Vintage Modern

Oh My Gosh and other things...

2011-06-16T10:47:00.003-06:00

OMG... Has it really been this long since I last wrote anything here? We have had so many changes happen since we moved State side.

November 09 - Our son moved down to Denver to be with us. He hit a real rough patch when we moved to Abu Dhabi and he just needed to get away from Idaho. He is doing so much better now and is enrolled at CCD (Community College of Denver) in the Criminal Justice program.
We bought a house and moved in 9 months ago
I started working part time. This was 3-4 days a week and has declined to 1-2 days a week and there have been budget cuts an all... Marketing is a tough business right now.
Doug's company he is working for, (CRITIGEN) was spun off from CHMHILL, which I say was a very good thing.
We just adopted an adorable dog from a No Kill shelter. Ziggy is a 2 year old ... We are not sure yet dog. He was billed as a Chihuahua,but both Doug and I say he looks more like a Min. Pin.

Settling in... I think. :(

2009-09-29T13:28:00.002-06:00

Well, it has been a month since we landed here in Denver.

I guess we are settling in. We are mostly moved into the apartment (which I love). However, I still have lots of sorting and purging to do.

We have been trying to get out on the weekends and explore a bit also. those ties are fun. I don't have to think about things that depress me.

In all of the literature and forums, they said you go through the same emotions when you move back to the States, as when you relocated to being an expat. I would beg to differ! It is worse!!! So much worse.

I think the hard part for me is that we not only relocated back State side, but we also relocated State wise.

So, I not only left all of my friends that I had in Abu Dhabi, but I left my friends that I had in Idaho. I know 2 people here in Denver.

Making friends has never been easy for me. I am a fairly private person ( yeah right... I blog... but seriously I am.) I tend to be quiet and shy. I guess that is why I have been accused of being stuck up and aloof.

Well, I am off to do more unpacking.

Catching up...

2009-09-10T07:36:00.004-06:00

Wow time has flown since we landed in Denver. There has been a lot of things that have taken place.

The first thing that we had to get settled was housing arrangements. Both Doug and I knew for certain we did not want a house with yard responsibilities, so we were thinking that an apartment or condo would be the best way to go.

After looking at over 20 apartments, I had things narrowed down to 4. All 4 had things about them that were just perfect.

The first one was close to work... Doug could have walked there easily in maybe 10 minutes. However the fact that it was a gated community was a joke, since the gates were left open all day and only closed at night. They also had 1 gate code for everyone to share. Ack, what if your friend is not my friend??? They also did not have any garages available.

The second apartment was in a high rise building. The view was hmmm... I could look out and see the next building from the small patio. On the other hand, it was a 3bedroom. Love the space that it had. The lay out was good also, but the security was a joke also. You could enter the complex through the front of the office building and easily have access to any area of the complex. No separate garage either... but they did have storage units on premises.

Number 3 had incredible closets! There were 2 master suites, and each had 2 "normal sixe" walk in closets. Absolutely fantastic! there was also a den area that would have been great for the computer stuff. The big draw back there was the rent. It was about 350$ more than the 2 previous apartments. Garage was a parking garage also.

Number 4 was fantastic. The kitchen is the biggest of all of them. It also has a window seat and large pantry. I have more counter space than I did in Abu Dhabi, which is fantastic! I think I would also have room for a small island unit in the middle if I wanted one. The dining roomis adequate size for my round table. and I think the big green sectional will actually fit in the living room. Each of the bedrooms has a large walk in closet. the master has an extra closet just for shirts and pants (that double rod thing). Along with the closets, each bedroom has it's own patio space. The living room also had a gas fireplace (bonus). I think the best part of this apartment is the location of it. It is on ground floor, and has one whole end of the building. The patio's off the bedrooms face a little wetlands pond, so they are quiet and peaceful. Now here is the best part. It is a true gated community. You sign in with security if you are not a resident. You have to have a reason to be there. Security is maned 24 hrs a day. There is also complex security. There are also some Denver city police officers who live in the complex who volunteer their time for the security detail. (Fantastic!!!) The complex is on 26 acres, has it's own lake with marina, 7 pools, coffee shop, actual gym (looks like a real gym rather than a hotel type gym room), and activity coordinator for the complex. they do cooking classes once a month, as well as community activities. I guess it is obvious now which one we picked. Yep, this one. there are garages to rent, and we have a parking space right in front of out place. It is about 15 - 20 minutes for Doug's commute and about 15 minutes to downtown. Not bad at all.... Oh, I forgot.. it is the least expensive of all of the apartments I looked at. funny how that happened.

We have purchased most of the stuff we will need for the apartment... boring stuff like the bed, mattress, washer and dryer, etc. Now we just need a few other little things like coffee maker, coffee grinder, sheets and some other stuff. I think I can get all of those done this weekend and during the beginning of the week.

Our moving date is this next Friday. WOOT WOOT!!! I am so excited. We have the air shipment coming and the storage shipment. Our surface shipment from Abu Dhabi will be here sometime around the 15thof October. After all of that is settled, I will finally be able to entertain again.

Well, I am off to do something today. Not sure what... Dang, I miss the coffee's in Abu Dhabi! I really miss all of my friends there too!

Egypt... Amazing, wonderful and full of history.

2009-08-21T15:07:00.007-06:00

(Sorry about the late posting of this... This part of the journey was taken on August 16th Sunday)

As we are cruising up the river, I am sitting here reflecting on the history of this area.

You read about the history in childhood Bible stories and such and file facts away. Then a lot of the time, you never have reason to retrieve them. I am finding it very interesting the religious significance that this area has had.

Moses was found in the rushes in the upper Nile delta. Several of the Pharaohs have the name Moses in their names... Ra Moses. There was a famous battle fought in Kadesh (of Kadesh Barnea fame in the Bible). I need to look that one up.

My thought are feeling really random right now. There is so much to absorb and process.

I know for certain that the pictures that I have seen do not do this are a justice. This is one of those things you need to experience with an open mind.

This morning we toured the Valley of the Kings, and the Valley of the Queens with our guide for the week Wayed (why ed) He is a trained Egyptologist and a fountain of information.

Both Doug and I were amazed by the color on the walls that have stood the test of time. It is particularly noticeable in the inner portions of the tombs and temples. Colors that are so intense and rich that there really is nothing comparable in the western world. Rich indigo and red ocher that pop with intensity. The indigo reminds me of the first blue, night sky that I saw in 7 months, sitting on the patio of the Nile Palace Hotel in Luxor. It was absolutely incredible.

I think of all of the sights I saw today the one that impacted me the most was the Tomb of Ramses VI (KV 9). Not only are the color vibrant, but the way down into it is very steep. This tomb is unique in that there are two Ramses buried there. The tomb was started by Ramses V and continued y Ramses VI. From what we were told and is known, the tomb was first ransacked only 20 years after it was built. Because of this both mummies were moved to the tomb of Amenhotep II tomb, and now reside in Cairo. The plastering on the tomb walls was never finished.

Let me digress in saying the plaster in nothing like what we think of plaster as. Even the plaster that they use on historical restorations is not the same. This is a limestone based plaster that almost reminds me of a thin-set mortar. It is not flaky and to the touch it is very “concreety” in texture.

Even though the plastering was not finished, the pictures on it are very impressive. There is a an impressive painting on the ceiling that represents the book of gates, book of caverns, and the book of heavens. (You will have to google them if interested in finding more out.) There is a painting further in of the goddess Nut framing he books of the day and the night on the ceiling. I think I spent half my time looking up and trying to absorb all of the images. Alas, people have always been the same and there is lots of Greek graffiti that dates back to around 150 AD or so.

About two hours ago we set sail for Aswan. Right now we are going up the Nile River. I am sitting in our room watching the countryside pass by and snapping pictures from our balcony. It is absolutely fascinating to see just how much things are the same through out the farming world. The crops here are planted in nice even rows, the irrigation trenches are neatly laid out and the farmers are out checking on their cops. It reminds me a lot of the area along the Mississippi River in Missouri and down to Louisiana. If it were not for the palm trees and the dunes in the distance, I would be able to close my eyes and imagine the sounds of the Louisiana Delta.

The Nile valley is a fascinating place to be. There are so much contrasts. There are areas here that date back to the earliest of Egyptian history periods. Yet so much of the history here relates to the last period of Egyptian history with Alexander the Great's, Macedonian General Ptolemy and it being ruled by his descendants. It is fascinating to me that people of a different religion could rule and work in a foreign country so long ago and yet respect the religion and traditions of the people for around 300 years. They not only set an example for the Romans, but also for us in modern times. A lesson that is so often lost on us.

Well, I must close this update for now as tea will shortly be served by the pool and I have a date with a cappuccino.

Fast Forward 3 days...

We have toured the tombs and temples of the great rulers of the Egyptian empire and have been dually impressed. The technique and the skill that was needed to create these fantastic masterpieces is amazing. The mathematical skill as well as the technology and the labor was beyond anything undertaken today I believe.

We have met some wonderful people while on this trip. Two couples from Melbourne Australia. We have been inspired by their travels and entertained by their stories and photos. They are on the last part of 5 week holiday. They went on an African Safari, and now I have been bitten by that bug. The stories they told about sitting in a jeep and seeing the animals up close were so incredible. They were with us from Luxor to Aswan and we parted company last night. They are continuing on to Jordan, which should be fascinating during Ramadan, and then home.

Again fast forward another day...

Today we got into Cairo after riding the train from Aswan to Cairo over night... Sleeper trains are cool, but I prefer a real bed in a real hotel. It was bumpy most of the time but it was fun.

When we got in, we were met by a tour guide representative who informed us we were 2 hours late... like we had a choice in the matter? Anyway, he delivered us to the hotel and our tour guide for the 2 days we have schedules things for.

When we got to Cairo, we switched guides. We had a wonderful young lady from Alexandria named Engy showing us her Cairo these past two days. She is absolutely amazing with her knowledge and passion for her country. Both Doug and I really enjoyed being with her. It was like touring with a good friend. (If anyone is interested in doing a trip to Egypt, let me know. I have her contact information and she does whole country tours as well.

We met Engy at the Ramses Hilton. she was so gracious. Our train ws 2 hours late getting in and she still had a smile on her face. We had time to clean up and then we were off to the Pyramids.

We went to Memphis, Sakara, the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, papyrus museum (sales store), perfume factory (fascinating), and an Egyptian cotton store.

It was fascinating to put the history from the tombs and temples of the Nile Valley together with the Pyramids and their history and actually see the tombs of some of the Pharaohs. Engy was so patient with us and our questions, I am sure many of them seemed silly.

I am discovering that when you have a tour guide it is important to have one who loves the country that they live in. If they are a native it is even better because they have a true passion for the history and the people.

Today we went to the Coptic church, Hanging church, several other churches and then to the Egyptian Museum. All were absolutely fascinating. (More posts will follow on this.) I believe that it is important to have a tour guide through the Egyptian Museum. This way you have someone to tie things together for you. I saw many people there who had mystified looks on their faces and it was apparent that they were totally confused by things.

We were sad to see Engy go when it was time to part. We feel we have truly made a friend in this short time we had.

So anyway, on the 22 we head for Abu Dhabi and then gather stuff up and head for home.

Home... that seems kind of like a foreign word right now... During the time I have been over here, I have thought of the States, but did not anticipate returning home so soon. I am pleased that I did accomplish so much in so little time. I hope that all of our friends stay in touch through out the years. All of our friends we have made will always have a special place in our hearts.

For more photos of this trip see either my facebook page or my picasa site...

I love maps!!!

2009-07-30T11:50:00.006-06:00

As the navigator of the family when we have traveled, I have to say I love maps.

I remember driving as a kid and reading the names of the places and the counties of where they towns were. It was interesting to read the town names.

That love continued as an adult. I now however have competition! There are maps on the blackberry and maps on gps dohickey majobbers the talk to you with a funky British accent. I have a tendency to argue with them which can be interesting in its own right.

However may favorite is maps that are on the internet... especially ones like this. We are headed to Fujariah UAE, which is on the Indian Ocean... So now we have fantastic directions as to how to get to the hotel. Should be a cinch right???
NOT!!! Click the picture to check this out.... ???

Curve Balls or Serendipity?

2009-07-15T05:44:00.004-06:00

I have to admit, I did know that this was going to be an unexpected adventure from the time Doug came home and told me we were moving to the Middle East...

So today when I got home from a coffee and he said he had gotten his 30 day letter, I guess I was not surprised. I am thankful that it is due to him working himself out of a job (7 months and under budget for a 2 year project), but it still hit home. There are so many people out of work that are leaving to go to their home countries. Not because they worked themselves out of a job, but because the project they are working on is closing down.

Even though I knew this day was coming, I was still hit by the reality of it all and how fortunate we really are.

There are still so many things I want to do and see while we are still here, and I do hope that Doug will find another job here. I really do not want to leave.

We have been so many places and done so many things that we would never have had the opportunity to do back in the states. I have become so much more aware of how fortunate I have really been, in life. I have met people who make 1000 AED per month (~350usd) who send most of that back to their families in India. People who support extended families on less than a single person spend on their monthly food budget in the States. Women who are willing to risk everything (including being beatten and raped) to come here. So that they can send almost everything back to their families so they can have a decent standard in life. These people are happy to make these sacrifices. I wonder how many of us westerners would be willing to undergo such hardships to give that kind of hope to our families?

Being here has certainly changed my outlook on life. I believe it is for the better. I hope I am a better person because of the people I have met and the things I have done and the experiences that I have had.

If we continue to be fortunate enough to continue living here in the UAE, I hope that I will continue to be able to make a difference and that I will be able to make more of an impact on people lives by helping them.

What ever happens, I am so fortunate to have been here these 6+ months. If we are able to stay, and serindipity intervenes, I know that I will continue to try to make a difference for people.

4th of July

2009-07-04T02:22:00.003-06:00

I have to admit that it really doesn't seem like the 4th of July. The year has gone by so fast that it hardly seems like it should even be summer. Yet here we are.

This 4th is very different from the past 21 years in Idaho. There was always a huge parade with great floats. Celebrations in neighborhoods and by the river. Then there were the fireworks. WOW every year Melaluca (sp) would sponsor a huge fireworks display.

I can forgo the parade, but it is the fireworks that I am going to miss. It was always fun going down to the river and watching them.

This year there is a celebration of sorts at one of the "American" bars, but we are choosing to be with good friends and celebrate with them. Jerry and Janet are from Florida and absolutely the best you can find in friends. We always have such a great time with them, weather it be going out to dinner or just goofing off for the day. (I have mentioned Janet before as my walking buddy... )

We are taking the potato salad and the desert (cherry cheese pie).

In the past we have had burgers or steak with fresh corn on the cob, chips, salads and watermelons.

Happy 4th to all of my American friends reading this...

Time goes by so fast...

2009-05-21T05:14:00.002-06:00

I can't believe how time goes by so fast. I remember when I was a kid, time seemed to stretch on forever. Holidays took forever to get here, sumer never lasted long enough though. It seemed like I would never grow up (maybe I haven't) and then all of a sudden it changed.

When our children are young, we hear words that tell us to enjoy them because they grow up so fast... It sounds silly at first, but then they are all of a sudden 5 years old and starting school.

All of a sudden they are graduating and going on with their lives. We hope that we have instilled in them the right and wrong ways of things, moral values and have earned their trust and friendship.

I feel that Doug and I are privileged to have a rare relationship with Jeiel and that in all of the struggles through school, and such, we have forged a bond of trust, friendship and mutual respect.

I don't know why I am blathering on about this... I was intending to post the highlights of his visit which was way to short.

The morning he arrived in Dubai, we started his adventure. We gave himm a wild and crazy tour of Dubai that only parents, frustrated by a faulty GPS system could provide. In otherwords, Doug and I had some rather heated discussions about where we were going and why we were lost. At the end of the day, Jeiel had seen more of Dubai then many people do... including back alley ways and parking lots and construction sights. We wore him out and he slept all the way back to Abu Dhabi.

The next day we gave him a tour of Abu Dhabi. I got to take both doug and Jeiel to some of the places that I have discovered with my friends and show them the Abu Dhabi I have grown to love.

Thursday we went to the Grand Moaque. We had a fantastic tour guide named Hammed. We learned so much. The mosque is absolutely amazing in the construction and the details. Bioth Doug and Jeiel got some incredible pictures of it.

We went on a Desert Safari that night and really enjoyed it. If you are looking to go, book with Emirates Adventures. Hands down they are the best so far. If you can request to drive the dune bashing with Esau... He was great and really enjoyed his job as driver.

The next day we went to Al Ain and had lunch at Mercure resort. The resort is located half way up the Jebbel Haeef Mountain which is the tallest mountain in the UAE. The views were incredible. The food was ok. Nothing spectacular... That afternoon we went to the Al Ain zoo. We got there to late to see the cats... they clost the cat exhibit at 6:30... bummer. We will have to go back. The big purple slushies were awesome and everyone had purple lips and teeth and blue lips and teeth.

That night I came down with (what I thought was.... but sins I am still feeling kind of green around the gills, am not so sure) food poisening... ugh! Enough said there. I do not know where I got it from. I was the only one in the bunch that got it.

Saturday I moped around the house and Doug and Jeiel went to The National Car Museum out toward Liwa. They said it was cool to see the car collection. We had a bit of a sand storm that day so that was snother adventure Jeiel go to have.

Sunday we headded to Dubai after some souvenier shopping here in town. Jeiel got some cool things to give to friends andhe took some cool things back to friends for us.

It was hard to see him leave on the plane. Sigh... In the mean time I am planning where we can take him next time he comes to visit.

It is almost time...

2009-05-09T13:40:00.002-06:00

Well, the day is fast arriving... Jeiel arrives on Tuesday. I have so much to do before he gets here.

I desperately need to clean my apartment. I may "cheat" and hire someone in to help. I need to get the spare room / office under control. I still need to finalize several trip items we have planned and I probably should buy some groceries and snack type things to have around the house.

We will have so much to say and so much to do while he is here, I am sure the time will go by quite fast.

Pictures will be posted and his progress on his diet will finally be seen in person. I am excited to see that.

Seriously, If you want to come help... call me! I am sure I will be going crazy by tomorrow afternoon.

XOXO Lori

Just updates...

2009-05-02T23:16:00.002-06:00

So, I am almost back to normal. I had another follow up with the Dr. I really like her, she is very knowledgeable about things. I still have some cough, and a bit of a sniffle, but other than that... things are good.

People here are very concerned with the Swine Flue. I think part of it is in the name.

Culturally and religiously, swine are bad... unclean, forbidden etc. That is not just in the Islamic religion, but also in the Hindu and Jewish religion in this area. So I can understand why people are so totally freaked out about it.

The name of something that is so bad and so forbidden in your religion and culture is the name of an illness. What could be worse than to get sick with it? I guess, that once you get sick with something with that kind of name... would you ever be considered clean again?

It is interesting the different peoples reactions to this outbreak. Here in Abu Dhabi they have closed all pork shops. (Most stores do NOT sell pork. However some do, but they are all in separate rooms and only non Muslims can enter the rooms. this is also the place where they put any grocery product that had any pork product in it... like POPTARTS!) From my experience, the pork is not all that great. Bacon, leave it, sausages, leave them, however the pork loin is good and the Parma hams are fantastic.

Perhaps the most bizarre reaction I have heard of so far is one that someone I know from an online forum had. She said the was talking to a very learned man. His comment blew her away. He stated that all Muslims would be ok since they do not eat pork. This comment came several days AFTER the announcement that there was no connection to the animals.

As I have stated... life is interesting ad definately an education over here. And I am having a fabulous time learning about it.

Being sick is an adjustment in it's self...

2009-04-20T23:05:00.002-06:00

Thursday last, I came down with a sinus infection... or so I thought. It didn't go away and I kept feeling worse. Finally Doug said I needed to go to the doctor.

Having been with him to the Dr. when he had an ear infection, I knew this was going to be a different experience. The first thing we have to do is call our international insurance company facilitator. They have nurses on staff that evaluate what is going on and make referrals based on that, to the proper facility here.

After Doug had talked with the nurse, she felt I needed to see an ENT. She needed to make the apt and then call us back. She said it might be the next day as she was in London and she needed to get in touch with the nurse from the Dubai office. One way or another, someone would call us in the morning. OK no problem I can hang in until morning.

So yesterday, I am waiting and nothing... so I sms Doug... have you heard anything? no, will call them... A few minutes later I am talking to the nurse from the Dubai office and she is getting me a referral to Gulf Diagnostic Center to see a GP. She felt that is where we needed to start, as far as doctors.

While I am waiting, I am thinking... I wonder what nationality will this doctor be? I should probably write down all the questions I can think of that he might have and put my answers on the page also... so I type it up and print it out.

So anyway, I call Doug at work and he comes home. We go get a taxi and head to Gulf. We get there, and (not knowing that there is a back entrance) wind our way around the compound to the back entrance... which is actually the main entrance.

The doctor is Indian I think, no worries. Some of the best in this area are from India. So he takes a look at my list of questions and seems impressed that I had it all written down for him. This helps me, since I have practically no voice. Let's take a look he says. I move over to the table, and he looks in my throat, listens to lungs and all that good stuff. No fever, lungs are clear, but Oh my he says... your vocal chords are inflamed.

So the diagnosis is viral laryngitis and bronchitis. Here is the interesting part... In the states, most doctors would put you on antibiotics. Dr Al Anad says, I don't want to put you on antibiotics since they mess with the rest of your system. Lets try some herbal remidies. O.K. Why not... sounds good to me. He gives me a prescription for a cough supressant (thyme and primula root) and an antihistamine as well as some herbal throat losenges with ginger in them. I have to say, that cough supressant stuff works.

I get some pretty nasty coughs at times so I have tried some pretty powerful cough medicines. This stuff works better than anything I have tried so far. I actually slept through the night. Well, at leat till 4 a.m. which is a lot better than I normally do.

I still feel like a truck has run over me, and still don't have a voice. However, I am feeling better since I got a good nights sleep.

Well, I think I am going to head up to the pool and sit in the sun for a while. I have a feeling that might feel kind of good.

Maybe I will take some crocheting up with me ad work on that.

It's the little things.....

2009-04-06T22:57:00.002-06:00

For the most part, I think I have made the adjustment of living in the Middle East quite well.

To be honest, I have always wished that I could study the culture and history of this area. I have a decent knowledge of Europe and most of the history there, but when it comes to this area of the world... there is very little available. When you do find information, it is always from a western point of view.

That is fine, if you are looking for an overview. However, I am one of those who wants to know what makes people tick. I wan to know what happened in their history that has made them this way. What is it in their religion that makes them think this way...

Since being here, I have found several venues that have allowed me to learn some. There are some wonderful expat forums that I have joined as well as lectures I am attending. I am also reading books like crazy. That there can be a hazard to my budget since books are expensive here.

In the states, I took for granted that you could go to a bookstore and just get a book... here there are lots of book stores, but I find myself choosing the books much more carefully. I find myself asking if I would read the book more than once, would I loan it out, most importantly, is it worth the price, or could I wait till I go back to the states and get it then.

As I stated, the cost is much more expensive here... for instance...

The book - Princess cost me 45 dh = 12.25 10.15 usd new or 1.37 usd used (amazon)

Magazines are worse... the average price of a women's magazine (like Good Housekeeping) is 60 dh = 16$ usd... That is expensive... I don't think in the states magzines are more than 6 or 7 usd for the more expensive foodie magazines...

However that has not stopped me from purchasing books. I have always had a love affair for books, and I just can't give them up.

If anybody decides to come visit... I have a list of books I am looking for...

Speaking of visiting... If you want to come visit... we would love to have you stay with us.

OOps!

2009-03-23T06:50:00.003-06:00

Yes it has been a long time since I last posted. Things have been busy and sort of hectic. It is funny how life gets that way when you really have no intention of letting that happen.

When we moved here, I had every intention of being a bored housewife. Little did I know that my schedule would be filled to overflowing and I would be struggling to make sense of it all and keep things straight and sane. I mean how many coffees can a person go to?

This last week was the culmination of a hectic couple of weeks. I had been helping coordinate the passing out of tickets to a gala event and a week ago Monday was the event. It went great and everything went smoothly. So on that hand it was a great success. On the other hand I was burned out.

I needed time to do absolutely nothing and recouperate. Last week I kind of felt like an ostrich sticking their head in the sand and going "nana I can't hear you". I hate to admit it, but I did dodge several phone calls and events that I ususally attend. I needed peace and quite.

However I am back and running in the fast lane agaion. I am determined not to get back to the overwhealmed schedule of the past though. I have decided to adopt a most Arabic attitude about it... "InShallah" meaning "God willing".

If you are a reader on Facebook, you know I am thingking I am going nuts. I have consulted with the personal trainer at the gym and am going to meet with him tomorrow afternoon. I know I need to do this, I just am sooooo allergic to exercise.

I know what is going to happen... I am going to start working out and feeling better and then end up giving up all the bad foods I like to eat (coffee, chocolate, chips...) and I am going to eat only fruits and vegies and maybe some chicken and some fish... I am going to get healthy.

Every part of me wants to resist this. I don't know why. I have always hated to exercise, but I love to walk. Maybe my body just knows that this needs to be done and now is the time to do it. I am also going to start water aerobics and some swim lessons.

The swim lessons will be good since I can't swim. I am terrified of water (bad gym teacher) and anything over my head, I freak out. However I have a friend here who has taught swimming to may people who are afraid of water. My ultimate goal in this is to be able to go snorkeling again.

When we were in Hawaii, we went snorkeling and I had fun. I was terrified of the water, but, I had fun and got bit by the bug. From what I have read, the snorkeling here is absolutely fabulous. I really want to do it again. However I just can't face getting in the gulf and not knowing how to swim. We will see just how patient Lisa is. She may need to have the patience of a saint though.

Well, I am off for more adventures...

New discoveries... and more advantures.

2009-02-22T20:31:00.004-07:00

I am really kicking myself now that I have been to Global Village. I had a chance to go and I didn't about a month ago. Well, I did have a slight knee injury and it would have been rough going, but if i would have been a bit more careful, I would have been fine.

We went up on Saturday and wow! I have never seen anything like it. It was absolutely fantastic. I got some fantastic perfumes that I really like and some necklaces and we also got a fabulous rug.

We would have liked to spend more time there and possibly gotten several more rugs.

If anyone knows where the rug vendor is located that was just inside the front gate to the left, please let me know. Or if you know a really good place to pick up rugs, I would love to know that also. I have heard the rug store in Meena shopping center is good.

There was one pavilion that was really intriguing... I think it was the Dubai police department? They had gorgeous trunks and some large gold trays. The work was incredible. Were these just on display, or an auctions or just what? I think that would be something I could convince hubby to buy in the future.

When we were up in Dubai we went to the Dubai Mall... how fun. I could so totally imagine the damage I could inflict on a credit card there lol. I wouldn't so that of course since I would be the one to pay it off lol. There were some fantastic lighting shops I would have loved to explore.

The Burj is absolutely incredible when you get up close and see it. The architects are so creative. Doug has dubbed Dubai as the "Architects Playground". When you see some of the interesting and creative buildings going up you soon realize why.

Well I am off to a morning of fun. I am going to a WIAD coffee and the presentation is on Kazkhstan. Should be very interesting. I will be posting photos

Just stuff...

2009-02-19T11:33:00.003-07:00

I am so glad that tomorrow is the weekend. I so desperately need a down day.

My friend Janet and I walked down town on Monday. We were both thinking that our legs hurt more than usual, so I mapped it out and we walked 8 flippin miles. I couldn't believe that so I had to do it over. Sheesh, I didn't think I had it in me to make it that far.

We found a great little restaurant that serves healthy food. Janet thought I was nuts dragging her through a hospital. I was just curious... I know back in the states that some of the best restaurants are in some of the big hospitals. This was a gem.

I found a fabulous little Iranian restaurant with my friend Lisa when I was down there last week. It was just one we saw along the sidewalk and it was cute. The service was awesome and the food was fab. I definately want to take Doug there.

I am really enjoying my culinary adventures here. Some days I do crave a big fat burger (today) and crave American comfort food. Fortunately there are some of the big chains I am familiar with.

Most of the time we try to eat at local places. It has been a lot of fun discovering them. Some have become favorites of ours and we take friends there.

I have also been discovering coffee shops with my friends. There is an awesome one just down the street from us called Vivelle. Fantastic coffee and the sweets are divine! There are these little ones shaped like pumpkins that are made out of chickpea flour and oh they are so good.

I will get some pictures next time I go there. That sounds like a reason to go there tomorrow...

Dust Storms

2009-02-12T07:01:00.003-07:00

I remember being somewhere around the age of 8 or 9 and driving through the middle of the US and seeing "dust storms" and "dust devil's". I was always fascinated by them and how the wind controlled them.

Later when I read novels and romance stories under the covers by flashlight (oops... Dad you did not just read that ) hoping I wouldn't get caught. Stories about Adventurous people who lived in the Middle East and rode camels and Arabian horses. There were always places where there was some dramatic dust storm. For some reason, I could never quite get my head around the concept of something that big.

Later after Doug and I were married I remember seeing a car that the pain was almost blistered off of, but it was so smooth it looked like it had been sanded. That is just what had happened to it. I don't remember details other than they had been driving through Nevada and got caught in one of the dust storms.

I didn't give them a thought when we decided to move here. I don't think the thought crossed my mind at all. I guess living on the high desert in Idaho, I know sand but... sand is sand right?

Nope! Not by a long shot. The sand here is very different.

First off, it is very fine. If you take some regular sugar and grind it in a coffee mill (electric) for about 20 seconds, you would end up with about what we have here.

If you go to the beach, it gets in everywhere... if you track it in the house, it goes everywhere. When the wind blows... it really does everywhere.

I decided to go over to the mall today and look around. As I left my apt, I noticed that the sky looked kind of overcast. My mobile buzzed and I had a text from Doug that said the outing we were planning for tomorrow afternoon was being canceled. So I decided to walk up to the Corniche (beach) and take a look. WOW I could barely make out the other side.

I am going to run up to the roof and see if I can get some pictures real quick here. Ok camera worked and cooperated...

How am I spending my days? and Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

2009-02-04T07:19:00.002-07:00

I have been having a very interesting time here...

For the most part, I am getting up around 6a.m. with Doug and seeing him off to work. Then I have a couple of hours to myself and am usually out of the apt by 9 or 10 in the morning.

I have met some new friends and we are exploring the city together. Most of the time we are hopping on the bus (which is free and fabulous). I will have to post about the various area I am seeing and my experiences. Right now though, here is an update on one of my latest activities. I will post pictures soon also.

The other day I went on the most amazing tour. I went to the Abu Dhabi falcon Hospital. The hospital is located out near the airport. It is also an award winning hospital.

I am not sure what I initially expected. I guess I was thinking more of US version of an animal hospital. Instead I found something very unique.

We were given an education about the birds, the history of them, their needs, the problems and struggles they face, the maintenance and care of the birds, and a glimpse into the lives of those who have Falcons.

I guess at this point I should also mention one small thing. I am absolutely terrified of birds flying around me. I can't go into aviaries at all, It totally freaks me out having something flying around my head. I guess I was a bit nervous about this experience at the beginning.

Falcon owners can have as few as one bird, to as many as 80 or as in the case of the President and Crown Prince, 200 plus birds. The falcons take place in hunting, racing and beauty contests.

The history of the Falcon in the UAE is not a long one, remembering the fact that the nation is not that old. It was only about 100 to 120 years ago that falcons began to assist in the catching of food and started being trapped and trained. The primary purpose was to find food. Now the falcons have become a national symbol, heritage and a sport. The Falcon is a migratory birds with the migratory season being in September.

Ninety percent of the birds that are used in sporting are bread in captivity. Traditionally these have been Peregrine Falcons, Saker falcons and the rest is made up of hybrid birds. There are many markets in Germany, Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States. The cost of the falcons can really vary in price. Some go for as low as 30K and up as high as 80K USD. Depending on the lineage of the bird and the owner and breeder they can go for as high as 100K (usd). Sharjah has a market as does Dubai. It is estimated that there are around 20 thousand Falcons in the UAE.

Before purchasing a falcon it is important to have a complete health check done. Ninety percent of the birds examined will have an endoscope done to look at the internal organs and check for diseases. They all have blood tests and are completely examined by a veterinarian. The falcon hospital can see 40 to 60 birds per day.

The hunting season is September through December. If you are caught hunting out of season, your bird will be confiscated and you will face 6 months jail time as well as a hefty fine. Eighty percent of the birds in the UAE are hunters. The primary hunting grounds are Afghanistan, Morocco, Sudan, Syria, Iran and Iraq. Each of the birds is outfitted with a tiny clip on the top of the tail. It is about the size of a pencil eraser and very light weight. It then holds a transmitter that is tracked through GPS. The birds are also “chipped” (the same procedure that is used in the US for finding lost pets) so that they can be tracked and monitored. One interesting note here is that in order to travel, every falcon must have a passport. So if you wanted to take your falcon to Morocco to hunt, you take them with their passport, or you do not go.

After the hunting season is through then comes the breeding season and moulting season. The moulting season takes 3 to 6 months to complete. The average life span in captivity is 15 to 17 years where in the wild the average is around 25 years. The falcons breed early in moulting season. The gestational period is 36 days. They lay 3 to 5 eggs. In the wild 3 out of the 5 will generally hatch. Hatching time to flying time is 3 weeks. Both sexes of birds take turns sitting on the eggs. Falcons are carnivores, eating only fresh meat.

I found it interesting that eighty percent of the birds are female. The reason being that they are bigger and prettier.

There is a lot of personal pride in owning a falcon. There is also a lot of maintenance and care in owning one. I asked how much it costs annually for the care and upkeep of one bird and they vet did not know how much the cost was. Just a check up costs 800-900 AED.

Personal pride is huge when it comes to falcons. Much time is spent taking care of them, and feeding them. It is that relationship that brings them back to the owner when they hunt. They know their owners voice. Many people have special rooms set up for the birds care. They also have a staff that takes care of the basic needs. When the owner is with his birds, he first talks to it and strokes it so that his touch is known. Then the bird is fed by the owner. There is bond between them and this makes successful for hunting.

Pre-hunting and post-hunting check ups are very important to the health of the bird. During the visit for the check ups the birds also have an endoscopy procedure done to make sure the internal organs are fine and they have not ingested something that is bad for their system. After the check up they may be quarantined for a period of time if it is needed. The birds also have their blood drawn and a full blood work up is done on them. If a bird needs antibiotics for some reason, they are given the same kind as humans but in minute amounts. The blood tests allow the vets to check the progress of the bird and to see if they antibiotics are working.

The falcon hospital can see between 40 and 60 birds per day. They may need to be seen for infections, a routine check up, surgery or feather replacement.

We were privileged to be able to watch a feather replacement on one of the falcons there. I have a 20 minute video that I took that I am going to try to put on u-tube or somewhere, so those of you interested can watch it. I was absolutely fascinated by the procedure.

First the bird is sedated, kind of like when we are sedated by gas in the dental chair. The bird totally relaxes allowing the vet to open the wing spans and check each feather for defects and or flaws that need to be fixed. I found it fascinating that each feather has it's own unique purpose. It is either a flying feather, turning feather or something so each one needs to be fixed/replaces with the same kind of feather. You can't, for instance, take a tail feather and put it on the wing, because it won't work right.

After the bird is asleep and the feathers are checked, the vet matches up the feather with ones that have been harvested from moulting birds and ones that have died. The color needs to be matched to as close to the color of the feathers being replaced, I think that is mainly for aesthetic reasons. At the hospital they have a large collection of every kind and color of feather imaginable.

Once the process of selecting the correct feather is finished it is time to remove the damaged feather from the bird. They use a clipper that is sort of like a pliers type toenail clipper. They make a clean cut, and match the length of the feathers. The next process is to glue small pieces of doweling into the end of the feather. Feathers are hollow at the ends. A test match is made and then they mix a 2 part epoxy and insert the dowel into the repair feather, then into the feather end that is still attached to the bird. Sometimes they will use a super glue to glue the feathers, it just depends on the kind of feather and the function.

Sometimes a feather is not broken, but just damaged by being slightly bent. They take a crimper and crimp the feather into the right shape, then apply a splint made from a tiny portion of a feather shaving with super glue. When it hardens, the feather is as good as new.

After all of the feathers are checked and repaired, they then pull the bird back out of the air chamber and let it start to breathe a bit of normal air. At that point they take a towel and wrap it around the bird and take it to a perch on the floor. They place the birds hood on and let it come out of the anesthesia completely. The they take the bird to its perch and tie it down so it is comfortable and secure. It is amazing how fast this all happens. If I remember correctly the whole procedure took about 20 – 25 minutes.

The falcons are quite expensive depending on the blood line and the owner of the bird.

Observations...

2009-01-27T21:30:00.002-07:00

I have been here for 3 weeks and 3 days as of this evening... I have to say that making this change has been surprisingly easy for me (so I think). Maybe I haven't gotten to the part of it being hard, but I have not had a good cry or regretted coming.

Things are very different here than what I thought it would be. I had done a lot of research on the area, and a lot of what I was able to find was about Dubai. Well that is another place all together. Where Dubai is glitz and glamor, Abu Dhabi is more down to earth and ordinary.

Sure there is the glitz, but then right next door there is the ordinary. Just like in any big city there is a wide range of incomes and people. And as in each city there are the problems and language barriers that come with the territory. There are all income levels, from those that make just 300 SD to those that make thousands per month. And, of course there are the problems that come with those lower income levels.

Mostly what I have seen so far is flat sharing with more people in the flat than we as western thinking people feel should be in one. Where we think maybe 2 or 3, there may be 8. Of course, when you think of that, you need to realize that those people are probably working here to send money home to their families and so all they really want is a place to sleep and a roof over their heads. They are happy with the basic needs and while they may have wants, it is not a ruling factor in their lives like it is for so many of us westerners.

When we were at the Hilton, we met several of the staff there. I got to talking with one of them and asked if he had a family. He said yes, they were back in Sri Lanka, he has a wife, and 2 daughters. He brought in some pictures for me to see. He has a lovely house of which he is very proud of, a beautiful wife, two adorable girls, a beautiful German Shepherd dog. Another one we met, has been here for 16 years, he is also from Sri Lanka and will be going back to visit in April. He is a fortunate one here, he has a vehicle that he drives to work.

As in every case, there is the good along with the bad. I just read a story in Emerites Woman last night that detailed some of the horrendous living conditions and working conditions that the beauty industry workers live in. They are practially slaves to their empoers whims and if the miss an hour of work, they loose the whole days pay. On the other hand, there ae some spas and treatment centers who are trying to reverse that and they take care of their staff wonderfully.

Every one that I have met has been absolutely wonderful. They have been most kind in helping me outi n learning to navigate the bus system and in giving directions. I have never felt un safe in any of the areas I went... maybe a bit uncomfortable, but not un safe. The people here are very kind and generous.

On a closing note...

I just finished an awesome book last night. If you can find it, it is a must read. The book is called Rags to Riches by Mohammed Al Fahim. It details the account of the Abu Dhabi area and the incredible hjourney the Emiraties have been on over the last 60 years. It is absolutely and incredible journey.

Oh My Godness Part 1

2009-01-14T17:50:00.002-07:00

Oh my goodness...

So much has happened in the last week. Some days I am exhausted with all that is going on.

They are trying to get things done at the apt so we can move in this weekend. We got the appliances and the temporary furniture yesterday.
The window coverings are supposed to be here either today or tomorrow. That should be interesting... they sent a 23 year old man to do the measuring...It will be interesting to see if they are the right length and just what we got.

O.K. so let me back up a bit...

We got in to Dubai late by about 2 hours... That isn't bad considering the whole event...

Our flight to SLC ws on time and went perfectly. When we got into SLC we found that our flight out to Houston was delayed. They said it was bad weather in Idaho Falls... (the weather was just fine when we left). Evidently the flight crew was on another flight and they were connecting to the Houston flight in SLC. It turns out that is was not Idaho, but Jackson that the bad weather and the flight was coming from Jackson to IF and then to SLC. So, because of delays, they moved us to another gate... 3 concourses away.

Of course they said that the crew was just landing at that gate and there would be a short turn around time there. So we all grabbed our bags and ran. Arrived there huffing and puffing like the big bad wolf and found out that the plane had not yet landed. Ok so we sit and wait... flight status is now upgraded to 20 minutes late. We start to worry a bit since our layover is only 90 minutes and we know we need to change concourses in Houston. So the 20 minutes pass and nothing. Just wait we are told... they will be here soon... the plane has just landed and they are now on the round.

What they forgot to tell us was that sure the plane was on the ground, but they were on the ground over at the other concourse where we were first and... they were waiting for a gate to open so they could deplane. They will be here soon was what they kept telling us. The gate agents were as frustrated as us because they couldn't get a straight answer either. Time wise we noe have about 20m minutes to make the connection in Houston if all goes well and we arrive on time. After another 20 minutes of waiting, we finally get word that the plane has unloaded and that the flight crew should be arriving shortly. We are all to the point of Yeah right... we will believe that when we see them. About 25 minutes later here comes the crew sauntering down the concourse with Starbucks coffees in their hands. You could have heard a pin drop with the silence they received. (by flight crew I am talking about the 2 attendants, the pilot was there waiting for 2 hours).

Finally we get to board the plane. Take off was good and the flight was uneventful. The atmosphere was very frosty toward the attendants though.

We knew we were going to have a tight connection in Houston and might possibly miss it if we didn't make up some time. We were able to make up a lot of time, and got there and on the ground with about 5 minutes to get to the next leg. As soon as we got off we checked the monitors, and yay the flight is delayed. So we hurry to the gate and settle in to wait. Finally we get on the plane to Atlanta... this is supposed to be an easy connection... the arrival gate and departure gate are right next to each other. Due to bad weather we arrive late. Ha! why should we expect to be there on time?

So we get there and the jet way won't connect to the plane. It goes side to side, but not up to the plane. So after fiddling with it for a while, the pilot decides that he will have the 10 passengers that have a Dubai connection to deplane first. Now about this time someone decides to make a brilliant move and try to open the rear door, and deplane himself... how stupid can a person be? The co pilot comes out of the cockpit and hurry's back to the back of the plane, the pilot comes on the intercom and informs the attendants that he will not allow anyone to deplane until he says so. 10 more minutes of waiting....

Finally he comes back on and says that the 10 of us with international connections are to deplane first. That is good in theory, but as soon as the doors open everyone starts to get their stuff and move into the aisles... blocking us from deplaning at the rear. Brilliant! As we get off the plane we find out that once again we need to go 3 concourses over to the next plane.. great.

Atlanta is huge... bigger than Houston. Doug starts running and expecting me to keep up... yeah right! He gets snappy at me and I tell him to go on ahead and I will catch up. I am getting kind of short of breath from being stressed. So he takes off running to the next concourse and I am trying to keep up as best I can. This wonderful lady comes along and asks me how far I need to go, and can she help? I know you aren't supposed to give your bags to anyone you don't know, but... so I give her my carry on and she takes off, she stops a cart driver and tells him to take me the rest of the way. She gets there, gives Doug my bags... somehow she seemed to know to just give them to him. I arrive and get checked in and as I am getting ready to go down the jet way I mention to the gate agent that I don't know who she is, but would he tell her thank you for me... He then asks me "who should I tell?" I turn around and she is not there. Kind of strange... she was there one minute and then the next she was gone.

We get on the plane and finally sit down. We can relax since this is the last plane we need to catch. It doesn't matter if we are late getting in to Dubai, we have made all of our connections... which is really good.... since we are delayed lol in takeoff. Due to the weather the airport is closed for a few minute and no flights are landing or taking off. There are a lot of thunder and lightning going on and the fog is real thick. All of a sudden there is a real bright flash of lightning, and the fog is gone. That is the strangest thing I have ever seen. After a few minutes we get in line to take off, and we are #3. All of a sudden we make a u-turn and get out of line. the ilot makes an announcement that they are gong to double check the take off course sine we are heavy. (Does that mean they forgot to do it the first time?) So we get back in line and wait our turn. As we take off you can really feel the weight of the plane.

The flight was awesome. I loved flying 1st class and now know why so many people fly it on international flights.The food was incredible, it was almost non stop.

How do you put a value on you "life"?

2008-12-30T09:47:00.001-07:00

Well the movers came today (are here actually) and are packing the surface shipment.

I have to say that this week has been kind of hard. Whittling down your personal possessions and seeing values put on everything. I imagine that things are going to feel real strange when the storage shipment leaves tomorrow.

I have never had to put a value on "things" like this, so that part was a bit odd.

This is feeling a bit surreal in the whole experience.

Time Flies when you are STRESSED!

2008-12-27T06:40:00.002-07:00

Wow, I can hardly believe how fast time has gone. It seems like just yesterday that I was finishing my last day at work and preparing for this crazy adventure. Now we are down to 7 days until we leave. That means that in 3 days the movers come... yikes!

On Christmas, Doug and I spent the greater part of the day sorting and deciding what was going to the local thrift store. I wasn't really all that surprised by how much we had to give away. When they came yesterday to do a pick up, we completely filled the truck. The sad thing is... we need to get rid of more stuff.

Doug and I have made a promise to each other to try to stay clutter free. I know it is going to be a challenge, but I think we can do it.

We listed the house yesterday with our realtor Marcus. I hope he does a good job for us. I believe he will. The pressure is on for him since his mom is one of Doug's tech leads and a very good friend of ours.

Marcus was saying he actually has 2 couples that he wants to show the house to on Monday. I guess both are very interested.

This has been a great house. We are only the 3rd family to live in it. It was the builders house and his kids grew up in it, then his son bought the house and his kids partially grew up in it. Our son spent most of his life here. The neighborhood is great. There is a very nice balance of neighbors, both LDS and not. Everyone seems to get along well. The kids play well together and the neighborhood is clean and safe. We have great schools in the area, and are close to shopping.

In a way I will be sad to see our house sell. But, in another way I am exited. This is the beginning on a new adventure for us.

Well, I had better go get busy with cleaning an "stuff". There is so much to do still.

2008-12-18T08:39:00.002-07:00

The last couple of days have been interesting to say the least...

I have been cleaning out the basement and, well some of the stuff is just weird what I have found in boxes. Things that I thought at the time I saved them were important.

Being a pack-rat, I know why I saved them, but it is sure making it hard to de-clutter. All of the stuff is good stuff.

This move and forced de-cluttering is making me reevaluate my choices on what is important to me.

I am continually asking myself, do I really need it. Could I buy something that will be more efficient for this, do I really want to store this and (if it is a technology type item) will better technology be out there in a couple years? Most of the time I am answering "no I don't really want to store it" and "yes, something better will be out there in 2 years".

On the other hand, it is difficult to part with some things. That is where I am finding favorite websites are coming into play. Freecycle and Craigslist are becoming increasingly valuable in this purging process.

Craigslist is a place you can post stuff you have for sale and trade, barter... give away... whatever. Freecycle is a place you can post free stuff you have to give away. Both of them are awesome. I have been able to get rid of so much. And I know that the stuff will be appreciated in their new homes.

Untill later... Lori

Wholie Cashmolie...

2008-12-13T08:01:00.002-07:00

I knew that airline tickets to Dubai (we are flying in to Dubai since it is "cheaper") were expensive... but I just saw the cost of the tickets for January 3rd. Now keep in mind that these have to be round trip since we don't have the visas yet... The company is working on them still. Almost 10,000. for round trip tickets. Yikes!!!

This just boggles my mind. I do realize that this is on the other side of the world, but 10K? Woah!

It is starting to sink in that I have very little time left to get things done.

I still have so much to do and so little time left to do it in. I must be ready to leave on the 3rd regardless if everything is done. The pressure is on and it seems that the more I do, the more I find that needs done.

I know it will all work out in the end.

Ugh!!! I keep walking in circles...

2008-12-11T18:25:00.002-07:00

Part of it has to be the fact that I am ADHD, but I am going nuts...

I can't seem to focus on just one thing. I work on one room for a while, then move to another to take something there, and find myself working there for a while. This is driving me nuts.

I keep finding stuff to get rid of and I am starting to get in a bad mood because of it. Not the giving away part... the part where I still can't believe how much crap we have. I mean... we are not the typical pack rats... we are major pack rats. That is what is frustrating me.

Well, I need to gather some things up for a friend for tomorrow. We will see how distracted I can get with this simple task.

Well it is starting to sink in...

2008-12-09T13:44:00.002-07:00

The guy from the moving company was here today. It is starting to sink in about moving now...

I still have tons of stuff to get rid of. Thank goodness for freecycle and craigs list. I am posting like crazy on there. I don't know how many boxes of garage sale reject stuff I have gotten rid of.

And then there is the garbage lol... I felt sorry for the garbage men today. I had over 20 bags for them to take. And have already started on a pile for next week.

Well, things wont sort themselves (it would be nice if they did lol) so I had better get back to work.

Did Ya ever feel like you were at a stand still?

2008-12-06T12:30:00.003-07:00

Ugh... I feel like I am at a standstill... I know I am making progress n cleaning and donating things, however when I look at how much more I have to go... I still feel overwhelmed. I know I am making progress since I have 9 (yes nine) garbage bags and 2 full garbage cans ready to go to the trash on Tuesday.

I just have so much more to do. I pretty much have one storage closet in the basement done... I just have boxes to move out to the trash. I have 1 more storage closet to go, then there is all of the junk in the basement. I can see that I am making headway on that since I can now see the floor in several places and the boxes are not as high any more.

I think once I get that level done, I will feel better about the possibility of getting done by Christmas.

The moving company is coming on Tuesday to do a walk through. I guess at that time they will see what needs to be packed and shipped and what needs to be stored.

I am not anticipating taking a lot of things. Since our apartment there will be furnished, Most things we take are going to be ones we can't live without. Of course we will take personal items and stuff, but there is a lot I am not taking.

Well I am off to sort stuff some more. I am finding little breaks seem to help a lot.

Actually I think I am going to try to fix the vacuum... the rotator thingey seems to be stuck.

Well that was weird...

2008-12-01T05:55:00.004-07:00

Yesterday was my last day at work and it was a very strange feeling. Saying goodbye to everyone and all of the customers who I have seen on a daily basis for almost a year was a very strange feeling.

I am going to miss them all...

Another weird thing was on Saturday I picke out furniture for our apartment in UAE on the internet...

Doug was able to email me pictures and a list of what we can have. I then took the list and matched what I like. It was a bit difficult since the pictures were sooooooo small.

For some reason I was thinking things would be ultra modern and real streamlined... almost minimalistic. However the sofas and tables ended up being a lot more traditional.

Doug said he got to go look at the apartment at lunch (his) today ( our middle of night). He said it is really nice.

The view is of another building, and we don't have any out door space (rats), but we have marble floors, and the layout is very nice. This is a poor picture, but it gives you an idea of the layout. Since it is blurry... along the top is Living room/ dining room space (26.7 x 12.6), kitchen (17.1 x 7.3), Bedroom 1 (16.1 x 11), bedroom 2 (15.4 x 11.9). The bathroom is directly opposite the bedroom 1, (now moving left) entry, laundry, utility room (10 x 12.1) and bathroom with just a shower. I think typically the utility room and shower would be for a maids quarters... hmmm (probably not, well maybe once a week). However I think we are going to use it for an office space.

Stay tuned for more on this wild adventure.

Time Crunch

2008-11-23T12:01:00.003-07:00

Doug hit the ground running in AD and has been settling in and learning new things every day. He has been busy working. I didn't know this, but, they work a 6 day work week over there. With the time difference it does make sense. If I am posting this at around 12:00 noon, it is about 11:00pm over there. Fridays are the weekends... interesting.

He just got the offer package and everything seems to be pretty reasonable. There are a few tweaks that he wanted to make, but not much.

It sounds like he will sign on to the project before the end of the year, which workd out great. When he was talking to the tax specialists, they told him that it would be to his advantage to sign on early. Evidently there is some"rule" that stated we could only be back in the states for 31 days per year if he signs on after the new year starts.

This means my time line has gotten moved up. So... I guess I will now be tentatively be going back with him on the 4th of January, instead of the end of January.

All that means if more stress in getting the house ready for sale and everything sold. ARGH!!!!

I have a notebook full of lists of things that need done.

I am ruthlessly purging "stuff" from the closets and my crafts.

I am exhausted and frustrated that it seems that I have not made any hea way... but I know I have. The garbage pile has to be some ndicator of how things are going as well as how many boxes of "stuff" have been freecycled.

Well, I am off to purge my closets...

Stuff, Stuff and more Stuff

2008-11-18T19:02:00.002-07:00

I still can't believe how much "stuff" a person can accumulate in such a short while.

I am feeling totally overwhelmed at getting rid of "stuff".

Today i donated 2 boxes of stuff and got rid of a huge bag of stuff and there is still more stuff. Argh!!!

It is interesting how when you start to go through things you soon realize that emotional and sentimental attachments are unjustified. The things you think are so precious are really just stuff.

Doug and I had a talk before he left, and the general conclusion is that if we had a fire and lost everything, we really could start over.

You know, I don't think it is so much the "thing" it is the clutter that is driving me nuts.

When we have gone on vacation, I don't miss all the stuff we have. I kind of relish the living in a minimalistic environment. There is a sort of freedom to it. You loose the attachment to thing.

when we come back from UAE, am I still going to have an emotional attachment to the things that I put in storage? Some things, yes, others definitely not. that will be very interesting.

Leaving on a Jet Plane... and OUch!!!

2008-11-14T16:35:00.002-07:00

Well, Doug leaves Sunday for Abu Dhabi. Since he is meeting up with the Company VP in Denver his flight is longer than my B-I-L Jim's flight. I think it ends up being 27 hours or something, including layovers.

Doug will be gone for 4 weeks, back through the 4th of January and then in AD for the next 4 weeks. At that point he will come back and (I think) help with the rest of the moving stuff.

Today he got the POA and Living will done (ack!) Now I have real power (semi evil laugh). Just kidding... This is mainly so I am able to sell the house and anything I need to while he is gone.

I have already started to get rid of a lot of things. I am amazed at how much junk a person can accumulate when you have a basement. I have gotten rid of a bunch of junk, but I have so much more to go through... then there are all of those "precious memory things".

Monday I am renting a storage unit and starting to put things I want to keep in there.

You know, of all the times Doug and I have "tried" to move, for a better job opportunity, nothing ever fell into place. This time I am so convinced that that this is the right move. It seems every time we have mentioned that something is going to be for sale, people have just come oput of the wood work and said "I want it"

Just a little while ago, we had people come over to look at the shopsmith and he wants it (just needs to convince his wife), and we just sold the pool table, exercise bike and power washer. My assistant manager wants to buy my car when it is time to sell. Every door seems to be opening up for us.

Oh... the OUch... I got my first shot today. It was the Hep A/B combo. It stung like crazy when I got it and then my arm went kind of numb for about a half hour. Surprisingly, it isn't as sore as I thought it would be.

When Doug gets back in December I go for the rest... That one I know hurts.

Winds Of Change

2008-11-05T07:31:00.002-07:00

Every once in a while a wind will blow in and totally throw you for a loop.

That happened to me about 10 days ago. Hubby came home and asked "So how does the United Arab Emirates sound?"

Not totally thinking he was serious, I said "interesting".

First I must say, we had talked about moving... we want to downsize our house. It is just way to big for us. With a son who is 19 and getting ready to go into the Army, it will seem huge.

We had talked about moving into a condo (locally) or moving to another state here in the US.

However, nothing prepared me for the roller coasted ride that I have embarked upon.

Last Friday, he had an interview with the gentleman who is the "regional Director" (or something like that). That interview went extremely well. Since hubby comes highly recommended for this project, it seems like this was just a formality. Monday he had a call from someone state side (I forget how he is connected- I think upper management). Yesterday he had a visit from the head of security for his company. This gentleman told him that he had heard it was a "done deal" and was there to offer assistance in any way he needed it.

So the long and short of it is this... Early next year we will be moving to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

At this point I have only told the important people in my life. This move went over like a lead balloon with my Dad and Step-Mom. My sister, I think is a bit apprehensive for me. My best friend is in shock and my other 2 good friends are... well 1 is excited and the other is mad at me. When I told my boss at work, he was like... "Oh Wow", My assistant manager is excited since her husband is from Egypt. They are going to Egypt for 3 weeks in April and, and she said she will definitely come visit me since his uncle lives in Abu Dhabi.

Being a planner I have already joined many expatriate forums and groups on-line. I need to know what I am in for.

To be honest with you, I am looking forward to this. I love adventure, and this is certainly that.

So what do I feel the biggest challenges will be for me?

Making new friends. I am an introvert at heart. It takes me a while to get to know people and become comfortable with them. (I think this move will be good for me. I will definately be out of my comfort zone and be forced to make changes I otherwise would not).
Food. I am a Pizza, Chocolate and Beer kind of girl. Since in UAE, you are not allowed to have alcohol in your home without a license, this is going to be hard yet good for me. I am also apprehensive about trying new foods, e.g. we have a restaurant here in town that is an English cooking restaurant... I still have not tried the steak and Kidney pie... The steak sounds good... the kidney... well...
Medical care. I have an awesome Doctor here state side, finding a new one will be dificult to say the least.
We have decided to liquidated the whole house... Yep, that means sell everything except for the "special things". Then sell the house. (All of this will need to be accomplished by mid January at the latest.)
My son... While he has lost significant amounts of weight, he still has not reached his goal yet. Ideally by the time I move over to UAE, he will be in boot camp. If he makes his weight goal... If not, then he will need to find an apartment, or a room to rent.

Stay tuned for more updates on this wild adventure...

Lori

More pictures

2008-04-28T08:30:00.006-06:00

I thought it would be fun to add some more pictures.

This is the new resort Cabo Azul that is in the Monarch Grand family of resorts. We own with Monarch so this is one we could go to. We went on an owners tour and we were impressed. It isn't quite finished. there was some kind of change needed to the way the entrance was laid out.

The picture on the top right is of the infinity pool. To the right this is looking out from the chapel. The picture of the bedroom is the typical master from a 2 bedroom unit.

The whole resort is so peaceful and serene. It has a Mediterranean feel to it. This is where I want to stay when we go back.

To the right are the Arches.

Some sea lions,
and boats.

Yikes... Time flies!

2008-04-28T08:01:00.003-06:00

Wow, it has been a while since I have updated. Life has been hectic and a bit crazy lately.

I started working for a new company in November of last year.

I took a pay cut, but it was worth it to get away from the politics and garbage that is still going on with my last job. It also didn't help that there were hard feelings about my work comp claim from hurting my back and needing surgery. You would think that a large company like that would take care of it's employees. However the whole time that I was out only 3 people called to find out how things were going. One was my best friend, another was the HR person and the last was my immediate supervisor and she only called after people kept asking her how I was (she even told me that). No cards, no nothing. Hows them beans from the largest retailer in the US?

Anyway my new company is awesome. People care about you there. I also just got a promotion and am now the Operations Manager of the store. For a while I struggles with it, since this is different than anything I have done before. However, I think I am finally getting the hang of it. My goal is to be a Store Director in the next year.

My Store Director is absolutely awesome. He knows exactly how to run the store efficiently. I am hoping to retain all of the information I glean from him. If I can manage that, I know I will be a good Store Director when the time comes.

We just got back from a vacation to Mexico. We went to Cabo. WOW... it was fun. We went to help a friend celebrate his 50'th birthday. We had so much fun. I was wishing I would have taken a pedometer because it would have been interesting to see how much we walked each day. Our resort was located on top of a hill... so you walked down to town, and then at the end of the day... you had to climb up to it again. This picture is of the resort we stayed at.

I know we will be going back. The people are just wonderful. They are so generous and warm. A lot of Americans diss on the Mexican people. I think they just have not tried to understand them. One of the things I was impressed by was the emphasis they put on family. Their lives revolve around their families. If the family is strong, the community is strong. This is so different from here in America.

Unfortunately I did see some "Ugly Americans" being ignorant and rude. We had taken the bus (think American city bus) up to San Jose for the day, just to look around. We had an awesome time, ate fantastic tacos at a family owned restaurant where they spoke little English and I had my language book out a lot. We had ice cream at Baskin Robbins (it was different and very good). On the way back on another buss a mother and 3 girls got on the buss. Mom had a big sling bag and it kept flipping around. This wouldn't normally be a problem, but she was standing up because the buss was full. She ended up hitting 2 different girls in the face, all the while the 3 girls were sitting and complaining that things were so dirty and filthy and they had to touch things after the dirty Mexicans had touched them. That exchange I had not witnessed, or I would have said something. People like that should not travel outside the US. they should stay home and not give us a bad name.

I am so glad we went. I can't wait to go back. I guess for now I will be dreaming of sand and sun.

Lori

New Years resolutions and attempts at organization and sanity

2008-01-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

I am not big on making New Years resolutions, because I always find myself breaking them by the first part of February. However I think I have come up with one that is one I might have some success with.

I resolve to weigh each crochet project that I contemplate making with the questions "Is this a project that I want to make, or do I somehow feel compelled to make it? Will I finish the project, or will it languish with the other UFO's that I have? Most importantly, is this a project that I will enjoy making?"

I realized after much contemplation, why I put crochet aside for several years. It was because I felt that I needed to produce things. Things I didn't really want to make, that I knew would be liked, but not fully appreciated for the time and effort that went into the making of them. I literally burned out after making way to many afghans and doilies and only getting several acknowledgments of their receipt. One was particularly disappointing, in that I was criticized in the color choices for her afghan. But enough of that. I only make for people who will appreciate the gift now.

As for projects that I wish to learn or complete this year...

I will write down the patterns for my reversible potholder, and the 24 point afghan. I plan on selling both of those patterns.

Things to learn, do or finish:

Polish Star - I have been intimidated by this long enough. It is time to conquer that fear and master the stitch.
I will finish lining my freeform purse that I made several years ago...
I want to make the Whisper of Elegance sweater that I first blogged about when I started blogging. I never did make the sweater exactly as the pattern was written.
I have several patterns from Gourmet Crochet... I want to make at least 1 of them.
I want to learn to do entralace crochet and make a scarf and then maybe a purse.
I want to make a recycled sweater felted bag.
Seraphina Shawl is another project I want to make.
I also want to make at least 1 maybe 2 Dr Who scarves for Hubby and Ds.
I saw a pattern for an interlocking belt. I want to make one. I'm not to the belt stage of my diet yet, but soon...
I want to finish the sweater I started several months ago.
Last but not least, I want to make a large doily. I will probably give this away. I just enjoy making doilies.

I will probably have several other projects that I make, but these are the ones I really want to accomplish this year.

A Poem For Jaden

2007-12-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

Sweet Little Boy sent from above.
On a mission from God,
hearts to transform.
Smiles to bring,
Joy to give,
Unselfish love,
Love given freely.

Sweet Little Boy gone from this earth.
Your mission acomplished.
You touched many hearts,
and changed every one.
No words needed said,
you reached out in love,
your eyes were your words.

Sweet Little Boy we miss you so much.
We will keep you forever
in hearts that you touched.
No words can be said
your smile will be missed.
You'll remain in our hearts
a bright shining star.

In Memory of Jaden

2007-12-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday when I got home from work, my husband had some sad news for me.

Our niece Mikera's son had been hit by a car and killed yesterday.

Jaden was a real delight to all that knew him.

Confessions of feeling Stupid!

2007-11-24T13:55:00.001-07:00

Well, I have to admit... I feel pretty stupid. After all of this, I decided to go back and and count my chains another time. I counted when I made them, counted as I sc and counted at the end of the row. However... I had extras. I ripped everything out and fixed the chain and tada! it works. I really feel dumb. I can't believe that I didn't catch it when i counted one of those times. Oh well, lesson learned. I am so in love with the look of this sweater. I can't wait until it is finished.

2007-11-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased the book Positively Crochet, mainly because I fell in love with the sweater on the cover. I started it last night and am having an interesting problem.

I made a swatch and may gauge is spot on.

The instructions start... with g hook loosely chain (my number is 110) Single crochet back, = 109 sc. Then it states... This row should measure approx 231/2 inches. Mine measures 26 hmmm The next row is a shell dc, ch1, dc, ch1, dc etc... There are supposed to be 18 shells... I have 19!

So what am I doing wrong??? This is maddening since for this sweater gauge is supposed to be real important.

The only thing that I can think of is that I am using a different yarn?? It calls for Berroco Softwist, Carron Simply Soft or Red Heart Soft. Pattern states that if you use Red Heart or Simply Soft you need to use a larger hook to get correct gauge (K). The yarn I chose to use is closer to a DK I think... it is called accord by Sierra Pacific Crafts.

O.K. so here is a side by side comparison of the yarns...

Berroco Softwist	Accord
FIBER: 59% Rayon, 41% Wool HANK WEIGHT: 1.75 oz / 50 g HANK LENGTH: 100 yds / 92 m GAUGE: 5 sts = 1" 20 sts & 28 rows = 4" (10cm) NEEDLE SIZE: 8 (US) / 5 mm	FIBER: 100 % Acrylic HANK WEIGHT: 100 g HANK LENGTH: 348 yds / 320 m TENSION 21 sts & 29 rows = 4" (10cm) NEEDLE SIZE: 6 (US) / 4 mm

Berroco Softwist

Accord

FIBER:

59% Rayon, 41% Wool

HANK WEIGHT:

1.75 oz / 50 g

HANK LENGTH:

100 yds / 92 m

GAUGE:

5 sts = 1"

20 sts & 28 rows = 4" (10cm)

NEEDLE SIZE:

8 (US) / 5 mm

FIBER:

100 % Acrylic

HANK WEIGHT:

100 g

HANK LENGTH:

348 yds / 320 m

TENSION

21 sts & 29 rows = 4" (10cm)

NEEDLE SIZE:

6 (US) / 4 mm

So what the heck am I doing wrong? (I am off to remeasure my swatch).

Socks aren't too bad...

2007-11-20T11:44:00.001-07:00

Well the socks that I made weren't to bad. I two evenings. So if you had a full day I would think you could easily complete them. Once you get the hang of the pattern it goes by real fast. While I really wanted to get the book Crocheted Socks: 16 Fun-To-Stitch Patterns I couldn't find it here locally. So, I settled for Stocking Feet (which I paid full price for... I just realized). I made the first one in the book. They are worsted weight, out of yarn from my stash. When you look at the cover, they are the ones in the bottom left corner. I like them. I am currently wearing them as slippers since they are to thick for shoes. I will be trying to make another pair soon. Different pattern, different yarn, but I think I like these...

Intimidated by a project

2007-11-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

Why is it that even after 35 plus years of crochet experience I am intimidated by a project? It seems to me that with that much experience I should be able to look at any project and say "let's do it".

However I find myself intimidated by a simple thing. Socks. I want to make a pair of socks that I can wear in shoes, but I find myself at a stand still.

There is a part of me that knows I can do it, and another part of me that says, "yeah you can do it but they will be so bulky they will be like slippers". And that is exactly what I do not want.

If you google crochet sock pattern, you will end up with some great looking patterns, but they are all done in worsted weight yarn. I did find one that was done using sock weight yarn, so that might be a possibility.

The book "Crocheted Socks: 16 fun to stitch patterns" seems like it might be a possibility. I think I am going to head over to Michaels and get it since I have a %50 coupon.

So what else intimidates me as far as crochet projects? Not a whole lot... I have done sweaters and mittens so this should not intimidate me. I've decided that I will conquer socks. I will not be intimidated any more by a project that some of my friends say is easy.

Veterans Poppy Pin Patteren

2007-11-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

I have had many people ask for the pattern to my Poppy pin. This is the first time in about 6 years that I have posted a pattern due to people stealing my creations. Pleas Please Please respect the copyright on this pattern. Give me credit if you sell them. Thanks, Lori

Veterans Poppy Pin Pattern

Supplies:

Small amount of brown thread for center. (you could also use black)
Small amount of red for petals. (Orange could work also)
1 Small safety pin
I used a size 6 steel crochet hook, use what you are comfortable with since there is no gauge. The pin is about 5 inches when it lays flat.

Center:
ch 6 sl st to close ring. ch 2 11 hdc in ring to make total of 12 hdc. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Petal:
1. ch 7 hdc in 3rd ch from hook. continue across (5 hdc) ch 3 turn
2. dc in base of ch 3, 1 dc in next st 2 dc n next repeat across ending with 2 dc in last st. ch 3 turn
3. repeat row 2 ending with ch 3 turn
4. increase 1 st at beginning of this row and end with 2 dc in last stitch. 1 dc in all other st across. ch 3 turn
5. work 1 dc over first 2 st, 2 dc over next 2, 2 decrease clusters over next 4 st, 2 dc in next 2 st. end with 1 decrease over last 2 st, ch 3 turn.
Noter: at this point the petal should start to cup slightly...
6. work 1 decrease over first 2 st, 1 dc in next st. repeat this pattern across. DO NOT CHAIN, turn
7. in first dc draw up a loop keep this on hook. do this in all dc across. at end of row yo and pull through all loops and fasten off. weave in all ends.

You will need 5 of these petals.

Half Petal:
1. ch 5 work hdc in 3rd ch from hook across. (3hdc) ch3 turn
2. dc in base of ch 3, 1 dc in next 2 st, ch 3 turn (4 st)
3. dc in first 2 st (3 dc) increase in last st, ch 3 turn
4. 1 dc in base of ch 3, 1 dc in top of next st, 2 dc in next st, 2 dc over next 2 dc ch 3 turn
5. work 2 dc over first 2 dc (ch 3 counts as first dc, decrease over next 2 st. 1 dc in next st and decrease over last 2 dc ch 3 turn
6. work 1 decrease , 1 dc, 1 decrease at end of row. DO NOT CHAIN, turn.
7. n first dc draw up a loop keep this on hook. do this in all dc across. at end of row yo and pull through all loops and fasten off. weave in all ends.

You will need 1 of these half petals.

Assembly: with either red or brown (it is going to be on the underside so it doesn't matter) sew 3 petals on the back of the brown disc. The brown needs to be raised and in front of all petals. In the spaces left sew on the remaining petals ad half petal. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Shaping: Most of the petals should cup toward the center of the flower, however one or two from the back row should be turned back.

Using safety pin fasten on clothing and get compliments.

Hope you enjoy this pattern. I have many others that I have designed over the 38 years I have been crocheting.

Lori

Thanks Veterans

2007-11-10T23:03:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about a person in uniform that makes me so proud to be an American. Many times I just want to stop them and tell them thanks for all you are doing. Sometimes I do, and others I don't. So today I just want to tell all of you serving overseas, wherever that may be, as well as all of you who have served our country... Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

I have reason to be proud also of the fact that I have 3 nephews serving in the military. Shane is an Air Force pilot and has served several tours in Iraq. John and Anthony are both in the Marines, both are currently in Iraq.

To honor our Veterans I created a "poppy pin" to wear. It worked up real easy and didn't take much time. Here is a picture of it.

My son works in a nursing home, I may give it to him to wear...

From my collection of recipes

2007-11-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

Today in chat we were talking about home made soups and I mentioned I had the best recipe for corn bread...

Several years ago our Kenny Rogers Roasters restaurant went out of business. When they did there was a request for their recipe for corn muffins. they are awesome... rich yet sweet. Our local paper found the recipe and printed it. So here is it is.

Kenny Rogers Corn Muffins - (I make them as corn bread)

1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup yellow corn meal
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup frozen corn

1. Preheat oven to 400*
2. Cream together butter, sugar, honey, eggs and salt in a large bowl.
3. Add flour, cornmeal and baking powder and blend thoroughly. Add milk while mixing.
4. Add corn to mixture and combine by hand until corn is worked in.
5. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan and fill each cup with batter. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until top of muffins start to turn brown on top.
Makes 12 muffins.

Note: We usually will grease a cast iron skillet and put some oil in it and get it hot in the oven while that is preheating. then when we are ready to bake the corn muffin mix, we will put it in the greases skillet instead of making muffins. Getting the skillet hot makes a nice crunchy side, and you still get the soft yummy center.

this recipe used to be on Top Secret Recipes but it looks like it is no longer there. The recipe I have was originally posted in the Post Register several years ago.

Insomnia

2007-06-16T04:24:00.000-06:00

Well it is almost 4:30 in the morning ans I can't sleep. My back is hurting something fierce despite Hubby giving me a back rub last night. It's not the general pain that bothers me, but the nerve pain that just about drives me nuts.

It doesn't help to be on your feet for 7.5 hours at work either. I work at a job that is fairly demanding physically. since I hurt my back it has been a lot more difficult to manage. I have awesome co-workers, but not being able to lift really adds a burden to their jobs.

I do as much as I can and then try to be creative as far as the rest of the lifting.

As far as crochet, I have several things I am working on.

I have designed a 24 point round ripple afghan that I need to get finished. After I get the AC put in for the summer, I can start working on that one again.

I have a top that I would like to make for myself.

Then I have some Christmas and Birthday gifts to get done.

I will have to post the links to m projects at another time.

Yarn Faeries and Magical Frogs Part 3

2007-04-04T15:29:00.000-06:00

Part 3

As they sipped tea, the whole story unfolded. The Ambassador told about the frogs who had beautiful colored clothing and the ones who had gorgeous handmade clothing and how each was jealous of the other. He told how the fighting had gotten out of hand and how the were not just fighting with each other, but the unhappiness had affected the whole universe. He told about the problem of just having one color of yarn to crochet with, at which Edgebert and Threadnick nodded sympathetically. He told the story about the evil fairy and the frog prince, how they had been cursed forever to only have yellow yarn to crochet with.
“Oh, I almost forgot, I have a urgent message from the King for you.” The Ambassador exclaimed, fumbling in his jacket pocket. “Ah, here it is.” He said handing an Irish crocheted letter pouch to Edgebert. As Edgebert and Threadnick read the letter the Ambassador sighed and leaned back in his chair. The letter read: “Please Sir's Edgebert and Threadnick can you help? My citizens are waring. They fight each other for a coat of many colors, and a multicolored afghan they will... well, lets just say it is unpleasant. Please help me I want my citizens to be happy, but they are so mean and vindictive I can not leave them alone to come and plead with you. We have heard of your great diplomacy and skill in negotiations, I am sure you can help us resolve this situation. Please help me we are desperate. Signed King of Green land, Chief of frogs”.
Edgebert and Threadnick pondered this for a while. At last Edgebert said to Threadnick, “Something must be done. But what?” “All we have is white to crochet with.” Said Threadnick. “So true, my esteemed colleague”, murmured Edgebert, “However they have yellow, and that is quite a charming color combination.” “Why that is so true my friend”, exclaimed Threadnick

Book Review

2007-03-30T09:24:00.000-06:00

Last week I ordered the following books and have received them and had a chance to look at them. Here are my thoughts on them...

Lion Brand Yarn Vintage Styles for Today - WOW! this is so cool. First I love the patterns, but what I really APPRECIATE in the front of the book is a chart that gives the standards for crochet and knitting... It tells you everything from bust sizes for XS - 2x as well as sleeve length to underarm, cross back, back length, center back and it gives the same for men. there is also a head circumference chart for hats... preemie to men. Then (I LOVE) this there is a chart that super fine to super bulky yarns sock, fingering baby up to super bulky... gage estimates needle/hook sizes. Right there that is enough for me to buy the book... and I haven't even gotten to the patterns. Since I also knit, that is not going to be an issue for me. there are so many patterns here that I can't wait to finish up a couple of doilies to start on these. I love the jacket on the front of the book and I think that is one of the first things I will make.

300 Crochet Stitches (The Harmony Guides, V. 6), 220 More Crochet Stitches (The Harmony Guides, V. 7) I honestly don't know way I waited so long to get these books. These are now a valuable part of my crochet library. I sat and read through them and am very impressed with how well written they are. I highly recommend these to any aspiring designers.

Crochet Celtic Afghans - There are 5 patterns in this booklet... Hmmm, I debated about this one for a long time. While I think the idea is cool... I don't like the way the patterns look. I guess I was expecting something a bit more Celtic in look? I am a big fan of the middle-ages and this just doesn't work for me. It will be going back.

Bead Crochet (Easy-Does-It) 10 projects... I can find these patterns and ideas on the Internet for free as well as better looking projects in my opinion. I am returning this book as well.

Internet Abreviations

2007-02-19T17:33:00.000-07:00

I decided, what the heck... I have time to waste (ha). I am actually putting off working on a doily that I really don't want to make anymore. (short story)- It started as a tablecloth, but is now a doily because the girl I am making it for is mean spirited and continually rude to me at work. However, I am friends with her mom, so...

Anyway, I went to several different sources and have compiled a list of all kinds of internet abbreviations. If you want it in PDF and I'll post it to you. As soon as I can figure out how to, I will make a clickable PDF download thingey. (I am not a technical person). If you know of some I am missing please let me know. I would love to add them.

.02: My two cents worth
*poof*: definitely stopped watching the monitor now (or even turned it off)
2: to, or too
AAMOF: as a matter of fact
AAMOF: As A Matter Of Fact
AFAIK: As Far As I Know
AFK: Away From the Keyboard
AISI: As I See It
AM: above mentioned
ASAP: As Soon As Possible ASL Age, sex, location
ATM: at the moment
ATSL: Along The Same Line
AWHFY: Are We Having Fun Yet?
AYOR: At Your Own Risk
B4N: Bye For Now
BAK: Back At Keyboard
BBIAB: be back in a bit
BBFN: Bye Bye For Now
BBL: be back later
BF: Boy Friend
BFN: bye for now
BIF: Before I Forget
BION: Believe it or not
BOT: Back On Topic
BRB: be right back
BRB: be right back
BRT: be right there
BTAIM: Be That As It May
BTHOM: Beats The Hell Outta Me
BTOBD: Be There Or Be Dead
BTW: by the way
BWL: Bursting With Laughter
BYKT: But You Knew That
BYOB: Bring your own booze/beer/beverage
C: see
CBA: can't be asked
CCB: can't be bothered
CMIIW: Correct Me If I’m Wrong
CU: See You
CU2: See You, Too
CUL: See you later
CUL8R: See You Later
CWYL: Chat With You Later
CWYS: converse with you soon
CYA: see ya (or it could also be: cover your a*s)
CUL8R: see you later
CUZ: because
DIIK: Damned If I Know.
DIKU?: Do I Know You?
DILLIGAD: Do I Look Like I Give A Darn?.
DIY: Do It Yourself
DK: Don’t Know
F2F: Face To Face
FCFS: First Come, First Served
FISH: First In, Still Here
FITB: Fill In The Blank
FOAF: Friend Of A Friend
FS: For Sale
FTASB: Faster Than A Speeding Bullet
FTF: Face To Face
FTL: Faster Than Light
FUBAR; Fouled Up Beyond All Repair
FUBB: Fouled Up Beyond Belief.
FUD: Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt
FURTB: Full Up Ready To Burst
FWIW: For What It’s Worth
FYA: For Your Amusement
FYI: For Your Information
G: Grin, or Giggle
G2G: Got to Go
GA: Go Ahead
GAL: Get A Life
GD&R: Grinning, Ducking and Running
GF: Girl Friend.
GFN: Gone For Now
GG: gotta go
GIWIST: Gee, I Wish I’d Said That
GLGH: Good Luck and Good Hunting
GMTA: Great Minds Think Alike
GOWI: Get On With It
GTG:Got To Go
GTSY: Great To See You
H&K: Hugs and Kisses
HAK: Hugs And Kisses
IAAL: I am actually laughing
IAC: In Any Case
IAE: In Any Event
IANAL: I Am Not A Lawyer (but) A disclaimer which is usually followed by a legal opinion
IAW: In Accordance With
IBTD: I Beg To Differ
IC: I See
IDC: I don't care
IDK: I Don't Know
IIRC: If I remember/recall correctly
IIWM; If It Were Me
IJWTK: I Just Want To Know
IJWTS; I Just Want To Say
IKWUM: I Know What You Mean
ILY: I love you
IMA: I Might Add
IME: In My Experience
IMHO: In My Humble Opinion
IMNSHO: In My Not So Humble Opinion
IMO: In My Opinion
IMPOV: In My Point Of View
INPO: In No Particular Order
IOW: In Other Words
IRL: In Real Life
ISS: I’m So Sure
ISSYGTI: I’m So Sure You Get The Idea!
ISWYM: I See What You Mean
ITFA: In The Final Analysis
ITSFWI: If The Shoe Fits Wear It.
IYSWIM: If You See What I Mean
JAM: Just A Minute
JAS: Just A Second
JC: just chillin'
JFI: Just For Information
JIC: Just In Case
JMO: Just My Opinion
JTLYK: Just To Let You Know
K: Okay
KEWL: cool or awesome
KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid
KIT: Keep In Touch
KK: ok cool (often to emphasize k)
KLL: cool
KTHBYL: (also sometimes kthxbai) - okay, thanks, goodbye
KTHXL: okay? thanks! (sarcastically)
KMAL: Kiss My A**
KWIM: Know What I Mean?
KYFC: Keep Your Fingers Crossed
L: Laugh
L8R: later
LABATYD or LAB&TYD: Life's A B**ch And Then You Die
LDR: Long Distance Relationship
LJBF: Let’s Just Be Friends
LLTA: Lots and Lots of Thunderous Applause
LMAO: laughing my ass off
LQTM: Laughing quietly to myself
LOL: Laughing Out Loud
LSHMBH: Laughing So Hard My Belly Hurts.
LTHTT: Laughing Too Hard To Type
LTNS: Long Time No See
LTNT: Long Time, No Type
LTS: Laughing to Self
LY: Love You
MEGO: My Eyes Glaze Over
MLA: Multiple Letter Acronym
MOF: Matter Of Fact
MOSS: Member Of Same Sex
MOTAS: Member Of The Appropriate Sex
MOTD: Message of the day
MOTOS: Member Of The Opposite Sex
MOTSS: Member Of The Same Sex
MTFBWY: May The Force Be With You
MYOB: Mind Your Own Business
NAVY: Never Again Voluneer Yourself
NBD: No Big Deal
NFW: No Friggin' Way!
NHOH: Never Heard Of Him/Her
NM: nothing much or never mind
NO WAI!!!: no way!
NOYB: None Of Your Business
NP: No Problem
NQA: No Questions Asked
NSFW: Not suitable/safe for work
NTIM: Not That It Matters
NTW: Not To Worry
NTYMI: Now That You Mention It
O: oh
OAUS: On An Unrelated Subject
OATUS: On A Totally Unrelated Subject
OB: Obligatory
OBO: Or Best Offer
OBTW: Oh, By The Way
OIC: Oh, I See
OMG: Oh My God
ONNA: Oh No, Not Again
ONNTA: Oh No, Not This Again
OO: Over and Out (end of communication)
OOTC: Obligatory On-Topic Comment
O RLY?: Oh really?
OTF: On the Floor (laughing)
OTFL: On the Floor Laughing
OTL: Out To Lunch
OTOH: On The Other Hand
OTOOH: On The Other Other Hand
OTP: on the phone
OTT: Over The Top
OTTH: On The Third Hand
OTTOMH: Off The Top Of My Head
PABG: Packing a Big Gun
PCMCIA: People Can't Memorize Computer Industry Acronyms
PD: Public Domain
PDS: Please Don't Shout
PEPS: people
PITA: Pain In The A**
PLZ: please
PMBI: Pardon My Butting In
PMF: Pardon My French or Pure Freaking Magic.
PMFBI: Pardon Me For Butting In
PMFJI: Pardon Me For Jumping In
PMIGBOM: Put Mind In Gear, Before Opening Mouth
PMJI: Pardon My Jumping In
PMSL: P*ssing Myself Laughing (a common UK expression)
PNCAH: Please, No Cursing Allowed Here
POSSLQ: Person Of Opposite Sex Sharing Living Quarters
PPL: People
PTMM :Please Tell Me More
Q: question
R: are/our
R U THERE?: Are you there?
RAEBNC: Read And Enjoyed, But No Comment
RHIP: Rank Has Its Privileges
RL: Real Life
RLCO: Real Life Conference
ROFL: Rolling On Floor Laughing
ROFLAS: Rolling On Floor Laughing And Screaming
ROFLMAO: Roll On Floor Laughing My A** Off
ROTF: Rolling On The Floor
ROTFL: Rolling On The Floor Laughing
ROTFLMAOTID: Rolling On The Floor Laughing My A** Off Till I Die
ROTFLOL: Rolling On The Floor Laughing Out Loud
ROTFLOLAPMP: Rolling On The Floor Laughing Out Loud And Peeing My Pants
ROTFLTIC: Rolling On The Floor Laughing Till I Cry
RRQ: Return Receipt Request
RSN: Real Soon Now
RSVP: Respondez S'il Vous Plait - please reply
RTBM: Read The Bloody Manual
RTFAQ: Read The Frequently Asked Questions
RTFF: Read The Freaking FAQ
RTM: Read The Manual
RTWFQ: Read The Whole Friggin' Question
RYS: Read Your Screen
S: Smile
SAL: - Smiling A Little
SAPFU: Surpassing All Previous Foul Ups
SCNR: Sorry, Could Not Resist
SEC: Wait a second
SFLA: Stupid Four Letter Acronym
SICS: Sitting In Chair Snickering
SIF: As if
SLM: See Last Mail
SNAFU: Situation Normal: All Fouled Up
SO: Significant Other
SOL: SH** Out Of Luck
SOS: Same Old Stuff or Help!
SOW: Speaking Of Which
SRSLY: Seriously
STBE: Soon-to-be-ex, as in ex-husband or ex-wife
SWIM: See What I Mean?
TAFN: That’s All For Now
TANJ: There Ain’t No Justice
TANSTAAFL: There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch
TARFU: Things Are Really Fouled Up
TBH: to be honest
TBQH: to be quite honest
TBYB: Try Before You Buy
TDM: Too Darn Many
TFTHAOT: Thanks For The Help Ahead Of Time
TG: thats gooey
THX: Thanks
TIA: Thanks In Advance
TIC: Tongue In Cheek
TINWIS: That Is Not What I Said
TLDR: (also sometimes tl;dr) - too long; didn't read. Used in discussions when the reader refuses to read the other person's opinion because it is too long.
TMMS: that made me smile, used in some forums across the globe
TNSTAAFL: There's No Such Thing As A Free Lunch
TNTL: Trying Not To Laugh
TNX: Thanks
TNXAM: Thanks A Million
TOBAL: There Oughta Be A Law.
TOBG: This Oughta Be Good.
TOY: Thinking Of You.
TPTB: The Powers That Be
TRDMC: Tears Running Down My Cheeks.
TSR: Totally Stupid Rules.
TTBOMK: To The Best Of My Knowledge
TTFN: Ta Ta For Now
TTYL: Talk To You Later
TTYS: talk to you soon
TTYT: Talk To You Tomorrow.
TYCLO: Turn Your CAPS LOCK Off
TYVM: Thank You Very Much
TX: thanks
TY: thank you
TYT: take your time
U: you
UOK: Are You OK?
ÜBER: Über is a gaming term for a player or object that is considered superior, originating from german meaning "greater" or something of the sort
UR: your/you're
WAEF: When All Else Fails
WB: Welcome Back
WDYMBT: What Do You Mean By That?.
WDYT: What Do You Think?
WE: Whatever
WIBAMU: Well, I'll Be A Monkey's Uncle
WIBNI: Wouldn’t It Be Nice If
WMMOWS: Wash My Mouth Out With Soap
WNOHGB: Where No One Has Gone Before
W/O: without
WOA: Work Of Art
WOTAM: Waste Of Time And Money
WRT: With Regard To, or With Respect To
WT: Without Thinking
WTB: Want To Buy
WTG: Way To Go!
WTGP: Want To Go Private?
WTH: What the hell?
WTTM: Without Thinking Too Much.
WYGISWYPF: What You Get Is What You Pay For
XOXOXO: Kisses and hugs
Y: why
YABA: Yet Another Bloody Acronym
YAOTM: Yet Another Off-Topic Message
YA RLY: yeah, really
YES WAI!!!: yes way!
YGLT: You're Gonna Love This
YGTI: You Get The Idea?
YGWYPF: You Get What You Pay For
YIU: Yes, I Understand
YKYARW: You Know You're A Redneck When
YMMV: Your Mileage May Vary (or your experience could be different)
YW: you're welcome

Pineapples Everywhere

2007-02-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

A symbol of welcome, a slice of pineapple was presented to Christopher Columbus when he reached the shores of Guadeloupe in 1493, to quench his thirst after so many days on salt water; pineapples were even hung near the entrances of huts as a sign of hospitality.

"It is shaped like a pine cone, but it is twice as large and its flavour excellent. It can be cut with a knife like a turnip and it seems very healthful." Christopher Columbus

He noted that in Guadeloupe the islanders even made wine from the juice. (Hmmm that's a thought.)

I have always loved to crochet pineapples, almost as much as I love eating chocolate. there is something magical for me in chaining and making single crochets that turn into pineapples that fascinates me. I know there is something mathematical about it, but I can't figure that one out. Hey, I just learned to do Sudoku puzzles, so maybe there is hope for me.

To make the fascination even go a step further, there is some fiber made from pineapples. If you head to the kpixie website, look for the yarn called Fique. I have not had a chance to try this thread but gosh I sure want to.

This is the latest doily I have finished (to the right). The finished size is 24 1/2 inches. It is not the largest doily I have ever done. I believe that one was about 36 inches. It was a gift for my sister (pictured below). Both doilies are from old Magic Crochet magazines.

Yarn Faeries and Magical Frogs (part 2)

2007-02-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

Part 2

Let me continue with my tale...

Way far away on the very peaceful planet of Yarnie,
Edgebert and Threadnick were getting bored. It is true
they were cozy and enjoying sipping tea and and crocheting
away quite happily every day, none the less, they were getting
bored. One day Edgebert said to Threadnick, "you know my
dear friend, we seem to have used all of the colored skeins
of yarn, and are now left with all white". "That is true my
eloquent friend", said Threadnick. "We must formulate a
plan to replenish our stock of glorious colors, or become
increasingly bored and despondent" he continued. Edgebert
sighed and said, "I do believer that we need and
adventure". Threadnick was about to reply when he was
interrupted by a loud knock on the door.
On the doorstep sat a small multi-colored frog.
“I have an urgent message for an Edgebert, keeper of
patterns and Threadnick, keeper of yarns and threads”,
he croaked in a raspy voice. “Which one do you happen
to be?” “I am Edgebert, this is my esteemed colleague
Threadnick,” replied Edgebert, staring incredulously
at the small frog, which upon furtherer inspection was
wearing an exquisitely hand-made yellow jacket in
free-form. “Please, come in and refresh yourself”,
exclaimed Threadnick, “You do look parched”. “Why thank
you kindly, sir's”, the frog exclaimed, “I am quite dry”.
As Threadnick poured some Chamomile tea, Edgebert
served the frog some Lavender muffins. As the trio sipped
the tea, the story unfolded.
The frog was from the kingdom of “Green”, two
solar stars away, and they were in great crisis. The frog
explained and he removed his verdant green coat. He was
the Ambassador to the planet “Yarnie”, a newly appointed
position. He had been chosen because of his long
distinguished service to the King, Chief of Frogs.
Edgebert and Threadnick gasped, “FROGS?” “Do I understand
correctly that you have an affiliation with the vile
creatures that cause us to “frog” and “rippit”? Threadnick
demanded. “If you indeed are affiliated, you may excuse
yourself” chimed in Edgebert in horror, “We have no use
for you and your kind”. “Oh please,” exclaimed the frog,
“I mean you no harm and it truly is not in my my fellow
green brothers and sisters hearts to cause you distress.”
“We are in crisis, and I was told that you are the only
two who can help us come to peace”, he continued. “Well”,
said Threadnick, pondering this information, “I do suppose
it would not hurt to listen”, he said to Edgebert. “We
are open minded and a compassionate twosome” said Edgebert.
“I don't suppose it would hurt to listen”. “Oh thank you”
exclaimed the frog with great relief.

Yarn Faeries and Magical Frogs (part 1)

2007-02-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

 Well it seems that in the land of Near and Far, the
"Yarn Faeries" live. Tis truly a magical place to be.
Full of glorious color and wondrous skeins of yarn from
the yarn factories. They had one critical problem
though you see... All of the roads were horribly
clogged with yarn. The fairies however, had no
problem - you see they fly. But no visitors could
come and visit because the roads were impassible.
Not to far away in the neighboring warring kingdom
of "Green" lived fanciful green frogs. Truly down deep
inside they didn't like to be at war. I do believe upon
refection, they were just very unhappy. For though in
the neighboring kingdom of Near and Far the Yarn Faeries
had many glorious shades of yarn, the frogs were stuck
with just one color, yellow.
 How this terrible tragedy happened, no one truly
knows. Some think is was a dye job gone bad, others
believe it was an evil Yarn Faerie who was jilted by a
young frog prince. However none of that story has anything
to do with this one... perhaps at a later date I will
relate that tale to you.
 For the most part they were a vain lot of frogs.
Some of them dressed quite gaudily in rare imported yarns
and clothing crocheted and knitted in foreign countries.
For though they were stuck with crocheting in only yellow,
finished garments imported from foreign countries did not
turn yellow upon arrival in Green-Land. the tragedy of it
was that if they imported some of the glorious yarns, as
soon as they arrived within the borders of Green-Land, they
would turn yellow. Others dressed fairly simply yet in
exquisite hand-made clothing that they had made themselves
in the only color of yarn they had, yellow.
 The two classes of frogs just couldn't get along,
they were just miserable. The frogs who dressed in multicolor
were jealous of those who knew how to make their own clothing
and the glorious patterns and stitches they use. And the frogs
who made their own clothes were insanely jealous of the gorgeous
colors of yarns and threads the other frogs clothing was made of.
 So being miserable they set out to make all others
miserable by seeking out yarns through out the known world
to twist and wind up into knots. Perhaps they have visited
your yarn basket at one time or another, or perhaps they visit
on a regular basis?

Off My Hook

2007-01-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

I have finished 2 doilies that I really like. The first one on the left is from Thata Pang. Thata's is called White Classic Doily. The second one is from an old Decorative Crochet magazine. Both worked up easy and both need to be blocked, but here they are.

Doilies are something that I love doing. I am planing on starting another one today.

Jumpin' Jambalaya

2006-11-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

Jumpin' Jambalaya

Serves: 5

A flavorful favorite that you can enjoy without guilt. Add your own spices to taste.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 pound steamed shrimp, peeled and chopped
8 oz. turkey smoked sausage pieces
1-1/2 cups cooked pinto beans
16 oz. can Cajun style stewed tomatoes
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1 cup bell pepper, chopped
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp Tabasco sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 cup water
4 cups long grain brown rice, cooked

DIRECTIONS
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onions, celery and peppers until they soften.
2. Add garlic, stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, Tabasco sauce, salt and water. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until veggies are soft.
3. Stir in pinto beans.
4. Heat skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Add turkey sausage and cook until browned (5 min).
5. Add shrimp, sausage and cooked rice to pot of veggies and simmer for 5 minutes, while stirring.

NUTRITION INFO (per 4-ounce serving)
Calories: 467.7
Fat: 10.2 g
Carbohydrates: 69.6 g
Protein: 27.1 g

Morphing Crochet Projects

2006-09-13T07:42:00.000-06:00

I'm shaking my head as I write this... it seems that every time I try to follow a crochet pattern, I end up making significant changes to it. The Whisper of Elegance sweater that I was making is morphing into something totally different pattern wise. At first I thought I didn't have enough yarn. So I made it shorter. I also made it bigger. I then got to the arm area and thought... hmmm inset arms would be nice, so I changed that. I did follow the instructions for the "V" in the front of the sweater. Now I am on to the arms and changing those... I'm making the arms rounded at the top so I can do sort of a cap sleeve. I plan on making a belt for it as well as adding ribbing all around the sweater, and sort of a shawl collar for it. I think since I have made so many changes, this must be an original for me. I'll have to write the pattern out and see if it works.

I am thinking that I will make the Whisper of Elegance sweater next and really follow the pattern. I need to purchase the yarn for that one... I think I want it in pale blue. I think it would look real nice in a Homespun type yarn. I will have to see what I find.

More WIM's and ramblings...

2006-09-05T10:23:00.000-06:00

Recently I discovered the Crystal Lace Bollero and thought how cool... I wonder... And that sealed my fate with this one. I think this would be perfect for work this fall. Of course, I will have to make a few changes, like length and size, but this is perfect.

I want to make it a bit longer in back and on the sides and the arms will need to be longer. Other than that, the pattern will be the same.

I need one in blue and green. I will probably start the green one first, provided I have enough of the yarn I am thinking of in my stash.

I am still working on the Whisper of Elegance sweater in the evenings while watching the telly. I am hoping I will have enough of the variegated to make it at least hip length. I was thinking it would be too long if I increased the size, but... I think this is going to just about right, if I make it just below the hip. If I can get it long enough to cover the butt I will be pleased. I need to see if I can find some more of this yarn. I will have to try eBay 'cause I am sure it is not in the stores any more. If I can find the same kind, I can make it work even if it is not the same dye lot... I will just use it in the arms. Guess that is what I get for digging in my stash for yarn for a project. Ha!

New Project

2006-09-02T19:51:00.000-06:00

One of my fellow Crochet Partners Listers sent a link to a gorgeous pattern called "A Whisper of Elegance" designed by Chelle Hendrix Cain and wow... I just had to buy it. I have started it and am not doing it in white... I had some beautiful variegated sage and rose yarn. I plan on putting a burgundy collar on it.

Anyway, when I get it done, I will post a picture.

Life & Chaos

2006-08-24T12:36:00.000-06:00

Life & Chaos

When you march to the beat of a different drummer, what others see as chaos, might well be your peace and harmony. Albert Einstein said, "He who joyfully marches in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice."

For the vast majority of the people I work with that is so true. They march in rank and file, always being told what to do, wear, think and when to breathe. This annoys the heck out of me. Stand up people and use the brain you have. Make intelligent choices and don't hold back on living. Take life to the edge and live as if there was no tomorrow. Live life with abandon, joy, hope and faith. "Suppose we were able to share meanings freely without a compulsive urge to impose our view or conform to those of others and without distortion and self-deception. Would this not constitute a real revolution in culture?" David Bohm

If there had been no risk takers that walked before us, then where would we be? I guess the biggest thing that bothers me is people who just don't think. You have a brain people, use it.

I believe that when people use the brains they have more good can be done, than if they have life dictated to them. In history people have had to think, in order to produce and be creative. Now it is as simple as buying a crafty kit with all of the pieces and putting it together using the diagram. In doing that, the powers that be have forced us into a chaotic madness. If you are missing a part, piece or can't find the color called for in a project, people will go to all lengths to get it. I think this is hilarious. What happened to creativity? Did it get lost when you grew up? Are you so afraid of what might be called free-form or chaos that you can't think outside the box? Get real people, the majority of the world lives outside of your box. Don't be afraid to step out of yours.

Vacation Adventures

2006-04-02T14:50:00.000-06:00

Well, the week flew by. We drover down to Branson MO. and took 2 days to do so. That was good, because it got us in the mood for vacationing and doing nothing.

My philosophy of a vacation is to go somewhere fun and then do just what you want to do. No schedules, no requirements to do anything.

We knew we wanted to see at least one show while we wre there, which we did, the Circle B Chuckwagon Show. It was fun, funny and a grand time. Having grown up with country music, and western stuff, I thought I might find it a bit "hoakey" but it wasn't. I really enjoyed them and they did a great job. food was Awesome too. The other show we saw was David Lomond the Hawiian Crooner . This was a fun show and a bargain. David is funny, and so is Alohi his wife. We really enjoyed the Sunday night worship time and we went back for the Luau! I highly recommend this show for anyone going to Branson. He does this hilarious version to Elvis' "Return to Sender" song about a blender... I was laughing so hard.

We stayed at Suntera at Fall Creek and it was absolutely fantastic. Beth Ann in the Concierge dept was fantastic and really helped us out. Everyone was so courteous and friendly, we actually could see going back again.

We had an absolutely hilarious adventure wile riding the DUCKS in Branson. Our captain Dan was a hoot. His jokes were pretty bad, but that was just half the fun of it.

We also went to The College of The Ozarks. This is a really cool college. I was very impressed with it.

Other than that we went shopping and toodling around. I would definately like to go back to Branson. Maybe in the fall next time.

Misc. Stuff

2006-03-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

Well it is official... Sunshine is a licensed driver. Stay of the roads. Actually he is a very cautious driver, which is good.

We are out of her on VACATION Yay! Yay! Yay! This is my first real vacation in 4 years. I am just excited to be going somewhere. There have been times that we have been able to go out of town for a day or so... but this is for real. Location is Branson MO. Never have been there, don't know anyone there and have no relatives that we know of there. So we are off to an adventure like old times.

I finished and was able to felt my bag that I was working on. It turned out great! I hopeful will get a picture up soon. I forgot and have already packed the cord to my camera... Oh well...

He passed... yikes! (and other stuff)

2006-03-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

So I guess I should says stay off the streets now, but that would not be nice...

Sunshine passed the driving portion of the license test. Now all he has to do is take the written and he will have the coveted "Drivers license".

He only has about 500$ to go on paying off the car and he will be ready to take on responsibility of ownership. Quite cool, as I never had a car when I was in High School.

I have interviewed with my employer for another position... I love my job, but I don't feel stretched enough. I need more of a challenge. The new one would be doing Inventory Audits. Something I have never done, but am sure I could do quite well. I should find out about that this week. If I don't get that one, there is another position coming open that needs to be filled by the first of the month.

Well I got the correct yarn for my project the other day and my purse strap is coming along quite nicely. I need to decide how long I want it. Anybody know how much Lambs Pride shrinks (percentage wise)? I will post pictures when I have it finished. Hopefully By the weekend. I want to start on the stupid pink mohair. It is not going to be a shawl. I decided it is going to be a bag of some sort. Something small and compact.

In the Pink

2006-03-08T09:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I have decided it is going to be the Mobius Scarf. I think I may end up getting another skein of it just in case.

Tonight is "date night" and hubby and I are going to do the ususal and go do a wine tasting at our favorite sine and cheese store. Don't know what we are tasting tonight, so that will be interesting. Sunshine want's to chauffer... yikes... fortunately the library is close by so we can send him over there until we are finished.

Quandry (Part 2)

2006-03-07T18:50:00.000-07:00

O.K. I have narrowed it down... it is either going to be Pretty In Pink Stole (pdf) or Mobius Wrap both from Free Patterns. I printed them off and am going to go curl up and watch NCIS and read them.

In a quandry... Or what to do with 2 balls of pink Mohair?

2006-03-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

O.K. Last night I ran out of the Lambs Pride purple yarn I am using for my purse... Dang... I knew I should have bought 3 instead of 2 skeins. Oh well... Anyway, I am pretty pleased with the purse so far. However, since I am out of the purple untill tomorrow, I have moved on to another project.

This one has me in a bit of a quandry. It is this yummy cotton candy pink Mohair yarn, but I have a feeling that what I want it to be and what "IT" wants to be are two different things. I hate it when that happens. I mean, you see it setting on the shelf at the store and you can't resist the lure of it. You get home and say... what the heck was I thinking?

"I" want it to be a poncho, but I don't think that "it" wants to be one. I had one started in knit, but it just was not cooperating with me. So, I frogged that and started one in crochet... frogg, and restart.

This is my mission tonight. I need to find a pattern that will work with it. One of the first places I am going to check is my favorite crochet group - Crochet Partners in the pattern library. Lots of good patterns there. Maybe I will have to check the manufacturer web site also. sometimes there are good patterns or ideas there too. Oh, and I definately need to check out Free Patterns
I know there might be something there.

2006-03-06T12:06:00.000-07:00