Tuesdays Are My Stitchy Night

Tuesdays are my stitchy night but I don't think I will get much stitching done tonight. On Friday, I had a talk with the powers that be to let me know that as with many other entities in my neighborhood and state, we'll be enduring some budget cuts. Luckily, my department is only succumbing to a 2% budget cut. Not bad compared to other departments' 10+%. There is the chance that we will be subjected to furloughs in the latter part of the year though so I will be going to the City Council Planning Meeting tonight to hear the bad news' from the horse's mouth. Is that how the saying goes? Well, you get what I mean.

The last week has not produced very much stitching time and I cannot seem to put down these Snappers! My gawd, there is so much calling my name and yet I continue. Below is my progress on the September block. Kind of boring so far.
Tomorrow is yoga night but Thursday will be a tv and stitching night for me so hopefully I can show more progress on this or a new start towards the end of the week.

Until next time...

And the Award Goes To....

:::drumroll please::: Me! Yay!!

Ok...so maybe I am internalizing the Oscars a little and I didn't even have a chance to watch them but I can only imagine the excitement in getting a gorgeous gold statuette.

I did receive a couple of wonderful awards in the past week or two and have been quite lax in acknowledging them on the blog. First up is the Special Friends Award and "Love" Pendant Award from Carol R. The description for this award reads "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these kind of writers. When you pass this award along please include these guidelines. I am to choose eight friends to share this with".

Carol and I have become great friends though our love of stitching and blogging. Thank you Carol!

I am always torn to nominate people because my friends have already received this award or are too modest to accept one. However, I will name my eight nominees who are people whose blogs and stitching inspire me and have thus become friends. They are:

1. Edgar
2. Natasha
3. Lisa
4. Theresa
5. Diane
6. Carol S.
7. Mary

and last but not least, I send the award back to Carol R. I am very grateful that stitching and blogging have made us great friends despite the logistical distance between us.

8. Carol R.

As if that award wasn't enough, Theresa sent me this "Your Blog is Fabulous Award"! Awww! Thanks Theresa...I think your blog is fabulous too and as a California transplant, I love reading about your new discoveries near your new hometown.

With this new award, I am to list five addictions and five bloggers. I have already listed my five addictions here and since I've seen many of the bloggers in my circle posting this award, I will not pass it on. Besides...I think everyone's blog is fabulous and I just would not be able to choose. I can't choose...everyone knows what an indecisive Libra I am anyways! Everybody is fabulous!

And with this...the awards show must come to a close.

Until next time...

Tuesdays are my Stitchy Night

Wow, Tuesday again already! Last week ended up being fairly busy but I made good progress on my August Bent Creek Snapper block anyways. Here is the progress as of Monday evening. The white seagulls and lighthouse are a bit hard to see with the flashback of the camera.
I decided to go ahead and keep stitching on it tonight to finish the border for August and move onto September. I have no idea why I suddenly seem addicted to this project. I have two other projects kitted up that I should work on too! The evening deemed to be quite distracting. Between tv shows, the computer, mail, tidying up and talking to *the boy*, I only managed to put a few stitches into this at a time. I managed to finish off the border for August but didn't have a chance to start September yet. Good thing Thursday will be a stitchy night for me as well. I'm not sure if I will pick up where I left off on this or start something new. We'll see. But for now, here is how the Bent Creek Snappers stand.
Until next time...

My Sweet Valentine

A word of warning...if you cannot bear to read sappy and cute and lovey dovey, you can skip this posting all together. I wouldn't want people to hurl their breakfast.

I wouldn't normally be all gushy about Valentines but seeing this is the first year in many years that I actually have one...I figure I can be sappy and annoying. I'm allowed! And I was incredibly surprised at the outcome of Valentine's Day seeing as my expectations were tossed into one of the many mudpuddles scattered around the Bay Area. *The boy* had many tricks up his sleeve.

I've already shared the roses with you and they are holding up very well. I have them displayed in perfect viewing distance near my tv. I also received a very cute card in the mail Thursday night which *the boy* woefully explained I was supposed to have received on Friday. You see, flowers on Thursday, card on Friday and him on Saturday when I drove out to the East Bay to see him. Cute, huh?

On Saturday, I treated myself to a 90 minute massage which was sinful. I wish I could afford to have a massage once a week instead of once a quarter! I slowly made my way to the East Bay to meet *the boy* and we hung out until it was time for dinner. We ate at this neighborhood italian trattoria called Acquacotta in Alameda. I was worried that we would end up waiting forever seeing as they didn't take reservations but they sat us right away and were very accomodating. For starters we had an olive medley appetizer and arancini. I love arancinis and these were quite good but I know this spot in North Beach where they are "o.m.g. so good!" that these couldn't even compare. For entrees, *the boy* had this pasta with a duck confit/ragu that was so good...the duck was so soft and flavorful and the meat just fell apart. I had pasta with meatballs in a light marinara that was very tasty and since it was a "holiday" we ordered two desserts...the pannacotta with strawberries and flourless chocolate cake. Both scrumptious. I am not the biggest chocolate fan but *the boy* is diehard about his chocolate and he was in heaven. I loved the pannacotta...and that was a great recommendation from the waiter. The restaurant was a hit. After we rolled ourselves back home, we just relaxed and watched tv. *The boy* liked his gift from me...Issey Miyake cologne, a small box of chocolates and a cute stuffed animal. In fact, he seemed quite surprised I got him a gift at all. Don't girls give their guys Valentine's Day gifts? I love giving gifts! And to make the day more special, we received a message late in the evening that *the boy's* dear friends, Ron and Pamela got engaged! Congratulations to them!

On Sunday, we woke up very late (1215pm!) and struggled to get moving. We hit Ole's in Alameda again for a very late but yummy breakfast and I dropped him off at the market so he could do grocery shopping. I tell you, he *loves* grocery shopping!! I was more than happy to leave him there and make a quick run to NiaH for fabric consultation and needles. When I walked into NiaH, the lovely Mary told me they had something for me in the store. "They did...you do?!" Hmmm....I don't remember ordering anything?? I open up this envelope she hands me and it was a surprise gift certificate from *the boy* for NiaH. Woo!!! I was floored! That was so thoughtful and of course would come in handy as I am a weekend regular at NiaH (Hi Mary & Leila!). I didn't have much time to shop and only had a couple of things I wanted to buy so I decided to hold onto my certificate to help me pay for the upcoming CA Wells class at the shop. When I went back to the market to pick up *the boy*, I told him he was very sneaky with all his tricks. He was happy it turned out to be a surprise and that I was happy.

Today, *the boy* had to work and I had countless errands to run and parents to visit. It's exhausting driving all over the Bay Area in the rain! Gah...so tired. I dropped off *the boy* at work in the am and drove everywhere and then picked him up in the evening and met his new bosses. They seem very nice. We then made the trek back to the East Bay and stopped at a gem of a sushi place in Alameda for dinner. Kamakura is a cute spot that seems quite popular with the locals. They had hamachi kama so I was in heaven...that, some tuna sashimi, rice and tea and this girl was a happy camper! The owner, this older japanese lady, was adorable to see playing hostess with the mostest. She was dressed very nicely and checked up on her customers to see how they were faring. One customer had a birthday and it is an all restaurant celebration. The lights go out, the whole room sings happy birthday with the owner taking the lead as they bring out the birthday treat all lit up on a tray. And the best thing of all, they give you a little glass of plum wine with your check as a treat. Any restaurant that is willing to booze me up on my way out the door is a-ok in my book. I will definitely be dragging *the boy* back to that little gem of a sushi place.

I had a lovely Valentine's and as much as *the boy* drives me crazy sometimes, I am very happy he's my valentine.

I hope everyone had a lovely "holiday" and weekend too.

Until next time...

**I'll be back tomorrow with stitchy progress! :)

It's Like Christmas!

Yay! It's like Christmas today! I had a very important "learn how to use your new work phone" training today and when I returned to the office, one of the girls said I had a surprise at my desk. Now...I know most people like surprises. Me...not so into surprises so I walked to my cubicle with trepidation and low and behold, a beautiful and huge flower arrangement in honor of St. Valentine's Day. I honestly wasn't expecting anything from *the boy* but I guess he had a trick up his sleeve. There are one dozen roses: 4 bright pink, 4 red and 4 white with lots of greens and pussywillows. The photo does not do them justice. I kind of feel bad for yelling at the boy last night now...I suppose I should apologize?!
So in my excitement, I had to take a picture but I left my camera at home so I asked one of my coworkers and she produced this monstrosity that takes pictures onto a floppy disk! I've never seen one of these things before! I then had to find a computer that still had the floppy disk slot to "download" the picture. Whoa, talk about a Flinstones type camera!

Then, when I came back from lunch, I had an email saying that since we got new fancy work phones, everyone with a headset would be getting a new headset that is compatible with the new phones. So yay, I get a new headset too!!

It's like Christmas...roses...headsets...I really don't mind that the day started with spilt coffee in the car. It's a good day!

Dinner plans for tomorrow got confirmed so I hope that everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Until next time...

Tuesdays are My Stitchy Night

As the title says, Tuesdays are my stitchy nights. I've just decided this. Mondays and Wednesdays are my yoga nights. Thursdays are my tv nights but sometimes it might be my "go out" night along with Friday. Those two nights are always up in the air. Like this week...I'm treating myself to a manicure/pedicure/chair massage on Thursday night and then will have to pack for my weekend in the East Bay. Friday this week, I am supposed to have dinner with my friend, Claire but that's still up in the air and I haven't a real clue if we're on or not since she has relatives visiting in the area. Thursday and Friday night are *always* up in the air, but sometimes they are stitchy nights. The weekend nights are now spent in the East Bay or driving about. Sometimes I can get stitchy with it but sometimes not. So my stitchy schedule is all over the place.*sigh* But Tuesdays?? Tuesdays will be my stitchy night no matter what because it's the night between yoga class nights and all I want to do is relax and I relax best stitching.

Last night was no exception. There were some obstacles like my landlord helping me move out a big tv *the boy* brought over to my apartment before broken leg. I realize that he had the best intentions but said tv did not have a good picture plus it had some psychedelic corner where everything looked either neon green or bright magenta. He did not realize this *before* bringing it up 50 stairs. Then he got his leg broken and I've been dealing with this monstrosity which brought me so much aggravation since my old tv worked perfectly fine and was operational with my remote. Gah! So the landlord took away the bad tv which will benefit another tenant who doesn't care about the psychedelic corner and I got my old tv back in place. But after having a big tv on my tv stand for the last three weeks, my 19" tv sure looks tiny!

I settled in to stitch and about an hour in, I decided to call this new credit card company to take care of a little business. What should have been a 5 minute call took 30+ minutes and I was ready to strangle the customer rep! Some people really shouldn't be in customer service!! But at least I had my stitching to calm me down.

I also had a rather long talk with *the boy* and tried to beat down an impending migraine all at the same time. The migraine won at 530am this morning but that's besides the point.

With the interruptions, I don't feel like I got a lot accomplished. Here was my evening progress on the August block of my Bent Creek Snappers. Border, some sea, some sand and a little bit of the lighthouse (in white, so hard to see). I was hoping to get more done.
Perhaps, if dinner plans on Friday fall through...Friday will become a stitchy night too and I can show more progress...

Until next time...

QFRR Weekend

I did it! My goal this weekend was to finish my section on Rowyn's QFRR so I could post it first thing this morning. Woo! So happy. I finished about 9pm last night and took pictures. Excuse the poor quality...bad lighting and all. Following is the section I stitched...three motifs on the left as well as my initials.
And here is how Rowyn's piece looks so far. I absolutely love the effect of the Needle Necessities overdyed floss she chose...goes from a lovely sea green to a dark blue. Love it!I was happy to get this off in the mail to the next person...especially seeing as I was one week behind due to all the drama revolving around *the boy*. But I am back on track and I have no stitching obligations for the next month or so. Yay!!

I debated long and hard late last night as to what my next project will be. There are so many calling to me...ornaments, Bent Creek Snappers, Peppermint Twist, Fairy Moon, Letter G-Gwendolyn, knitting *the boy* a scarf...so many to choose from and only so little time not to mention only two hands!! I pulled all the materials to start Peppermint Twist but I felt unsure about the Woodsmoke linen with the threads despite that being the recommended color. It seems a little dark but I think it's because I'm not used to stitching on something so dark. I'm leaving it out on the coffee table to see if the combo grows on me. If it does, I'll head to NiaH for serging this coming weekend and if it doesn't grow on me, I'll head to NiaH anyways to buy an alternate fabric. So the projects at hand this week will be the Country Cottage Needleworks Peace ornament as my travel around project and I will work on the August block of my Bent Creek Snappers when I am actually home.

The weekend was filled with lots of errands and driving around. It is the new routine that I'm not so fond of but I try to remember that it's all just temporary. *The boy* is doing well and healing fast. I took him around to do some errands including grocery shopping. He drove one of those handicapped carts in the grocery store and I cringed in fear that he'd knock over an expensive display. Luckily none of that happened and he went grocery shopping for his own stuff. He loves grocery shopping whereas I hate it. The only demand I had for our time together was for him to treat me to breakfast so we tried Ole's in Alameda which had yummy waffles and to top it off...he made me dinner! Well I helped seeing as he needs crutches...and it was an easy dinner but he takes all the credit for the steaks.

The week is shaping up to be a busy one and I hope to get some stitching done to show mid-week. In the meantime, I hope that everyone has a wonderful start to their week.

Until next time...

Comforting Tra-la-la

I've been in hermit mode the last week or so. I figure it's normal considering the circumstances of the last two weeks. Hard to imagine that two weeks ago today, I was sitting in the hospital fielding calls from *the boy's* family and friends and waiting to see when his surgery was going to be performed. Now, two weeks later, *the boy's* facial coloring is back to normal and he's becoming a pro on getting around with crutches. His leg is still a lovely collage of purples but that is slowly and surely fading. He's managing his pain pretty well and has even started his new job. It sure has been a very interesting two weeks! Once I managed to get *the boy* settled in the East Bay, I really needed to take some time for myself...hence canceling my sewing class. And I took things out of rotation. I needed something that brought me comfort and made me happy. Since I started my Bent Creek Snappers, I had been looking forward to when I could stitch the July Block. I thought that the birds looked cute and it was a happy block. I finished the June block in early November and just haven't had a chance to get to the Snappers since. Last Thursday, I pulled it out and started on it...even though I should have been working on Rowyn's QFRR. Last night I finished the July block. I kind of wish that my skein of WDW Deep Sea wasn't so dark...you can't even see the frenchknotted eyes, but I do think the color goes with the rest of the muted earthy colors in this piece. July sings Tra-la-la!
Speaking of Rowyn's QFRR, here is all I've managed to get accomplish to date. Sad...very sad! I've stitched my initials and started the motif below the bunny. Two more motifs after that one and I can send it on. I'm late again! But this will be my focus for the rest of the week and I hope to get it in the mail on Monday at the very latest.
Last week, I put up a post asking people to join my PIF if they were so inclined and the deadline to sign up was last night. I only had one taker! I'm not surprised...I requested my PIF a tad late in the midst of a "selfish-stitching" year for most. I completely understand since I've cut down on exchanges for the most part and am aiming to finish a couple of decorative projects for the apartment plus ornaments. The taker of my PIF is Natasha! Yay! I will also gift two PIFs to bring it up to three. Natasha, please send me an email with your contact info. Thanks!

Well, that's all for me for now. Next time you hear from me...I hope to have finished the QFRR and move onto another project. Which one...nobody knows...not even me! :)

Yay!!

Ah, I am feeling loads better! I started feeling better late yesterday afternoon after making a serious decision. That decision was to withdraw from my sewing class. As much as I wanted to learn to sew, now is not the time. My mental and physical energy must be focused on helping *the boy* when I can, taking care of myself and continuing my stitching to keep myself centered and sane. I notified my instructor and he said he will be using the same materials in the Fall so I will hang onto what I have for when I re-enroll in the Fall. I just do not have the time to focus and concentrate on learning a whole new craft right now...especially when I truly need my stitching right now.

Since I cancelled the class, I spent the evening watching Cold Case and Grey's Anatomy, stitching on Rowyn's RR and relishing in a glass of wine. And you know what? It was exactly what I needed and it was fantastic! Mind you, I made a counting mistake in Rowyn's RR and had to rip out a good part of what I had stitched last night. Blasted frogs! But it didn't get me down because I was actually stitching at home, while watching my shows instead of sneaking time during lunch hours and 10 minutes here or 10 minutes there. I can't wait to stitch more and more right now. So watch this space. I'll have more updates and pictures soon. I just wish the light would cooperate with me. So hard to take nice pictures at nighttime. I *obviously* still need to read my camera manual.

I just got a call from *the boy* a few minutes ago with the best news. I've been waiting on pins and needles for the last two hours. *Drumroll please* He got the job!!! OMG, this is a huge relief! He's been looking for a good job for the last five months. It's tough out there! I am just happy he's got a job with a well-funded start up...who'll actually pay him. Getting to work and back to the East Bay will be a challenge for him considering he's on crutches but that is only temporary. The inconvenience will exist for two months but he will still have the job once the cast is off and the crutches are cast aside. At least he won't be home all day, looking at his broken leg and feeling down. The job requires brain power over physical power so the only exertion will be getting to/from work, to/from restroom and finding lunch if he doesn't pack it. I am so excited for him!

Thanks to everyone for their positive thoughts and encouraging words. You've all helped me immensely over this incredibly difficult week.

Join My PIF!

I was just chosen as one of three PIF members on Dianne's blog, and I'm passing on the PIF here! I've been meaning to do this for a while and I am finally doing it! =)

Here are the rules:

If you would like to receive a hand-made gift made by me within 365 days please leave a comment on this post to say that you are interested. If I get three people to comment, those will be the three people to receive a "work of art" made by Valerie. If there are more than three (what are the chances!?), I will do a drawing. And if there are less than three, then I will chose the recipients and gift my PIF within a year. I hope that makes sense.

I will make this available for one week. Please comment by Tuesday, February 3rd to join/be considered.

In return, you must offer the same on your blog! Remember, it's all about "paying it forward"!

I hope that you will join my PIF...

Tags and Awards

It appears that there is another round of awards and tagging in blogland!

I was tagged by Carol R. to list five of my addictions...so here goes:

1. Stitching...obviously...and shopping for stash!
2. Coffee...I move like a slug without a daily cup or two, or three or four.
3. TV...yes, I must watch tv and my shows to feel centered.
4. The foggy city I live in. Never moved away and never want to.
5. Baked sweets...cakes, cookies, donuts, pie, scones, brownies...OMG...keep it away if I am to have any figure at all! But I so love sweets!

I also received the following award from Lisa. Thanks Lisa! I feel so honored.
I am supposed to tag and pass on each to 5 people but I will gracefully decline to. I hope Carol and Lisa don't mind. If you feel like sharing your addictions or passing the award onto others, please feel free. I think everyone's blog is fantastic and I gain so much from everyone that I just can't even fathom choosing just five.

Not Feeling Talkative

I'm tired. I'm sad. I'm angry. I'm frustrated. I'm cranky. I'm sleep-deprived. I'm on edge. I would give a $100 to have an entire day to myself...no errands...no obligations...no driving around the entire Bay Area...no chores...just me, the tv and my stitching. But after being off work for almost a week, I can't take a day for myself...too much to do and too many people depending on me to keep on keeping on. So...I do.

Despite getting 6-8 hours of sleep a night, I feel like I haven't slept at all. A million thoughts race through my head. What *the boy* needs to do. What I need to do. What I need to buy. What I need to fix. Where I need to go. How to maximize my time.

The good: *the boy* was released from the hospital on Saturday afternoon. I went to the East Bay to get him settled at his friend's house since my 50 steps up and 50 steps down would not be conducive to anyone on crutches. He looks and feels better everyday which is a relief considering he looked a tad scary...and still kind of does. But it's all getting better. He rescheduled his interview for Wednesday and his friend is driving him. Yay! I hope he gets it. He also isn't requiring as much pain medication as the doctors expected so that's a positive as well.

The bad: I spent the entire week/weekend dealing with hospital, medication-induced hallucinations(not mine), transportation, driving around the entire Bay Area twice, buying groceries for a boy who seemingly drinks gallons upon gallons of water, juice and gatorade, packing up all his belongings and carting them to the East Bay and doing my laundry plus his laundry AND doing a visit to the parentals. Not one minute was mine...and if I did happen upon a minute...I was staring off into space because I was just that tired and no longer had any energy for anything. I feel robbed of my weekend...the two days that go by so fast to begin with and I hold so dear. *The boy* will need help for the next eight weeks and so for the next eight weekends, I'll be making my round trip around the Bay Area...which means less stitching than I'm currently getting done. Stitching...which keeps me centered and sane. Less stitching makes me sad....and more driving and chores makes me cranky. I kind of wonder if *the boy* realizes that this act of violence doesn't only affect him. That it affects me too. And I wonder if he appreciates all that I have done before, during and will do after. This relationship has already given me lots of tests...did I really need a test this difficut on top of everything? I guess I'm feeling a little beaten down.

And...more sad because I had told *the boy* before the assault, that if he got this job (that he's interviewing for on Wednesday), I wanted us to go out for a nice romantic date on Valentine's Day. We hadn't done anything totally romantic since his move to the Bay Area and it doesn't look like we'll be doing anything romantic for quite some time now. I guess this will be like any other Valentine's Day from years' past. Quiet, unromantic and no fun.

Thank you to everyone who commented and emailed me your kind thoughts, prayers and offers to help. It humbles me to know I have wonderful friends in cyberspace. I greatly appreciate your time and caring.

Update on *the Boy*

Thanks to everyone for their kind and concerned comments about *the boy*. He made it through surgery okay and is in good hands. Luckily he was taken to the top trauma hospital in the city. It was a very long day at the hospital for me. Lots of friends and family calling for updates and making sure I know what his status and issues are from the many doctors and nurses. By 8pm, I couldn't handle another phone call and managed to drive home and fell straight into bed. He's on a lot of pain medication with makes him very loopy and nauseous. It concerns me that he can't keep much liquid down but maybe things will progress to soft foods today. I'm still not sure when he will be released from the hospital...maybe tomorrow...maybe Saturday? Things are still very much in the air and I am trying to organize things for next week. Things like where he can stay, when he might be able to reschedule his interview and options for him to get around. It's all a little stressful. To take my mind off things, I decided to work a partial day before heading back to the hospital this afternoon.

I didn't have the time or brain power yesterday in my post to comment about my anger. I titled my post "the state of the humanity" to comment that during this time, people attack each other instead of help and embrace each other. People are more worried about their financial situation and the downslide of the economy and do not really take other people into consideration unless it benefits them. In my 33 years in this city, my entire lifetime, I have never been hurt, mugged, accosted, raped or hurt in any matter. In the last week, I've heard of two muggings and now that of *the boy*. *The boy* has commented that in these times, people get desperate and you need to keep your guard up. Poor guy didn't have a chance against a coward who attacked him from behind and left him cast aside on the street like garbage. I am thankful for the people who called 911 for him and held him in a c-spine hold in case he had any head/neck/back trauma which luckily he did not have. And I am thankful for the people who were brave enough to provide a description of the attacker and I hope that the police find him and that he gets the charges that he deserves. *The boy* wonders "who could do this to him". He sadly was just at the wrong place at the wrong time. A minute of violence now equals 3 months of recuperation time and lots of planning.

I am also thankful to be a part of the stitching community; everyone is so giving and kind. Please continue to keep your kind thoughts and prayers headed our way. I can use all the kind energy and positive thoughts to help get *the boy* out of the hospital and on the speedy (hopefully) road to recovery.

I may be AWOL for the next few days and my stitching has somewhat suffered as I can't even focus and concentrate on counting and patterns. I'll be back soon with updates and stitchy stuff.

The State of Humanity

On a day that signified change in these United States and the plea and co-mingling of humanity to turn the state of this world around, *the boy* was assaulted. It's upsetting to begin with but now the day that Obama became President will be tainted as being a day that my boy had to fight to survive. As I sat at home wondering why he wasnt home yet, worrying and calling his cell phone multiple times, he was in a scary hospital all alone. I've never been good in hospitals...already much time spent in them for my somewhat short-ish life so far. Upon seeing him bloodied and bruised, I became hot, dizzy and faint. Luckily, the doctor brought over a chair for me just in time otherwise, I may have had to heed *the boy's* advice of falling on him versus falling backwards. It's been a long, long time since I've had a fainting spell. Stupid me! My boy got all beat up and broken and I go to him to pass out!

In the end, things could be much worse. The attackers could have had guns or knives. *The boy* suffered many bruises and a badly broken leg that requires surgery, casting and crutches. In a time that was already difficult, this makes things worse. He was supposed to have another job interview today for his job lead. A lead so good, it seemed like he would get the offer. I've had 2 hours of sleep and have been emailing his friends and his, hopefully, new employer to tell them all what happened. I also had to call his mother to tell her what happened and managed to get through that call and console her with minimal breaking down. I need to rally and they all need to rally to get *the boy* through this tough time and hopefully into this new job. His surgery is supposed to be at some point today. I would appreciate any kind thoughts and prayers if you're into that sort of thing.

And Another One

I had a productive weekend. Lots of time spent with *the boy*. Lots of errands were done. And best of all, I managed to get a decent amount of stitching done. At least enough time to get my section on Wendy's QFRR completed. As I mentioned before, I got a little backed up in the QFRR group and I have been working diligently to catch up. I hate being behind on deadlines! So I set my goal and warned *the boy* because I was determined to finish Wendy's RR by the end of the weekend. By Sunday night, I was doing my little jig around the living room. Below is the section I stitched. I had the upper right corner and stitched it in DMC 808. Wendy's RR was varying shades of blues and purples and the color I used was a nice dark blue.
And here is how Wendy's RR looks all completed. I was the last person to stitch on this piece as well so I get to give Wendy the happy news that her RR is finally on it's way home. Yay!!
I still have one more RR to stitch on for the time being so I will start on that tomorrow. I think that I can manage to finish it by next week and actually mail it before the deadline and be all caught up. I'll feel very accomplished if I get it all done on time.

On Monday, *the boy* and I decided to take a drive to Half Moon Bay...just because. We wanted to see some of the Mavericks competition but we saw that the waves were too mellow for that type of a surfing competition but I wanted to go anyways. We headed to the Moss Beach Distillery and the weather was amazing. 70 degrees on the coast!! Usually the coast on the Half Moon Bay side is a total fogpit! But we managed to get a decent spot on the deck and take in this view.
Amazing, isn't it?! Ugh, I wish I could spend every Monday like this. We sat, drank, watched the waves roll in and out and made friendly with the nice couple next to us with their very cute Boston Terrier.

More Round Robin Stitching and Work Woes

I haven't had very much time to stitch since last week but the little time I've scrounged up so far has been devoted to Wendy's QFRR. I'm a little backlogged in this group due to the holiday crunch. Not to mention I signed up for a lot of stuff thinking I was a single girl. Now, all of a sudden, I'm in a relationship! How the heck did that happen so fast?! I'm still trying to get into my routine for work, *boy*, stitching, parents/friends and classes and I still haven't gotten the hang of the juggling act. As you can see, I've done one medium sized motif, one tiny motif, my initials and I've just started one large motif. I just need to finish that one, do two more and then I'll be done. My goal is to have it finished by the end of the holiday weekend and ship it off to Wendy. I'm sure she will be happy to have her completed round robin in hand as I am the last one to stitch on it.
After this round robin, I am debating whether to make a start on Rowyn's RR or do my christmas ornament for my Christmas Challenge. I have the supplies but just need the time to make the start. I think it will all depend on when I finish Wendy's and my mood.

This week has been stressful as well but it's been a combination of work and personal. Work has been hellacious lately and I don't see an end in sight. I am the grantwriter for my organization and I am in the process of finishing up the management on one grant(that got completely screwed up), starting the management of another and brainstorming to write up a third and seeing where a fouth is in the planning process. This is on top of my regular work duties. Work is busy!!! *The boy* has been having a tough time. He took a job last month and he told me that the people have not been paying him so I told him to confront them and if they don't pay, to move on. This puts him in a hard position. Strangely enough, on the day he did not report to work, he had two phone interviews with a panel interview the following day for another opportunity. He has one more interview next week . Please send any happy thoughts and vibes his way. He really, really needs to find a good job...that actually pays him. I know that in this downturned economy, we can't be picky but payment is kind of necessary. Any good vibes are appreciated and I am so hopeful that he gets it.

Tonight, I am dragging *the boy* with me to the local community college so I can buy my books for the sewing class. Yup! I signed up. I figured that it was a good opportunity at a good cost and my schedule will never get any lighter so now is as good a time as any. Class starts next week and I will be sure to report. Afterwards, we'll have a low-key date night of dinner out and a video in. Should be nice. I hope everyone is having a good week...

My Life in Review

I've seen this list posted on a few blogs already and I thought it would be fun to reflect upon my life, see what I have done and what I would like to do. Following is how it works and what my life has turned out so far.

Things you’ve already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven’t done and don’t want to - leave in plain font

1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band
4. visited Hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to Disneyworld
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11. bungee jumped
12. visited Paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning
17. walked to the top of the statue of liberty
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch hiked
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden a gondola in Venice
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or sunset
31. hit a home run
32. been on a cruise
33. seen Niagara Falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an Amish community
36. taught yourself a new language
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the leaning tower of Pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing
40. seen Michelangelo’s David in person
41. sung karaoke
42. seen old faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. visited Africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. been to the top of the Eiffel tower in Paris (base of tower, not top)
51. gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theater
55. been in a movie
56. visited the Great Wall of China
57. started a business
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited Russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold girl scout cookies
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a Nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a check
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the Lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in times square
74. toured the Everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guard in London
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the Vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in Jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire bible
86. visited the White House
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone’s life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the Alamo in person
96. taken a road trip
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee
100. met the love of your life (I have *the boy* and things are still new…what a pressured question!)

There are many things that I have already done but there is even more I would like to do. Travel is one thing. I would love to travel more but my travel plans always fall by the wayside. I do think that #17, #73 and #82 will be fulfilled this year though. At least, that is the plan that currently only exists in the head at the moment. We'll see what happens!

QFRR and Laptop

Well, during my Friday ramblings in my last post, my photos were still on *the boy's* camera and I truly had no energy other than to whine and complain and wonder what cocktail I would order for myself during happy hour. If anyone is at all curious, Ketel One martinis truly helped dull the pain away and put a smile on my face for the rest of the weekend. Woo...love happy hour!

So after the 30th time of me asking *the boy* to send me my pictures already...he finally did. Ugh, that is the last time I have him take a blogging photo. I am reading that stupid camera manual ASAP!! So here is a picture of the section I stitched on Donna's QFRR. Please excuse the unevenness of the photo...the futon cover was all wrinkly underneath. I was a stand-in stitcher for this group when one of their original stitchers went awol. This is the first piece I stitched on and I was "assigned" the devil's horn section which consisted of two large motifs, two small ones and my initials. It was enjoyable except the devil's horns attacked me early on and I had to do a bit of frogging. But I didn't let it get me down! Plus...
I got to be the one to stitch the last section on this piece and send it on to Donna all completed! It's the group's first completed one! I heard she received it today and is very happy!
I have two other QFRRs sitting in the wings and I will begin stitching on Wendy's tonight. I was supposed to start yesterday but I keep getting these blasted migraines that prevent me from doing anything fun so my Sunday was shot and I spent most of the day lying about trying to forget I had a blasted migraine. Oh well...I get to stitch tonight.

Below is a photo of my new laptop (off the retail website). It's definitely not as pretty as an iMac but it cost me $500 less and I get 4GB! Talk about a great deal.

Relieved!

75 minutes and counting until I can go home and start the weekend! This has been a rather difficult week. Work has been stressful and kicking me in the tush everyday and I come home brain-dead and cranky. *The boy* has been getting an earful! The only thing saving my sanity has been quiet evenings filled with stitching, a cocktail and my tv shows. The high points have been staying in during my lunch hour at work and holing myself up to stitch for an hour, finishing the round robin I was currently working on and getting a new laptop! I wish I could have gotten an iMac but I could not justify the extra $600 right now and I got an awesome deal on a PC laptop. My current laptop has been barely functional and I have been using *the boy's* laptop. He's been nice enough to share but he is looking at getting his own space soon (not because we're splitting or anything) which means he'll be taking his laptop with him. I will soon return with photos but in the meantime, I am just so relieved it's Friday and I intend to take full advantage of a fun happy hour this evening! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

To Sew or Not to Sew...

That is the question.

I am having a hard time making a decision. For the last couple of years, I've been eyeing sewing classes...schedule and money never coinciding. It's seems shameful to admit that I am a daughter of a seamstress yet I have no idea how to sew beyond a simple whipstitch or sewing on a button. My mother's 1930's Singer always intimidated me. It seemed like an object for play than one to whip out wonderful fabric creations. My sister gave my mother a new Singer years ago...but my mom is *old school*. She still uses her 1930's Singer with massive iron footpedal as well as her old manual typewriter.

I'd like to *borrow* the newer sewing machine and see if I can enhance my needlework by making bags, bourses, wall hangings, etc. I found a very reasonably priced class at one of the local community colleges and emailed the director of the program to see what would be involved. She replied by saying that the projects would be a knit top, drawstring pants or elastic banded skirt and a lined, reversible vest. I figure that if I can make those items, I can incorporate the skills learned into finishing needlework pieces. The class would be 3 hours long, every Tuesday Evening. This would be on top of my 75 minute yoga class every Monday and Wednesday night so each week would start off very busy with little time to myself the first three days of each week. Thereafter, the week would mellow out and I would just have to juggle my stitching projects, do any potential sewing *homework*, work, parental visit, hang out with *the boy* and schedule *hang out time* with friends. I think it's manageable. I just worry about my time management since I already have so much on my plate.

But I think that if I can gear up over the next two weeks and catch up on my stitching, then I will be ok provided I don't go overboard in signing up for exchanges. I may sign up for one but that's it. What do you guys think?

If I wait until the Fall, I'd still be under the same circumstances since I am trying to keep to a 2 workouts a week plan for the year. I am very tempted to just go ahead and sign up.

To sew or not to sew?

First Finish of 2009!

On Friday, I had my first finish of 2009. Just a small little project I started on Christmas Eve and I had hoped to breeze through in a day or two...but then I got sick. I had wanted to start this on Thanksgiving Day but as the last few months have proved...even the best-laid plans oftentimes get derailed. Here is Tall Turkey by Heart in Hand. It is sold as a small kit so I used the 32 count tobacco belfast included with the kit and used the recommended GAST Threads. I like how he came out and will look into finishing him as a standup pillow soon.
I think I will need to add another resolution/goal to my list...learn how to use my camera and not keep posting awful over-flashed photos. I figure it's about time. I *have* owned my camera for over a year already. It would be nice to use it to it's full (and correct) capacity.

The rest of the weekend was a massive blur and despite it's busyness, I don't have much to share. The pretty christmas tree was taken down and dragged to the curb for recycling. It saddened me greatly...it was so cheery and now I have a big empty spot in my apartment. I found new prescription sunglasses. It's so strange ordering sunglasses in January but I my eye insurance comes due every December. I'll be sure to show you guys my new find. I made a quick trip to NiaH and only came out with a small piece of fabric. Can you believe it?! I go to stitchy heaven and come out with one small little piece of fabric and nothing else...when they're having a sale! I think I'm shopped out...especially in the stash department. Maybe this will be a good run for 2009. I can use my stash and save a bit of money...or pay off debt as the case may be. I did manage to drag *the boy* to a movie over the weekend. A seemingly impossible task at times and we saw Marley and Me. It was a good movie but what a tearjerker! I don't think there was a dry eye in the house at the end. The rest of the weekend was spent trying to get ahead on Donna's Quaker RR. I've made good progress and am working on my last motif! Yay! By week's end, I'll have my happy dance with this and have it posted in the mail.

New Year, New Goals

On NYE, *the boy* asked me what my new years resolution was. I didn't have an answer for him because I just never have been good at keeping a resolution ever. And usually, it is always the same thing. Lose some weight, take some classes, pay off debt and save some money. Here is a year in review. I posted my goals on the blog last year...here they are.

Personal

~Lose the pesky 10-15 pounds I've been talking about losing for the past two years::Lost 5 pounds only to gain them back at Christmastime
~Be diligent about doing my balance ball core exercises on non-workout days::Ummm, no
~Do three workouts a week (yoga covers two of the workouts when it's in session)::Did 1-2 workouts a week up until mid-October due to shoulder and neck issues
~Clean my apartment! Deep cleaning top to bottom with many donations to Goodwill planned::Pretty clean...now that I have a lovely cleaning lady come help me. I need to do more purging and organizing in my closets.
~Be out of debt in 2008!::Ummm, no
~Put myself *out there* in a non-dating social atmosphere (social/new friends groups)::Ugh, so hard. But I have met some wonderful people through the stitching community and I have now (almost) been dating *the boy* for four months.

Stitching

~Sweet Dreams Stocking - Dimensions (Carryover from 2007)::About 1/3 done
~Fairy Moon - Mirabilia::Not Started
~Thanksgiving Fairy - Mirabilia::Not Started
~Titania, Queen of the Fairies - Mirabilia::Not Started
~Halloween House - Lilybet Designs::Started, hate fabric. Must find new fabric for it
~In the Tall Flowers Sampler - Liberty Street Designs::Not Started
~Retro Kitchen Aprons - Needle Treasures::Not Started
+ at least four stitching exchanges::I have done 5 exchanges, made 7 gifts and am participating in one round robin.

So as you can see...I am not good with resolutions whatsoever. I am not disappointed in myself though. 2008 proved to be a very busy year. I had exercise classes most of the year, took a work-related course in the Spring, house-sat for my parents for four months, dated a lot of frogs, found one good guy who makes me laugh and have stitched a lot...just not as much as I would have liked. I do notice that I did not accomplish any of my *me* stitching but I did stitch a lot for other people. I would like to do some *me* stitching this year to aid in my holiday decorating. However, I will try to be reasonable in my 2009 goals/resolutions. So here they are:

2009 Personal Goals

~Lose 10 pounds and keep them off
~Be out of debt in 2009...for reals this time
~Purchase a new laptop
~Maintain workouts...yoga, stretching and walking
~Learn how to sew...enroll in class(es)

2009 Stitching Goals

~Quaker Friendship Round Robin
~Peppermint Twist SAL
~2009 Christmas Challenge - 12 finished ornaments by the end of the year
~Bent Creek Snappers - July through December
~Trick or Treat Fairy -Mirabilia
~Fairy Moon - Mirabilia
~4 exchanges/gifts
~Keep better track of my finished projects for blogging

I don't know if I will accomplish more or if I will accomplish less this year. In the end, the most important thing is to be happy and healthy. I hope that everyone has a happy and healthy new year too.

Happy New Year!!

Wishing everyone in Blogland a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Post-Christmas

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas amongst those that make you happy. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were busy and family filled. Lots of cooking, food, laughs and chatter. I was happy to see my sister and her family and I played catchup with all of them. *The boy* met my sister and her family and they all seemed to get along without any problems so that was good and I was actually able to relax and not worry about where the conversation was going.

The days after Christmas were not so great though. I came down with a bad head cold and have probably gone through two boxes of Kleenex in the process. *The boy* got a different variety of sickness that involved a high fever and stomach issues. I've been whiny...he's been whiny. It's a miracle we're both alive and haven't killed each other! Once my nose issues resolved, I came down with an awful migraine and it's mostly subsided but I can feel it's dull thud in the background. I am hoping that it fully goes away and doesn't make an appearance anytime soon.

So my lovely plans of stitching all weekend were instead filled with sneezing, noseblowing, whining and sleeping. I did start (and almost finish) a little selfish stitching. I just couldn't resist and I started it while at my parents on Christmas Eve. I am hoping to finish it by tomorrow, New Years Day. Perhaps I will have a lovely picture to show tomorrow!

In the meantime, I hope everyone has an enjoyable New Years' Eve and that you merrily ring in the New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing one and all a very merry Christmas! May you have a day filled with joy and wonder.

Weekend Things and Stuff

What a great weekend! *The boy* and I had a funfilled time and I actually started my Monday on a good note. Miracle of miracles! On Friday night, we settled in to watch Semi-Pro with *the boy*. For every 2 Valerie movies, I'll pick out a boy movie off Netflix to share with *the boy*. I really do not understand the Will Farrell draw but whatever. It was an ok movie with a bunch of basketball references I didn't understand or would pick up like 10 minutes later...you know...when the joke is old.

On Saturday, *the boy* and I headed onto Bart for our little city adventure. We avoided the masses by heading through the Financial District and then walking up to North Beach. We grabbed an awesome chinese lunch at Brandy Ho's and walked about the neighborhood running errands. Not too long though because we had to hustle to grab two buses to the Castro Theatre to see Milk. With 15 minutes to spare before the movie was to start, the theatre was packed and we had to climb up to the balcony. I've been to the Castro Theatre tens of times and have never sat up in the balcony but it was very nice and much less crowded. *The boy* was in awe of the old glory of the theatre. I guess I've been there so may times that I now take it for granted but it was funny to see his reaction. The movie was fabulous but very sad considering the subject matter. All the actors did a wonderful job. After the movie, we walked back to Bart to end our journey. Once home, we tucked in to see a Bing Crosby movie called Going My Way. I had never heard of it before but it was very well done and quite funny! We both really enjoyed it.

On Sunday, I told *the boy* I wanted to stay home and stitch. It was supposed to be stormy and I had no desire to be out in the rain. While I stitched, *the boy* went to the grocery store, watched some football, took a nap and made a scrumptious roast chicken dinner. I had such a great day. Before the sun went down, I took this picture of my progress on Donna's Quaker RR. Not much to show but it's progress. I did stitch more after taking this picture and have that bull's horns motif almost done. That was a pesky motif seeing as there were a couple of mistakes in the chart and so I had to do a bit of frogging. With the holiday approaching, I'm not sure how much I'll be able to stitch since I have out-of-town visitors and big family dinners planned but I already have some time slotted for next Saturday to continue on this project. I really love this fabric and dark shade of green!
And after dinner, *the boy* and I tucked into watch Holiday Inn...another Bing Crosby movie. I had never seen it before and it was also quite funny. Not to mention, Bing Crosby's voice is amazing and Fred Astaire can dance like no other! Lots of movie watching this weekend!

This morning, I received an email from Carol telling me she received the birthday package I sent to her. I was so hoping I would time it right and that it would arrive on her birthday but alas, I was a few days late. Here is the pinkeep that I made for her. She told me she really liked it so I am very happy!

Quaker 2008 by Gazette94
32 Count Lakeside Linens Navy Bean
Crescent Colors Belle Soie Blue Lagoon

Carol included some much better pictures of the pinkeep details and extras which you can find on her blog here. I am so happy she liked her birthday surprise! Yay!

Be merry and delight...

Woo! I'm a Winner!

No, I didn't win the lotto but the next best thing is winning a bloggiversary prize. Monique had a giveaway on her blog a few weeks back and I was the lucky winner. I was shocked! I don't ever win anything! I was very eager to see what Monique had in store for me and I was so happy to see her package in the mail on Monday. She included two of her designs, a cut of 32 count belfast which will come in handy for sure and some lovely hand-dyed Dinky Dyes floss. I think it's hysterical that she sent me her *Daydream* design seeing as I ordered a threadholder that looks exactly like that from Monique a few months back! Thanks Monique!
A few weeks ago, I finished Brittercup Kitty with Bird for *the boy's* mom as a Christmas gift to her. Natasha asked that I post a picture once it was framed and here it is in all it's glory. *The boy* did good with picking out the frame. He did it all himself since I don't know what the mom likes or how she decorates. He picked this antiqued gold frame which actually accents the bird charm, yellows and the pale blue of the bird very nicely. I'm very happy with the framing job and I think that the mom will like it very much. At least I hope so!

A Sigh of Relief

Perhaps the week is looking up? I hope so.

We had a wonderful holiday luncheon today complete with caesar salad, fried chicken, bbq ribs, green beans, jambalaya, sinful cookies and a crazy array of other decadent desserts. I cannot eat another bite!! It was all very good and everyone was in a jovial spirit.

I received an email from Silkweaver apologizing for the error in shipment and advising that they are sending me the correct fabric that I ordered. Hallelujah!! And as an apology for the error, they are letting me keep the pinky-mauve fabric they originally sent to me. Now, I'm not a pinky-mauve sort of a girl but I'm sure I can find a project for this fabric sometime in the next 30 years. Thanks goodness for good customer service! I am just so happy that my sparkley orange-y fabric is on its way!

And because of this...I will truly...

Be merry and delight!

O Christmas Tree

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree
You fill my heart with music
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree
You fill my heart with music
Reminding me on Christmas day
To think of you and then be gay
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree

You fill my heart with music

*The boy* took a much better picture of the tree with his fancy schmancy super camera so I am flaunting the "pretty tree" again since I have no stitchy pictures to share. I will soon. I received treats from Monique for being the lucky winner on her bloggiversary drawing! Woo!! I actually won something! But for the time being, delight in my tree and if you look very carefully, you can see my framed Christmas Elf Fairy on display on the lower left of the photo. She made her seasonal appearance too!

Be merry and delight...

Obstacles

The last five days have been very trying. I am cranky and tired. It may exhaust me to rehash it all so I will bullet point my frustrations.

~Whiny sick boys drive me berserk especially when I am sick too but don't have the time or luxury of being sick because there is so much to do! Argh!

~Not having *me* time anymore. I'm not used to this relationship stuff. Not that I'm not happy with *the boy*. I am...totally am! I just need to find my happy median.

~Forgetting my wet laundry at my parents and having my dad put my delicate sweaters in the dryer. I am scared to see what the damage is.

~Being super hormonal because it's you know...that time of the month. Being a girl is just lovely sometimes.

~Whacking my head so hard trying to get into a co-worker's car. Owww! Ugh! It's hard being a tall girl.

~Dealing with all the crazy people who are in spastic holiday mode.

~Standing in line at the Post Office on the "busiest mailing day of the year". Argh! Why didn't I plan things better?!

~Spending 40 minutes talking to AT&T disputing a $7 long distance call on my phone bill because...ummm...I don't even *have* long distance to begin with. Yet, I was told that I must have made the call. If someone can explain to me how someone can make a long distance call when they don't have long distance privileges to begin with..I'll give you the $7 because I am *not* giving it to AT&T. I tried to keep calm, I asked the "supervisor" for his name, he was rude, not helpful and it was an awful customer service experience. This probably wasn't helped by my being hormonal (see above) and I was super upset, talking very sternly to this man while I was at work and I finally "thanked him for nothing", hung up and redialed. On my second attempt, the lady customer service lady was shocked at my story, apologized and credited me $7 because even she couldn't explain how I have a long distance charge when I don't have long distance. She was a gem. Why did it have to take 40 minutes to get things fixed?!?! Virgil from AT&T...you can go take a flying leap. I'll figure out how to write my nasty letter about you.

~I finally broke down and ordered fabric from Silkweaver. Perfect beautiful opalescent orangish fabric for Trick or Treat Fairy waiting for me in the wings. Perfect fabric! I got my shipment in the mail today and they sent me the WRONG fabric!! I was ready to cry. Where is my perfect beautiful solo?! I still have not heard from Silkweaver to tell me how, if even possible, I get the solo I actually ordered instead of this pink, mauvy fabric they sent to me. As my first exposure to Silkweaver, I am not happy...not happy at all. I want my fabric!! :::stomps feet and whines:::

So...ummm...not the best days right now. I need to go on a vacation...or win the lotto...or at least act like an ostrich and stick my head in the sand because I don't think I can take one more bad thing!

And because it is the holiday season, I will end with my normal tag of....be merry and delight! Even though I am not merry or delighting much today.

But...

Be merry and delight... :0)

Home Alone

Last Wednesday, I had an entire evening to myself. It was magical. No *boy*, no class, no computer, no nothing. It was me, the tv and my stitching. I had a goal in mind and I would not go to sleep until I finished my stitching. I stitched and I stitched and I stitched until I was done with the task at hand and I felt relieved...and tired! It was 1230am!! On a weeknight! As I scrambled to put away my supplies, turn off the lights and scurry towards my warm bed, I took in the glow of my pretty Christmas tree. As usual, an overflashed photo but I love sitting in the glow of the twinkling Christmas lights at night.
And Fat Santa made his annual appearance. Everytime I look at him, he makes me smile. He is the perfect decoration for my living room. Red, Christmas-y and whimsical. Hi Fat Santa!
And the fact that I am now blogging on Monday about last Wednesday is a sad fact indeed. A true indication of how behind I am in everything! But the good news is that as of today, I am done with my Christmas shopping and card writing! Yay! The cards are in the mail and I will soon immerse myself with gift wrap, ribbons and gift tags. And I am sure that my QFRR friends will be happy to hear that I finally pulled out one of the round robins to stitch on! Yay! But I did not stitch enough to be photo worthy. Perhaps later on in the week? Hope, hope.

In the meantime, be merry and delight!

Noel

I heard that Marie from the HoE Exchanging group received my Christmas Ornament Exchange package. Yay! I was getting a little worried that it was taking so long to get to the East Coast. Marie sent me a lovely email saying she really liked the ornament and the goodies I sent her. And since Marie can take much better pictures than me, I am *borrowing* the snaps she took of the front and back of the ornament. Following is the front:

And here is the back.

I stitched the Noel Ornament by Les Grilles des Maryse charted in the Gift of Stitching Magazine November issue. It just screamed to me and looked like Marie's taste from what I could gather off her blog. I stitched it on 32 count Lakeside Linens Vintage Light Examplar (my favorite) with Crescent Colors Cupid, which is a beautiful variegated red. I hope to stitch this for myself again one day. This ornament was my first pillow ornament with cording. Cording was a pain in the bum!!! Making the cording = easy. Attaching the cording to the pillow part = lots of swear words. In the end, it was a very good attempt for my first try but as any stitcher, I am uber-critical and not super happy. I know I can do better so I will have to practice. Good thing I signed up for Carol's 2009 Christmas Challenge. Lots of opportunities to practice and have more stitched ornaments for my Christmas Tree next year. It's a good win-win situation. I think Carol still has spots open in the challenge. If you're new to finishing like me, it's a nice environment to learn with no pressure. Go check it out if you want to perfect your skills...

oh yea, back to the exchange. I also included lots of christmas-y goodies for Marie...m&m's, holiday candle, floss, ribbon, gingerbread kitchen towel, holiday cards and notepad. Things I thought would come handy during the holiday season.

Marie, so glad you liked everything!!

That's all for now...be merry and delight!

Post-Thanksgiving

Five days into December and I feel a mess. How in the world did the holiday season sneak up on me?! Usually, by this time of year, all the presents are bought, the tree is up and cards are in the process of being written up. But this year, I'm struggling to find presents and having fights with salespeople, have a tree that won't fit in the tree stand and have no idea where my cards or address book are. How am I such a mess?!

Thanksgiving weekend was nice but stressful. At the last minute, I decided to have *the boy* meet the parents. That was a big deal and I was worried considering the language barrier between my parents and *the boy*. But I think that he and my dad had a good time and there was more than enough food for everyone. The roasted veggies, sweet yams, pumpkin pie, wine and ice cream we brought over were a hit so that made me happy. Round #2 will be at christmastime when *the boy* meets my sister and her family.

I've been feeling out of sorts. The original plan for christmas was that I would fly out to the East Coast to meet *the boy's* family. The plans were on, the plans were off, the plans were on and I placed a hold on a ticket buying more miles to do so, the plans were off and then the plans were maybe back on but lets see and now they are definitely OFF! Ugh! The back and forth was killing me! I am a planner...cannot stand wishy-washy behavior. *The boy* is lucky I didn't smack him! I'm relieved. I want to go to the East Coast and have been dying to go in the winter but I just don't feel ready to spend money I don't really have right now. If I'm making a trip back East, there is loads I want to do...most of it evolving around NY...which is expensive, yet I wouldn't want to deny myself the experience and I would have ponied up the money. So now, I have time to shop, and do cards, and decorate...and breathe. I know *the boy* is bummed that he(we) won't spend the holiday with his family but I am hoping he'll be happy to spend it with my crazy and dysfunctional one.

I haven't been stitching...and it's making me loony. I was on such a good roll but am still stuck on making and finishing off two gifts. Once I'm done with the gifts, I must move onto the round robins. I have two and will be late getting both of them off by the deadline. They all know so it's ok but I just feel like such a slacker for being late. Not to mention all the wonderful projects I have lined up in my head. Since I haven't had time to stitch, I've been sneaking time on the computer at work and buying loads of stash! OMG...must stop the madness! I've talked to *the boy* and we made a deal that I get to go to NiaH for hours tomorrow so I can stitch in peace while he helps friends get ready for a holiday party I will join later. And on Sunday, he can watch football and hang out with the boys so I can stitch some more and watch all the awful shows he apparently hates watching with me. Sounds like a win to me. I must stitch before I lose my mind!! And if I have to deal with another idiot employee at Macy's again anytime soon...I just might!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and an even better upcoming weekend. I'm hoping to have at least some pictures to include in my next post.

Be merry and delight...