Cards, Gifts & Shopping Oh My

Well seems like Christmas just sneaked up on me. I have like hardly any cards sent out. Still have most of my shopping to do, and seems like not enough time to do it in. Got some cards done up this morning, and they will go out today. So if y'all are expecting cards from me they will be late....lol. Not sure what happened with Jeremy's school pictures, but they were dragging their a$$es so I'll have to send out more cards or what not with pictures when I finally get those. Shopping Bill and I will get done Saturday. Good news he'll at least be home over Christmas. He'll probably be gone just after Christmas just in time for the out-laws to make it our way. Bill did talk to his Dad, and suggest they change their trip spend Christmas Day at our place as Bill will for sure be here, and THEN go to Sharon's (Bill's sister), but all he got was excuses. We already booked the hotel. Sharon is expecting us. Our plans are already made. What they are really saying with all that is seeing Sharon is more important than seeing Bill. Nice huh. Last year they didn't even bother to come by even though they were in Saskatchewan. Bill even suggested that Sharon and her family come out to our place, but nope that's not going to happen. I felt bad for him, and I feel worse for me now I'll be stuck with his parents, and he won't even be here.....grrrrrrr. He knows what he has to buy me to make up for it.....lol

Stitching News
So close to being done the model I can taste it. Two motifs left, and the border.

I'm going to try an interesting challenge in 2008 called the Take Further Challenge. It's a designing challenge, she gives a theme and then you have a month to develop it into a design. I'm not expecting miracles, but I might get a couple usable ornie charts or small charts. At least use my creative brain try something new. Take It Further Challenge After reading the instructions again you can either work the idea on paper or your choice of needle art. I'm thinking right now any ideas I come up with will stay on paper until I have the time to stitch it....lol

Godard Show

Well it was brought to my attention that I hadn't posted about the Michael Godard Art show I went to like over a week ago. I had a good time. He was very nice and friendly. I drank some really yummy wine had some goodies to eat, and even got hit on by two guys....lol. Here are some pics





Work is going well, but pretty busy. I'm sure things will slow down now that it is getting closer to Christmas. Or at least I hope so. I miss posting to my blog.

Taking the lazy way out when buying some Christmas gifts this year. I've done about five gifts on-line, and have them ship them for me....lol. Actually turns out a lot cheaper for me the shipping part anyways.

Stitching News
Still plugging away on the model, and still so close to being done....lol. Hope to post a Happy Dance by the weekend.

Come on Come On Admit It Ya Missed Me

Oh my poor neglected blog how I have let you down.....lol. Well my new job which was to have been easy peasy....lol....oh wow this week has been so busy. The phone rings off the hook, I'm constantly being interrupted from people walking in off the street and I don't feel there's enough time in the day to finish everything. Or at least there wasn't Friday. My boss was talking to her boss saying their Dept is way more busy now that we've moved to the new location, and FCSS (Family Community Social Services) and By Law are all in the same building. I don't mind it being busy as my stress level is still waaaaayyyyy lower than it was at the bank. Bill is home from New Zealand, and brought goodies some decent wine, a little map, and an All Blacks (their Rugby team) jersey which is really nice I wore it Friday to work.

Stitching News
Still working on the model. The last two weeks I haven't gotten much done in it, and I need to get it done ASAP.

Okay Interesting Exercise

Take a look in your closet, or on your floor, laundry hamper or where ever you stash you clothes....lol. The other day I was actually hanging laundry into my closet, and noticed all the colours or should I say lack of colours. There was lots of black, red, maroon, hot pink, some white, and some blue. I then noticed in my living room that my couch and love seat are a deep red, my area rug is mostly black and the carpet is a deep teal (yes our plan is to change the carpet), and the kitchen is mostly White. The new art that we just bought mine is mostly primary colours with lots of black, and Bill's is blue. I thought that was interesting how the colours I like the wear have spilled over to the rest of the house. It has sort of spilled into my stitching as well. I do like strong bold colours. I also find that I grab a lot of blues and purples. So have the colours from your closet spilled over to the rest of your house?

Stitching News
I've done jack squat it seems this week. I need to get my act in gear and get stitching. Some one kick me in the behind to get going.

Yeah I'm Probably Nuts

So the first day of the job went okay I think. The people seem okay. Other than parking in someone's spot first thing in the morning. I think I did all right. I'm basically an Accounts Receivable Clerk that answers the phone. The building is so cool it's the old Wetaskiwin Court house that the restored the original building then added on glass sections to each end. The original building is from 1907 I got the full tour yesterday, and that includes the old jail cells along with the judges chambers. They've done such a nice job restoring it.
Here is a before pic:

Here is the after pic:


It looks really good from the inside. So yesterday after work I treated myself to a new top, new pants (nice warm ones), a new toque and new gloves. My plan is to walk to work as long as the temperature is above -20 C. Yikes, yeah I'm probably nuts, but the walk will be good for me. We are talking about 10 to 15 minutes at the most. I have a good coat and good boots to wear so I won't totally freeze just feel like I'm freezing.

Stitcing News
Well with working all day, errands after work, grabbing Jeremy, and doing Hockey last night by the time I sat down I was to tired to work on anything. Seeing as I'm walking to work today I'll take lunch in the lunch room so I took the model with me I'll probably work on that there.

New Job Starts Today

I'm pretty excited start the new job today....woo hoo. Have to be there at 8:15am yikes that like 2 hours before the bank....lol. Well guess I'll get used to that pretty darn quick. Timed the drive yesterday, and it will take me like four minutes to drive there, and that's going through a Play Ground Zone. Mind you that was Sunday so this morning might take longer more people heading out to work. Sill what a long horrible commute I have...lol.

Stitching News
Got bunch done on the RR finished a section just started the next one. I will take pics later.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like.....

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in my household. Or at least as much like Christmas as I can handle.....lol. The tree is up, and looks well.....acceptable. Here are some pics. Some might be a little dark sorry :( Yeah lots of pics today. So if it takes forever to load I'm sorry.



Stitchy News
It's a models life. Ok here after much anticipation, and waiting...yeah right, but here it is anyways the model I'm working on. I'm really enjoying stitching it. Stitched on a tan linen using Waterlilies Floss 025 Holiday.

Great Now What

Okay guess I'll need to start posting on my Bitchy Blog more....lol.

Started putting the Christmas Tree up yesterday, and will finish that today. Jeremy and I went to see the movie Enchanted yesterday it was so good. I really enjoyed it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

So brings me to the question how many blogs does all the 3 people who read my blog have? I know Loretta has a lot...lol. So how about the rest of you? I'll start:

Me I have three this one, Finishing Techniques, and my Bitchy one link held to protect the innocent. So why three blogs? I've always wondered why people had multiple Blogs, and now I'm writing in three. This one, and Finishing Techniques I update regular, but the Bitchy One has maybe one entry in it....lol.

Stitchy News
Did loads on the RR I hope to take pics later. Dang plus I promised a pic of the model so I hope to do that today. So I guess I need to get going on that.

I'm going to blow my own horn again

I just took this off another person who did the blogging challenge for November.


Stitching News
First weekend of the month is UFO SAL. Good excuse to get some work done on the RR I'm in, and then tonight I'll post a pic of the model I'm working on woo hoo I'll get to share it.

Last Day of Challenge

Well today is the last day of the blogging challenge. I made it posted something once a day. I probably bored a lot of people sorry....lol. Guess we will find out who the winners are.

Well here is kiddo this morning. He always wants his pic taken when I'm taking updates of stitching....lol. Do you think he's cold?


Stitching News
Other than finishing an ornie I did no stitching last night. Here is the pic of the ornie. Please don't look to closely at the finishing as it isn't perfect, but I think it's acceptable. It's a free pattern from Stitching The Night Away I used the May 2005 ornie, but I changed it a little. I did the beads differently than they were charted. I also did just regular x's around the outside of it instead of the stem stitch. The bead border inside the x's is my touch too. I like beads and sparkly....lol. You can find the finishing instructions I used here Basic Flat Ornie

Long Day

Wow it's been a long day worked all day then home, do dinner, tidy up, grab some stuff to try and finish a Christmas Ornie. It didn't turn out perfect, but I think it should turn out ok. I also hope to get some stitching done on the model. Got an email from a friend. They lost a civil case so had to pay some money to the court, and then the court gives it to the other paty in 30 days. Well the guy that sued my friend is harassing my friend. It's within the 30 days so he's thinking he's not going to get his money, and went out and slashed my friends tires. Nice huh. Okay enough boring stuff....lol.

Using What I have

I love to stitch small designs and just limit myself to what I have on hand. So Bill left today to go back to New Zealand for work he'll be gone for a seven to ten days, and tonight I'm going to stitch an ornie. I haven't made any for myself for awhile, and I love hand made ornies. It's something I should do more often. So I selected an Ornie from
STNA Free Ornie Patterns I figure I should have some sort of finish on Finishing Techniques Going to try one of the finishes that I have put up there.

Stacey Shut The F***K Up

So for the past three weeks I've been having to listen to my co-worker belly ache about her hours. There is one full-time teller, and the rest of us are to be there about 18 hours. Now in a perfect world where no one takes vacations, get sick or needs operations that would happen. I've been working 18+ hours at the bank since summer, and this b*tch who has been with the bank for less than three months is complaining about HER hours. So you can imagine how happy she was with me when I gave my two weeks notice. So all of last week she was saying to me 'Stacey have you SEEN what you did to me in December?' She's all bitchy, because with me gone she has to work even more hours. I said no I hadn't seen the December schedule. She asks if I wanted to see it. I said nope and walked away. Sorry but bite me. I'm not going to stay at a place where the stress of working there gives me hives, I have bad dreams about it and the customers treat us horribly. I'm not going to put up with that sh*t, because she thinks she's getting more hours than she wants. So Friday night just before closing (we stay open until 6pm on Fridays) she starts belly aching AGAIN. Now she's moved on to how she's the ONLY one that works until 6:15pm every Friday. Going on and on about it. Our boss leaves at 5:30pm, and she's yapping at her as she walks out the door 'why do you get to leave early?' She then turns to me, and says it's not fair. My response was 'I don't feel sorry for you, we've all been there.' So she left pretty pissed Friday as she didn't get the oh poor you sympathy she felt she deserved. So I just brushed it off until Sunday night. I'm looking at the November schedule and started counting. Um guess who worked until 6:15pm the most in November that would be me. Guess who worked the most until closing in general in November? Again that would be me. I didn't keep the October schedule, but I have my hours written down, and yes in October I only worked until 6:15pm on Fridays twice, but my boss would have done that as I would have worked until 6:15pm most of August, and all of September as we were short staffed. So yeah my boss would have been trying to make things fair for me. Like I was telling this B*tch suck it up as one month you'll work more late shifts and then the next month not as many. So yeah I agree with the B*tch it should be fair. I wish I had as many days off as she has, as many short shifts as she has, oh yeah and long weekends she needs to share having the Monday off after the long weekend too. Now I wish I said those things to her Friday, but I didn't. All I did say is I didn't feel sorry for her. Honestly I don't, and not sure what she wanted me to do about it. I don't control the schedule. So I wasn't very surprised when I went to work yesterday, and she didn't show up. What did surprise me was to hear she probably won't be there today, and may not be there next week. So a teeny tiny part of me wonders if I faked sympathy for her oh so horrible plight (scarasam) would she have been there yesterday? I do feel a tad bit of guilt as they would be short staffed when I leave to begin with, and if I had any doing for this B*tch bailing on them I'd feel really bad as I like the people I work with. The job itself just wasn't for me. Maybe in future I just need to keep my big mouth shut.

Stitching News
Worked on RR Chatelaine yesterday. Thinking I should stitch a little something as a Christmas Ornie for myself.

Excellent Outcome

So we took the Godard piece back to the shop yesterday, and the guy who we bought the stuff from was actually the owner, and he happened to be there yesterday. He barely even looked at the piece, and said no problem I'll send it back and we will get you a brand new one. Woo Hoo. Have to admit Bill and I were expecting the worst. We were expecting the shop to give us a hard time, and to blame us for the damage. It wasn't even an issue. So Bill will call the shop today as they will know if they have one at one of their other shops and if so we will get the replacement this week, and if not and they have to order it in then we wait about two weeks. which is fine with me.

Stitching News
Working away on the RR this round I get to work on a Chatelaine. This is what it looks like right now I'm pretty sure I should be able to finish that bottom section minus the beads, and start Section 6. It's all stitched in silks and sparkly floss which I love. The colours don't thrill me as I'm not into the earthy tones, but it is going to look fabulous when it's done.

Michael Godard Meets Wayne Gretzky

Yeah long post read if you dare ;)

Well the great shopping spree of 2007 has come and gone. Seems like once a year Bill and I spend a whack load of cash. Okay not every year, but last year we did when we bought the couch and love seat. So yesterday we head out, and I was totally not thinking I'd see any coffee tables that I'd like I found four that would work (darn), and one that I really liked (double darn). So we are heading back to Edmonton today, and when we do we will grab that coffee table. So the BIG spending spree Bill has always admired Wayne Gretzky, and for years has been looking at memorabilia collector pieces. So yesterday we were in an Art store just looking around. They had two pieces that Bill was really interested in 1) was a Gretzky photo on canvas & he's holding the Stanley Cup and 2) was an Oilers Gretzky Jersey framed. Both signed by the Great One himself....hehehehehe. So the guys working at the store can tell that Bill likes them so they start the barter dance. I hate the barter dance I find it dull, boring and a waste of my time, but whatever. Finally Bill comes up and says he could have both for price X I say okay if you want them go for it. He's like huh? You want them get them. For what he was getting the price didn't seem bad. What Bill didn't know is I had been searching stuff on Google for Christmas.....hehehehehehe. So he's still debating when he sees me looking at the Michael Godard's, and asks which one I'd pick. I said well the Hockey one. He's like yeah the Hockey one? Yup that one. Bill then points out that how they have it framed it wouldn't fit where we would put it. I said I know but that's my favorite my second favorite is the Lava Lounge. Next thing I know Bill turns around, and asks if we can get the Hockey one any where else in the Mall. Nope, but they might have one in their stock room unopened in the smaller black frame. Bill told them to go get it. He then turns to me kisses my neck and says Merry Christmas. I was like no way. Okay then. So they bring up my canvas, and Bill pays. Now the other exciting thing is Michael Godard is coming to West Edmonton Mall on Dec 8th. This Art Gallery is having a by invitation only party that evening. Get who scored an invitation ME. Yup I'm going it's the same night as Bill's Christmas Party, and both are held at the West Edmonton Mall so I'm going to be a partying fool, okay probably by myself but that's okay.

Now for the drama. So I look over all three pieces very carefully. We then say okay we are going for lunch then we have to get a truck and we'll be back. When we left the store all three were out of the boxes. We come back with a truck. All three pieces are now boxed up. The two Gretzky pieces are put in a box the one with the jersey has plexiglass on it the canvas one is wrapped and in a box. Mine the Godard looks like it is just wrapped in cardboard and tape over the ends. Bill asks if they packed that one good enough, and they are like oh yeah it's fine. So we take them and leave. Pack them carefully in the truck and drive home. We get home get in the house, and we unpack Gretzky holding the cup and hang it in the living room. It's actually a really nice piece, and looks great on the canvas. We then unpack mine, and before we get the cardboard off I say what the hell is that? Just along the bottom just off center is about a 6 inch very thin but very noticeable cut or crack in the canvas. I was like UG. Here Bill does this really nice thing to get me something he knows I'd really like and enjoy for years, and we get it home, and it's damaged. First he called the store back, but the staff we were dealing with were gone for the day. Next he called VISA, but we don't have purchase insurance on our card. So we are heading back to their store today with it. I keep going over in my mind was it something we could have done, but no. For someone to have cut it like that while it was boxed the cardboard would have to have been damaged, but the cardboard is in perfect condition. I don't know. I'm not even sure what the store will do if anything. I know what I'd like them to do as I don't believe the piece was damaged in our possession. The other two are fine. I think something happened when they were packaging it up. That will teach me not to leave while they package my sutff up ever again.

I Don't Want A Coffee Table

Okay so I just found out this past week that my in laws are heading out to Saskatchewan for Christmas. Now to get TO Saskatchewan one must drive through Alberta. So this year we are deemed worthy enough for them to stop and spend a few days with. Not sure why this year they feel the need they didn't last year, and I was fine with that really. So anyways last year for Christmas Bill, and I bought some really nice leather furniture a couch and a love seat. We knew we were going to be buying furniture and had been looking for a long time as these are not small ticket items and wanted something we liked. So now we have a deep red leather couch and love seat, we bought an area rug, and have one picture along with our stereo in the living room. So yeah the living room is a little bare. We watch TV and such downstairs. So Bill was complaining that we don't have a coffee table. OMG we've been looking forever for the right coffee table. It has to be large enough as the room is large, and so is the furniture so it has to be the right scale. It also has to be the right style right now our stuff has a rustic yet classy feel to it. Think high end hunting lodge definitely NOT country kitchen. You'd think that would be pretty easy big piece of wood coffee table, but nope not easy they are either to country looking, or to small. Not to mention the price tag. I can't justify giving $800 for a small table. That's more than what we paid for our kitchen table and chairs. So now Bill wants to go out and look for a coffee table and more art for the living room. I don't want to just buy stuff so that he can impress his parents. We've lived almost a year without a coffee table up there and it hasn't hurt us. Now we HAVE to seriously look today. Um okay I have been seriously looking for a year. I want something I like, I want something different, I don't want to spend a fortune and I want something that matches the picture and furniture already there. Not to mention I don't want to feel I have to buy something just because Bill's Dad and Crazy Lady are going to spend a couple of days with us.

As far as art goes I know what I want. I want two Michael Godard's yeah I don't dream big, but I love his stuff. It's so bright, colourful and funny. Here's my favorite:

We Olive To Hockey

It's Some What Depressing

Ok do you ever just scan though your blog just checking things out. I do so once in awhile just to make sure that everything looks in order. That colours still work in older posts since I've updated the blog that sort of thing. Well I did so today, and wow the number of zeros in the comment section is almost depressing. No wonder I start bouncing off my chair when I actually get one....roflmao.

Stitching News
Model coming along nicely. Almost ready to start a new page. I'm over half way. Can't wait about a week and then I can show it off to the world.

Why Don't People Make Things?

I've been wondering this for awhile. Why don't more people make stuff themselves? Growing up my Mom always sewed some of our clothes, most of our meals were from scratch, heck there was a time when money was really tight when Mom was actually making shampoo for the household. Don't ask me how she did I just know that she did. So now a days why are more people not making it their own damn selves? I figure I have the answer. Which wouldn't surprise Bill he figures I think I know everything, and he's right about that.....lol. It think it comes down to two things:

1) Cost. When we were kids, and my Mom would sew us clothes as it was cheaper for her to make us clothes than to buy them new. Now a days omg have you seen the price of fabric, and patterns? Even at Wal-Mart. I can find Jeremy a pair of pants new for $5 - $7 no way I can make it at that price.

2) Time. There are more couples where both people are working outside or inside the house. Even working inside the house you have certain hours that you have to be doing whatever your job is, and that leaves less time to do other things.

It's kind of sad as there was a time when knowing how to sew, knit, quilt and basic cooking were essential parts of knowing how to care for your family. I'm not even talking about Women HAVING to know this stuff at least someone had to....lol. If you didn't know those things your family could have been in pretty dire straights. Now with all the modern conveniences that essential knowledge has turned into a luxury of if I had enough time to do it, and the money to spare I would.

For those of us that for example cross stitch we don't see it as a luxury, but an intricate part of our sanity. I know how grumpy and out of sorts I can become if I go to many days without my needle. Just my way of having control over a teeny tiny part of the universe...hmmmmm....could be. At least on the piece of fabric I'm working on everything is in order, all the cross lay the same way, a part of my house is neat (the backs of my fabric) and I can shut out anything I don't want to think about except what colour I'm going to use next, and do I have enough floss left to finish that row.

Wow pretty deep for a Thursday morning.....lol.

New Blog Launched

I started posting on the new blog yesterday Finishing Techniques. If you have any great Finishing Techniques you'd like to share please let me know.

Hide It Under A Bushel Yes......

Ok I'm a crafty lady. I like to make things. I like to take needle and thread to fabric, and watch a beautiful picture appear. I like to make Christmas Ornaments for my tree as well as for exchanges. I get excited when I 'get mail.' We are not talking about electronic mail either. I mean slow snail mail as it usually has goodies for me. I love to go to LNS Shops heck even Michaels can be exciting at times. As much of this stuff is a part of my life, and who I am. I mean many an even I pass with needle in hand creating stuff. My co-workers don't know that I do that stuff. Now I wonder why that is. Am I embarrassed? If so why? Embarrassed to have a hobby that's silly. Well some of my craftiness is showing as we are starting to put the wreath together for the Silent Auction, and I got them as far as attaching the feathers to the wreath, and I'm thinking they can find their way from there. It's just a matter of gluing pretty things on. I'm hearing a lot of comments oh I could never do that. I'm not creative/crafty to figure it out. So I'm like wow if they think this is difficult guess I won't show them my HAED or the Chatelaine I'm working on for the UFO RR.....lol. I've never taken my stitching to the Bank, and I ponder this. Maybe it's because I'm modest, and I just don't want to deal with the how can you do that? Oh you are so talented. How can you see the little holes? Anyone else do this hide their creative/craft side under a Bushel?

From Walking To Striding

Well Jeremy had his second week of Hockey. It's amazing what two weeks, and seven hours of Public Skating can accomplish. Ok he's not a skating genius out there now, but he's doing a heck of a lot more than just marching feet on the ice now....lol. Bill had a week where he didn't have to go into the office so every day after school he took Jeremy to the ice rink to practice. Our Rink offers free public skating every day so we have been taking advantage of that. It has totally paid off. Jeremy actually touched the puck last night, and even had a shot on goal. I do plan on going to the rink today to see about Power Skating Lessons. I have to say I'm very impressed with Jeremy's no give up attitude.

Stitching News
Well I got the next round in the UFO RR it's Chatelaine's Mystery VIII. Will be interesting to stitch as I've been considering a Chatelaine. Well the new blog is all created I just need to start posting....lol. I hope to get something in there today. Trying to figure out how I want to organize everything....lol. Oh what fun.

A Stitching I Will Go.....

Woo hoo a day off. Bill has to be in the office today, Jeremy has school today and Mamma get's to stitch today. Ok Ok I do have some errands to run sign Jeremy up for a Day Camp, Jeremy has a Dr.'s Apt and I need to go to the Post Office, but other than that a stitching I will go.

Western Finals

Well today Saskatchewan plays BC for the Western Finals. In my house this is a big game as Bill is from Saskatchewan. So he's going to be plugged into the TV all day watching that. Then after there is some sort of Wrestling Pay Preview that with the dish we now get. Ask me how excited I am about that.....lol. The Football is one thing, but I totally can't stand wrestling. So I'm heading up to Edmonton to Michaels when the Football game starts. Hmmmm do I have to come back? LOL I guess so.

Oh my goodness good news Jeremy got his report card on Friday. He got mostly 3's which is basically doing average work, some 2's and even a few 1's, but the break down for these marks is really high for Grade One, to get a 1 (1 like an A) he'd basically have to get everything right 100%. Keep in mind that tests Jeremy has brought home he has only gotten one or two questions wrong and that's if he has gotten any wrong at all. He was still given an average mark. If he was in Grade Three giving the same effort his average mark would have been all 1's. So this is the break down for Grade One:
Work meets standard of excellence 96 - 100% 1 passing
Work exceeds acceptable standard 90 - 95% 2 passing
Work meets acceptable standard 80 - 89% 3 passing
Work is below acceptable standard 65 - 79% 4 approaching but not passing
Work is significantly below standard 64% & less 5 below passing mark

Yes I was very thrilled with Jeremy's report card as last year in Grade One he was 4's and 5's that this is a huge improvement. That 3 mark that he's given is a high 3 as if he gets anything wrong on a test he still ends up with an 88 - 89% mark.

Now in Grades 3 - 6 here is there breakdown:
80 - 100% 1
70 - 79% 2
60 - 69% 3
50 - 59% 4
less than 50% 5


Stitching News
I got some work done on both the model and the UFO RR. Today I'm going to work on the RR and then mail it out tomorrow. I'm off tomorrow so I vision a lot of work done on the model. Which reminds me I need to take a pic of it to show the designer. Just killing me that I can't post pics of it...sniff sniff.

I'm getting excited about the new Blog. Guess the first things I'll need to start posting about are Christmas Ornies, because it's right around the corner. So if anyone has any kewl Christmas Ornie finishes that you'd like me to see please let me know. I'm looking for the all over the board from elaborate to fast and quick......hmmmm sounds like another part of my life, but that more often fast and quick and less often eleobrate.....roflmao

Thank You Hockey Night In Canada

So Bill came home last night with Hockey tickets for the Edmonton vs Calgary game. At first I was like woo hoo as I haven't been to an NHL Hockey game in years, but omg the look on Jeremy's face when he saw them. 'Daddy can I go?' Bill was like it was up to me, and I'm like yeah Jeremy you can go with Dad. You would have thought it was Christmas morning he was jumping up and down saying thank you, thank you, thank you. So now BOTH my men are going to be out of the house at the same time. What is a girl to do? Hmmmmm just to much fun.....lol.

So I gave my notice yesterday, and those things are never as hard as we build them up to be. They are not happy to see me go which I guess is a good thing. My boss did ask if there was anything she could say to make me stay, and I was like no. Bill thought I should have said yeah pay me $17.50/hour, move me off the front line, and give me full-time hours. Now I knew that scenario was impossible so I didn't say anything. I said no, because I knew what I wanted from her she couldn't give me. She did say if I needed to come back that I could so that is good I guess. I hope I don't have to go back. It's nice to know that they are not happy that I'm leaving.

Stitching News
Got some more work on the model. In two weeks I'll be able to start showing it off. I can't wait as it is looking so pretty. My mail date is Monday for the UFO RR so I'm posting a pic of what it looks like now. I may post another pic Monday if Bill hasn't flown out by then, and take the camera with him.


Also the new blog seems to be starting to take shape. It's going to be under the domain of I already have sites I want to link to, and even ideas of stuff to write myself. I'm thinking that right now I want to focus on finishing techniques that don't require framing. Other more creative ideas. I may eventually link to some good framing instructions, but at first that won't be the focus. So some of you people out there like for example Emily at The Floss Box be prepared that I may be asking permission to link to some of your finishes, and maybe the occasional gentle nudge to write up a tutorial on how the heck you did that....lol.

It's Not You It's Me

Well the good news is I got the job with the city yesterday. It's offical and everything I went in, and signed papers. I can't believe the pay difference right now I make like $13.50/hour at a bank where there is a lot more to know, a lot more to learn (we have to take classes etc), and a lot of stress/pressure. For the city I'll START at $17.50/hour, and after probation I'll go up to $18.50/hour. Not as much to learn I'll be answering the phones, first contact to the public, and selling Dog Licenses. I'm not saying it's not an important position that first contact always is. I'm pretty excited about this new job I start on Dec 3. This means I have to give my notice at the Bank which I'm feeling a little uneasy about as I like MOST of the people I work with there. Our Manager is brand new to that position. Now I know these things are not my problem, but like I said I like these people. I will go in a few mins early, and drop the bomb so to speak. Can't I just send Bill to do it for me....lol. I always get that uneasy feeling like when you have to break up with someone it's not you it's me....lol. I know this is a much better situation for me that I'm going to less stress and more money. It's also more hours like double the hours not sure how I feel about that, but I'll make it work. I'm just glad that someone in this clickly town gave me a chance.

Stitching News
I decided that I was bound and determined to learn the reversible stitch for blackwork. Imagine my surprise to find out how simple it is. I found that I had to keep really close attention to what I was doing when I tried it, but it does work. Not sure I'll do the rest of the model reversible as she doesn't require it stitched reversible, and right now doing the backstitching stitch works for me, and is faster. I will try the reversible stitch at points I'm sure.

Ok I have an idea for a stitchy blog. A blog that is about finishing, and has links on how to finish for example a flat fold or a biscornu. Not sure how popular it would be, but I'm always looking for neat new ways to finish ornies and other stuff. Going to have to give this some thought.

Oh Happy Day

I got a call back from the job I interviewed at last week. Woo hoo. I was at work all day so I didn't get the message until like 5pm last night. I don't know exactly why she called me back as she just asked me to call her at my earliest convenience. I'm keeping my fingers crossed it's good news. Oh I so hope they offer me the job. Yeah ok it's full-time, but it's more what my back ground is. Not to mention it's close enough that I could walk to work. I'm going to give her a call this morning before I have to run out to the bank. Oh good thoughts please my less than ten readers.....lol.

Stitching News
Well Tuesday I was out all night, last night I was recovering from Tuesday....lol.....soooooo tonight I'll be working on a model. Woo hoo.

Just Call Me Leopard

Yeah whatever the rash I have or hives or whatever is now moving up to my chest yikes. Last night was actually fun, and everyone looked great. The food was good, the drinks flowed the company was pretty much interesting. Got home late, but hey that's ok. Had to work all day today so I'm paying for that tonight as I'm pretty sleepy. So no stitching for me tonight and early to bed.

Busy Day

Well today is the Gala, and I have a bunch of stuff to do around the house this morning so I'm going to keep this short and sweet. I'll post more tomorrow.

Which Jane Austen Heroine Are You?

You are Elizabeth Bennet of Pride & Prejudice! You are intelligent, witty, and tremendously attractive. You have a good head on your shoulders, and oftentimes find yourself the lone beacon of reason in a sea of silliness. You take great pleasure in many things. You are proficient in nearly all of them, though you will never own it. Lest you seem too perfect, you have a tendency toward prejudgement that serves you very ill indeed.

Take the Quiz here!

It Turns Out I Do Windows

It's funny what you will do when it's your house. We bought this house just over a year ago. Other than redoing the upstairs bathroom, and eventually changing some carpet we are pretty happy with it. Can't find the exact furniture I want, but that's another post for another day. Bill was commenting not that long ago that I keep this house cleaner than any other place we rent. I couldn't say the other places were messy or gross just untidy. I said well I guess it's different when it's our house. Heck the other day I even washed windows. Ok I just did the inside ones, but still I haven't done that in like 10 years of being married lol.

Found a really cool site Crafters I have been on there occasionally since I found it in October. Wow if you can think of a craft they have it there. Plus they always have monthly contests & such. That's the site where I got the idea for the feather wreath. They also have an excellent search function so you can look up like coffee cans & find a bunch of ideas for them. Great for inspiration. Had to admit doing the last two wreaths felt great to doing something and finish it the same day lol.

Stitching News
Worked on the RR yesterday, and today I need to sew the trim onto my shirt for tomorrow, and work on the model.

Feather Wreath

So here is my Feather Wreath. I used a grapevine wreath, two white feather boas, white snow flake ornies and blue snow flake ornies. It was pretty easy to put together. I'm about 80% happy with it. If I were to do a white feather wreath again I'd go with a white Styrofoam base so that I'm less worried about coverage. I also could have used a third boa, but at $11/each um no thanks. Actually I think the pics turned out well. I'm going to take this to work on Tuesday, and if they like it I'll be doing a version for the Bank for some sort of Silent Auction thing.

Sunday Lazy Sunday

I'm looking forward to day of not doing to much. I do have to run to Wal-Mart sometime today and get some Christmas balls for my wreath, and some knee highs for Tuesday. I want to put the wreath together today so that should be fun. I think we may also try to go skating as a family which would be great. I can't believe it in less than a week Bill has gotten Jeremy from walking on skates to starting to glide woohoo. Ok they went skating every day after school, but still.

Stitching News
I worked on the model yesterday which is good. Today I'll do some work on the RR, and add the trim to my shirt for Tuesday.

Two Minutes and Four Hair Pins

So Thursday I got my hair trimmed. I hadn't had it trimmed since August, and it was starting to look a little scraggly. I go to Jason a great guy in town here, and he just opened his own Salon. I love getting my hair done. Doesn't matter what is getting done to it, but I love it. I think, because for that 40 mins to an hour it is all about me. I don't go for massages, or manicures or anything like that. I do get my eyebrows waxed, but that's not considered a treat in my books....lol. Anything that hurts isn't a treat, but if I didn't get my eyebrows done then I look pretty scary. Jason always treats me like I'm a Queen when he sees me. I started going to him when he was at a different Salon, and followed him when he opened his own. He takes my coat off for me, and hangs it up, tells my how gorgeous I look (I just got off working at the bank all day I know it's a lie but whatever), he has the other girl make me a Latte, and then he starts washing my hair. OMG that is almost better than sex having someone wash my hair. My hair is thick, heavy and I have a lot of it. Jason is one of those stylists that massages the scalp, and hits all the acupressure points that feel so good the temples for example. So he gets me in his chair, and asks what I want. I said first off I'm not blow drying it straight any more. The wave in my hair is getting stronger it seems by the day, and I'm using the diffuser scrunching it, and letting it go wavy. Why fight nature. So I swear he cuts off 3 inches from the bottom, adds in a bunch more layers than before. But so cool, not straight across layers he cuts in the layers, and then makes the layer edges jagged for lack of a better word. I already have Jason booked to do my hair Tuesday morning for this work Gala thing, and so we start talking about that. My only rule is I want it to look soft, and I don't want to look like a bride. So Jason gets my hair all wavy and dry then walks away, and comes back with 4 hair pins. You know the black straight ones. Grabs a few sections of hair pulls it to the top of my head, and puts the pins in. OMG it looked fabulous. He's going to do something like that on Tuesday morning. I get home, and Bill looks at it thought the partial up do looked good. He's like why does Jason have to do it Tuesday morning? Can't you do that yourself. I'm like yeah it would take me 16 hair pins, and 3 hours and it still wouldn't look half as good at this...lol. That's why Jason is the stylist, and I'm a Bank Teller....lol

Stitching News
Again I did jack squat. I do have something crafty I have to do this weekend. I couldn't find the right top for this Gala thing. I've been looking for awhile. It finally dawned on me that I had seen lots of basic black tops that I liked they just didn't have anything special about them. So I got one at WalMart walked over to the fabric Department, and started looking at trims and such. I did find a black sparkly trim that I like, and a dragon fly. I'm doing to stitch the trim just from the shoulder seam down the front along the neck line. That's a dragon fly key ring I'm debating if I should take the charm off the keyring, and stitch it on the left shoulder area. Might be a splash of colour as everything else I'm wearing will be black. We are also going to Michaels today so I'll look in the bead section for something else I could use. I have a really pretty sheer wrap to wear with the top so I want the top to just be elegant. This is what everything looks like now. I will post another pic when I'm done stitching the trim onto the top.

Now That's What A Small Town Is About

So I have the Bank Gala next week. It's like the Oscars for our bank. All the branches in our region will be in Red Deer celebrating. People and branches will be voted for best of the best. We jump on a bus about 3pm and head to Red Deer. I'm bordering on excitment about this event. What I'm excited about is the dressing up part I actually really like dressing up. I'm getting my hair done, I have new slacks, I'm buying high heels wich will make me at 5'9" an actual amazon woman, and I'm still looking for a sparkly swanky top. Just had a brain storm if I can't find what I want I may have to buy a tank, and emblish it with sequins and such. The party starts on the bus on the ride down. Well even though I have been planning to go part of me was wondering if it would actually work out. With Bill working out of town a lot makes it hard to do some things. We have no family here in Alberta, and I have very few friends in town. Only last month did I actually find baby sitters. They are daughters of the Libriaian at Jeremy's school. So just to be on the safe side I called today to see if they could baby sit next Tuesday. I had to leave a message, but when I called back their Mom said she had good news, and bad news. The girls are working Tuesday, but she has no problem taking Jeremy home with her after school, then to watch her son play Volley Ball, she'll give him dinner, bring him back here to bed and stay here until I get home. Wow I could have almost started crying when she said that. Okay granted she has a fondness for Jeremy, but still. To me that is what living in a small town is about going out of your way to help each other. Now there is a chance Bill will still be in town, and Jeremy will just be home with Dad, but to know if I needed that help she's there to help. That means so much espcially as both our families are back in BC.



Stitching News

I did jack squat tonight.....lol. Watched a funny movie with Bill instead. Oh well.

Look Deep Into My Eyes You Love Me

Look deep into my eyes I know you love and want me. That's what I wanted to say to three people at my interview at City Hall yesterday. It was one of those interviews by committee. I can't stand those ones. So unlike a one on one interview where you just have to impress one person yesterday I had to impress three people. I then get home, and Bill is asking like how did it go? Well what do you say to that question. I think it went well, but my opinion doesn't count. I answered the questions to the best of my ability, and was honest. These things are so subjective did they like me? Did I make good eye contact? Enough eye contact? Did they like what I was wearing? The list goes on and on. They did ask for references so that is a good sign. I will know next week, but they just don't understand I want this job......lol. The position is for a one year maternity leave which fine I can deal with that. Job would be the receptionist for the entire City Hall, and then directing people as to where to go when they come in. I can do that. I have done that Reception/Admin is my back ground.

So here we rushed around the other day getting stuff ready as Bill was to have been flying out yesterday, and they are still having problems on the rig. So now it's pushed back until maybe Monday. Pretty much anytime between now and Monday he could get the call as to when he's leaving. One has to want his job two weeks in New Zealand where he didn't do any actual work just a four day course where he got to play in the pool as it was a Helicopter escape course. Basically what to do if a Helicopter crashes. The rest of the time they went bowling, drank beer, and drove around parts of New Zealand. So he then flies home and informs me he may not have to go into the office as he just came back from an international job. Um you mean a paid vacation. So he goes in for half a day Monday and they send him home for most of the week. Like wish my job was that cushy.....lol. Okay granted when they are working they work pretty hard, but still. Down side is if he doesn't fly out tomorrow they may have to send him on a Domestic job, and then he'd be flying to New Zealand.

Stitching News
More work on the model. That's about it.

I was thinking of those feather wreaths a lot yesterday. Even searched for some pics on a craft board. I saw one that was black boas and sparkly balls. It looked very swanky, but also thought it was missing something. I can't wait to get the stuff to make one. I wanted to do that this weekend like Saturday go to Edmonton, but not sure if Bill would be interested.

Easy Come Easy Go

Easy come easy go....lo Bill flew home Saturday to turn around and fly back well Today. We knew he'd have to go back I was hoping we'd get a couple of extra days out of it, but he got the call yesterday that they are leaving today to fly back to New Zealand to do the job they were to have done the first time they were there. Well at least he didn't have to go into the office yesterday so that's good. He hung out at the house, shoveled the back deck and walk way, picked up Jeremy from school and even took him skating.

Hey good news I have a job interview today with City Hall woo hoo. It's for Accounting Assistant. I'm so excited. Go me. So at 3pm today I'll be in there hopefully making them see how valuable I am....lol.

Stitching News
This part of my blog has been very boring lately. I think Jeremy and I are going to be going to Edmon to get the stuff to make a wreath for Christmas. I'll need a grape vine wreath, feather boa white, and then I'm not sure what else to use. I was thinking small Christmas ornies, and then what well my mind is thinking of either fake poinsettias or some sort of star garland.

I Feel Pretty Oh So Pretty

Well okay not me per say, but my blog sure does feel pretty!!!! Doesn't it look nice? Loretta Loretta's Blog was nice enough to do it for me. Her rates are great $30, and I feel like a new woman. Well a new blogging woman that is....lol.

So Jeremy had his first night of Hockey last night. Oh what good Canadians we are our kid plays hockey, Bill plays hockey. Actually now that I come to think of it there's not a man in my family that at some point hasn't played hockey, and all us kids know how to skate. I did figure skating for years. Okay I'm off topic here. Jeremy's skating isn't as strong as it could be so he was the weakest skater out there last night, but omg did he try his little heart out. By the end he was almost getting some speed going....lol. So Jeremy and I are going to be getting some practice skating in. I promised him that as his skating gets better so will his Hockey. I have to hand it to the little bugger he spent more time on his behind than standing/skating it seems yet he didn't give up, he didn't try to get off the ice, and when we asked him if he had fun he said YES. Okay do you want to come next week, and he's like YES. Mom we just need to practice my skating. Okay kiddo is your bum sore. Yeah a little. There's this one I can only call him a brat that has been sorta picking on Jeremy. He slapped Jeremy across the face in the Summer at one of the Day Camps so brat isn't a to strong of a word for him. I got the school involved as this Brayden was making school miserable for Jeremy where he just wouldn't want to go. We I think Brayden has just given up, and they just don't talk now which is fine by me. Well this little brat is at hockey last night. I guess he was taunting Jeremy. 'Jeremy is so slow he can't even score a goal.' Poor kiddo. So I was trying to come up with something Jeremy could say back that wouldn't be totally mean. The best I could come up with was just tell him not to talk to you. If it continues I'll have to talk to Brayden's Dad, but right now I'm going to just wait and see what happens. I WANT to tell Jeremy well just call him a cry baby as Brayden cries in class a lot I guess if he doesn't understand the work being done. But I'm an adult, and two wrongs don't make a right.....dang maturity anyways...lol.

Stitching News
Just a few stitches on the model that's about it. Nothing overly exciting.

Another Contest To Enter

Craft Blog Chart Give Away
Craft Blog is having another contest for a chart. A pretty Christmas chart From the Sudberry House Designer Series. Chart #115 by designer Donna Vermillion Giampa and is titled Santa’s Forest Surprise. I love stitching Christmas themed charts. Well keeping my fingers crossed for this one...lol.

I'm Under Construction

As long as I've had this blog I've been wanting a pretty, fun and well just pretty blog. At first I would try to change colours, fonts etc of existing templates offered, and well it just wouldn't work out the way I wanted. That or I'd get to frustrated at my own lack of knowledge on how to do it properly. So the other day I was reading my friend Loretta's blog, and she had just changed her template to a Christmas theme. Okay Christmas you say it's to early for Christmas now I would generally agree with you, but you'd have to know Loretta to know that it isnt' just any Christmas theme. She did a Nightmare Before Christmas theme header, and wow it is so cool check it out Thoughts Out Of My Head So when I read that her rates are reasonable I jumped on board, and asked Loretta to pretty please jazz up my rather dull looking blog. Or at least in my opinion it's dull looking. I was so surprised that she got started right away. I'm going to have a stylized elf, the colours are a bright purple, blue and grey. I'm really excited. Will just reflect more of my personality.

So after two weeks Bill is back home for a week. They never got out on the rig in New Zealand to many problems. So they have to go back. Now how's this for Murphy's Law the night he gets home it starts to snow a bunch, and wake up this morning with a sore throat. Welcome home sweetie....lol. But the good news is I'll have my good camera for a week so expect a bunch of pictures.

Stitching News
I did stitch yesterday which is wonderful on the model that I can't show off until next month. Going to work on the RR this morning.

Can You Blog For 30 Days?

Well I can. At first I did a 30 day blogging challenge on STNA, and completed it. Now I'm playing with the big guns I've joined NaBloPoMo
where one blogs for 30 days for the month of November, and could win a prize so here it goes. If anyone joins the challenge through my blog I'll add your links to blogroll for some linky love during November.

Good luck to everyone.

Stitching News
Haven't done anything for days, but am going to today....so....woo hoo.

My Brain is Just Spinning

So I'm the balancing teller this week at work, and WOW is my brain just spinning. It's not something I'm used to doing every day to begin with not to mention it has just been a crazy busy week at the bank. So I can't like put my sign up at 10 mins to closing to start counting as we still have a huge line. So my brain is just spinning at the end of the day. I'm doing great at counting all the money it's the entries I'm missing. All the debits or credits to the different GL's. If I either remembered to do those or did them correctly the first time I'd be balanced first go each night.

Stitching News
Stitching this week nothing. It's calling to me....lol. Saying Stacey PLEASE WORK ON US WE MISS YOU. I'm just mentally spent at the end of the day that picking it up would probably push me over the edge. I of course only have projects on the go that are large, and require lots of my attention and colour changes. I should have a smaller thing on the go with large blocks of colour for times like this.

Isn't It The End Of The Week Yet?

I'm going to be so glad when it's Friday. Just to much going on at work that I can't wiat for things to just slow down. I've hardly done any stitching all week, and I feel bad about that, but I've just been crashing when I've been getting home.

O'Hallows Eve

Wow I can't believe it's Halloween already. Seems like yesterday school was starting. Where does time go? As usual I leave everything to the last minute I still need to buy some candy and a pumpkin. Guess Jeremy and I will be carving the pumpkin out just before we go Trick or Treating. Nice part is I live in a great neighbourhood. A lot of houses really decorated for Halloween. Bill's still in New Zealand so not sure how much candy I'll be giving out, but that's ok.

I was chatting with a friend from California as he found out that he had just lots a court case. Crazy court system, but that's another post for another time. So as he's typing with me he says huh earthquake. I go what now? He's like yup feels like a big one a 6. So turns out after I Google it that they did have an earthquake that was a 5.6. That's kinda nuts that they are so calm about those things down there.

Stitching News
Been working on the model lately except last night I didn't do any. The model is coming a long so nice.

So How Intuitive Are You?

You Are 84% Intuitive

Your intuition is so spot on it's scary! You can learn a lot about people and situations, simply by listening to your gut. And you've even wondered if you can predict the future at times. Just be sure not to always listen to your intuition... someday it could be wrong!

How Intuitive Are You?

I'll Take Harry Potter for $100 Alex

So after weeks of planning and thinking Jeremy decided he wanted to be Harry Potter for Halloween. Now on his part I think that's a pretty creative decision as there are loads of totally store bought costumes Spiderman, Batman, Captain Jack Sparrow in abundance, but not many Harry Potter Robes. So yeah I did buy the robe. If they were out of robes I was prepared to make a cape like thing so does that count....lol. Jeremy needed new pants anyways so now he has black ones that go with the costume....lol. One of the coolest things I found were the glasses he's going to wear dollar store pick of that I could remove the lenses out of. He looks great in the robes with the glasses. Or at least I think so. Jeremy has a Halloween party today at Boys and Girls club so we needed to get the costume this week.

Have I mentioned that I miss my camera :(. I also picked up a pumpkin carving kit at the dollar store that came with 4 patterns to pick from. So I thought that was worth it.

Stitching News
Plugging away on the model. Will work more on it tonight too, and then on the RR this weekend.

How Cheap Are You?

Ok how cheap are you? Or is it better to say frugal? Or environmentally friendly? I figure I fall into all. Here's some stuff that I do.

~ Always use the end pieces in a loaf of bread
~ Reuse bread bags, as well as the bags you put your veggies in at the store
~ Reuse plastic shopping bags
~ I make my own household cleaner. This is mostly due to allergies, but it's still darn cheap to make.
~ Other than socks if I can mend it I will
~ I have a leak in the shower downstairs that I can't fix. There's a bucket under it, and when it gets full enough I will use that to flush the toilet. I'm on a water meter, and saving water = saving me money.
~ If there is more than one length of floss left over from a kit I will keep it, and use it.

That's about all I can think of at the time. Would love to hear how others are money saving.

Jeremy has decided to be Harry Potter for Halloween so going to start getting that together this week.

Stitching News
Well off yesterday I felt like I got a lot done on the RR, but you can't tell by looking at it. Did get a bunch done on the model. The border it starting to look SOOOOO good. Just kills me that I can't share a pic. I may post a pic of the RR just to post a pic....lol. Feels like forever since I've posted a pic.

Message Boards Are Like High School

I've been thinking about this for awhile. There are a few message boards that I go to where I feel totally comfortable. Yet for the most part I find that they are like High School. If you are one of the 'in' group people will respond to your question, inquiry or respond to your WIP (works in progress)/HD (happy dances.) All that stuff just kind of bugs me. Someone isn't more worthy of having thier posts responded to just because they are 'popular.'

Woo Hoo Off Today

I can't believe I'm actually off today. Going to just enjoy it. Will probably do some housework, and such but I will be enjoying my day off. A girlfriend called the other day, and I should call her back. So I guess I'll do that today as well as call my Mom. After reading a friends blog, and reading how her Mom acts I'm pretty lucky with my Mom.....lol.

Stitching News
Worked on the model last night which I can't take pics of yet :( Today I'll do some for the UFO RR, and tonight a little on the model.

I Want My Camera Back

So Bill took my (ok technically it's our) digi cam to New Zealand with him, and I miss it. Isn't that silly. It wasn't a super duper fancy camera, but it worked. More importantly I knew how to work it....lol. So now I'm stuck using Jeremy's little kiddie digi cam. Which in the strict sense yes does take pictures, but there is no zoom & no flash. Wahhhh I want my camera back.

So after the making the oh so exciting Monster Wreath I was searching the same site, and came across this gorgeous wreath Nightmare Before Christmas Wreath I think it's just lovely. I'm going to make something similar for Christmas I'm thinking. All this is, is a boa wrapped around a grapevine wreath, then roses and painted ornaments are added. I'm thinking a white boa, with red roses, and Christmas ornies or Christmas balls added. I'll have to think a little on that one.

Stitching News

I did work on the UFO RR, and feel that I got a bunch done. I totally got the mailing date wrong. For some reason I had it set in my head that we were mailing out beginning of November, but mail date isn't until mid of November...lol. My piece finally made it to where it was to go. I can't believe how slow the post can be sometimes, and then others so fast. Still waiting on fabbie so that I can start the other model. I should really check if she sent it, but I don't like to be a nag or come across as a nag. I guess a more apt word would be pest instead of nag.

Monster Wreath

So I saw this while looking for instructions on finishing the biscornu. When I saw it I had to try and make one. Looks like a muppet to me. It's a monster wreath. It should be made with fun fur, but my local Walmart didn't have any. So I ended up using eyelash fabbie, the eyes are ping pong balls with black done with a Sharpe Marker, and it's stuffed with plastic bags of all things. Mine isn't a perfect circle as I let Jeremy help cut it out, but it has it's own character. I think it still looks pretty cute. The pic is not a great pic as my good camera is in New Zealand with Bill, so I'm using Jeremy's kid digi camera....lol. Ok here are the instructions Monster Wreath

This is what Jeremy and I created:

Oh I Should Blog About That

So I'm sleeping last night, and I must have been having an interesting dream, because I distinctly remember thinking. Ohhhhhh I should blog about that...lol. I get up this morning, get my coffee ready and come down to the computer. Do you think I can remember what that great thing is I should blog about. Um no of course not.....lol. To funny hey.

Stitching News
So I finished the Biscornu last night, and will post pictures when the person receives it. It was relatively easy to finish. Next one I might finish with a stitched side, and a complementary fabric on the other side. Those instructions I posted yesterday for finishing the biscornu were excellent to follow. I also got some work done for the UFO RR. Today I'll work a little more on that, and then get the model out. Can't wait until December when I can post pics of it as it is really turning out lovely.

If I'm Stupid Your an Asshole

So I'm at work the other day, and a customer comes in with two cheques. One he wants deposited, and the other he wants to cash. Now the one for cash is for like $148.87 yes I remember the exact amount...lol you'll understand why in a couple of minutes. So after I deposited the one cheque I double check that he wants the .87 back. I wasn't trying to be ignorant or a smart ass. Some people don't want to bother with the change. He then starts to freak that I was double checking about the .87. Then looks at me, and says I was pretty stupid to ask that question. Um yeah okay if I'm stupid you are an asshole who lives off government assistance. How I managed to finish the transaction without throttling him is a sure miracle. I was so mad after that my hands were trembling. Like the crap I have to put up with from ignorant customers is amazing. I so hope I hear back from one of those other jobs I applied for.



Bill just left for New Zealand this morning for at least two weeks. Yes it's for work. No I'm not going with him. No I'm not mad I'm not going with him. Those are answers to questions I'm always getting. He has to go spend two weeks working on a rig. What am I going to do in a different country by myself? Would be different if he knew he'd have a few down days, but he knows he won't. To me that is not a fun vacation travel with him, and then split up at the location so he can go work.

Stitching News
Not that much exciting going on. Have to much to stitch not enough time to stitch it all in....lol. Isn't that always the way. Just finished the stitching part for two Biscornus. I got the idea as well as the patterns from The Floss Box She has really cute free patterns. I also found a neat site that seems to have good instructions for how to finish them Biscornu Instructions I also want to get a bunch done on my UFO RR that I'm in I can't believe the next mailing date is like November 4th I think. Plus the model I'm working on. Yup busy, busy, busy.

Call Customer Service or Send an Email

I get this letter from our ISP saying that they is some changes up and coming with our email address. They provide instructions on how to change things if the customer uses outlook express. We use webmail just so that Bill has access to all emails while he is on the road as well. Did they provide the site for the new webmail address, um no. They then say to either call Customer Service or send an email if we have any questions. So I send an email. That was like two weeks ago, and have I heard anything back? That would be a big no. Why even give the suggestion if they have no intention of replying to customer emails? I know they got it as I got the delivered reciept. I guess I'll have to call.

I was so excited this week and last week there were two jobs I really want. One is a Financial Assistant for the City, and the other a Receptionist at a local Oil Company. Both full-time, and both in town which are good. Well in town is good full-time I'll deal with lol. If I had my choice I'd work like 3/4 time like 3-4 days a week, but all day. Not like the 19 hours a week I'm to average right now. Like I could be scheduled to go in for three hours which really just messes up ones entire day.

Stitching News
I'm doing up something quick for an exchange. I'm not going to say what it is or even post a pic just in case this person reads my blog.

Lazy Feeling

Here I am at work wishing I was some where else. Hmmm day dream about hot beaches, and sun. Instead I'm stuck at work all day wahhhh. Can't I just be a lady of leisure?

Well Bill will be home tomorrow or Thursday. Just enough time to do his laundry a couple of home cooked meals, and then off Saturday to New Zealand for work. He'll probably be gone three to four weeks. Hmmm wonder what kind of trouble I can get into while he's gone lol.

Stitching News
Worked on the blackwork model last night. I was up in the border for part of the night so I don't feel like I got much done, but it's looking good imho.

Can't I Just Stay in Bed?

That is sort of how I'm feeling today. I just want to crawl back into bed, and sleep. I guess I should be an adult, and do what I need to do today which is go to work. I want to sound like Jeremy, 'don't wanna.' Insert whining voice. Speaking of Jeremy I swear that child has my pain tolerence. Saturday night when I came home, and checked on him he woke up, and had to use the toilet. While he was up he told me his ear hurt. Ok it's like midnight I get some children's tylenol, and hot water bottle for him. I get him all set up, and he goes right back to sleep. In the morning I'm asking how he feels does his ear still hurt. He's like nope doesn't hurt. During the day he tells me his head hurts. I say where he points to the front of his head I say ok give him some more tylenol, and he lays down on his own in the afternoon, and has a nap. Now when he wakes from his nap he's telling me his ear hurts again a lot. Well it's Sunday walk-in clinics are closed. So we make our way to emerg. Turns out he has a raging ear infection not just in the ear that hurts, but both. The Dr. is amazed that both ears are not killing him, and that he spent most of the day just doing errands not complaining. Trust me I kept asking as he has a tendency to get ear infections.



Stitching News

Even though the frog spent a brief few minutes at my house I feel like I got a bunch of stuff done. Worked on the RR. That's one where you won't see your progress until you take a wip pic. Not sure why some projects are like that, but some are. I also got some work done on the model. I almost have all the outlines done for all the fills on the first page. I then have to go back, and do the fills of course lol. With blackwork I like to do one length outlines, and one length fills. Then when all the outlining is done I do one length fills, one length border. For me it works what can I say.

No This is Fake ~ Cock A Doodle Do

That's what the people were saying that were hypnotised last night during intermission. I volunteered to be hypnotised, but I couldn't go under to many noises were distracting me. Dinner was good yummy Chinese food. It was to funny to see what the Hypnotist could get those people to do. When I saw that I was pretty happy I couldn't go under.

Stitching News
Well today about the same as yesterday work on the model and the UFO that's about it.

Actually Going Out Tonight

This is almost amazing to me. In almost two years I'm getting a baby sitter and heading out tonight. I can't believe it. Yeah I've gone out when Bill has been home so it's not like I'm chained to the house. I've tried in the past to find baby sitters, but with only knowing one young person (my next door neighbour) I haven't had any luck. Now this new girl at the bank knows a few more people than me so she actually hooked me up. People I'm working with (yeah I don't like my job, but like most people that work there) we are going out for dinner yum, and then going to a Hypnotist. This is a fundraiser for one of the Jr Hockey Teams in town. I'm looking forward to it. I've put my name down to be one of the people hypotnized so that should be an experience.

Stitching News
Last night I was actually feeling a little better so I worked on a model for Stitchin'spiration I can't show a picture until December, but it is stitching up lovely. It's a large blackwork piece using Waterlilies silk floss, and a light brown linen fabbie. I can't wait to be able to show it off. This morning I'm working on the UFO RR, and if I can later some work on the model.

What Tarot Card Are You

I thought this was pretty neat. Tarot is something I'd like to learn how to read better once I find my cards that is lol.

You are The Empress

Beauty, happiness, pleasure, success, luxury, dissipation.

The Empress is associated with Venus, the feminine planet, so it represents,
beauty, charm, pleasure, luxury, and delight. You may be good at home
decorating, art or anything to do with making things beautiful.

The Empress is a creator, be it creation of life, of romance, of art or business. While the Magician is the primal spark, the idea made real, and the High Priestess is the one who gives the idea a form, the Empress is the womb where it gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. This is why her symbol is Venus, goddess of beautiful things as well as love. Even so, the Empress is more Demeter, goddess of abundance, then sensual Venus. She is the giver of Earthly gifts, yet at the same time, she can, in anger withhold, as Demeter did when her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped. In fury and grief, she kept the Earth barren till her child was returned to her.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Blog Break

I'm not posting much of anything today. Just feel horrible with this cough. I did end up going to a walk in clinic, and I have some cough syrup the Dr. gave me. So hopefully soon I should be feeling better.

Coughing Diva with No Coffee

The only thing so far good about today is I don't have to go to work. I slept downstairs last night so that I won't pass on this cold to Bill, and also so that I wouldn't keep him up with my coughing. OMG I swear I if I slept 2 hours last night I'd be surprised I was coughing that much. I even took cough medicine, and I'm not one to take that stuff. We had Buckley's in the house it tastes awful, and no it doesn't work....lol. Took some still kept coughing. I think about 3:30 am I passed out from sheer exhaustion from just coughing, and that's when I think I slept for a couple hours woke around 5:30 am coughing some more. At that point I said forget it went upstairs, and started my morning. Two things that will make you sicker than a dog 1) work with the public, and 2) Have a child in school. I see a nice long nap in my future I can tell you that. Oh and to top it all off I went to go make some coffee for myself this morning, and out of coffee.....GRRRRR. I can't even blame anyone else as I'm the only one that drinks the crap here.

So Bill is leaving this morning for Saskatchewan for about five days, and then leaves a week from Saturday for New Zealand. Lucky dog poor baby has to go to New Zealand for at least three weeks for work. Would have been interesting to go with him, but I wouldn't see him he'd be out on the rig the entire time, and I'd be sight seeing by myself woo hoo. So I'll stay home, and probably do a cleanse of some sort.

Stitching News
Well got the first mailing of the UFO RR yesterday. She was mailing from Calgary, mailed it on Saturday, Monday was a holiday, and I got it yesterday. I was pretty surprised thinking that was pretty fast. She sent Rocky Mountain Christmas by Marty Bells. It is very pretty. Or will be when it's done. I got some stitching done on it last night, and will again today. I took a pic as it arrived.

Tuesay Just Like Monday

So after a long weekend here I am back at work....grrrrr. I'm in early as Bill had to get work done to the car. That will be another post when I have more time to vent about THAT double standard. I'm just writing now so that there is some sort of post today....lol.


Stitching News
I didn't get much done n that department last night. A little on Merlin and Arthur. That's about it. That's okay as I had a big happy dance this weekend so over all I'm prety pleased.

When I Feel Down

Not sure what it is about me, but sometimes I get that down and blue feeling. I've been having this feeling the last week or so. Should I go so the Dr. about it possibly, but I'm afraid they will just give me pills. It's not like I feel like that all the time, and often linked to PMS so I'm sure the two go hand in hand. Anyways one great way I find of getting out of that feeling is goofing around and playing with Jeremy and Bill. That often can snap me right out of it. Getting some exercise even just a walk around the block get those natural endorphins running through my body. Another is shopping. Ahhh you are thinking typical woman shopping. I don't go shopping for me. What I love to do is plan little surprises for friends. Last week I bought the 2007 Ornament Magazine for not only myself, but also for my friend Loretta. Okay the surprise back fired as the company I ordered them from sent BOTH to Loretta so she got hers plus mine with my name on it....lol. So there goes that surprise, but it's the thought that counts right. Keeping my fingers crossed that my copy of that magazine gets here soon. Yesterday I was looking around cafepress, and found loads of mugs for people who are interested in fishing. Now I have a good friend that lives in California who loves fishing, and dreams to one day be a Fishing Guide full-time. So this morning I'm going to select one for him and get it sent to him. Oh he'll be slightly annoyed with me as he doesn't like it when I do stuff like that. Probably the reason I still do.

Stitching News
Well woo hoo SAL (stitch a longs) actually work. So after 8 years, one North American UFO RR, a tab bit of cursing Wind Swept Santa is finally done. Here he is in all his glory. I almost can't believe he's actually done. He was my oldest UFO, and at times a PITA. He was stitched on 14 count aida, Gold Collection Dimension Kit designed by Peggy Abrams. The trim of the toy bag has gold beads, and a french knot garland, there are a scattering of white french knots all over him (I think that is to represent snow flakes, the green garland that he is wearing has red and yellow french knots as well as gold beads. I'm going to try to get some good close up pics of some of the detail. Heck I worked that hard I'm going to show it off so bear with me lol.

Ok here is close up details of Wind Swept Santa:

This pic is a close up of his scarf, and belt. I was to have made tassels for the end of the belt, but I didn't even want to try that so I just stitched bells that matched the ones at the end of his staff.


Note all the french knots in this pic lol. Why he's holding branches from a tree is beyond me lol.


Lastly this is a close up of the trim of Santa's toy bag. What didn't come out very clear is on each bell is a gold bead, again note all the french knots....lol.


Okay I'm sure I've bored everyone enough. Thanks for looking.

Contest ~ Just Nan Silver Needle

Woo hoo there is a contest for the lovely chart by Just Nan Silver Needle see pic below. The draw is being held October 26/07 the rest of the info is here Just Nan Silver Needle Contest

I'm going to enter. I don't often win these things but ya never know. This is a very pretty band sampler. I'd probably be tempted to stitch it even....lol. Or at the very least add it to my 'to do' pile.

Good luck to everyone.

Thanksgiving Roast?

Well it's our Thanksgiving up here in Canada. So out getting groceries I'm trying to get from Bill what he would like for the special dinner chicken, steak even Turkey. My first thought wasn't Turkey as it's only three of us, and that is a lot of leftovers for three people. So he finally said whatever I wanted to do was fine as I'd be the one that would have to cook it. I said okay what about a roast. He said no at first as it was to much work. Me to much work I just throw it in the crockpot with some potatoes in the morning, and a bunch of hours later we have dinner. So yeah I selected a decent looking roast, and I'll get that cooking fairly soon. Have to love my crockpot I just don't use it as much as I should. So at least we are having something special as I don't cook roast every week. There should be some leftovers for roast sandwiches everyone's happy. Hope to get out, and do some stuff today go for a walk get outside. That would be great.

Stitching News
Well I still have Wind Swept Santa out, and have burned it yet. So that is something. Going to make a couple of changes on the chart there are tassels on the end of his belt, but instead I think I'll stitch two of the bells that are on other parts of the chart. Discovered even more backstitching, and a whole other crop of french knots I have left to do last night. Which is why I find it very helpful to look at the finished picture while doing the backstitching. There is still a chance I may finish it this weekend.

I Will Snuff You Out

So on STNA I'm one of the admins on there. I'm not sure why, but every day we are having to delete loads of potential spammers. Not sure if other message boards have the same problem or they just like us or something. Yeah a bunch of ladies that cross stitch so yeah what we are looking for on the message board is sites about xxx (no that is not x's for cross stitch), Viagra, loans or on-line gambling. Geees. Some are trying to get smart leaving off their website, but then when I search their email address it takes me to all kinds of places. Or it's a cross stitch site, and you list your hobbies as wine tasting, and racket sports. So if you are a potential spammer STNA will snuff you out each time. Don't waste your time we will delete you. Go try a different message board.

Stitching News
So it's the UFO (unfinished object) SAL (stitch a long). I pulled out Wind Swept Santa, and decided to work on him. Not even five minutes after working on him I'm like oh yeah that's why you are a UFO. The pic below looks like he's done, but I still have backstitching to do as well as beads to add, and french knots. I feel on this one the more backstitcing I do the more there is to do. Will her ever be done?

It's a Long Weekend

So it's our Thanksgiving up here, and that should be a good thing. Yes it is I don't have to work Monday so that is good. Just we don't have any family here, and we are just going to be doing dinner for ourselves. Which don't get me wrong is fine I love spending time with Bill and Jeremy. I just also miss family back home.

Stitching News
So I was digging out my UFO's today for the UFO RR that I'm in. First I pulled out Wind Swept Santa as I'd really like to get him done, but as I looked at him I went huh there is just a small tad of backstitching left which I should be able to get done during the UFO SAL this weekend. So instead I'm sending the Thomas Kinkade kit which Bill gave me years ago as a Christmas Present. So be interesting to see how much gets done.