The Birthday Getaway...(photos galore)

So a long, long time ago...like April...I knew I had to get out of dodge for my birthday or I would go berserk and depressed to be spending another birthday alone, at home, with my parents who make me get my own cake and my own present and will probably criticize me because I had the nerve to visit them in yoga pants and without makeup. Because, you know...how am I going to meet a man dressed like that(!)...while stuck in the car, driving, between my apartment and their house. No way! Getting out of dodge! I would not be able to deal. It was bad enough that my mom was all hurt that I wasn't spending my birthday with her and kept making snide remarks about how I was going away with a man and why I wasn't bringing this imaginary man by the house to meet her. Seriously, it's amazing I'm as normal as I am being surrounded by that insanity.

So I booked myself a loft cabin in the woods. Me, a city girl, in the woods. I wasn't sure how bright an idea this was but that was the plan. Quiet, seclusion, relaxation...and lots of wine.

The night before I was supposed to leave, I had a headache and was exhausted and didn't have the energy to pack. I decided to check my email one last time before heading to bed. The laptop was driving me nuts...wanting to do updates. So I decided to just let it do its update but it got kind of stuck...so I turned it off even though it said to not turn off the computer during the update. People...do not turn off the computer!! Holy Cow. I ended up being up half the night trying to get my computer to turn back on and each time, I got a "fatal error" message. I was in a panic and emailing(from my phone since the computer was broken) every geeky nerdy friend I knew at 2am hoping they were up playing video games and could talk me through the disaster I created for myself. No luck. I managed to sleep for about three hours before I woke up again. I was a nervous panicky mess mainly because my budget does not allow for another laptop and I would be computerless which is akin to death. In relaying my misery via text to Claire, she told me to bring the laptop to her and her husband would look at it while I was gone. So I packed, dropped off my laptop and began my journey up 101 and 128 before landing in Mendocino 3.5 hours later. The drive up was gorgeous and hassle free. It was 90 degrees in the Valley and I stopped at the orchard and a winery on my way to stock up a little. But let me tell you, once I crossed over onto Highway 1, the weather literally dropped 30 degrees. I traded in one foggy city for one seriously foggy town! I found my rental and it was a gorgeous little space. Here are some photos to get an idea.

The Deck

The View

The View at Night
Interior shot from entryInterior shot from Kitchen
View of Kitchen from Bathroom

The owner is an artist and there were examples of her collage art around. Her work studio was below this loft space and wow...it's a wonderful set up with tons of light. I did a quick trip into town to pick up food supplies and I tucked in for the night and stitched while watching tv.

The big news story in the area was that there was a murderer on the loose who was breaking into rental cabins and homes looking for food and supplies who had a shootout with the Sheriffs and got away. Joy...oh, joy! Here I am alone in the woods with some psycho on the loose with a rifle and I have no cell phone reception. Where is my wine...la la la...let's try not to think about it.

The next day, I headed into town to get coffee, a pastry and do a walk around. I went to my usual go-to stops, visited the farmers market and walked along Main Street. The shopkeepers here are so friendly so each stop was at least 20 minutes because talking about the weather and the impending rain was a must. In one shop, I bought this cute Halloween decoration. I couldn't resist! Look at the fluffy neck muff! Love it!
At another stop, I bought myself a souvenir tee shirt even though I already have a lot of Mendocino shirts.

Oh and here are a couple of photos I took around town.

I walked around until it was time to see if Claire arrived at the rental...and she did. I timed it perfectly. We headed back into town for lunch and more walking around. We gathered more supplies to have a little picnic in the cabin and tucked in for more tv and stitching. Being a mom, this was the longest stretch of stitching she has gotten in in the past two years!

There's a reason for the picnicking too. The area is very lowkey and nice but the dining options are slim. They are either super casual and close very early or high end and too expensive.

On the third day, we headed out winetasting...in the rain. We had a fun time. Heck, who doesn't have a fun time wine tasting at wineries that have no tasting fees?! Bring on the wine! I ended up with 8 bottles of wine. The standouts to me were Toulouse and Breggo. Toulouse is one fantastic and dangerous place. They are still new and do their tastings in the barn because they are still trying to get the winery off the ground and built the tasting room. They have a heavy hand when pouring their tastes and have probably some of the best wine I've tasted. Their Gewurtztraminer and Pinots are excellent and if I could have afforded it, I'd have bought at least one of each Pinot Noir they offer but as it was, I splurged and just bought one. If I win the lottery, I'll buy myself a caseload! Breggo is another place known for their Pinot Noir but I stuck with the whites during the tasting and they were excellent...they really have a skill for pairing interesting notes. We also visited Navarro, Husch, Brutacao and Lazy Ridge.

Lazy Ridge (i think)

Brutacao Vines
Pinot Noir Grapes
Husch Tasting Room - So Cute!
Wine booty

I was pretty toasted after all the wine tasting. We headed back to have an early dinner at a tapas restaurant I was dying to try and when we got there, the restaurant was closed! As in closed because they went out of business and there wasn't even any furniture in the space closed. Wah! After much debate over where we should eat and not really liking any of our options we decided to eat at the bar at the Inn at Little River and we had a nice meal with ollalieberry cobbler and ice cream for dessert. No chocolate cake but it was pretty tasty. After dinner, Claire made her way back home and I relaxed in the loft in a food and wine stupor. Too stuffed to read or even stitch! So I watched tv and relaxed and was happy that they "caught" the murderer so I could sleep in peace and not dream about some psycho breaking in and trying to steal my stitching.

The next day was my long journey back home. Why is it always longer to go home than it is to arrive? I arrived safely and relaxed at home. It was a nice birthday getaway! And you know the best part? When Claire arrived to Mendocino, she brought my fixed laptop with her. Her husband was able to fix it and I was over the moon happy! And she also brought me a bluetooth thingie because I always say I can't talk on the phone in the car because I don't have one (ticketable offense to drive and hold a cell phone at the same time). So happy!

So, birthday weekend was a success! The only bummer was that I did not score chocolate cake! I know what chocolate cake I want. I just need to find the time to go to Mara's for a slice of sinfully rich chocolatey goodness.

I hope you all enjoyed the photos! Time for me to clean for the cleaner. *grumble* How's this place get so cluttered and how come the laundry can't put itself away?! Magic wand, where, oh where are you!?

Until next time...

Come Dance With Me

...the happy dance! Happy happy dance dance!

Because last weekend, while relaxing up in the woods, I put the last stitch and last button on Lizzie*Kate Christmas Rules. Yay!
And a closer look...

(Couldn't resize this one the same as others)

This project was a pleasure to stitch. I think I really needed some fun colors and light sentiment to help put me back on track. Lift me out of the muted color zone I'd been in for quite a few months. This is stitched on the recommended 32 count Light Mocha Belfast with the recommended Crescent Colors and Weeks. The only change I made was substituting CC English Ivy for the WDW Bullfrog since the skeins of Bullfrog I had were a rather terrible green.

I've pulled my Drawn Thread Almost Halloween out of the basket and have been slowly frogging and restitching it again. Yea, I know. Not terribly fun but I am much happier with the coverage of two threads versus one. Here is a photo which is deceiving. It looks like I am finished but I am frogging as I go so "ween" is getting frogged.
Of course, with the frogging, this means that I've run out of one of the colors since I purchased this as a kit but I think I have a friend helping me out with the last little bit I need to finish the orange bits in the "ween" part of Halloween! Stitching buddies are the best! It shouldn't take me much longer to finish. I do need to figure out what I did with the black buttons for the spider's bodies though. It looks like a melee happened in my stitching /storage closet. It's a miracle I can find anything in there!

I am really enjoying the seasonal stitching at the moment and I think I will run with it til the end of the year. I am pondering making Plum Street Samplers Hallow Eden and Shepherd's Bush Sadie Stocking my next projects. I've never stitched on 18 count linen or with perle cotton so that might be an interesting "experiment". I wonder if I even have size 24 needles and a threading thingie.

Thank you, thank you for all the wonderful birthday comments and wishes. I realized I must have been out of it on my previous post since I didn't even title it. That's very unlike me. I always try to come up with something even if it's boring as all get out. My birthday was lovely. And to make it even better, I won Anne's giveaway! Woo...happy birthday to me!

I also received a couple of coveted Jardin Prive charts from KarenV, a Halloween chart from CarolR and Carol sent me this lovely little Halloween pinpillow and goodies.
Thanks Carol(s) and KarenV!

I am still in the midst of catching up from being away. That's what happens when you return to 150 personal emails, 250 blog posts in your reader and 95 work emails. And I was behind to begin with. But I am catching up...slowly but surely.

I will do a separate post about my getaway weekend and still need to post about my urban hike.

Until next time...

They Say It's My Birthday!

I'm on vacation...drinking wine, relaxing, visiting the beach and hoping that I can score myself a scrumptious slice of chocolate cake!

I've started my vacation and so far, it's been a blur of family stuff, Opera at the Ballpark, errands and doctors appointments. Nothing really exciting. Just trying to get things done. Yesterday was the girl junk doctor's appointment. It's always awkward sitting there in those terrible plasticky paper coverings at the doctor's office. They aren't even gowns! But it's probably good that I really like my doctor and she's very down to earth and actually takes the time to chat. We joked about dating and men and the difference between hookups and real relationships and what has happened to the state of relationships in this day and age. I mentioned my age...because of mammography and cancer now running in my family and she asked about my standing on kids. If you've read my blog for a while, you all know where I stand. I've got major episodes of puppy fever...but baby fever...uh no. Not once. Not even a little bit. She wanted to make sure...you know...in case I needed a referral to a sperm bank. Because I am apparently getting old and my time is limited to have kids if I want them. So weird!

Not sure how I really feel about that, especially in light of turning a year older on Saturday! At least she said she wouldn't have guessed I was as old as I am. The good ol' genes are still pulling their weight!

I've been busy stitching on Christmas Rules and am very close to finishing. I did find a mistake today but will make it work since I don't feel like frogging much when it's barely noticeable. I'll show a picture when I finish.

TUSAL is here. I'm so mixed up on my days that I'm not sure what the exact date is but I've seen people posting so I'm assuming I am late.
It's after 10pm and I should be packing for my road trip but I am sporting a massive headache. I think I just need to wake up early, throw some stuff in a bag and wing it! I can't believe it's time to leave but am looking forward to a little me time.

Lots to catch up on when I get back!

Until next time...

IHSW Update!

Hello my lovlies...did you all have a nice weekend? I did...but much too short, as always.

It was filled with socialness and I ended up forcing myself to relax on Sunday. Friday, Claire and I went to a little wine bar and had a nice Indian dinner. Nothing fancy but a nice way to end a busy week. Saturday, my new friend and I went on an urban hike in North Beach and Telegraph Hill. I love doing this and never tire of it. It's a more touristy thing to do but I don't care. The views are amazing! I took pictures but am too tired to resize them now so I will treat you all later. After our hike, we stopped at a nice little spot along the Embarcadero to chat and relax over a nice lunch and gaze at the boats gliding by. Definitely not a bad way to spend a Saturday! On Sunday, I decided to skip the Scavenger Hunt. The organizer didn't even tell us the meeting spot until midnight Sunday! Being a planner at heart, stuff like that annoys me and I decided that having clean undies was more important than scurrying about in the heatwave we're having. I think that was a good decision since me and hot weather don't mix well; add in the stress of meeting 20plus strangers and then asking random people for things for the "hunt"...meh. I slept in, visited my folks, did laundry and went to the gym.

I'm throwing myself back into the gym. The socialness promotes more drinking and eating and I've been feeling a little jiggly in spots. This feeling wasn't helped by my dad bluntly telling me I've put on weight. Eff! Thanks Dad! Ugh...the old folks have not mastered the art of "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!" =( You'd think they'd learn by now considering how much I act out when they are not nice.

So gym yesterday (1.8m only since they were closing), today (4.1m) and tomorrow I will try some cardio class to mix it up a bit.

It was International Hermit and Stitch Weekend. I got a little bit done considering the busy schedule. I finished Rule #9 and started the very boring border on Rule #10. Sorry for the craptastic photo. If I didn't do it now...it may never get posted!

I was hoping to finish all the rules by my roadtrip but I am starting to think that's wishful thinking. Three more rules in one week?! Yea, not going to happen. But I am close...so, so close!

This is a hectic week at work especially in preparation of me being on vacation next week. Woot! My sister is coming into town for a visit on Wednesday since it's my mom's birthday this Saturday and mine is the Saturday after. We are ramping up for the busy part of the year.

Fall TV is starting up! I am so excited! I run the risk of reverting back into my hermity ways and I will have to be careful. It's tempting to just go home after work and assplant into the recliner to watch tv especially since I sense the days getting shorter and the nights growing longer. I would say the weather is getting cooler but we have Indian Summer here and I got home at 7pm to a sauna of an apartment. But the breeze flows in the windows and it feels nice. I have to try and keep a regular routine of gym after work with at least 3 social get togethers a week.

Well, time to peel off and try to stitch a little before calling it a nice.

Until next time...

Dating and Stitching

Thanks for the nice comments on my last post. I'm definitely frustrated but I think it's just heightened by it being the hormonal time of the month and obsessively wasting time on the damn site. There's nothing for me there so I need to throw myself into other avenues of distraction like the gym and home projects.

Not all dating experiences have been bad. I made a new friend and that's a plus. I even had a guy tell me I look like a cross between Marisa Tomei and Mary Louise Parker. I consider that a positive thing! Mind you, the guy is dressed up like a pirate in his profile pics. I seriously have no idea what that is all about and really don't want to find out either! What a way to market yourself. Ahoy cute girl, come on an adventure with me and I won't make you walk the plank!

Today, I had a different guy send me an email that said, "what do you like to do for fun?". Period. I list all my fun stuff in my profile. Stop looking at my pictures and read my profile already!

Ok, that's it. I will stop talking about dating now. It annoys me. Oh, but I guess you all figured that out by now. =D

How about stitching? I can talk about stitching because I've actually done some. Last weekend was pretty quiet. I was a lazyass with the exception of Sunday when I dragged myself to the Park to partake in the Opera in the Park event.
It was a gorgeous day...just perfect to lounge around in the sun with a little picnics and a handful of friends. I did manage to get a funky sunburn because I didn't spray my SPF70 very well. Yep, they make sunscreen that strong and I still manage to get sunburn. I'm just happy I had it because otherwise I would have turned as red as a lobster! Remember how I said people look familiar because I've seen them on the dating site? Turns out I recognized a photo in the program as one on the dating site. That guy is an opera singer! So weird...I recognize people everywhere!

Anyways, on my lazy Friday and Saturday, I managed to finish the 7th Rule and stitch the 8th Rule in Christmas Rules! ANd I made a tiny start on the 9th one as you can see here.
I signed up for IHSW even though I have a pretty busy weekend planned. I am hoping to at least finish this 9th Rule. If you want to join in on the fun, go sign up on Joyce's blog!

The weekend arrives and it's probably good I have a busy one so I don't sit at home sulking on the state of my social life. I'm heading out with Claire tomorrow and we haven't decided what we're doing but should be fun no matter what. She has decided to crash in on part of my birthday getaway in a couple of weeks. It's been so busy lately that I haven't even had time to plan anything other than the rental but I think it will be nice to just do things as I go and be leisurely about it. I seem to pack things too full if I think and plan so I'm not. The plan so far is wine tasting, hiking, visit the beach, stitching, tapas dinner and hitting the quirky coffee shop and delicious bakery as much as I can.

Saturday will be an urban hike with my new friend to show him Coit Tower, the murals, the view and the cottages inset into the Filbert Steps. I wonder if he'll think I'm weird if I take a ton of pictures. Who's the tourist...him or me?! Sunday, I have my choice of Comedy in the Park or a Scavenger Hunt. I think the Scavenger Hunt sounds like a ton of fun and am leaning towards doing that. I've been lazy about the gym this week but I think I will make up for it with these Sat/Sun plans.

Hope everyone has a fun weekend!

Until next time...

The Dating Game

***Disclaimer: This post is Rated R. Content material: foul language, sexual topics and frustration exhibited towards opposite sex. If you're sensitive to that, hit the back button now. Thank you***

Hitch: Now, on the one hand, it is very difficult for a man to even speak to someone who looks like you. But, on the other hand, should that be your problem?
Sara: So life's kind of hard all around.
Hitch: Not if you pay attention. I mean, you're sending all the right signals - no earrings, heels under two inches, your hair is pulled back, you're wearing reading glasses with no book, drinking a Grey Goose martini, which means you had a hell of a week and a beer just wouldn't do it. And if that wasn't clear enough, there's always the "fuck off" sign that you have stamped on your forehead.


Have you seen the movie Hitch? That scene in the bar, where Sara is sitting alone, waiting for her friend, and some sleeze-bucket comes up to her and drops the stupidest line ever? Yea, I can relate. She is me and I am her. I don't really sit in bars by myself anymore because I see myself as a target. And I don't say that to have a big ego. I say that because the minute I walk into a bar alone and there is a group of guys on the hunt, I feel their eyes on me. I don't like it. I have mastered the "buzz off look" and I do have it stamped on my forehead.

***

Someone recently said that you never know what you're going to get or experience in online dating. I've been online dating since the inception of this little blog and let me tell you, that statement is so true. Sometimes I wonder why I keeping doing it. At times, it's fun, other times, frustrating and sometimes, even downright traumatizing. I feel like it's my only outlet to dating though seeing as I can't date within the workplace(not that I want to) and my pool of friends don't know any single, eligible men (which frustrates me to no end). I'm getting kind of tired of being the one with the interesting stories but not getting a good setup in exchange for them. Help me out a little here, 'k?!

In the beginning, online dating was exciting and fun. It slowly got old as I encountered married men pretending to be single. Guys in relationships whose girlfriends hacked their accounts and then emailed me to tell me the guy I was talking to is abusive. Guys who use 10 year old photos and let me tell you that those 10 years were not kind to their appearance. Lazy guys...and the list goes on. This doesn't mean that I don't meet nice guys...some who were boring or some where there was no "spark".

***

The past month or so has had me questioning why I've bothered, yet again. I know why I did but again...the frustration and feelings of being perpetually single settle in.

There have been a few wishy-washy, flaky guys. It's frustrating to spend time emailing with nothing coming of it. I'm not online to acquire countless penpals. I have a hard enough time staying caught up on emails with people I actually know.

I did meet a nice, but boring guy who I didn't feel any spark with. He recently went through this big production of telling me he hit it off with someone and was going to see where things went with her. I had to tell him I was spending time with him on the pretense of friends to begin with so he could do what he wanted but it'd be nice to continue to be friends. We go on urban hikes and the like. He's the type of guy I can be friends with because if I was actually dating him, he'd realize very quickly how sloth-like I can be. That's one of the problems of the elible men in my dating pool. They *all* like to hike, bike, run, swim, marathon, hanglide, parasail, ski, snowboard, hit the gym everyday, hit the clubs and dance all night. Then there's me whose into art, culture, food, film, urban hikes, yoga and other things that are visually or audibly stimulating. I need to find a guy who has an even mix of active and fun interests. But hey, I made a new friend out of the madness of online dating.

I started emailing and chatting with this guy who, friends, was drop dead gorgeous! At least his photos were. And his photos were a little too professional and meticulous and I was wondering if this guy was even real. He mentioned meeting and then retracted it? Ummm...what? Who does that? He painted on the side and so he talked a lot about painting and art and models. He was very direct and explicit about the models and women he liked. Classic face, rubanesque body. Big boobs, big bum, curvy. I fit that description and physique very well and he would bring it up all the time. I have the feeling he was waiting for me to offer to model for him. After the 5th+ time of his saying he liked big butts, I told him he was very direct and never heard from him again. Ha! Guys really hate hearing the truth. Frankly, I think he's a troll hiding behind a computer screen trying to get girls to come over and model nude for him because he looks f-in hot in his photos. The last thing I need is to model nude and have my photos get out to all the guys in my department. Um, hell no.

(Click to read the relevant caption)

A couple of days later, I received an email from a different guy who seemed a mess. Unemployed, no real direction and not even my type. He emailed me to say I had a classic beauty. It was a nice compliment so I replied to say thanks and that was it. A couple of days later, he sent me another message asking if I had any interest in partaking a lover from the site and went on to say he thought I was really beautiful and how he thought he could satisfy me. Ugh! Yea...really. I am not lying. There was a part of me that was disgusted and a part of me that was flattered but mostly, I was just grossed out. I replied in that manner and told him that the purpose of a dating site it to date and that there are sites out there specific to booty calls if that is what he wanted. Over the course of the month, this guy has emailed me to apologize, ask if I'd reconsider, told me he regretted that approach since he feels I am truly the real deal and a good catch, wished me the best of luck in my search while sending me an erotic short story he wrote of his imagined sexual encounter with me. Wonderful. I've managed to acquire another stalker. At least this guy doesn't know my real identity.

Then there was the guy who wanted to have a text relationship. I don't really like texting unless I am running late or need a quick answer on something. I definitely dislike flirting and guys making kissyface comments to me in text...before I've even met them. I am not going to reply in the same context either if I haven't met them because they can be one of those trolls with 10 year old pictures. Thank.you.very.much.but.no!

And despite all the weirdness, I was brave enough to go on a real date with a different guy (not any of the ones above) and had a nice time on the first date. We met at a wine bar, had fun conversations and migrated to another place for cocktails and appetizers. Together, we seemed to have good energy. I had my reservations though because he was super alternative and into things I knew I wouldn't put up with for very long. Not to mention, after appetizers, we took a little walk and he was very forward. Kissyface, grab ass, flattering compliments about my assets. I had him walk me to my car and he asked me if I'd be his girlfriend! First date! I'm not committing to being anyone's girlfriend on the first date. Despite the forwardness and alternative lifestyle, I figured a second date couldn't hurt. It would help me make a decision. I had to explain that I wasn't going to go dancing or clubbing(his plan), that I was more interested in getting to know him and insinuated that he wasn't going to "score" on the second date. Well, the second date ended up being a therapy session. He's a widow and went on and on about his deceased wife (sad circumstances I understand but this is a date), talked about the various other dates he had had and how soon he had sex with them (as soon as second date) and the quality of it and then at the end of dinner asked me if we should split the bill. I decided to just be done with him and pay for the meal. He obviously just wanted to have a "girlfriend" to have regular sex with even though it was apparent he is not over or healed from the death of his wife three years ago.

After these various online dating experiences, I'm starting to feel like men only see me as a pretty face with generous boobs and ass. I get that guys like that. I have it. I don't like that feeling of guys thinking that "oh yea, I'd tap that" line when they see me. I am more that pretty looks, big boobs and a nice ass. And this is with me playing down my looks. I hide behind glasses and live in jeans, cargos and hoodies most of the time. I am smart and nerdy and fun and sarcastic and kind and genuine with a good sense of humor who can sometimes be a cranky ass and a little neurotic and yes, I happen to have a pretty face, big boobs and a nice ass. But most of all...I'm a genuine person who deserves to be respected and have men realize I'm a great catch. And I am. And I've had men realize and tell me that...oftentimes too late.

And before you all think I have my stuff hanging out for all the world to see on the internet, I have headshots and pretty routine photos where my stuff is covered. I'm wondering why I'm getting this sort of response to my profile when the photos are sedate.

I'm starting to feel like I will really be single forever. I know, I know...it happens when you least expect it. Meh. Years ago, when I first tried online dating, they had these quizzes that would tell you the probability of meeting your match and I took the quiz. My probability was 7%. That is sad...and the older I get, the more I am starting to believe that is true. I am frustrated.

Even more frustrating is having your face on a damn dating site. Everywhere I go, I wonder why people look familiar. Later on, I realize it's because I've seen their picture on the damn dating site! All I want is to get the hell off the site. But I think that at this point, I'm just going to have to take myself off of it although my preference would be to come off the site because I met someone fabulous on it. I want to have this feeling...

And come away from it feeling giddy and excited and hopeful of the possibilities...instead of feeling like guys just want to feel up my junk.

And if anyone knows a nice, fun, cute, tall guy who has their act together in my area, let me know. It can't be worse than dating one of these guys on the damn dating site.

This post has probably freaked out my sister if she's reading this. I am not moving to Texas unless there's a nice Texan that will sweep me off my feet or come live in SF!

And you married folks...you guys/gals are lucky. And sorry if I offended any of my male readers by using generalizations despite them being true to my experience. I know all men aren't like that.

No Pouting!

Well, I never really caught up on sleep this weekend so I'm feeling a little quiet and lethargic. I guess that's what happens when you stay in the city into the wee hours of the morning, have very little sleep (again!) and then eat a ginormous brunch of french toast, bacon and egg (uh...food coma) and then walk an art festival in the sun for hours. By Sunday evening, I felt like a truck hit me. Thank goodness I had an extra day off because as it was, I spent the entire day in my pajamas watching NCIS episodes like it was the last tv show on earth and only ventured into the neighborhood to pick up lunch/dinner at 5pm since I never got my act together to go to the grocery store. I still haven't...I may starve to death in my apartment. Oh wait, I have an endless supply of popcorn. I'll be ok.

I did get a bit of stitching in though and finished the 6th rule and reached the halfway point on Christmas Rules. Yay!
Excuse the wrinkles. I don't iron until I'm completely done and I have this one all rolled up on an 8" qsnap.

I even got a little farther and am almost done with rule #7. I wonder if I can finish this in the next month or so.

I've been debating what to do with Drawn Thread's Almost Halloween. I haven't been very happy with it even though I am almost done. I followed the intructions despite my own hesitations and preference. The instructions call for using 1 strand of floss over 2 threads on 32 count. I can already hear the collective groaning. Exactly! The coverage is spindly and sparse and I am thinking of ripping it all out and starting over. I think it may just be the project to resurface on my little getaway at the end of the month. Something to work on on the deck or in front of the fireplace at night.

Hope everyone had a nice Labor day weekend! Tomorrow is Thursday already...wow, I can't believe it!

Until next time...

August TUSAL

Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend so far and taking a break from laboring. I'm just doing a quick fly by post to share my August TUSAL. You can see that Christmas Rules has been my focus with those reds and greens towards the top.


This morning I woke up at 5am because I heard airbrakes and rumbling. May not be a huge concern to most but I knew that sound in an instant and knew there was trouble. I hurried to the front windows and saw my street was blocked and there was a fire truck, fire engine, Chief's vehicle and police cars. I knew that with only 2 "engines", it was something minor but still, my heart leapt in my throat and I hurried to get presentable (starting to think I should just sleep fully clothed with bra on from now on after the alarm issue and now this!) in case there really was a big fire in my building and I had to hurry down the fire escape. Luckily, it was just a pot fire down on the first floor but I seriously wonder if the other tenants in the building even had a clue! One of the downfalls to living in a beautiful old building like I do is that fire alarms and fire sprinklers are not required so we depend on individual smoke detectors. I basically live in a firetrap. Be sure to have smoke detectors and change out your batteries annually. A $25 smoke detector and single 9-volt battery may be the difference between life and death. I managed to fall asleep after with the windows open to air out the burnt toast smell that permeated the building after but let me tell you, I feel sluggish now and I am supposed to be up and smiley for plans in the city in a couple of hours. I think I will need a double espresso to perk up!

I have another post in the works about dating observations that I've been debating on sharing. It's not G-rated...because things in dating can get weird. And well, stitching is always G-rated.

Ok, I'm off to get ready for the city. Remember to check your smoke detectors, change the batteries, check your stove/oven/appliances after cooking, love one another and have a happy and safe holiday.

Until next time...

IHSW Update

So...I had grand expectations for the weekend. But you know what? They kind of fell flat. I was super restless as the work week drew to a close and that usually means that I flit about and waste a lot of time without getting anything accomplished. Does this happen to anyone else? It's like I can't relax and have all this pent up energy and if I have nowhere to go...oh boy...I become this restless, anxious, cranky mess.

I think this all came about because I spent the week with a work, gym, home routine all week with no social output. The gym is not social! I don't want to be talked to when I'm a sweaty mess. By Friday, I was ready to go out and have fun but had nowhere to go or anyone to go with. This is dangerous because I will troll on the computer and waste my entire evening without a stitch being accomplished.

I had stitching group on Saturday and was supposed to get tons of stitching in but I ended up being a social butterfly and then a sleepy butterfly after I ate my lunch. Note to self: pack lighter lunches for stitching group. Of course, the hostess is such a sweetheart, she wouldn't have minded if I had a little doze on her sofa. lol I did manage to finish the 5th rule on Christmas Rules so some progress was made albeit minor.
After stitching group, I met up with a friend for dinner and to see Breakfast at Tiffany's at the classics movie theater.

I spent Sunday exploring the city. I should have brought my camera but I always think about that after! I walked between Pacific Heights and Russian Hill in the search for cool glasses and a seafood lunch. I found some cute frame options at a fun boutique in Russian Hill. Glasses have been a frustration for me lately. I have a long, oval face and a skinny nose bridge but I like nerdy plastic frames because they are nerdy and are good at hiding the thickness of my hi-index lenses. It is impossible to find a decent frame! At least I have some options now. Now to decide and see if I can find them cheaper as I don't think I can afford a new pair with my budget at the moment. I had my heart set on a yummy seafood lunch at Swan. I hoofed it all the way there only to find out they are closed on Sundays! I settled back over to PacHeight and tried out Woodhouse Seafood instead. It was average and just made me sad that I missed out on Swan. I will have to save it for another day...that's not a Sunday!

Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

Until next time...

Weekend Recap and More!

Hello my lovlies....Happy Wednesday! Two posts in under a week...that's a record breaker for me nowadays. I thought I would come back to let you know about my weekend and a little bit of stitching.

I gave myself a 4-day weekend by using a couple of furlough days. I need to take 13 (!!) in the year so I have 11 more to go. Having days off during the week is wonderful but despite having a 4-day weekend, it flew by as if it was a normal 2-day weekend.

On the first day, I went to the Picasso Exhibit with a friend. Let me just start off by saying that Picasso was a strange, strange man with very strange taste in art. I had gone to a lecture at the library last month for a quick lesson on his style of art which was very helpful for me and my friend. For whatever reason, the DeYoung received the exhibit from the Musee National Picasso Paris under the agreement that there would be no chat boards. I really think that chat boards make an exhibit so not having any was strange. This also means that you walk the exhibit in under an hour since there is nothing to read! My friend was lost so I explained to him the things I learned in the lecture while we walked. The realm of "periods" Picasso painted...such as impressionist, blue, pink, cubism, surrealism, modern, etc. and how the wives and mistresses played as his muse. My friend got to the museum before I did thanks to a crapload of traffic and he picked up docent tour tickets so we walked the exhibit on our own first and then did the docent tour. It was helpful to hear a little bit of history...at least for those people who didn't know much about Picasso other than he's famous and you have to go check out his exhibit! The downside to the docent is that they skip over a lot of the paintings. So if you want to go and see the Picasso exhibit here in SF, get the audio tour! I cannot stress that enough. I was fine with the self walking and the docent tour because I already had some Picasso background but for newbies, the audio tour is the way to go.

After the exhibit, we rested in the cafe for a little bit and then walked over to the California Academy of Sciences. This is a great place to visit if you have kids. Me...I have no kids but I have guy friends and they are like grown up kids so I sometimes get the chance to go see the fishies and Claude the albino alligator. They have a snake exhibit going on now so we went to see that. Frankly, the huge hairy spider on display scared me more than the snakes. I could barely look at that thing. It was huge and hairy and all you saw is web...I scurried past squeaking in apprehension. Ugh...can't stand spiders!!

After that, I met with Claire and we had dinner at Burma Superstar. This place is awesome but you seriously have to get there right when the restaurant opens at 5pm to avoid a long wait, it is that popular. We indulged in too much food but had a great dinner. After, we browsed the shelves at Green Apple Books. I need to go back with a list next time. Each time I go, I get overwhelmed with all the book choices that I can't even decide on a book to buy! Does anyone else have that problem?

So that was Day 1! It was a very long but fun day. Day 2 consisted of me going downtown for an appointment and then I met up with another friend and we went to North Beach for a cheap lunch. We went to Golden Boy for some Sicilian Pizza slices. I've talked up Golden Boy already so I'm not providing a link. It's a little hole in the wall place whose draw is square pizza sold my the slice. After that, I needed to go to Stella Pastry for my cannoli. My friend says that Stella is high-end and he refused to order anything. I have no idea what he's talking about but I'm dealing with someone who will go to hole in the wall places and refuses to go to any "yuppie or foodie" places. After that, I went to spend a little bit of time with the 80-year old set and see how they were doing.

Day 3 was quieter. It was farmers' market and errand day for me. I picked up some peaches, strawberries, fresh corn, plouts and grapes. No hazelnut croissant today...that's at Sunday farmers' market. I will have to get one this coming weekend and take a photo for everyone...so many people commented on it on my last post. I've been trying to tidy up and organize my apartment so that was on the agenda too with a little bit of stitching.

Day 4 I treated myself to a movie and went to see The Help. Has anyone else seen it yet? I thought it was very well done. Lots of laughs and tears...bring tissue! I feel that considering the time constraints, they did the book justice. Be prepared...the movie is 2.5hours long. I tend to get fidgety in movies but the movie didn't *feel* that long to me. I really enjoyed it. After I got home from the movie, I stopped by the street festival near my house. It is held every year but this year, it seemed to have crept up on me unnoticed. I walked out and saw so much traffic and didn't know why until I saw the huge tents a block away! The booths could have been better but I enjoyed a yummy gyro and margarita while listening to some great music from the bandstand. I love street festivals!

I had it in my head I wanted to make a fresh peach pie entirely from scratch and so I did. It was my first time making pie crust. What a pain it is to roll that out...I need a larger cutting board to do that. I don't think the crust came out that great but I think that was because I didn't roll it off thin enough (small cutting board) and the dough got warm and overworked. But I still took the pie to work and everyone raved. I guess maybe I'm my own worst critic. It was tasty...I just wanted a crumblier pie crust. Here's my pie...no beauty queen but certainly tasty!

So I'm going to pose a question to those of you who have gotten this far and haven't fallen asleep already. *poke, poke...hey, wake up* Sunday night, my apartment manager (I should say former because he got fired due to some shady new hiring of property management that I am not happy about), knocked on my door and told me to look at a chair and footstool he had in the hall. So I did. And I saw this.


He told me to take them otherwise he would have to throw them away. He's moving and couldn't take everything since his new space is smaller. He said he'd had them for 30 years and they were given to them. I couldn't let them be thrown in the trash! But I don't know what to do with them. Needlepointed chair and stool. It looks like they were done at different times since the wood on the two pieces don't match exactly and one fabric is darker than the other. Or maybe that's dirt in which case...ewww, and how do I clean it?!

So if you found these, what would you do to restore them and make them shine? I know they need some cleaning and new stuffing/padding especially on the chair. I do have an old friend whose husband does upholstering so maybe I can ask her what to do and if he would give me a good price on the work. That's not in the budget right now so it will have to wait another day. In the meantime I will hold onto them to save them from the trash bin. But I would love ideas!

So I obviously had a busy weekend. I think I've forgotten how to relax! But I got a bit of stitching in and finished the 4th "rule" in Christmas Rules which is Honor Traditions. I am almost finished with the 5th one but not quite.
This Saturday is stitching group and since I plan on going and stitching my little heart out, I signed up for IHSW on Joyzse's blog. International Hermit Stitching Weekend is the 3rd weekend of every month but this is the first time I'm joining in. I might actually get a lot of stitching done. Time will tell.

Well, I hope I haven't bored you all but thanks for sticking with me. Enjoy the rest of the week!

Until next time...

p.s. For those interested in my tombie hardware. It is manufactured by Images Stitchery Design and I ordered mine from Inspired Needle. I know that Attic Needlework also carries it too.

Lots and Lots of Stitching Stuff!

I'm here, I'm here...omgosh...what day is it?!

*I am still tired...need more sleep!

*At farmers' market on Sunday, I bought breakfast and a hazelnut chocolate croissant to indulge in later. Seriously, I don't know why I wait. I should just slather it on my hips as that is where it will end up later. That's besides the point though. For the next two days, I was wondering what happened to my croissant before I realized I accidentally put it in the fridge! Oops.

*My last three posts each have exactly 17 comments. Weird! (well, they did when I started writing this on Wednesday! lol)

*Last weekend, I worked a garage sale at my coworkers house and managed to sell a few things. I haven't done one of these in years! It was entertaining! I also went to SFMOMA to see the Steins Collect. It was a wonderful exhibit and if there are local readers who are into that sort of thing, I really recommend it. The Steins were a wonderful group of people who really tried hard to bring wonderful art to the masses and they still do to this day. I am heading to the DeYoung tomorrow to see the Picasso exhibit!

*I need to find my notebook and carry it around me so I can jot down my ideas as I go. I always remember things in the shower, in the car, in the grocery store. Yea, basically everywhere I don't have a computer! Once I get in front of the post screen I forget!

But that's ok today because this is a real, honest to goodness stitchy post. Shocker!!

I've been working on Christmas Rules whenever I have a spare minute or two. Since I haven't had too much time to stitch, progress has been slow! There was also the dilemna with my WDW Bullfrog. It was too olive-y. I went around looking at all the skeins of Bullfrog I could get my hands on and those were either the same as mine or even more olive-y. I didn't like the effect at all. There was lots of mumbling and grumbling on my part and I finally got around to just switching that color to CC English Ivy. I am much happier with it! The only place the Bullfrog survived was the little tree branch the bird is perched on in the 2nd block.

I also worked on Almost Halloween a little and am close to being done.
I am really enjoying Christmas Rules now though so not sure if I will get back to it anytime soon.

A little while ago, I decided to send a few things on to KarenV for finishing. I knew I'd never get around to it and she is so creative. For those that don't know, she has started her own finishing business and I took advantage of it. I sent her L*K Boo Club, Shepherds Bush Wish and Blue Snowgirl. I love them all! I will let the pictures do the talking.
I can't get collage to work in Picasa! You can see more and much better pictures on Karen's blog here. She did a wonderful job and I am wondering how I can stitch faster so I can send her more things to finish!

Here is a close up of the tombie hardware. Click to make it bigger so you can read it. The epitaphs really make me giggle and I think it's perfect to set off Boo Club. I am so happy they started making this one in black!

And last but not least, TUSAL. It's way late but better late than never. There are lots of thread in there from Christmas Rules and all the cursed Bullfrog frogging.
Well, I think that's it for me right now. I am taking a couple of furlough days this week so I can explore the city and take care of a few things. Time to relax a bit before tackling traffic or BART.

Hope everyone is enjoying their week. The summer is flying and I can't believe kids are already returning to school!

Enjoy the weekend!

Until next time...

Randomness

*I am not sure how I manage this hectic pace of mine because deep down, I'm a low energy person. Hence stitching being my hobby and not hiking, mountain biking, running, rock climbing, marathoning, triathaloning, surfing, hang gliding, skiing or snowboarding like my other city cohorts.

*This is probably why I feel like I am going to pass out each Friday. No joke. Somedays, it's extreme willpower and stubbornness that gets me through the day.

*The days fly by and I sometimes forget to call my parents all week. This means that by Sunday, my mother calls with her guilt trip. "Excuse me, you haven't called all week Valerie. Did you forget you have parents? We could be dead for all you know!" I reply, Sorry Ma. Been busy. Deep down, I want to say "How can I forget! You call me every week to remind me!" But that is a very bad daughter comment to make when I try to be a good daughter. If you have grown up kids trying to make their way in the world, don't guilt trip them! Better yet, call them up and say hi and ask how they are doing. My parents believe they shouldn't call their kids and that the kids should be the ones doing all the calling. Seriously!

*How can I explain to a pair of 80 year olds that I am trying to live my life and not theirs. And that since I am trying to live my life, that means I am busy. And I go out. And sometimes til the wee hours of the morning. And that means that I can be tired and I want to sleep and not visit them? How am I supposed to meet new people and make new friends? This won't happen with me being a hermit at my place or me spending endless hours visiting them at their house. They don't seem to understand and I feel like we are both selfish. They are old and retired and want to have company. I am young and vibrant and want to be out with people my own age. I guess we've reached the point where we will just have to be disappointed in each other because it's time for me to live the life *I* want and not the life my *family* wants. Besides, it's time for my boomer siblings to pull some weight. Which they are...finally.

*I need to find and develop a routine between working full-time, hanging out with friends (new and old), gym, possible dating, stitching, blogging and general errands/projects/shopping/cooking/tidying. It is hard! Not to mention it's been all or nothing lately. Ex: All social; no gym. Being so social means that I eat/drink out more than I would at home which then means things feel a little tighter and holy cow, where did this jiggly bit come from?! I need to do some Jane Fonda bends or hulahooping to take care of that! Or the gym...yea, I guess the gym would work.

*This year marks my downhill slide to 40. I am closer to 40 than I am to 30. OMG...say it aint so! Thank goodness I keep getting comments that I look 28. I will grasp at any straw I can at this point.

*To my new commenters, thanks for stopping by my blog! I try to reply to new visitors but some of you don't have emails linked to your comments. Welcome to my little corner of blogland!

*To my regular readers, I haven't been commenting as much because of this hectic pace I am keeping but I am still reading and keeping apprised. Stop inspiring me so much though! I barely have time to stitch as it is. When will I have time to jump on the bandwagon?! Everywhere I look...mystery sampler, Chats, Miras, ornies, Shepherd's Bush, Blackbird Designs, Halloween! *sigh*

*This was supposed to be a *real* post but the camera decided it had enough and needed a nap so it's recharging for it's next photo session. =) So that means more randomness for now!

Until next time...

Super Exhausted

...I seriously have no idea how I made it through the week!

Let's recap from last Friday:

Friday...headed into the city to tag along on a birthday invite a friend had for a get together at AsiaSF. This place is the epitome of *alternative* San Francisco nightlife. This is not for everyone but it is fun. I had a good time and stayed out much later than I thought I would...finally getting home about 1am!

Saturday...I mixed my liquors the night before so lets just say I needed a lie-in to recover a bit and even then, I was moving very slowly. I managed to head into the city to meet a new person (possible friend) and have dinner. We tried the new outpost for Pizzeria Delfina which delighted as usual. Since there was a long wait, it was a good opportunity to walk the neighborhood and get to know each other. I think I met someone who eats slower than I do...which is s-l-o-w. The night again ended up later than usual and I ended up at home a little past midnight.

Sunday...Claire and I headed back down to the Gilroy outlets to shop. I need date clothes! Not that I'm dating really but I would like options. My closet is seriously lacking in cute clothes but seems to be abundant in comfy "I like to think I'm college age" clothing. We walked around for four hours shopping in the heat and we still didn't get to all the shops I wanted to. I came out with 5 new tops (4 cute, 1 work), pants and a pair of black heels. I think the shock of the trip was coming away with single digit size pair of pants! Can't remember the last time that happened. The pants have considerable stretch in them though. I wish I could say the same for the size 10s I'm wearing today that are threatening to cut off my circulation at the waist. Anyways, after the shopping, there was a considerable drive home and dinner and by the time I got home, I only had time to check email, stare at the tv and go to sleep. At 130am, I got a terrible scare. My car alarm went off and scared the crap out of me and probably woke up the entire building. After debating with myself whether I should go check, I went down to the garage and all seemed fine. I had a hard time going back to sleep after that.

Monday...dinner plans after work. Reasonable hour but so tired from the night before.

Tuesday...went straight home after work and tried to catch up with my personal computer work...semi-successful.

Wednesday...Dinner and Billy Elliott. It was a fun night! I am glad I got to see Billy Elliott but it made me ask a ton of questions. How young do these kids start with voice/dance/acting lessons to land a child role in a traveling Broadway musical?! Got home at midnight. Late for a school night!

Thursday...my quiet night. Tried to go to sleep early but wasn't too successful. Finally got to sleep at 11pm and at 1145pm, my car alarm went off again! I have no idea why? This time, the doorbell got rang, I had neighbors going downstairs and nasty notes on the car in the morning. I was so anxious about the alarm that I could barely sleep.

Friday...walking zombie and running on fumes. Seriously. I looked terrible; felt terrible. By 9am, I was calling the dealership asking them to have an alarm guy check out the car because one more night of that and I will probably have a nervous breakdown and the neighbors might call the police. So...I used my lunch hour to have that done and I hope that what they did, did the trick. By 5pm, I thought I was going to pass out and so I headed straight home, showered and fell asleep by 6pm. I woke up about 9pm and just rested and finally got to stitching about 11pm. I think I felt that if I was up, I could at least react to the alarm better if it went off. Thank goodness, it didn't. I fell asleep at 2am.

Today...Woke up about 930am. My neighbor down the hall from me is moving today. =( He moved in at the same time I did and we'd greet each other through our kitchen windows. I guess the upside is that I know who will be moving into his unit and she is nice. I won't have to break anyone in. But her current unit is next to mine so hopefully I don't get any loud party person moving in there since the living room has a shared wall. I did neighborhood errands, treated myself to breakfast and decided to go to the Marina Outlets because I wasn't sure if the single digit sized pants really fit best (a little tight at the waist) so I wanted to try on the 10. Well, they only had one size 4 and that was it. So I did a fashion show in my pants to decide and they told me that they will stretch and the 10s will be too big. So I stuck with them and even ordered the same pants in charcoal. And I also found a cute dress (in a single digit size too!) that would be cute for work or a date with a black cardi and some heels. Since it was all 50% off, I figured I was getting a deal! After this though, I am freezing my credit card in a block of ice like Calamity suggested! I am feeling kind of broke after this month of crazed shopping and spending.

I'm feeling a little bit more rested now. I hope the car alarm doesn't go off again as it really sets my nerves on edge. I booked my trip for New York so it's really happening. Now to figure out what I want to see this time around!

I have a lot more to say but I know this is a lot to process and I don't even have pictures for you all. But they are coming! I just want to stitch a little bit more before I show my progress. Thanks for sticking with my randomness and crazy social and barely stitching right now life.

Until next time..

Randomness

*I've reverted back to my bad sleeping habits and I am exhausted!

*I always have lots to say until the minute I sit behind the *new post* screen and it all just magically vanishes from my memory.

*I've apparently been busy since I don't have much stitching to share so I will reserve that for another day.

*I went to the gym for the first time in months last week and I felt great...until the next day...and the day after that. My leg muscles were screaming! I am trying to convince my body it's ok and that the end results are worth it. The pep talk isn't working all that well.

*I just ate a bag of Doritos. Should definitely go to the gym now to work off the 14G of fat and 260 calories. Doritos are evil! They are also so yummy!

*The gym has individual tvs in each exercise machine. Which you have to admit is kind of cool. But can you believe that even with the draw of tv (we all know how much I love it!), the lure of the recliner is so much stronger!?

*Last weekend I went to go see this 80's cover band. I love 80's music and can listen to it til the end of time. I had so much fun singing and dancing and people watching. It was an interesting cast of characters but fun, fun, fun.

*Why is it that when you are trying to not spend money, that is when you suddenly find things that you really like...like sandals and flats and a new red handbag and this and that and and and. It may be time to lock my credit card in a place I forget to remember.

*So far, I've cleaned out 1.25 closets. I am slow. I hate cleaning with a burning passion. I managed to fill 3 trash bags full of clothes I don't want. Unbelievable. How did all that stuff live in my little tiny closet?! And I still have most of another one plus a dresser to clean out. I imagine that may yield another bag or two. Crazy! We won't even talk about the office/storage/stash closet. That's a scary little place right now.

*Since I hate cleaning, I have a cleaner that comes by every 2 weeks. It's a luxury but between working full-time, trying to be social, hitting the gym (hopefully more frequently than I have been) and doing the good daughter duties, the last thing I want to do in my free time is clean. I'd rather stitch. I told my cleaner that I was clearing things out and that she could look in the bags and see if there was anything she wanted, to help herself to it. I may as well have given her a winning lottery ticket! She was so happy and she took the whole lot! Saved me a trip to the Goodwill!

*Why does it seem like every guy I talk to is unemployed? Where are the gainfully employed men?!

*I've made leaps and bounds in the last six months and I'm happy with where I am. It feels good to say that and really feel it too. And I actually really and truly feel ready for a new relationship (although my wardrobe is not ready for dating) but I am happy in the mindset of making new friends, whether they are women or men. Less pressure...more smiles. =)

Until next time...

ETA: Damn Doritos. One nanosecond on the lips = 35 minutes of ellipticaling to burn off 260 calories and go 2.55 miles and deal with neck sweat. I hate neck sweat. How does the skinniest part of my body produce so much?! But I digress...I conquered the Doritos! But you know...I don't think it's worth it. Now if it had been cake...maybe it would be worth it. Doritos are evil! Note to self: take 100 calorie packs of popcorn to work to deal with the salt cravings.

Ow?

The weekend flew by...as usual. I forced myself to relax, stitch and organize. Ok, maybe force is a harsh word. But I kept on thinking up things to do this weekend and then kept on reminding myself, "you're supposed to be mellow this weekend". Yes, I lecture myself sometimes. Don't we all?!

I had a new start! So far, it reads "Ow" but will soon read Halloween. Here is my start on The Drawn Thread's Almost Halloween.

I bought this as a kit back when it was released last year. I thought it was the cutest so I am using the recommended 32 count Wichelt Tumbleweed linen and the DMC/Anchor/Theadworx. Boy is this linen stiff! I hear a little *pop* each time my needle pierces the fabric.

The pumpkin is a little off but I didn't feel like frogging it out and going back to the beginning. Would you have noticed if I hadn't told you?

I think this project will be a quick one.

I can't believe I started yet another project. This isn't like me. I tend to be more of a one at a time project type of stitcher with one in the sidelines in case I get bored with the main focus but I think this makes 5-6 wips now!

I came across a little dilemma with Christmas Rules and just don't feel like figuring things out just yet. I am almost done with the header with the exception of the dark green background on the letters U and E. The green is WDW Bullfrog but my skeins of Bullfrog are more medium green than dark green and it so obviously looks dark green in the photo of the header. I much prefer the look of the photo. I pulled the DMC equivalent and I'm not 100% thrilled with that either and I really prefer overdyed to DMC as it is. I am just too lazy to look for an alternate and I also wonder if I just got some bum skeins of Bullfrog. You know, dyelots and everything. They can be so iffy! What would you all do?
So until I figure out the Bullfrog situation, I am putting Christmas Rules on the back burner.

I did spend some time each evening cleaning out one of my closets. I knew I had a lot of clothes that I haven't worn in years and it was just time to really assess what I have. From that little closet, I have 1.5 bags full for donation, about 8-10 pieces I will try to consign and a couple of things I may set aside for a future garage sale one of my co-workers may put on. Living in an apartment, it's hard to have a sale. One closet down, three more to go!

Getting rid of clothes is hard for me. There's always this feeling of "what if I need it", "what if I lose the weight", "what if I gain weight", "do I really want to get rid of my fat pants". This time, I pulled out things I've saved for years and I don't know what I was thinking. I had things that were too high waisted (hello 90's!), too big, too long (I must have shrunk), too out of style. I had a couple of surprises with pants I thought were too tight which miraculously fit...with room to spare. And there were a couple of things that were a bit too tight which will now be my incentive to get my lazy ass to the gym. Ugh...I hate the gym!

I hung a couple of skirts I like on the door which I never wore because I figured I would lose the 5 pounds easily and I'd be able to wear them. Well, they are still tight. So I will hang them on my door so I can see them.

Maybe it will motivate me and I'll have cute outfits for upcoming dates. Well, none are planned but I'm open to the possibility.

Did I mention I have three more closets to purge. Sheesh...how does one person acquire so much stuff yet wear the same things all the time?! I can at least find work pants and my weekend pants now.

I also took myself to the movies and saw Midnight in Paris. I loved it! It was Woody Allen in true form. Owen Wilson did a fab job although I really wanted to strangle Rachel McAdams. She was a pain in the ass and such a money hungry snob. You'd think for all that attitude, they'd at least touch her roots up to act more the part. But anyways, if any movie is filmed in Rome or Paris. I am apt to watch it. I figure that even if the movie is terrible, I am getting my money's worth in seeing beautiful sites I would love to visit. There are movies I can see over and over which I think are fun but I also watch them to see the backdrop. This was no exception. In 2000, I took me, myself and my broken heart on a 9 day trip to Paris and I walked every inch of that city. Throughout Midnight in Paris, I kept telling myself "I've been there and I've been there". They even showed the Shakespeare and Company bookstore I spent an afternoon in browsing the titles. It made me itch to go back but with a fun someone and not nursing a broken heart. The movie also features an era I love! So seeing the costumes and hearing the music was thrilling! I would totally recommend it if you're into Woody Allen's quirkiness.

Well, that's it for me tonight. Going to see if I stitch for a little bit before bed. Hope you all have a great week!

Until next time...

This and That; Here and There

That's been my life the past couple of weeks. Very social. Very busy. Very tired. I think I need a break from being social and am planning on a hermit weekend. Will save me a little money too as this being social business can be taxing on the pocketbook!

I've been to open to the public brewery night which resulted in a spirits tasting and countless pints of beer. Ok, 3 pints but I kind of lost track because I did that cursed (but yummy) spirits tasting first thing. I had to ask my drinking mate the next day how much I actually drank since things around that second pint got a little fuzzy. Great beer, fun music, great company. It was a great night and I'd do it again. Just need to plan better and make sure I have a big lunch that day...like a burger or a burrito...definitely not a salad! I also have to remember that I can't keep up with the guys...I've gotten a little too old and lightweight to keep up.

I've been to Tales of the City. If you read the Armistead Maupin series, they made a musical out of it and it was fun and fab. It ran a little long and so that made for a really late night on a school night but I survived the next day with lots of coffee.

And I've been to the symphony because I couldn't resist the 2 for $20 deal they offered. So I invited a friend and we went to one of my favorite pre-symphony eateries and had fun cocktails and coq au vin.

I met up with another friend I hadn't seen in almost a year and he taught me how to play chess. I think I've forgotten now. So many rules...these move up and down and those move diagonally, these can move multiple spaces but these only one at a time. I need a cheat sheet! But he was very patient and was nice not to kill my queen right off the bat and we had a nice little game which I of course lost, since I've never played before but I made a valiant effort and want to play again! I just need a cheat sheet. Throughout the years, I've asked many people to show me chess and no one ever did so I was very happy that someone finally took the time to spend an afternoon in a pub with me and teach me chess. We got lots of strange looks at the pub but there's plenty to do in a pub besides drink and watch the game(s).

I went to acupuncture. My earpopping is still driving me nuts so I've turned to modern medicine and am taking claritin for that. It's getting better but still happens. I've never had this happen with summer allergies...it's so strange. My mood is better assuming annoying exs leave me the hell alone but the getting out and being social is hugely beneficial for me at this point.

I met up with an old coworker and his lovely wife one afternoon for lunch at Barbacco. It was nice to just take Bart to the Financial District. It was a glorious day and the food, company and conversation was great. I am having fun reconnecting with all my old friends. I hadn't seen so many in so long it's a shock to see some of them as they seem to have changed. And it was also nice to try a new place...I definitely have to go back to this place. The pork meatballs and lasagna were delicious!

I went to the Fillmore Festival which is my favorite out of all the ones offered in the city. I wandered, people watched, had a margarita or two*, listened to music, ate and caught some rays. It was another scorcher in the city and this meant I had to run to the drugstore to buy sunscreen otherwise, I'd have ended the day looking like a lobster! Thank you Neutrogena SPF70!

I went to the beach and breathed in foggy, misty, salty air and watched the pups run in and out of the surf and chase down their balls. And did a quick lunch with a new friend and had a sweet, buttery, cool crab roll.

So...I've been busy and very little stitching has taken place as evidenced here. I'm on my third week and only have half of the header for Christmas Rules stitched. It's a very sad sight!

I also think that my stitching mojo is fading. I haven't been in the mood to put more than a couple dozen of stitches in at a time. I guess I'm having too much fun being social and running around. If I'm not social, I'm trying to finish reading my book (which is now overdue at the library), watching a bit of tv, spending too much time on the computer or sleeping.

I'm tired!

The TUSAL jar looks about the same except with the bright red, white and green from Christmas Rules. I frogged so there's lots of red in there.

Well, that's about it for me. If you got to the end of this short story, I did want to say that I finally managed to complete my collection of Just Cross Stitch Ornament magazines(yay!). In trying to complete it, I had to buy a small lot and have an extra copy of the 1998 Just Cross Stitch Ornie edition that I would like to sell. This is a hard to find magazine as can be indicated by the current $30 and $65 starting bids on eBay. Those people are nuts! I'm a reasonable person (despite being a total stash hoarder). Please email me if you're interested and we can discuss price. I can take payment via 123stitch gc, paypal or trades. The first person who emails and agrees to price and payment gets the magazine. Easy peasy. (Magazine has been sold!)

Well, I don't have a free night to myself until Friday. I can.not. wait. I'm looking forward to my hermit weekend. Should I watch tv? Stitch? Finally clean out a closet? Organize stash? Hmmmm....

I hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July and Canada Day! Hope the week has transitioned to an easy one!

Until next time...

*I may sound like a boozer in this post but I usually don't drink that much.