DS and I are off to do the college visit thing today. I'm driving north to Westminster College, then even further north to Pitt at Bradford. I think I'm much more excited about this than he is...
We'll be back tomorrow evening.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Monday, July 03, 2006
You know, there are days that I kvetch about living in this god-forsaken county and I decide that I must have temporarily lost my mind the day we decided to move back here 25 years ago.
But look where I got to run this morning....
There's a fantastic bike trail that runs along the Youghiogheny River, and people drive hours to get here and I just roll out of my bed and here it is.
I really need to stop and smell the roses more. Or smell the river. Because it has this smell that just plain old makes you happy.
But look where I got to run this morning....
There's a fantastic bike trail that runs along the Youghiogheny River, and people drive hours to get here and I just roll out of my bed and here it is.
I really need to stop and smell the roses more. Or smell the river. Because it has this smell that just plain old makes you happy.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Summer was...
This blog entry got its start on Melissa's blog. I loved reading what she wrote because it spoke to my heart. Wow...so many rich memories. While I don't want to live in the past, I hope I never forget -
What summer was...
Summer was….
Spending a week with my great-grandparents in Villas, NJ, going to the bay to swim, having an evening on the Wildwood boardwalk and eating Taylor Pork Roll sandwiches washed down with birch beer, and watching them rock in their rockers till late at night. Eating candy buttons by the sheet-full.
Taking the bus to my grandparents’ home in the Olney section of Philly, sitting on the big concrete porch during thunderstorms, working puzzle books all day, and waiting up for my grandfather to come home from night shift. then having a giant bowl of ice cream with him while we watched roller derby.
Hanging out with neighbor kids all morning, playing tag and riding bikes to the shopping center or to the local playgrounds where they had summer rec programs. Making a gazillion key chains and playing box hockey, checkers, and Life. Coloring all afternoon in the shade of a big tree. Taking a portable TV out to my neighbors’ screened-in gazebo at night with a giant bowl of popcorn and watching scary movies on Chiller Theater till really late and then being afraid to walk home.
When we were teenagers – Cruising with friends. Playing cards till late at night, “laying out” with a book and a cold drink all afternoon (when I wasn’t working). A week or two in Stone Harbor, sleeping late, hitting the beach from noon till 3, coming back to watch our soaps, getting a shower, and dinner with the family, then walking to town or driving to Wildwood for the evening. When we turned 18, (legal drinking age in NJ back then) every night was a “clubbing night”….I don’t know how we ever lived through that, but we did. 7 beers for a buck at the Shamrock - - - anybody else remember that?
Hmm. Over the weekend I may think about What Summer Is Now.
What summer was...
Summer was….
Spending a week with my great-grandparents in Villas, NJ, going to the bay to swim, having an evening on the Wildwood boardwalk and eating Taylor Pork Roll sandwiches washed down with birch beer, and watching them rock in their rockers till late at night. Eating candy buttons by the sheet-full.
Taking the bus to my grandparents’ home in the Olney section of Philly, sitting on the big concrete porch during thunderstorms, working puzzle books all day, and waiting up for my grandfather to come home from night shift. then having a giant bowl of ice cream with him while we watched roller derby.
Hanging out with neighbor kids all morning, playing tag and riding bikes to the shopping center or to the local playgrounds where they had summer rec programs. Making a gazillion key chains and playing box hockey, checkers, and Life. Coloring all afternoon in the shade of a big tree. Taking a portable TV out to my neighbors’ screened-in gazebo at night with a giant bowl of popcorn and watching scary movies on Chiller Theater till really late and then being afraid to walk home.
When we were teenagers – Cruising with friends. Playing cards till late at night, “laying out” with a book and a cold drink all afternoon (when I wasn’t working). A week or two in Stone Harbor, sleeping late, hitting the beach from noon till 3, coming back to watch our soaps, getting a shower, and dinner with the family, then walking to town or driving to Wildwood for the evening. When we turned 18, (legal drinking age in NJ back then) every night was a “clubbing night”….I don’t know how we ever lived through that, but we did. 7 beers for a buck at the Shamrock - - - anybody else remember that?
Hmm. Over the weekend I may think about What Summer Is Now.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
This is what I do when I should be working. Sometimes jotting down a blog entry gets me settled though; so let’s just say I’m doing something positive to create a good work environment…. Umm. Yeah. That works.
I’ll divide up my post so you can skip the parts that don’t interest you. Fair enough?
Stitching: I finished two of the stars on my Waxing Moon piece. Fun and easy – love the colors. But that’s it. Got some new stuff in the mail – the newest LK ornaments, and I’m looking forward to a couple of the Mother’s Wisdom charts soon. Some new hand dyed fabrics and some new Crescent Colors arrived recently, too. Sorry – no photos. I’m lucky I have time to write about it, let alone photograph it!
The Question of the Week recently was about using magnifiers. No – they make my head swim. I do much better with a lens close to my eyes, so I’ve always used very strong reading glasses, which also have the added benefit of being much more portable and usually very cheap. I pick them up by the handful for under $5 a pair. My stitching glasses need to be about a +3.25 for linen, and +2.5 for aida.
Soccer: Colleen and I had a fabulous weekend at the soccer tournament. It’s the first time we’ve had an entire weekend of decent weather, and when you spend all your time outside, that’s a huge plus.
I’ve noticed that other teams take their game very seriously…you can tell by all of the matching soccer accessories. Our team staggers onto the pitch and the coach hopes that they all brought the correct shirt and socks, let alone matching gym bags and balls and hair do-dads. I think it’s because we’re from such a small town, so the kids who are involved in athletics tend to be involved in lots of athletics. The girls’ high school coach is from the Philly area, and she brought this up once. In a bigger city, if you’re a soccer player, that’s usually it. Or a field hockey player. Or a runner. But in our small school district, most of our girls who play high school soccer may be involved in swimming, too. AND track and field, AND run cross-country. AND softball. And that’s only athletics. That doesn’t take into consideration marching band, school musicals, school clubs, church groups, etc. Consequently, it’s hard to get meaningful practices together, because we’re missing so many players at one time or another. So while other teams seemed to work as a team, our girls seemed like individual players struggling with a ball on the pitch, and there’s no success in that.
So, our team didn’t advance past its promised three games, but when it’s tournament play, you have to put it all into perspective. At home you can be a big fish in a small pond, but when you go to a tournament, you’re a little fish in a BIG pond. But regardless, it’s fun, even if you lose. There’s a weekend of dorm life (no cooking, cleaning, or phones ringing), and fresh air and a fun night out at Quaker Steak and Lube, and Erie has wonderful shopping. So you see, it really is fun, win or lose….Well, as long as you’re not pounded into the ground.
Our games tended to be very early. Our Saturday game was at 7AM, and Sunday’s game was at 8AM. I wish I could describe the beauty of those early morning games. No one else is out yet, so it’s still a relatively quiet. There’s a mist lying over the fields, and the sun is hitting it just so. Kids and refs are in brightly colored uniforms warming up, and parents are setting up near the touchlines. Really, it’s a sight to see. I think it’s an image that I’ll always have with me. It’s one of those “this is it” moments. You know, when life just seems too lovely to describe, so you just breathe in and look at it.
Weight Watchers: Ugh. I was doing really great for months, but for the past month I’m positively going nowhere. Staying the same, losing a couple pounds, and then gaining a couple pounds. Cripes. But I know I’m not staying on track with traveling (remember the Quaker Steak and Lube trip?), birthday parties, picnics, and graduation parties. I make myself run everyday (almost), or else I fear even more weight gain. It’s not fair that I have to work this hard and I’m not even skinny. That was shameless self-pity, but ok, I’m over it now. Truth is…I like that I can run again. I feel really good. My hiney shakes and my legs jiggle, but I don’t care. And I love, love, love my yoga class. So screw what the scale says, right? I’m 48 years old and I’m running again and I feel fabulous.
Upcoming plans: We have a busy weekend ahead of graduation parties, a soccer team car wash, a community softball game, and cocktails with neighbors. Then the kids and I will begin our college tours, starting next Thursday with a trip to Westminster College, overnight there, then to Pitt at Bradford. Why my son wants to see the Bradford campus totally escapes me – Bradford is one of the coldest, snowiest spots in North America. Don’t believe it?? Check the weather stats. This should be interesting.
Have a great 4th folks!
I’ll divide up my post so you can skip the parts that don’t interest you. Fair enough?
Stitching: I finished two of the stars on my Waxing Moon piece. Fun and easy – love the colors. But that’s it. Got some new stuff in the mail – the newest LK ornaments, and I’m looking forward to a couple of the Mother’s Wisdom charts soon. Some new hand dyed fabrics and some new Crescent Colors arrived recently, too. Sorry – no photos. I’m lucky I have time to write about it, let alone photograph it!
The Question of the Week recently was about using magnifiers. No – they make my head swim. I do much better with a lens close to my eyes, so I’ve always used very strong reading glasses, which also have the added benefit of being much more portable and usually very cheap. I pick them up by the handful for under $5 a pair. My stitching glasses need to be about a +3.25 for linen, and +2.5 for aida.
Soccer: Colleen and I had a fabulous weekend at the soccer tournament. It’s the first time we’ve had an entire weekend of decent weather, and when you spend all your time outside, that’s a huge plus.
I’ve noticed that other teams take their game very seriously…you can tell by all of the matching soccer accessories. Our team staggers onto the pitch and the coach hopes that they all brought the correct shirt and socks, let alone matching gym bags and balls and hair do-dads. I think it’s because we’re from such a small town, so the kids who are involved in athletics tend to be involved in lots of athletics. The girls’ high school coach is from the Philly area, and she brought this up once. In a bigger city, if you’re a soccer player, that’s usually it. Or a field hockey player. Or a runner. But in our small school district, most of our girls who play high school soccer may be involved in swimming, too. AND track and field, AND run cross-country. AND softball. And that’s only athletics. That doesn’t take into consideration marching band, school musicals, school clubs, church groups, etc. Consequently, it’s hard to get meaningful practices together, because we’re missing so many players at one time or another. So while other teams seemed to work as a team, our girls seemed like individual players struggling with a ball on the pitch, and there’s no success in that.
So, our team didn’t advance past its promised three games, but when it’s tournament play, you have to put it all into perspective. At home you can be a big fish in a small pond, but when you go to a tournament, you’re a little fish in a BIG pond. But regardless, it’s fun, even if you lose. There’s a weekend of dorm life (no cooking, cleaning, or phones ringing), and fresh air and a fun night out at Quaker Steak and Lube, and Erie has wonderful shopping. So you see, it really is fun, win or lose….Well, as long as you’re not pounded into the ground.
Our games tended to be very early. Our Saturday game was at 7AM, and Sunday’s game was at 8AM. I wish I could describe the beauty of those early morning games. No one else is out yet, so it’s still a relatively quiet. There’s a mist lying over the fields, and the sun is hitting it just so. Kids and refs are in brightly colored uniforms warming up, and parents are setting up near the touchlines. Really, it’s a sight to see. I think it’s an image that I’ll always have with me. It’s one of those “this is it” moments. You know, when life just seems too lovely to describe, so you just breathe in and look at it.
Weight Watchers: Ugh. I was doing really great for months, but for the past month I’m positively going nowhere. Staying the same, losing a couple pounds, and then gaining a couple pounds. Cripes. But I know I’m not staying on track with traveling (remember the Quaker Steak and Lube trip?), birthday parties, picnics, and graduation parties. I make myself run everyday (almost), or else I fear even more weight gain. It’s not fair that I have to work this hard and I’m not even skinny. That was shameless self-pity, but ok, I’m over it now. Truth is…I like that I can run again. I feel really good. My hiney shakes and my legs jiggle, but I don’t care. And I love, love, love my yoga class. So screw what the scale says, right? I’m 48 years old and I’m running again and I feel fabulous.
Upcoming plans: We have a busy weekend ahead of graduation parties, a soccer team car wash, a community softball game, and cocktails with neighbors. Then the kids and I will begin our college tours, starting next Thursday with a trip to Westminster College, overnight there, then to Pitt at Bradford. Why my son wants to see the Bradford campus totally escapes me – Bradford is one of the coldest, snowiest spots in North America. Don’t believe it?? Check the weather stats. This should be interesting.
Have a great 4th folks!
Monday, June 19, 2006
And another week has passed.
I didn't accomplish much, stitching-wise. I've been either too hot or too tired. So, I decided that I needed something relatively simple and mindless, so I pulled out this:
I had organized all my supplies for this last year, and it was just sitting pretty and waiting to be started. It seems to be the perfect project for me right now. And with today’s rain, it may cool off a bit.
We had a fun weekend - we made two trips to Pittsburgh for the Three Rivers Art Festival. DH, DD and I spent the day on Friday, then stayed for the evening concert at Point State Park, where we saw The Tragically Hip. Good music, and a crowd that was really into it. Wild, partying, dancing, and singing to every song. Dave and I, while not exactly the oldest in the crowd, were certainly in the older demographic. We didn’t exactly crowd surf, but we enjoyed people watching!
Saturday only Dave and I went, and we had a lovely dinner at a cool restaurant in Mount Washington. Can’t remember the name of it, but it was on Bogg Avenue, had great food, and a fabulous view. And the prices were very, very reasonable. Not what you would expect for Mount Washington. Then we went back to the Point for a free concert by Roseanne Cash. This spring I fell in love with her Black Cadillac album, so this concert was a real treat.
The Art festival was nice, but I think that they allow too many jewelry vendors. It all started to look the same. There was a neat booth with Glass wall pockets – perfect for cut flowers, so I bought a small one. And some interesting metal work – in particular a neat booth of clocks and mailboxes in done in a FLW style.
We have a busy week ahead. Of course, there’s always work. In fact, I need to work a bit ahead because Colleen and I leave for the PA West Soccer Tournament at Edinboro College from Friday until Sunday. We’re staying in the dorms this year – I only hope I can get some sleep. And today is Colleen’s birthday, and Dave’s is on Thursday. Work and party, work and party. It’s a pretty great life!
I didn't accomplish much, stitching-wise. I've been either too hot or too tired. So, I decided that I needed something relatively simple and mindless, so I pulled out this:
I had organized all my supplies for this last year, and it was just sitting pretty and waiting to be started. It seems to be the perfect project for me right now. And with today’s rain, it may cool off a bit.
We had a fun weekend - we made two trips to Pittsburgh for the Three Rivers Art Festival. DH, DD and I spent the day on Friday, then stayed for the evening concert at Point State Park, where we saw The Tragically Hip. Good music, and a crowd that was really into it. Wild, partying, dancing, and singing to every song. Dave and I, while not exactly the oldest in the crowd, were certainly in the older demographic. We didn’t exactly crowd surf, but we enjoyed people watching!
Saturday only Dave and I went, and we had a lovely dinner at a cool restaurant in Mount Washington. Can’t remember the name of it, but it was on Bogg Avenue, had great food, and a fabulous view. And the prices were very, very reasonable. Not what you would expect for Mount Washington. Then we went back to the Point for a free concert by Roseanne Cash. This spring I fell in love with her Black Cadillac album, so this concert was a real treat.
The Art festival was nice, but I think that they allow too many jewelry vendors. It all started to look the same. There was a neat booth with Glass wall pockets – perfect for cut flowers, so I bought a small one. And some interesting metal work – in particular a neat booth of clocks and mailboxes in done in a FLW style.
We have a busy week ahead. Of course, there’s always work. In fact, I need to work a bit ahead because Colleen and I leave for the PA West Soccer Tournament at Edinboro College from Friday until Sunday. We’re staying in the dorms this year – I only hope I can get some sleep. And today is Colleen’s birthday, and Dave’s is on Thursday. Work and party, work and party. It’s a pretty great life!
Monday, June 12, 2006
Everyone loves a parade
Days are flying by.....
IT'S SUMMER! The kids are home, but they are still awfully busy, so they aren't underfoot all the time. Actually, it's quite pleasant, and I have to say that I admire their work ethics. Between running, mowing lawns, and working in the pharmacy, John has a full plate. Cross Country will entail more work for him this year, because.....(ta da).....he was named team captain. He's very happy, and we're very proud.
Colleen runs with him each morning and then busies herself through the day. It's wonderful, because she helps me around the house and garden, and I appreciate it to no end. She'd love a job, but there's no point this summer with her going to soccer camp then riding camp, then band camp.
My life is considerably less stressful after leaving the job I discussed in an earlier post. In fact, I finished there last week, so this is the first Monday I've been home in over two years. It feels pretty darn good.
And since I was home today, I was able to watch the US play in the World Cup. It was a tough loss....but over all this past weekend I've loved watching all of the matches. The level of play is fantastic, and as a referee, I think the level of officiating is stellar. My-oh-my, it's addicting.
Wanna see some stitching? Well, you may be disappointed. I've been slacking off again. But anyway, here's my latest progress on Souvenir Sampler:
Not much progress....let's see....the house is new. It looks like the first house Dave and I bought in 1985. And I've completed a couple of additional letters and bands.
And that's about it for stitching. I'm going to shift gears for a while. I've been a slackard at the JCS Ornament SAL that I had joined. Maybe if I hurry real fast I can catch up. Ummm. Yeah.
But, since I don't have anything new to report stitching wise, I thought I'd treat you to a Parade of Lee's Old Stuff. The parade currently resides in my linen closet, and I have to pull it out and line it up from time to time just to remind myself:
1. I really can stitch.
2. I'm pretty good at it.
3. Everyone loves a parade.
Cathy will like this one. It's my Catch the Wind, stitched during Story Time at the library in 1992. Those were the days....
One of my faves from 1995, yet I've never framed it. It certainly deserves a frame. Maybe with my last paycheck.....
Stitched in 2000, just as we were getting ready to move. I was feeling awfully sentimental at the time. From a SB kit, called Forget Me Not. I changed the verse, though.
My first foray into overdyed threads and charms. The photo is rather dark, but you get the idea. I really need to frame this and give it away.
And that's the end of the parade! Till next time....
IT'S SUMMER! The kids are home, but they are still awfully busy, so they aren't underfoot all the time. Actually, it's quite pleasant, and I have to say that I admire their work ethics. Between running, mowing lawns, and working in the pharmacy, John has a full plate. Cross Country will entail more work for him this year, because.....(ta da).....he was named team captain. He's very happy, and we're very proud.
Colleen runs with him each morning and then busies herself through the day. It's wonderful, because she helps me around the house and garden, and I appreciate it to no end. She'd love a job, but there's no point this summer with her going to soccer camp then riding camp, then band camp.
My life is considerably less stressful after leaving the job I discussed in an earlier post. In fact, I finished there last week, so this is the first Monday I've been home in over two years. It feels pretty darn good.
And since I was home today, I was able to watch the US play in the World Cup. It was a tough loss....but over all this past weekend I've loved watching all of the matches. The level of play is fantastic, and as a referee, I think the level of officiating is stellar. My-oh-my, it's addicting.
Wanna see some stitching? Well, you may be disappointed. I've been slacking off again. But anyway, here's my latest progress on Souvenir Sampler:
Not much progress....let's see....the house is new. It looks like the first house Dave and I bought in 1985. And I've completed a couple of additional letters and bands.
And that's about it for stitching. I'm going to shift gears for a while. I've been a slackard at the JCS Ornament SAL that I had joined. Maybe if I hurry real fast I can catch up. Ummm. Yeah.
But, since I don't have anything new to report stitching wise, I thought I'd treat you to a Parade of Lee's Old Stuff. The parade currently resides in my linen closet, and I have to pull it out and line it up from time to time just to remind myself:
1. I really can stitch.
2. I'm pretty good at it.
3. Everyone loves a parade.
Cathy will like this one. It's my Catch the Wind, stitched during Story Time at the library in 1992. Those were the days....
One of my faves from 1995, yet I've never framed it. It certainly deserves a frame. Maybe with my last paycheck.....
Stitched in 2000, just as we were getting ready to move. I was feeling awfully sentimental at the time. From a SB kit, called Forget Me Not. I changed the verse, though.
My first foray into overdyed threads and charms. The photo is rather dark, but you get the idea. I really need to frame this and give it away.
And that's the end of the parade! Till next time....
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Well, we got the bad news yesterday - we won't have use of the lake all summer. Next year is questionable, also. We're all pretty sad, but there is no question that this dam repair must be done and done correctly.
So for the time being, you can call me MudPuddle Stitcher.
This has made me realize how much this body of water is a part of my life. Of course it's beautiful, but more than that, it's a gathering place. There are always a couple of friends or neighbors by the water, and we'll miss each other this summer. I know we should just invite each other over, but inviting people over just isn't the same. At the lake there's no pressure. No pressure to entertain - the water takes care of that for you. No guest list - whoever shows up is your company. And most the most important thing of all, there's no need to clean your house! You just walk out your door with a chair, sunscreen, and maybe a book and some snacks and drinks and you leave your messy house behind.
Oh well, we'll keep a good thought for next year.
In-house soccer ended yesterday, so I'll be getting my Saturdays back again. Actually, I didn't referee much for them this year. They certified 17 new referees, and since they needed experience, I only had a couple of Saturdays. But anyway, this year went very well. My instincts must be getting better, because some days it seemed as if the kids were moving in slow motion. I had a little trouble yesterday though, because for the final championship game we used a two man system. I had never done that before, and I became rather tentative. My visual angles were way off, and I was uncomfortable. I wish I had used that system before a championship game, but what can you do? Just make the best of it.
In stitching, I've been working on Souvenir Sampler, although I'm as slow as molasses, but I think I'll finish one more motif and then I'll switch gears.
And now for this week's SBQ:
What is your favorite specialty stitch? Which one is your least favorite? Why?
Wow, there are so many neat and fun stitches out there, but I'm always happy to see the Bargello stitch.
With the right color combinations and variations in height, this stitch can have such a neat visual impact in a band sampler. Or it can be used all over, like these:
I just love that look. It must be the geometrical look that appeals to me, because it crosses into my quilting tastes, also. I love a great Log Cabin Quilt, or a Trip Around the World quilt.
Without a doubt, my least favorite stitches are Hardanger Picots.
First of all, I stitch them badly. Very badly. They look like sick little lumps. Secondly, they seem like so much work for so little reward.
Have a great holiday weekend everyone!
So for the time being, you can call me MudPuddle Stitcher.
This has made me realize how much this body of water is a part of my life. Of course it's beautiful, but more than that, it's a gathering place. There are always a couple of friends or neighbors by the water, and we'll miss each other this summer. I know we should just invite each other over, but inviting people over just isn't the same. At the lake there's no pressure. No pressure to entertain - the water takes care of that for you. No guest list - whoever shows up is your company. And most the most important thing of all, there's no need to clean your house! You just walk out your door with a chair, sunscreen, and maybe a book and some snacks and drinks and you leave your messy house behind.
Oh well, we'll keep a good thought for next year.
In-house soccer ended yesterday, so I'll be getting my Saturdays back again. Actually, I didn't referee much for them this year. They certified 17 new referees, and since they needed experience, I only had a couple of Saturdays. But anyway, this year went very well. My instincts must be getting better, because some days it seemed as if the kids were moving in slow motion. I had a little trouble yesterday though, because for the final championship game we used a two man system. I had never done that before, and I became rather tentative. My visual angles were way off, and I was uncomfortable. I wish I had used that system before a championship game, but what can you do? Just make the best of it.
In stitching, I've been working on Souvenir Sampler, although I'm as slow as molasses, but I think I'll finish one more motif and then I'll switch gears.
And now for this week's SBQ:
What is your favorite specialty stitch? Which one is your least favorite? Why?
Wow, there are so many neat and fun stitches out there, but I'm always happy to see the Bargello stitch.
With the right color combinations and variations in height, this stitch can have such a neat visual impact in a band sampler. Or it can be used all over, like these:
I just love that look. It must be the geometrical look that appeals to me, because it crosses into my quilting tastes, also. I love a great Log Cabin Quilt, or a Trip Around the World quilt.
Without a doubt, my least favorite stitches are Hardanger Picots.
First of all, I stitch them badly. Very badly. They look like sick little lumps. Secondly, they seem like so much work for so little reward.
Have a great holiday weekend everyone!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
SO...I pulled out Souvenir Sampler the other day and I've been putting some work into it each evening. I haven't made enough progress to deserve a photo yet, but maybe soon.
We had a pretty dull WW meeting this morning about nutrition lapses and so on. (I refuse to call it a diet - it's nutrition) Somehow the discussion turned to having support when you are down, and one of our members contributed that she was alone. Completely alone. So when the WW receptionist told her, "Good job", it was the only support she had experienced that week. Oh my, the effect of a kind word. Today I resolve to be more kind.
One more WW story, but this is lighter. DS and I were out to dinner tonight, and I was having my usual chicken, baked potato and vegetables. I'm not complaining - it's very good. John, on the other hand, was having some crazy breakfast feast of an omelet, bacon, potatoes, and followed with a strawberry crepe covered with whipped cream. All the while he's talking to me about WW. And he takes a big bite of the strawberry slop, and says: "Mmmmm. It's point-tastic." The smart ass.
Just think...only 7 more days and I get to have two teenagers at home all summer. Lucky, lucky me. And here's even better news: The dam at the lake needs some repairs, which means that the lake will need to be lowered. REALLY low. As in no swimming or fishing or boating kind of low. That will last until it's fixed, and the best estimate of time needed for this fix is 2 weeks to 3 months.
You may see mothers lined up at the dam with their shovels and picks. We'll either be working on the dam, or burying the bodies. Don't come too close if you don't want to know....
Ooops. So much for my attempt at kindness.
We had a pretty dull WW meeting this morning about nutrition lapses and so on. (I refuse to call it a diet - it's nutrition) Somehow the discussion turned to having support when you are down, and one of our members contributed that she was alone. Completely alone. So when the WW receptionist told her, "Good job", it was the only support she had experienced that week. Oh my, the effect of a kind word. Today I resolve to be more kind.
One more WW story, but this is lighter. DS and I were out to dinner tonight, and I was having my usual chicken, baked potato and vegetables. I'm not complaining - it's very good. John, on the other hand, was having some crazy breakfast feast of an omelet, bacon, potatoes, and followed with a strawberry crepe covered with whipped cream. All the while he's talking to me about WW. And he takes a big bite of the strawberry slop, and says: "Mmmmm. It's point-tastic." The smart ass.
Just think...only 7 more days and I get to have two teenagers at home all summer. Lucky, lucky me. And here's even better news: The dam at the lake needs some repairs, which means that the lake will need to be lowered. REALLY low. As in no swimming or fishing or boating kind of low. That will last until it's fixed, and the best estimate of time needed for this fix is 2 weeks to 3 months.
You may see mothers lined up at the dam with their shovels and picks. We'll either be working on the dam, or burying the bodies. Don't come too close if you don't want to know....
Ooops. So much for my attempt at kindness.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
I wrote this last night, and lo and behold it's the subject of this week's SBQ!
The Anatomy of a Stitching Slump
1. It begins slowly. That project you were working on so fervently before now becomes kind of ….ehhhhh…. You’ll probably decide to start something new. And it won’t be anything from your desk/closet/cubby/room/house full of stitching stuff. Because New means New.
2. You go and buy all new stuff for a new project. Heavens – You’re not the problem. It was just that your earlier project was a little too big/complicated/cerebral/repetitive/ambitious for you at the moment. Something New. Yeah, that’s the ticket.
3. The bag of new stuff sits unopened for at least a week.
4. You finally open the new project, but you are missing one thread, and you decide it’s useless to start a new project without having every last thing you need.
5. You return to your earlier project. Take a few stitches and pat your self on the back because: Hey, you’re back on track again. Then TV becomes too interesting and you get hungry and you decide that three stitches were enough. You’ll stitch more tomorrow.
6. Days go by. You become engrossed in Wheel of Fortune. Who can stitch when the wheel is spinning?
7. Well, you’d stitch today – even right now as a matter of fact – but there are dirty dishes, the dog needs to be walked, your need organize your underwear drawer, and there are a million and one other absolutely necessary tasks that MUST be done before you can sit down to stitch.
8. Weeks go by. You dust around your stitching. You don’t even touch it to move it. It’s growing cobwebs. The new stuff you bought has found its way into the closet with your other virginal stash. (Is it still in its original bag from the LNS? Then it’s virginal. Look it up. It’s in the Bible.)
9. You stop posting and then you stop reading the online message boards and blogs. Those people aren’t nearly as busy as you and in fact maybe they should get a life. Lord knows you try and try but you just don’t have time to stitch. It’s a known fact that everyone else in the stitching world has nothing better to do but stitch. Wallow in self-pity.
10. You decide that maybe stitching really isn’t for you. It’s time for a whole new gig. You try other stuff. Maybe knitting. No, no, in lots of ways, that’s too much like stitching. Maybe juggling could be your new thing. You could run away and join the circus. No, no, it’s hopeless. You’ll probably never stitch again and it’s your fault entirely because you have absolutely no attention span anymore.
11. You take a few peeks back at the blogs and the message boards. Just for kicks. Hey, Anna has some neat projects in the works – cool ornaments. Cathy just finished a Butternut Road. Heather just finished a neat damselfly. Mia is moving along nicely on a BIG Italian sampler. Maybe you should go blow the dust off your stitching and see what you have left to finish it.
12. You pick a time and a place. You will stitch in this place, starting at exactly this time, for exactly this long. Amazingly, you make some headway on that boring-ass project (which- by the way - suddenly doesn’t seem so boring anymore).
13. You have the same routine the next day. Except that the kids call you when you’re only 15 minutes into your stitching time because track practice is cancelled and it’s raining and they want to come home so will you puhleeeze pick them up?? And you tell them, sorry darlings, but I’ll be tied up for the next 45 minutes or so, and they’ll just have to wait at the high school until you show up.
14. Ahhh. It’s good to be back.
(Finished yesterday...while it rained...as the children patiently waited.)
The Anatomy of a Stitching Slump
1. It begins slowly. That project you were working on so fervently before now becomes kind of ….ehhhhh…. You’ll probably decide to start something new. And it won’t be anything from your desk/closet/cubby/room/house full of stitching stuff. Because New means New.
2. You go and buy all new stuff for a new project. Heavens – You’re not the problem. It was just that your earlier project was a little too big/complicated/cerebral/repetitive/ambitious for you at the moment. Something New. Yeah, that’s the ticket.
3. The bag of new stuff sits unopened for at least a week.
4. You finally open the new project, but you are missing one thread, and you decide it’s useless to start a new project without having every last thing you need.
5. You return to your earlier project. Take a few stitches and pat your self on the back because: Hey, you’re back on track again. Then TV becomes too interesting and you get hungry and you decide that three stitches were enough. You’ll stitch more tomorrow.
6. Days go by. You become engrossed in Wheel of Fortune. Who can stitch when the wheel is spinning?
7. Well, you’d stitch today – even right now as a matter of fact – but there are dirty dishes, the dog needs to be walked, your need organize your underwear drawer, and there are a million and one other absolutely necessary tasks that MUST be done before you can sit down to stitch.
8. Weeks go by. You dust around your stitching. You don’t even touch it to move it. It’s growing cobwebs. The new stuff you bought has found its way into the closet with your other virginal stash. (Is it still in its original bag from the LNS? Then it’s virginal. Look it up. It’s in the Bible.)
9. You stop posting and then you stop reading the online message boards and blogs. Those people aren’t nearly as busy as you and in fact maybe they should get a life. Lord knows you try and try but you just don’t have time to stitch. It’s a known fact that everyone else in the stitching world has nothing better to do but stitch. Wallow in self-pity.
10. You decide that maybe stitching really isn’t for you. It’s time for a whole new gig. You try other stuff. Maybe knitting. No, no, in lots of ways, that’s too much like stitching. Maybe juggling could be your new thing. You could run away and join the circus. No, no, it’s hopeless. You’ll probably never stitch again and it’s your fault entirely because you have absolutely no attention span anymore.
11. You take a few peeks back at the blogs and the message boards. Just for kicks. Hey, Anna has some neat projects in the works – cool ornaments. Cathy just finished a Butternut Road. Heather just finished a neat damselfly. Mia is moving along nicely on a BIG Italian sampler. Maybe you should go blow the dust off your stitching and see what you have left to finish it.
12. You pick a time and a place. You will stitch in this place, starting at exactly this time, for exactly this long. Amazingly, you make some headway on that boring-ass project (which- by the way - suddenly doesn’t seem so boring anymore).
13. You have the same routine the next day. Except that the kids call you when you’re only 15 minutes into your stitching time because track practice is cancelled and it’s raining and they want to come home so will you puhleeeze pick them up?? And you tell them, sorry darlings, but I’ll be tied up for the next 45 minutes or so, and they’ll just have to wait at the high school until you show up.
14. Ahhh. It’s good to be back.
(Finished yesterday...while it rained...as the children patiently waited.)
Friday, May 19, 2006
Promises, promises. I don’t know guys…I’m really deep in the pit of a stitching slump. That post I referred to a couple days ago? Well, it’s so lame that even I can’t stand reading it, pictures or not. So it will sit in my computer and I won’t subject you to it.
Every night I sit down with my stitching next to me, but that’s as far as it goes. Last night at about 10PM I sat down, unfolded my Souvenir Sampler, and then folded it back up again. Maybe I’m just sitting down too late?
This can’t last forever. Especially when I have a lovely order of 36 ct. linen and silk thread waiting for me at the NeedleNook in Ligonier…. Maybe I just need a road trip.
Every night I sit down with my stitching next to me, but that’s as far as it goes. Last night at about 10PM I sat down, unfolded my Souvenir Sampler, and then folded it back up again. Maybe I’m just sitting down too late?
This can’t last forever. Especially when I have a lovely order of 36 ct. linen and silk thread waiting for me at the NeedleNook in Ligonier…. Maybe I just need a road trip.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Sorry guys, that I haven't been around much. I suppose I've been obsessing over a few things. Not to the point that I'm not reading your blogs, but just enough not to feel like posting anything on mine.
First of all, I've been working really hard to finish up at the job I'm leaving. I'm shooting for my last day to be May 31. I won't go into details - it's too boring. But even though I'm leaving, I want to leave things nice and tidy for the next person. I've already admitted I'm immature. But I'm not irresposible.
My next obsession has been Weight Watchers. I met the WW goal a couple of weeks ago, after losing.....23 pounds! Like I've said before, that puts me at the top of their normal weight range, but I'd like to be more in the middle, so that means I need to lose around 10 to 15 more. Not impossible!
Just after I started WW, I ran into a friend who teaches a yoga class at the YMCA, and she encouraged me to try it. That was in February. And that has been my third obsession. I can't tell you how much I am LOVING this class. It makes me feel fabulous. I never thought that an evening class would work for me, what with the kids and meals and everything else, but somehow, by hook or by crook, I've made it there most nights.
Of course, my favorite part is the final relaxation, where we all lay or sit without moving and listen to lovely music.
Here's something odd. When I first started going, and we'd try to clear our minds during that final relaxation part, I would lay there for a while, and then I'd get weepy. I wasn't unhappy, just intensely emotional. And I don't know why. It doesn't happen any more, but it was a little embarrassing back then. I'll have to ask somebody about that - maybe the instructor.
My kids are finishing Track and Field season, and between meets and practices, we've been on the go a lot. These two....I'm so proud of them.
(Now I'll begin my unabashed bragging about my kids and some of it may be kind of cryptic if you aren't familiar with track and field, so feel free to skip this part if you like.)
I was kind of concerned about John this year, being that it's his first time back at serious running since his knee surgery in the fall. Well. He's having a GREAT season. His events are the 1600M run and the 4 by 800M relay, and he's gotten better and better at each meet. In fact, this has been his best track season ever. At the County Meet he finally broke 5 minutes in the 1600M, with a 4:57. YAY! That's his best time ever. Then, this week at the WPIAL Qualifiers he ran his leg of the 4X800M in 2:07, which was another personal best and took him from being the slow leg to being the fast leg. DOUBLE YAY! His leg of the 4X800M actually moved the team from 9th place in the race up to 5th place - which meant that the relay team qualified to go to WPIAL Championships next week (They take the top 8 finishers). He doesn't qualify to compete in the 1600M. Those kids run 4:45 or less. In fact, at the PA State Championship meet, the time to beat will be closer to a 4:15. Really amazing.
Colleen runs the 3200M, and she has steadily improved with every meet. In fact, she has set new PR's (Personal Records) every time over the past three meets. Now, Colleen is never close to winning the 3200M. In fact, sometimes she's last. But she's improved so much over the season, and her coach is so impressed, and I know that she's going to have a wonderful time as a high school runner.
And here's the thing about Track...Sure, some kids are fabulous runners. And they always finish first or second. And we're very happy for these kids and their parents. BUT, it seems like Track parents celebrate for all of the kids - first, last, or otherwise. For instance, at the last regular meet, Dave and I were down on the fence cheering Colleen on during her event. She finished third from last, but looked happy at the end, and what-the-heck that's all that counts. So we went to sit back in the stands, and one of the parents said that she thought Colleen had broken her PR. Hmmm, we said, that's nice. Then, as the runners came past us, the winners got a nice smattering of applause, but when Colleen walked by, our team's parents broke into cheers.
As it turned out, she crushed her previous PR by 20 seconds. And later she accused me of orchestrating all the cheering....Not that I wouldn't, but I didn't. Honest. I'm telling you, I was so touched! Sometimes sports parents can be so snarky and other times they can amaze you with their generous spirit.
Sheesh. This morning is getting away from me.
Tomorrow I'll write a bit about some stitching subject. Promise.
First of all, I've been working really hard to finish up at the job I'm leaving. I'm shooting for my last day to be May 31. I won't go into details - it's too boring. But even though I'm leaving, I want to leave things nice and tidy for the next person. I've already admitted I'm immature. But I'm not irresposible.
My next obsession has been Weight Watchers. I met the WW goal a couple of weeks ago, after losing.....23 pounds! Like I've said before, that puts me at the top of their normal weight range, but I'd like to be more in the middle, so that means I need to lose around 10 to 15 more. Not impossible!
Just after I started WW, I ran into a friend who teaches a yoga class at the YMCA, and she encouraged me to try it. That was in February. And that has been my third obsession. I can't tell you how much I am LOVING this class. It makes me feel fabulous. I never thought that an evening class would work for me, what with the kids and meals and everything else, but somehow, by hook or by crook, I've made it there most nights.
Of course, my favorite part is the final relaxation, where we all lay or sit without moving and listen to lovely music.
Here's something odd. When I first started going, and we'd try to clear our minds during that final relaxation part, I would lay there for a while, and then I'd get weepy. I wasn't unhappy, just intensely emotional. And I don't know why. It doesn't happen any more, but it was a little embarrassing back then. I'll have to ask somebody about that - maybe the instructor.
My kids are finishing Track and Field season, and between meets and practices, we've been on the go a lot. These two....I'm so proud of them.
(Now I'll begin my unabashed bragging about my kids and some of it may be kind of cryptic if you aren't familiar with track and field, so feel free to skip this part if you like.)
I was kind of concerned about John this year, being that it's his first time back at serious running since his knee surgery in the fall. Well. He's having a GREAT season. His events are the 1600M run and the 4 by 800M relay, and he's gotten better and better at each meet. In fact, this has been his best track season ever. At the County Meet he finally broke 5 minutes in the 1600M, with a 4:57. YAY! That's his best time ever. Then, this week at the WPIAL Qualifiers he ran his leg of the 4X800M in 2:07, which was another personal best and took him from being the slow leg to being the fast leg. DOUBLE YAY! His leg of the 4X800M actually moved the team from 9th place in the race up to 5th place - which meant that the relay team qualified to go to WPIAL Championships next week (They take the top 8 finishers). He doesn't qualify to compete in the 1600M. Those kids run 4:45 or less. In fact, at the PA State Championship meet, the time to beat will be closer to a 4:15. Really amazing.
Colleen runs the 3200M, and she has steadily improved with every meet. In fact, she has set new PR's (Personal Records) every time over the past three meets. Now, Colleen is never close to winning the 3200M. In fact, sometimes she's last. But she's improved so much over the season, and her coach is so impressed, and I know that she's going to have a wonderful time as a high school runner.
And here's the thing about Track...Sure, some kids are fabulous runners. And they always finish first or second. And we're very happy for these kids and their parents. BUT, it seems like Track parents celebrate for all of the kids - first, last, or otherwise. For instance, at the last regular meet, Dave and I were down on the fence cheering Colleen on during her event. She finished third from last, but looked happy at the end, and what-the-heck that's all that counts. So we went to sit back in the stands, and one of the parents said that she thought Colleen had broken her PR. Hmmm, we said, that's nice. Then, as the runners came past us, the winners got a nice smattering of applause, but when Colleen walked by, our team's parents broke into cheers.
As it turned out, she crushed her previous PR by 20 seconds. And later she accused me of orchestrating all the cheering....Not that I wouldn't, but I didn't. Honest. I'm telling you, I was so touched! Sometimes sports parents can be so snarky and other times they can amaze you with their generous spirit.
Sheesh. This morning is getting away from me.
Tomorrow I'll write a bit about some stitching subject. Promise.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Well, here’s the deal about work.
I really did enjoy this job, until recently. I still love my boss and co-workers. On the other hand, the owners of the corporation, who show up only a handful of times each year, are butt heads. Complete, total butt heads.
They've made terrible financial decisions. (Don’t even get me started.) They take absolutely no responsibility for those decisions, but instead blame the staff for the cash flow problem that they have created. They rudely berate their staff when they don’t get what they want or hear what they want to hear.
I’ve come to the conclusion that they are awful people. So I just don’t want to work for people like that anymore. And fortunately, I’m in a position that I don’t have to do it. I had plenty of work before I took the job, and I’ll have plenty of work after I leave.
So – that’s that. I’m taking my toys and going home!
Maturity has never been my strong suit….
I really did enjoy this job, until recently. I still love my boss and co-workers. On the other hand, the owners of the corporation, who show up only a handful of times each year, are butt heads. Complete, total butt heads.
They've made terrible financial decisions. (Don’t even get me started.) They take absolutely no responsibility for those decisions, but instead blame the staff for the cash flow problem that they have created. They rudely berate their staff when they don’t get what they want or hear what they want to hear.
I’ve come to the conclusion that they are awful people. So I just don’t want to work for people like that anymore. And fortunately, I’m in a position that I don’t have to do it. I had plenty of work before I took the job, and I’ll have plenty of work after I leave.
So – that’s that. I’m taking my toys and going home!
Maturity has never been my strong suit….
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
My stitching progress is pitiful lately, but my work situation is very difficult right now. No worries. It will get better. I've given two weeks notice. And then I'll be around so much you all will be sick of me!
Even though I don't have any finishes, I thought I'd show you some WIP's just the same.
HIH Easter Bird:
Fooling around with thread and fabric for a couple of samplers - this is 36 ct antique white and one strand of Soie d'alger silk:
I ask you: How can you think about work when you're stitching that?? Such wonderful therapy.
Even though I don't have any finishes, I thought I'd show you some WIP's just the same.
HIH Easter Bird:
Fooling around with thread and fabric for a couple of samplers - this is 36 ct antique white and one strand of Soie d'alger silk:
I ask you: How can you think about work when you're stitching that?? Such wonderful therapy.
Friday, April 21, 2006
OK, one last daughter post and then I'll stop.
This girl is my hero. When the crying was over the next day, here is what she wrote as her AIM "away" message:
Life is short
but sweet.
here is me no longer having a bad day. I'm just sick of all the drama. it doesn't even matter to me right now anyway. i've got way more important things to do and to care about. to everyone who realized i was having an awful day, thank you. to everyone who caused it-- f*** you. and i'll also choose to not acknowledge you again. ever.
This was an important lesson for me, too. I should stop hovering and trust her. She's not that fragile. She's actually pretty tough.
This girl is my hero. When the crying was over the next day, here is what she wrote as her AIM "away" message:
Life is short
but sweet.
here is me no longer having a bad day. I'm just sick of all the drama. it doesn't even matter to me right now anyway. i've got way more important things to do and to care about. to everyone who realized i was having an awful day, thank you. to everyone who caused it-- f*** you. and i'll also choose to not acknowledge you again. ever.
This was an important lesson for me, too. I should stop hovering and trust her. She's not that fragile. She's actually pretty tough.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Oh my, we're back to the boyfriend saga. My daughter must be an expert with smoke and mirrors, because even though she told me a week ago that she wasn't interested in Mr. Eighteen Year Old, lately she was really pining for this boy.
Why-oh-why did this boy call her every night? But never came around in person. She was fine for phone calls, but she would ask him to do things and the answer was always no. Then after last night's phone call, my wonderful daughter was weeping. She won't talk to me about it. But I know he played with her emotions - - - I could kill him.
But what can I do? Well fellow bloggers, I've composed a letter to her. Tell me, if it was your daughter, would you send it? Read below:
To my dearest daughter,
I know you don’t want to talk to me about your pain right now…and besides, when I try to talk with you about this, my words come out all crazy and wrong. I want to tell you some things, but when I speak the words, I get overwhelmed with how much I want to protect you and then I sound like a looming mother. I’m sorry.
So I’m going to write this instead, and hope that it comes out right.
Boys…. men…they can be such a mystery.
But it’s a certainty that you will have your heart hurt more than once, and sometimes darlin’, you’ll be the one who hurts the boy. It happens, and it’s painful. But you learn something from each and every relationship.
You learn what it’s like to be treated badly and what it’s like to be treated well. You learn who you can trust with your heart and who you can’t trust. You learn what you are really looking for in a boy. And you learn to take things slowwwwwwly to see if you find those things.
You’ll discover all of these things, and in the meantime, you’ll have your highs and your lows. And the whole time that you’re learning this, remember that Dad and I are always here for you to talk with (or not) and that we think you are an absolutely fabulous young woman.
Oh….and I promise not to kill anyone. No need to fear. I’ll control myself.
I love you, baby girl.
Mom
Why-oh-why did this boy call her every night? But never came around in person. She was fine for phone calls, but she would ask him to do things and the answer was always no. Then after last night's phone call, my wonderful daughter was weeping. She won't talk to me about it. But I know he played with her emotions - - - I could kill him.
But what can I do? Well fellow bloggers, I've composed a letter to her. Tell me, if it was your daughter, would you send it? Read below:
To my dearest daughter,
I know you don’t want to talk to me about your pain right now…and besides, when I try to talk with you about this, my words come out all crazy and wrong. I want to tell you some things, but when I speak the words, I get overwhelmed with how much I want to protect you and then I sound like a looming mother. I’m sorry.
So I’m going to write this instead, and hope that it comes out right.
Boys…. men…they can be such a mystery.
But it’s a certainty that you will have your heart hurt more than once, and sometimes darlin’, you’ll be the one who hurts the boy. It happens, and it’s painful. But you learn something from each and every relationship.
You learn what it’s like to be treated badly and what it’s like to be treated well. You learn who you can trust with your heart and who you can’t trust. You learn what you are really looking for in a boy. And you learn to take things slowwwwwwly to see if you find those things.
You’ll discover all of these things, and in the meantime, you’ll have your highs and your lows. And the whole time that you’re learning this, remember that Dad and I are always here for you to talk with (or not) and that we think you are an absolutely fabulous young woman.
Oh….and I promise not to kill anyone. No need to fear. I’ll control myself.
I love you, baby girl.
Mom
Monday, April 17, 2006
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Well, I think my worries about my daughter are over. We had a short talk today, and I asked her exactly what she saw in this fellow. Granted, he seems to be a nice boy, and is certainly very handsome, but beyond that..??
She told me not to worry. She doesn't want to date him, at least not at this point. They just don't have much in common. And he leaves for the army in July, so she didn't see the point.
Once again, I reminded myself that she is beautiful and brilliant. And I asked her to come talk to me about it first,if she ever decided to date an older boy.
So, why have I been up since 2AM, and I'm sitting here posting at 5AM? Woke up at 1:00, drenched in sweat. My freakin' hormones are driving me crazy. I feel like I'm just barely keeping the crazy at bay tonight.
She told me not to worry. She doesn't want to date him, at least not at this point. They just don't have much in common. And he leaves for the army in July, so she didn't see the point.
Once again, I reminded myself that she is beautiful and brilliant. And I asked her to come talk to me about it first,if she ever decided to date an older boy.
So, why have I been up since 2AM, and I'm sitting here posting at 5AM? Woke up at 1:00, drenched in sweat. My freakin' hormones are driving me crazy. I feel like I'm just barely keeping the crazy at bay tonight.
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