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 4/6/09

Literacy Liason
A couple months ago, the adminstrative assistant at work almost fell over when I told her I was thinking about becoming a volunteer literacy tutor. "When do you have the time for THAT?" she asked.

Since that time, I've been in training... things have changed a LOT since I was a literacy volunteer a decade ago. There's *actual* structured training now. To become a tutor involves 14 hours of various training activities: observation of literacy classes (I've observed 5 different classes), seminars, and R/T and online training. Two required group training sessions occur at the end of this month. Last week, I attended a diversity seminar for the college staff (Adult Ed Dept is on the college campus). Meanwhile, I've been plugging away at the online courses.

I got word that I may already have my first literacy student! I'll be meeting with her and the coordinator on Wed.


Stitchy Stuff
I've been doing a little stitching on Mona and Miles by Sugarplum Express. It's 14ct plastic canvas, and about all I can handle after a long day at work (It's tax season, ya know!). Here's what it looks like so far:


Friday night, I spent about an hour doing over-one stitching on JG. I seriously think I've reduced my vision to almost blindness, LOL. I know I could work on other sections that are over-two, but I'm stubborn! I refuse to move on until I have *this* over-one section done. Why? Because there will be 3 others to do later and I don't want to leave them all for last. Ick.

I received some wonderful goodies from Lillie for the mailart exchange. I felt a little silly asking what the little teacup attached to a cord and bell was for! It can be used as a scissor fob or cell phone fob. Scissor fob it is! I made a cuppa of the BOH Seri Sonket Lemon with Mandarin tea this morning, and OMG... it's so yummy!



Lillie did a beautiful job on stitching the design by Sampler Girl and I really like the border/lining fabric that matches the buttons on the envelope. Thank you, Lillie!


That Naughty 4-Letter Word!
S-N-O-W! Yes, my area was hit once again with sleet and snow yesterday. Luckily, it's warm enough that it melted right away. It was a yucky, cold day and very windy! This week forecasters are calling for rain, rain, and more rain. Depressing, but Hey! it's better than snow!