This story is very touching

I love animals and especially dogs and elephants.

Knitting

I finally finished my "potato chip" scarf. I enjoyed making it. But, I'm not sure I like the mohair yarn against my skin though. I might make another one in a different type of yarn. I'm working on other projects too, a few minutes a day. Due to my job I don't have much free time. That all should change by next Friday, when the new person starts.

I've also been working on my 101 Things list. I've completed a couple of the items and will be posting about them in near future.

It's a sad day

It is with deep sorrow that I post this, Lulu has lost her beloved Klaus, and Bogart has lost his Dad. Despite all the prayers and doggie-zen. My heart goes out to you.








Today is the eight anniversary of my son's death. Time goes on but the pain never stops. Michael, I miss you and I love you.

boo hiss LOL

I've been crocheting on my "potato chip" scarf. With about 6 inches left and I ran out of yarn. I made it longer than the pattern called for. I thought, no problem, I'll go to Michael's after work and pick up a skein. They had a couple bins of it two-three weeks ago. Well, imagine my surprise when, I could not find ANY Lion Brand Mohair. none, zip, nada, zero in any color. I was so disappointed. I'll be off to Ravelry in a few minutes to see if anyone there has some to sell. I really don't need very much. My next scarf is going to be a knitted scarf, the Irish Hiking Scarf. The pattern can be found here.

I've also been sewing on the Kimberly bag by Amy Butler. I have it maybe half finished. I guess I'm a really slow sew-ist these days. I'm looking forward to showing it off to my friends!

101 Things-February 19, 2009

Today is the last day to complete my 101 Things list. Did I get everything done? NO. I only completed 21 out of the 105 things I put on the list. Do I feel bad that I didn't get everything done? Again NO. I may not have accomplished everything on this list, but I did so much more, I can't even begin to list everything. So, here I am, making another list of things I hope to accomplish, but if I don't I won't beat myself up over it. Many of the things are still in progress from the old list. There are a few new things. I took some things off the list, anything that involves traveling will go hold until both boys (my dogs) have gone to the Rainbow Bridge. I simply will not traumatize my dogs by kennelling them so I can travel. And, I don't trust anyone to take of them the way I do. Many of the things I started and didn't get around to finishing. They will become the priority on the new list. Here are the new items I'll be trying to accomplish in my next 1001 days. And, just like last time, there are 105 things on the list! LOL


0001. Get my RN license
0002. SWAP storyboard and complete items-in progress
0003. Learn to juggle
0004. Buy new inline skates
0005. Learn three named chess strategies
0006. Learn Spanish
0007. Join Netflix and have a weekly movie night
0008. Create an original art self portrait
0009. Complete 10 photographic projects (from previous class)
0010. Make five soups from scratch
0011. Learn the location and capital of every country in the world (and every state in the U.S.)-in progress (10-50)
0012. Learn to swim
0013. Make a travel/protection charm for the car
0014. Collect all 50 US State Quarters-in progress (38-50)
0015. Make my own ATC greetings cards
0016. Go ice skating
0017. Have a full spa day
0018. Go to an opera
0019. Start a gratitude journal
0020. Stay caught up on all of my magazines-in progress
0021. Start a small vegetable/herb garden from seeds, use in recipe
0022. Convert all my CDs to MP3-in progress
0023. Read the Bible, from beginning to end-in progress
0024. Find my signature cupcake recipe
0025. Buy myself a right hand ring
0026. Organize my photos-in progress
0027. Trace my roots
0028. Go to see Swan Lake
0029. Boob job-reduction
0030. Get a diving certificate after I learn to swim
0031. Dress form/duct tape double-after weight loss ?? date
0032. Make at least one altered book
0033. Complete 12 pieces of jewelry-in progress (2-12)
0034. Build a robot kit
0035. Learn how to make Tiramisu
0036. Start knitted garden coverlet
0037. Buy a new window box and plant wildflowers in it
0038. Make quilted piece for hallway doorway
0039. Buy a fondue pot and use at least once a month
0040. Learn sign language
0041. Do a de-tox regimen
0042. Get a professional facial and then give myself an at home facial once a week for a month
0043. Braid a rug for the kitchen in front of the sink
0044. Study and research Buddhism
0045. Learn how to do 10 one-armed push-ups in a row
0046. Re-learn visual basic
0047. Update the household notebook with pictures and serial numbers
0048. Be so flexible I can do a split-again
0049. Identify 101 things that bring me joy
0050. Go through my Photoshop Elements manual and learn cool tricks- in progress (2-19)
0051. Build up a 3 month emergency fund in savings-in progress
0052. Go to see a play/musical/ballet
0053. Knit socks
0054. Make a bra and panty set
0055. Learn pilates
0056. Buy/learn to use portable GPS
0057. Geocache/Go geocaching at least 6 times before last 101 Day
0058. Get better aquainted with all the bells and whistles on my digital camera- in progress
0059. Make bears/bear clothes
0060. Build a 1/12 scale miniature house, and begin to furnish it
0061. Take my vitamins every day for a month
0062. Make a collection of handmade ornaments for the Christmas tree
0063. Have professional photo taken
0064. Build a cigar box purse
0065. Re-learn to read music
0066. Re-learn to play the keyboard and practice at least one song every day for a week
0067. Take a speed reading course
0068. Fill in the gaps I have in my wardrobe to make sure I have an outfit for each occasion
0069. Sew and review 12 articles of clothing on Pattern Review
0070. Buy a weaving loom
0071. Make paper
0072. Clean out inside of TA for restoring
0073. Install or build a firepit in the backyard
0074. Photograph the beach under the full moon light
0075. Watch the Wizard of Oz while playing Dark Side of the Moon
0076. Have a jello shot
0077. Get a magazine article published
0078. Learn 50 new words-in progress (18-50)
0079. Plant roses in back yard
0080. Make bath bombs
0081. Lose 5 pounds a month for 15 months-in progress (35-75)
0082. Make homemade marshmallows and roast over an open fire
0083. Become Microsoft Office certified-in progress
0084. Cook barbecued/smoked ribs on the grill
0085. Find a great black dress and buy it (or make it)
0086. Take a firearms course
0087. Say I love you in 10 languages-in progress (5-10)
0088. Review 12 books on Amazon-in progress (5-12)
0089. Take a photo every day for a month
0090. Go to Christmas Mass
0091. Make a sweet corn salsa
0092. Re-decorate the bathroom
0093. Stretch every morning for a month
0094. Decorate for Christmas-with the Victorian decorations
0095. Make a no flour chocolate cake
0096. Re-learn French and to properly swear
0098. Landscape front yard-in progress
0099. Listen to and learn about Cuban music
0100. Memorize a poem-in progress
0101. Make 4 pairs of sleep pants or shorts
0102. Do a mini triathlon after I learn to swim
0103. Learn how to do mechanics on Mike's TA
0104. Document accomplishing each thing (photo or journaling)
0105. On Day 1001, make a new list

McCall Pattern 5271

I finished McCall's pattern 5271 today. I completed the sewing a few days ago, but wasn't able to pull out the basting threads until today. I chose view D because I thought it would help to conceal the fluff I have on my stomach better than the other views.

I choose patterns I think will be flattering to my body shape and then I tend to choose patterns by the colors used on the models. I can visualize patterns in other colors and fabric patterns, but I am drawn to certain patterns due to the colors. I also tend to use the same colors in different tints, tones, shades and values. I never wear brown, oranges, yellows or greens. I've seen gorgeous fabrics in these colors but, I've never worn them. I'm thinking over the next few months I will try to find a yellow, a green and possibly a brown that will be flattering to my skin tone.

I'm still working on the Amy Butler Kimberly bag. I'm hoping I'll get a few seams sewn today. I still can't sit and sew for more than a few minutes at a time due to back pain. I've also prepared the pattern and laid out the red jersey I'll be using to make a simple jacket, McCall pattern 5241.

Because I'm a sucker for these

Keleigh Austin-Novell's Dewey Decimal Section:

168 Argument & persuasion

Keleigh Austin-Novell = 1525978119094452522 = 152+597+811+909+445+252+2 = 3168


Class:
100 Philosophy & Psychology


Contains:
Books on metaphysics, logic, ethics and philosophy.



What it says about you:
You're a careful thinker, but your life can be complicated and hard for others to understand at times. You try to explain things and strive to express yourself.

Find your Dewey Decimal Section at Spacefem.com

Chatty Cathy

I've spoken several times my love of dolls and my small collection. When I was a young girl I longed to have a Chatty Cathy doll. There was never enough money in the budget for one. In the late '90s Ashton-Drake, was selling reproductions. I delayed buying one, and the next thing I know they aren't being made anymore. Back in December I was checking out eBay, and found a seller who had several listed. So, I placed a bid, and got this sweet girl! She speaks very clearly and her voice sounds just as I remember. I also got an Advance pattern made for Chatty back in the early '60s. I'm planning on making a few things for her. There are other patterns in the series, and I'm keeping my eye out for them.

Cardi-wrap

I started the Stitch Diva's Hairpin lace Cardi-wrap in late October. When work started getting crazy, I put it in hibernation. I brought it back out yesterday. I'm in the process of recounting the loops to see how many more I need on this row. It's row D in the pattern, the longest row.
I decided to make it in Lion Brand Microspun yarn. I like the color, and the yarn works up easily enough. But, as you can see looking at the pictures, there are several white hairs on both the yarn and the row on the loom. I have two white dogs. Maybe, I should rethink the color. LOL
Lion Brand has numerous patterns for both knitting and crocheting. I'll be using several of those patterns as I continue to learn to knit and crochet. Along with great patterns by Stitch Diva, and some awesome patterns from Knitty.com.

McCall Pattern 9576

I finally finished McCall's 9576 jacket. I really like this jacket! It's made from fleece and very warm. With the temps dipping here in Florida it's going to be very cozy! It's difficult to tell from the picture, but all the plaids line up, and the hem IS even! LOL

So Disappointed

well, today at work, I spoke with "the person who determines my future". Which facility I will be placed at. When I first learned my facility was closing, I was asked to go to another facility to assist with the transfers of our residents to this facility. My placement wasn't to be permanent, I'd be there a couple of weeks, then go to another facility. I guess you can tell where this is heading. Today, I was "asked" to stay at this facility. She went on and on about what a great job I did at the previous facility and how they are grateful for what I've accomplished at this new facility. I thought I was getting terminated. You know how it goes. You may be asking, what is so bad about this other facility? The staff that transferred from "closing facility" to "new facility" is called names, like b***h and h*. I. AM. NOT making this up. So rude. So unprofessional. The first day I went there, I heard someone say " They better not think they can come in here and take over". What? Where did that come from? No one is trying to take over anything. We're just here to do a job and make a living like everyone else. We are generally referred to as "those people from (inset name of facility)", when they aren't calling us more colorful names. I spoke with "person who determines my future" about the hostile environment, and I will not even repeat here what her response was. I didn't think she understood what I had just told her. I was furious. I AM leaving out some details that have to do with a another co-worker from the "closing facility" that went to a third facility. But we both are presently seeking employment else where. Any body know a facility that needs two really good clinical reimbursement specialists? LOL This too shall pass. I just had to get it off my chest.

My Dad is leaving to go back to north Georgia tonight. I miss him already. I didn't get to spend as much time with him as I wanted because I had the flu. My brother and a friend of his came down to get him and drive him back. Daddy was eager to get back home. It's been freezing there and he wanted to get back and take care of his house. My fantasy is to win the lottery and move him down here. Get him a house very close to me so I can fix his dinner each evening. He wouldn't have to worry about anything the rest of his life.

I am eagerly awaiting the weekend. I have to leave work early tomorrow due to a 12:40 appointment with my chiropractor. I am planning on spending some time sewing on a jacket and my Kimberly bag. I'm using the same color and print as the green one. I've had it cut out for a couple of months. Hopefully, I can get it sewed this weekend.

I hope every one has a safe and happy weekend.

Biggest Loser

Tonight was the first episode of the new season of the Biggest Loser. I LOVE this show! I've already picked out my favorites. They are the white team, husband and wife, Jerry and Estella, which happens to be the oldest contestants. Jerry gave us a scare when his blood pressure bottomed out tonight. The orange team, best friends, David and Daniel, who is the heaviest ever contestant at only age 19. Such a cute face! The black team, cousins Blaine and Dane. These teams are being trained by Jillian Michaels, who is gorgeous, and intelligent and hot!!! and she could probably kick most guys butts! I'd love to be able to have her as a personal trainer! My next favorite is the brown team, father and son, Mike and Ron. They are being trained by Bob, who is not chopped liver by any means! love his ink! and I love his pose at the beginning of the show. Anyway, this season, an early twist is that at the first weigh-in there was not an elimination. But, nine contestants went home. One team won immunity from the challenge. One team won immunity by staying above the yellow line, losing the highest per centage of weight. Of the other nine, two person teams, each team had to send home a member. At the end of 30 days, if the partner staying at the ranch is still there, and hasn't been eliminated, the teammates that went home tonight will return to the ranch. I'm really looking forward to next weeks episode!

A parent should

never have to bury a child. Even though I had my son for 28 years, I know what it's like to lose a child. My world went dark on March 2, 2001. Michael was the light of my life. I just learned last night about the death of John Travolta and Kelly Preston's son Jett. My heart goes out to John Travolta and his family. Jett Travolta was only 16 years old. May he rest in eternal peace.

January's Posts

Here it is the fourth of the month and I've already blown my goal of posting every day in January. I just felt sooo bad yesterday I didn't even think about it.
I don't make resolutions because, well, I just can't seem to follow through. And how long does a resolution last? If you made one last year and make the same one this year...what is the point? People seem to make the same resolutions over and over. Just re-inforcing a "pass or fail" mentality. And negatively affecting their self esteem. So....I make goals....sometimes I reach them and sometimes I don't. I put forth an effort though. Some goals, I decide aren't worth achieving, such as finishing a book that I find is not as interesting as I thought when I first started it.
With that in mind, here are some of my goals for January:
1. Finish the Lion Brand swatch that has been on my side bar forever
2. Make one piece of jewelry
3. Complete one garment for myself and write a review
4. Make one outfit for one of my dolls
5. Finish half of the cardiwrap, also on the side bar

For you who do make resolutions: Good luck!