Some positive progress

Well, I've scheduled my first job interview in NC. It's not quite where I was trying but hey, I'll take anything right now.
I've also managed to go through all of the boxes of books that I had sitting in a closet. Now to just go through the 5 bookcases that are full of books. I've been managing to get rid of more books than keeping them-very good for me. Usually it's the other way around.

I wanna play

Friday's Feast

This week's Friday's Feast:

Appetizer
Who is the easiest person for you to talk to?
-my cousin Denise

Soup
If you could live in any ancient city during the height of the quality of its society and culture, which one would you choose?
-Rome

Salad
What is the most exciting event you’ve ever witnessed?
-US Open (tennis)

Main Course
If you were a celebrity, what would you do for a publicity stunt?
-nothing-I would let my abilities speak for themselves

Dessert
What do you consider the ideal age to have a first child?
-when you are mature and stable enough to handle the situation

Cutie

8/30/07

Another new project

Sorry about the really bad picture. This is the start of another project-this time for my mom-not sure if it will be for Christmas or her birthday.

Michael Vick

I was going to try to keep quiet about this issue but those who know me, know that I love animals, especially dogs. I'm furious at Michael Vick's statement from after he plead guilty. He needs to grow up and mature-did he really think that dog fighting was a proper thing to do? Shit, he's 27 years old!!!! I can understand growing up in a lower class project building and not having financial stability but dog fighting? Especially when you're one of the star quarterbacks in the NFL? I'm wondering if he actually thought that he would be able to get away with it. I vote that his punishment should be entering a dog fighting ring with pits that have already been trained by assholes and see how he likes being in the middle. Oh and then kill him because he can't perform.
I just don't understand why people would do these things to animals. Shit like this doesn't help build the positive reputation that pit bulls and other "dangerous" dogs deserve. It is all up to the people that own these animals. It's up to them to train them to not fight and be some of the most wonderful creatures out there. I've had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with pits and they are some of the most lovable animals.
Ok, enough of my soap box-off to eat dinner and do some stitching.

Last night

I went to probably my last US Open last night. I was hoping to see James Blake but missed him by one match-he was the last match scheduled at Arthur Ashe Stadium for the day session. Oh the frustration! Scott went with me. We got to Sharapova (yawn) and Andy Roddick play fellow American Justin Gimelstob. What a great first set. We ended up taking a cab home and I began feeling a little sad looking at the Manhattan skyline all lite up.

Ugh

You just never realize how much crap you have until you're trying to move it. I just went through several boxes full of books to see what ones I want to keep. The rest I posted on Paperback Swap. Hopefully I can get rid of them. Whatever ones I can't get rid of through this, I'm going to try to sell at a used bookstore. I could use the money regardless plus I have sooooooooooo many more books to go through. Guess it's a good thing that I'm starting now and not waiting to the last minute like I usually do when I move.

One of the new projects

I'm making this for my brother-no fear of him actually seeing this beforehand as he doesn't read my blog.

Stitching

Last night I cleaned up the table where my current craft projects are and found a stamped needlepoint that I'm supposed to be doing for an auction next year. I started working on it last night. Since it's stamped, it probably won't make much sense to take pictures of progress on it since it will be hard to tell.
Today after my writing group met, I took a nap and then worked a little on the gift that I started making while at my parents. Made some decent progress on it.
So today my writing group met and I feel pretty good about my writing. Especially since I got a request to write a story about a character that I had written a blurb about in the writing class. So that will probably be my next writing project along with revising the story that I did for today's group.

Weekend time

I'll be starting some new projects-one will be something that I started working on when I went to my parents-it's a gift. I'm not going to say much more as the person who it is for sometimes reads my blog. I have some other gifts for my aunt and immediate family that I want to start in order to have them ready for Christmas. I should also practice my crocheting.
Tomorrow my writing group is meeting-5 people are coming and only 2 people submitted stories-me being one of them. The rest of the weekend is up in the air. I would like to play Mystery Rummy with Scott but we'll see what happens. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Friday's Feast

This week's Friday's Feast:

Appetizer
Say there’s a book written about your life. Who would you want to narrate the audio version?
-Anthony Hopkins

Soup
Take the letters from your favorite kind of nut and write a sentence. (Example: Perhaps every avenue needs understanding today.)
-that's an interesting one
All Love Must Over Needy Drifts
-yeah makes no sense!

Salad
If you could go back in time and spend one week in another decade, which decade would you choose?
-1960's

Main Course
Name a song that brings back memories for you.
-any Monkees song

Dessert
Do you prefer to wash your hands in cold water or warm water?
-warm

Gulp

Just made the first huge step in getting the hell out of Dodge (or New York City). Just made flight reservations to North Carolina. I'm going down to check out the area-see if I'm ready for the state and if the state is ready for me. I'm very thankful that my college girlfriend, Tracy, lives down there and is willing to have me live with her until I get settled. She has a state job and works in a similar field to what I do so she has been extremely helpful. I've been sending my resume and hopefully something will come through.
To think, I've been in NYC for 9 years in October and I'm really making the steps to get out of here. Who would have thought that I would have lasted here for so long? Of course, I've had my reasons for staying-boys, husband, job, Scott. But now that everything has changed, I don't have any reason to stay. This wasn't how I thought I would be leaving the City but oh well. Life is full of changes and it's all in how you react to those changes.
Very anxious about what my future will be having for me.

Cutie

Sigh...my favorite breed.

Happy Dance

Here's another one. Just finished the border on this one. I love the colors and like how it turned out. Hope the child that I made it for enjoys it as well.

Cutie

Lots of cuties

Eh

I had an okay Monday. Still had the headache that I had since Saturday-luckily my friend forgave me for not making it yesterday. Work wasn't too bad-still trying to figure something out but hey-it really isn't my problem.
I got a notice that one of the places that I sent my resume to received it. Now we'll see if they're willing to wait until I can make the interview.
I'm enjoying the cooler temperatures-too bad they won't be lasting. Off to try to do some stitching.

Almost done

All I have left to do is the border for this square. I'll probably finish it tomorrow or Tuesday.

Change

A change in weekend plans. Starting yesterday afternoon I was starting to feel rundown and exhausted. This morning I continued to feel the same way so I didn't go to Long Island. I tried to call my friend but no one answered the phone. I'm hoping that he didn't go to the train expecting me and got my email. I've taken a nap and organized some of my DMC threads. Now I'm trying to finish up the Love Quilts square while watching movies.

Happy Dance

I've been bad and have bought stuff that has increased my stash-something that I wasn't going to do until I finished 25 projects. I did make the halfway point in that so I don't feel too guilty.
Anyway...here's the finished bookmark. Luckily the person who is getting it is also named Jennifer.

Cutie

Pictures

My girlfriend Tricia sent me some pictures today-one of them is me and her son, Alex. The others are from her trip to Marineland with her daughters. Since she knows I love marine life, she sent them to me. So enjoy!

Another weekend

It's yet another weekend and I'm pretty much hanging tight today. Not going anywhere-going to finish the bookmark and maybe kit up some other stuff. Scott's off to play games so it's just me and the cats. Might do some more job hunting.
Tomorrow, I'm planning on heading out to Long Island to spend some time with a friend and his family. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Stitching

Not exactly how I planned on spending tonight a few months ago but hey. Today would have been the 2 year anniversary for Scott and I but life has a funny way of changing things around. Scott's off playing games and I worked on the backstitching of the last bookmark for the exchange that I've been working on. My plan is to finish it tomorrow and hopefully get it mailed out. But now, it's time for Survivorman.

Friday's Feast

This week's Friday's Feast:

Appetizer
Describe your laundry routine. Do you have a certain day when you do it all, or do you just wash whatever you need for the next day?
-my roommate does it-never on a specific day-usually when the laundry basket is full-he brings it to the place and they do it.

Soup
In your opinion, what age will you be when you’ll consider yourself to truly be old?
-not sure-60

Salad
What is one of your goals? Is it short-term, long-term, or both?
-get out of New York City-that's the only one I'm concentrating on at the moment

Main Course
Name something unbelievable you’ve seen or read lately.
-I live in NYC-I've seen or heard pretty much everything so nothing surprises me anymore.

Dessert
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how happy are you today?
5

One month later

It's been a month since Scott and I broke up. It's been a roller coaster ride for me at first but I think that my emotions are starting to settle down. I've been trying to respect Scott's decision even though I don't completely understand it and feel that he has lost something extremely valuable. But he made the choice and we are both dealing with it. I still love him. I still care about him. I still care about his family. But, I'm coming to the conclusion that I guess it just wasn't meant to be. So I'm starting to do the things that I need to do to take care of myself. For one, that means for me to get the hell out of New York City. I have a couple of options ahead of me and I will be exploring them. Of course, the idea of starting over again in a new city or even a new state is kinda terrifying. If Scott was to change his mind about us, I would reconsider but only if I felt that we were both going to give it our all and we were both on the same page. I do wonder if he misses me or us. That's normal. I do wish that I could just sleep next to him but that would just be wrong. But I have to do what I have to do for myself. I feel much stronger than I did a couple of years ago when I was going through the hell that I went through with Jeremy. I feel that I am mentally at a better place-one that allows me to not wallow in the sadness and focus on what I need to do for myself. I hope that Scott will be there as my friend for the rest of our lives if I cannot have him as my love.

Progress

While waiting for our Fantasy football draft to begin, I worked a little on this square for Love Quilts. I figure another day or two and I should be done. I need to finish the last cat and then add some borders to it. The draft was good-I'm pretty satisfied with my team. Of course, I say that now without the season starting. I guess as long as I beat my rival-Conrad-it's all good. Today, I have a long day in front of me. At least, I'll be stopping at Michael's so it won't be too horrible.

SBQ

Here's the latest SBQ:

Today's SBQ was suggested by Jennifer
and is:

How did you get started stitching? Was there a person that inspired
you?

-I would probably say watching my mom when I was younger inspired me. I'm not really sure how I got started. I did more latch hook when I was younger and then went to needlepoint and cross-stitch. I had stopped for several years and got back into it.

Cutie

Happy Anniversary

Just a small congrats to my girlfriend Tricia and her husband Bruce. They're celebrating their anniversary today. So many years ago, I was their Maid of Honor. Hope they're having fun without the kids!

I'm back

I had a really nice weekend at my parents. It was what I needed. I got closer to both of my parents this weekend. Unfortunately, there will probably be some huge changes coming up sooner than later. I'm not surprised but it still saddens me.
I had a nice visit with my brother and aunt and uncle. My mom taught me how to crochet...again. She had taught me a very long time ago and I had forgotten.
But it's good to be back with the Royal Family. It seems that I've been missed...at least by the cats. Haven't seen Scott yet.
Tomorrow it's back to work and I'm not looking forward to it. Oh well.

Quick post

I made it safe and sound to my parents after a late train arrival. Got my hair chopped and then met up with my girlfriend Tricia and finally met her cat Ginger and her son, Alex. Her husband made a surprise visit home (gee, can you guys get a room already?). Just got back from going out to a local Chinese restaurant with my parents. Tomorrow will be seeing another friend-someone who used to work with my dad and some relaxing. Sunday will be family day-my aunt and uncle and even my brother will be coming over for some visiting time. Not sure about Monday yet. But the weather is nice and I'm feeling slightly more relaxed...that will be until I hit Albany on the way back to New York!

Birthday Calendar

Interesting

11 May 1976
Your date of conception was on or about 19 August 1975 which was a Tuesday.

You were born on a Tuesday
under the astrological sign Taurus.
Your Life path number is 3.

Life Path Compatibility:
You are most compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 3, 6 & 9.
You should get along well with those with the Life Path numbers 1, 2, 5 & 11.
You are least compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 4, 7, 8 & 22.

The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2442909.5.
The golden number for 1976 is 1.
The epact number for 1976 is -1.
The year 1976 was a leap year.

Your birthday falls into the Chinese year beginning 1/31/1976 and ending 2/17/1977.
You were born in the Chinese year of the Dragon.

Your Native American Zodiac sign is Beaver; your plant is Wild Clover.

You were born in the Egyptian month of Epipy, the third month of the season of Shomu (Harvest).

Your date of birth on the Hebrew calendar is 11 Iyyar 5736.
Or if you were born after sundown then the date is 12 Iyyar 5736.

The Mayan Calendar long count date of your birthday is 12.18.2.15.5 which is
12 baktun 18 katun 2 tun 15 uinal 5 kin

The Hijra (Islamic Calendar) date of your birth is Tuesday, 12 Jumadiyu'l-Avval 1396 (1396-5-12).

The date of Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 18 April 1976.
The date of Orthodox Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 25 April 1976.
The date of Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) on your birth year was Wednesday 3 March 1976.
The date of Whitsun (Pentecost Sunday) in the year of your birth was Sunday 6 June 1976.
The date of Whisuntide in the year of your birth was Sunday 13 June 1976.
The date of Rosh Hashanah in the year of your birth was Saturday, 25 September 1976.
The date of Passover in the year of your birth was Thursday, 15 April 1976.
The date of Mardi Gras on your birth year was Tuesday 2 March 1976.

As of 8/9/2007 7:47:06 AM EDT
You are 31 years old.
You are 375 months old.
You are 1,630 weeks old.
You are 11,412 days old.
You are 273,895 hours old.
You are 16,433,747 minutes old.
You are 986,024,826 seconds old.

Celebrities who share your birthday:
Holly Valance (1983) Natasha Richardson (1963) Louis Farrakhan (1933)
Mort Sahl (1927) Foster Brooks (1912) Phil Silvers (1911)
Salvador Dali (1904) Martha Graham (1894) Irving Berlin (1888)

Top songs of 1976
Tonight's the Night by Rod Stewart Silly Love Songs by Wings
Don't Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John & Kiki Dee Disco Lady by Johnnie Taylor
Play The Funky Music by Wild Cherry December, 1963 (Oh What a Night) by Four Seasons
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover by Paul Simon Kiss and Say Goodbye by Manhattans
If You Leave Me Now by Chicago Love Hangover by Diana Ross

Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 4.46653620352251 years old. (You're still chasing cats!)



There are 276 days till your next birthday
on which your cake will have 32 candles.

Those 32 candles produce 32 BTUs,
or 8,064 calories of heat (that's only 8.0640 food Calories!) .
You can boil 3.66 US ounces of water with that many candles.


In 1976 there were approximately 3.1 million births in the US.
In 1976 the US population was approximately 203,302,031 people, 57.4 persons per square mile.
In 1976 in the US there were approximately 2,152,662 marriages (10.1%) and 1,036,000 divorces (4.9%)
In 1976 in the US there were approximately 1,921,000 deaths (9.5 per 1000)
In the US a new person is born approximately every 8 seconds.
In the US one person dies approximately every 12 seconds.

In 1976 the population of Australia was approximately 14,110,107.
In 1976 there were approximately 227,810 births in Australia.
In 1976 in Australia there were approximately 109,973 marriages and 63,230 divorces.
In 1976 in Australia there were approximately 112,662 deaths.


Your birthstone is Emerald

The Mystical properties of Emerald

Though not meant to replace traditional medical treatment, Emerald is used for physical and emotional healing.
Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewelers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)

Agate, Chrysoprase

Your birth tree is

Poplar, the Uncertainty
Looks very decorative, no self-confident behaviour, only courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, artistic nature, good organiser, tends to philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership serious.



There are 138 days till Christmas 2007!
There are 151 days till Orthodox Christmas!

The moon's phase on the day you were
born was waxing gibbous.

Way too true

3 (3, 12/3, 21,/3, 30/3)
The Life Path 3 indicates that you entered this plane with a strong sense of creativity and with wonderful communication skills. Achievement for you most likely comes through engaging your ingenious expression. A truly gifted 3 possesses the most exceptional innovative skills, normally in the verbal realm, writing, speaking, acting, or similar endeavors. Here we are apt to find the entertainers of the world, bright, effervescent, sparkling people with very optimistic attitudes. The bright side of this path stresses harmony, beauty and pleasures; of sharing your inventive talents with the world. Capturing your capability in creative self-expression is the highest level of attainment for this life path.
Life is generally lived to the fullest, often without much worry about tomorrow. You are not very good at handling money because of a general lack of concern about it. You spend it when you have it and don't when you don't.

The 3 loves connecting with people. The characteristics of the 3 are warmth and friendliness, a good conversationalist, social and open. A good talker both from the standpoint of being a delight to listen to, but even more importantly, one who has the ability to listen to others. Accordingly, the life path 3 produces individuals who are always a welcome addition to any social situation and know how to make others feel at home. The approach to life tends to be exceedingly positive. Your disposition is almost surely sunny and openhearted. A happy and often inspired person, you are constantly seeking and needing the stimuli of similar people.

There is a remote side to your 3 Life Path, as well. This comes as a surprise to the native and to those who think they are well acquainted. The 3 is actually a very sensitive soul. When hurt, you can easily retreat to a shell of morose silence for extended periods. Nonetheless, the 3 eventually copes with all of the many setbacks that occur in life and readily bounces back for more. It is usually easy for you to deal with problems because you can freely admit the existence of problems without letting them get you down for too long. Because of your own sensitivity to hurt, you have a caring disposition and seem to be very conscious of other people's feelings and emotions.

In romance, the 3 is a very ardent and loyal lover. Affairs that don't go well can leave scares that seem to linger. Emotional experiences of all sorts tend to deeply touch the 3 and the drama may take some time to play out. Regrettably, the giving disposition of the 3 often attracts demanding partners. As with most of life's issues for the 3 Life Path, balance in relationships is illusive.

Your big test with a 3 Life Path is controlling your highs and lows. You won't survive very well in any routine environment or when you are placed under dominating management. Slow thinking and overly contemplative people tend to frustrate you, and you don't function too well with this type whether you are working for, with, or under them. Your exuberant nature can take you far, especially if you are ever able to focus your energies and talents.

For the few living on the negative side of this Life Path, a 3 may be so delighted with the joy of living that the life becomes frivolous and superficial. You may scatter your abilities and express little sense of purpose. The 3 can be an enigma, for no apparent reason you may become moody and tend to retreat. Escapist tendencies are not uncommon with the 3 life path, and you find it very hard to settle into one place or one position. Guard against being critical of others, impatient, intolerant, or overly optimistic.

Cutie

Stitching/weekend

I did a little progress on my headache project. Not sure what I will do with it when I'm done since the deadline for the square to go for the specific child is long past. I'll probably still submit it just won't specify the child. I feel bad about not finishing it in time.
So as I said last night, I'm headed to my parents tonight. It's been almost 2 years since I've seen them. It will be interesting being away from Scott for this length of time but it's needed...for both of us. I'll be seeing some awesome friends when I'm up-friends from grade school and high school. Hopefully will be seeing my aunt and uncle. With my grandmother leaving last week it was almost a no go for me seeing my aunt and uncle. Not sure if I'm going to see my brother or not-not a surprise since we're not close. I'm bringing some stitching kits to work on during my long train trip plus when I'm just chilling at my parents' home. I'll show any progress when I return Tuesday. If I access the internet at my parents, I'll update my blog. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Tornado anyone?

For those of you who haven't heard about the weather here in New York City-there might have been a tornado in Brooklyn this morning. I haven't heard any confirmations yet. Most of the subways were out of service this morning so trying to get to work was a pain in the ass. Just when I got to the train station, a train pulled in and then stayed there. All due to debris on the tracks. I ended up taking a cab to work. And as I was riding along, trees were down all over the place. In fact, there were some even uprooted. I was amazed. It didn't help that I was soaked from the storm despite actually using an umbrella. The trains are still having problems, 11 hours later. It doesn't help that it's a hot and humid day. I ended up taking a bus home and walked way too much to get home. So now I'm home, safe and sweaty. Pretty much already packed for my little vacation. I'm heading to my parents for a long weekend. I doubt that I'll have computer access so I'll do a last post tomorrow before I head out.

8/8/07

Complete Quilt

Here's the link for the complete quilt for my first Love Quilts square.

Cutie

My "little" boy

This is Tiger.

Latest on bookmark

I've finished the cross-stitching and have started the backstitching on the bookmark that I'm making as part of an exchange.

The Police

The two opening acts for The Police weren't too bad. I've certainly seen worse opening bands. I thought that The Police put on a good show. I had read some reviews about their shows before seeing them and was glad to see that it wasn't all true. Maybe because it was the last show in America until October. They played pretty much straight for 2 hours. They hit all the songs I wanted them to sing, so an added bonus for me. It was great seeing them together-never thought that I would have the opportunity. Stewart continues to look great-he was the one that I had a crush on so many years ago!

Cutie

First half of the weekend

Scott and I just got back a little while ago from visiting his family. All of his new nephews are adorable. I was very lucky in spending a lot of time with them. I got the pleasure of feeding Matthew (and getting spit up on) and feeding Brandon (one of the twins). I didn't get to hold Cooper (the other twin) as much as his brother but I did hold him for a little bit. I am very glad that I went up despite the awkwardness. Scott's mom said that she was very glad that I came up and gives me a lot of credit for doing so under the circumstances.

Friday's Feast

This week's Friday's Feast:

Appetizer
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being highest, how polite are you?
-really depends on the situation-to be on the safe side-around a 4 to 5

Soup
What was the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
-something silly that Scott did or said

Salad
Who is your favorite cartoon character?
-Eeyore, Taz, Garfield

Main Course
Tell about the funniest teacher you ever had.
-My bio teacher in high school. I had her for two years in a row-she made biology enjoyable. She certainly wasn't an easy teacher. In AP Bio, she loved making fun of me with my lab partner-Brenda. She always joked that her students were going to take care of her when she retired. Well, she's retired and I don't think that I'm doing a great job of taking care of her with what I pay for social security!

Dessert
Complete this sentence: I strongly believe that ______________________.
-everything happens for a reason

This weekend

Both Scott and I are off today and we're heading up to meet all three of his new nephews. Some might be wondering why I'm going. To be honest, I'm kinda wondering myself. I've been excited to meet these new members of Scott's family since it was announced that they were coming. I've made bibs for them and have tried to be there for Scott's family. Scott's family are a bunch of sweethearts and I'm sure that we're all going to feel strange for the next two days. I just wish that things were different between Scott and I so the awkwardness wasn't there. I'll be focused on meeting the boys and spending time with some wonderful people. It's not their fault that the relationship between Scott and I is different now. I just hope that I can make it without making a crying fool of myself.
Sunday, Scott and I are going to see The Police in concert in NJ. We had gotten the tickets several months ago and it makes sense that we go together since we both enjoy their music and the initial plan was for us to go together.
So awkward weekend, here I come.

Love it

Plans for next weekend just pretty much changed. My maternal grandmother is up with my parents and was supposed to be staying there for another couple of weeks. Just found out that due to other family situations, she's leaving tomorrow. Basically, she doesn't want to listen to family members complaining about changing their weekend plans to spend time together. My mom was wondering if I was still going to come up. I just told her that I need to get out of here and that one of my best friends and I were already planning on seeing each other. So I'll still be going up there but I am sorry that I won't be seeing my grandmother.

Let there be cat and dogs

Here's the latest on another Love Quilts square-I've been enjoying this one-no color changes, no back stitching. Probably another 2 days of working on it and I'll have another happy dance.

Feelings

I know that some of you are wondering how I'm handling the whole situation with Scott. I'm sure others couldn't care less as you don't know me. So for those of you who know me or are thinking about me...I'm hanging in there. These past two weeks have been filled with tears, anxiety, hope, anger, resolve, friendship, over-reactions, confusion, jealousy, worried, stressed, frustrations, wondering, laughs, and sadness. Scott and I are trying to remain friends and I know I've had my moments where I feel that I'm getting on his last nerve. I'm trying to not to appear needy. Trying to act like I'm not totally broken hearted by this whole situation. Trying to figure out which step to take. Trying to take it one day at a time, if not one hour at a time. I've had my ups and my downs. Very downs. My moods have gone full circle several times. Obviously, I've been trying to keep my mind off of the situation by stitching, watching movies or reading. It has been hard to adjust to sleeping by myself once again. Not even the cats stay with me. I think that they are just as confused by the situation as am I. Scott, I am sorry for my over-reactions, anger, tears, and the neediness.