Long Time - No Post

Sorry, It's been a while since my last post. Life is good here - I have a sense of fulfillment and contentment. I'm cherishing the feeling. Life around me is good and thus I am good. The rain can come, the winds can blow, the waves can crash and yet I will stand! I am strong and I am determined!

Geesh, upon further reviewing my self analysis I sound like a lighthouse, lol. Come on in Sailor :)

Ok, so enough of that gibberish. Life is seriously good and not for any one reason.

- My sis-in-law just got there first house! It is SOOOOOOO cute; it makes me want to burn mine to the ground and buy a new one :) No seriously it is adorable and so perfect for them. I'm so happy and hope they enjoy every square inch of it.

- My families Christmas went well this weekend. I cooked bunches and we are still eating on it! I think everyone had an ok time... no one ever has a GREAT time at these family things, but hopefully it wasn't completely boring. April came and joined us; she is a friend of mine from Athens. She is one of the nicest people I've ever met; and she is so adorable with her little VW Bug. I've never met such an independent person! You go girl! **P.S. We're trying to bring her into the knitting family -- Future Knitter She Shall Be :) **

- School is well ... BEHIND but I'm dedicated and will be caught up before the last day on Thursday! Ok so realistically it maybe Saturday before I'm completely caught up but dang it I will get'er done! After which classes are over until 1-7 and then on 2-13 I GRADUATE!!!! Yep you saw it the big G! I can't wait.

- Knitting is really on a stand still right now and for some reason I feel like that is something I should feel guilty about - why? It's just a hobby.... Who knows where my psychy comes up with shit.

Work is going well. I'm learning alot of new procedures and getting to know my team. One of the people that directs work my way is almost deaf... I'm trying to figure out how to communicate with her well. She is so sweet, I just need to learn to slow down when I talk and enuciate so she can read my lips.... I'll get it! But really things are going well. I got my first pay check on Friday :)

That's all my updates for tonight! I really hope all of you in blogland are enjoying your Christmas season! May you have dreams of snowmen and gingerbread :)

Lucky Me

Where does time go? One day it's Nov 1 and you have plenty of time for the Christmas rush and the next thing you know you have a gift exchange the upcoming weekend and you have zero, yep zero gifts prepared and a schedule that won't bend. It gets me every year; hell it's almost laughable.

This weekend my mother, one of my brothers, my God-mother and my friend I grew up with are at my house for dinner (yep full smeal w/ ham, dressing and deserts) and I have none of their gifts! NONE. My nieces/nephew are going to their grandmother's for Christmas and we are having a mini exchange for them tomorrow (I found out today), luckely I had both scarfs for them done and I'm only giving my nephew cash. It's funny I thought I had one done and hadn't started the other but when I opened my knitting bag the 2nd scarf was 75% done... lucky I tell ya, lucky. I'll take pics of them wearing them tomorrow and share :)

The new job is going well... It's only the 2nd day so I can't say much yet - the first week is always hell. Getting into a routine, meeting new people, always being 'on' ... But I'm excited and think I can learn alot!

My week is pretty slammed so if I don't blog you know why:

Tomorrow Night - Gift exchange in Dahlonega (1 1/2 hour away) w/ nieces & nephew
Thursday - NAIW dinner (must have $15 gift that I haven't bought and donation for family)
Friday - Assignment due, get ready for dinner party (no groceries in house and I have a huge Christmas dinner to cook)
Saturday - Cook, Cook & Cook some more then have fun w/ friends and family.

Sometime in this schedule I have to shop for Mama, Donald, Jean & Amanda......

Don't get me wrong though - I'm in high spirits! Things are going well and I'm content with my life. We are still discussing financing for all the home stuff we want to do and I'm waiting on a couple of quotes. Jack is enjoying his new position - he's stressing but enjoying the challenge - I just wish he got home a little sooner. Hey, I even cooked tonight - yes it was Hamburger Helper but it was something :)

Sleep well blogland - may you dream of happy moments and candy canes.

New Job

I start my new job tomorrow - wish me luck.

Amazing: The Boost

You know it's amazing how one night can turn your outlook around. I started working on homework around 2 pm this afternoon -yes much later than I should have, but all through this class I've been looking at my assignments and the first thing that popped into my mind whas "What the F__K" so I've really dragged my feet in the class. Well tonight my portion of the group assignment was due and I'm one to drag my feet when it only concerns me but when others are involved I do what I say I'm going to do! So here I go trying to figure out how to do a work breakdown structure on a project I know nothing about and I'm frustrated, I'm crying, and I'm stressed...

So I call my hubby at 4:30 and beg him to come home and help as he has expertise in the IT arena where this fictious project we are doing is focused, I email 2 or 3 of my group mates begging for a phone call and I begin to really sort thru the mess I have in front of me. Hubby then gets home at 6 and helps me to lay out the steps said process would take and the time lines - at this time I'm beginning to see hope. Then a group member calls and we talk for an hour or so; another group member calls and we talk for an hour or so. Now my time estimates are almost done and while I still need to do my individual write up I'm confident that I can pass this class. I'm confident that I can get caught up and pass and thus graduate in Feb. It's amazing what talking stuff out can do.

I know that to you this may not be a big deal but I was lost in this class and I still have no doubt it will be hard, but this was the kick in the ass I needed. I'm feel like a weight has be lifted and that I can breathe again! Wow! I just can't explain it....

Well, bed time for me as I have to get up in the morning and keep the ball rolling! WOOT! Maybe I'll get done in time to rocover my kitchen chairs :)

Lots to Do

Well, my feeling of doom and gloom is gone - thankfully! I still have a ton to do though! The dinner party for this weekend was cancelled so that's a good thing! I did manage to get the house (minus master bedroom/bath and office) cleaned, the tree is up and I've met with more contractors than Carter has liver pills. But things are coming together.

Now it's time to get serious on school. I have a portion of my group assignment due... well now, and several assignments that are late. Have no fear... If I can ever get started I'll have it done in no time.

Knitting is at a stand still and so are all other things crafty. I'm taking my hat to Melanies this weekend to get help with it (have to get in double pointed needles - horror).

Christmas shopping is partially done; I need to take inventory.

Other than that life is good. I start my new job on Monday and I'm a little nervous but that's to be expected. The pricing for the contractors is coming in and it's an ordeal but I think we're going to manage to get most everything we want :)

Well, I guess I better get started on school. I think I need to clean my desk off first though - bah!

Sigh

As i sit here and prepare to write this blog I find my self sighing. I'm not sure if it's a sign of relief, regret, or just a sigh. I do feel a little bit better from my last post but I'm not back to my normal giddy self. I still have a ton to do with little to no desire to do it and now Mama is here visiting for a couple of days so I have an excuse not to do it; good she's visiting but I need to get off my ass. I did get the living room and the upstairs cleaned. I need to straighten the office still but the floor has been vacuumed. What else neeeds to be done? Not that you really care but I'm going to list it out here for my own benefit as much as for your own boredom:

- Clean Dining Room
- Clean Kitchen
- Clean bedroom
- Clean bathroom
- 2 Discussion boards (3 if you include one due tomorrow)
- 1 project
- Put tree up
- Make menu for next weekend
- Shop for next weekend (food)
- Christmas shopping (make sure we at least have all the presents for those coming next week)
- Recover dining room chairs before next weekend
- I have several more appts w/ contractors next week: We are having alot of work done to house and I'm getting prices. Some of the work includes landscaping, new roof, exterior paint, gutters, deck, sunroom... I think that's all. Oh yea we have to have the fireplace fixed (stucco damage).

Well, I should work on school and I may or I may go downstairs and veg. Not sure yet. Have a good night everyone.

Rut

I'm in a rut; I'm mad at my husband for small reasons that I won't go into here and I'm ... Well hell I don't know what I am. My former employer decided that yesterday was my last day; which in the grand scheme of things isn't that big of deal but it upset my balance. I'm still behind in school - 2 assignments to be exact and I care without caring enough to work on it. The house is a disaster; stuff is everywhere, the floors need to be cleaned, the cloths need to be washed - I think my cats are even sick of it but I can't seem to find the desire to clean it. I mean I have the desire to have it clean I just can't get off my ass to do it. What is that? I would call it laziness - but after living inside my head, my heart, my soul I know I'm not lazy; it's something else - something that is almost tangible but not quite. I sit here and type this rambling mess of words as tears form in my eyes and my heart quietly breaks; why you ask? Why I ask? The question remains unanswered. I need coffee...

Back

We got back from FL yesterday and I'm glad to be home. We had a good time, but I was ready to get home.

We went shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving; this is the first year I attempted to tackle the madness. We got up at 3:30 am to be at Circuit City by 5! Yep 5 In THE MORNING. Crazy I know... What's even crazier is that their was a line around the building to get in! However, we got the 50 inch Plasma television for a great deal and it is now hanging over my fireplace... A little higher than I wanted but the studs in the wall wouldn't let us do it differently - go figure. It's huge and Jack is currently trying to get the new speaker system to work properly - a stream of cuss words have been coming out of his mouth for 2 days now in trying to get this set up. I'm hoping he will get it how he wants it soon so he can enjoy it. We hadn't planned on the purchase but it was about $1,000 lower than any price we've seen sooo....

I also got some Christmas presents and some other goodies. It's funny - every year I try to find presents for everyone and struggle, but Melanie and I decide not to exchange gifts and everywhere I turn I see something she would love. Go figure. The other day there was a Hello Kitty Pez set... I had to struggle not to grab it for her; it was too cute.

On other note today I went to Hancock Fabrics and got some fabric to recover my Kitchen chairs... I'm excited.

School ... Well it's started back and I'm behind. I will get caught up tomorrow - today I'm going to be lazy.

One more week at my current office and then I have a week off before I start the new job! WOOT.

Later blogland!

Happy Thanksgiving

I'm leaving town today to spend the holidays in FL with my family. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. Don't eat too much :)

Good, Great and Better

Ok, first things first ! A very overdue thank you to my SP for my gift. I mean check this out - yarn that is yelling to make something cool, cookie cutters in neat little shapes and a lovely card! Check it out!

Secondly I got the JOB! Yep you heard me right! A very large raise for me, great benefits and half the drive! I start 12/11 and my last day at my current position is 12/1! And I can't wait for the end of my 2 weeks notice!

Other than that life is good and I'm looking forward to a weekend of rest. Lotus Knits and I are going yarn shopping tomorrow and plan to spend some time relaxing and knitting. I'm looking very forward to it!

Well, have a great night! Talk to you later!

Bad

I know I'm a bad person and a bad spoilee. I promised pics and then didn't get them posted - I left you hanging about where my job search stands and I haven't posted in a few days! I know I'm horrible - you can take me out back and shoot me later.

That being said I'm going to keep you in suspense on the job front; I may have some good news but I'm not sure yet and I don't want to jinx it - I'll let you know as soon as I know for 100% sure!

My pal's gift was awesome and I will do a proper post acknowledging her thoughtfulness and my wonderful goodies soon. Sorry Pal for taking so long to do this but please know I appreciate the gift and I love it! Can't wait to start knitting :)

On the knitting front - I started a hat yesterday! Woot! something new :)

I've got to get my pals' package in the mail soon. I've got it all ready and just got to get to the UPS store; I'm not sure why it's taking me so long to get off my ass lately! Speaking of being lazy - School starts this week! BAH! 2 more classes and I'm done - I just got to remember that :) Plus I have a new professor which is a good thing!

Welp back to the grindstone! More crafty post to follow soon - with pics :)

Have a good day blogland.

I'm Sorry - Tonight

I know I promised pics yesterday and I didn't get them uploaded! I promise you will see pics of my goodies this evening! I can't wait to share my SP goodies...

On other fronts I have a follow-up interview tomorrow at 3:30 - you all keep me in your prayers. I need to be calm for this interview and I'm already a little nervous. I'm not normally nervous at interviews and meetings but something about this position - maybe the fact that it would be such a BIG step in my career has me all jittery. I really want the next move I make to be what I call a 5 year move - meaning that I'm with the company for at LEAST 5 years so that may be part of it as well; I want to be sure this is the move for me. I have a recruiter friend looking into some other possibilities and Nancy, another friend of mine has given me a person to get in touch with... but the agency I'm interviewing with now has a National reputation and if I get a position there and can stay with them for 5 to 7 years I have options to move within but I also will have the ability to move pretty much to any National Broker with a salary no one can sneeze at so.... I really want this! I've worked for this - I've gone to 20 years of school for this - I've... Well, I don't know what I've done.

I can't help but think of the things I will do if I get the job. 1st is to to get my new car that I've been wanting and can't afford. The 06 Toyota Rav4 V6 Limited - I'm just in love with it. 2nd is to take 1/2 of my raise to start paying of debt and the other 1/2 to begin saving for stuff we want to do around the house: paint, gutters, new porch/deck, landscaping, sun room for back, garage door opener w/ remote! and etc... Alot of this stuff really needs to be done but the funds haven't been there. I still won't make enough that we can do it all quickly but at least we will be able to slowly get started on it. Not to mention I will have some free cash to feed my yarn habit :)

So, have I bored you enough with my life details? I know this blog is about knitting - Wait no, it's not. It's about what ever I need to ramble about that day so ... I'm not sorry :) Tee Hee

Knitting is kinda boring right now. I need to do something to grab my interest like the hat my pal recommended or maybe try a shirt, but I need to finish a couple of Christmas presents first... I have to deliver a couple of them at Thanksgiving.

Scrapbooking - Well, that's been pretty much non-existent. I can't remember the last time I sat down and did a page. I need to rectify that as I do enjoy Scrapbooking, but sitting in the office is just hard for me... and I find it hard to scrapbook downstairs (dragging supplies, getting distracted by TV and etc...) I don't know I'll get back to it soon - maybe.

Photography - I love to take pictures and always will but I don't have the dedication to get up super early on weekend to grab the perfect nature shot... I should get some good pics of family at Thanksgiving - we're going to my brothers ! That should be fun... All of us in 1 house for several days. I'm going to need a drink; tee hee!

Well, I guess I've spent enough time blogging for now - I better get back to work. Have a great day everyone!

Another Day

I'm at work for another day and I have a lot to do... I have a dental appt this afternoon that I may cancel; I may need the time for a 2ND interview - who knows. I know you're supposed to walk out having a good sense of how it went; well I don't. Part of me thinks yea that went OK and another part of me thinks they won't ever call me again. One guy mentioned that the salary was not what I had been told by their HR department; I didn't discuss it with him. I can tell you that I will not leave here to go to another AM position for less than 15K; so if they want me the salary better be right. Otherwise I'll hang around and wait for one that is. I want my next move to be permanent or at least a 5 year move; I'm tired of moving from co to co and part of the moving is because of my age, school and me just trying to figure out what I'm looking for but I'm ready to settle.

In other news I got another SP gift last night! It was awesome and I will share details and pics tonight - thank you SP! You Rock!

Well, back to work for me! Have a good day everyone - I'll keep you posted on the job front as I learn.

Work -> NOOOOOO

It's Monday and I'm at work. Do I want to be here? Hell, no! I want to be at home watching TV being bored :) I'm not really sure why I don't want to be here other than the obvious fact that it's Monday.

On another note my interview is today at 4:30 - keep your fingers crossed for me! We could really use this!

Well, I know the post was short but I don't have a lot to share. Have a great day everyone :)

Good News / Bad News / No News

Well, it hasn't been terribly exciting for me lately (until Yesterday that is) but everything has been trucking along. I've been enjoying my break from school with a lot of TV, some knitting and some reading. Next week my next class begins and to be honest with you I'm ready - ready to get it all over with and graduate. I hate myself for postponing the graduation, but I needed the break. God knows I was two steps away from crazy!

Work is good; just trucking along. To be honest I don't apply myself here like I should and I could do alot better, but they get what they pay for. I'm about $15K to $25K underpaid if you compared my salary to others in the region for what I do... that being said I took this job as a temporary fix to figure out what I needed/wanted to do with my life. The salary is really starting to hurt though and as you've read in other post I'm not exceptionally pleased with my place of employment (who really is) ... I love what I do but I drive to far, am underpaid, and the owner of the establishment is extremely cheap which only adds frustration to everyone here. That being said I got a call yesterday from a very large agency in Atlanta and have an interview with them on Monday. It would be at least a $20K raise and it's about 1/2 the distance from my house. The benefits are amazing (401K, health, dental, lots of holidays, vacation and etc...). I have very few holidays, only get 2 weeks vacation here (no matter how long you work), I get reimbursed for crappy health care, have no dental, no 401K or retirement and drive 46 miles one way! I'd be stupid to turn down the new job if they offer - Wish me luck on Monday!!! I really need the salary and believe I would be a good fit!

I woke up this morning with a migraine; I get them every now and then and I'm more prone to them when my allergies act up. It's still sitting behind my eyes but has subsided for now - hopefully it will go away completely.

Well, back to work for me I guess. Have a great day everyone.

AAAH

A nice day, a busy but nice day - yep that was my day today! I feel so satisfied right now - with virtually everything. I'm sure the day to day grime will come back to me eventually but right now I feel as if I'm floating on a cloud of pink fluffy stuff :) hee.

So what made the day so great? Actually nothing imparticular; I felt like I got stuff accomplished at work which is always a good feeling. I read some of a new Nora Roberts (or at least new to me) at lunch, came home and had my first attempt at making soup. Yes, I COOKED - and believe it or not I didn't have a recipe in front of me. Pam, the receptionist at work gave me the beginnings of one verbally but I made it up as I went along.

Ingredients:

Canned tomato's (whole)
Canned Corn (whole kernel)
Canned Green beans
Fresh potatoes, carrots, and onions
basil seasoning
salt
pepper
celery salt
canned mixed veggies
Tomato juice
freshly grilled chicken with seasoning on it.

Yea, I know most of you probably can think of a million other things to put in it and you'd probably be right but I liked it. Jack ate it; he thought the juice of it was too tomatoey so he only ate the stuff in and skipped the liquid but I liked it. It was fun to try something and I have enough to freeze :) Hee

After cooking I watched TV and stated on my 2nd nieces scarf for Christmas; it's a simple garter stitch with some ribbon in it but hey I'm KNITTING and it feels good. My next challenge is going to be a hat with the yarn my pal gave me, but I need to get the Christamas gifts made up. Goodness thank about it - Christmas is coming soooo soon! Geez I gotta get shopping :)

Well, I'm going to bed to dream of bliss - GOD I feel good right now; almost hate to waste the feeling with sleep but I gotta work tomorrow.

Freedom of Stepping Down

This weekend I gave up the ghost and emailed my professor that I would be dropping the class and retaking it next term; I simply need the break. My will power wasn't there and I couldn't force it. So I am free until 11/8 to do with what I please (other than work); I am going to use this time to recharge, refocus and knit! Tee Hee - seriously I'm going to watch TV and knit! Those are the sum of my plans - Glorious isn't it! :) I'm sad that I failed to pull myself into the grove and that my graduation is now delayed until the 1st week in February but thankful that I realized my limitations. As my husband said "It's not when you graduate that it's important but THAT you graduate!"

We had Jack's get-together this weekend for the big 35! It went well! I think everyone liked the food and had a good time - if not they didn't tell me.

Well, I have to get back to work. I hope your day is going well!

Rockin Secret Pal

I got home tonight at 9:58; 2 minutes before my 10 pm group meeting for school and what do I find waiting for me just inside the door??? You guessed correctly it was my a package from my secret pal 9 and it was GREAT!!!! It really brightened a very tiresome day! Thank you secret pal! Oh, all of the other people out there want to know what I got.... hmm should I share or keep the goodies to myself??? (pondering......)

Ok, ok you twisted my arm, but I can't share pics till tomorrow :( I got this great burgundy yarn (Yes Melanie she read my mind and my obsession with reddish yarn)! It's a dark barn red and I just love it! 2 skeins are from Jo Sharp and another from Valley Yarns; they all fill so yummy! Then I got a pez dispenser and loads of pez! I know your jealous! I had forgotten how good this stuff was - no wonder kids eat it up! I also got (I know it keeps going - told you she rocked) the Summer 06 copy of interweave knits. It has some pretty neat patterns; I saw a shirt I may try. The sp recommended a hat that I think would look great on Mel, I might have to get the needles out! She sent a cute butterfly card with it! The card gave me ideas for the yarn, I think I may try that cable hat in Stichin Bitch you recommended; I need to give cables a try and that would be a good project to start with. Thanks for the recommendations; my biggest obstacle is figuring out what I want to make 1/2 the time! THANK YOU BUNCHES! This was great! (for those drooling - pics will follow tomorrow so you can drool some more) .

Good night blogland!

New Dedication?

Yesterday I decided to postpone my graduation until February and postpone this class. However, after discussions with my student advisor and my professor I have decided to give it a go. I can do this - I know I can! I just have to find the will power and character that I know exist somewhere deep inside my person. What will this entail you ask? Let me try to explain it...

First I want you to understand that I have never been more than 1 assignment behind; I may procrastinate but never like this. I have two discussion boards over due and a power point presentation. A discussion board (when I understand the material) takes me 3 to 4 hours to complete; a power point presentation (including all speaker notes) takes me approximately 6 to 7; again assuming I understand the material. The group project which we have seven days to complete is starting today and I really don't know shit about the material. I've read it but it's like reading a manual on how to assemble some bio matter - boring and gibberish.

My plan of action is to stay current on the assignments as they are due and to catch up on the others as I can.... Therefore, I am asking my fellow blog land members to do me a favor; at least those who are religiously inclined to do so - pray. No, don't pray that the work will suddenly disappear (which would be nice) but that somewhere I can find what I need to get this done. That the will power, the desire, the ability to understand the gibberish will come.

That's my request and my prayer.

What's Up With Me?

I know your all dying to know what is going on in my life; boring as it is. Well, here is an update for you:

Still behind in school by 2 assignments and I have another one due tomorrow! Tomorrow's will be done on time and I'll get caught up on the other two; hopefully. I'm not sure why I can't get motivated to get this done. I keep telling myself that I only have one class after this but the motivation does not come. I guess 20 years of school has wore me out!

This weekend I did a bunch of nothing.

- Friday we went and visited my Mama and the life insurance guy. Jack is now insured so I won't lose the house if something happens.

- Saturday I was moody as anything. I was mad one second, happy the next and then crying my eyes out. Who knows why women do that! It was horrible.

- Sunday I got one of my assignments done; bought the 6th season of Voyager and chilled some. I should have done 2 assignments but I couldn't find it in me to do.

Today I'm at work. Got here late and generally don't care! Great attitude huh? I'm hoping my energy, my optimism, my will power my general desire to exist will come back soon.

In other news Jack's mama figured out how to be at the dinner Sunday so it's back on. I'm making Chili. Fun Fun.

Tonight I'm going to go home and finish one of my assignments, clean up the house some and generally get off my ass! Jack is taking Hapaw out tomorrow night; if I get my assignment done tonight I may join them but I doubt I'll pull it off.

I know my blogs lately haven't been full of fun festive stuff, but such is my life at the moment. Knitting is at a stand still but soon... Well, back to work for me! Have a great day blogland.

Pics

I'm feeling slightly better today! I'll write more later but here are a couple of pics I took :)

Day Brightner

Oh, this is just great! Brought a smile to my face and you can bet I'll be humming it often :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlL5iG6gmFM

Goody Goody

Today is Tuesday and I'm in a great mood - NOT. I tell you what, you could hand me a $100 bill and it wouldn't be folded properly. However, I do believe I know what is causing my moodiness - my lack of motivation - my ... It's that lovely time of the month that all women must endure! I know too much information, but it's just got me in a mood that I can't seem to shake! I have to get myself together. I have an assignment due tonight, a ton of work that needs to be done and well I just hate being in moods like this!

To my secret pal, I know I owe you a book list- I'll check the shelves tonight and send you a list! I promise!

To those who are not on My Space - get on it! It is so cool to be able to connect to old friends... I connected with a couple of my old high school friends earlier this week and it is just cool!

Also, I know I owe you knitting news but there is not any to share. I have some Christmas scarfs that I'm working on and that's about it... My stash is begging for some attention but it will just have to wait a bit longer....

I went thru some of my pics the other day and found some pretty good ones. I may try to sale! We shall see!

We'll I know this is the most boring post in the world but I needed to release my frustration - I needed to let you know how I feel before I go insane. Here's hoping that this frustrated, self-motivation draining mood will go away soon!

I'm Happy

I'm happy with my life - I'm happy as who I am! Yet, I find myself wishing for something... the something that is just out of my reach. I'm not quite sure what that something is; I can't put my finger on it but it's out there waiting for me.... I hope I find it soon so this restless, listless feeling will dissipate.

I wish all of you in blogland a good night sleep where you dream of happy memories and warm moments.

Once Again

Yep, I'm back for the 3rd time today... I should be doing my homework (which I will get done), but I thought I would procrastinate a bit first and answer my SP9 hostesses questions... She said she is going to ask different ones every week - sounds like fun to me; might spice it up a bit :)

1. Where is your favorite knitting spot? On the couch watching TV

2. If you suddenly could never knit again (shudder) - what would you do instead? Take Pictures

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why? I want to go to Switzerland because I hear is stunning...also want to go to Ireland. Hard call there - I want to see the world; my hubby and I plan to do one big huge trip every two or three years; this year we did a tour of Scotland, see my blog in May/June for tidbits...it was great! I don't think I ever blogged about the last few days though - hmm... something else to add to the "to do" list.

4. When you were little - What did you want to do "when you grew up?" Are you doing it? Mama said I was born with a pen and paper... I played "office" when others played house and yes I'm very much a business woman, though I need to make MORE money and have more of something...can't put my finger on it. Maybe after my MBA I'll find it....

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Mint Chocolate chip.

It's Friday

The week is almost over. I'm sitting here on my lunch hour blogging; I should be working but I'll be damned if I do -- I'm not working a micro second over for this place! But I don't want to talk about that today. So what do I want to discuss?

First let's talk about the snake in my bed this morning! Yep, you heard correctly! Sox jumped up on the bed meowing so in the dark I look and think hey you brought a string... ok it's time for me to get up anyway I'll play. So I pick it up and think "now this doesn't feel like a string" (keep in mind I'm 1/2 asleep) so then I think "hmmm... it's a strawberry sour punch candy - where did he get that" and almost immediately after I thought that I woke up enough to throw it on the bed and yell. Jack of course wakes up and wonders what the heck... I then cut on the light and sure enough it's a dead snake that Sox has brought us as a present! Sox is not an outside kitty, which means the snake had to be in my house BEFORE it died! OMG stress... I have no idea where he came from, but looking back it's pretty funny. We will be searching the house and you can believe I won't pick up any more strings.....

I have an assignment due tonight...fun fun! This is the first due in this class and I can already feel myself dreading it. I just have to remember that on 12/23 I will be DONE! Just 1 more class after this one!

Other than that life is good. I may get to go yarn shopping this weekend, which is always fun - even if I really don't have the money for it. I need to knit some more but I've been enjoying reading and sleeping on the couch while I pretend to watch tv... ah well.

Well, I guess I'll finish this TV dinner and get back to work. I hope all of you are having a great Day!

SP9 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love fibers that are soft to the touch such as Alpaca and etc… I also like the Noro yarns because of the colors.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

A hand sewn case that ties.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

A little over a year… I’m would say I’m inbetween beginner and intermediate. I’m still very much learning.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

No

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)

I’m not a big candle person – the stong smells they generate tend to give me headaches. I do love flowery smells for bath products and Cool Water is my fav perfume.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Brownies are always good. Chocolate and hard candies are as well… I love anything that is sweet really. Oh, yea and Srawberry Sour Punch Straws…YUM YUM!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

Digitial Photography, Scrapbooking, I’m learning to Sew, I also make homemade frames. I do not spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Country and some soft rock. My comp can play MP3's

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I like pinks and reds. Also love the autumn colors. I’m not a fan of neons, bright yellows or bright oranges…

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Married with 2 cats

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

All of the above; but not too heavy; doesn’t get that cold down here.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Hmm…I’m kinda hung up on bags; but I made a baby shirt recently so I think I’m ready to branch out.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Right now I’m working on three scarves for my nieces… Christmas presents…

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Absolutely

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Bamboo – Straight

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Hmmmm.. couple of months maybe.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Stuff with dolphins and / or butterflies…. Can never get enough cute picture frames either.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

No subscriptions, but wouldn’t mind one. No books that I can think of right now.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I’m up for learning anything but there is not one that pops to mind…

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

No, unsure of sock size – shoe is 7 1/2

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

07/10

Hello

Well, it looks like I took a break from blogging...I mean dang it's been a little while. Life is good here - I had last week off of school and it was nice. It was nice not to have to worry about the next assignment and just to be able to come home and sit! Things are still pretty busy though...but such is life. Other than that and going to Emeril's life has been pretty boring. No knitting, no scrapbooking, no constructive project - just work, reading, tv and more work. LOL. School starts back this week.....that's all I'll say about that.

I bet you're wondering about Emeril's. It's this very fancy restaurant in Buckhead that we went to for my sister-in-law's birthday. It was wonderful. Let me detail my meal for you.... Calamari, Bread and cheese (I think my favorite course), bite of smoked fish on a piece of dried toast (I think it was salmon), steak (Not my favorite) and homemade serbet icecreams that were yum yum! I also had some of Lotus Knits brownie, omg that thing was rich but it was good. Overall we had a great time and the service was impeccable. I loved it. We then went to Borders where Lotus Knits and I both got books to plan our upcoming trip down the CA coast (May) .... its going to be so much fun.

On another note I'm a tad bit frustrated with Jacks mother ... I have to step back and remember that his family is not my family and that we function inherently different. His family it is acceptable to go 6 months to a year without seeing or speaking to one another; in my family if I don't talk to my mother at least every week or so something is wrong! His mother works retail as a manager and she claims to "have" to work 60 to 70 hours a week, but in truth she is a work acholic... She won't be coming to Jack's Birthday dinner that I may or may not throw. She supposedly has to work "10:30 am to 1:30 am" ... I won't comment on that. What I will say is that this is not what upset me, this reignited the fact that she did not join us for dinner a couple of months ago when we were in the parking lot of her store and she got off at 4:00 but was still working at 7:30 and "couldn't" leave for an hour to come have dinner with us.... Its not that she couldn't, the store would not fall apart without her, it was that she puts the job in front of her family and guess what... her store will not be there for her when she is old and needs help... Grrrr.. I know not my family and I just need to take a step back but it just pisses me off.

And now that I am on my rampage let me tell you that I work for a bullshit company and an asshole of a man who thinks I'm stupid....what does he think CTU is just handing me a MBA because I look good? This past pay period I worked 86 hours; I'm not on salary by choice because I don't want to have to worry if I'm 30 minutes late or what ever... I just get paid for what I work and that's that. I like it. Well anyway I ended up working 86 hours... I've only worked over one time since I started with my company in January. So last pay period we're really swamped... and it required me to work over and he had the nerve to ask me to change my time sheet which I'm not going to do; it's a federal offense for him to change it (something he probably doesn't know I'm aware of ). He then insults my intelligence further by telling me that the IRS will get on to him if we work overtime.... No, not if you pay me the required time and 1/2! Hell, people work overtime every day - my mother worked for the damn government and they asked her to work over three or four months a year for weeks at a time, but they paid her! You know I really wouldn't mind going salary if my company truly offered salary, but the offer hey your 30 minutes late you have to make that time up...but 6 months ago you worked 50 hours a week for two months straight and you get nothing for that. I don't think so! They can kiss my lily white ass!

Well, enough rants for one day. I've got to get moving. My SP9 questionnaire will be up this week sometime. I'm excited about this round! Have a good day everyone!

Busy Busy

I know my post have been dull lately but I've got to much going on and not much time to do much else; hell I shouldn't even be posting but I feel the need to lay out what is being done so that I can see in black and white why my body feels like its' been ran over by a semi...

Hmm.. since Thursday of last week (or maybe sooner) it's been work and school with no room for anything else. I did take some time Sunday for me but I felt to guilty to enjoy it. Lets lay out the week for you.

Monday - Work / Work on Project for school /Group Meeting for School that night / Bed 11
Tuesday - Work / Work on Project for school / Group Meeting for school / Bed 1 am
Wed - Work til 8 pm / Group Meeting @ office (no time to come home) / Leave Office at 10 PM / Bed 11:30
Tonight - Work til 8 pm again / Dinner w hubby / blogging / got to go work on last assignment which is due tonight
Tomorrow - Sun - At NAIW state convention.

I need rest.....

Tired

It's 1:03 am and I'm sooo tired. This week or the past two actually have been so busy with school and work and the sad thing is I don't get a day off this weekend; I have to go NAIW. Don't get me wrong I want to go, but I need some rest. I've been working night and day since Tues or Wed of last week and geezzzz... I may take a vacation day next week just to breath. Heck, I need to knit - think my boss will go for it? "sorry man I can't come in today - I'm having knitting withdrawals..."

Well, I just wanted to touch base with my blogland friends and let you know I'm alive and kickin...

Friday Yet?

Is it Friday Yet??? Enough said...

Night blogland

Goodies

Yep, I got goodies :) heres a pic.... Thanks again Amy

A BIG THANK YOU TO MY SP

I got my last package for secret pal 8 today and well it was incredible. It reminded me of Mary Poppins bag.... just kept going and going. I'm too tired to post pics but will do so tomorrow or the next day. Thank you Amy

Crazy

Today is crazy but such is life. Here's a breakdown:

- Behind at work: Just the way it is, not enough hours in a day. Yet, I'm still taking a minute to relax and say hi to my blog friends; heck I consider it my break.

- Forgot about a board meeting tonight at 5:30...dressed in jeans; ah well hopefully they won't disown me.

- Have a group meeting for school at 7:30...have to listen to last nights lecture before I can attend intelligently. Which means I need to be home by 6:30 to have time to listen to the lecture...with the board meeting 5:30 - not sure it's going to happen. I may have to wing it at 7:30. Fun fun....

- Once group meeting is over I have to do a discussion board assignment that was due Monday, which requires me to research and compare project management software - have I pointed out that I really don't like this stuff too much?

- Really, Really want to start working on a rough draft biz plan and research for knitting shop.... need to go make sure the place in Decatur isn't a knitting shop...

- Want to do some knitting while watching ER reruns; I'm addicted...

I know my post have been boring lately but such is my life at the moment. I hope all of you are having exciting moments for me :) Chat with you later.

Climbing Out....

I'm climbing out of my slump slowly and surely...It's taking every ounce of will power I have but I am going to pass this class with at least a B if I can do anything about it. As of tonight I had two assignments overdue: one 6 page paper and a 1 page discussion board. The paper is done and I plan to work on the discussion board tomorrow. I also have to get caught up on listening to some chats tomorrow as my group meeting is tomorrow night at 7:30 and I have to be up to speed - we only have 7 days to complete this damn thing; we weren't allowed to start before tomorrow. But by Golly I'm gonna get it done and I will excel - you just wait :)

Just had to give you my progress report to help keep me motivated. I'll see you all tomorrow, I hope you are all well. Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite :)

It's Me Again

Yep, two post in one day! I know your wondering what in the world has come over me - let me enlighten you; procrastination. Yep, I'm sitting her with the assignment in front of me and GOD I DON'T WANT TO do it. I'm not sure why - I just have this dread...this desire to figure out a way any way to get out of it. If I start right now I probably won't finish the assignment due tonight until really late tonight and yet I still can't force myself to start. Aaahhhh....make it go away please.

Oh, and as if I needed any more help procrastinating Goggle has added a link on their hotbar to a knitting store. OMG Shoot me I'm never going to finish this damn MBA.

Another Day of Work

I'm sitting here today drudging thru another day. The needed quotes are piling up around me, the emails are pouring in and the phone is ringing off the hook. So I'm saying to hell with it and writing to you lovely people. This weekend was exceptionally laid back and lazy, which means one thing - I'm now BEHIND! So that being said here is my list of things I need / want to get done.

- Do Assignment due tonight, tonight!
- Do Assignment due Friday (last week), tonight or at least get good and started on it.
- Do promised knitting research.
- Sew sides of baby shirt together, wash it and post pics for you to see before I ship it off.
- Work on scrapbooking - I miss the creativity of it.
- Work on Christmas knitting.

I also need to get out and practice my photography, I enjoy the art of capturing the moment but too often find myself on the couch watching tv / reading instead of doing something constructive with my time. That being said I would not redo this weekend - Jack and I enjoyed relaxing and spending some time with one another :) Well, I gotta get back to the grind. Have a great Monday everyone!

Yep I'm Procrastinating & You're Helping Me!

Yeppers, I'm supposed to be writing my assignment right now - the books are spread out; the research in process, a paragraph has been written and now I'm here blogging. I should finish and I will but I felt the need to say hi to my blogger friends. Today, this week, or maybe just this moment in time is unique. I've been extremely happy, no not giddy happy just content. I'm content with my life. I love sitting on the couch watching tv and knitting while my hubby reads and surfs the net. I love coming home and washing the cloths, I'm just happy and it feels good - really good. I know I've had several post similar to this lately and it may be boring to some of you but this happy is such a different feeling for me. I have always been looking for the next catastrophe, worrying about when the other shoe would drop and explode my world again, or just sitting around giddy one minute and terribly depressed the next and while that does still occasionally happen I am overall happy with my life and I love it. I keep thinking about being happy and wondering how I coped before; ah well I'm not going to worry about it.

Now on to sadder subjects; Mrs. Leitch died this week. Her viewing was tonight and her funeral tomorrow. She is my best friends grandmother and has looked the same for as long as I can remember her. I didn't really know her too terribly well, to be honest I was scared of her. I'm not sure why - maybe the wig, maybe the fact that she got on to me for having hot chocolate in the bedroom when I was little, or maybe it was ... well heck I don't know why. She was the typical grandmother who baked, made her kids and grand children more pillows (sewing) than you can throw a stick at and always had this unique aura that made her, her. She will be missed by her family and I ask that you my blogger friends please keep them in your prayers for the next few days and weeks as they attempt to pick up the pieces and move on.

And back to happier things because I don't want to leave you on this fine Friday with a sad thought. My baby shirt is almost done...about 3/4 of the way. I'm so excited and I think it looks dang good! I can't wait. The bag that I showed you a few days ago in the picture has been felted and lets just say it shrunk...I'll post pics later, but guess I should have used cold water! It still works but.... goodness! No Amanda - You can't compare it to the cherry pie!!

Well, I've got to get this done so I can go to bed and have sex :) Or maybe I need a break right now, just kiddin :) Sleep well blog land.

Busy

Man today was hectic - I came home so tired...but it was overall a good day. Isn't it funny how that sometimes days that are the busiest are sooooo much better than those days your hunting for something/anything to fill your time with. I hate days like that and there are too many of them at my current job ... ah well I'll stick it out till after I finish my MBA and then move onto bigger better things (or at least hopefully more money). I'm so tired of being on the salary I'm on. I should be grateful, we have a roof over our heads and I have no worries about my next meal, but it would be nice to go on a little splurge at JoAnn's and the knitting shops (like I did over this last pay period) and not be broke for the next month. Ah well, the splurge was worth it - I'm enjoying my goodies and I had fun splurging.

School is back in session. My second assignment is due tomorrow and I have one due Monday. I'm going to try and will hopefully succeed to have them all done by Saturday so that we can take Sunday and Monday off to celebrate 2 years of marriage. I read the chapter for tomorrows assignment tonight and I may sneak and work on it some during work tomorrow (shhhhh) :) I can't wait till the end of December - I will be DONE with school!!!!!

The baby shirt is coming around nicely.... or at least I think it is. Will post pictures later. Welp, it's bed time for me. I wish you all a peaceful night sleep with dreams of day lilies and clear blue skies.

Update Time

I know you've missed me - I just needed a break from blogging and the computer in general but I think I'm back for a bit :) I've missed you guys too much to stay away for long.

So I promised you an update in my last blog and an update you shall have. Lately my life has consisted of watching tv with my wonderful husband, shopping, knitting, taking naps, and doing a wee bit of sewing. I've loved it. I know you want some details...well lets see.

I went shopping at JoAnns the other day and came out $120 poorer, but oh I had fun. I got another basket for my yarn, as the stash continues to grow. I also bought some scrapbooking paper (Yes I'm going to start back), a mini scrapbook and this great easel kit to make a personalized photo artwork... I went to use my printer the other day to do the easel thing and I think I need some new ink (how sad).

Last Saturday I had a wonderful trip to the yarn store with Lotus Knits. We went to a new knitting store called Knitch and it is now my favorite knitting store. I normally don't like knitting stores, they make me uncomfortable but these ladies made me feel right at home. It was terrific. Here are some pics that Lotus Knits took for me (I left my camera at home - I know horrible of me)


I bought yarn for some Christmas presents and to make a baby shirt for a friend of mine. I've already started on it...my first garment (I'll let you know how it goes). I must admit that I didn't buy all my yarn here, but this was my fav stop of the day so....

Also, I've completed my bag. I know it's huge, but hopefully it
will shrink once it's been washed.....

As I told you in my last blog I've set my sewing machine up and I love it. I made the purse organizer I spoke of weeks/months ago. It is ok, but my sewing skills need some work... hee

Other than that my life is pretty much as normal. School started back this week and I'm determined to stay current. I lost my 4.0 last semester...I made a B+ which puts my GPA at 3.96 which is good but still disappointing for me. I knew these last few classes were going to be tough, I'm learning just how tough...

Work is work....nothing much to add there. My wedding anniversary is next Monday - 2 years! I'm so excited. We're not doing anything really special, getting a new bedspread for the bed :) maybe going out to dinner. I'm just grateful to have my life - it has its ups and downs but overall I'm happy...who could ask for more.

Books

I actually have a lot to share with you but I'll do it tomorrow or the next day. One thing I did want to make you aware of was the fact that I have way too many books. I went to Borders today and I was having trouble remembering what I have and don't have so I came home and created an Excel sheet to serve as inventory. I discovered that I have (not including ones in drawers downstairs and in boxes in basement) 210 books, 57 of which are Nora Roberts and 14 of which are J.D. Robb (alias of Nora Roberts). I should stop buying books or donate them to NAIW since they are having a book drive but I like to hold on to my books - call me selfish.

Well, more to be posted later about my comings and goings. Chat with you soon.

Boring

I know I've been a boring blogger lately, but since it's my blog I refuse to apologize. It's been another slow week. I finished my bag only to discover that "hey, yea increasing the width of the bottom required more yarn you dumb ass - so to finish the handles and be done you need to buy one more skein" BAH. I'm almost caught back up in school - got one assignment to do tomorrow then I'm done with this class and get a week break.

My Mama's B-day is on Saturday and my brother from FL is coming down for a surprise visit. Yep he's staying here which means my house has to get cleaned up! Yikes :)

My laptop that I used to use for Teamspeak when playing online games has been removed from my desk and I cancelled my EQII account. I never play and it was taking up valuable money and desk space. In it's place is my sewing machine. I have a couple of projects I may try... all inspired by: http://africankelli.com/

Not sure what my next knitting project is. I really want to do my shawl, but can't seem to find the "right" pattern. I can never choose the right project for me but I'm starting something Wed :) not sure what but it will be cool.

Ok, enough of my ramblings that make no sense. Talk to you all later :)

A Whole Week

Wow, It's been an entire week since my last post! Goodness. I really don't have a lot to even post today - I know your speechless that I'm speechless LOL. It's been a pretty quiet week - been knitting alot (almost finished the purse I mentioned last week), been watching alot of tv, visited with Lotus Knits and her hubby this weekend (Loads of fun) and have generally been ... well I've just been. Days have rolled by without any overwhelming excitement and the funny thing is that's ok. Life doesn't always have to be full of excitement.... TTYL blog land

I'm Knitting

Oh yea! I'm knitting...I'm so excited. I'm not sure why I kinda stopped knitting but the flair is back :) tee hee. My swatch for my blanket has been measured and is in the wash room to be washed dried and rewashed. I'm starting a bag from Stich'n Bitch that I'm not sure I'll like but I think it'll make a great gift. I'm going to cut the booga bag proportions a bit and make me another...smaller version or maybe I'll just find something different to make. I have that song "I'm so excited" screaming thru my head...making me giddy :) lol Oh, yea I've got this great yarn to make me a shawl out of...just gotta find the right pattern. I want it to come to a v in the back but still slightly cover my front. The yarn is real thin and I want it to be a large stich so that what ever I'm wearing will show thru...a dressier outfit if ya will. And I think I'll make another kerchief...maybe out of baby blue - I have some of that sitting around.

Hee Hee - Chat with ya later blogland. Sorry for rambling - well not really but hey sleep well.

Whew!

Wow, it's been a busy week! Here's what I've done in the past last two days - Your'e probably not terribly interested but it will make me feel good to type it out so...

- Took CRM Exam this morning (I'm about 75 % sure I passed).
- Completed class assignment that was due yesterday (on time).
- Submitted my slides for group project today.
- Learned how to increase stiches. I know your wondering how I can call myself a knitter and not know how to do increase, but I've always knitted simple stuff and I can't guarantee that will change. However, I did make this great kerchief. Check it out! (Ignore fact that I have no make up on and look like a complete dufuss). I did this in no time and I like it - may have to make a couple gifts :)



Now, I'm done for the weekend. Yes the house still REALLY needs to be cleaned up and I may work on that. No guarantees though - I'm tired and now I get to relax - WOOT! I'm going to watch tv and play EQ and probably clean. Have a great weekend blogland!

On the Path

Ok, so I'm on the path to getting my list done and I see the light (kinda)! This is what I can mark off the list!

- Overdue assignment is done!
- Knitting of bag complete! Need I-cord still.
- Knitting of Swatch complete! Need to wash and dry several times.
- Research for some of assignment due tomorrow started.
- NAIW meeting attended. I'm now a committee chair of 2 committees for the 07 state convention. Oh, Joy (rolls eyes). Nah, it won't be that big of a deal! Any marketing reps out there that want some cheap advertising? Let me know ... we have need stuff for goody bags and money! Over 100 in attendance so you would get your moneies worth. (ok plug complete).

Now I'm done for the day by golly! My head can't handle anymore and I have 8 more hours of CRM tomorrow. This class is really statistics and it's relation to insurance so my grad course from last semester is coming in handy! I will need to study a lot before the test Sat but it doesn't seem entirely alien to me. Need sleep though or staying awake is difficult.

I wish you a relaxing night's sleep - may you wake up rested and stress free tomorrow morning. Don't you wish just for one day you would wake up and for at least an hour nothing stressful came into your mind; none of those nagging worries, thoughts that cause stress or bad memories - just one hour every morning of peace! Man wouldn't that be nice! Well, that is what I wish for each of you tomorrow - smile you deserve it!

Dedicated??

Well, whether I'm dedicated or not is yet to be seen but I'm getting it done despite my lack of want to. So here is my list - hopefully typing it out will give me some drive to get'er done!

• I finished the assignment that was due last night and turned it in (only a day late).
• I worked some on my group project (8 slides due Saturday to my group - haven't done 1 yet).
• I started the Certified Risk Manager class (2nd in series) - Essay Exam is Saturday at 8 am! BAH - must stay awake in class and study.
• Have a discussion board assignment due tomorrow.
• Still have an assignment that is over a week late - 7 to 10 slides.
• Still haven't finished my swatch but I'm taking my knitting to class w/ me tomorrow.
• Still haven't done any knitting really...I want to - I shall knit by golly!
• Still haven't' scrapbooked in like 6 months. I want to but I find when I'm sitting at my area the computer draws me in. I'll get back at it one day - it's a hobby so why stress?
• I will vacuum and mop this weekend!
• I will dust this weekend!
• I will wash some cloths this weekend!
• I will put cloths up this weekend!
• I will by Golly I will!

Drained

Ok, so I'm tired but haven't done anything. Not physically tired though I could go to sleep and sleep for a week, but mentally tired. We moved the office this weekend; which means by hubby put in the computers. That means I had the stress of him being stressed, the stress of me feeling like I have to teach computers to morons, the stress of trying to explain to my hubby that the little things are often what is most important to the user (i.e. me), the stress of school that I really need to do and really can't get motivated to do, the stress that is just there and won't go away. The amount of time I've spent watching TV when I should be finishing my swatch (would only take 5 min), or finishing my bag, or studying or washing cloths, or vacuuming, or doing anything other than watching tv - but yet I find myself watching tv. It's a state of unrest with no energy to be active; I'm confused about my career, unmotivated with the other areas of my life and generally lethargic in everything I see/do. It's funny because I'm so up and down. One day I'm all over the world with joy and sunshine and the next day I'm like this. I have no idea why this roll a'coaster exist; I do know I need to get some exercise - that would make me feel better but I find myself sitting here debating on when and how instead of doing it. I need to do school, I really need to do school - I have an overdue assignment, another one due tomorrow, a group meeting on Wed with Queen B and the other members, my CRM class/test Wed - Sat of this week, a NAIW meeting Thursday, and no desire to deal with any of it. I want to curl up in a ball on the couch and watch tv; I want to cuddle my hubby and be lazy, I want .... I have no idea what I want but it's something and it's right there I can feel it on the tip but can't quite grab it. I know it's close - just have to get the will power to grab hold and pull myself up to grab it. Just....

School Confrontation

She backed down - I backed down and I think we met somewhere in the middle - maybe. I'm done fighting it so ah well. Here is the entire email conversation - hopefully I wasn't tooo bitchy...
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I may be the only one and if so I'm sorry but the attitude you have taken toward this project is slightly rubbing me the wrong way. I will get my part done and I will communicate with group members but I don't appreciate being told by someone what to do and when to do it. If I would have known this group had elected a "leader" to dictate how things were done I would have not joined it. Lines such as "If choices are not made within a timely manner, I will assign an individual barrier to you" and telling me that I must check discussion board daily and etc... just rubs me wrong. I want us to be a team and communicate clearly so I thought I would share my frustration openly so that we could proceed forward together.

Respectfully

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Lisa,

I am sorry if I offended you in anyway, however this is a project management course, and the purpose of project management is for groups of people to work together on projects. In order for a project to be successful it is necessary for the project to have a project manager. We all need to work together as a team in order to pull this group project off that is quite extensive. In order for the project to be successful there has to be structure,meetings,deadlines etc. The deadlines for the project are not going to change. I can not force you to participate in the discussion board, but that is where all the information for the project will be. We felt as a team that it would be better to post there, since some people can't always check email. However, I will send emails out as well. If you choose to participate and can make it, our next meeting will be on the 19th of July at 7pm CST. If not you can review the chat archives in the group discussion chat room. However I would greatly appreciate your input and cooperation in making this project a great success!!!If you still have any questions or concerns please let me know. If you feel the issue still has not been resolved then you may contact the professor for further guidance.

Thank you,

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I appreciate what you are saying and I have no problem working and I understand the need for deadlines. What I am saying however is that the past groups I have participated in with CTU decisions such as deadlines, expectations and etc...were decided together in chats and on the discussion boards. From reading the discussion boards, emails and the online chats it appears that you are just deciding what they are and telling everyone and that irks me because this is a team project and while it is about project management no one appointed you or of any of us the "project manager"; it should be team decisions. So if you wanted a Friday deadline for the topics you should have asked in the chat what everyone thought of a Friday deadline instead of just deciding it and saying " I have posted a message in the discussion board giving a deadline of Friday, the 14 of June 2006 to have chosen barriers or they will be assigned one." And you say "they" like those not in the chat were horrible people who don't contribute. Many of us took online classes because we didn't have the luxury of guaranteeing we would be able to be at a certain place at a certain time. I've seen no one in this group that is not participating in some manner so why the attitude?

I will do my part and I will be in the online chats whenever my work schedule allows, it's just your tone that irritates me. I check the discussion boards almost everyday anyway- it wasn't what you said that irritated me it was the way you said it. Your ideas so far have been great and I agree with the deadline and would have if I had been asked, but when demands are made when request would have sufficed it can irritate people quickly, including myself.

Ah well I just will chalk it up to two personalities that are not easily compatible. It happens and I have no plans of letting it interfere with this project if you don't; all I ask is that you tone down the demands. You don't have to ask less; but I'm not in your employee nor am I your student so please ask instead of demand.

Respectfully,

Lisa

P.S. If you need any help putting the power point together let me know. I like the format you choose - very professional looking. Thanks for volunteering to take that on; I'll try to go ahead and have my page in the chosen format to save you some work.

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Everyone that was in the group chat on Tuesday evening agreed with the deadline and didn't have any problems with how things are being done and has agreed with everything so far.

In my last group project a 1/3 of the grade was participating the the group discussion board, so I thought that I was looking out for everyones best interest grade wise! :) I will do my best to communicate thoughts and ideas in a better way.

If you would like to help put the final presentation together, that would be greatly helpful and appreciated!!! Whatever you can do would be a great help. If you cant attend the meetings, if you wouldn't mind could you please either post your thoughts and ideas on the db or just send me an email and I can act on your behalf.

Just let me know if there is anything else that I can do to help make this project go smoother and make it easier on all of us, I would appreciate it and I hope that we can still work together and make this project a great success!

Sincerely,

Inspiration

Tonight I think I may have gotten my knitting mojo back. I went to have dinner with Lotus Knits; who is btw one of my favorite people in the world and of course we had to go to the knitting store! I got my Secret pal some gifties :) and I couldn't leave with out this great funky yarn (pic tomorrow - I'm too lazy to go downstairs). I think it is scarf bound or maybe a shawl....hmmm

Well, anyway back to my inspiration, other than all the lovely yarn, knitting books and nice people, I took my swatch (the blanket) to Lotus and she said a smaller needle may be in order - I was right! woot. I'm going to bind the swatch I have and wash/dry it first to see how it does but I think I'll have to go down in size. I actually got something right when it came to knitting - I should have called her sooner, but....ah well.

We also talked about doing some cool stuff like the botanical gardens in Athens and this great restaurant in Atlanta! I'm so glad she moved back to where we can do stuff; still an hour drive but man it's so much closer and it's good to have a girlfriend who I seem to have alot in common with that I can see and talk to who isn't in another state. No offense to my online buddies! She's family so she probably puts up with me because of that but I love her for it :) tee hee

Well, I really need to be doing an assignment that may or not be completed tonight. Oh, speaking of assignments there is this girl in my group assignment that is totally pissing me off. She seems to want to play dictator. I sent her a really nice email to try and tell her the shut the ---- up ... we shall see if it came across appropriately. Let me know your opinion - was I too bitchy?

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I may be the only one and if so I'm sorry but the attitude you have taken toward this project is slightly rubbing me the wrong way. I will get my part done and I will communicate with group members but I don't appreciate being told by someone what to do and when to do it. If I would have known this group had elected a "leader" to dictate how things were done I would have not joined it. Lines such as "If choices are not made within a timely manner, I will assign an individual barrier to you" and telling me that I must check discussion board daily and etc... just rubs me wrong.

I want us to be a team and communicate clearly so I thought I would share my frustration openly so that we could proceed forward together.

Respectfully,

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Welp, I'm off to work on it and drool over my yarn! I wish you dreams of fluffy clouds made of soft yarn :)

Birthday

Today was my birthday and it was a good one. It's hard to believe I'm 25; though not old to most it is still hard to believe that I've been on this earth that long. It's hard to believe that I've been out of high school 7 years, that I've been dating Jack for 5 years, married to him for 2, that I'm old enough to rent a car without a penalty! Triple woot on that one. It's just hard to believe.

So I know you want to know about my birthday goodies :) Well, Saturday we went on a little day trip that I will detail more thoroughly (with pics) at a later date. It was fun and well worth the drive, my mother is crazy and I love her, but that is another story all together. I mention the day trip only to point out that Jack and I had discussed that this trip would be my birthday present. And while I secretly hoped for a little something from him I didn't think I would get it. Well, he is a great man and I love him :) He came home today and I heard him come in but he didn't come upstairs so after about 15 min I went lookin for him. I found him outside hooking up my new XM radio in my car! It's so cool! It can go out of my car and be played in the house or at work! I just love it. Then I came in and walked right past the other part of my present without even noticing it (idiot I know)! He got me roses and a card! So sweet. I love him bunches and bunches! Then he took me out to dinner at my fav restaurant! It was cool and really made my day.

The people at work also made it a special day for me. The receptionist who I have referenced in another post made me a cake, which made me feel slightly guilty about said post, but then again not! They office also pitched in and got me a goodie bag! It had this cute pink shirt, some adorable greeting cards, big fat pens because I'm always looking for my "special" pen and a card then they took me out to lunch. It was really nice and made me feel liked!

I also go some calls / comments from Amanda, Jean, Lotus Knits, Andy and my mother left this cute song on my voicemail! And Jae was sweet enough to send me this great e-card! Like I said overall it was a great day!

See you later blogland! I hope you had a great day as well.

General Tidbits

Well, it's been a while since I really blogged and I'm sure you all are wondering what I've been up to. No you haven't? Well, too bad because I'm updating you anyway :)

I've been extremely lethargic - why you ask? I have no clue, probably because I need to get off my ass and do some exercise instead of sit in front of the computer or on the couch all the time. I have a doc appt today for my annual physical - I'm sure she will agree with the above diagnosis, but ... No buts I need to get off my ass and do something - will I? Probably not.

School is getting ramped back up. The next four courses are about project management and they are all 5 hour courses crammed into 5 1/2 weeks so I'll be really busy. I think I'll enjoy the subject matter though. When I'm done I'll have a graduate certificate in project management and if I went and got some on the job training I could become a certified project manager. Will I? I'm not sure. My mind is circling around the idea of going and finding a beginners position in an event planning firm; learn everything I can - get some contacts built up - maybe take some classes on etiquette and etc... and then start my own business (Extreme long term goal there). I don't know. It's a big leap to change careers but I might as well do it now while I'm still young. But then there are all the doubts will someone hire me with zero experience? Will they pay me what I need to survive? I want to go up in salary upon getting my MBA not down...but I may have to go down if I take this leap. Just some ideas roaming around in my head. I mean I would have training - what is an event other than a project? What does everyone think? Does anyone know anyone in event planning that could give me some advice?

Monday is my birthday. I'll be 25 - a 1/4 of a century old and I'll finally be able to rent a car without a surcharge. LOL, something to look forward too huh? People keep asking me what I want and honestly I have no idea. I have more scrapbooking stuff than I can use now (I really need to do some pages)...I have yarn but haven't' really been knitting. The blanket I want to make hasn't gotten past swatching. I really just can't get in the groove of it. I hate to purl and the pattern is knit two purl two. And the swatch just seems loose to me; I wouldn't want a blanket with that loose of a stitch. Maybe I need to change needle size, but what do I know. My inspiration has taken a vacation.

EQII on the other hand is coming back for me. I've been in a couple really good groups lately and have had a good time. Yes, I should be doing something more constructive with my time but I enjoy it so ...

We are taking a day trip tomorrow to the "little grand canyon" in GA and to a wildlife reserve. It is about a 3 hour drive and I can't wait. We are packing a picnic lunch/dinner and off we go...low cost and out of the dang house away from those 4 walls. I can't wait. I should clean the house before we go but I have an assignment due tonight so that probably will not get done. Do I care? Yes but not enough to clean it...what does that say about me? I'm not sure but it's something to contemplate.

I find I really like the my space thing and it is addictive. I've found and am chatting with several people from high school; it's really neat to see where peoples lives have gone and the paths they have chosen.

Well, I really need to get to work. I hope everyone has a good day!

Cornflakes

Do you have that person at work that takes everything as a personal attack? You say "How was your weekend?" and there response is fine with this attitudinal voice that makes you want to hit them. Then everything they does has a level of attitude that makes you wish you could carry them outside beat them until they couldn't think, bring them back in sit them in their damn chair and let them try to eek out some more attitude so you can do it all over again. Well, that is our receptionist who thinks she is mother, boss and the nicest person in the world when in fact she is a self rightous bitch that needs to go do something I won't mention here. Yea she needs to eat some cornflakes, get an attitude adjustment and give a real smile instead of that plastered thing on her face. Or she could retire!

Just had to vent before I vented in a bad way and did the things mentioned above :) Is it time to go yet?

My Space

OMG I did it....I made a my space page. You can shoot me later, but for those of you interested here it is :)

http://www.myspace.com/mylernaknits

Scotland Day 5

I know it's been a while but I really do want to share all of my Scotland trip with you. We had a great time.

Summary of Wednesday 5/17/06

We left the gorgeous hotel in Strathpeffer and headed toward Edinburgh with lots of stops in between. We heard about Bonnie Prince Charlie on our ride and then stopped by the Battlefield of Culloden Moor.








We then passed by the Queens summary castle and Royal Deeside where she shops. For lunch we stopped at Braemar; the site of the Royal Highland games. Here we ate lunch and did a bit of shopping after leaving Braemar we drove thru

some more beautiful landscape down to St. Andrews. It was just a golf town which was rather boring; however the sea shore was great. We climbed on the rocks and took lots of pics. We then went on the
hunt for a coke, where we paid 3.5 pounds ($6 US) for 2 tiny glass bottles.



After St. Andrews we headed to Edinburgh; the Scottish Capital. We had a good nap while riding and tat evening we did the Scottish night. There was bag pippers, fiddles, accordian player and lots of Scottish dancing and singing. We ate Haggis. It tasted like spicy corn beef hash.

No Pics so Onto Other Topics

I was going to do a post of Scotland day 5 but blogger is not letting me upload pics at the moment. I've picked them out which is what takes so long so I'll try again later. Now that my original blogging plan is out I must now decide what to share with you...

Satisfaction. Have you ever noticed that we as a people are never satisfied? Or at least I'm not. I have a great life, food in my belly, a roof over my head, a husband that loves me and a paying job but it's not enough. Will anything ever be enough? I want a higher paying job where I answer to no one but myself (not going to happen by the way), I want a different house - not bigger but different, I want...I want...I want. This is not the way I should be. I should be happy that I am so blessed and be content to live out my life instead of trying to get to the grass on the other side which really probably isn't that much greener. I would say this is something else I need to work on but then a part of me rises up and says NO. It's ok to have dreams and to hope for more...which is right? My guess is that there is a fine line to walk and that we all step off one way or the other in error everynow and then. Some people are to complacent, never striving for more, while on the other hand you have those people who think everything they have is shit and that they are better than their current circumstances. Where to draw the line is a grey area...

Welp, more of Scotland as soon as blogger gets off it's ass. Chat with you later.

Grades

All grading is done for my class and I pulled off an A! I was a little worried about losing my 4.0 because of this class. Woot!!!

Welp, just wanted to share. I'm off to bed now will write more tomorrow.

Night blogland.

Today's Ramblings

What shall I write about today? Well, if truth be known I shouldn't write at all. I have an assignment due at midnight and no I haven't started it yet! I finished one assignment last night and turned it in, then I played some EQ. Tonight I had an NAIW (http://www.naiw.org/) aka National Association of Insurance Women local meeting where I was inducted as a local officer. Which means basically I get to work for free - Woot! No, really it is a great association and I'm proud to be a member of it, but my schedule right now is hell and this is two nights a month that I now have "plans." Ah, well it will look good on my resume.

I've also been reading some blogs. If one is not careful you could get caught up reading blogs for hours and not even realize it. There are so many interesting people in the world. This person has caught my interest...I mean talk about crafty http://africankelli.com/ I want to be that crafty!

Blogging leads me to wonder why I have so many online friends and Jack and I have so few friends here in GA. Probably because we are always home playing on the computer... It would be nice to have a girlfriend or two to cut up with / vent too / and etc... but ah well. I'll just be abnormal and go shoot some people in Deathmatch to vent. Hmmm...whom should I aim at ??? Killah...nah, Ace...nah, Jack...maybe, Eerie yea Eerie that's who. I need to get some revenge on his butt anyway (tee hee).

Well, I guess I need to get started. Tomorrow is my last day in this class (yes I have another assignment due tomorrow) then I'm free for a week. I can't wait!!!

VOV Blast

Well, the weekend is over and I can honestly say I'm sad to see it go. Normally when you have company down you are ready for them all to go home in three or four days, but this time I really wish they could have stayed a few more days. We had a terrific time, everyone was just as wonderful as I expected them to be! Here are some pics



This is Lobo. I know your begging to know what is up with the "country Bob sauce" well, it's a secret :) Tee Hee



This is Caliban to the right. He is so much fun to be around. A riot I tell a Riot.









Paintball was a blast! I shot someone - can you believe it? Of course I missed about 60 people, but hey I got at least one! I'm still paying physically for this outing (bruises, sore legs, etc...) but it was a blast.

United Nations! We don't need them. Our guild is multinational :)

We took the guys to Stone Mountain to see the Laser Show. We also played some Frisbee and Soccer while visiting. Yep, I'm still sore from that too.

Back Row: Eerie Toaster, Dark Mage, Killah, Lobo Front Row: Mylerna, Zanic, Ace, Cloudy, Blackeye and Caliban

Here we are in our VOV Shirts! Bowling here we come (NOT) but hey the shirts look really good. Again, this was a blast. Also, I thought having that many guys in my house at once would be weird and that I would have a huge mess to clean up. I was just treated like one of the guys, which is exactly what I wanted, and my house is almost as clean as it was before they got here. They were really good about helping! Thanks!!! I can't wait till next time! Maybe we can go to Canada and invade :) Tee Hee

Onto other topics....I have three assignments to do this week (last one due Friday) and then this class is over! Thank God. Then I have a week break before the next round of torture begins. Scotland pictures are still begging to be combed thru. Day 5 and more coming soon...maybe next year. LOL, no I'll get them put up soon because I want to look at them. Gaming is a must, being around the guys this week has made me itch for some gaming action weather it be EQ or FPS.

Thats about all that is going on with me. I'm tired from the weekend and could sleep a week but hey I could sleep a week most of the time :) Sleep well blogland.