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1/9/04 Countdown....to Noon |
This would be my luck... |
I'm splitting this joint at noon....for an, ahem, doctor's appointment but not needing to use time since I've had my hours in for the week - long ago. Really, I am heading home, grabbing hubby and heading to meet DF Debbie to get my hair chopped. After that we'll be heading to her house for dinner and games. She wants us to spend the night but I really want to be home in my bed and ready to get more accomplished at the house. Luckily, I also get the 19th off from work - I'm sure I'll have my list of things to accomplish.
Speaking of accomplishing - got home to an empty house last night -----yeehaw! Pretty rare thing for me. Before getting to the house...I dumped off a trunk full of Goodwill donations - I love cleansing. My other accomplishments - I got the rest of the Christmas things put into boxes - now just need some help heaving them into the attic. I balanced the check book, wrote out the checks for the newly arrived bills, filed all the backlog of paperwork, changed GB's bed - including putting his Snoopy bedspead and moving the floral comforter to the office for photo/eBay. Nope, that isn't all ~ I also got the pictures of my knit/crochet/sew projects arranged in the 3-ring binder...and printed a few more. Then, the house started coming alive with the arrival of DH and not long after him, DD & GB. I found some time to work a few more rows on DD's scarf.
While working on the finalities of Christmas clean-up, I did a little Valentine's Day decorating. I dug through the buffet for a tablecloth and came across the VD chair covers, a crocheted heart hot pad....looks cute. Under all the tablecloths I found the MIA pic of hubby and his daughter fishing when she was newly arrived in this world. Glad to find since it is one of my favs.....I think I put it in that drawer for safe keeping when we moved 3 years ago. It's back in the light now so I'm happy.
Have quite a list of things to accomplish this weekend. Hell, just being able to sleep in without an alarm screaming in your ear with seem like an accomplishment.
Looks like they're going to be adding things to my job description. We had a big pow-wow staff retreat yesterday with everyone saying (sob - pity me) how busy they are. Yeah, guess they'll just look at me and say to themselves, "MR never has anything to do - we'll give it to her." And then I'll just say to them (in my mind only cuz my balls haven't quite dropped) - "put it on top of all the filing you want me to do and I'm not going to - then, when I leave this place maybe the next underpaid, underling will get time to do it cuz I'm busy with this great internet connection. Time to look for another job - maybe the non-filer in me has worn out her welcome. No, they're not looking to can me but I think I'm going to get my feelers out there in my career path and see who jumps to the bait. I found a job this a.m. that I plan on applying for....wonder if it has fabulous pay and very little required hours of work? I know it'll look fab on the resume - I just want the money dripping from my handbag while I'm shopping and supposed to be working. Sure, I'll continue to haunt all the thrift stores - they just need to make sure I have plenty of time to hit them all. Capeesh?
Seriously thinking of coming down with the flu next week. It'll be my last chance before school starts and since I didn't get a chance to do it before the holidays. Hmmm.
When GB came over last night, DH made him mac 'a cheese and he ate 3 bowls but couldn't eat the 4th he asked for. That boy is hurrying to grow. Sure makes me sad. He'll still be Granny's baby ---- if he has any doubt, he can ask 15 yo Baby Man or his 23 yo Mawmaw.
Gotta run, time for a break....yawn. | |
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Wednesday - Hump, Hump 1/7/04 |
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Got a good feeling phone call last night. DD Nikki had stopped by the house yesterday and grabbed the stack of goodies - calling me around 9 p.m. telling me how Misty and Daniel raved about the fleece scarf I made for her. DD also told them that I am currently knitting her a pink scarf. Misty was telling DD that her birthday is next month and that I can make her one that for her Bday. Uh, no. I told her that Misty has a mom and that she can make one for her if she wants. DD was giggling saying that she's glad I'm her mom. Guess her mom doesn't sew, knit, etc....too bad for her but maybe Misty can learn and make herself and her daughter some things. I can't adopt the world - I have enough loved ones on my list that enjoy my little gifts.
I still have to finish the fleece mittens for DN J and GB Brendan ----- the weather is cold and the mittens are sitting on my sewing machine. Sad - shame on me.
One of my (unknown to me until Monday) is to get my cc bills paid off. I have it mapped out and need more money. LOL As I'm cleaning out the cupboards I am looking at things with a different perspective. Things are being loaded onto eBay in the hopes of raising the necessary funds to accomplish the goal. Get on there and bid on my things - use your cc to buy them! Come one, come all!
I have a 4:15 p.m. hair cut appointment on Friday - going to my DF Debbie's hairdresser. Yeehaw. Hoping to find a cut I can live with. I'm into a couple rollers, brush, spray and go. Oh yeah, I have to look a little better than I do when I roll outta the bed. I've let this last cut grow out so that I could visit her hairdresser. We'll see . Wonder if there is a cut that'll make me look like I lost 50 pounds and 20 years?
I did a little knitting on the scarf, not much. Also got the folder tabs printed and ready to put on the folders - the folders that are in my new (to me) filing cabinet which hold my patterns and booklets. Just thought about how I need to print the labels for my bills' folders - shit, forgot to get a list of them to print out. Guess I can wing it and write down what I forget. I'm trying to make it easier for me to file since that is the part I detest the most. I end up with stacks throughout my office and that bugs me - making me not want to enter.
I did go and work out on the way home yesterday. Boy, it'd been a while - guess it is ok that I gained 4 pounds over the holiday. What is the average weight gain over the holidays? 7-10 pounds? I didn't like that I'd gained but I guess that is ok since I was off work for 2 weeks. Not that I sat on my rump but I did cook a lot, went out to eat several times and, of course, ate a lot. I didn't make cookies as I'd planned but, hey, I got over it. Maybe that is there the other 3-6 pounds went.
Gotta keep my friend Jessica in your prayers. A few months ago she packed up her kids and moved to San Antonio to live with her new bf. Well, I guess it is not working out. They (actually he) bought a house, she started college, kids settled into school, she's pregnant...and boom, he says it is not working out. Nice, really nice. She's had such a struggle with men. Not sure the problem but I still wish her strength during these rough times she's going through. Yes, Lord, I have many reasons to be thankful. The trials/tribulations I put up with in my travels through this life are trivial compared to others.
Guess that is all - enjoy the pic of some relative of mine. At least I think it is...?!? |
Aunt Helaina? | | | 1/6/04 Gettin' the Groove |  |
Fleece Scarf for DD Nikki | Getting back in the groove of getting up and going to work. I go through these roller coaster waves of cleaning/organizing. I wish I could stay on the coaster cuz the slumps are killer and aggravate me. The last slump jumped out of me on Sunday during or after working on bills. I had delayed and delayed - if I'd known it would yank me back to the coaster I wouldn't have waited until the last day of holiday. Of course, I'm being very hard on myself since I have a very intense schedule with school, work, and all my other accomplishments. I just wish I could do it all, at all times.
Speaking of cleaning/organizing - after dropping film off, I went home and cleaned a kitchen cupboard and started on cleaning out the tops of closets in GB Brendan's room and the office. When I got to the office, I find some blankets and extra pillows so this forced me to clean out the linen closet. I finished the clean out of the office closet but still have to finish GB's. I found some things I need to get onto eBay and an afghan that was for my friend's wedding. She moved in with him instead so I guess that is close enough and I need to get it into the mail. I also realized that I need to clean out all the cupboards in the kitchen - they really could use some clearing out.
Here are some progress pictures. The fleece scarf is the one requested by DD Nikki. She wants me to make her a hat from the 2nd remnant piece. Get this - she wants me to knit the hat a lining. Geez - am I really putting off these vibes that I can do anything??? If so, help me stop! This fleece scarf was giving me fits because my new machine kept puckering the fabric. So, I set it aside for a day - sewed something else on the machine and when I came back to the scarf, no problemo! The pink scarf is coming along fine. I'm thinking 6' will be good. Last night hubby said, "How long does that thing have to be?" When I explained to him the "in" style and that she wants it to reach her waist on each side after wrapping...he understood. Weird thing - the 2nd skein of this yarn is much stiffer than the first. The first skein is very drapy and was very soft to work with...not so with this skein. Same dye lot, etc...not sure the deal. I hope the next skein is a little easier on the fingers.
I guess that's it folks. All I can think of at 6:45 a.m. Except for mayber brrrrrr.....I wish Asta in Iceland wouldn't send me so many cold hugs. |
Pink Scarf Progress for DD Nikki |
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1/5/04 Back at the Old Grind |
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Well, I'm back at work....I was wanting to be a brat this a.m. and hit the snooze complaining/begging for just a few more days off. Instead, I made myself get out the sack and hit it. Is funny how your blood starts rolling, your body heats up and forces you out. That happened this a.m. I had a list of things to gather before heading out the door - son, to return him to his Dad's; son's things; work stuff; and my knitting. I remembered all that stuff but left my lunch on the counter :-(
I've been thinking over my recent visiting relatives visit...and have thought about the fact of talking about other people in an unfavorable light and also about making fun of their misfortunes. I think I have it figured out. I'm sure you'll be able to piece the puzzle together when you think about it like this: You know the type...you've probably worked with 1 or 2. They talk about others in the office or tell when someone else doesn't complete the job or messes up...in an attempt to make themselves look better. Not that it works, mind you. Their minds are so twisted that they think it does make them look better, smarter, luckier...whatever! I really think this is the case with my recent visitor. It took me how many years to get to the conclusion and I may have thought of it years ago and forgot since I'm as close to brain damage without actually having a medical diagnosis.
I've had quite a time dealing with depression the past couple years and I think I am totally over the issue! I think the fact that hubby kicked me in the ass, time has passed, and seeing Mom improving so much....really has helped. This makes me rethink about my life, my goals and the things I want to accomplish before my end. I don't want to go out of this world having people dancing on my grave. I want them to view me as a helpful, kind and caring person. That is not the impression I was giving out the past couple of years. I especially took it out on my co-workers since I know they change on a daily or yearly basis. Either way, this visiting "wise man" brought yet another insight into my self-assessing mood - I don't want to be like him. I think if he were a kinder, gentler, more caring about others soul ~ his life would be a lot easier. He would have the love and compassion he desperately craves.
I guess that is enough of that but wanted to get it out of my head so here it is.
I did accomplish some things yesterday. We got almost all the holiday decorations put away. I cleaned out the large pantry. What a great feeling! I want to hit the top shelves in two of the closets - shouldn't take but an evening. Maybe take a peek in the top of my closet and see what is up there and maybe add to it or subtract from. I know that I must get rid of some clothes. I have way too many in my closet and can't see what is there so I wear the same things constantly. Guess that could be another evening - it sure will make my life easier if I would get it off the list.
Guess that is it for now...see ya. | |
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1/4/04 Sunday, Sunday |
Scarf Progress - 34.75" with a goal of 60" |
Hit a bunch of thrift sales yesterday. One of the local thrift stores had a 50 cent clothing sale so got there right after it opened. The shoes, hats, coats...all for 50 cents. Plus, their other merchandise is reasonably priced. Between DS, Will, and I ----we walked out with 4 bags for $16. After that we hit quite a few garage sales and then went to DH's friends house who was unloading the rest of his in-law's place - I had the interior of the truck filled with some things in the bed of the truck. I got two chenille robes which I hope to use to make baby blankets or something.
I did get a lot of the kitchen painted on Friday. I like it - everyone else says it makes the kitchen look smaller. Like I care? The kitchen is not small to begin with so what does it matter? The color, to me, makes it look cozy and warm. I was hoping I wouldn't have to do a second coat -> no such luck. Plus, I will have to redo the trim.
Last night I got a lot of the decorations put away. Just lacks the outside lights, which DH & DS will do - and putting away the tree. Another successful year. Back to work tomorrow.
As you see by the pic, I've made some progress on the scarf. I did knit while trying to visit with DH, DS and DH's friend....only to find I get to the end of the row and end up with an odd number of stitches. Frogging fun - did that several times yesterday and not sure why. Luckily it didn't end up like I thought - I did make some progress and started on another skein. This yarn is so soft which makes it more enjoyable. The pattern is getting old but I should have it set in my mind for good. I plan on doing a picot stitch or shell stitch crochet edging on it to keep it from rolling and to add another dainty touch to it. I think it is turning out well.
Until next time... | | 
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Wow ----as you can see, I purchased thirteen plastic boxes with lids. The entire closet is packed full of yarn and fabric. My Mom concludes that I am completely crazy. She told me I need to get busy. I agreed saying that I didn't have any room to buy more. I knew I had a lot but didn't realize that I would need 13 boxes. Geez. Push up the hump and get it going. Oh yeah, the yarn stashed in the entertainment center - still there and not in the boxes. Unfortunately, I still bought more yarn at WalMart when I bought the boxes. Couldn't pass up the 85 cents/skein but still sad that I didn't/couldn't buy all of it. Not that I need it. Hello!
As you see below ----> This is the progress on the scarf - almost 12" DD, Nikki, wants it to her waist on each side after wrapping it around her neck. I got a ways to go. Glad I have plenty of yarn. While putting yarn/fabric into the boxes I found a skein of the white Baby Cloud to make Nikki a scarf to match her hat. May have to make it a long, skinny scarf so that I won't have to buy another skein or two. We'll see.
Do you see what I see?What is up with my ice maker? It is obviously giving me a hint. I don't think GB, Brendan, would appreciate a popsicle like this!
I am in my last class with Jennie right now. I cannot believe her progress! She is zipping through her knit stitches like a pro. She must have really wanted to learn because she has it figured out. Makes it much easier for me - having a student who wants to learn. I had no idea when faced with an 8 year old, 2 needles and a skein of yarn. She has done well and I'm very proud of her progress. She is going to teach her Mom now.
Speaking of Mom - they're out of here. They left about 9:30 a.m. It sure was sad to see them go but glad to have my house back. My Mom gets so sad and keeps asking me if she can stay. Breaks my heart to tell her that no, she has to get back to her life and I have to get back to mine. What a precious Mommie. Saw improvement even while she was here. She repeats new words and sometimes comes up with new words she hasn't said since the stroke. She stands there thinking about it - rearranging the filing cabinets in her brain. The repeats of the word and the smiles she produces...sure makes me happy to see her improving.
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Booga J Bag | 
Scarf - Modified Schiaparelli Stitch |
Booga J Bag - ready for fulling. Hopefully ~ tomorrow.
Working on the pink scarf for DD Nikki - hope she likes the pattern. I was going to have her pick out a pattern of her choice but didn't get a chance to have her look through the book. No choice this time. I'm moving it with this pattern.
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Here's Jennie! My 8 year old knitting student. | 
Booga J Bag Progress |
The knitting class went well. Jennie was a quick study - I taught her the knit cast-on and then the knit stitch. I wanted to keep the two very similar so she wouldn't have too much to deal with. She did very well. I think with some practice, she'll be off to the races.
Here is the progress on the Booga J Bag. I finished the bag part and have 2 of the 6' I-cord. I will run out of green so thinking of doing smaller sections of the red and purple on each end to even it out. That wasn't in the plan but I want to keep it consistent.
Had a nice time at Cooper's BBQ. The weather was too cold but the food was fabulous...as usual. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. Grandbaby stayed with Granddad to pick out his choice of meat. He saw Uncle Will order a rope of sausage so he said he wanted the same...Granddad had planned on just cutting him off a few pieces...WRONG! When Granddad laid down the couple slices, Grandbaby kept telling him "I want the big one Granddad." He didn't shut up until hubby gave him the entire rope. Then he was happy. Hey - he didn't order a few slices...he ordered the whole rope. Don't try and rip him off.
I need to get the Booga J bag done so I can get started on DD Nikki's pink scarf. I also need to finish GB and DN J's fleece, camo mittens. It is hard to get anything done with Mom here - guess that is just part of it. Also thinking of getting the JR desk in the office and moving the filing cabinet to the opposite side of the computer desk. I think the JR desk would be good to use for my knitting machine. I'll try it and if the machine doesn't work out...it'll be up for sale. Seems more of a hassle than just hand-knitting what I want.
Until next time...
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