Stashy Stuff

The postman has been really nice to me in the past few days. Last Thursday, I received a needlebook that was made by Jennifer as part of the STO Needlebook Exchange. It looks even better in person. I love the design Jennifer chose! Lynne in Australia received mine.

Today, I received the second and final package for the CSE Stitching Buddy Exchange. Roberta really spoiled me rotten this time. Today's package contained:

From my wish list:
Three skeins of Six Strand Sweets floss
• Chocolate Covered Cherries
• Grape Slushy
• Latte

Checkered Love Kit by M Designs

I can't wait to start this!!

It looks so much better up close.

More from my wish list:
DMC Linen floss

Spot of Summer by The Drawn Thread
Another pretty chart, which I want to do!

Lastly, a cute little Mary Engelbreight
photo album and a bag of Jelly Belly
Jelly Beans - My fave!! Mmmm... Yum.

Latest Graduation News

I picked up my cap, gown, tassel, and invitations last Thursday! The school colors are brown and orange, so the gown is an ugly brown color. As I was reading through my graduation packet, there was a bit in there about the Phi Theta Kappa. It’s the national honor society for community colleges, kinda like the Dean’s List I suppose. I became a member years ago, but I digress. Since it was mentioned in the packet, I thought I’d better call the school and find out if there’s anything special I need to do since I was a member of PTK. This morning, I received a phone call and found out that I am indeed graduating with HONORS!!! Just like in high school (Yes, I graduated HS with honors, too!), I get to wear a special stole over my gown indicating that I am an honor graduate. There’s also a special honors ceremony prior to graduation.

Some may think graduation is not a big deal, but for me it is. I am the first in my family and extended family to graduate college. Back when I graduated high school, it was a far-fetched idea and it was my only goal, other than to be married and have a family. For the past 20 years, I've worked full time the entire time while attending college, and sometimes held a second part time job at the same time. It’s been a long, difficult road full of personal and academic struggles, but I’m finally here and I’ve done it with honors!

It was pointed out to me that I’ve neglected to say what my degree is in. In May, I will be graduating with a degree in Business Administration. When the advisor did my degree check, he informed me that I am two classes away from a second degree in Accounting. I will be finishing that one also, probably by the end of the 2008 school year.

Monday Update 4/30/07

Whew! What a weekend...

I picked up my 8yr old niece on Saturday. We went to a rummage sale fundraiser for the local animal shelter. I found a bunch of cross stitch leaflets and a kit (all for 50 cents!) and a small trash can that matches my bathroom décor. Another 50 cents. Big spender I was! She found a bead kit that made 4 different projects and a tin for her overflowing crayons and markers that she HAD to bring to my house.

We spent the next 3 hours making all the bead projects in the kit. She was really excited to have made a hand-held mirror, a night light, a clip board, a flower ornament, and a mobile! Then we went to the park for some rollerblading. She’s not very good so when I tried to help her, I ended up falling on my behind... which of course, was quite amusing to her! Afterwards, she says to me: “I wish I could stay over night.” So after I called her Dad and got the green light, and she was all smiles.

I started a new antibiotic on Friday night and around 8pm Saturday night, I started having severe cramps and well you can guess what followed. I was in and out of the bathroom until about 3am. (I’ve had an upset stomach ever since.)

On Sunday, I woke up tired with a sore midback. I’m guessing my back was hurting from the spill I had while ‘blading. After lunch, we went back to the rummage sale (It was fill-a-bag for $1 day) and found a few more things. She got a little girl praying figurine, and I got a scroll rod and some needlecraft books. The niece and I worked on some needlework for a few hours before I took her home. I gave her a couple of the crewel embroidery kits that I received as a RAK a couple weeks ago.

It was really amusing to me each of us sitting side-by-side on the sofa working diligently on our needlework. She was very proud of the progress she made, and even commented on how she liked my Gingher stork scissors she’d seen the last time she was at my house. Then she kept telling me how she’d like a pair. LOL! So, I think I’ll get her a cheapie pair when I go to Hobby Lobby next time.

Whenever I see and leave my nieces and nephew, I always give them hugs. When I went to leave, my niece looked up at me with a big smile and said: “Thanks for a VERY fun weekend!” Awww...

The Truth of Things 4/25/07

Lisa posed this question on her blog and asked that fellow bloggers answer with their TRUTH.

"If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one ability or quality, what would it be?"


I would like to have gained the ability to be able to "read" people. While I have been told that I am a very sweet and giving person with a big heart, I am also straight-forward honest and that off puts some people. IMO, I think it's good to be honest and straight-forward because then at least I know where a person stands. Others, however like to live in their own fantasy worlds and not want to see things for what they are. There are others still who ask for opinions and still don't want to see reality. So, I figure if I had the ability to read people, then I'd know their mood and how to approach them about various topics without alienating them.

Tuesday Update 4/24/07

Movie Monday
Missing in America
I thought this was an excellent movie with a sad ending. I actually got teary-eyed! Danny Glover plays a Vietnam veteran named Jake who lives in exile in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. His only contact with civilization is through the owner of a small store, who periodically supplies his provisions. He helps other lonely veterans that live in the forest giving them part of his supplies and receiving wood in return. He’s visited by a former private of his platoon who has lung cancer and is asked to raise his Vietnamese daughter. After Jake says no, the private leaves his daughter and vanishes. After spending time with the girl, his behavior and attitude changes for the better, until a tragedy happens.


School
I submitted my power point presentation for my meteorology class a week early so I could benefit from the instructors comments, and make changes before the actual due date. Students were given this opportunity only if they submitted it by the 15th. I should know in the next week or so what I got for a grade. I was THRILLED to find out that I got 100% on my quiz last week. My last quiz is next week. I’m holding steady at 91% for the class. *crossing my fingers* On Thursday, I go to pick up my cap and gown. Woo Hoo!


Stitching
I really haven’t done much stitching lately. I finished stitching the name tag for a retreat I’m going to in June. I still need to make it into a little purse. Dual purpose! I figure I can put my ID, room key and a little money in there, rather than carry around my purse.


Get Fit Celebration Dinner
As you may know, the Get Fit Challenge ended last week. Our team captain invited the entire team to her house for a celebration dinner. She proudly told us that we were the first dinner guests they’ve had other than family, since moving to their home 3 years ago, and was very excited to have us. Dinner was excellent!! I took S as my dinner guest, as well as his 2yr old son. Being from a large family and having lots of grandkids, my team captain was prepared for “little ones” with the entire basement made into a kid-friendly area complete with toys, videos, etc. For the celebration, we each brought a dish to pass. I made Taco Dip from a recipe I found online. It was very healthy and tasty!


TACO DIP

2 (16 oz) cans vegetarian refried beans
1 (16 oz) container sour cream
1 (1.25 oz) package taco seasoning mix
¾ - 1 c. salsa
1/2 head iceberg lettuce - rinsed, dried, and chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 onion, chopped
3/4 c. chopped black olives
8 oz. shredded Cheddar cheese

Place the beans in the bottom of one 9x13 inch clear glass dish. In a medium bowl combine the sour cream with the taco seasoning. Spread mixture over the beans. Spread the salsa over the top of the sour cream. Top the sour cream with a layer of lettuce, tomatoes, onions and olives. Sprinkle cheese over the top and serve.

Notes: I did change the recipe some. I didn’t really measure out the salsa. I just used a tablespoon and dropped in over the sour cream mix. Then I evenly spread it out. I used only one large tomato, a small can (4 oz. I think) of sliced black olives, and maybe 4 oz. of cheese. I sprinkled it on til it looked good. LOL


Women of Excellence Dinner
Tonight, I’m attending a charity dinner that benefits the domestic violence program for my county. It’s the major fundraiser for the program. Each year, my firm purchases tickets for the women in my office who would like to attend. The evening is filled with entertainment, an awards ceremony that honors women who make a difference in our community, and a delicious meal. Before dinner, there’s also a social hour as well as a champagne sponsor reception. It should be an enjoyable evening!

Friday Feast x 2

Friday Feast 4/20/07

Appetizer
What is your favorite kind of bread? Rye

Soup
When was the last time you bought a new pillow? About 3 months ago

Salad
Approximately how many hours per week do you spend surfing the ‘net? 15

Main Course
What’s the highest you remember your temperature being? 104 – and I actually went to work!

Dessert
Fill in the blanks: When I ____________, I _____________.
When I take a walk on the wild side through the woods, I feel at peace.


Friday Feast 4/13/07

Appetizer
When you were a child, which crayon color was your favorite? Red, I think. Hmm. My car is red!

Soup
On a scale of 1 to 10 (with 10 being highest), how likely would you be to change jobs if it required you to move? 4

Salad
Take all the numbers in your birthday and your phone number and add them up, one by one. What’s the total? 72

Main Course
Have you ever “re-gifted” anything? If so, what was it and who did you pass it on to? No, but I have a couple things I want to. LOL

Dessert
Name something you need from the store. Dog food

Waxing Moon Day

During the month of April, Shirley at Country Cottage Needleart has 40% off on in-stock charts by Imaginating, Waxing Moon Designs, & M-Designs. Naturally, I *had* to take advantage of the sale and order some Waxing Moon Designs I'd be coveting for a while:





Best Things








Winter Stack












Christmas Is

Words of Gratitude

Do you know what's really spectacular about online stitching friends? If they can help out another stitcher, they don't hesitate to do so. Whether it's advice on a stitchy problem or a personal problem, or to make someone's day with a RAK... Stitchers step up and lend an ear, give their words of wisdom and support, and provide kindness through cards and gifts. I don't know anyone in real life who stitches, so I get my inspiration from you guys. For all of you out there... Kudos to you!

What possessed me to write a warm & fuzzy post? A couple weeks ago, I finished the front and back of my biscornu to be finished at a retreat in June. I didn't have enough WDW to do the finishing, so I thought I'd order another skein. It came to my attention that Grenadine was discontinued! Naturally, I turned to my online stitchy friends. While MANY offered to help, Jennifer in FL was the first so I went with her. In today's mail, I received a cute card that on the front reads: "What's a nice person like you doing in a place like this?" and on the inside it said: "Everything!"

I just wanted to express my gratitude to Jennifer and the rest of you whom I've gotten to know online. You all make a difference... and don't let anyone convince you otherwise.

Meme of Twos

A random tag by Jenna:

Two...

... names you go by: Mare, Meari
... things you’re wearing right now: black socks, glasses
... you must have in a relationship: communication, trust
... favorite things to do: Stitch, surf online
... you want very badly: a new camera, a house
... pets you had/have: Celeste, Claire
... people who will fill this out: don’t know
... things you did last night: stitched, studied for class
... things you ate yesterday: Navajo Chicken Pasta, peanuts
... people you talked to last: Neal, JR
... things you’re doing today: shopping for my niece’s birthday, stitch
... longest car rides you have taken: Illinois to Florida, Illinois to Alabama
... favorite holidays: Halloween, Christmas
... favorite beverages: ice tea, water

Wow-Oww-Zers!

My female bits are a bit bruised and tender today. I *know* what you're probably thinking and no, it's not from that (lol). S and I went bicycling last night. Keep in mind that I have not been on a bicycle in YEARS! He brought the bikes and the gear. I donned gloves and a helmet - to which I was told I was "cute as a bug". We ended up riding 6 miles total. For me, that was quite a feat. I'm sure I slowed S down quite a bit, seeing as he's used to riding with cycling fiends. He was very encouraging, though. Surprisingly the only parts hurting me today are the female parts. It actually hurts to sit!

Southwest Navajo Chicken Penne

I made this recipe last night and it was quite yummy!

NOTES: I made a few substitutions. Used mostaccioli for penne pasta. It's the same as penne only bigger. Used diced tomatoes for stewed ones. Used diced chili peppers for jalapenos.



SOUTHWEST NAVAJO CHICKEN PENNE

Similar to Houlihan's Navajo Chicken Penne. The Houlihan's version has shitake mushrooms in it, they're not included in this recipe.

12 oz penne pasta
1 (14.5 oz) can stewed tomatoes
1 can Cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
1 (4 oz) can roasted jalapenos, diced
4 oz. (1/2 jar) of roasted red peppers, diced
2 boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1" chunks
1 onion, diced
1 tsp. cumin (or to taste)
1 tbsp. chili powder (or to taste)
1 tsp. ground black pepper (or to taste)
4 scallions, sliced
Hot sauce (optional)

Put chicken chunks in a Ziploc bag. Add cumin, chili powder, ground pepper. Shake to coat chicken. Heat a few teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet and add chicken to brown. When browned on all sides, add onion and stir to soften the onion. Turn down heat and add the can of roasted jalapenos (drained). Stir to mix into chicken/onion. Add roasted red peppers, cheddar cheese soup and stewed tomatoes stir to combine and heat through, allowing the chicken to finish cooking.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to directions. When done, drain and add pasta to the chicken skillet. Stir to coat, garnish with scallions and serve. Hot sauce can be added to individual servings if additional spice is wanted. Serves 6.

Are We Going Rounds Again?!?

Yesterday was the first really nice day (i.e. sunny and warm) that we’ve had so far this Spring. My plans were to mow the lawn after I got off work. At lunch, I saw the neighbor mowing the backyard. I thought “So much for mowing the grass” and I went back to work.

For those of you not familiar with the “As The Grass Grows” saga, check out previous blog entries HERE.

When I got home from work, there was a snide post-it note stuck to my backdoor telling me in essence that it had been my turn to mow the grass (since she did it last fall--who keeps track like that?!), she did the backyard, and left the rest for me.

Hello? It’s been cold, rainy, and it snowed last week! I left her a note telling her that I knew it was my turn, thanking her for mowing and saying that I was waiting for sunny non-rainy weather to mow the yard. I also left her a PS "It was snowing last week!"

I’m already having anxiety. I hope this isn’t going to be a repeat of last summer’s drama fest.

Fabby RAK

I received a most generous package of aida and a cute little card in the mail today. Deb in FL sent me a HUGE piece of Fiddlers Cloth aida, several other fairly large pieces, plus some 4" banding. There was even a few skeins of floss! I bet you can guess that the wheels in my head are turning... trying to figure out which charts I'm going to stitch on what!! Thank you Deb. It made my Monday brighter.

Monday Update 4/16/07

Six a.m. The alarm sounds. Time to get up... already? Half asleep, I stumble to the bathroom and start the shower. Yes indeed. Today, I need the water splashing in my face to wake me up. Smacking my lips together, my mouth feels like I’d been sucking on the blanket all night. What’s up with that?! After the shower, I feel MUCH better.

I’m still feeling the effects of working like a fiend on my homework and class project yesterday. My neck and shoulders are stiff from sitting hunched over the desk and computer for 9 hours. You cannot know the thrill I was feeling when I finished my class project – a power point presentation on the climatic conditions of 1930’s Dust Bowl! I am really proud of my project. Sixteen slides chock full of information, animation, and photographs depicting not only climatic conditions, but the human element that also had a hand in what happened in the decade of the 30’s. The best part? I got it done a week ahead of schedule and because I uploaded it to the class website, I get the benefit of the instructor’s review and ability to make any suggested changes before the actual due date. How great is that?? Two more weeks and class is done and I’ll be happy dancin’ my way to graduation!!! I’m holding close to an A. And I do mean close! As in less than 1% away. It would be great if I could pull off an A, but I’ll be happy with a B.

Geesh, it just dawned on me that I haven’t stitched in over a week. Ack. Maybe if I get ahead on my homework this week, I can get started on two projects that need to be completed for the retreat I’m going to in June.

Last week was the final screening for the Get Fit Challenge sponsored by the local hospital. Each year, my firm pays for a team to participate in order to live a healthy lifestyle. Compared to my initial screening, cholesterol went UP 4pts, weight went UP 2/10th of a lb., and my body fat percentage went DOWN 3.1%. Does that make sense? All I can figure is that I’ve been exercising more in the past 3 weeks and perhaps I burned off fat and gained muscle. Dunno.

Stashy Thursday!

I about fell over when the postal clerk handed me a BIG box, a little box, and an envelope. The envelope contained two charts I bought off Ebay: Images of the East and Orient Expressions. In the small box was kit (also from Ebay) by Kreinik called "My Heart is True. Isn't it pretty? It's stitched with Kreinik Silk Mori Milkpaints.


The large box was from Roxanne, who was my Spring Kit in Container partner. She went above and beyond, totally overwhelmed me with what she sent! The "container" was a clear heart-shaped totebag trimmed in pink and filled with a garland small pink silk roses. The "kit" was a Floral Wreath Nantucket Basket by Lorri Birmingham, one of my favorite designers.


That wasn't all that was in the box, though! The rest of the box was filled with various charts and kits. It was more like a RAK than a simple exchange!!


1. Hugs & Kisses Gift Pocket Kit
2. Best Wishes Gift Pocket Kit
3. R is for Reading Bookmark Kit
4. Wings Butterfly Chart
5. Brother Wolf Chart



6. Treasures in Needlework by Better Homes & Gardens
7. Towels & More Leaflet
8. Tiny Yuletides Leaflet
9. Unicorn Sampler Chart


10. Innocent Maiden Kit
11. Seashell in Aqua Kit
12. Night Before Christmas Holiday Ornament Kit
13. Santa Stocking Kit
14. Santa Banner Kit
15. Worry Dolls Kit
16. Winters Children Kit

ILCS Spring Kit in a Container Exchange

Object: Create a container and fill it with a cross stitch kit.

What I Did: I bought a plain wooden container with handles at Michaels. I painted it seafoam green, embellished it with spring "foamies" and added a pretty pink bow. Taking into consideration my partner's preferences and interests, inside I put the chart "Dragon of Hope" by Dragon Dreams, along with a needle, 11ct aida and all the floss necessary to stitch it up. I hope Roxanne in CT likes it.

The final result looked like this:

April Showers

I woke up at midnight and it was pouring down rain. Here's what I woke up to this morning:


This gives new meaning to the phrase "April showers..." I woke up at 6:30am and the ground was covered in white. Snow! You can't really tell, but it was actually snowing in the photo above. The forecasters are calling for 2-4" of snow for my area, but we are right on the line between MAJOR snow and rain showers so we could really get hit hard. What is this??? It's almost the middle of April. I want Spring!! I want green grass and pretty flowers!

Two Small Finishes

... Well, sort of! I'm attending a retreat in June where we will be learning to do a biscornu finish and a pinkeep finish. I finished stitching both sides of my biscornu. I chose 32ct Silkweaver Hand-Dyed evenweave fabric in Coral Chiffon, and stitched it with Weeks Dye Works in Grenadine. Each side took me about 3 hours stitch. Pics can be seen HERE. For anyone not familiar with biscornus, read my 12 Days entry.

Hopefully, I'll be starting the pinkeep design this week. It's a Cardinal pattern to commemorate the retreat being held in Indiana. The Cardinal is IN state bird. Everyone attending the retreat will be stitching the same Cardinal design.

Disaster???

Ack! When I was cleaning my stitching corner, I found that some water was spilled on the table and my Sea Heather (Thread Gatherer Silk n Colors) floss got soaked with water. I laid it on the dining room table to dry and now it’s not soft like it was. Is it ruined???

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone had a nice Easter. Last year, my mother decided that she wasn’t having Easter anymore, so we are all on our own. Bro #1 spent it with his fiancé. Bro #2 spent it with his in-laws. Sis spent it with her daughter. Me?

I played a role in “Meet the Parents”... LOL Actually, it was more like “Meet the Family”. I was invited by S to spend Easter with his extended family at his Aunt & Uncle’s home. Imagine waking up at 2am freaking out about meeting the family! Yeah, I did that. I was worried about what they’d ask me and how I’d respond. Whether I’d be grilled or not. Yikes! Being the quiet person I am, I’m not that good in social interactions, especially with people I don’t know. I met his father, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandmother. In her heyday, his grandma was a lounge singer/entertainer. His cousin and wife are rock band musicians from Chicago. His father has an occupation in common with mine. His aunt loves Scrabble and Gone With The Wind (like me!) Much to my relief, everyone was very friendly and welcoming. Dinner was excellent. After dinner, Scrabble came out and I was invited to play with his aunt and her sister. They’re hardcore! I knew as soon as they laid their first words. Ack. Needless to say, I lost! What made the experience special was the fact that S held my hand while we walked up to the house upon arrival, rubbed my shoulders a couple times in front of everyone, and helped me put on my coat before we left. Several times during the day, he told me how pretty I looked. Aww… Needless to say, I had a good holiday.

Look What the Mailman Brought Me

I'm a lucky girl this week. I received two packages in the mail!

The first was from Roberta in CA. She's my partner in the CSE Stitching Buddy Exchange. In the April package she sent me was a needleroll chart by M Designs called "A Little Love", three skeins of Kreinik Silk Mori Milkpaint floss, Soie Perlee in White (all to go with the chart), Silkweaver Expressions Hand-Dyed evenweave in Strawberry Milkshake (very pretty!), and Silkweaver Solo Hand-Dyed Linen.

I also received a RAK (Random Act of Kindness) from a dear friend in IA. I was totally flabbergasted that Deborah sent me a set of DMC floss along with a cute little card with a black poodle on the front. Deborah's dog is a black poodle named Miz Precious DeeDee II. When I opened the package of floss, I found a piece of aida and a small pattern booklet with 8 nice designs. Deborah has been ill for quite a while, yet she finds the time and energy to send out RAKs. What a sweetheart!

A big THANK YOU to both Roberta and Deborah. :)

Monday Update 4/2/07

Dinner Date
Last Friday, S came over and we made General Tso's Chicken for dinner. Well, actually *I* made it and he kept me company in the kitchen while I cooked. I take that back, he mixed up the sauce for me. It only took about an hour to make. It was the most scrumptious meal ever!!


GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN

1 lb. chicken thighs, boned & cubed*
3 eggs, beaten
½ c. cornstarch + 8 tsp. cornstarch
5 dried chili pods*
6 tbsp. rice wine vinegar*
12 tbsp. sugar
12 tbsp. soy sauce
Peanut or Canola oil
Green onion, chopped (optional garnish)


In a large bowl, thoroughly blend the 1/2 cup of cornstarch and the eggs; add the chicken and toss to coat. If the mixture is too thick, add some vegetable oil to separate the pieces.

The General's Favorite Sauce: In a small bowl, prepare the sauce mixture by combining the 8 tsp cornstarch with the vinegar, sugar and soy sauce.

First-Stage Frying: Heat 1-2 inches of peanut oil in a wok to medium-high heat (350-400). Fry the chicken in small batches, just long enough to cook the chicken through. Remove the chicken to absorbent paper and allow to stand (this step can be performed well in advance, along with the sauce mixture, with both refrigerated).

Second-Stage Frying: Leave a tablespoon or two of the oil in the wok. Add the pepper pods to the oil and stir-fry briefly, awakening the aroma but not burning them. Return the chicken to the wok and stir-fry until the pieces are crispy brown. Add the sauce-mixture to the wok, tossing over the heat until the sauce caramelizes into a glaze (1-2 minutes). Serve immediately over white rice topped with chopped steamed broccoli. Sprinkle with green onion. Serves 4.

*Substitute balsamic vinegar or sherry in place of rice vinegar.
*Substitute chicken breasts for thighs.
*Substitute dried red pepper for chili pods (1/2 tsp. garlic powder, ½ tsp. red pepper flakes)

Variations: Alternative sauce recipe (not as spicy): ½ c. cornstarch, ¼ c. water, 1½ tsp. ea. garlic & ginger, ¾ c. sugar, 1/2 c. soy sauce, ¼ c. vinegar & 1/4 c. sherry wine, one 14 oz can of chicken broth.