There have been lots of changes around here. Some good, some sad that turned out to be good, and some very good.
We are one person less. These two people deserved happier lives apart instead of mediocre lives together. Sad, difficult, trying, but good in the end.
We are one dog less. Charlie passed away a couple of months ago. He had been thin and we beefed him back up. He lost his weight again and started not eating. No matter what we tried to feed him. I had an out of town trip planned and had pretty much decided to part with him before I left, but he perked up and ate the morning before my trip. I decided to give him the weekend and see how he did. That Friday, he was listless and weak. Saturday he went to the vet and they tried to keep him alive until I got home, but he sadly passed away Sunday evening while I was on the way home. Very, very sad. He is sorely missed.
Charlie came into our family in 1995, one year after my grandfather passed away. My grandmother adopted him from our local humane society, and was told that he was already 3 or 4 years old. So, that means the old guy was nearing 20. I had him for just 3 years. He brought my grandmother 12 years of companionship and happiness, and I will treasure the 3 he brought us.
The house is coming together. I feel like I live here now and this is my home. I dare say I have a few favorite spots instead of "places I hang out." My yard is looking nice despite the hackberry attack in July, and my resulting sulking and denial. Glad I came out of that one. It was starting to look like no one lived here. I would like to have a little get together sometime, maybe for the holidays. Good.
I have a new outlook. It amazes me how people come in and out of your life, usually at just the right times. It sometimes seems like some people will be with you for the long haul, but they are only with you for a short trip. It is upsetting to part ways with someone who held a significant position in your life for a long time, but you realize that that person was in your life, or you in his, for a reason. You needed him, he needed you, but there comes a time when you have fulfilled your purpose and must move on to the next part of your life.
I've sometimes (often, truthfully) focused so much on the future and potential that I completely lose sight of what is right in front of me. I miss my life for hoping for more. Since these changes were set in motion, I have tried, and succeeded, to be more in the moment. To pay attention to what is happening right now and to be content with that. I have a long list of projects, but am happy with the slow but sure progress I am making instead of stressing about all the things I "need" to do.
A person from my past in back in my life, and is part of my life everyday. I wish I could say that my new outlook is completely my doing, but I've had some help. Quite appreciated, welcomed and wonderfully overwhelmed. I feel like me again and have been enjoying things that I enjoy. Never wait for someone to be happy. Be happy on your own and enjoy that happiness with someone else. Very, very good.
Showing posts with label new stuff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new stuff. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Saturday, January 2, 2010
My Intentions for 2010
So, it's that time of year again. I've reviewed last year's Intentions and there are only a few things I didn't accomplish, so that's good. We didn't pull up any carpet, and we didn't get our new-ish kitchen. Our preparedness is still a little shaky, but I feel like I know where things are if I need them a little more than last year. Here we go!
Save Money! I've really gotten into couponing and have found it amazing how much you can get for so little money. I'm not a pro, but at least I know how to use this very valuable resource. Maybe this will help us finally get that kitchen.
Keep the House Cleaner! Some days I wonder how the house isn't talking back to us. Maybe it is, or maybe it's just the bird. It's hard to keep some things clean, we do have 6 cats, 2 dogs and a bird. There will always be pet hair and feathers and I'm okay with that. It's the "lazy mess" that is really irksome.
The Kitchen! I'm hoping I can work out some way that what we save on groceries with couponing we can put towards the kitchen and have that done mid to late year. The hardest part is going to be being without a kitchen for a few days. We need new countertops (possibly cabinets if they can't be salvaged), a dishwasher, and I'd love to have a disposal if it can be done. Also, we have a doo-doo brown fridge. From 1982 or something. That I hate. I've already been shopping for this one.
Organize, Donate, Recycle, Compost! I like to say that I love organization. I love to organize and compartmentalize. But, I'm lazy. Things aren't necessarily pretty, but I know where they are. I have to make and clean up a mess to get to them and I hate that. Hubs brought home 2 extra filing cabinets about 2 years ago just for that purpose and they remain empty in the storage building.
We have a ton of stuff we don't use and don't need. Looking back at last year's intentions, my mantra was going to be "If you don't use it, you don't need it." Hubs moved a lot of stuff into storage that was taking up space and re-organized the storage building so we can actually get into it, but we still have a long way to go. This is the year. I can feel it.
I hate trash. Especially if I know it can be repurposed, or recycled, or composted. I recently found a place that will take just about anything. This is very exciting because my community does not have recycling. And it's only a few blocks from work so it would be a quick trip during lunch!
We have had a garden for several years now and composting for fertilizer and dirt just makes all kind of sense. However, we throw stuff in the trash all the time. Grr. We have a compost "pile" but it just doesn't get it. We need a box or bin. And some worms. I'm excited about this. I can just imagine the tasty veggies our compost and worms will grow. Mmmm.
Grow One Stitch Wonders! Last year was my first year for selling jewelry and I had a great response. I really love making things that people love. And most of what I've made has meaning and keepsake qualities. Seeing how excited people are about what I did is such a great feeling. This year, I'd like to have a few pieces on consignment or for sale in some of the little boutiques that are blocks from our house. Nearly all of what I've done so far has been by word of mouth and traffic to the OneStitchWonders blog. I'd like to spread that out a little and eventually do this full time.
Take a Metalsmithing Class! I'd like to do this to learn more for the jewelry. And I have a lot of scrap that I'd like to do something with. Hubs gave me the Student's Handbook for Christmas and I've already drooled over it a little. Now if I could just learn to do that stuff!
Bamboo floors in the living room! How I'd love to get rid of the icky berber carpet and put down beautiful, affordable, renewable bamboo floors. I found 3 selections at the hardware store today. I was amazed at all the Brazilian wood choices and just wonder how much of that comes from old growth and rain forests. Bamboo is such an amazing resource because it is plentiful, will grow almost anywhere, grows incredibly fast, and is used for so many things. From floors and furniture to clothes and curtains!
Go into 2010 with high aspirations and acheive them. Let this be the year we all become better people and better the world.
Save Money! I've really gotten into couponing and have found it amazing how much you can get for so little money. I'm not a pro, but at least I know how to use this very valuable resource. Maybe this will help us finally get that kitchen.
Keep the House Cleaner! Some days I wonder how the house isn't talking back to us. Maybe it is, or maybe it's just the bird. It's hard to keep some things clean, we do have 6 cats, 2 dogs and a bird. There will always be pet hair and feathers and I'm okay with that. It's the "lazy mess" that is really irksome.
The Kitchen! I'm hoping I can work out some way that what we save on groceries with couponing we can put towards the kitchen and have that done mid to late year. The hardest part is going to be being without a kitchen for a few days. We need new countertops (possibly cabinets if they can't be salvaged), a dishwasher, and I'd love to have a disposal if it can be done. Also, we have a doo-doo brown fridge. From 1982 or something. That I hate. I've already been shopping for this one.
Organize, Donate, Recycle, Compost! I like to say that I love organization. I love to organize and compartmentalize. But, I'm lazy. Things aren't necessarily pretty, but I know where they are. I have to make and clean up a mess to get to them and I hate that. Hubs brought home 2 extra filing cabinets about 2 years ago just for that purpose and they remain empty in the storage building.
We have a ton of stuff we don't use and don't need. Looking back at last year's intentions, my mantra was going to be "If you don't use it, you don't need it." Hubs moved a lot of stuff into storage that was taking up space and re-organized the storage building so we can actually get into it, but we still have a long way to go. This is the year. I can feel it.
I hate trash. Especially if I know it can be repurposed, or recycled, or composted. I recently found a place that will take just about anything. This is very exciting because my community does not have recycling. And it's only a few blocks from work so it would be a quick trip during lunch!
We have had a garden for several years now and composting for fertilizer and dirt just makes all kind of sense. However, we throw stuff in the trash all the time. Grr. We have a compost "pile" but it just doesn't get it. We need a box or bin. And some worms. I'm excited about this. I can just imagine the tasty veggies our compost and worms will grow. Mmmm.
Grow One Stitch Wonders! Last year was my first year for selling jewelry and I had a great response. I really love making things that people love. And most of what I've made has meaning and keepsake qualities. Seeing how excited people are about what I did is such a great feeling. This year, I'd like to have a few pieces on consignment or for sale in some of the little boutiques that are blocks from our house. Nearly all of what I've done so far has been by word of mouth and traffic to the OneStitchWonders blog. I'd like to spread that out a little and eventually do this full time.
Take a Metalsmithing Class! I'd like to do this to learn more for the jewelry. And I have a lot of scrap that I'd like to do something with. Hubs gave me the Student's Handbook for Christmas and I've already drooled over it a little. Now if I could just learn to do that stuff!
Bamboo floors in the living room! How I'd love to get rid of the icky berber carpet and put down beautiful, affordable, renewable bamboo floors. I found 3 selections at the hardware store today. I was amazed at all the Brazilian wood choices and just wonder how much of that comes from old growth and rain forests. Bamboo is such an amazing resource because it is plentiful, will grow almost anywhere, grows incredibly fast, and is used for so many things. From floors and furniture to clothes and curtains!
Go into 2010 with high aspirations and acheive them. Let this be the year we all become better people and better the world.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
New stuff over there
Ha! I have been working!
Look down there >>-----
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<<-----/ for One Stitch Wonders.
Look down there >>-----
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<<-----/ for One Stitch Wonders.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Intentional Addendum
I've been taking a new daily medication for my migraines, and it causes a bit of brain malfunction from time to time. My short term memory lacks and I forget about half of what I need.
Think more and talk less. My mouth tends to get ahead of my brain and I end up saying things that are more snarky than intended. I've cut some pretty deep wounds with this tendency.
Get/Stay more organized. I usually have piles and piles of important bits of paper lying around that need to be filed. Of course, when I need something, I can never find it. I sort of started this in December, but mostly it was in preparation for doing taxes in a couple of weeks. I set up a pretty good system in a pretty good place, so hopefully this will be easy.
Be more prepared. With everything from getting lunch ready for the next day to "disaster preparedness". I've had a list of important things to compile on the fridge for about 2 years. I think it's time to take care of that. And, this will help with aforementioned intention. The older I get, the more I hate doing things at the last minute.
Get rid of stuff. Not necessarily throw things away, but find better homes for all the extra stuff we have and don't need. We have a lot of stuff that hasn't been out of boxes or in use in years that is just taking up space. This one sort of goes with the yard sale intention. One of my new mantras should be "If you don't use it, you don't need it."
Think more and talk less. My mouth tends to get ahead of my brain and I end up saying things that are more snarky than intended. I've cut some pretty deep wounds with this tendency.
Get/Stay more organized. I usually have piles and piles of important bits of paper lying around that need to be filed. Of course, when I need something, I can never find it. I sort of started this in December, but mostly it was in preparation for doing taxes in a couple of weeks. I set up a pretty good system in a pretty good place, so hopefully this will be easy.
Be more prepared. With everything from getting lunch ready for the next day to "disaster preparedness". I've had a list of important things to compile on the fridge for about 2 years. I think it's time to take care of that. And, this will help with aforementioned intention. The older I get, the more I hate doing things at the last minute.
Get rid of stuff. Not necessarily throw things away, but find better homes for all the extra stuff we have and don't need. We have a lot of stuff that hasn't been out of boxes or in use in years that is just taking up space. This one sort of goes with the yard sale intention. One of my new mantras should be "If you don't use it, you don't need it."
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Adding to my Collection
I started to run out of room with all of my new jewelry I've been working on. So, I made another Jewelry Box for my necklace and earring sets and hung it just below the first one.
Everything on the top row is original, only a few on the middle and bottom are original. When I get jewelry going for sale, I'll start making these to sell, too.
Everything on the top row is original, only a few on the middle and bottom are original. When I get jewelry going for sale, I'll start making these to sell, too.
Awesome Surprise
For New Year's we went to the house of an old college friend of mine. We noticed a really cool painting just inside the front door and asked him about it. He immediately lit up and said he had something for me, and that I was the perfect person for it. We followed him back to his bedroom and he produced this painting: The one one the wall has less color, but is no less cool.
This is a close up of the painting. It is covered with Hershey's Kisses flags. And yes, he ate all of these. Both paintings are about 20"x30". That's alot of Kisses. We brought it home and found the perfect place for it. He started painting about 8 years ago and several different sized and themed works all over his house. Hopefully one day he'll have some in a gallery.
This is a close up of the painting. It is covered with Hershey's Kisses flags. And yes, he ate all of these. Both paintings are about 20"x30". That's alot of Kisses. We brought it home and found the perfect place for it. He started painting about 8 years ago and several different sized and themed works all over his house. Hopefully one day he'll have some in a gallery.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year's Intentions
Because I don't do well with resolutions, here is a list of things I intend to accomplish this year.
Finally get a new-ish kitchen. We don't have a dishwasher and the cabinets are too low t0 install one. So, we pretty much have to rip out all the lower cabinets + countertops and re-do. But, the sink stays. I love my sink. That's why I bought the house.
Tear up some carpet to expose hardwoods. We've discovered that there are hardwoods under the hall carpet and one of the bedrooms.
Take more time to do things I keep saying I'm going to do. Hike more, bike more, garden more, clean more, spend more time with friends.
Have a yard sale. We gathered a bunch of stuff for a yard sale last February and moved it to the front of the house. And it has stayed there. I think this may also fall under previous intentions.
Work on the jewelry/craft business. I've really enjoyed learning to make jewelry and using different materials and techniques. We've talked about having a business selling honey and wax and their related products, so why not add in my new favorite hobby. I would eventually love to have a little shop.
Of course, I intend to eat less and exercise more, but doesn't everyone?
Finally get a new-ish kitchen. We don't have a dishwasher and the cabinets are too low t0 install one. So, we pretty much have to rip out all the lower cabinets + countertops and re-do. But, the sink stays. I love my sink. That's why I bought the house.
Tear up some carpet to expose hardwoods. We've discovered that there are hardwoods under the hall carpet and one of the bedrooms.
Take more time to do things I keep saying I'm going to do. Hike more, bike more, garden more, clean more, spend more time with friends.
Have a yard sale. We gathered a bunch of stuff for a yard sale last February and moved it to the front of the house. And it has stayed there. I think this may also fall under previous intentions.
Work on the jewelry/craft business. I've really enjoyed learning to make jewelry and using different materials and techniques. We've talked about having a business selling honey and wax and their related products, so why not add in my new favorite hobby. I would eventually love to have a little shop.
Of course, I intend to eat less and exercise more, but doesn't everyone?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The New Bike
I got a new bike! I found it on craigslist.com about 4:15 this afternoon, and it was loaded up by 5:30. This was my first craigslist purchase and it was kinda cool.
It is a Trek 7.2 FX WSD.
It is a Trek 7.2 FX WSD.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
A New Activity
Hubby's been working on a plan to lose some weight, and I've been struggling myself with feeling a little uncomfortable. I took a health and fitness class this summer and it made me realize that I am a fat lazy slob.
So, not only have I started eating better (thanks to Hubby), but now we have a new piece of motivation. Several years ago, I could run and run and run and drop weight like nobody's business. One problem with that now is that I have to actually run. Oh, and the whole bad knee thing. Then there's the weather and the dogs that always follow me and the kids that follow the dogs.
So, I found a solution. An elliptical machine. No impact on the knees, no dogs (sort of), no kids, no weather, no running. And...no excuse. I researched a few and decided on the Stamina CT2.0 from Walmart.com. It arrived to the store in about 4 days. I picked it up Sunday, put it together in 1 1/2 hours, and used it for the first time this morning. 15 minutes forward and 1 minute backwards. It doesn't sound like much, but that 1 minute going backwards is intense.
So, not only have I started eating better (thanks to Hubby), but now we have a new piece of motivation. Several years ago, I could run and run and run and drop weight like nobody's business. One problem with that now is that I have to actually run. Oh, and the whole bad knee thing. Then there's the weather and the dogs that always follow me and the kids that follow the dogs.
So, I found a solution. An elliptical machine. No impact on the knees, no dogs (sort of), no kids, no weather, no running. And...no excuse. I researched a few and decided on the Stamina CT2.0 from Walmart.com. It arrived to the store in about 4 days. I picked it up Sunday, put it together in 1 1/2 hours, and used it for the first time this morning. 15 minutes forward and 1 minute backwards. It doesn't sound like much, but that 1 minute going backwards is intense.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Additions
Little Girl had 4 babies on June 11.
So far we have been calling them
#4 will probably stay with us (because we need one more pet), Uno probably has a home, and Tux and Yoda will probably go to Pa Keeper.
So far we have been calling them
Uno
Tux
Yoda
and #4.
#4 will probably stay with us (because we need one more pet), Uno probably has a home, and Tux and Yoda will probably go to Pa Keeper.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Yeah, I know
It's been a little bit, and we've had adventures and additions and success....but my first summer school term + first online class + crazy work stuff has me really behind.
I promise I'm working on it. For all 2 readers.
I promise I'm working on it. For all 2 readers.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Oooohhh.....Aaaaahhhh
I have a new toy! I've never had a gadget phone before and I AM SO EXCITED! I got this phone today! I haven't figured out all the cool stuff yet, but what I have figured out makes me giddy!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Cool Stuff, Exciting News
I'm awake because there's a total lunar eclipse tonight, and I'm outside watching that.
I'm also awake waiting on news about Jenny's new baby! Any minute now!!
I'm also awake waiting on news about Jenny's new baby! Any minute now!!
Friday, February 8, 2008
Yummy
I was really hankering for some dessert, so I whipped this up in the kitchen (pun intended!)
Quick Parfaits for Two
1 package of your favorite pudding flavor
1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups skim milk (for the dieters)
2 Graham crackers
Whipped Cream (fat-free for the dieters)
Mix pudding and milk. Using less than the 2 cups will make the pudding set faster, so mix faster. This will also make the pudding thicker. While the pudding is setting in the fridge, crush all but 1/2 a graham cracker. After the pudding sets, sprinkle some of the crumbs in the bottom of a pretty sangria glass or parfait glass. There should be enough for three layers, so use a tallish glass. Spoon in two or three tablespoons of the pudding, add a good helping of crumbs, top that with two or three tablespoons of the whipped cream. Repeat. Repeat. The last layer should be a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle crumbs, and garnish each parfait with 1/4 of a graham cracker.
Using the skim milk and fat-free whipped cream, there is only a bit of naughty in the graham cracker. Helpful for Hubby's strict diet. I would have taken pictures, but we ate them too fast.
Enjoy!
Quick Parfaits for Two
1 package of your favorite pudding flavor
1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups skim milk (for the dieters)
2 Graham crackers
Whipped Cream (fat-free for the dieters)
Mix pudding and milk. Using less than the 2 cups will make the pudding set faster, so mix faster. This will also make the pudding thicker. While the pudding is setting in the fridge, crush all but 1/2 a graham cracker. After the pudding sets, sprinkle some of the crumbs in the bottom of a pretty sangria glass or parfait glass. There should be enough for three layers, so use a tallish glass. Spoon in two or three tablespoons of the pudding, add a good helping of crumbs, top that with two or three tablespoons of the whipped cream. Repeat. Repeat. The last layer should be a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle crumbs, and garnish each parfait with 1/4 of a graham cracker.
Using the skim milk and fat-free whipped cream, there is only a bit of naughty in the graham cracker. Helpful for Hubby's strict diet. I would have taken pictures, but we ate them too fast.
Enjoy!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Mmm, Tasty
Almost 2 years ago, we bought 2 very small rosemary plants. One was transplanted into a larger pot and one was put in the ground. For the first year, the potted plant did much better than the one in the ground. Last summer, the potted plant started looking a little not-so-great and the in-ground rosemary started to really grow. We've decided to plant a few more plants in some empty beds and in the garden but didn't want to spend the $13-$18 per plant in the Spring. Hubby did some research and found that rosemary can be propagated from cuttings. An evergreen, from cuttings. So, out he went to the better-looking of the two and carefully chose a few sprigs. He cleaned them up and they are now in the window sill, and I guess we'll see what happens. Oh, and we're going to start making herb-oils, too.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Maybe not exciting for you, but a little for me
A week or so ago, I mentioned adding something to the blog. I re-arranged some of the sidebar, and added a link. What I've added to the link is nowhere near complete, but now that I've started, I feel more compelled to finish.
This one is just for my own satisfaction, and hopefully someone else may find something there, too.
This one is just for my own satisfaction, and hopefully someone else may find something there, too.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
2 things, unrelated
First, the pictures of the mailbox decorations I did for Christmas. I'm proud because it was easy, it turned out really pretty, and I did it!
Second: Back in August, we had to give a family heirloom china cabinet back to my uncle. The cabinet was made by my great-great-grandfather as a wedding gift to his new bride. I started on a search for a new one, but couldn't find exactly what I wanted, much less for the right price. Furniture is really expensive these days. After Hubby and I talked it over, we decided that the only way we could get what we really wanted was to have it made just for us. The old one was the perfect size and we really like the style of it. There is a lady that volunteers at the Wildlife Center who makes custom pieces, and she's made one for me before. I sent her a few pictures and the measurements, she sent me a price (unbelievable how much less that store bought!), and I said go ahead. That was in September. Today, she delivered the piece, and it is amazing. Here's a picture:
Charlie wanted to be in the picture, so I obliged. When we get it where it is supposed to be and get all the china put back into it, I'll post another picture. I think Granddaddy would be proud.
Second: Back in August, we had to give a family heirloom china cabinet back to my uncle. The cabinet was made by my great-great-grandfather as a wedding gift to his new bride. I started on a search for a new one, but couldn't find exactly what I wanted, much less for the right price. Furniture is really expensive these days. After Hubby and I talked it over, we decided that the only way we could get what we really wanted was to have it made just for us. The old one was the perfect size and we really like the style of it. There is a lady that volunteers at the Wildlife Center who makes custom pieces, and she's made one for me before. I sent her a few pictures and the measurements, she sent me a price (unbelievable how much less that store bought!), and I said go ahead. That was in September. Today, she delivered the piece, and it is amazing. Here's a picture:
Charlie wanted to be in the picture, so I obliged. When we get it where it is supposed to be and get all the china put back into it, I'll post another picture. I think Granddaddy would be proud.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Surprises
So, I think I'm going to try something new on the blog. Or sort of attached to the blog. I'm working on it now, but not sure when it will be ready.
Stay tuned!
Stay tuned!
Sprites be gone!
I sent my camera back to Olympus a week or so ago to have it checked out and possible even replaced. I've been following the progress, and it was shipped back yesterday and should arrive back at home next Thursday!! Warranty coverage is so worth it. It only cost me the shipping, and the repairs and return shipping were free. Hopefully, the camera sprites were convinced to leave me and my camera alone. Then I can catch up on some of the things I've been working on! And, I can put the camera case Hubby gave me for Christmas to good use.
Oh, and the new laptop!
Yay!!
Oh, and the new laptop!
Yay!!
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