Still Trying

to get back to blogging on a regular basis. I know, I know "Do or do not, there is no try" LOL Lots of things I have wanted to blog, but just didn't get around to doing it. Just random topics.
My husband is still recovering, the doctors say it could take a year or two. Seems like it's been years since he was in the hospital. That period of time last year still seems so surreal.

I've done a couple of things on my 101 Things list.
25. Re-start Weight Watchers.
33. Install or build a fire pit in the backyard. I've bought one, but won't put it in the backyard until we have some yard work done.

I'm trying to arrange an area where I can take pictures of my projects. This small house just isn't picture taking friendly. And my front and back yard are a mess, because I haven't had time to take care of them. I just don't seem to have enough time. I get tired quickly and it seems to take longer to do tasks than it used to. Just not going to give up though. I know eventually, even if I have to hire help, it will get done.

Lots of stress from my job. Something new to deal with everyday. I am grateful I have one, but I'm part-time with no benefits. Thankful hubby has good insurance.

I try to read blogs for a few minutes each day and comment. I was using Google reader, but since it is "closing" I went back to FeedDemon. I had it on my old computer and liked it. I don't know if bloggers can tell if you are following them if you use it though.

Looking forward to sharing again!

Ramblings

My Mac and my pc both died about the same time. I can't boot up the Mac, and it tells me my disc is contaminated. I have tons of files on it that I was trying to get backed up. I'd hate to loose all of them. (sigh) I was able to back up the pc. Sooooo...now I have a new inexpensive pc. I just need to be able to work on Word and Excel docs and access the Internet. So I don't need a hi tech pc any more.


101 Things:
Some things I will post pictures of, a lot of things I will just post links to.
25. Re-start Weight Watchers
60. Dye my hair red again
102. Make at least one thing per month from Pinterest…

Short and Sweet

I haven't been posting, but I have been working on my 101 Things.  I'll post links and pictures about what I've been doing as soon as I can.

Superbowl Sunday

I'm not going to watch the game this year,  Just not up to it, and I don't really care who wins. Still recovering from my surgery.

I've been working on my 101 Things in 1001 Days list and have finally completed it.  Some things are carried over from my last list.  I didn't complete everything, but I'm not stressing about it.  Somethings I didn't get done didn't get carried over, but might be added to a later 101 Things.  I'll be referencing to it on my other blog, updating as I make progress, and setting up a plan to complete each item.  So.....here is my new list...

 

1. Get my RN license

2. SWAP storyboard/lookbook to fill the gaps in my wardrobe

3. Make a bib, because, even though I’m an adult, apparently I can’t eat food without spilling some on myself.

4. Make at least one thing per month from Pinterest…to be listed later.

5. Decorating the yard for Halloween this year

6. Make Amy Butler’s Bloom quilt

7. Go to Guavaween this year

8. Create an original art self portrait

9. Completely fill a Pandora bracelet

10. Make five soups from scratch

11. Make my own ATC greetings cards

12. Learn to swim

13. Make a travel/protection charm for the car

14. Design a wardrobe for each decade from the 1920s through 2010 for Molly, make patterns, and sew as many pieces as possible.

15. Make a bed for Molly

16. Hook a bath mat from jersey

17. Have a full spa day

18. Go to an opera

19. Start a gratitude journal

20. Listen to 26 bands I’ve never heard of, each starting with a different letter of the alphabet

21. Start a small vegetable/herb garden from seeds, use in recipes

22. Paint the hallway - yellow with purple trim

23. Read the Bible, from beginning to end-in progress

24. Find my signature cupcake recipe

25. Help pay for a rescue animal’s medical bills

26. Organize my photos

27. Read my height in books

28. Go to see Swan Lake

29. Celebrate the spring and autumn equinox

30. Design 4 tattoos & have them done, a vine with flowers and Mike’s name on the blooms, Celtic knot, in emerald green, and two others, I’m not sure of yet

31. Dress form/duct tape double-after weight loss?? date

32. Make at least one altered book

33. Choose 10 countries and read a book by an author from each

34. Build a robot kit

35. Learn how to make Tiramisu

36. Sew 5 scrub tops

37. Buy a new window box and plant wildflowers in it

38. Make quilted piece for hall doorway

39. Buy a fondue pot and use at least once a month

40. Teach myself sign language

41. Learn to salsa dance

42. Grow an herb garden

43. Braid a rug for the kitchen in front of the sink

44. Study and research Buddhism

45. Learn how to do 10 one-armed push-ups in a row

46. Dye my hair red again

47. Go to a crochet/knitting group

48. Be so flexible I can do a split-again

49. Identify 101 things that bring me joy

50. Go through my Photoshop manual and learn 10 cool tricks

51. Build up a 3 month emergency fund in savings

52. Go to see a play/musical/ballet

53. Knit socks

54. Make a bra and panty set

55. Learn Pilates

56. Buy/learn to use portable GPS

57. Geocache/Go geocaching at least 6 times before last 101 Day

58. Get better acquainted with all the bells and whistles on my digital camera

59. Make bears/bear clothes

60. Build a 1/12 scale miniature house, and begin to furnish it

61. Take my vitamins every day for a month

62. Retire the old family decorations and make a collection of handmade ornaments for the Christmas tree

63. Have professional photo taken

64. Build a cigar box purse

65. Re-learn to read music

66. Re-learn to play the keyboard and practice at least one song every day for two weeks

67. Needle point pillow cases

68. Get a spray tan

69. Make a pie on Pi day-3-14-2012

70. Buy a weaving loom

71. Make paper

72. Make new curtains for the dining room

73. Install or build a fire pit in the backyard

74. Paint a scene of the beach under the full moon light

75. Watch the Wizard of Oz while playing Dark Side of the Moon

76. Have a Jell-O shot

77. Get a Nativity Set

78. Add 100 new words to my vocabulary

79. Plant roses in back yard

80. Make bath bombs

81. Re-start Weight Watchers-Lose 5 pounds a month for 15 months

82. Make homemade marshmallows and roast over fire pit, make s’mores

 
83. Become Microsoft Office certified

84. Cook barbecued/smoked ribs on the grill

85. Find a great red dress and a great black dress and buy them (or make them)

86. Take a firearms course

87. Say I love you in 10 languages-in progress (5-10)

88. Make a list of 101 quotes that inspire me

89. Take a photo every day for a month

90. Go to Christmas Mass

91. Make a sweet corn salsa

92. Re-decorate the bathroom

93. Stretch every morning for a month

94. Decorate for Christmas-with the Victorian decorations.

95. Make a no flour chocolate cake

96. Re-learn French and to properly swear, to increase my French vocabulary, learn a new word or phrase each week.

97. Build a pinhole camera

98. Go to Las Vegas

99. Listen to and learn about Cuban music

100. Find a personally inspirational quote and work it into a piece of art or home decor

101. Make 5 pairs of sleep pants or shorts

102. Watch 26 movies I've never seen starting with each letter of the Alphabet

103. Build a piece of furniture

104. Document accomplishing each thing (photo or journaling)

105. On Day 1001, make a new list

As is my custom, there are 105 things on my list of 101 things LOL

My Week in a Nutshell

Looking for a full-time job.
Going to Walmart for dog supplies, lots of flippie chips and pig sticks!  LOL
Checking out Walgreens for Sinful Colors nail polish, it's 99¢ this week.  There are some beautiful colors!
Sewing and knitting for a few minutes each day.  I'll finish the knit top today.  I just have to hem the neckline.
Watching a few favorite TV shows while I ride my stationary bike.  Continue training for the 5k walk Weight Watchers is having in May.
I think I'll work on my 101 Things too.  I haven't done much work on the list lately.

Boo Hiss LOL

Well, the Saints let the Bucs win yesterday. Quite frankly, I AM disappointed. The Saints should have won that game. Garrett Hartley should have made that 37-yard field-goal. But no one can blame him for the lost game. You play as a team, win as a team and lose as a team.

This week I'll be:
1. knitting
2. listening to the new Adam Lambert CD (Am I the only one who is disappointed he will not be on ABC's New Year's Rockin' Eve?)
3. reading The Vein of Gold: A Journey to Your Creative Heart by Julia Cameron
4. AND waiting for the apple to drop in Times Square!


I'm trying to make a few changes to my blog for the new year. Just a few sutble changes. You'll notice my signature line will be changed due to changing my name. Several of my friends call me Tesla, due to my obsession with Nikola Tesla. So I thought what better way to honor him, and all his contributions to society. (I'll elaborate on him in a later post. I recommend reading Tesla: Man Out of Time by Margaret Cheney.) I think Tesla will better suit the person I have become over the past year. I'll also change my divider to pink lips. I love these lips! LOL It's in honor of my love of make-up and beauty.

Through out the holiday season I've had music on this blog. Now, I LOVE music, as I've posted about in the past. The latest playlist was several versions of Auld Lang Syne I enjoyed. While making the changes on my blog, I would click back and forth testing and it finally just started getting my last nerve, so I just deleted the play list. I'm sure it will be less annoying to the few very nice people who read my blog. Each and every one of you is appreciated very much.

This is the time of year that most people get nostalgic. Thinking back over the past year, remembering the highlights, births, deaths, and other things in the news. I always intensely dislike when the news runs a list of everyone who has died. It's just so very sad. It also reminds me of people who we hold dear in out hearts but no longer have contact with. Co-workers we promised we would keep in touch with when we left the job. Teachers, fellow students etc......

This is also a time when we make resolutions for the new year. I think pretty much all of them are forgotten by March. I rarely make New Year resolutions. I do make goals thought. Some I meet, some I don't. I don't see myself as a failure if I don't meet them. They have nothing to do with my value as a person. I have my 101 Things that I work on a little at a time. Some are long term goals, some are short term goals. Some things are serious, and some are silly and fun. And some will definitely get carried over to my next 101 Things list in 2011. However, I've decided that I am going to make a few specific goals for 2010. They are:

00001. Sew a well fitting white shirt (I LOVE a white shirt with jeans or denim skirt.)
00002. Make a chainmail bracelet (I have several patterns to make a chainmail bracelet, now to decide which one to make.)
00003. Smock a dress for my "Big Girl" doll (I have a small collection of Sew Beautiful magazines I can choose a pattern/design from.)
00004. Make matching aprons for me, my "Big Girl" doll, and AG Molly (I already have the patterns for these, Simplicity 3746.
00005. Start and continue taking yoga classes (I am a member of two gyms. Surely I can get the schedule and attend the classes.)
00006. Find a hairstylist that can cut my hair the way I want it cut (I'll elaborate on this in a later post.)
00007. Make a wardrobe scrapbook (I've actually already started this.)

That should do it. Seven things to do in 12 months. Yeah, I might have enough time. LOL

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.

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

101 Things to Do in 1001 Days

I'm still slowly working on my 101 things. I've decided that there will be no traveling until all the dogs have gone to the Rainbow Bridge. The last time they had to be kenneled it was very traumatic for them. Pongo had chewed on his legs and Buddy and Bear didn't tolerate it very well either. Bear is 13-ish. She is having a difficult time getting up and walking. Sometimes she just stands facing a corner and can't figure out how to get out of it.

As far as the 101 Things...The nightwear sew-a-long will take care of item number 101...Make 4 pairs of pj's.

Number 64... Make a cigar box purse....I know what I want to decorate it with. A picture of the notorious Bettie Page or Frank Sinatra.

A lot of things are still in progress, although progress is really slow! LOL

101 Things Update

You will find my list of 101 things here.

# 17. At least once each week, read the newspaper cover to cover—Well, I’m not ever going to read the entire paper. There is a lot of items I’m just not interested in. But, I am reading more of the paper on a daily basis than I was. When I moved to Florida, I read every section every day. I just don’t have the time to do it now. I try to stay current as much as possible by reading the newspaper, watching the news, (local and national) and listening to the radio occasionally. I also get snippets of news while surfing the web. Sooo…..gonna cross this one off my list.
# 27. I going to get my DNA tested next year, by Genetree. I’m really excited to get this done. I’m eager to learn who my ancestors may have been. I do know my birth Mother’s name, and we share the same birthday, January 21st. I also know I have four half brothers. And, my adoptive Father is my cousin by birth. But, I want to know more about where my DNA originated.
# 37. My CDs have been cataloged except for the random CD that was removed from its case for listening. There are probably 4-5 in various magazines in the car/truck, stereos, and computers. Sooo….another item to cross off!
# 74. The last weekend of each month I take several hours and color and trim my hair. I also do a facial, and pedicure. I’ve been doing this for several months. I will also check this item off as completed.
I keep thinking I should be further along completing items. I just can’t seem to really get going. So many items depends on completing other items. I need to be working in order to be able to fit a lot of the things into my budget. I’m still having a difficult time finding a position with an attorney right now. I’m going to go into the nursing pool where I used to work. At least for a while. I’m not going to give up on a paralegal position though. I’m still on the list at the public defenders office.

Not much

has been happening. I'm continuing to study for the CLA exam, working out on a daily basis, and looking for a job.
I always look forward to attending my Weight Watchers meetings on Saturday mornings. The leader, Connie, is very nice. She is a lifetime member, as is all of Weight Watchers' staff. I was hoping I would lose two pounds this past week to make it 40 pounds. However, it was .4. I'll take that!
#53 on my list of 101 Things is to change my hair colour and get a new style. Last night I changed my hair colour from Ľoréal Féria
#51 Brazilian Bronze (a medium brown) to #36 Chocolate Cherry (a dark burgundy). I love this colour! I've been looking for just the right shade of red and I finally found it. The Brazilian Bronze looked red on my hair, but it wasn't red enough. I do LOVE red hair! I've decided not to change the style any time soon and keep it long.












edited to include picture
I went to Joann's for their pattern sale this morning. It was crazy, as is usual during their pattern sales. They had Simplicity and McCall's on sale this weekend. I got Simplicity 3684. I love white blouses with jeans. There were other patterns I wanted, but didn't have time to check the catalogs, and I didn't have my wishbook with me. I did get the new issue of Martha Pullen's Sew Beautiful magazine. I love this magazine and the childrens clothes. Although I think it's a little unrealistic for most children to dress like this, even for "dress-up". Because I don't have any young children in my life I'm planning (it's on my never ending list of things to do) to use these lovely patterns to sew for my much loved size two walker doll and my preemie baby doll.

I've been sewing a pair of boxers for Walt. He got fabric with the Dale Earnhardt logo on it and the number 3. He was a huge fan. Now he's a fan of D. E. Junior. I am still in the dreaming and planning stage for myself. Stacy and Clinton from TLC's What Not to Wear say that you should dress the body you have, not the one you want. But I don't want to spend a lot of time fitting clothes to a body that is ever changing. I still have about 35 pounds before I get to goal weight. Until then, I'll just spend a few dollars to get a small but functional wardrobe. Burda World of Fashion has gorgeous patterns every month. Two that I love, are this dress (even though I'm not a "tall") from the November issue and this top, although not in this color, from the October issue.

Today

I received my Diploma of Paralegal Studies from Florida Career College along with my final grades. I graduated with a 3.97. Not the 4.0 that was my goal, but not too shabby either. Now to get that coveted CLA certification. I also plan to get a specialized certification and a Florida certification. After the first of the year I will start working for my RN degree. I will allow myself one year to complete that.

101 Things: #2…As for my SWAP. I have a clearer picture of what I want to sew and wear. I don’t want to actually sew something until I am much closer to my goal weight. I’d love to be able to take advantage of the beautiful autumn colors this year. Especially since I don’t have to wear a uniform to work.

Your Power Element is Water

Your power colors: blue and aqua Your energy: deep Your season: winter Like the ocean, you evoke deep feelings and passion. You have an emotional, sensitive, and spiritual soul. A bit mysterious, you tend to be quiet when you are working out a problem. You need your alone time, so that you can think and dream.

What's Your Power Element?

Graphics and other things

Yesterday, after my WW meeting I went to Joann's Fabrics. Nothing was calling to me so I went to Barnes and Noble. My instructor, Paula, told the class that The Elements of Style would help with the communications part of the CLA exam.

I also got Photoshop Creative, a magazine on how to work with Adobe Photoshop. This is a powerful graphics program in which you can do almost anything.

Many of the digital scrapbookers use Photoshop. Many write tutorials so others can obtain similar results for themselves. Many scrappers also share freely their hard work in the form of "papers" and "elements" so that other scrappers WON'T have to do it for themselves. I am very appreciative of all their work. I tried to use a couple of the tutorials, adapting them for PaintShop Pro XI without much success. I haven't done any of the tutorials from their website or read any books about "Paintshop". So, I guess I shouldn't comment. LOL Actually, I think there aren't as many as for Photoshop. I do like Snapfire though. I have an early edition of Elements I like too. Perhaps I should just "dig-in" and study the Paintshop tutorials and search out Paintshop books, rather than lusting for an expensive graphics program......naaahhh, I think I'll just lust a while. LOL

Tomorrow is the day for my interview. I am more anxious the closer it gets. I found out last Thursday that I must have an externship by the end of this week. Something about putting it into the computer. So I'm feeling the pressure to do well with this interview. I hope the attorney will make a decision on the spot, although I know that isn't usually how things work.

On the crafty side of my life, I have picked through my fat quarters and chose some fabrics to make a couple of mats for the dogs' water bowl. They leave drools on the floor every time they get a drink, and with three dogs that is a lot of drool! Their old mat is in tatters. I also was finally able to print a proper sized heart for the Chain of Hearts Yahoo group. I'll be looking through my stash to see what I have appropriate for CQing. I'm still trying to find the silhouette of my son from when he was a child. I want to do it in cross-stitch. I have no idea which container I packed it in.

Lest I forget, I ordered from fabric from Anne's Gorgeous Things. I am going to make a "Stacy Top". This top is nicer looking than the one from Macy's! I tried to post a link, to the exact fabric, but I think she has sold out. There was only 19 yards left after I ordered.

101 Things Update
Friday I had a massage before my appointment with Dr Weller. I see her about once a month to be adjusted. Makes all the difference between walking upright and crawling. LOL It was wonderful! I haven't had one in such a long time. It was very relaxing. I had my eyes checked about three weeks ago and got new glasses. I'm going on Wednesday to order my colored (brown)contact lens. I have an appointment on Tuesday to have my nails done.

Making Soap

After my Weight Watchers meeting this morning, (I maintained, it's better than gaining!)I went to Central Art Supply. I browsed for a while then saw some very pretty orgami paper. I got a pack of wavy striped papers. I have been doing some simple origami, but I figured I could use the papers for digital scrapping or for some greeting cards I'm planning on making later. I will be returning to that store with list in hand to get water color pencils, gesso and numerous other things for altered art.

I have to admit that I went to Tijuana Flats for lunch. The food there is amazing and I love the hot sauces. I especially like the one called "Slap My Sweet Ass and Call Me Sally." It's a sweet not hot sauce and I like to have it with the chimichanga. Yes, I blow all of my weekly points here. But, it's THAT GOOD! I don't mind not having the extra points during the week.

When I got home, I got out the kit for soap making and got started on that. Here is a pic of the items in the kit.

It didn't take very long. It was a learning experience.





Here are the soaps in the mold.









I think they came out rather nicely considering it's my first time.
Here are pics of the liquid soap and the bars wrapped in clear plastic.
















Things I need to do differently next time. I think I left them in the mold too long because they were very difficult to get out. I also had a lot of bubbles on two of the bars, maybe I poured them too fast? And I need to remember that the bottom of the mold is the top of the soap and place the flowers or whatever appropriately. All in all I had a nice time and will definitely be doing it again with other materials, additives, fragrances, colors and packaging.


Number 80 on my 101 Things list is half completed. I need to make bath bombs in order to be able to completely check it off as completed.

101 Things List

I have put my 101 Things list on the sidebar again. It seems like
a tight fit, but it's handier to have it on the side to edit. I have
made a separate Word document with specific steps I need to do
to accomplish each task. I might even put dates as to when each
specific step is to be accomplished.

knitting, 101 Things #5

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!








101 Things #5 was to learn to knit and knit a scarf. Today I completed my cute simple scarf. Lion's Brand Suede denim color. I made it a little wider and a little longer. I LOVE it! I'm not sure what to knit next. I don't want to do another scarf, but I don't think my skills are up to a top or sweater. I suppose I could do a shawl or something simple. I've thought about making a little blanket for one of my dolls. I'm a few projects away from making sweaters for my dolls.

My trip to Joann's Fabrics wasn't as fruitful as I'd hoped it would be.
I considered getting 4986, but, in the end, decided not to get it. I might change my mind if I see any good reviews on Pattern Review. I got two patterns, Buttericks 5006-I'll use it to make some cute totes and storage for my knitting needles and notions-and 4464, a jacket, sleeveless top, and skirt pattern.

I then went to Barnes and Noble. I got two "Dummies" books. I LOVE those books!! I probably have 25-30 of them on various subjects...sports, music, mathematics etc...

101 Things Update

You can see my entire list of 101 Things here.


#1 was to graduate from the paralegal course with a 4.0. Unfortunately, I got an A- in constitutional law, and that dropped me to a 3.97. I was taking that class during my last few weeks of work and didn't have time to study as much as I wanted, and my grades suffered because of it.

#2 SWAP storyboard, and sew all items...I'm still in the planning stage of this. I have several patterns that I'll be using. I'm always on the lookout for fabric also. I'm not going to sew anything until I have reached my goal weight. That's a few months away, unless I really get crackin' as my Dad used to say.

#5 I'm on my way to learn to knit, I have completed one project, my gray bag, that can be seen here. Today I got a beautiful demin colored "suede" yarn to make this scarf, and Sensations Beautiful in lt blue to make a doll sweater. The color isn't as vibrant as in the picture. It's much more beautiful. I still have to get size 50 needles though. I might try to make my own out of a dowel, if I can find one big enough. I saw it done on DIY's Knitty Gritty.

#14 on my list of 101 Things is to collect all 50 U.S. State Quarters. So far, I have 38 of them. I'll be on the lookout for the rest of them as they are minted.

#19 I've been working a crossword puzzle daily for the past two weeks. I didn't do one yesterday, so I did two today to make up for it. I have a stash of them, so I always have some handy to work on.

#20 I've discontinued several of my magazine subscriptions. I plan on reading and clipping articles next weekend and get rid of the stash of magazines I don't want to keep.

#21 I probably should have started my veggie garden already, but haven't gotten any seeds or starter plants. Maybe, I'll do that next weekend too. I tried growing tomatoes outdoors here, but that didn't work out for me. I'll just try to grow these in containers.

#24 Monday I'm going to call and make an appointment to get my eyes checked. I need new glasses and I might as well go ahead and get the contacts then. I'm still not sure if I'll get vision correction or not. But in a week or two, I can have brown eyes when I want them! LOL

#33 I have a bracelet that I made last year, but the stones keep popping out. I'm going to check Fire Mountain Gems to see if they sell some sort of glue I can use to keep them in place. when I order it, I will also order other things I need to make a few more bracelets. I love bracelets!

#34 I carved a jack o'lantern for Halloween. The pic of "The Shriek" can be seen here.

#39 Flylady....that's a difficult one. I have always had my own routines in place, so I was attracted to her way of doing things. But there are things I don't agree with also. I do have a lot of figurines and books. I keep most of the figurines packed safely away and rotate them every month or so.

#43 I'm not so sure now if I want to make a braided rug for the kitchen or make a knitted one from strips of fabric. Or, I could make both! They both would be cute.

#58 I'm still learning about my camera. Got a lot to learn!

#68 & 69 Wardrobe, again. Fill in the gaps I have in my wardrobe to make sure I have an outfit for each "life" occasion i.e. a new career, (can't wear scrubs forever!) dinner's out to a nice restaurant, a party, a funeral, just hanging out, etc......It's just one huge gap!! LOL As I start to sew the items I will review them on Pattern Review.

#81 I'm 18 pounds into a 75 pound weight loss. Five pounds a month, on target, but I need to step it up, if I'm going to be at goal weight when I graduate from the paralegal course. And, of course, my wardrobe, SWAP sewing depends on me achieving this goal first. I mean, I know I can
do it any time, but I want to have a nice co-ordinated wardrobe for my
goal weight.

#101 I can make four pairs of pj's at any time, but I will do them in
a size close to what I will wear at goal weight.

Overall, a lot of these things I'm putting off til I reach goal weight.
Some I can't do until I finish the paralegal course and start working, due
to time and money constraints. Some, are just dependent on my completing
another thing first. I have absolutely no doubts that I will complete all
these things before the end of the 1001 days on Thursday February 19, 2009!

101 Things #100

For # 100, I decided I was going to memorize a poem by Maya Angelou entitled No Loser, No Weeper.

"I hate to lose something,"
then she bent her head,
"even a dime, I wish I was dead.
I can't explain it, No more to be said.
'Cept I hate to lose something.

"I lost a doll once and cried for a week.
She could open her eyes, and do all but speak.
I believe she was took, by some doll-snatching sneak.
I tell you, I hate to lose something.

"A watch of mine once, got up and walked away.
It had twelve numbers on it and for the time of day.
I'll never forget it and all I can say
Is I really hate to lose something.

"Now if I felt that way 'bout a watch and a toy,
What you think I feel 'bout my lover-boy?
I ain't threatening you, madam, but he is my evening's joy.
And I mean I really hate to lose something."

My 101 things List

ok, I know there are 105 things on my list, but I think the extra four things are important.
(006-105)

1. Complete paralegal course with a 4.0 GPA--started 6/13/2006


2. SWAP storyboard and complete items-in progress


3. Learn to juggle


4. Visit Hawaii


5. LEARN TO KNIT, KNIT A SCARF--3/17/2007


6. Learn Spanish


7. Become more familiar with HTML-in progress


8. Create an original art self portrait


9. Complete 10 photographic projects (from previous class)


10. Travel somewhere by train (get a sleeper car)


11. Learn the location and capital of every country in the world (and
    every state in the U.S.)-in progress (10-50)


12. Learn to swim


13. Add 10 pages to my website-in progress (4-10)


14. Collect all 50 US State Quarters-in progress (38-50)


15. Make my own ATC greetings cards


16. Go ice skating


17. At least once each week, read the newspaper cover to cover


18. Go to an opera


19. Finish the crossword puzzle every day for at least a month-(20- 30)


20. Stay caught up on all of my magazines-in progress


21. Start a small vegetable/herb garden from seeds, use in recipe


22. Convert all my CDs to MP3-in progress


23. Read the Bible, from beginning to end-start in Jan


24. Get colored contact lenses


25. See Wayne Newton in concert


26. Organize my photos-in progress


27. Trace my roots


28. Go to see Swan Lake


29. Boob job-reduction


30. Get a diving certificate after I learn to swim


31. Dress form/duct tape double-after weight loss ?? August 2007


32. Make at least one altered book


33. Complete 12 pieces of jewelry-in progress (0-12)


34. CARVE PUMPKIN FOR HALLOWEEN--10/28/2006


35. Learn how to make Tiramisu


36. Start knitted garden coverlet


37. Catalog my CDs-in progress


38. Make quilted piece for hallway doorway


39. Follow Flylady--in progress


40. Learn sign language


41. Do a de-tox regimen


42. Get a professional facial


43. Braid a rug for the kitchen in front of the sink


44. Study and research Buddhism


45. PURGE/ORGANIZE MAKEUP COLLECTION--BUY UPDATED MAKEUP-3-10-2007


46. Re-learn visual basic


47. Update the household notebook with pictures and serial numbers


48. GET ON A REGULAR SLEEP SCHEDULE--10/2006


49. Start getting my nails done again


50. Go through my Photoshop Elements manual and learn cool tricks- in progress (2-19)


51. Build up a 3 month emergency fund in savings-in progress


52. Go to see a play/musical/ballet


53. Change my hair colour and style


54. Make a super hot bra and panty set


55. Learn pilates


56. Buy/learn to use portable GPS


57. Geocache/Go geocaching at least 6 times in 2007


58. Get better aquainted with all the bells and whistles on my digital camera- in progress


59. Make bears/bear clothes


60. LEARN HOW TO MAKE BUTTER CHICKEN--6/25/2006


61. Go to a Naturopath and start a new health regime


62. Make a collection of handmade ornaments for the Christmas tree


63. Have professional photo taken


64. Build a cigar box purse


65. Re-learn to read music


66. Re-learn to play the keyboard


67. PURGE CLOTHING ONCE A SEASON UNTIL ALL I HAVE LEFT IS WHAT I ACTUALLY WEAR


68. Fill in the gaps I have in my wardrobe to make sure I have an outfit for each occasion


69. Sew and review 12 articles of clothing on Pattern Review


70. Have a massage


71. Make paper


72. Clean out inside of TA for restoring


73. Install or build a firepit in the backyard


74. Monthly at home day of beauty


75. Go snow skiing


76. Have a jello shot


77. Get a magazine article published


78. Learn 50 new words-in progress (18-50)


79. Plant roses in back yard


80. Make soap/bath bombs


81. Lose 5 pounds a month for 15 months-in progress (20-75)


82. Make homemade marshmallows and roast over an open fire


83. Become Microsoft Office certified-in progress


84. Cook barbecued/smoked ribs on the grill


85. Find a great black dress and buy it (or make it)


86. Take a firearms course


87. Say I love you in 10 languages-in progress (3-10)


88. Review 12 books on Amazon-in progress (2-12)


89. Take a photo every day for a month


90. Go to Christmas Mass


91. Get a pedicure


92. Re-decorate the Bathroom


93. Make/buy a bathing suit


94. Decorate for Christmas-really decorate, with the nice stuff


95. START A ROTH IRA ACCOUNT-6/9/2006


96. Re-learn French


97. Learn to make Creme Brulee


98. Landscape front yard-in progress


99. Go for one month without complaining at work- in progress


100. Memorize a poem


101. Make 4 pairs of pj's


102. Do a mini triathlon after I learn to swim


103. Learn how to do mechanics on Mike's TA


104. Document accomplishing each thing (photo or journaling)-in progress


105. On Day 1001, make a new list

It's been a long time

since I've posted. I'm being kept busy by school. Trying to find time to study and of course I have to work. I'd love to be able to take off from work until I finish this course. I'd like to be able to spend more time reading various text books and studying for the CLA exam.

I still have the 4.0 firmly in my grasp. I'm concerned that I'm putting too much stock in having it that if I don't keep it I'll be devastated. Oh well! I'll just have to use every spare minute studying. In fact, I have had some time off since last Thursday. I used some of my time reading a book about civil law getting ready for my first class in it tomorrow night.

All my other 101 goals have been put on hold pretty much. This weekend I plan to carve a jack-o-lantern for Halloween. Then I'll start working on some of my Christmas themed goals. I do plan to attend mass this year.

I do watch Dancing with the Stars, while I walk on the treadmill or ride my stationary bile.

And I try to keep up with the Saints. They are doing great this year! Unlike a local team which shall remain nameless. LOL!