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 weren'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!

Still

feeling awful. At least my throat isn't sore now. But, I still have a fever and am feeling achy. I had to call off work today. I'm gonna lose holiday pay. But, there is no way I could have worked today.

Happy New Year

I had great plans for today, but I ended up sleeping on and off during the day due to catching the "bug" going around. Still feeling kinda crappy, so I'm just gonna go back to sleep. Unfortunately, won't be able to take off work tomorrow, so I hope I feel better in the morning.