it's perm fix

It's a vicious cycle. I lack the courage to go natural. I've tried that before and it wasn't easy hair. Granted, I didn't go about it the right way. I tried to go natural by just growing out my perm. What a mess I was, I should have just cut it all off and started from the beginning. Instead, I went to this salon where the stylist was supposed to be good at helping you transition from a perm. I left the salon looking like a hot mess. Then the stylist I normally went to would ask me every time I was there if I was sure I didn't want to get my hair touched up. After a while, I just gave in. I'm a slave to the perm and I don't wanna be. Help me!!!!

Sincerely,
The slave Harriet left behind

Jeepers!

My sister and I treated my niece and nephew to a day at Jeepers! The kids loved it. They didn't really want to leave. The rode all the rides MANY times thanks to the unlimited rides passes we got for them. My sister and I watched them play, and then played a few of the crackhead addictive games they have there. These are the games that reward your playing well with tickets so you can then use the tickets to get trinkets and trash.



All in all a fun time was had by all. Here are a few pics that I took. These are the ONLY pictures I took the whole week! Shame on me, I know, but oh well. I need a new camera ;)

Fams in town

My family is here to visit for the week. My sis, nephew and niece. They arrived this afternoon. I haven't taken a single picture yet but I will remedy that tomorrow. These kids grow up so fast! more to come on this weeks adventure.

Dreaming about work!

I worked over time on Friday and worked an 8 hour shift on Saturday. Saturday night I was dreaming about work. I couldn't rest for my work issues showing up in my dreams. It's really not that serious, but it's so much on my mind that I am dreaming about it.

How do I let go? How can I leave work at work?

Road Rage

I'm not saying that I condone it... just that I understand. People do some really stupid stuff on the road.  Combine stupid driving actions with snow/ice and you have a deadly combination.  This morning, a woman decided she needed to jump in front of me at a short distance.  There were no cars behind me.  I was wondering why she could not simply wait for me to pass.   The roads were slick.  She could have easily lost control and then hit me as a result. I was in the car talking (ok, yelling) to myself during and after her foolish driving.  

 

Another crazy driver decided to jump into a snow/slush filled lane at a high speed. I was in the center lane hoping and praying he wouldn't slide on the snow and hit me.  With a bit of maneuvering on his part, he was able to stabilize his vehicle in that one lane.  Meanwhile, I was preparing to minimize whatever collision may have occured.

 

Slow down people.  You'll get there when you get there.  In the meantime, don't ruin someone else's day by being in a rush and causing an unnecessary accident.  Now you are late anyway, and you dragged a complete stranger into your madness.

 

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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
- Dr. Seuss

Snow!!!

We had a snow storm in the Midwest last night. It snowed for 12 hours straight!  I'd say we got about 5 - 8 inches of snow. Schools were closed all over the place, but not work!  I had to shovel my walkway.  Shortly after shoveling my walkway, here comes the property maintenance folks with their snow blower blowing snow all over the place, including my freshly shoveled stairs!  Oh well.  I got a lil exercise and will get a lil more when I have to reshovel the steps.

My car was under a car port, yet I still had to clear snow off.  That was some storm!  I don't mind the snow, but when the plows haven't cleared the roads, it makes for very dangerous conditions.  People in SUVs drive like their vehicles have magic powers.  It's rather scary.  A friend of mine was driving on the freeway behind a truck that spun out in front of her.  In her efforts to avoid a collision, she spun out as well.  She, thankfully, was not harmed.  Her car did not hit anyone or anything.  Unfortunately, she was left facing the wrong way on the freeway.  She had a hard time getting turned back in the correct direction because oncoming traffic was unforgiving.  Luckily, a good Samaritan saw her plight and turned his car such that traffic had to stop to allow her the opportunity to turn her car back in the right direction.  Other than being a bit shook up, my friend is ok… and on her way to the dealer to get some new tires!

The ABCs of Cynthia

A - AVAILABLE: Nope!
B - BIRTHDAY: January
C - CRUSHING: Uhm, huh?
D - DRINK YOU LAST HAD: 100% Pink Grapefruit Juice
E - EASIEST PERSON TO TALK TO: Me, Myself and I
F - FAVORITE BANDS: Hmmm... a band... uhm... Oh, Franky Beverly and them....
G - GUMMY BEARS OR GUMMY WORMS: Bears... worms are creepy
H - HOMETOWN: New York New York big city of dreams
I - INSTRUMENT(s): uhm... like musical? A dusty keyboard
J - JUGGLE: I can juggle a lil bit...
K - KILLED SOMEONE: No... surely something else for K could have been chosen.
L - LONGEST CAR RIDE: Washington DC to Atlanta - 14 hours or something like that
M - MILKSHAKE FLAVOR: Cookies and Cream
N - NUMBER OF SIBLINGS: 2
O - ONE WISH: just ONE??? Good Health for my family
P - LAST PERSON WHO TEXTED YOU: AJ
Q- QUIET?: When I don't have any value to add to a convo or nervous
R - REASON TO SMILE: Being alive yet another day!
S- SONG YOU LAST HEARD: some nonsense on Americal Idol
T - TIME YOU WOKE UP: 6:30am... but ask me what time I GOT up...
U- UNDERWEAR YOU'RE WEARING?: Who cares? Long as they are CLEAN!
V - VEGETABLE YOU HATE: Brussel Sprouts, Okra (slimy, gack!)
W - WORST HABIT: Worrying
X - X-RAYS YOU'VE HAD: Teeth, Ankles, Pinky Finger.... Knees... Chest... I'm glowing from the radiation
Y - YOUR FRIEND THAT SHOWED YOU THIS: Setta B....well, she didn't show me :) Saw it on her blog and copied it :)
Z- ZODIAC SIGN: Capricorn

No Air In Tires No Cry

When you were in Junior High or High School, did you ever think about taking the air out of the school bus tires so that they would have to close school for the day???? Ok, so, where I grew up, you only rode the bus if you were in elementary school preK - 2, otherwise you were walking or taking mass transit, but I digress.

Here in Michigan, they have school buses for elementary through high school students. Kids in 3 different counties have let the air out of the tires of enough school buses such that school had to be canceled. AMAZING. I don't think we were ever that pressed to get out of class... shoot, just don't go. They caught a few of the students and it sounds like they are going to face criminal charges. Wonder if missing that one day of class was worth it... but of course not!

Random Streams of Consciousness

I post to this blog once in a blue moon. Originally I created it to blog about my crafts. I haven't been crafting lately so I've not had anything crafty to blog about.

I joined the myspace madness. I only did so to see a friends page. She tried to get me caught up in the cult, but I don't really like the my space interface. But, the whole "Friend" deal on my space allowed me to find some long lost friends from high school and college. Beyond that, I think it's nuts to fancy up a profile, posting pictures that twirl, songs that play, and collecting the most "friends". I still sign in from time to time though :)

Currently I am watching American Idol. I am admittedly a fan of sorts. I enjoy watching the auditions. Should I be ashamed? I laugh some of my best laughs during the auditions. People are delusional about their singing abilities. I think they know it, the producers of AI know it and people like me that watch know it. I watch anyway. Laughter is good for the soul after all.

Ok folks, it's 10:00pm, time to watch LOST. I've missed it these past few weeks. I'll try to write more one of these days ;)

Dreamgirls

I saw Dream girls on New Years Eve with my family and enjoyed it. I saw it again with a friend and enjoyed it too, aside from the people in the row behind me sighing and sucking their teeth every time the music queued up another song. It's a MUSICAL!!!! There's gonna be singing, get over it!

Anyway, aside from that... oh and people singing along with Jennifer Hudson and Beyonce, it was enjoyable :)

Recreational Volleyball

I play recreational volleyball once a week. My team is ok... we struggle from time to time. This season has been a challenge because we have had a lot of player substitutions due to availability. Today was the first time my whole original team played. We had some good, bad and ugly plays :) But all in all, we came out on top for 2 of 3 games.

About 2 or 3 points into the game... {TMI warning} my bra decides that it no longer wants to support me. The little gadget that connects the strap to the cup broke! Oh the horror. My bra has a lot of supporting to do, but by no means did I think it was on it's last legs. At any rate, I tried to handle it as discretely as I could. I tied a little knot in it and kept on keeping on.

A New Crafty Purchase

Yesterday I purchased a little, basic (read: cheap)sewing machine. I've always wanted to try my hand at sewing. All the classes that you can take require you to bring your own sewing machine. I'd like to give sewing a try before buying a real machine (costs lots of $$$). I'm still hunting for a class where the machines are provided, but in the meantime, I have a little one here that I can do some basic hemming on. I may even try my hand on a do it yourself quilt kit. If I can conquer that, I may be ready to buy a real machine and give it all I've got :)