♪♫ Celebrate Good Times... C'mon! ♫ ♪ ♫

Anyone remember Kool and the Gang? 

It happened again... I had another birthday!

 

It was my birthday last week.  Recent weather conditions lately have reminded me of the weather we used to have when I was a kid. 

I had very few birthday parties due to bad weather conditions.  Thank goodness I had three siblings.  That's practically a party itself!

No parties this year either, but I did get bombarded with birthday cards from exchanges I participated in.  I also received a card from work and one from Menards along with a certificate for a free screwdriver, lol.

 

 

 

There were a couple of unexpected surprises that showed up in the mail from my stitching friends.  You gals are the best!

 

Wrapped in pretty pink tissue paper and bound with silver sparkly fiber, this came from Pam at My Stitchin-n-Stuff.  Hmmm... Wonder what it could be??

 

Oooh!  A needlebook!  So adorable.

 With 3 sizes of gold needles.

  The colors in the needlebook make me smile. 

So bright and cheery :)

 

These silk handkerchiefs came from Shelley at Shelley's Artsy Fartsy Life.

Her grandmother got them when she was in the orient.

They're so pretty!

 

 

CJ at Tea and Stitches says, "Every girl deserves chocolate on her birthday." 

Along with the huge chocolate bar, she sent me a beautiful scarf she made.

 

For my birthday, my parents took me out to eat at the local chinese food buffet.  Yummy!

 

At Christmas, the BF got me a quilting book, "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler from Elm Creek Quilts."  As part of my birthday present, he got me a set of quilting rulers.  Now I just have to pick out the fabrics.  Choices, choices!

 

The Graduate!

No, not the movie... silly people... Moi! I graduated on Saturday with a BSBA, majors in accounting and finance, minor in business management. It's been a long, stressful road, but I did it! I graduated Suma Cum Laude (Highest Honors, 3.9GPA) and made the Dean's List. Thank you all for reading about my trials and tribulations, rants and complaints. The comments ya'll have left me raised my spirits on more than one occassion, so THANK YOU from my heart.

Here's my graduation self-portrait. Yes, I actually took this myself! Don't I look "smart"?!

As commencement day arrived, I wasn't as excited as I thought I would be. It wasn't until we lined up to walk into commencement ceremonies did I get emotional. A little girl came up to the graduate behind me and said to her, "You look SO beautiful!" and gave her a hug. I expressed to the grad how sweet it was. She explained the girl was her niece, and that she had told herself she wasn't going to cry. The grad, that is. I teared up a little at that point.

This was one of our speakers. He has a PhD in history and teaches at one of the other campuses. He spoke really well and it was his words that made me tear up again. Amongst other things, he talked about how the grads spent hours after their work day studying, and while family/friends enjoyed their weekends... grads spent their time doing homework. Everything he said was everything I'd been through over the past 2 years. I've missed out on more than a few things due to having to study or take exams.

Here I am being conferred my diploma.
After graduation, I invited my parents and the BF to my house for food. The BF gave me these beautiful flowers that he had the florist create especially for me. Aren't they beautiful?!

Not to be outdone, my Dad picked a petunia from one of my containers and gave it to me. LOL You'd have to know my Dad... That's his sense of humor!

ABC's of Me

A - Age: $39.95 + shipping & handling

B - Bed size: Queen

C - Chore you hate: Cleaning the bathroom

D - Dog's name: Celeste

E - Essential start your day item(s): Shower

F - Favorite color: All colors, except brown

G - Gold or Silver: Silver

H - Height: 5' 6"

I - Instruments you play: None

J - Job: Accountant

K - Kids: None

L - Living Arrangements: In a House

M - Music you love: Country and Rock

N - Nicknames: Mare

O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: Yes

P - Pet Peeve: People who don't do what they say.

Q - Quote from a movie: "Smoke 'Em" Fast & Furious.

R - Right or left handed: Right

S - Siblings: 1 sister, 2 brothers

T - Time you wake up: 5:30AM

U - Underwear: I have some.

V - Vegetable you dislike: I like them all.

W - Workout Style: At home

X - rays you've had: Ankles, Neck, Spine, Mammo

Y - Yummy food you make: Fried Rice

Z - The best place to visit: Anywhere warm, breezy, and sunny



And now you know my ABC's, won't you play along with me?

One Word, No Explanation

I snagged this from Kristin over at Dragondreamer's Lair. It sounded interesting, so I thought I'd take a stab at it. The only rule is:

You.
Can.
Only.
Type.
One.
Word.
No.
Explanations.

Not as easy as you might think...

1. Yourself: empathetic
2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend husband: none
3. Your hair: black
4. Your mother/stepmother: eccentric
5. Your dog: entertaining
6. Your favorite item: camera
7. Your dream last night: none
8. Your favorite drink: water
9. Your dream car: efficient
10. The room you are in: office
12. Your fear: loss
13. What you want to be in 10 years: content
14. Who you hung out with last night: Celete
15. What you’re not: outgoing
16. Muffin: apple
17. One of your wish list items: money
18. Time: 11:04
19. The last thing you did: read
20. What you are wearing: sweater
21. Your favorite weather: warm
22. Your favorite book: none
23. The last thing you ate: cake
24. Your life: unsettling
25. Your mood: content
26. Your best friend(S): crazy
27. What are you thinking about right now? sinuses
28. Your car: 300
29. What are you doing at the moment?: typing
30. Your summer: uneventful
31. Your relationship status: single
32. What is on your TV?: dust
33. What is the weather like?: sunny
34. When is the last time you laughed?: morning

So, if you wanna play, you can either copy and paste this to your blog or you can answer in the comments at Calli's place, where this meme originated. Either way, make sure you stop by and tell her you played.

Did You Know?

... that in addition to my cross stitch addiction (Yes, I'm seeking help. *not*), I also collect porcelain dolls? Half the closet in my spare room is packed with my porcelain doll (and Barbie) collection.

While perusing at the local SA thrift store today, I came across porcelain dolls which are part of a Fairy Tale series. These photos definitely don't do them justice!

Cinderella/Wash Girl -and- Rapunzel
Goldilocks -and- Little Red Riding Hood

The details on these dolls are absolutely stunning!

Eyelashes and Jewelry
Basket with breadcloth and bread
Little sewn bears

Trip Down Memory Lane

It's strange how thoughts pop into your head years after the fact, and how they seem to linger there. I have been stitching off and on for over 25 years. Toward the end of my marriage (over 10 years ago), my exDH made lots of negative comments regarding my stitching. So much so that I stopped stitching for over 5 years. When I started up again, it was with much gusto and the online stitching community opened up a whole new world to me.

My question to you all:

How would you feel or react if your DH or significant other expressed that your hobby/stitching was a "waste of time" or that they "didn't see the purpose in it"?

Earth Day 2009

Today is Earth Day. Everyone, no matter how young or old, can do *something* to help reduce the carbon footprint. I make efforts to reduce, reuse, recycle, and replensih whenever I can.



Here are the things I do on a regular basis:

• I use canvas bags for shopping, or carry my items out in my hands. You should see some of the looks I get from store clerks when I say, "You don't have to put that in a bag." LOL

• I've accumulated a lot of plastic shopping bags from before I started using canvas bags. I use those to line small trash cans rather than buy liners.

• As regular bulbs burn out, I've been replacing them with the energy efficient ones.

• I save gallon milk jugs and fill them with recycled water from the dehumidifier in the basement. I use it to water my indoor plants, and garden in the summer months.

• I wash my clothes (except whites) in cold water.

• I hang clothes outside during the warmer months.

• I recycle as much trash as I can. It's easy - We don't even have to sort it. It just goes into a bin and is transported to a facility where people do the sorting.

• I refurbish furniture and "stuff" to reuse.

• I open windows in the summer, rather than use air conditioning. I use A/C maybe 3-4 days all summer.

• I have and use a programmable thermostat for my furnace and A/C unit.

• I pay bills online which reduces paper consumption.

• I have employer direct deposit my checks which saves gas spent on trips to the bank.

• I shut off the water when brushing my teeth.

• I participate in giving and getting from local recycling organizations.

• I buy used when it makes sense.

• I shop at second-hand stores, consignment shops, and thrift stores.

• I print on both sides of paper (at work and at home) when it's for my use only.

• I use cloth rags to do household cleaning, and wash/reuse them over and over. This reduces the amount of paper towels used.

• I reuse envelopes and boxes to ship things all over the world.


What do you do???

In All Fairness to...

I know you’re out there – somewhere. I just can’t find you, but I digress. I know there are good men out there who are interested in getting to know women, who know what they want out of a relationship, who have learned from past mistakes, who have got their act together, etc. etc. For those guys, I say kudos to you and I sincerely hope you find yourself a good woman... like me, for instance!

Of course with me, you’d have to be able to tolerate a girl who enjoys the “old lady” hobby of cross stitch. No, it’s not crochet. Nor is it knitting. And it’s definitely not macramé. Cross Stitch. Remember it. You’ll get more points if you do!

I could stretch the truth a little and *say* I’m in my 30’s. After all, that’s what everyone tells me. Call it good genes (People used to say the same about my mother, too.) But hey I’m not. I could also say I’m fit. But I’m not. LOLOL However, I am not grossly overweight either. Needy? Nada. Sensitive. Heck yeah. What woman isn’t? Let’s see – what else is wrong with me? I’m blind as a bat without glasses. Oh yeah, I have a sarcastic sense of humor (could be good or bad) and if you ask my opinion, better be prepared to hear it.

I could list out all my good traits… but really, what fun is that??

It's MY....

...B-I-R-T-H-D-A-Y !!!

Or, rather it WAS my birthday on Saturday! What a great day it was. I didn't get any cake or balloons, but it was a great day nonetheless!

I woke up and the sun was shining! It's always a great day when the sun shines. :D I met C for breakfast and then we hung out together until early afternoon. Then, I came home and took a nap. Throughout the day, I received e-cards and and birthday wishes from my online friends (Thanks everyone!!) and text messages from my family. For dinner, my parents then took me out to eat at Applebee's, where I got my Dad to try guacamole. He didn't like it, LOL!

And guess what?? I share a birthday with my good friend, CJ! Happy Birthday, CJ :)

Yup, was a good day!

Friendships

Although I'm not much of a socializer and don't make friends easily, I'd say this sums it up pretty darn good!

You Are A Good Friend

You're always willing to listen to your friends. And you're the first to lend a shoulder to cry on. You're there through thick and thin. You won't stop being friends with someone when times are tough. In fact, you're such a good friend that many people consider you their "best friend"!

What Kind of Friend Are You?

6 Things About Me

I was tagged by Pirjo and Kathy to share six things about me.

The rules are as follows:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.

So, here are six random things about myself:
1. I like trying new recipes. They have to be quick, easy, and use relatively few ingredients. I don't like cooking the same things over and over.
2. I'm not a picky eater. I'll eat almost anything and will try everything at least once. However, don't offer me yogurt or cottage cheese. No thanks!
3. Housekeeping is always the last thing on my list of things to-do. I'd rather be enjoying life.
4. I'm a career student. Always taking classes and teaching myself how to do new things.
5. I'm an award winning photographer. It started as a hobby and has evolved into semi-professional status.
6. I love nature and animals. Spending time in the great outdoors is one of the most peaceful and serene activities I enjoy (provided the weather is nice).

I have tagged:
1. Debra
2. Gabi
3. Barb
4. Deidre
5. Jennifer
6. Mel

Hey you!

"Ma'am... you in the black.... You belong in *this* line."

I turned around while standing in line waiting to get my ballot to vote. I was pretty sure I was in the right line, but the polling lady insisted I belonged in her line. After trying to spell my name three times and not finding it in her book, she finally released me to go back to the line I was standing in. LOL

Yep. That's how my voting experience started out. Despite the line, everyone was in a good mood. Happy, smiling people... getting out to vote! I was in and out within 15-20 minutes.

Did you vote?


GET OUT & VOTE!

4 1/2 Hours of Stitching

and this is what my legs look like. I was wearing capris so the top part of my legs are pale white and below the knees are lobster red.


It was an afternoon "play day" for my firm so I sat poolside in a lounge chair enjoying strawberry daquaris and stitching, while a few coworkers read books.

Today, I can't even stand without being in pain. The bottle of Aloe has become my new best friend. Can you say "Ouchie"?

What did I stitch? I started stitching my June ornie for a SAL. Unfortunately, it has a combination of over-one and over-two... and I started stitching on 18ct aida. I've had to rework some of the design and have spent a lot of time frogging. Three times so far!

Tagged by Chiloe

Chiloe tagged me with a Meme I haven't done, so here goes:

Foundation
Yes, I use it when I wear makeup which is about once every other week.

Mascara
Yup (same as above)

Day Cream
If this is "moisturizer" then yes, every day. With SPF15.

Favourite Make-up Product-
Don't have one

Perfume
Mambo

Nails
Mine are real and medium length if I don't break them off doing "stuff" around the house.

Hands
Can't stand dry hands. I have lotion in my purse, at home, and at work.

Feet
Pedicures are a must, and daily moisturizing otherwise they're like sandpaper.

3 Products to bring on a deserted island
Sunscreen, Moisturizer, Hair Conditioner

Women I admire for their beauty
Beauty is internal.

Women with the best sense of style
None come to mind.

My ultimate dream
To have enough time to get everything done and still enjoy life.

How do I define womanhood
Strength... it's what helps us with family and life.

Favourite fashion publication
Don't have one.

Tag... You're it. I'm not going to tag anyone specifically because I've tagged most of you in the past. LOL

Domestic Violence

*Yawn* I am sooo tired today. Last night, I attended the annual charity fundraiser that benefits my county's Domestic Violence program. Domestic violence is a senseless crime. The county's DV organization provides women with individual and group counseling, children's counseling, legal advocacy, transitional housing, and a 24-hour crisis hotline. All services are free and confidential.

The most recent DV death in my county happened just last month: The boyfriend of a woman killed her sister and mother in a domestic dispute. Granted, not all DV disputes end in death. Most disputes aren't even reported. Some are strong enough to walk away and get help, others are not. Whether it's verbal or physical, it is NOT all right to "beat" someone down. Yet, each of us is touched in some way by someone who is the receipient of domestic violence.

This program has always held a special place close to my heart. You see, I am a survivor of DV. Without going into too many details, suffice it to say that I almost choked on my own blood, and I literally saw stars. Even though it was over 20 years ago, my thanks goes out to DV legal advocate, Teri (who died way too young... in her 30's... of a heart attack), because without her a young woman in her 20's wouldn't have been able to navigate the system, get counseling, and the protection she needed. Thankfully, with her help and "talks" I was able to stay strong and do what I had to do. Interesting to me at the time, I had other young women say to me: "I'm glad you're being so strong. I could never do what you're doing."

So what was this fundraiser about? Each year, the community is asked to nominate women who've offered significant contributions to their communities and/or families. Out of those nominees, several are recognized as a "Woman of Excellence". The DV program also gives out a $500 scholarship to a high school senior girl based on her achievements, future goals, and an essay about a woman who made a difference in her life. In addition, we enjoy a delicious catered dinner and fabulous entertainment.

Dinner consisted of Tropical Baby Spring Green Salad (OMG, it was sooo good!), Pineapple Mango Chicken, Fresh Garden Cut Aparagus, Mediterranean Rice Blend, and Key Lime Cheesecake. I was ready for a nap after all that food!

Entertainment this year was provided by an a cappella rock 'n roll group from the Chicago area called Ac•Rock. They were very funny and entertaining!

On that note, I'll leave a few parting thoughts:

• Domestic Violence is not limited to certain income, education, or socio-economic levels. It doesn't care if you're white, black, yellow, or green.

• Battering is more than physical (hitting, kicking, pushing, etc) harm. It also comes in the form of verbal put-downs.

• No one has the right to physically or mentally harm you. Do not let anyone hit, push, or put their hands on you in any way.

• Don't let anyone tell you "You are worthless" or "You won't be able to make it on your own". Because you aren't worthless. You CAN make it on your own.

• Whether you are single... or have children... aged 13 or 80... There are people who will help you. All you need to do is take that step.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline
Get The Facts
Council in Europe - Stop DV Against Women

Taking Stock

The past few weeks have been trying times for me. However, when I look at the bigger picture of the world and my life in general, it’s not so bad. Like most, the overall economy is affecting my life. It hit me the other day what it’s like to have to decide whether to get gas, groceries, or pay certain bills because the funds just weren’t there. It’s been at least 2 decades since I’ve had to do that. Luckily, I’m pretty frugal and I consistently find ways to stretch my dollars.

“Today is going to be a great day!” Years ago, I attended a Women of Excellence Dinner that benefits domestic violence in my county. There was a motivational speaker who talked about attitudes. She said there are basically two types of people:

• those who go through life playing the victim. They carry around negativity. It’s always someone else’s fault, and don’t take responsibility for changing their life for the better.

• those who walk through life, deal with the punches, and take each as a learning experience. They try to see the brighter side when times are difficult.

Which group do I fit into? I’d say the latter. I’ve ALWAYS looked back as life trials as a learning experience. Where I picked that up from, I don’t know. I’ve never been one to go through life playing the victim. I think more along the lines of “That’s life. Deal with it. Move on.” LOL, pretty blunt I guess but that’s how I am.

The speaker said one of the things that helped her start the day off with a positive spin was to tell herself “Today is going to be a great day!” Yes, I know it sounds hokey. I’ve tried it, though, and it’s amazing how it affects my attitude for the rest of the day. Before I even open my eyes each day, I will mentally tell myself several times: “Today is going to be a great day!” Trust me, some days it isn’t easy. But!

Isn’t it much better than dragging yourself out of bed thinking: “My gawd, another day of… (kids, work, spouse, etc), I’d better get up." Which one do you think would start your day off right?

On a regular basis, I remind myself just how blessed I am. I make a conscious effort to list out (in my mind) things I am grateful for. Why? Because it affirms the good things that are going on in my life. I don’t really like sitting around feeling sorry for myself – and trust me, there are things! I’d rather concentrate on what good things I have going on. Just what am I grateful for:

• I have a cute little home that I bought all on my own.
• I have a car to get me where I need/want to go.
• I have a job.
• I have food to eat, clothes to wear.
• I have relatively good health.
• I am able to enjoy the sights and sounds of each and every day.
• I am able to find enjoyment in the simplest things.
• I have been able to acquire lots of stash to keep me busy.
• I have friends and family who have brought me laughter and joy.
• I have been able to “make a difference” in the lives of strangers.

These are just the ones that came off the top of my head. I usually think about what I am grateful for when I’m in the shower. Good time to think!

What are you grateful for?

Bling Flinging, Recipe & Addiction

Marita and Kendra flung this bling my way...

The creator of the You Cheer Me Up award had three things in mind for the recipients:
* bloggers who make me laugh until my face hurts
* bloggers whose writing voice comforts me when I’m feeling lost
* bloggers who inspire me when I’m feeling blue.

The original award instructions are:

If you are a recipient of the You Cheer Me Up Award, please find the blogs that cheer you up, copy the code to post on your sidebar and pass Ethel and Lucy across the blogosphere. You can use what cheers you up in your post, or copy this one, but please send your award recipients back to the original post on A Nice Place In The Sun to get a copy of the award code, post the image and read the instructions. I want to try to maintain a page of original and ongoing award recipients, so feel free to let me know if you’ve received an award when you pick up the image code.

Since I gave out You Make Me Smile Awards, I'm just going to say... consider this bling yours if I read and comment on your blog. :) Leave me a comment, if you snag this bling!


Here's an interesting recipe:

The Recipe For Meari

3 parts Success 2 parts Flirtation 1 part Wisdom Splash of Energy Finish off with a little umbrella and straw

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

In case you didn't know... I have a blog addiction! LOL

77%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Lastly, my blog is Rated G...

Apparently, the only "bad" words on my blog were 'breast' and 'suck'... oh me, oh my!

7 Things Revisted

I was tagged by KathyN to share seven random facts about myself. I then have to tag seven people.

The Rules:
1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the Rules on your blog.
3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag 7 people and link them.
5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged

Seven Random Facts About Me: Here I am going to take the easy way out since I was tagged last year by Megan. To see my seven facts, click HERE.

The lucky people who get tagged are: Jenna, Dawn B, Vickie, Rene, Katie, Michelle, and Deb.

Random Meme

I snagged this list from Pam's blog...

1. Where is your cell phone? On a table next to me
2. Your significant other? don't have one
3. Your hair? Black
4. Your mother? Eccentric & stubborn
5. Your father? Sick & stubborn
6. Your favorite thing? Photography
7. Your dream last night? I rarely remember dreams
8. Your favorite drink? Water
9. Your dream/goal? To be able to stay home
10. The room you’re in? Living room
11. Your ex? Ex what
12. Your fear? Getting lost
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Same as where I am not
14. Where were you last night? At Home
15. What you’re not? Outgoing
16. Muffins? Lemon Poppyseed
17. One of your wish list items? To be totally out of debt within a year
18. Where you grew up? In the country
19. The last thing you did? Stitching
20. What are you wearing? Sweatpants and Tshirt
21. Your TV? 32" flatscreen
22. Your pet? Celeste
23. Your computer? HP laptop, Dell desktop
24. Your life? Full of contentment
25. Your mood? Yucky
26. Missing someone? No
27 Your car? Red Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
28. Something you’re not wearing? Socks
29. Favorite Store? Any that have good sales
30. Your summer? After this winter, looking forward to it!
31. Like someone? *like like* in that way? no
32. Your favorite colour? I like all colors
33. When is the last time you laughed? Last night
34. Last time you cried? 3 months ago
35. Who will/would re-post this? I dunno, but I want to know if you do so please leave me a comment!

About Me... Blinkie Style