TGIF

It's Friday!! Yay. Sarah come home last night and we stayed up watching the men's ice skating. Didn't get to bed until after midnight - boy was it hard getting out of bed this morning.

My little sweetie Josephine is going to spend the night with Grandma. I can't wait. We are going out to dinner and then in the morning we are going to get up, not that I think she'll sleep late, and we are going to run down to my cross stitch store. I have something to return and I need some fabric - I can always use fabric - and I want to show her off. She is such a little doll baby.

Hope to get some stitching down this weekend....

TISSUES THAT KEEP GIVING

Well, a couple of weeks ago I did 2 loads of wash - both with a tissue left in a pocket. I keep finding shirts from loads. I did put them in the dryer some hoping that would take the tissue off - but no. I pull a shirt out and it's on the inside! I keep having to pick up bits and pieces of tissue off my carpet! Serves me right.

Went out to dinner last night with my nephew Michael who is in town visiting Jim and Mary. We all went to Victory Brewing in Downingtown and had a good meal. Josephine was so good and entertaining to everyone around. She said hi to everyone who walked by and smiled at them. She was beyond cute. I can't wait for her to spend the night tomorrow.

No stitching again last night - too busy watching the Olympics. I can't believe these athletics. The women had the downhill last night and I can't believe these women get up after tumbling down the mountain. And the snowboarders - how do you decide you are going to turn yourself upside down? They are all champions in my opinion.

ASH Wednesday

Missed getting ashes today. Oh well. Today is the start of lent. Remember when you were little you always had to give up something. Candy, fighting with your sister...you were supposed to give up something that would be a hardship. I usually still do try to give up something, or to do something. I think I'll give up salty things - chips, pretzels etc & candy. I know, I'm not supposed to be eating that stuff anyway. But I've become a little lax and need to get stricter. I don't eat chips like I use to, I use to get the size above the 99 cent size, and eat the whole thing at lunch. Then have chips again at dinner. I might only have chips once maybe twice a week now. But I still have 40 lbs I want to lose - and it's not just going to fall off. But won't that be nice.

No stitching again last night - to busy watching LOST and I can't stitch and watch LOST at the same time - I can't look down! LOL
Only half of my scissor fob to stitch and then the whitman sampler tin is done.

Half Way

Well, we are half way thru the month of February, and I think I've done pretty well with posting. I'm trying to post every day and I think I've only missed 3 or 4 days so far. Much better than my monthly average. I might continue to see if I can blog every day. It's kinda fun.

We had some snow this morning - just enough to make the roads wet and to make a mess. Nothing much accumulated. But it's supposed to stay cold - mid 30's for the week, so don't think much will melt. I was over at Joanne Fabrics in Downingtown and I swear those mounds of snow will take to May to melt. They have to be 12 feet high.

Haven't stitched much. Busy cleaning. I hate cleaning. If I clean every weekend - then I don't get to go out and play. I should try to do it every other weekend. But lets face it, it's only me. How much dirt can I bring in. But since Sarah is coming home this weekend (yay!) I thought I'd clean top to bottom. Just need to finish up in the bathrooms and dust some.

Missed

Totally missed posting on the weekend. Didn't even check my email over the weekend.

Uneventful weekend. Went to the gym, cleaned and watched the Olympics. How exciting is it to watch these wonderful athletics compete. They are so happy when the win - not matter which country it is - it brings tears to my eyes. They train so hard and 30 seconds on the slope. And it breaks your heart if they fall. These are true athletics.

Did do some stitching over the weekend. Have only half of my scissor fob left to stitch for my whitman tin and then it is done. I'm trying to find stuff in my stash that is 'almost' done and finishing them up.

I have another goal, I need to finish organizing my craft room. I know, I've been in my house 2.5 years, and it's still not done. It is so overwhelming. But I'm determined to get it done. Whenever I have to look for something - I just make a bigger mess - LOL. If I just get it organized - that would stop.

FRIDAY

You'd think I'd remember to blog on days on off work. But I think it's because my routine is so different. Didn't work on Thursday because the roads were so bad from all the recent snow. It was nice to off during the week and to get out of the house. Went to the gym and then the grocery store.
Then I went home and stitched. I am making some progress. I've been working on my whitman tin piece. I have the inside done, now I have to just do the scissor fob. Of course, then I have to assemble it. I think when this is done, I'm going to pull out a basket piece we brought from a shop in Williamsburg. We brought it so we could all stitch it together...but then something comes up and you have to stitch something else to get it done.
I think once that is done, I'm going to work on my Jeannette Douglas 'stitching treasure box' piece. I think I'm a little scared to work on that one - it's so overwhelming - but I need to just be brave and do it.

SNOWY WEDNESDAY

It's snowing again. This our 3rd major storm in 3 months. Now you're probably thinking that's not to bad..but we are getting 20+ inches of snow each time. We just had 26" on Saturday and now we are getting another 20+. We never, ever get snow like this. In fact, we broke the all time record for the most snow in a season, which had been at 65.2".
I did get my hair dyed - it looks really nice, but no one will see me today.
I am getting some stitching done.
I did take a nap....you know stitching can tire you out.
I am sick and tired of watching about the snow. All 3 major channels had it on all day. No soaps!! At least if I get a day off of work during the week, I should be able to watch my soaps.

LUCKY

You know sometimes you are just lucky? I had to walk over to the bank for work today. A whole 1/2 block away. Walk over, make deposit, walk back. Take off my coat, go to reach in my pocket for my glasses...and they are not there. Look on desk, look on floor - search all pockets in coat. Put coat back on, walk back to bank looking on the ground to make sure I didn't drop them, go into bank, no glasses there. On my way back, I'm thinking 'where the hell did they go' and I look down and right there in front of the door next to ours, lay my glasses. I swear they were not there when I walked by the firs time. How lucky am I that someone didn't step on them?

More Snow

We've gone years with hardly any snow. In December we got 26 inches or so. We've had some snows that were just a couple of inches. This past weekend we had another 28+ inches. And now they are calling for another 12+ inches for Tuesday night/Wednesday. All other 2 big snows came on the weekend - this one is coming in the middle of the week. Can you say nightmare? Where I park my car is already a disaster - I have no idea where they will put another 12+ inches of snow.

SNOW

You would think I could have remembered to blog yesterday - all I did was stay home and watch it snow. And snow it did. We got 28" plus yesterday. There is snow EVERYWHERE. Now, I stayed all day yesterday which made me really want to go out today....but I didn't. We were supposed to have a get together with my knitting group but we moved that to March 7th. I mostly was afraid we'd get up to Pottstown and the parking lot would be a mess. I'm sure street parking is a mess.

Then I could have gone to the super bowl sale at my cross stitch shop, but I really don't need anything. I'm trying to watch what I spend since I'm going to London at the end of April. And trust me, if you saw the size of my stash - I could not shop all year and be fine.

Then I thought, 'I could go to the grocery store' but I really didn't need anything since I went Friday night.

So, I just stayed home. Changed my sheets, vacuumed some, finally finished putting all the Xmas stuff away and cross stitched. I am almost finished the piece I'm working on. It by My Big Toe and it says - 'Stitching is cheaper than therapy...but not if you do it right'. So true.

Snow

Snow is coming, snow is coming. Everyone is rushing to the grocery store because you know we won't get out for days!!!!!!! LOL
I actually hope they are right, and I get up tomorrow morning and look at and just know to stay home. Love days like that.

checking

How many times do you go back and re-check something? The last thing I try to do in the morning before I go downstairs to leave for work is to check that I unplugged my curling iron. And then before I leave to get in the car to go to work - I try to check that the coffee pot is unplugged. I can't tell you how many times I am sitting in the car and thought 'did I unplug the coffee pot' and get out of the car, unlock the door to check again. Most of the time it is unplugged - but in the rush to get out the door I don't remember checking it.
I always feel it is better to take another 2 minutes to check - than to burn my house down.

LOST

The TV show LOST premiered last night. It's finally season. And in true LOST fashion had more questions than answers. But it was riveting and held my interest. Can't wait to see how they sum up all the story lines that are out there.
Some observations - Desmond was on the flight - since they 'sunk' the island in 1977 - it wasn't there for his boat to crash into in 2000 and something.
Sayid dies - but then comes back to life and doesn't know what is going on.
Juliet - dies in Sawyers arms. He forces Miles to communicate with her (he can talk to the dead) and he says she was trying to tell him 'it worked'
Kate is still on the run.
Can't wait for next week.

February

My friend Susan is going to try and do a blog post every day in February. I don't know if I have that much to say - but it is a goal to try and do it.

Today I did a load of laundry before I left for work and hung the t-shirts up on the drying rack. Guess what else I washed? A tissue!! Now I'm sure everyone has washed a tissue or 2 - I think there might have been 2 or 3 in the pocket of my sweatshirt. As I was hanging the shirts - as I was shaking them out - pieces of tissue where flying everywhere. Now I have little pieces of tissue all over the rug in my bedroom.

I guess I'm vacuuming tonite.

It's done

I can't believe I didn't post at all in December. Was a busy month with getting ready for Christmas and the marathon.

It's been 2 weeks since my 1/2 marathon. And I still can't believe I did it. I still can't think about it without getting all choked up.

We arrived in Florida on January 8th, me from Philly and Sarah, Jenny and her mom Karen coming in from Newark NJ. We meet at Disney's magical express - the we were off and running. We deposited our suitcases in the room and headed over to get our timing chips and our packets. We went to the expo where I purchased a shirt that said ' I did the 1/2 marathon'. Now, I was worried I was jinxing myself - to be honest I was scared to death. We had a dinner - the most delicious pasta at our hotel and were in bed by 9 pm. Since we had to get up at 3 am....

We got up on Saturday morning and were out to catch the bus to the race start at 4 am. It's odd when there are thousands of people milling around at that time in the morning. It was about 30 degrees and sleeting - which turned into rain. We walked to the start line where Sarah and Jenny left Karen and I and the went to their place to start - further up than us. You're standing around with a bunch of strangers - making small talk. FINALLY - our group got ready to go. Karen decided she was going run at the start - so off she went and I was by myself. My the time I crossed the start line - 52 minutes had elapsed since the first person went over.

Now, I was use to walking by myself - I just listened to my music - looked around. I was cold and it was sleeting and I'm thinking to myself - what the hell am I doing out here!! I am never going to finish. I kept going - 1 mile down....we are walking to the magic kingdom. We walk thru the park and as I'm coming out of the castle, it's mile 6 and there is a guy there saying, pick up the pace - you have to get to mile 8. That's the first cut off. Now, I'm thinking...what? As I go my mile 7 and I ask someone and I'm informed that you have to get to mile 8 by 2 hrs and 15 minutes or your done. You're put on a bus and taken back to the start/finish line. What - did I know that? I push myself because I have 16 minutes to get to mile 8 - running more than walking and I make it to mile 8 - barely. I'm thinking to myself - I'm never going to be able to do this and I start crying. That's when I met Renee - I say to her 'I can't do this' and she says yes you can - we'll walk together. She reminds me to keep my arms up and to pump them and off we go. She is from Medford NJ and I walked with her for 2 miles - I honestly don't think I would have done it if I hadn't walked with her. She kept up the pace and when we passed mile 10 we had 40 seconds to spare. I got a little ahead of her because she was talking to someone else and about at 10.5 miles I hear - 'hey Mom' and I look up and there is my daughter Sarah. She had finished and walked back to find me! Do I not have the best daughter in the world. Of course, I start crying and she is afraid I am hurt but no, I tell her I'm just cold, wet, tired and scared that I can't finish this. She says ' Mom, you are more than half way done - you can do this'. She always had confidence in me that I could do this.

Sarah keeps me going. Mile 11. She has me run some, then walk, then run again. Always keeping it positive. Mile 12 - the pace people are there and say keep going. Honestly people - do you think we can sweep someone off the course at 12 miles - we've worked so hard to get here. I had never walked more that 11.5 miles. We can see Epcot up ahead. I start crying again - I can't believe I'm actually doing this. Mile 13 is coming up and Sarah is like - we are almost done. Mile 13 now we just have .1 to go. The finish line is right ahead and everyone is starting to cry. I cross the finish line with my daughter at my side - I'm crying, she's crying and saying how proud she is of me. I can't not believe I've done it. They wrap you in a Mylar blanket and then you go and get your medal. Sarah directs me towards a lady who is putting it around your neck as opposed to just handing to you. The lady puts the medal around my neck, puts her hands and my cheeks and says' Patricia (your name is on your number) I am so proud of you and then gives me a hug. Of course, I'm crying. We go and get our pictures taken and Sarah wants me to go alone - she already had her picture taken - but I say no, I want you in it with me. So we have out picture taken - soaking wet, wrapped in a Mylar blanket but with the biggest grins on our faces. She tells me again how proud she is of me. She calls her brother and hands the phone to me so I can talk to him. He tells me he is proud of me too!! I know I'm their mom - but I have the greatest kids. And all this takes place before 10 in the morning.

We then got in line for the bus and got back to the hotel and warmed up. We had a great 3 more days in Disney. I still can't believe I did it - I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and realize that I still have to do it - that I dreamed it. But I did it.

Birthday

Today would have been my Mom's 79th birthday. Next month will be 13 years since I've lost my Mom. And I miss her as much today as I did 13 years ago. She would have LOVED being a Great Grandmother! I know she is up in heaven, probably playing bridge watching over all of us.

Happy Birthday Mom - I love you.

Creative People

I just visited a blog. I just followed the link in another blog and I'm glad I did. She is so talented. Her stitching looks great. He blog is: www.hookedonstitches.blogspot.com Right now she is having a giving away and if I post her blog on mine, I get extra chances to win the beautiful stitchers box. Every little bit helps. Anyone would be lucky to win this box.
I wish I had more time to stitch but with working it's hard. Plus with going to the gym 2 or 3 nights a week, but the time I get home, eat dinner, clean up and I'm exhausted! Starting to work on some xmas stuff. We'll see how that goes. I do have a bunch of ornaments stitched, I just have to finish them. I was going to try and do one a month, so I'd have 10 by this time - that didn't happen. Maybe I'll try to do that again next month.
Less than 2 months the the 1/2 marathon and some days I think I can do it, no problem. And then other, I think I must have been nuts to sign up. My daughter has enough faith in me for both of us, so we'll see. I just keep doing what she tells me to do. I do wish I had someone here to train with but.... I think after the 1/2 marathon I am going to pay for a couple of sessions with the trainer at the gym to work get a work out to help me. I'm afraid once the marathon passes I won't feel the incentive to go to the gym like I am now. Maybe I should find another 1/2 marathon to do - maybe in june to keep me motivated.
Go to the doctors next week, main reason is to get weighed. Plus I had blood work done. I don't weigh myself at home. I'm afraid if I do and I don't lose I'll be tempted to eat what I shouldn't. Though, I'm finding what I use to crave and sometimes still do, doesn't taste like it use too. I end up only taking a couple of bites and then not finishing it.

Thursday

I had a topic to talk about, but I forgot! The mind is a horrible thing to lose. Got my hair cut last night. It's ok, but every time I get it cut she just does something I don't like. This time it's a little too short - but then it's better to be to short and not have enough taken off. I don't go to the person I had gone to for year, I mean like 15+ years. I just can't afford a $55 plus tip hair cut right now. I do miss going to her. But that is life.

Did you know

Did you know when you lose weight your pants get longer? I'm finding that out. None of my pants were ever this long! LOL I actually had to 'cuff' the pants I'm wearing today - about 2 inches because they dragged so much. I'm debating whether I want to spend the money and get them hemmed because honestly - if I lose another 10 lbs - they are going to be too big. They are border line too big now. A good thing.

Starting to work on xmas gifts. Have to get some ornaments done and I want to make something for Doris. I think I might stitch something for Beth and Pru too. They are going to be with us for xmas this year. Hope I have enough time for all I want to stitch.

Tried starting a scarf last night and didn't like the way the pattern was going. For one thing, I was 1 stitch off - 1 too many. Will have to count my stitches and start over. :(

Sunny Monday

I can't believe it's 10/26 and in 4 days my granddaughter will be 1 year old. Where does the time go.
Had a busy weekend - first off I was supposed to walk 7 miles but only ended up doing 3.5 miles because it was raining and windy and even though it was 68 - I got a chill. Plus, do you know how heavy a t-shirt and sweatshirt are when they get wet? But the 3.5 miles I did do - I did great. I ended up doing at 17 minute mile!! And I'm sure I would have done the second lap even faster. I was very happy with myself.
Then I went out and ran some errands. I decided to stop at Kmart to get a case of water and a curtain rod. I decided to look at jeans and they had Riders by Lee, which I like. Since most of my jeans are too big - a nice dilemma. When you are overweight, the last thing you want to do is try on pants. So, I grab an 18 and head for the fitting rooms. I was hoping an 18 would fit and they did. I can't tell you the last time I brought size 18. It feels weird having on jeans that fit - most of my jeans I have I can take off without even undoing the zipper/snap. My daughter says you look worse in clothes that are too big for you. I am very happy the 18's fit. I love to get back down into size 12's but I'll be happy with 14's.

Just another Thursday

I love to cross stitch. I just finished my granddaughters birth sampler. I know, I know she's going to be one at the end of the month but it's done and she's going to get it for a birthday present. But I have some issues when I stitch. For one thing, my edges have to be finished. I either whip stitch around them or zig zag if I want to drag out the sewing machine. I always afraid that the fabric is going to unravel - I know silly. But I always do it.
I have had a couple of other finishes this month besides the birth sampler. I finished a Lizzie Kate 'PEACE LOVE AND A CURE'. It was her breast cancer piece from last year. Also finished LK's 'Put your big girl panties on and deal with it' - very cute. Also working on (and almost finished) I support the girls - another breast cancer piece. Since October is breast cancer awareness month, thought I'd work on those.
Going to start 2 Halloween pieces tonite - scissor fobs. One of these days I'll post some pics.

Never done this

I've never done this before but I just visit a blog - Pumpkin Patch Primitive Quilt Shoppe and she has a giveaway and to qualify you have to talk about her blog on yours. So here it is. Go to this site: www.pumpkinpatchprimitivequiltshoppe.blogspot.com and look at the Oct. 18 blog. The fabrics are absolutely beautiful. Now, chances of my name being picked are next to nothing - I never get picked. But hey, it's fun.

Monday

Well, it's Monday morning - the first Monday in October. How did it get to be October? Don't know where the time is going.
I tried on a pair of pants on Friday to wear to work - but they were too big! Also tried on a pair of jeans (my good Talbot jeans) this morning and they were too big too. Good thing - right? But what do I do with them? I do have a pile of stuff to take to good will - but I'm scared. I've been down this road before. What if I gain weight back? I did put some jeans in a drawer - just in case. I still have lots of weight to go...and what if I don't lose any more?

Training this weekend didn't got well. It hasn't for the last 2 weekends. I was supposed to walk 8.5 miles on Saturday but only did about 3. Didn't really feel good and I'm having a problem that I have to figure out. Can't talk about it but I'm sure I'll find a solution. It's just over 3 months to the 1/2 marathon and I'm really having doubts if I can do it. I have no idea what I was thinking saying I'd do it. Not having alot of confidence in myself right now after the last 2 weeks. How do I get that back?

Does anyone know how hard it is

Does anyone know how hard it is? Everything! I've been trying to lose weight since the beginning of the year. I'm not blaming anyone in particular for my weight gain - I did it to myself. (I'm sure getting divorced, moving, feeling sorry for myself didn't help). But I have been trying. My goal - well, I have a couple of goals. One of my goals is to get into Gap jeans. When Sarah was home in July, we actually bought matching pj's from Gap - and mine fit. A little tight but it was a good moment. But I want to be able to go in, pick a size and not have to pray they will fit me.

My other goal is to do a half marathon. I didn't know this was a goal of mine but it turns out it is. Which I have been working on all year. Yes, that's right, since March I have been training. This past weekend I walked 7.5 miles in 2 hours 6 minutes and 56 seconds. My daughters goal for me was 2 hours 7 min. I did it. I always try to do my walks in the time she tells me - but I never do. I think she was proud of me that I did it. I know I was proud of myself. Honestly, I can't believe I'm doing it. In March I couldn't have walked 7.5 miles much less in 2 hours and 7 minutes.

The walking has helped my weight loss. I'm in pants I haven't worn in years. I can wear a pair of pants and be able to breath. But the scale isn't moving that fast. Don't you think God should know how hard I am working at this and let the weight come off? Every day I have to still talk myself out of eating something that's not good for me. The urge is still there to eat the wrong stuff. or too much stuff. Please when will it be easier?

Thursday

My son and his wife had the christening for my grand baby this past weekend. We had a beautiful day. It was fun to see my dad with his first GREAT grandchild. She went right to him and let him hold her. She was soooo good that day. I can't believe in 6 weeks we will be celebrating her first birthday - where does the time go.

I think I'm going to try and have her birth sampler done for her first birthday. Just too much other stuff going on to get it done. And now Christmas is coming....I have to get stitching for that.

I did finish a couple of things. I made my sister Mary and my BFF Laurie blackbird design pin cushions. They turned out cute. I even filled them with crushed walnut shells. I also made a scissor for for them with the liberty bell on it. I meant to have them for them when they came to visit me last year...but never got around to it. They turned out adorable!
Also finished Lizzie Kate's 'peace, love and a cure'. Just have to iron it and get it in the frame. Almost done with Lizzie Kate's 'put your big girl panties on and deal with it'. So cute.

4 months

Yesterday was 4 months until my 1/2 marathon. What was I thinking. LOL I am keeping up with my training and it does seem to be getting easier walking. I actually went walking on my vacation and it was nice. I still can't believe I'll be able to do it...but I'm going to try.

Just had vacation - went to Dallas, Texas to spend some time with my sister Mary. We love cross stitch and that's what we did. I've meet some of her friends over the years, so we just get together and stitch. It was enjoyable. Made 2 new friends on facebook.

Went to see the movie Post Grad. A very cute, enjoyable movie. If you want a good laugh - go see it. It's not going to win any awards, but it was a fun movie.

I'm Famous

I'm famous - at least in my head I am. I do some finishing. Mostly for myself but I hooked up with a designer a couple of years ago and I finish her ornaments. I finish the ones that she submits to the magazine Just Cross Stitch. This year she asked me to also finish one for the Halloween issue. She was late in getting it to me, so I had to send straight to the magazine. On the slip of paper I put her name and I put my name as the finisher. I just did that so maybe my name would get to someone at the magazine. Well, they put my name in as the finisher under the directions for her ornament!! Can you believe it. I'm famous. At least for 15 minutes.

thirtysomething

thirtysomething - remember that show? They - the actors - were all on the Good Morning America today. The show went off the air 18 years ago. And 18 years ago I was a thirtysomething. So strange. Didn't we think when we were in our 30's that being 50 seemed OLD!! LOL I don't think it so old any more. Don't know why they were on TV this morning. I think the DVD set of the show is coming out.

I started a new cross stitch project. I always buy a kit/chart that donates a portion of the proceeds to breast cancer research. That is my cause so I try to help. So right now I started stitching the Lizzie Kate chart - Peace Love and a Cure. I think I'm going to put them in my bathroom. I have a couple, pink house by little house needlework, support the girls, not sure who did that one. The L*K one should stitch up quick.

I also going to start to finish the pin cushions I made for my sister Mary and friend Laurie. They are a blackbird design pattern. I stopped this weekend to buy crushed walnut shells. It's call 'lizard litter' and it comes in a 10 lb bag!! I asked the young man if they had small sized bags and he took me over and was showing other things to put in the bottom of a cage...LOL The look on his face when I said - 'I don't have an animal - I'm using it to fill pin cushions' priceless. So, with a 10 lb bag - I should set up a stand and sell some!! Have to stop at Joanne's and pick up some iron on interfacing. I keep buying it and use it and put it away - never to be seen again. I have to get in my craft room and get it organized!!

Only 8

Well, I only lost 8 lbs when I got weighed yesterday. I was pretty bummed about it but the doctor wasn't. She said 8 lost is 8 lbs I don't have any more. So I'm down a total of 35 lbs since the first of the year. The doctor said - slow and steady wins the race. If I take it off to fast - I might put it back on again.
If I'm going to be honest with myself - and isn't that the hardest thing to do - I haven't been that good this month. I could use the excuse that it is my birthday month. I've been a little lax in what I've been eating and I need to get back into the groove again. Part of the problem is I come home from the gym and I'm so hungry. I kinda pick while I'm eating dinner.
But my clothes fit me better and I have to just realize I didn't put the weight on in 6 months - it'll take more than that to take it off.

WEIGH IN -

I get weighed on Wednesday. I'm a little nervous since I haven't weighed myself since the last time I was at the doctors - which was May. I didn't have a scale at the time and by the time I got one...I was scared.
I think I've lost weight - My clothes are fitting better. I put on a pair of jeans last weekend that I could just pull up the zipper - without sucking in my gut. A month ago I could get them on, but after I pulled up the zipper I felt if I bent over - the zipper would pop open - LOL.
People tell me I look good, that I've lost weight. But when I look in the mirror I still see that fat girl.

Rainy Thursday

It is a rainy Thursday. Woke up to the rain. On the upside, I don't have to water my flowers. In fact, I think they are starting to drown. The thing about the rain in, I now park about 3 blocks from work. On most days it's a nice walk and I don't mind it. But in the rain....between carrying the umbrella, my purse, my work bag, lunch bag...to much stuff. Plus my travel mug, today I splashed coffee on my shirt and off course my shirt is white today. I did tide stick it so we'll see.
Didn't get any stitching done last night. Drama with my daughter. Her roommate has decided she wants a dog and has basically said - let me have a dog or I'm moving out. They are only 3.5 months into a 2 year lease. These girls work 8 to 10 hour days and it's not like she wants to get a tiny dog - she wants a golden retrieve/cocker spaniel mix. At 6 weeks it already weighs 20 lbs. I told her to call her bluff and tell her to move out. Or the other option is to draw up a legal paper saying the dog only stays in her room, any damage to the apt comes out of her security...etc. We'll see what happens.

Monday

Had an uneventful weekend. I brought myself a new bedspread. Kinda feel guilty because the one I have is fine but I'm just tired of it.
Also brought a sliding 2 basket unit for under my sink - of course I couldn't get it to work right. I'm taking it back to Lowe's and asking them for help. It doesn't work at like the picture. I can't get the baskets to pull out more than 3 inches. Don't know what I'm doing wrong. Hopefully they can tell me.

TGIF

2 days in a row - it'll probably rain. Not much to say. I've been stitching on gifts for my sister to bring to her when I go in September. Can't wait. Have to walk 6.5 miles this weekend - hope to do it in 1:50 minutes. Will let you know.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

My birthday was Tuesday and I was 56. OK, I said it out loud. I cannot believe that I am 56 - when did this happen?
For my birthday I flew to Chicago to spend some time with my sisters (and my Dad and Jean came in also). We had a great weekend. Sarah was also in Chicago, her and her cousin Colleen ran the Rock & Roll Chicago half marathon. Meghan (her other cousin) was also supposed to run it with them, but hurt her knee. All us girls went to mall Friday afternoon - of course we had to shop! And then had dinner Friday at PF Changs. Very good, I had never been before and LOTS of food. Saturday I got up and walked my 2 miles and then I saw my extended family. Aunts, Uncles, cousins, 2nd cousins. My Aunt Lorriane had a party her lake house. We had a great time and it was great seeing all my cousins and their kids.
Sunday I got up and 4:15 AM (I love my daughter) and was picked up at 5:30 to go down and watch my daughter run her half marathon - it was fun. Then in the afternoon we all went to my niece Colleen's and her husband Ryan, new house for a birthday party just for me!! Don't laugh - it's a big deal that if was just for me - my sister Sue's birthday is August 22 and I don't think I ever had just a birthday party just for me growing up. We always shared the party. It was a good day. I got presents and cake and cupcakes!
My actual birthday day wasn't any big deal. Worked, went to the gym and went the grocery store. Wasn't that special.

TUESDAY

We had a stitching Sunday this past weekend. It is always so much fun to have these. You get to see people you haven't seen in awhile, see what they are stitching on or what they've finished and best of all you just get to sit and stitch for HOURS.
I'm working on a blackbird design pincushion. I'm making 2 of them, one for my sister and one for my friend Laurie. I'm taking it to them when I go to Texas over Labor Day weekend.
Made a blackbird 'freebie' design for Tracey. It was of the Eiffel tower. Filled it with crushed walnut shells. Don't think if filled it full enough. I ran out of walnut shells and should have used the plastic pellets I had, but didn't think of that until after I finished it. She liked it and I totally forgot to take a picture of it. Will have to take one the next time I'm at her place.

IMAGE

How long do you think it takes to change the image of yourself in your head? I still think of myself as short and fat. I look in the mirror and to me it doesn't look like I've lost any weight. I can tell I have because pants are getting loose. I finally brought a scale - but now I'm scared to get on it. What if I haven't lost anything since I was at the doctors in May? I go to the doctors in August - so I just might wait until then. Then I could weigh myself at home - and see if there is a difference. Not all scales weigh alike.
But I continue to work out, going to the gym 4 times a week. Walking, using the weights. I continue to watch what I eat. Feel guilty when I eat something I shouldn't have.
But when does the picture in my head change? The good news is I'm wearing a blouse that I couldn't button the last time I had it on...

40 years

I can't believe it's been 40 years today since they landed on the moon. I can remember it so well. And the 4 days later on July 20, I remember watching when they walked on the moon on TV. I watched it with Brian Ansberry. We had a date and went to one of his friends house to watch. None of us could believe it, it seemed so unreal. I remember when he took me home, standing on the porch looking at the moon and thinking - there a men up there right now! How cool is that.
Thinking back on that summer brings back happy memories. Brian was my first boyfriend. He was sooooo cute and we had such a good time that summer. You know, summer love, first love. Then at the end of summer we moved to Reading PA. I wonder what he's doing these days....
Also, 10 years ago today JFK, Jr. died.

How long

I got my new car and I love it. It is definitely smaller than my old one (I've only banged my head once getting in). But it so much fun to drive.
One thing that is different, in my old car, I could program a button to open the garage door. I don't have that now - but no big deal. I just put the garage door opener in the car. But how long will it take me to remember that the opener is sitting on the console? Every time I go to close the garage door - I reach for the button that was by my rear view mirror!! LOL
I don't think I'll remember anytime soon - I still reach for the light switch that was on the right hand side of the powder room door in my old house - it's on the left now. Only lived in the house 2 years!

24

Think that might be my new lucky number. Well, I can't really say new because I don't think I really had a lucky number before. But, I brought my house on 8/24, now I brought my car on 6/24. Good things happen on the 24th day.
I love my new car. It is smaller than my old one, a GM Bravada and doesn't have all the bells and whistles the other one had - but hey, I hardly used any of those bells and whistles. One thing I will have to get use to is turning on my headlights again. Now you're thinking to yourself 'explains alot - pat drove around in the dark'...LOL But my old car had automatic lights - it got dark - they came one. I haven't turned on headlights in 7+ years. But I will adjust.
I love my new car.

ONE MORE THING

I brought a car ~ a brand new Honda CR-V. I can't believe it. My current car is 7.5 years old and is starting to have stuff go wrong. I had to fix something in May that was $850. About 10 days ago, it started acting funny and it would have been another $925 - except I said - you know, make it work. I'm trading it in.
My son thought I'd like the CR-V and I did. It drives nice - smaller than what I'm driving now - but not to small. And I've never brought a car by myself. My dad helped me pick out my first car - a white VW bug. I loved that car but my Dad, made the offer and did the paper work. Every other car since then - my ex picked out. I hardly had a say in the color. But this one - I picked out the color, went to the dealer by myself. My girlfriend Charlene's husband helped me - he use to sell Honda's - so he guided me - but I went by myself. I'm so excited. Honestly, I think the hardest part was picking out a color. I love the blue one but thought I'd go a little out of my comfort zone and pick the green tea one. But then I saw it in the rain and it looked like puke. Then they have this one called 'urban titanium' and it kinda looks like milk chocolate brown. Really pretty - but I was afraid it would look dirty all the time - plus I think it looks like a 'boy' color.
Picking it up tonite - I try and post a picture.

Learned

OK, you know how they say you learn something new everyday? Well, I did learn something today -you have to put WATER in the coffee pot to make it perk!! LOL Made coffee this morning and couldn't understand why it was perking. Then the light went on saying it was 'done'. I take the lid off to make sure I put the insides in right....and low and behold, no water. Added water, plug back in - welllla - coffee perks!!

Thursday

Not much going on this week. Have had some HORRIBLE thunderstorms and rain. Lots of rain. Kinda feeling like a duck.

On the note of thunderstorms, when I went to the gym Tuesday night, it was closed! They had lost their power - though it was on when I was there - all the TV's were on. But it was closed. And since it was rumbling, I didn't want to take a chance and take a walk. I actually missed going to the gym - who would have thought. I also didn't sleep well Tuesday night - guess I didn't use up enough energy!

Finished my birth sampler I was working on for my friends grandson. My friend Connie is coming over Saturday to help me frame it. I'll take a picture and post. Next I have to start on Josephine's - I know she's 7 months old but just haven't gotten to it. Also want to start on something for my sister and friend Laurie - a cute blackbird design pin cushion.

I'm trying

OK, I went to the gym on Saturday. I've been going at least 4 times a week. On Saturday, I wasn't in a good mood - don't know why just a little blue. Well, one of the reasons was my nephew (Robert) graduated from high school and my sister, 2 brothers and dad were going. I would have loved to go - but it wasn't in the budget. So I get blue - I miss my family. I so wish we all lived closer. I have no family close by - except my son and family. Daughter lives in NYC and is busy living her life - as it should be but sometimes I just wish I we all lived near each other.
But at the gym, I'm walking on the treadmill - and why is it I always look like I'm almost running?? Well, some young, blond, skinny girl gets on the treadmill next to me and just starts walking at 3.5!! It took me 12 minutes to get up to 3.5!! And she's just strolling along looking all cute and skinny - and I'm dripping in sweat and not looking so cute! I could have smack her. I know I've made progress, when I started at the gym it took me 30 minutes to walk a mile, now I can walk 2 miles in 35 minutes. Hold the applause to the end. I'm trying so hard but I feel like I'm not making progress. I know it took me years to put on the weight - but just wish it would come off faster.
OK - I'm done complaining - I feel better now.

time

I walked 4 miles this morning in 68 minutes! My daughter is very proud of me right now. Have to get it down to 4 miles in 60 mintues but considering 3 months ago it took me 30 minutes to just walk 1 mile - I'm making progress.

TGIF

Thank goodness it Friday. And May 29th to boot. I can't believe how fast the time is going.

Well, I went to the doctors last week - and all this excising is paying off. She scared the crap out of me in December and finally decided I needed to take control of my life again. Plus, I'm doing the 1/2 marathon next January. My numbers were 13/26 - 13 lbs in the past 3 months - a total of 26 since the beginning of the year. I was hoping for more - but the doctor said 1 lb a week is good. Plus she pointed out muscle weighs more that fat.
Blood pressure - 100/70, so she took me off my blood pressure medicine - yeah. My A1C number came down from 6.3 (borderline diabetic) to 5.8 - normal. My cholesterol and tricycerides came down too. She was very happy for me. My BMI can down 3 points too. She wants me to loose 80 lbs more!! OH MY GOODNESS! But she says i can do it. the UPSIDE is, I'm in pants I haven't worn in 2 years. I know to look at me - I don't look like I've lost weight - It's not like a skinny minnie now, but I feel good. And better yet, I feel good about myself. I feel like I have control of my life that I lost 2.5 years ago. Even though I never thought this would be my life right now - I'm happy.

Floss Away Bags

I love floss away bags. I don't know why, but usually when I'm in AC Moores or Joanne's and have a coupon - I buy a bag. With they coupon they are less than $3 a bag - you can't let a coupon go to waste, can you?
Well, I just found a box that I hadn't unpacked - ok, let's not go there. But in it I found 3 bags of floss away bags - 3 bags of 100 each. That's a total of 300!! That's not including all the ones I have in other places. So, I confess - I'm addicted to floss away bags!! What else could it be?
When a natural disaster strikes - I'm set. I have the floss away bags.

PS - I walked 3.5 miles today in 63 minutes. I have to get down to 4 miles in 60 minutes. I'm getting there.

what to say

OK, so I've done something that I never thought I'd do. I signed up to walk/run a half marathon. I know, I freaking nuts!! Sarah and her friend Jenny do a half marathon every January in Disney World. And they told their Mothers, the only way we could come was to sign up and do the marathon. Which we did. What were we thinking. I think I had chest pains after I hit submit!!! LOL
Even though my daughter tells me you can train for a half marathon in 3 months, she's started my training now. Right now my goal is not to pass out at the gym - LOL. No, my goal is to walk a 15 minute mile - 4 miles in an hour. I'm not sure I can do it, but my daughter is confident that I can. Will keep you posted on my progress.

AH Ha moment

I had a ah-ha moment this past weekend. You know when something just clicks and you go - ohhh, that's it.
I was looking at my bathroom in my house, which I've only lived in 18 months. I LOVE MY BATHROOM. I love the color - the white tiles - everything. But I was thinking, 'I wonder how long you go before you have to paint again'.... In my other house, we did re-do the kitchen, family room, all bedrooms and baths - but didn't do it again. And we lived in the house 20+ years. But then I was thinking, when I was growing up - we moved alot. Approximately every 2 years. We'd move in a house, paint and then move. So growing up, I never experienced getting tired of the look of a room and re-doing it. Does that make sense? We just moved and then would paint our new bedrooms a different color and get new bedspreads, curtains etc. My house in Happy Creek - were I lived for 21 years - was the longest I ever lived ANYWHERE - by like 18 years. LOL

what a week

The week started out nice enough. Had some girlfriends over on Sunday afternoon to stitch and we watched the EAGLES win their football game.

Monday night I started my accounting class and believe it or not, I was kinda excited. Meet my friend at Wendy's for dinner and I had diet soda, 1/4 lb single and a side salad. I know, don't fall over - no fries I had a salad. We go out to leave for class and my car DOESN'T START!! Viv takes me to class and says after class we'll call her husband and he'll come jump my car. Class went well, there are about 7 of from last semester and it was kinda cool because the teacher told the class how well Viv and I did. Back to my car, her husband meet us there at 9 and decides it not my battery but my starter. Have to leave my car at Wendy's and then arrange to have it towed to Sears in the morning.
Long story short - it was the battery. Which was new in June 07, so I called where I brought it and they said they reimburse me the whole amount - which they did. Was very surprised about that but happy.

Then my shower has been leaking and since I know pay for water, needed to get it fixed. Called Mattaioni's in Downingtown and they came out. Very nice, fixed my shower and checked all my toilets and sinks for leaks - all is well. That only cost $180

And my garage door opener is acting strange. It wasn't working right - the only way I could close it was to hold the button in the garage. Then my brother Joe fixed it, and then Fred fixed it and it was working fine but this morning I could not get it to close from the car!!!!!!!! But then it is line 15 degrees out there. I'm hoping it's just the cold and not that I need a new garage door opener. I'll give it a couple of days. and see what happens when it warms up some.

Have a nice day.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I can't believe it's 2009!! Where does the time go. So much has happened in the last couple of months.
I finished my first college class (in 35 years) with an A. I start my next class on January 12. Don't know how far I'm going to go with taking classes but for right now, I'm enjoying myself.
I hope to be more organized this year and blog more. Not a good start by not blogging until Jan 7!! LOL But we'll see how it goes.
I had bought a new computer in August and both my kids tried to talk me into getting a lap top, which I resisted and did do. Now I'm kinda regretting that decision - but I'll never tell my kids. It would be so easy to sit at night with the computer on my lap doing what I wanted to do instead of going downstairs to where the computer is.
Finished most of what I wanted to stitch for Christmas. Now I want to finish up some projects that I have started. That it what I'm going to work on this month.
Until next time -

First Thanksgiving

Here is Josephine on her first Thanksgiving. OK, I know I'm a little biased, but honestly, isn't she the most beautiful baby!! We had a great day until about 7:30 when she decided she'd had enough.

99

No, my post isn't about Agent 99, which is the only thing I could think of looking at the number 99. No, 99 is what I got on my first test in accounting class I am taking!! I worked very hard on it. It's been 35 years since I've taken any type of test. Class is going well. I really like accounting - the fact that everything has to balance. Next test is Nov. 3

Not much new on the cross stitching front. Too much I want to get done and not enough time. I'm working right now on my granddaughters Xmas stocking. She is due on Oct 28 and the cut off for getting something finished is Nov 1. We are cutting it close. But I guess she'll come when she decides too. If it's after Nov 1, she'll just get her stocking a little late.
I also have 4 other things I want to stitch. One is for my Dad and my sister Mary - it says FAMILY and underneath it says 'always, forever, no matter what'. Which is how my family is. Then I want to make this piece for Mary's mom and me - 'what happens at Grandma's house, stays at Grandma's!!'. Thought it was a good one to make this year.

In School

Well, I went back to school. I'm taking a class at Immaculata University. Right now it's just 1 class and I don't know how many I'll take. I'd love to get by BA but we'll see. If I do, can I have a party for graduation!!
But it's hard. I'm taking accounting 1. I am enjoying the class. I have to make time for homework now and in the process my cross stitch is suffering. But it's not forever and I'll get better at this studying thing.

Only 6 weeks until my grand baby gets here. All is going well on that front. Mary feels good and I can't wait. I think I already said it was going to be a girl - how exciting. It's strange to think that my son is old enough to be a Daddy and I think he is going to be a very good one. I have picked out the birth sampler I want to make and also I have to get working on her xmas stocking. I'd like to get it done so all I have to do is add her name after she is born and then get to the finisher so I can give it to her xmas eve.

What to do

OK, In 7 days, I will be in my townhouse for a year. Can you believe it. And my goal is to be totally unpacked by then. Also, my Dad is coming September 6th, and I know if he sees boxes unpacked he'll say, 'if you haven't used it in a year - you don't need it. Throw it away'. Well, forget the argument that I should have been unpacked by now, I know that. But what I did unpack this weekend was mostly my 'collections' of stuff ~ ceramic teddy bears, baskets, cross stitch stuff, and did I mention teddy bears, stuffed and ceramic. LOL

I collect bells. Honestly, I haven't brought any lately because I didn't know where I was going to put the f.....ing things. LOL My first bell is from 1969, I don't remember where I got it. Yes, I did put a little sticker inside with the date on it and who gave it to me. I have bells from friends who traveled, my siblings, my Mom & Dad and of course all the bells I brought when I/we were somewhere. It was a good thing to collect. So, I thought it was a good time to go thru them. I should have done it when I packed them up a year ago but wasn't ready then. I'm not keeping any my ex in laws gave me or my ex brother in law (unless they were really cool. but lets face it, most are just white ceramic bells with the name of the place stamped on it) or my ex. I am keeping the ones my Mom and Dad gave me, ones we got on our family vacations and bring back happy memories. Lets face it - I was married for 28 years. But what do you do with bells you don't want. I don't think there is a big call for a bell from IOWA to try selling them on ebay. LOL. Do you give them to good will/salvation army? And then let them throw them away so you don't feel guilty doing it?

Happy Birthday to me

It was my birthday on Monday and I was 55!! I have no idea how this happened. It has been an interesting year. A year on my own, with my own house and doing all things you have to do. I found out I can do things for my self. I anchored my corner cabinet to the way, I put the knobs on my bathroom cabinets and I changed the handle on my toilet when the old one broke. ALL BY MYSELF!!

I also want to say I have wonderful friends who remembered me on my birthday. It is so much fun to open the mail box and have birthday cards from people. They made my day and I appreciate it more than I can say.

And for my birthday, I brought myself a new computer complete with a new printer and monitor. Now granted my son found it for me to buy - but hey, I ordered it!! LOL

CAN'T BELIEVE IT

Had a call from my son this afternoon. I had sent out the baby shower invites saying it was a girl and I asked him if he wanted to call his Grandmother and tell her. He said no, he had told his Dad.
Well, she didn't know and did she not say 'oh well, you'll have to try again to get a boy'!! I can't believe she said that too him. Not congratulations, not a healthy baby is what is important. No, she starts in on him how he has to have a boy to carry on the name. I could smack her. Sarah went thru her life knowing that Jimmy was the 'favorite' because he was a boy. She never learns.

This and that

I went for the creative name. I'm trying to better about this posting to the blog stuff.
This week has been uneventful. I've been working on a baby sampler for Nola - isn't that a beautiful name. She as born in January to my girl friends daughter and I really need to get it done. I also have to finish a wedding gift and another baby thing.
I've started the wedding sampler. It's for Lauren, Evelyn's daughter. When I should her it to her at the reception, she got tears in her eyes and said' this is what my Mom would have done for me'. Which is why I did it. So, I need to get that done. I also want to do this little baby sampler for Tommy - a grandson of another friend. He was just born 2.5 weeks ago. It's only 6 x 6 and it's the alphabet done in 1 color with the baby's name on it. Should work up quickly.
I won't even start to list what I want to make for my grand baby. We are in the mist of planing Mary's shower. It's Sept. 6 and the invites are out. They are so cute. Now to plan the food.

Long time

Sorry it's been such a long time since I posted. We had the wedding for my niece last weekend and a good time was had by all. It was so much fun to see all the nieces and nephews - old and young - out on the dance floor. We were having a discussion about being on face book and how none of us 'aunts' can join it - or more to the point, none of our children, nieces, nephews will be our friends!! Then I told them I had a blog and I think I shocked them. They are like - you have a blog!! LOL Told them it was just about cross stitch, crochet and my life - yawn - boring.
I will try to put a picture up this weekend. My niece loved the Christmas stockings I did for them.
Now on to the next event - which is really 2. My sister Mary and her friend Laurie are coming labor day weekend. We are going to HAVE SO MUCH FUN. Then the next weekend I'm having a baby shower for my DIL. Ordered the invites not just have to plan the menu. I'm thinking a fruit tray, veggie tray, some finger sandwiches..etc.
I have to get busy and finish the baby bib I got - pink. Did I mention, they are having a girl.

Awhile

It's been awhile since I've been on - so a little catch up is in order. Been a couple of busy weeks for me. I've been to NYC twice, I've been to Chicago, Ocean City MD, 3 showers and 1 wedding and another shower coming up next weekend.
I went to a cross stitch retreat weekend the first weekend in May. My friend Tracey grab her ez-pass so we didn't have to stop and pay tolls. Well, news flash - you can't use someone else's ez-pass in your car - so the $4 in tolls we would have paid - could cost $104!! - that's $100 in fines. I received the first set of fines for the trip down first - I wrote a letter explaining what we did and to please accept my apology and my promise that I wouldn't do it again and just wrote the check for the tolls. I just noticed this morning that they cashed those checks - so keep your fingers crossed they won't be sending me a letter asking for the $50 in fines.
More later

End of April

Went out to dinner with my son and his wife last night. Only went to Red Robin - very good wings. But as I was sitting there, I saw a man walk in who looked so much like my cousin Paul, that I started to get up and my son was like - where are you going? And I said that guy over there looks like my cousin Pauly and I'm going over to say hi. My son proceeded then to say your cousin lives in Chicago and how could it be him. It really freaked me out - he looked so much like him. I think tonite when I get home, I'm going to look up his phone number and call him.

After dinner I came home and put my pj's on and sat down to stitch and watch Dancing with the Stars. I'm making progress on my project - I need it done by this weekend so I can drop at the framers. The wedding is May 11. I love Dancing - was sorry to Shannon go - but hey, someone had to. I really like Kristy but Marisa is doing such a fine job too. I just think it would be nice if a girl won this time.

I have my stitching weekend is this upcoming weekend. It is always so much fun to go away and be with people who as 'sick' as you are!! LOL

OLD

I was watching Good Morning America today and they wished Shirley Temple Happy Birthday. Now can anyone guess how old Shirley Temple is??? 80 - now don't we all feel old. I guess because she's in my memory as the little girl singing the 'good ship lollipop' that you don't think about hold she really is. She is such a part of my childhood along with Haley Mills - Parent Trap, Pollyanna - I love her movies too. Such a sweet innocent time. I think we need times like that again.

Do these sheos make my ankles look fat?

Since we are having some major spring days here, I decided to wear a pair of Capri's. I never know what to wear on my feet this early in the season because I can't do sandals yet, haven't gotten my summer pedicure yet. So I'm wearing a pair of slip on sketchers. But honest, they make my ankles look fat. How sad is that. Even though it is the first time I'm wearing them, they are comfortable.
Not a very productive week for stitching. Monday and Tuesday nights, I was so tired, I just sat there and watched TV. I hate when I do that. Wednesday night I forced myself to stitch and felt so much better. It kinda lifts the tiredness. So, my goal next week is to stitch at least 1 hour every night. I'll let you know how that goes.
Tomorrow I go to NYC to see Sarah :) We are going to take the 'sex in the city' movie tour. Should be alot of fun and I plan on taking pictures. So I'll try to post some next week. The only downside is that I have to get up at 6:30 and leave by 8:30. Now, it's not like I sleep really late on Saturdays - but I don't like to have to get out of the house early on Saturday. I like to lounge around. But to see my daughter - I'll get up early!!

TAX DAY

Today is tax day - and I had to write the biggest check I've every had to write. Being that I owe so much, I really should be living better - LOL We (my accountant and I) filed an extension, so hopefully when it is all said and done, I won't owe to much more.
Hope Uncle Sam was nicer to you.

Long couple of days

I need to feel sorry for myself..... It was a long weekend and I don't feel like I got anything accomplished. First off, I worked downstairs in my 'craft room' for 2 hours and it doesn't look like I did anything. I swear - if I say I need a new chart, kit, project, please SLAMMED UPSIDE MY HEAD. I have so many projects but when I look at them, I love the all. I unpacked 6 boxes and it doesn't look like I did anything. I know - it looks worse before it looks better.
Then I ran some errands and ended at the grocery store. I finally got home, the was a message from my accountant. Called him at 6:45 figuring I'd get his voice message and he answered. He then proceeded to give me the BAD news that I owe BIG TIME!! I got all upset but then calmed down because I realized that I had the money to pay the taxes and hopefully this year would be better. Also to get the divorce done - I signed off on the house. Basically saying that he could claim all the interest because he was the one paying the mortgage. Now I'm mad that I did that - it was just as much my house. but what ever.
Then I go to bed and I have a red raw rash on my legs about where the top of my socks were. Doesn't itch or anything - just looking UGLY. I go to bed and pray Sunday will be better.
Get up Sunday and I have a bridal shower to go to. Pick up my girlfriend Eileen and as we are walking out of her house, my heel gets caught on the door jam - and you see where I'm going with this - I fall flat on my face on the garage floor. When I felt myself falling and realized I couldn't recover, I helped myself fall - so I didn't hit the floor hard. Of course, I start crying, my girlfriend is trying to see if I'm ok before she starts laughing - which I was. Then we have to go back in the house so she can clean me up and when I look in the mirror, I realize I forgot to put my blush/powder on and my eyebrows. I look very pale.
Had a lovely time at the shower - seriously I did. And my girlfriends and I picked out a date for us to get together. This group of friends are my first original stitching group. We started getting together when Sarah was in nursery school!! She was 4 then and now she's 25. 21 years. We've let it fall apart the last couple of years, but I think we need to get it back together. I miss them.

Sunny Today

It finally looks like it's spring out. I am so tired of wearing sweaters and winter stuff. I've been trying to wear just long sleeve stuff.
I have to go on a diet. OK, I've said it out loud. I've just let it slide during the winter - and now I have to pay the piper. Let's just hope I don't eat the piper. My first goal was to stop eating after dinner and so far I've been good about not eating after dinner. I was getting into a bad habit of snacking while watching TV. Now I'm trying not to. I need to push myself to get out and start walking. I have good intentions of doing it but then I get home and I'm just tired after working all day. I know I'll feel better if I do - maybe next week.
I also decided I'm packing away my flannel pj's. It's April for goodness sakes. Going to put them away this weekend. I'm also going to wash my sweaters and pack them away for the year. I'm going to will spring here whether it likes it or not.
I finished stitching my easter/spring eggs - to bad Easter was so early this year. I have most of the stuff to 'finish' them - just have to get some yellow fabric and ribbon. I've been putting off starting a birth sampler for a friends daughter. Don't know why - the baby was born in October. I have so many things I want to make right now for people.
I have a wedding in May - would like to make them the Lizzie Kate - 'and two shall be 1'.
I have to make 2 xmas stockings for my niece, she gets married in July.
I have the family graph I want to make for my Dad for his 80th birthday in June.
I still 'owe' my girlfriends son a wedding sampler. We didn't go to the wedding but I still want to make him something. I made something for his 2 siblings. His first wedding anniversary is in July - that's my goal.
I need to finish a baby sampler
And I'll need to do another one - but the baby isn't due until July and we don't know what it is. so, I either have to do a gender neutral one or wait.
At this time - waiting looks good.
I also have some stuff I'm trying to crochet - I have a baby blanket I need to finish. My friends daughter is having a baby - any day now - and I hope to give it to her. I just hope it's a girl because it really is more girly looking. I'm also starting one that is more boy looking. Better get working on it because since it's not done - she's definitely going to have a boy - LOL

I confess......

I love candles. I love to burn them all over my house. On Sunday, I had some friends over and I lit candles. I had one burning in the powder room. And I forgot about it. Not to make excuses, but the door was closed. OK, let me explain. In my old house, my powder room had a pocket door - so it was always open. Which was good because it was a tiny powder room. My new house has a regular door. I totally forgot I had a candle in there until I went in there MONDAY night. Of course by then the candle was out - it ran out of candle stuff. LOL I have no idea how long that candle burned....I guess I should be thankful I didn't burn my house down.

TGIF

Had a great Easter last weekend. Sarah came home Friday night and on Saturday we got up and went up to Reading PA so Sarah could run in the Mt. Penn 15K Trail Run. These runs are alot of fun and I always meet the most interesting people. As we are leaving we 'kinda' saw white stuff falling from the sky and we are like - it can't be snowing!! Well, the closer we got to Reading - the more 'white' stuff came out of the sky!! It didn't snow long - but the ground was all white. She had a fun run - if you could call it that. It was thru the woods, thru the water, over the the hill - to grandmothers house we go - but you had to run looking down so you didn't trip over roots. But she did it.

Then we had lunch with Sandi. Sandi was my neighbor when I was in high school and has stayed close to the family. She is the one I go to when I need a 'mom' and she is my kids adopted grandma. It was nice. She is also very excited to be a great grandma.

Then we went to BIG LOTS - I love BIG LOTS. I got a table, 4 chairs, umbrella/stand for my deck. They are so cute (well as cute as a table and chairs can be!!). I also got 2 patio chairs - all for $217!! I'd been looking and everything I found was like $400 and that was at target. I figure even if I only get 5 year out of this set - it was worth the money.

First day of Spring

Hard to imagine today is the first day of Spring. I don't feel like we really had a Winter.
Been cleaning and organizing the house. I think the pink and green rooms are done. Except for getting the desk and chair for the pink room and putting the computer in there. But I have to get up to IKEA and get the desk and chair. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks. I think the rooms look nice. Been also working in the basement trying to get that organized. It seems the more I unpack - the more unorganized it gets!! I was looking for Easter decorations last night and can't find 2 bunnies I know I wouldn't have gotten rid of. Must have been packed in a different box - I'll try looking tonite again.
Sarah comes homes this weekend for Easter!! I can't wait to spend some time with her. On Saturday we are going up to Reading so she can run in the Mt. Penn 15K Mudfest. Should be fun. Then we are going to visit Sandi (family friend) and have lunch with her. There is also a BIG LOTS up there and I want to go look and see what kine of outside furniture they have. I need a table/chairs for the deck. Also want to show Sarah a chair in Macy's I'm thinking of ordering for the living room. I so miss my recliner...I need to get one.
We are having Easter dinner over at Jim's and Mary's house. I'm bringing the ham and I don't know what else. Guess I should talk to him and find out. Should be a nice day.

Why should it hurt

I talked to a girlfriend today. I'm going to her daughters baby shower on Sunday. Andwhile we were talking I asked her how her nephews wedding was because I couldn't go. It was February 23 and I had made plans with my girlfriends way back in September to have a stitching day.
They were inviting me and not Ed (the grooms mom has her own issues with Ed) and I couldn't handle being some place where he was. Sitting at the same table with our friends - or they'd have to split the group and some sit here with me and some over there with him. I sent in my regrets and when I did that my friends husband felt guilty and invited Ed.
Now my girlfriend this morning told me he came with a DATE. She said they all sat at the same table and she was on the other side so she didn't really talk to her but said she felt like she was betraying me if she did talk to her. Now, I have no interest in him - so why should it hurt. Honestly - I can't f...ing believe he took a date to something with all our friends. But then he is nothing if not selfish - he actually said to one of them that he couldn't think of the grooms siblings names!! He's known them since they were born and he can't f...ing remember their names.
I guess it just hurts because I'm afraid they are going to forget me and not be my friends any more. There is another wedding in September and I won't go if he is there.

Working Thru

This past weekend I spent in the basement. Organizing, going through stuff...I'm making progress. Since I'm not down the basement alot - it's a mess - you know that old saying 'out of sight - out of mind'. But I want to get it done and organized. And I know I keep talking about this. But in the basement is 28 years of stuff - and it's alot.
I have the storage area swept out and shelves up. I've been putting things in there. The one wall I think I'm going to call 'the wall of Sarah'. I have all her boxes there - school stuff, purses, Greece stuff, purses, memories and did I mention purses and totes. Some of the boxes have stuff in it that I am saving - baby books and memories.
And another reason it's taking so long is - it's just me doing it and I get tired.

House on Bristol

I've lived in my new house 6 months - can you believe it. I like my new house - it's all me. I don't have to please anyone and I'm decorating any way I want.

I love looking out the windows and seeing how my neighbors houses look. In my old house, Ann lived across the street and I took great comfort in looking at the window and seeing their outside lights on. It was my night light outside!! LOL But it was what I became use too. I still miss it.
In my new house, I don't have anyone living directly across the street. The units are both on an angle, but I look at the one to the left more often. I know people live there, I see a car in the driveway every once in a while. But I NEVER SEE ANY LIGHTS ON. Seriously - never. It's like a game I play now. I keep looking to see. Now, I guess they can be in the part of the house I don't see, but the side I see has 6 windows. Don't you think at some point I'd see a light on in one of them. I'll keep watch and keep you posted.

So, my 'outside night light' is the street lamp right across the street to the left of my house. Not as comforting as Ann's outside light - but it will do.

No Control

So, on Saturday I went down to my cross stitch store to pick up some charts and stuff I had ordered at the Superbowl party. That was all I was going to do...but in the morning my sister Mary told me to look at this chart for a Whitman Candy tin - too cute. I had to look for that. That was it. On Friday night, my friend Teri showed me the chart for the Quaker Turtles - BEYOND CUTE and I had to have it. Now, it's 2 things. Then in looking for that, I saw a cute scissor fob and scissor holder that I just had to have. The bottom line is, I have no control. I'm a stash-a-holic and I need help. LOL
Made progress on my 2 things I'm trying to get done. Will start the back stitching on the 1 tonite. I hope to have it done by Wednesday so I can give to my friend to take the framer. He is the best - Patrick I love you. You give something to him to get framed, and it is done in 1 week. I'm hoping to go one Saturday here soon to have something - re-framed. I have a pictures from my Dad. When ever he was transferred for his job, they game him pictures of the city. I gave Sarah the 2 I had for NYC - since she lives there. But I also have 2 for Boston in nice frames. I going to re-use one of the frames for a print I have. I just have to get down to Patricks and give it to him. Also have a picture/frame that was my Mom's that over the years has gotten kinda beat up. I'm hoping he can fix the frame - color the dings and put a new hanger on it.
Made progress in the house this weekend. Finally have the TV in the living room on it's new stand - thanks to my son Jimmy who came over and helped me re-connect everything. Brought a new TV for my bedroom with a sleep timer which I hooked up all by my self!! Pat me on the back. Then I'll put the TV that was there in the basement with the VCR. Slowly but surely things are getting done.

FINALLY DONE

I know I had said awhile ago that 'christmas was done' but I lied. Not really lied - just ommission - was out of my living and upstairs -the bad news I just dropped in down the basement. But - now it all packed away and I have a shit load of christmas stuff. Excuse my langauge. How do you decide what to get rid off? Maybe this summer I'll go thru the stuff.
Got up this morning and went to Wegmans and met the girls. Had a nice time just sitting and crocheting for about 1 1/2 hours.
Now - back to cleaning.

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT

OK, my daughters birthday was Janaury 25 and being the good mother that I am, I sent her 2 birthday cards and a padded envelope. Only one of the cards had a check in it and in the padded envelope I had birthday candles - spelling her name and skinny post it notes (she loved post its). I mailed them 4 days before her birthday even though I was seeing her the day after her birthday I thought if something happened and I didn't go up. Well they didn't get there. THEY NEVER ARRIVED. Of course, I blame the post office - who else. I mailed them in time.
So, this past week I decide to send her something for Valentines and send it to her work address, not going to chance sending it to her aparment again. And being the lazy person I am, I have labels for everyone and I was getting a label for the card I got my Dad and I notice that on Sarah's address label it says aparment 6C. OH NO, I think, her apartment number is 2C. That explains alot but they haven't been returned to me yet. So, I tell her to go upstairs to 6C and put a note on the door saying that your Mom had a brain cramp and put the wrong apartment number on ALL 3 ENVELOPES. She does that and finds out that yes, they got them. They had moved in on February 1, and they were in the mail box. Now instead of writing 'return to sender' on the envelopes and dropping them in the mail box, they THREW THEM AWAY!!!!!!! I can't believe they were that - ok I'll say it - STUPID ~ RUDE ~ UNTHNKING. I don't know what. They weren't junk mail. Now, 2 had labels on them but hey, they were hallmark cards - you could tell they were cards. And the padded envelope was HAND ADDRESSED. And all 3 had the SAME return address label on them. And they THREW THEM AWAY!! I don't understand people.

Happy Valentines Day

There are some days you just hate. And Valentines Day is one of them. It never lives up to it's expectations and you are always disappointed - or I always was. I never had anyone send me flowers or buy me jewerly or surprise me and take me out to dinner. Of course, I got the heart shaped box of chocolate but you can buy that in the drug store.
It's been a messy week - snow, ice, rain. But today is nice and sunny - a little chilly (only supposed to get up to 40) but nice and bright. I guess I have to remember it is February. I'm still hoping for lots of snow. I just like one snow fall that you look out the window and you know you are not going any where.
I started the wedding sampler and the stitching is going pretty quick. The wedding is next weekend and I'm hoping to have it done to get to the framers in 2 weeks. Have to buy the frame first. Also need to work on my 2 baby samplers.
Haven't crochet much lately. I usually just do that when I'm with everyone. Not enough time in the day to do all the stuff I want to do.
This weekend I'm bound and determined to make head way in my basement. Even I can't stand it any more. I'm also thinking of selling my dining room set and getting a new one. Thought I should go looking at some to make sure I can afford to do it. I just HATE my dining room set. It was picked out before I got married and even at the time it wasn't my taste in furniture but I compromised and agreed to this one. Now since it's just me - I want a new one.

BAD WEEKEND/GOOD WEEKEND

The weekend started out bad. Usually on Friday nights I got to my friends house for stitching but this week she had something to do. So another friend said 'join us at Old Country Buffet for dinner' because we had just gotten a coupon in the paper. Now, the coupon said in BOLD letters 'One Adult meal for $6.99' but then in unbold little letters it said 'with the purchase of a regular priced adult meal' with the young man at the cash register was quick to point to me. He said since I was 'alone' he'd have to charge me full price. I'm like you're kidding - no other options and he said NO. I don't know why it bothered me so much but I could feel the tears starting so I said ' no thank you' and left. Called my friends and said I wasn't coming. Then I went home and cried all night. It was really stupid but it bothered me. I'm alone. It just set the tone for a weepy weekend.
So, I got up Saturday morning and decided to email Old Country Buffet because I just joined there 'eclub' for coupons and discounts. I told them since they obviously didn't want single people eating there - that I wanted out of the club. To take my name off their list. Haven't heard from them yet, but I figured it was the weekend and no one was in the office. But then again they might not care what I think.

So, Saturday I was still a lttile weepy but went out with my friends Ann and Fred (who I ditched the night before - but they understood) and went with them to their daughter Alicia's house for her 32nd birthday party. First off, I can't believe she's 32 - where has the time gone. Secondly, I got to see her (and Evan's) new house. It is beautiful. And I love the colors she picked for the rooms. Had a good time. Who would have thought I'd meet to girls and we'd bond.

Then on Sunday I decided to go shopping. I wanted a pair of sketchers that kinda look like Mary Jane's and Fashion but was having them on sale. Usually when they have them on sale, by the time I get there, they don't have my size. Since the sale started Sunday, I went Sunday. I got 2 pairs and off white pair and a black pair. They both have a lace insert on top. The sale was - buy one get one at 50%. But when I was checking out, I asked if I could use the 40% coupon and they said I could. So I got the 2 pairs for $63.78!! Should have been $116.58 - I think it was a pretty good deal. Then I went to the mall because Penneys sent me a $15 coupon for my birthday. Now, they missed my birthday by 6 months - but they said they were sorry. I needed underware - I know what a thing to spend your birthday money one - but hey, I needed it. They were also have the final clearance of winter stuff. I did very well. I got 2 cardigan sweaters, 1 v-neck swearter, 2 zipper sweartshirts, 1 shirt, 1 pair sweatpant and 3 pairs of underware for ...$23.86. What a deal. Between my $15 coupon and the friends/family 20% coupon - I made out good.

I did get some stitching done and some stuff around the house. So, I guess the weekend ended better than it started. I think sometimes you just need to feel sorry for yourself because no one else does.

Wednesday

I hate trying to come up with cleaver title names - today's is just the day.

Had a good weekend, stayed home and FINALLY got all my christmas stuff away. OK, maybe away isn't exactly the right word - down the basement. The living room is almost back to being normal. I bought a new TV stand and book case. I have the book case up - it was a folding one so you just had to stand it up and pull out the sides, the shelfs fell down - ta dah - done. Now I have to put the TV cabinet together. I should be able to do that but I won't be able to move the TV and then reconnect all the wires. SUPER SON to the rescue. Hopefully he will be able to stop by on Sunday. Maybe when he re-does the connections, my VCR will work.

I had mixed emotions about the super bowl. I very happy the Eli Manning won and 2 brothers won back to back championships, yada, yada yada. But then I felt bad for the Patriots not winning it all. Wished I had bet on the giants - would have made some money.

Been working on the birth sampler and now I have to make a wedding one. Brought a small one to dy. The wedding is Feb 23 - what do you think? Will it be done? Check back to find out what progress I'm making.

SUM IT UP

The weeks just fly by at this point. On Wednesday, I went up to NYC (again) to see THE VIEW. We had such a good time. I don't even know how long ago I ordered tickets and they were even forwarded from my old address but the came for January 30. I asked Mary (my DIL) and Ann (GFF) and I had asked Sarah but she couldn't take the time off work. Was going to ask Jimmy but decided as much as I love my son and he loves me - he would not have had fun. So, just the 3 of us went up. We had SO MUCH FUN. We got the 3rd season of LOST - my favorite show and a CD of Sarah Brightan - I think I spelt that wrong. We did meet Sarah for lunch.
Today is a rainy cold day but I guess it's better than snow? Just talked to my sister Sue and they have 10" of snow. She lives in the Chicago area. But it would be nice to have 1 snow day. Oh well
Been trying to cross stitch or crochet every night. Stated a pink afghan/throw on the train on Saturday. Making progress on that. I'm also working on my baby sampler that I gave as a gift last weekend. I'll take pictures soon and try to post.

MONDAY MORNING

Had a good weekend. Got up Saturday and went up to NYC to see Sarah. All I really wanted to do is stay in bed. She said I could have called her and said I was to tired to come up. I couldn't do that not after the week she had. The guy she had been dating decided he didn't want to anymore - right out of left field. And right before her birthday - good timing on his part. What is wrong with him - does he not know he will not meet anyone better than my daughter!! But we had a good day and I always love spending time with my favorite daughter. She looks a little skinny to me but that might be a Mom thing.

Then on Sunday went to a baby shower and then met some friends. Ended up not getting home until after 7. But had a good day. Did some stuff around the house and then stitched. Made myself go to bed at 11:30 because 6:30 comes early in the morning. I just feel so relaxed when I stitch, I lose track of time. Plus I have to finish the birth sampler I doing which is for the baby shower I went on Sunday. Couldn't start early, because she didn't find out what it was before hand.

WHO KNEW

As most people know, I bought my house at the end of August. And being that I had been married for the past 20+ years, I think I've done pretty good getting everything done and taking care of things. I got car insurance, signed up for cable/phone/tv, electric, trash....but who knew they actually want you to pay for water - LOL.

I've had a well for the past 21 years and septic. And what I got for AQUA (the water company) looked like junk mail. Come on now, it's addressed to OCCUPANT. Well, I decided to open the one I got this week and it's a 10 shut off notice!! LOL So, now I have to send the my settlement papers, drivers license and phone number TODAY to get this straightened out.

How much water does one person use????

2008

Haven't blogged in a while - over a month. Here's the highlights:
had a great Christmas.
Jim and Mary got me a CD player
Sarah got me a digital frame
had a great new years
made resolutions.
OK, that's it. Still working on taking my tree down - I don't light it up any more but it's still sitting in my living room. This weekend is pretty well shot - going up to NYC to see Sarah on Saturday. She is 25 on the 25th this year and we are going to spend the day together. Then on Sunday I have a baby shower. But I should be able to start taking the ornaments off.

I've brought some yarn and I've started a baby afghan. I brought yarn for another baby afghan and one for an afghan for my bed. Not enough time in the day to do all I want to do.

I'm still cross stitching and have enough of that stuff to last a life time. And I keep buying more. I see something and I have to have it. I'm working on a baby birth sampler now. Which is for the shower on Sunday. She's definitely getting it with needle and thread in it - I'm not even close to being done.

Jim and Mary brought a house and moved in over new years weekend. It is a cute little twin and I'm so happy and proud of them. They are working at growing their photography business.

Sarah is still in NYC and I'm sure she'll be taking over the town one day. She is a beautiful, smart girl. She loves her job - I'm not sure what she does - but she's good at it. LOL She's also training for her first triathlon - I'm so proud of her too. I have great kids.

Overwhlemed

I'm working a little in my basement today and I'm totally overwhelmed. Everything I didn't know what to do with when I moved - went in the basement. I also have a 'craft' room that is filled with boxes too. I don't even know where to start. I can't believe I still have all this stuff even with all that I tossed.
I washed down the cabinets that are in my craft room and sprayed them with febreze. My son said the other night it has a musty smell. I'm thinking it's because this is how my old basement smelled. And the boxes I packed up when we were showing the house were down the basement. I figure if I come down every day and unpack 1 box - it should get down evidently. I want to get it done soon - my Dad and Jean are maybe coming in February, and I want to be done by then. He wants to see my new house and I'm like I only have 2 extra beds and he was like 'that's OK, we only need 1' but I'm like 'they are in 2 different rooms' LOL. I'm hoping after the 1st of the year to get an IKEA double bed for the 1 room. They have a nice white head board I liked. Might have to measure it out on the floor to make sure it will fit!! LOL