Marvelous Monday Update 6/20/11

I hope everyone honored the Dad's in their life yesterday. I went to see my Dad and take him a little gift. I got him a gift card to Menards and this...


Much to my surprise, he liked the book and duct tape more than the GC. He told my Mom to leave his duct tape alone. My Mom sheepishly smiled and admitted she "stole" his duct tape for something and then hid the roll of tape! lol


IN THE NEWS
My city had quite the commotion going on last week, starting at 6am Monday morning. A building built in the 1800's collapsed out onto one of the main throughfares. It was also located right across from the courthouse.


The streets surrounding that block were closed off all last week. The fire dept said there was danger of the north wall collapsing from the adjacent building (the building on the left side). If you look at the top of the photos, you can see where the wall was separating from the building.

Luckily no one was in the building and no one got hurt. There were people coming to downtown just to "site see", lol.


SCHOOL
Hard to believe it's midterm week already! So far grades are only in through Week 2... I'm holding onto 97%. I'm happy with that. :) The instructor did say that the midterm and final were going to be harder than the quizzes. Geesh, I thought the quizzes were challenging.


GARDENING
The plants and flowers are love-love-loving the rain and temps. The cucumbers, watermelon, and sunflowers are now about 4" above the ground. The herbs and spinach haven't come up yet so I'm thinking maybe the rain washed the seeds away? They were pretty tiny.

Here's a few more pics of my pretties:

Sun Drops
Hens & Chicks
Double-Knockout Roses
Coral Bells
Sedum

With these, you just stick the leaves in dirt and they'll grow. The wind blows them all over my yard. I even pick them out of the cracks in my driveway!


A VISITOR
If you haven't noticed, I love wildlife and nature. I looked out the back window of my four-season room and look who came to visit! I watched him hop all over the yard eating bugs before hopping up on my swing and then fly away.

Sorry the photos are hazy. I took them through the screened window.


STITCHY STUFF
Last week, I focused on the mailart piece. I've got one of the motifs done on the front... can't show pics, though. (I know, I know... you're sick tired of hearing that)

I was invited to join another mailart group, and in looking at their albums I've gotten a few ideas on how I want to finish my latest mailart piece. I am so excited to see how it turns out!

For anyone interested in some history of mailart, go HERE.

I did a tiny bit of stitching on Blossom (couldn't resist it). Here's what she looks like after a couple hours of stitching.


DIY
I started a new "project" over the weekend. I should have it finished by the end of this week. Are you curious? Do inquiring minds want to know? Want to see a preview? Of course you do!



Until next time,

Terrific Thursday Update 1/21/10

As you may have noticed, I missed my usual Monday update. Life has been a whirlwind since school has started, and busy season has commenced at work. Also add in my "gear-up" for the annual Get Fit Challenge, and training for tax season at work. *whew* When can I take a breather?

So anywho... Here I am on Thursday!

SCHOOL
I'm pleading temporary insanity when the college counselor talked me into taking two accelerated classes (which is considered full time, btw) while I work full time. This route will have to be re-assessed at the end of the semester.

This is what has been consuming (and I'm not exaggerating) my time outside of work. Intermediate Accounting II and Business Ethics.

IA II is an online class which requires at least 1½ evenings of textbook reading and another 2 evenings of homework. We had our first test this week. It took me two evenings to answer the questions. I was pretty confident when I submitted my answers. I got an 85%! It just irks me when I go back to review the questions I missed only to find out I made "stupid" errors/omissions in which I knew better. Oh well... I'm happy with the 85

For BE, we have to write a paper a week on an current events article. At the end of the semester a compilation of the articles is turned as a portfolio. In class, we have this group project where we have to decide on a controversial issue, then write a little "skit". At the end of the semester, we have to give an oral presentation on one of the case studies in our textbook, then write a paper on it to be turned in. Oh, and there's also a 4-page paper which will be assigned next week. .

I can still hear the college counselor saying, "It's mostly class discussion. It will be a good one to take with another class. Just try it." Ummm..... Yeah. I am already two weeks behind on writing the papers for the articles, and a week behind on the reading. Which, btw, that blue textbook is the WORST book I have ever read. I consider myself pretty intelligent, but when I have to exclude what I call unnecessary "chatter" from sentences just so I can understand what the hell heck they're getting at, it's pretty frustrating. I'm also finding myself re-reading a lot of sentences/paragraphs.

Oh, and the instructor... He has got to be the most boring monotone instructor I've ever had. His lectures? He uses a powerpoint presentation (great!) but goes through them so fast and really doesn't elaborate on what he's talking about. Our first night of class (last week), several students asked him to slow down. It worked for 2-3 slides and then he was back at it again. There will be 2 tests in the class. I have NO idea what they're going to be like. *sigh*




TRIVIA
I just heard on the radio that my county is the second top producer of dairy in the state of Illinois. Who'da thunk it?



WEATHER
The weather really hasn't been too bad (considering it's winter!), until yesterday afternoon. It started raining. Then it froze.

I couldn't even drive my car up my driveway because of the ice. Halfway up the incline, my car started spinning and sliding sideways. So, I stopped and it started sliding backwards down the driveway! Panic set in as I scanned the street for cars (I live on a busy street). It stopped sliding just as I got the end of the driveway. Hey, if ya didn't know... Brakes don't work on ice!!

I parked my car out on the street until after I put some salt down. Yes, I fell on the driveway trying to WALK up it to get to the house/garage. Annoyingly, my neighbors were being nosey neighborhood watchful and stared at my progress. It rained/froze a bit overnight and I ended up putting more salt down in the early morning hours today in order for me to get to work.


GET FIT CHALLENGE
Once again, my office is participating in the Get Fit Challenge offered by the local hospital and fitness centers. Once again, I am participating. It officially doesn't start until January 31st, but I thought I'd get a jump start on a routine.

Week One (last week)
Mon: 30 min ab workout, 50 min cardio/strength
Tue: 30 min ab workout, 25 min cardio/strength
Thu: 15 min ab workout
Sat: 15 min ab workout, 15 min cardio

Week Two (this week)
Mon: 30 min stregth/cardio

As you can see, I'm failing miserably this week. In my defense, I've worked a lot of overtime so far this week. When I get home, I try to study and then go to bed. Thursday night, my class goes from 5:30-9pm (or later). Excuses, excuses! (Hey, 30 minutes is better than none, right?!)



SHOPPING
I did take a couple hours for myself over the past few weeks to visit the two thrift stores in my town. The second one had ALL their ladies sweaters and long sleeve tops for ONE DOLLAR each. I'm not one to browse the clothing racks very often, but I couldn't pass the opporunity up. Especially since I was in dire need of sweaters and casual winter tops. I looked through every-single-rack there was. I came home with a new winter wardrobe of sweaters and shirts for less than $20! Some of the sweaters still had the tags on them! The best part? People say, "Oh that's cute. Is it new?" LOL "Why yes it is!"


STITCHY STUFF
You can't help but smile when a package like this shows up in your mailbox:

Last week, I was the lucky recipient of a RAK (random act of kindness) from the "Cowgirl from Hanna", Christine. You're probably saying saying, "Well, what is it?!"

Q-Snap Huggies
Christine actually makes these. She told me a while back how to make them, and I intended to make some for myself. Christine sent me not one, but 2 huggies... for my 8" and 11" q-snaps. Thank you again, Christine!

Marvelous Monday Update 11/9/09

ABSENCE
The past two weeks have left me emotionally exhausted, and I’ve been trying to think clearly and put together a plan of action. To those of you who have emailed me personally, and taken time to talk to me on the phone – I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s nice to know that you care what happens to me and I really appreciate your friendships. Big ((hugs)) to you.


PIFs
Heads up, lucky PIF recipients! Robin and Debbie Jo, your packages are going out in today’s mail. Mel, yours will be going out soon. Sharmila and Mary, I'm still working on putting yours together. Most of these ladies have done their part and posted the PIF on their blogs. If you'd like a chance at PIF'ing, check out their sites. :) (PIF'ing is fun, I tell you!)


LITERACY TUTORING
Last year, I went through 14 hours of mandatory training to become a Literacy Tutor. Then due to cuts in state funding, summer sessions were discontinued. By the end of summer, the Adult Ed department received word that funding would continue (even though they haven’t received payment yet), but even with funding some parts of the program have been suspended... such as student transportation. A couple months ago, I got a call asking if I’d be willing to come back as a volunteer tutor. This time, I chose to be an ESL (English as a Second Language) tutor. I have two regular students – a young woman from Columbia and an older gentleman from Laos. Intermittently, I have students from Mexico. I have to say it’s very rewarding to see the look on the students’ faces when the “lightbulb” goes off in their head.


STITCHY STUFF
I haven’t done much stitching over the past two weeks. Actually, I have but I decided to scrap my original idea and start over. What am I talking about? I’m participating in a Humbug exchange (my first one). I started stitching some roses, but the thing was HUGE and I kept having problems with frogging – two reasons for scrapping it. Instead I decided on a different them that is much smaller. I’m not sure if I’m always up for trying new finishes, but I don’t know if I’ll do a Humbug again. (LOL, I said that about biscornus, too.) I finished the Humbug this past weekend. Sorry, no pics as it’s a “secret” exchange.


WEATHER
We had absolutely gorgeous weather for the past 3-4 days. Temps in the 70’s… unusual for this time of year. I opened my windows to let in the fresh air. I took advantage of it by finishing up my fall yard work – pulling dead stuff out of planters and putting the planters away for the year, pulling dead stuff out of the flower beds. I also hung laundry out on the line to dry. Mmmm... love the smell of that!


GIVEAWAYS
Incidentally, Robin is celebrating her 3 years of blogging bliss! She's hosting a giveaway. So, if you're interested click on over to HERE.



Nina of Between Crosses with Nina is hosting a Christmas giveaway on her blog until November 30th. Some beautiful stuff there!




EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER
A while back, we had an EHM in my county. I found out that the show is airing this Sunday, November 15th. Photos of the house can be seen HERE.


CONCERN
Several months ago, I received a personal email from someone regarding a situation I posted on my blog. I responded back and left it open in that if this person needed my support, to contact me. Last week, a comment was left on my blog (which I have not published) which has caused me to be concerned. I no longer have your email address, so if you could PLEASE email me – do so. I have been very worried about you.

Marvelous Monday Update 9/21/09 - Part One

EXTREME UPDATE
The "big reveal" occurred last Tuesday. Personally, I'm not impressed (architecturally) with what the outside of the house looks like. Of course, we won't get to see what the inside looks like until the show airs... sometime in December (according to my Dad). Meantime, here's some pics to wet your taste buds:


House - a work in progress
Volunteers who did the siding enjoy a
jump into the pond built in front of the home.*
Move That Bus!*
Front of House*
The Driveway*
Another Front View of House*
Aerial View*
*©2009 Journal Standard

Marvelous Monday Update 9/14/09

EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER
By tomorrow, a new home will be revealed for the TV show, "Extreme Home Makeover"! As I said last week, someone in my county was nominated for the show. To read about her and her family, click HERE.



HEALTH
It's been about 3 weeks since my bicycle accident. My face is healed up, just a few pink spots are all that remains of the road rash. My knee is *almost* healed up, and looks much better than it did only a week ago. I took someone's advice and will be filing a claim with the city for the cost to repair my glasses ($100 for ONE lens!) and bike ($40). Keeping my fingers crossed, the city's insurance company will pay it.


STITCHY STUFF
I stopped at an "Estate Sale" (really was just a garage/yard sale). There were a lot of good things being offered at good prices. For $2, I walked away with this:


Worth *way* more than $2!

Guess what else I bought this past week? Three Flower Frogs!! I had to do a bit of "shopping" to find bases that fit, and am still on the look-out for one more base. The best part? I only want one (I had to buy three as a package deal), so I'm putting the other two on my stash-for-sale blog if anyone is interested in having one for their scissor collection.

REVISED: Both frogs have been spoken for as of 9/14. If the sales fall through, I'll let ya'll know. :)

I did some stitching on a small "take along" ornament that I keep in my car. I had some time to kill while waiting at an auction. Several people commented on my stitching, and I even made a couple of "little" friends. Two little girls (ages 2 and 3) -- dirty little rag-a-muffins (What do you expect at an all day country auction?), lol... but very cute and friendly. The 3yr old pointed at my stitching and wanted her uncle to buy her "one of those". When she realized she couldn't get one, she scootched herself closer and closer to me, watching. Even though her hands and face were grubby dirty, I still let her pull the needle through the fabric. Totally made her day! I figured it was a cheap ornament kit and what's a little dirt, right? It's washable, after all. Who knows? She could grow up and need the 12-step stitchers anonymous group that we all should belong to!


BICYCLING
I picked up my bike from the shop last Thursday, so of course I had to "test" it out this weekend. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. Sunny and cool with no humidity. I think I went 8-10 miles this time. Here's some of what I see on the JA Trail:

This was taken last Spring. The rest were taken over the weekend.

Lastly, to prove I came
away unscathed ------>

Marvelous Monday Update... on Tuesday 9/8/09

Since yesterday was the Labor Day holiday, I didn't get my MM update done. Did ya'll miss me? I actually had a 5-day holiday since last Thursday and Friday were vacation days for me. Didn't go anywhere special. Just did things around the house, and wasn't too productive at that!

Speaking of the holiday... Yesterday, I went to a Labor Day Parade and festival in a nearby community. The parade was awesome, if you're into that sort of thing. Lots of tractors and farm machinery (Afterall, I'm in the midwest -- farm communities galore!), local school band and sports teams, as well as businesses participated in the parade. I thought it odd that one of the building contractors from *my* city participated in the parade with a banner that said Home Makeover on the side of it.

Well guess what I heard on the radio today?! MY county was chosen to have an Extreme Home Makeover! Yes, like the TV show. Who or where hasn't been released yet, but it will be done by September 15th. How cool is that?!?



WEATHER
The temps have been in the 70's during the day and much cooler at night. While it's nice not to have the humidity, the allergens are still making me miserable! Plus, I'm not ready for that four letter word.... S-N-O-W! We barely had a summer season! Now it's already getting cold and daylight hours are much shorter. *sniffle*


STITCHY STUFF
Not much stitching done this past week, but I did manage to work on my Treasured Memories Quilt Afghan. One more quilt square motif done!

I started another one, but it doesn't look like anything so I didn't feel like sharing a photo. Older pics of this UFO can be seen HERE. This (hopefully) going to be my next UFO to finish.

My plan is to alernate between working on TMQ and JG. I've been dragging my feet on JG because I'm not a big fan of over-one stitching or dark colors... The section I'm working on is BOTH. *ack*

Marvelous Monday Update 8/17/09

MORE POWER
Arr... Arr... Arr! Do I sound like Tim the Toolman Taylor? Anyone remember that show? lol


So why am I going on and on? First, I need to digress... When I was newly divorced 8 years ago, I had to invest in some power tools. One of my first purchases was this:


Mishaps and mayhem -- Oh if this thing could talk! Unfortunately, a 9.6V cordless drill is pretty lightweight for some of the jobs I do and have done. I've been contemplating an upgrade for a couple years. Let me introduce....

- 14.4V Combo Set -
MORE POWER!!!
Not only did I upgrade the cordless drill, but I also got a jigsaw (which I've also been wanting!). This set was on sale for less than $50, which is a *really* good deal, and there were only two left on the store shelf!

I'm just as bad in hardware/home improvement stores as I am when I shop for stitchy stash. I didn't stop at the combo kit. Oh no. Just so happened upon another sale. 20% off all clamps. I came home with this:

Everything in this set was sold separately at the store. A quick calculation told me that the two bar clamps alone cost as much as this entire set. When I got to the checkout counter, the clamps didn't ring up on sale. Manager was called. He checked the aisle. Clerk was told to give me the discount since the sign wasn't clear (sign said: All Clamps 20% Off). These will come in handy for SO many things!


STITCHY STUFF
I spent a little time last week working on this:

Check them out HERE.

I did get a little bit of stitching in last week. I actually had more of this done, but I ended up frogging it all because I put the specialty stitches on the wrong rows of the linen.

Simply Elegant Scissor Case


STILL GOT IT
Between Jr. High and High School, I took 6 years of typing classes. As you could imagine, I was a pretty fast typist. I recently took an online speed test for fun (I know... WHO takes a typing test for FUN?! lol). I was pleased to find out I still got "it". :)

89 wordsSpeedtest
OK, I don't know why it's not showing my "score", but I accomplished 89 words per minute. :)


UNBELIEVEABLE!
Twice I heard buzzing in the window behind/above the headboard of my bed. I pulled back the drapes and found this!

(YES, this was INSIDE my house.) Talk about freak me out! This mud dauber nest was BIG. I don't know how long it had been there. Luckily, I had a can of wasp spray in the basement. I saturated that thing! JT was nice enough to come over and remove/dispose of it. It was really disgusting! The cellular blind is probably ruined due to the big stain on it. I'm going to try and wash it anyway (even though websites say not to do that with cellular blinds) because they're about $130 to replace. Worth a try isn't it?


RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS
I received a thoughtful RAK from Carla in Saturday's mail -- a little sewing box with heart shaped pins. Along with it, she sent the sweetest note.

Thank you so much, Carla!


ACCIDENT UPDATE
Police think a seizure suffered by one of the drivers caused the accident I talked about previously. The accident left three people injured (hospitalized, but not seriously injured) and caused major delays as police diverted traffic from four directions. At the time of the crash, a vehicle was stopped eastbound at a red light and another vehicle approached from behind. The person in the second vehicle allegedly suffered a seizure while driving, which caused his foot to push down on the accelerator and then rear-ended the vehicle stopped at the light. The collision caused both vehicles to spin out into the intersection, where they struck a third vehicle, which was turning through the intersection.