Houston Trip

Friday I anxiously counted down the time to 11:30!  As soon as it hit, I was out the office door!  After stopping to get some gas and cash (hey! that rhymes!), I was on the road.  It was a beautiful day for a ride!  Blue skies all the way! 

Once I arrived, we were off to dinner at Gringo's!  They have some of the best Mexican food!  I also had a apple pucker margarita.  It was good to try but I probably wouldn't have it again.  It isn't as good as say, mango or peach.

Then we came home where we had a quiet evening. I was able to play with Cassady, change her, get her ready for bed, feed her, and then put her to bed.  She is just too sweet!

Saturday was an awesome day!  We had so much fun at Sarah's youngest daughter's birthday party!  It was a great time to catch up with an old, dear friend.  It was also nice to see her parents.  Sarah's dad was one of my high school teachers.  He is, and always be, Mr. Paul.  His wife however has become just Pam.  Isn't that funny!?  Cassady was awesome.  She was so good tempered and she just played and played.  I finally had to leave because she would not lay down to nap.  She had to be up and aware of all that was going on!  She was out seconds after putting her in the car!!!  It was an awesome trip even though I got lost twice.  But what's a road trip without getting lost at least once??

Sarah's two girls are just so cute.  They are total opposites.  Eden, her oldest, is the spitting image of her mother, outgoing and very talkative.  Zoe is more reserved and like her father.  But they both cannot be mistaken for anything other than "Paul" girls. 

Saturday evening was a nice relaxing evening with the girls.  Stacy, Cassady and I went out for Chinese, then Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and back home to watch the LSU game.  The boys finally decided to deliver a decisive victory for us! 

I was on the road by 9 am on Sunday.  Cassady decided that she wanted to wake up at 6:30 am!!  We really thought she would sleep late as we had had such a big day on Saturday!  No such luck!  But that had me home by 1:30ish.  I have been able to spend that time watching the Saints game, stitching, some laundry, and making some homemade cranberry sauce (I love cranberries!).

I have the long work week ahead of me, but that's ok!  I have Rocky Horror on Friday to look forward to and then Halloween, Tulane LSU game, and enchiladas with friends on Saturday!!!!

Almost here!

Friday.  Noon.  Almost here!  I can't wait!!!  At noon I am out of here!  Headed to Houston to see two of my favorite people!!! 

But before then, I have to do laundry, pack, wrap a birthday present, clean the kitchen, pack Duke's overnight bag (he's going to the grandparents), and take the trash out!

Right now though, I am blogging, listening to the rain, and the tinkle of my windchimes.  The combination of the two sounds is so soothing. Thanks Jill for the windchimes!

It felt like today was going to last forever!  Thankfully the afternoon went pretty quickly.  Probably because I was in fear for my life!!!  The boss and I had an off-site meeting with a volunteer to help us with booking speakers for an upcoming convention.  He drove.  He has an 1980 something crown victoria or something similar to that, which takes FOREVER to just turn over.  Praying is a prerequisite to driving with this man. Whiplash?  Yep, you will suffer from that after driving with him.  In the short drive to the meeting, I learned about how 2 of his pine trees are dead not because of a disease but because of a beetle.  A beetle who picks and chooses which trees it will kill.  I also learned that since he and his family have lived in their house they have removed about 20 trees altogether.  15 in the first year that they had lived there.  On the way back to the office, I was regaled with the stories of him purchasing new vehicles for his wife and daughter but not for himself.  Why should he?  This one still runs!  Even though the windshield wipers are shot, it guzzles oil and the engine sounds like it is constantly "coughing".  Not to mention that he was yawning so hard that I thought his face would split in half at the jaw joints.  Which was probably why we almost got killed when he tried to turn left onto a major street from a side street.  Comments like "Whoops, almost got my front end there" and "Almost had to have a conversation with my insurance agent" were made!

But I made it!  Or I wouldn't be writing this entry! :)

Ok, I must run!  I have things to do!  Dinner to make!  Dog to play with!  Stitching to do!!!  Everyone have a great weekend!

Mid-Week Update

It's Wednesday!  Yay!!!  Only 1 1/2 days of work left!  I am counting down to noon on Friday when I head off to Houston again!  Two times in one month!  How lucky am I  to get to visit some of my most favorite people!

Work - work is a paycheck.  While we are now fully staffed, I agreed today to take on more work.  I know!  What was I thinking?  Obviously I was not!  Or, I seem to have a serious problem at saying "No".  (My mother would disagree with that one!) We are currently bidding for a new client and well, it seems that it will fall onto me to service the new client, along with my current one and the other one that I am working on their annual convention.  Yeah, I can do it.  Now, whether my mind/sanity will survive, that's a whole other story!!!!  It just might entail some overtime which will be very welcomed!

I have been stitching some on the baby quilt.  A little bit each night.  But I don't see enough significant progress to post a picture.  Not sure what will be significant but you will know when you see the picture!  :) 

Have you checked out Heaven and Earth's website lately?  They've just recently released stockings!!!  Hmm, I wonder how long it would take to stitch one of those?  I've only completed two storykeeps.  I've always wanted a cross stitched stocking.  I have two stocking kits in my stash.  Started one, put in about 10 stitches.  But now it sits, waiting for me to pick it back up.  I just don't like working on aida anymore!!

Jill got a brochure today in the mail about the Renaissance Festival.  Woo hoo!  I've only been to this particular festival once but have been to other Renaissance Festivals.  I've always enjoyed them.  More so just being outside and enjoying the fall weather, but also looking at the crazy period costumes that the normal people wear, not just the actors. This was also the first time I had ever had a fried Milky Way.  Yes, they fried a candy bar.  It makes it super sweet.  Not really a fan of it.  I'm not very big on sweet things.

This fall weather we have been having has put me into a better frame of mind.  Makes me want to get up and do things!  I am so excited about seeing my BFF from high school, Sarah, this weekend.  Dinner at Gringo's with my "sister", Stacy. Time with my two nieces, Marly and Cassady!  Then next weekend!!!  Woo hoo!  Halloween!  I love Halloween!  Rocky Horror on Friday night with Jill and then the Tulane game on Saturday with Jill and her hubby!  I'm making enchiladas! Yummy!  I know, a very halloweeny meal, don't you think?  Mexican goes with everything! :)

November starts the holidays!  Those are just around the corner! I am so looking forward to my week off during Thanksgiving.  Even though it means I am just sitting at home doing nothing.  Well, that isn't true.  I have TONS of stitching to do.  Yay!!!  I can't wait!!! I also can't wait to decorate for Christmas.  I am staying home in BR this year.  I am refusing to travel to Austin to have Christmas with my parents and sister. So I am going to decorate my apartment.  I am very excited!  No, I won't be alone.  I already have friends kindly welcoming me to join them for Christmas.  I am so blessed!! :)

Well, I should have plenty of pictures to share after my weekend in Houston!  Till then, adios!!!

Beautiful Fall Weekend

Well, Fall has finally decided to land in Southern Louisiana!  We've had two days with tempteratures in the 60s during the day and 40s at night.  Blue skies. Wind.  Lots of sun (which we've missed the past few weeks with all the rain).

Saturday I took a ride down to even further South Louisiana to attend a crafts fair at Oak Alley.  It was a nice day to spend outside.  But it was quite the adventure.  Upon arriving down there, I discovered that people were being asked to park at some of the local spots (school, parish hall) and shuttle in.  It seems that with all the rain that we have been having, the fields that were typically used at the plantation for parking were closed because they were just too wet and muddy.  So, after parking my car at the parish hall, I waited for over an hour for a shuttle.  You see, the shuttles they were using only fit either 12 people (if it was a handicap shuttle) or 24 people. In addition, only 4 shuttles were running.  This is when I wish I had a truck. If I had a truck, I would have tried to park in one of the muddy lots that they proceeded to open up as the day went on.

Upon arriving to the plantation, I discovered the place was packed! I began to wander amongst the people and the booths.  It amazes me the things that people come up with to sell as crafts and people actually buy them.  There was one booth that was selling bikinis for dogs.  Yes, you read that correctly!  Bikinis for dogs.  Another booth was selling bottle caps as jewelry: necklaces and earrings.  Why can't I come up with something like that and make a living at it?  There were also some really true artists there.  There was one booth that was selling LSU themed pictures (always a hit!).

They also had some great food there!  Now I only sampled one item, but the aromas were irresistible.  For lunch I had fried eggplant with a crawfish sauce.  It was even better than it sounded!  I was good though.  I avoided the funnel cake.  Although it was calling my name as I walked off the grounds! 

The rest of my Saturday was spent watching football, piddling around the apartment, and making some very delicious Taco Soup (recipe provided by my friend Jill). 

Sunday started with two phone calls before 9 am.  I guess that was my cue to get up. The first call was work related and the second call was my Dad wanting to know if he could come over to help me put up fencing on the balcony so we could doggy proof it.

A trip to the bookstore for a birthday gift and the rest of the day was spent at home!  I worked on my balcony, getting it all cleaned up and doing some weeding.  Hung up my new windchimes that was given to me as a gift from my friend, Jill. Watched some football.  Saints are awesome! Took a walk with Duke. Quick trip to Dad's to pick up some potato soup.  A nice conversation with my BFF, Jeff, and then my sister! 

A very poor picture of the wind chime.  Totally chopped off the jewel at the bottom!  But it is now hanging! :)

Picture of my mexican heather.  I just had to take a picture!  I can't tell you how many times I have thought it was dead

and cut it back to nothing and it came back!

It has been quite the lovely weekend!  Unfortunately I don't have any updates on stitching.  :(  Just too pretty outside.  Had to keep moving!!!  ;)

Anticipation

One more day of work and then FREEDOM!!!  This upcoming weekend I have no plans!  Ok, well, let me clarify that. I have nothing scheduled.  Come Friday at 4 pm, I am free from the chains of employment and can do whatever I want till Monday morning at 7:30 am.

My mom is currently out of town visiting my cousin in Boston.  He attends MIT.  I know, impressive, huh?  I've been replaced as the smartest person in the family.  Boo hoo!  Today my mom, grandmother, and aunt were visiting Salem.  I am so very jealous!!!!  Anyway, the point I was going for was that I have no family obligation for dinner this weekend as my mom is away and my dad is golfing this weekend.

You can tell it is fall time in Louisiana with all the number of festivals and fairs going on.  This weekend is a crafts fair at Oak Alley Plantation.  And since we are finally going to get some fall weather, temperatures only in the 60s, it will be a great time to go walk the ground of the plantation and look at some hand crafted items!!!  I might even be able to pick up a birthday gift for the birthday party I am going to next weekend in Houston!  That would be fantastic if I don't have to visit a department store!!!!

Other things I need to do this weekend are clean off my balcony, clean my computer desk (I am currently staring at a pile of bills - paid - that have yet to be filed), stitch and read.  So two of the four items on my list are my favorite things to do!  I might even do some cooking.   A friend gave me a great recipe for the crock pot - Taco Soup.  It is as yummy as it sounds!  But then, I think anything mexican is pretty yummy!

There is no LSU football game this weekend as it is the bye weekend.  Thankfully!  They desperately need to regroup!  But there is a Saints game!  Should be a good one!

I am ready for this weekend to arrive!  But in typical fashion, loathe for it to end!

Tuesday Thoughts

DVRs
Do you have a DVR?  I do.  Thought it was a good idea when I upgraded to high def cable.  Yeah, not so much!  I spend a lot of my free time watching shows that I've recorded because I wanted to watch them but couldn't because I wasn't home or watching another show.  It is an endless, vicious cycle.  My suggestion, stick to the VCR.  You can only record one thing at a time and you have to make the effort to set up the VCR timer and find a tape.  With the DVR, you just push a few buttons.  The more effort you have to put into it, the less likely you are to do it!

Apartment Living
I live in a one bedroom apartment.  I've been in this apartment for just over 4 years.  It's ok.  It isn't luxury living but then again, I don't pay a "luxurious" amount.  I have fairly low rent in a really central locale.  But there are times when I loathe living in an apartment.  Like at this moment.  I know Jill is going to enjoy using this as a reason to buy a house by her!!!  They are currently painting the exteriors of the buildings.  They needed it.  About 5 years ago.  Anyway, they are painting and yesterday  the office called requesting that I move my plants off the balcony.  I refused to bring them inside because I didn't want the bugs in my apartment that could be on the plants!  So they said to just push them against the balcony bars because they needed to paint the walls.  Ok.  I understood that.  I did that.  Most of the plants are against the balcony anyway.  When I came home today, all of the plants and  my gardening chest were shoved to one corner up against the wall.  Now, explain this to me.  You are painting the walls so you shove everything up against the wall.  Needless to say I am ticked off.  My balcony area is completely wrecked with dirt everywhere.  In addition to that, they have partitioned off half of the stairwell because they painted the steps.  Really?  I have had to carry Duke up and down the stairs so that he doesn't get into the paint.

Work
Work sucks.  Need I say more? 

Back to Houston
I will be back in Houston again very soon.  This time for a birthday party.  Another good friend of mine is having a birthday party for her youngest little girl who is turning 1.  So back to Houston I go.  I never attend any of her kids' events and I feel bad.  So I am going to go and take my niece, Cassady, with me.  She's 6 months old.  She's close to 1.  I think she would have a good time!  I really can't wait. 

Stitching
Not much progress to report on.  I'm working on some Christmas presents.  I just hope I don't run out of time.  I normally do but it's like when I know there is a deadline, I get really lazy and lose my mojo.  It's not fun to stitch when you HAVE to finish it within a certain amount of time.  Maybe if I wasn't so busy watching all the shows I recorded, I'd have more time to stitch?  Hmmmm....something to ponder!

Highlight of my day....

The highlight of my day was when I came home to walk Duke.  I took him for his usual afternoon walk and when he pooped....it was NORMAL!!!  Yippy! 

I know, this sounds totally absurd but if you knew the week I'd had with him, you would be excited too! 

Weekend before last, the poor baby was boarded as I was in Houston.  My mom was nice enough to pick him up on Monday so that he didn't have to spend the entire day there as I was at work.  Monday was a typical evening, him ignoring me because he was ticked that I boarded him.  Hey, not my idea!  My mom won't watch him anymore!!! 

Tuesday night, I was awakened by gagging noises at 3 am.  He then proceeded to throw up on my arm as he was sleeping on my arm.  Not a big deal.  Not exactly the best experience, but it wasn't much.  So I got up, cleaned off my arm and the bed.  No sooner had we settled back down, turned the light off, that I hear him making noises again!  Can I say, I never knew a little poodle, who weighs less than 10 lbs, could have that much puke in him. It was everywhere!  All over the bed's comforter and mostly, on me!!  But can I say, he didn't have one drop on him!!!  I had to change the bed sheets, my pajamas, and clean the comforter.  The comforter was removed to the living room and is now at the cleaners.  I figured that would be the end of it.  Nope, every half hour to an hour, he was up with diarrhea. 

While he did not gag again till Friday evening, every night he was up at around 2 or 3 am with diarrhea that lasted till I had to wake up.  I have been exhausted!  I can't even imagine what it would be like if I had kids!  This is a dog!!!!! At least with him, I can put him in his kennel or drop him off at the vet.  I don't think you can do that with kids!

Needless to say, I have been anxiously awaiting the night where he finally slept through the night (that was Saturday night) and the time when he had "normal" poop again.

I am a happy dog owner once again! :)

Busy, but mostly lazy, weekend

It was a fairly good weekend.  Saturday was a busy day. I woke up early to take my car in for it's very first oil change and tire rotation.  I have to say, it didn't take them that long.  I was in and out in less than an hour!

I then briefly made an appearance at my apartment to walk the dog and then off to campus to pick up Stacy and Marly Grace.  We thought it would be a good idea for them to park their car early on campus for the big game that night, Florida and LSU.  We were right.  At 10:30 am, people were beginning to park on the outskirts of campus.  There were people every where. I can honestly say, I cannot remember a time when there were so many people on campus.  They were estimating 150,000 to be on campus.

It was Stacy's birthday so we went to Parrain's for lunch.  We had a great time.  And for dessert, we had purple and gold cheesecake!!! 

We then did a quick shopping trip to Walmart and then back to campus to drop them off for the game.  I then proceeded home where I spent the rest of the afternoon snuggled on the couch with my dog.  I've just been so tired lately from work and late nights with the dog (he's been sick) that I actually napped.  Then I watched the game. 

I don't know why I am upset that we lost to Florida.  It was pretty much a given.  But I had hope.  I was holding on to the hope that the team that I know they can be would show up.  Instead, they just disappointed me.  Now I could strongly argue, though, that the referrees were on Florida's payroll.  I mean, really?  How many times in a row can you call offsides?

Sunday has been a semi lazy day.  I have done laundry, some ironing, and that's about it.  I've started a new cross stitch project.  I am now working on a quilt for Christmas for Cassady.  I hope to finish it by then.  Once I've gotten some progress made on it, I will post a progress picture.

I did have dinner with my parents.  My mom's birthday is next weekend but she won't be here so we had a dinner tonight.  Dad made a yummy Mexican Stew.  It was awesome.  It's like a typical beef stew but it has rotel tomatos, cinnamon, chili powder, apple juice, and granny smith apples added in.  It was very yummy!

That's all for now.  I have to get ready for the upcoming work week!  Ugh!  Not looking forward to it!

Tuesday Thoughts

Tinker Bell
For Christmas I found this Tinker Bell pillow case for my sister.  She adores Tinker Bell.  Today I managed to finish it!!!  Yay! I am so glad it is done because it was a stamped cross stitch and I don't really enjoy doing those types of projects.

Journal
For the past couple of years I've kept a journal of sorts for the sailor who is no longer mine.  It was a way for me to let him know what was going on with me, day to day.  Now that he is no longer mine, I find that I miss doing that.  So today I purchased a journal for me to keep my thoughts in. I find it very therapeutic to write things down instead of letting them fester in my brain!

New Phone
My cell phone recently has been giving me a lot of problems.  Won't hold a charge. Won't charge unless the charger is held in by hand. The touchscreen was going out. Things of that nature.  And I only had it for about a month as the one before it was also having problems.  Well, today, I received my new phone that I purchased online the other night.  It is a Blackberry Curve.  Definitely a lot to learn with it. But I am already enjoying it. Took me a while to figure out how to do texts but I love the email feature on it!  I can't wait to find out what other things it can do!!!

Weekend in Houston

I tore myself away from work (while gleefully, it was still reluctantly), to travel to Houston this weekend for the finalization of the adoption of my friends' newest baby girl. 

On Thursday I headed off to Houston.  Now, it is only about a five hour drive but it feels like FOREVER!!!!  Anyway, I made it to town in time to see the kids get home from school!

While Thursday was basically a travel day, Friday was packed full!!!  We woke up early as we had to leave by 7 am to get to court by 8:30 am.  The actual adoption proceedings were a maximum of five minutes.  The judge actually did 4 adoptions totally in about 30 minutes.  My friends answered a few questions as did their two older children.  The judge then granted the adoption and then handed out stuffed animals to all 3 kids. We then all went out for a big breakfast and dinner later that night to celebrate. 

The rest of Friday was spent shopping with the kids.  Parker got his Darth Vader costume and Marly Grace got her Molly, American Girl, tap dance outfit.  Actually, Marly Grace's costume is Captain America's daughter but it looked like what she wanted so I bought it for her.  We also shopped for outfits for each of the kids.  So it was an afternoon of shopping, shopping, and shopping.

Saturday was once again packed. Marly Grace had her own football games to cheer at and Parker had his first flag football game.  I went to Parker's game.  I know I am biased, but he is a great football player.  He played quarterback, receiver, and linebacker.  He is so versatile.

The LSU game was Saturday afternoon.  I won't comment on the game.  It was nerve wracking enough the first time!!!  All I will say is that we did win.

My new niece, Cassady Hope, is a happy, happy baby who loves to laugh.  I was so happy to be able to join them in the finalization of the adoption. She is a welcome addition to the family!

Weekend Update

No Expectations
This weekend was one where I was not expected anywhere and there was no one visiting!  It was a nice, quiet weekend!  I liked it!!!

Halloween
I love Halloween!  It's my favorite holiday.  This Sunday, my mom and I went to purchase my nephew Parker's halloween costume.  This year, he is going to be Darth Vader.  Yep, the villain from Star Wars.  It's what he wanted! 

Typically we also get my niece Marly her costume.  However, today she informed me that she wants to "make" her costume.  Meaning, she wants a homemade costume. SHE wants to do it.  I'm all for it.  It's the kind of costumes I grew up with.  I did make sure to let her know, she can change her mind at any time.

Also did some Halloween shopping today.  I got a really cool spider web to hang in the patio door!  I'm thinking that for night time, I am going to get some orange or purple lights to go around it! 

Stitching
This weekend I managed to get some stitching in while watching all of the many football games going on!  I worked on Dragon Knot mostly.  I managed to finish the SIXTH page!!! Yay!

A friend of mine asked me about the back of the project.  How "neat" it should look.  Well, just for her, here is the back of Dragon Knot:

Not so very neat is it?  However, with this particular pattern there are a ton of confetti stitches!!!!

Randomness

Besides the shopping and stitching, not much went on.  Did some cleaning and laundry.  Ran over to a friend's apartment a couple of times to feed the cats while she is away.  Watched football of course.  The Tigers managed to pull out a win and move up in the rankings to #4. Just hope it can last!!!!

Not ready for work of course.  But is anyone really?  Lots to do in a short week!  I am taking off, crossing fingers, on Thursday and Friday. Hopefully I will survive until then!!!

Have a good week!

Random Thoughts

Work
Ah work!  How I loathe it!  Just when I thought it was going to get better, WHAM!!!!!  Hit over the head with a 2x4!  I have one of the most clueless, ignorant bosses!!!  It is positively depressing.  If I could, I would quit right this instant.  If I knew I could support myself working at Michael's or Hobby Lobby, I would be there in an instant filling out an application for employment!!!! But that's not really a good idea, because I would probably just end up spending my paycheck there!

Dancing with the Stars
It's that time again!  Dancing with the Stars!  I sit down to watch these dancing pros and their partners and I wish that I could look as graceful as the pro (because the actor/D list celebrity is just absolutely terrible!).

I have to say that the men on Monday night really did not impress me.  I did like Donnie Osmond's performance, but he's been performing FOREVER!  He sort of has an asset in that!

The women I believe were MUCH better than the men!  Mya was beautiful and elegant doing the waltz.  But the suprise was Kelly Osborn!  I really expected to hear *bleep* *bleep* throughout her conversation, but didn't!  And her dance was just so good!  It was definitely a pleasant surprise.  I think that I have found who I will be rooting for in this season!

Stitching
I've done some stitching on Dragon Knot. I know, I've been promising an udpated picture. Sorry!  I've been lazy!  Plus it has been raining which when there isn't enough natural light in the apartment doesn't take very good pictures! I know, excuses, excuses, excuses! I also need to work on some Christmas presents.  It's probably why I am so tense, I'm not taking time out for myself! 

That's enough for tonight!  Only 3 more days of work!  Tomorrow I MUST remember to purchase a lottery ticket!  Can't win if you don't buy a ticket!

Saturday Night In Death Valley!

Ok, so I wasn't actually in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night but it was still a great afternoon/night!!!

I headed out to Jill's house for an afternoon of shooting, dinner, and then the LSU-ULL football game! 

Now, I have never in my life shot a gun. Not even a bb gun! Let alone even handled one. I figured that if I were to shoot one, maybe I'd get over my fears.  So Jill offered to let me shoot some of hers!  I have to say, I really enjoyed it!!!  I was shaking like a leaf but I actually didn't do that bad!  I actually hit the target a few times!!!  Jill had me try out 3 different guns.  What they were, well, you'd have to ask her. LOL  I know I started out very easy and progressed up to guns with a lot of "kick". 

Can you tell how tense I am in the pictures?  LOL!  But I really did enjoy it!!!  Definitely a great stress reliever! 

We then had dinner.  Which Jill and her husband did a great job cooking!!!  Loved the taco soup!  She even made bread pudding for dessert!  One of my favorite desserts!

We all went and got daiquiris and then came back to watch the LSU game!  It was a great game!  We won!  Even better was when Washington beat USC!!! Yay!!!!!

I have to say that this Saturday was so much fun!!!!  It was definitely needed and appreciated!!!

Swine Flu Paranoia Gets Out of Hand

A friend of mine sent this to me in an email.  It made me laugh so I thought I'd share it with all of you!

Stressed!

Things have been so crazy lately!  I haven't even been able to stitch like I want to.  And the clock is ticking down to Christmas!!!! 

Work
Work has been crazy since early August.  We lost two employees at that time.  We are typically a staff of 6 but we are currently a staff of 4.  We are all feeling the effects!  I can't even tell if I am coming and going these days!  On Monday, I was so distracted I actually stood in front of my apartment door getting frustrated because the door would not unlock.  I was using the car's key fob.  Did you know that no matter how many times you hit "unlock", it won't open your home's door? Ugh!!!!

About a month ago, we did hire a new person.  There is no formal training though for what we do and well, it is kind of like being thrown to the wolves.  You throw them in and hope they land on their feet!!!  But with all the activities going on with work, it's hard to sit and hold someone's hand.  Even more difficult when the boss is making the new employee cry!  Yes, cry. 

We have a new person starting tomorrow. We have a lot going on in our office as we have 2 board meetings and a convention all on Friday.  That's just Friday.  Next week we have a dinner event and 2 board meetings (one of which is out of state). How do we hold the newest person's hand and not run them off while we are running around like chickens without heads!?

Personal Life
Obviously work is cutting into the personal life.  I'm a pretty low key person.  I am typically home on the weekends, not really doing a lot.  I can't remember the last time that happened.  For the past month I have had something to do every weekend.  It's not really a complaint but it doesn't leave much time to stitch or take a breath!!!!  I think, fingers crossed, this weekend and the next will be fairly quiet!  I would really like to sit down and get some stitching done!  Maybe read the book that my Dad recommended and lent to me!!!

I'm also still dealing with the loss of my sailor.  Sigh. The head is so smart, the heart is so stupid.

September
September has not been a favorite month of mine for quite a few years now.  September marks the anniversaries of my niece Payton's death and my cat Buddy's death.  It's been 6 years since Payton died in a freak accident.  It's been one year since Buddy had to be put to sleep.  Not to mention the anniversaries of hurricanes.  Blegh! Isn't there a song that says "Wake me when September ends"?  Yep, pretty  much how I feel. Well, I think I would want to wake up for the LSU football games.

I really don't like to use my blog to gripe but I felt the need to write.  It makes me better when I get it out.  I'm a "talker".  But I don't want to burden others so I rarely do it.  But this is my outlet.  Writing.

Thanks for reading.

Never Rains in Tiger Stadium

Here in Louisiana we have a saying: "It Never Rains in Tiger Stadium"  I don't know who or when this was originated but I have to say, there have been countless times that I have sat soaked on a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. This Saturday was one of those days!

The day started with clouds and lots of rain.  By the time Jeff, Parker, Lisa and I made it to campus, it had stopped raining.  We had a great afternoon of shopping at the Union bookstore and tailgating with friends!  It was so great to catch up with old friends!!!

LSU Cookie Cake!  Too cute!

Lisa and her godson, Michael Jr.

Parker (Jeff in the back)

Then on to the game.  It still wasn't raining.  Would our luck hold out?  Unfortunately, no. 30 minutes prior to the game as we were sitting waiting for the pre-game to start, it started to sprinkle.  It did this through the first quarter.  2nd quarter, the heavens opened up!  We did have our ponchos which kept our upper bodies quite dry.  But for some reason, our entire back sides (although we were sitting) were soaked!  I literally had to peel my clothes off of me when I got home! 

Great view from our seats!

But nothing can ruin a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium!  We won, of course!  Currently 2-0. 

Before the rain!

Thanks everyone!

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and opinions. I really appreciate it!

I am going to finish Dragon Knot. I've really enjoyed stitching on it and when it is finally done (one of these days!), I have many options to choose from as to what to do with it!

I have been doing some stitching this Labor Day weekend and hope to put up a status on Dragon Knot and another project this week.

Question

It's half time of the LSU game so I thought I would take the time to type up this question and see if anyone has a suggestion!

I've been working on Dragon Knot for quite a while now. I've put a lot of time and effort into it. This was intended to be a gift for a friend of mine, my sailor. Well, sadly, my sailor is no longer my sailor. To keep a long story short, we have had parting of the ways that I doubt will be resolved. So, I am left with this gorgeous piece that I am going to finish but I'm not sure what to do with it after it is done.

Any suggestions?

Bath Day

Today was bath day for my baby, Duke! I always find it amazing how he seems to know what is about to come next when I reach down and take off his collar. He is so funny! He runs away as fast as he can, jumps on the couch, and lays on his back! Like that is going to keep me from bathing him!

This pic is of Duke just getting out of the bath tub. Not a happy camper!

This is Duke. He's been dried, combed, and fluffed. Time for him to relax now!

Stitching Update

This weekend I finished kitting up two additional projects. These projects will be for Christmas presents. One is a baby quilt for my new niece. It is a kit from Bucilla called "God Bless the Babies." I don't have a picture of it yet. The next one is another kit for a pillowcase with Tinker Bell. This is for my sister since she LOVES Tinker Bell. I typicall do not like "stamped" cross stitch but am willing to "suffer" for those that I love!

I've also been doing some work on Dragon Knot. Work has been getting in the way of stitching lately so it is extremely slow progress. I'm hoping things get back to normal soon!

Whirlwind Weekend

I have been so busy with work that I haven't had the chance to do a blog update. I do have some stitching progress to show but not much. I will save that for another day!

This weekend my Uncle came in for a visit. He hasn't visited South Louisiana for 10 years. From the moment he stepped off the plane we whisked him away! On Saturday we went to LSU for a tour of the campus. We were so lucky that Mike was out! He was playing in the water. He is such a beautiful cat!

We also headed over to New Orleans that afternoon. Had to visit the voodoo shop and other specialty shops that only New Orleans has!

On Sunday we headed to Nottoway Plantation. Such a beautiful home! Rich in history and stories! It was so much fun to wander the grounds and tour the home. Envision a time that was so different than today.

I now need a weekend to recover from my weekend! Another long week at work. So much to do, so little time! :)

Allow me to introduce......

Holly! Yay! I finally finished her!!! Forgive the bad picture, it is a very cloudy day here! Plus I used my cell phone's camera feature because I was just too lazy to pull out the camera!! LOL! But she is done!

Adventures in Babysitting!

I know I promised a picture of Holly when finished. I am still very close to finishing but didn't have much opportunity to stitch this weekend as I was babysitting 4 kids (3 boys, 1 girl) ages 14, 13, 11, and 9. What an adventure.

While I didn't have to amuse them I did have to play referee. That is what I was this weekend. All I heard was "he did that", "he did this", "she did that", "she did this". And of course, it was all INTENTIONALLY! Heaven forbid should one of them just look at the other! LOL!

There were some good moments. We played Monopoly and went swimming. But I am very happy to be home now in my own apartment in the quiet!

So, my goals for this upcoming week are to finish Holly, pick Dragon Knot back up, start Nora Corbett's Letter M, and continue my evening walks. Oh yeah, go to work too. :P

I'm Still Here!

It's been a while since I posted! Things have been very busy lately! We've had 2 people quit at work and so of course, the work has just been piling up! Luckily though we have a one new person starting on Monday. Keeping my fingers crossed this one lasts!!!!

I've also spent the past two weekends traveling and shopping. I'm becoming a name brand snob!!! LOL! In addition to my recent purchase of a Coach purse, I broke down and bought a pair of designer sunglasses! Juicy Couture. I can't believe I indulged myself that way! Because of all the travel and shopping, I kept my booty home this weekend!!!! And even that didn't stop me from spending money! LOL!

My favorite uncle passed away one week ago. To me, it was sudden, as I don't live in the same state as he does and was not aware how ill he was. I last saw him in May when we had gone home for graduation. He looked good and was in good spirits despite having just been diagnosed with lung cancer. So it was quite the surprise to me when he passed away. I wasn't able to get back for the funeral due to work, but my sister did and she said it was quite the celebration. I'm just glad that he is no longer in pain.

Also coping with the loss of a close friend. No, this friend did not pass away. We've been on the outs for several months now and despite my best efforts, I just don't think the trust/friendship can be salvaged. It is very disappointing because this was a very close friend and distance just seemed to have gotten in the way and our own personal demons. I'm still holding on to hope but it is slowly slipping away despite me digging in with my fingers! And anyone who knows me, knows that I am very stubborn.

On the stitching front, I have been working on Holly. I am so close to being done that I don't want to put up a picture till it is complete. It's so close I can see it finished! LOL! Just the kreinik and beading is left. Both of which I loathe, but I am determined! I also picked up the materials (fabric and specialty threads) for the Nora Corbett Letters from Nora "M". I can't wait to start that. This one is just for me!!!!! :) Sure I have one other loved one with M as an initial but this one is for me!!!! I am going to be selfish for a change. I have so many projects that I have started with the intention of being just for me and I end up giving them away! Not this one!!!!

Things are not all bad despite what I've presented here. I'm doing ok. I like my life. I see things I want to change and am trying to change or improve things. Trying not to stay still. Trying to keep moving forward! I've learned that is best. And yet, I am trying not to bury my head in the sand! I do a really good ostrich impression but I've learned that really doesn't make things better!

So till next time! I hope to have some updates on stitching for you!

Weekend Stitching Update

This weekend I spent some time working on The Kiss by Mirabilia. I didn't spend too much time on it as I spent a lot of time shopping and at the pool this weekend, but it is a really easy stitch! I stitched till I ran out of one of the Kreinik threads! I see a trip to the LNS in my near future!!! :) Ok, so that's just a good excuse to have to go!!!

Great Saturday!

Today my bonus check came through! So off I headed to Gulfport for some outlet shopping! My goal was to get some new work pants and a new purse! I succeeded on the goal. I got some really great deals on pants, shirts, and pajamas! Then I treated myself. I bought myself a brand new Coach purse! I have never, personally, spent that much money on an item for myself! But I enjoyed doing it!!!! :)

The afternoon continued by spending some good bonding time with my friend Celestine. We headed to the local gellato shop and split a sundae. It was so yummy. We forgot to take a picture. It was called the Spaghetti sundae. In a sundae bowl, they took vanilla gellato and put it in a noodle press making it look like spaghetti. It was then topped with a fresh cherry syrup - spaghetti sauce, real cherries (not maraschinos) - meatballs, and coconut flakes - parmesan cheese. It was so yummy! And light and fresh. Perfect for a hot, humid weekend afternoon!

After that we went grocery shopping. Yes, together. LOL! It is such a girl thing to do! We went to a local market that specializes in pre-made foods. It was fun to browse and pick out things for the upcoming week!

Now I am washing all my new clothes and am going to watch a few episodes of the True Blood series season 1 while doing some stitching. So far, this weekend has been great!

Dragon Knot Update

Here's my update on Dragon Knot. I completed another tiny section of the pattern. I'm going to keep plugging away at it!!! :)

Monday Vent

Do you ever have that feeling that you perpetually repeat the same mistakes in life? That you know that they are mistakes and yet you keep repeating them over and over?

I'm a smart woman. I have a good life. I have a good job (most of the time - but isnt' that typical of most jobs?). I pay my bills. I have a little extra that I can put aside and spend on goodies like books and cross stitch supplies. I have good friends. Family who loves me. A great dog! Then why is it that I obsess on the things that I can't have? When I say obsess, I mean, can't get it out of my head, hit your head against the wall numerous times type of obsession. And it is an obsession on something that is not even good for me.

Seems like I am mentally healthy if I can recognize that I have a problem. However, even though I know there's an issue, just don't know how to solve it. I've always solved things on my own. But this time I think that I might need help. It feels like failure though that I require help. I was always taught to be self sufficient.

Oh I feel like demons are raging on inside of me. I wish I could have stayed in Houston! I think I see another trip very soon!

Trip to Houston

This weekend I "ran away" to Houston. I need some rest and relaxation. It was great spending the weekend with my friends!!! It was just what I needed. Too bad I had to come back!!!!

Since I had a half day on Friday, I didn't want to waste it so I decided a road trip was just what I needed! So Duke and I loaded up in the car and headed out to Houston. That first night we went out to dinner at La Parmigiana. Little italian place. It was quite good! Of course, Parker ordered the chicken fingers!!! LOL



On Saturday, we didn't do too much. Or at least nothing was planned. I took off with Marly and we went to 3 Stitches in Spring. I love that store! I did buy a Passion Ricome design that I will post later as it is going to be a gift for someone. Marly also requested that I teach her to cross stitch so that one day she could make pictures as pretty as I do! Awww, my heart melted. So off to Michaels to get her a beginning kit. I do believe she has picked it up fairly quickly. I've instructed her to finish the cross stitch and when I come back I will show her how to do backstitches!

We then spent the rest of the afternoon at the pool! Which was then topped off by a dinner of hot dogs, homemade potato salad, and homemade ice cream!!!!

It was such a great weekend! I didn't want to come back!!! I also got to spend some time with Cassady who is now 3 months, almost 4 months old. With the exception of a few spit ups, she is developing quite a personality that just makes you smile!!!!

Update

Hi ya'll! I haven't been doing very much stitching but I do have a little bit of progress to show on The Kiss and Dragon Knot 2! The Kiss is actually a very easy stitch and the Dragon Knot is slow going!

I'm hoping to get back into stitching. I've been reading the Sookie Stackhouse series and finished the latest book this weekend. I LOVE that series! I can't believe that I have to wait a whole year for the next one to come out!