I was tagged…

by Terri.

7 Things I Want to Do Before I Die: (in no particular order other than #1)

1. Reach my goal weight
2. Travel (Ireland, Italy, Australia, Hawaii, & an Alaskan cruise, in particular)
3. Spend time as a volunteer in a Third World region
4. Stop being self-conscious & learn to just love myself for who I am
5. Finish a marathon
6. Learn a foreign language (Spanish would be a good plan since I’m in California)
7. Finish my degree

7 Things I Can Do:

1. Solve SuDoku puzzles
2. Drive a car with a manual transmission
3. Make an excellent Apple martini
4. Create hand-made greeting cards
5. Build a computer from parts
6. Knit
7. Try to make the world a better place by my actions & words

7 Things I Can’t Do:

1. Hardanger/Drawn Thread needlework
2. Lately, stick with my designed plan of eating, but I’m trying
3. Talk politics with my boss
4. Talk religion with my parents
5. Make a souffle (they always fall)
6. Say “No” to a friend
7. Ride a bike, but I’m trying to learn

7 Things that Attract Me to Another Person:

1. Intelligence/Good conversationalist
2. Good sense of humor
3. Dark, sexy eyes
4. A nice smile
5. Compassion toward others
6. How they make me feel about myself
7. Shared interests/views

7 Celebrity Crushes:

Hmmm…I wouldn’t really call them crushes, but I find these men attractive either for their looks, intelligence, or both.

1. Denzel Washington
2. Pierce Brosnan
3. Colin Firth
4. Darin Erstad (Anaheim Angels first baseman)
5. Matthew McConaughey
6. James Spader
7. Bill Maher

7 Things I Say the Most:

1. Good lord!
2. Is that bad?
3. Wrong, on SO many levels!
4. Not a good look!
5. And that surprises you … how?
6. Sure, no problem. (Yes, this one OFTEN gets me in trouble.)
7. Motherhell!

7 Bloggers I Will Tag:

1. Christine
2. Becky
3. Christine D.
4. Lissylaine
5. Natalie
6. Anna
7. Renee

A Loving Memorial …

Today was a sad day in many ways for me, yet also a day of wonderfully fond memories. Today would have been my grandmother’s 95th birthday if she were still living. It was sad because she has been gone now for just over 2 years and I miss her terribly, but it was a good day as well as I focused on the memories of the things I admired about her. In honor of her memory, I have chosen to blog about her, and my love for her, today.

What can you say about someone who is by far the most remarkable human being you have ever known? How do you put into words a love that leaves one feeling completely safe, protected, and cherished? How do you convey to someone who never knew a person how much better the world was, even if just her own small corner of it, just for this person having lived? Well, that person was my grandmother, or Gran, as I called her.

As you may have realized by now, I adored my grandmother. In so many ways, she was as much (or moreso, perhaps) my mother than was my own actual mother. I was very fortunate to have grown up living right next door to my paternal grandparents, so I spent a LOT of time there. I would usually get off the school bus at their house in the afternoon and didn’t usually go home until after dinner (or “supper” as she would call it).

Some of my earliest recollections from my childhood involve being with my grandmother. She began teaching me at a very early age the importance of considering others and their needs. She helped me clearly see that what we NEED versus what we WANT are two vastly different things. She truly instilled in me the philanthropic nature that still burns strongly within me to this day.

I remember standing on a stool in the kitchen helping her cook as she prepared meals for others who were sick, home-bound, or had experienced a death in their family. I remember going out with her daily to collect the eggs from the chicken coop so that not only our family had eggs, but that others in the community who needed them would also had eggs. I remember watching her spend hour after grueling hour over a hot stove in a kitchen with no air conditioning during the Tennessee late summer humidity as she would can fruits & vegetables. Again, not only for our own family, but to give to others as they had need as well. Of course, whenever anyone would try to pay her, she would always just tell them to not worry about it and to just do something nice for someone else and that was payment enough for her.

She was born in a rural area of Middle Tennessee on September 27, 1910. She was the second of nine children having 4 brothers and 4 sisters. She graduated as Valedictorian of her high school class. Admittedly, there were only 3 students, but she was Valedictorian. She began dating my grandfather after high school. They dated for several years prior to actually getting married due to the depression. They married on June 16, 1935. About 18 months after they were married, my aunt was born with my dad following two years later.

Even though my grandmother never had any “formal” post-secondary education, she was constantly learning and was a voracious reader. It was a VERY rare day that she missed watching Jeopardy, and most of the time she could answer virtually all of the questions. As a result, she instilled a thirst for knowledge within me as well. She helped me believe that I could be or do anything I wanted to do in life as long as I studied and worked for it.

The year I was born, my grandmother began writing a column for the local newspaper in the county where she lived. She continued writing that weekly column up until just a few weeks prior to her death in August 2003. She would share news of the community and her love of nature though her words. I don’t think anyone could describe hummingbirds or flowers more beautifully. She would always send out condolences and get well wishes to those in need, and she would always end her column each week with a comment/philosophy about life and the blessing of it. Here is a scan of the heading that appeared each week over her column:

She had an wonderfully witty sense of humor and always had a smile on her face. Well, that is, unless you were trying to take her photograph. It was virtually impossible to get her to smile then. I don’t want to even think about how many times it probably took them to get that smiling photo above of her for the newspaper!

She loved hummingbirds, growing flowers (roses, iris, daffodils, and African violets), and watching the turning of the leaves in the autumn. She loved working crossword puzzles, watching Johnny Carson, sewing, reading poetry, and watching University of Tennessee football games. She never learned to drive. She was horribly afraid of flying even though she never stepped foot on a plane. She hated elevators and basements. Her smile could light up a room, and her laughter was infectious.

I don’t believe I can remember a time in my life when she would meet someone new that she didn’t tell them within 5-10 minutes of meeting her to just “call me Gran,” and everyone always did. There truly were no strangers in her life because she made a friend with everyone she met. She truly was the epitome of “Southern Hospitality” at it’s finest.

Lastly, one of the greatest memories I have was her love for me. She is still one of only a couple of people that I have known in my entire life from whom I felt TRUE unconditional love. I always knew that no matter what I did or didn’t do, said or didn’t say, etc., that her love for me was always going to be there and would be unwaivering. She didn’t always approve of the choices I made in my life (like the blue hair phase or moving to California), but she NEVER stopped loving me and I knew that without question. She is still, to this day, the most remarkable, intelligent, compassionate, and beautiful woman I have ever had the joy & pleasure of knowing.

I miss you horribly, Gran, and think of you daily! I always have and always will love you!

Your Missy

The A List - Sept. 26, 2005

My response to the new meme, “The A List“:

Why do you answer memes? Or read other people’s answers? What memes do *you* read?

I wouldn’t consider myself a devoted meme responder. Generally, if I do respond to a meme, it’s because I’ve seen it someone else’s blog and the question/quiz caught my interest.

The only meme that I regularly read is the Stitching Blogger’s Question posted each Wednesday by Renée. I generally do read the responses of others as the questions always relate to stitching and I usually learn something in the process.

I had a lovely stitching weekend. I got in more stitching this weekend that I have in a LONG time. On Saturday, I got together with a group of local stitchers for a GTG. Other than Terri, it was my first time meeting any of these ladies. They were all SO nice, and I just want to send a big “Thank You” out to Gay for opening her home up to us. While there, I got in a couple of hours of stitching on Rosemarkie. I’ll try to post an updated progress pic sometime this week.

Yesterday was spent poached on the sofa watching football and stitching. I started working on Celtic Christmas from Lavender & Lace. This piece is being done for a friend of mine and I’m just loving the richness of the colors in this design! I’m working it on Zweigart 32-count cream Belfast linen stitched over 2. I do plan to stitch her face and hands over 1 though.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend and have a productive week! Happy Stitching!

Acting my age …

Well, everyone always told me I never really acted my age. I guess they were right considering I’m 41 years old.

Personally, I’ve always felt life is FAR too short to worry about what other folks think of who we are and how we act. I LOVE having a good time, laughing, and just acting goofy. My nose is pierced. I have 3 tattoes. I listen to rap music. This is MY life and I owe no apologies to anyone for the way I choose to live it as long as I’m not hurting others by my actions.

Happy Stitching!

You Are 24 Years Old

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe. 13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world. 20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what’s to come… love, work, and new experiences. 30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You’ve had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! 40+: You are a mature adult. You’ve been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

Blast from the past…

Ok, I keep seeing this crop up in the blogs of several of my fellow stitching bloggers, so I decided to check mine.

Rules:
1. Go into your archive.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).
4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions.

Result: I HATE those things. (from August 2004)

What was I talking about? Eye drops. I feared that I had contracted pink eye, but it thankfully turned out to just be a nasty allergy.

Things are going OK for me. I’m still very much nursing my ailing knee, but it’s finally starting to feel better. I’ve not gotten in any stitching time this week because it’s just impossible to concentrate enough to stitch if I take anything for the pain. If I skip the pain meds, then I’m in too much pain to concentrate to stitch. Does anyone else notice the vicious circle here? My knee is feeling well enough today that I’m hoping not to need any more of the pain medication and will get a chance to stitch some tomorrow evening.

I’m going to be attending a local stitching GTG on Saturday. This will be a new group of stitching pals for me. Of the women attending, I’ve only met one of them previously. It’ll be nice to get in some good stitching/conversation time with everyone.

Ok, that’s it for me for now. I’ve stayed up WAAAAY too late considering I need to be up at dark o’thirty in the morning as I have to be AT the office at 6am.

Happy Stitching!

LoopyGirl!

Today was an interesting day. I woke up just like normal this morning. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and stood up. I then promptly hit the floor due to excruciating pain running through my right knee and my leg giving way beneath me due to that fact. I’m one who normally handles pain pretty well (even my tattoo guy has commented on my high tolerance for pain), but this got the better of me.

I hobbled around for a bit trying to figure out what to do about my situation. I hopped onto my instant messenger program and chatted with a friend about it for a while and we agreed that I should seek medical attention. Since my primary physician’s office wouldn’t be open for a few hours, I found a neighbor at home who agreed to drop me off at the ER.

After about 2 hours of being poked, prodded, and xrayed, I learned that I have osteoarthritis and calcification of the joint. I went sent home with instructions to stay off the knee for a couple of days. Of course, I also had a prescription for some good “happy drugs” to take away the pain.

Initially I thought, “how cool?! Two days at home off my feet to cross stitch!” It was only AFTER taking the first happy pill that I realized there was NO way that was gonna happen. The happy pills make me FAR too groggy for trying to stitch, knit, or read really. So, instead, I slept quite a bit and watched some TV.

Oh well, so I can’t stitch, but I hope you guys are all getting in some good stitching time.

Happy Stitching!

Small Happy Dance

I had a small happy dance today. I finished the stitching on an ornament I’m doing for an exchange. I still need to do the finishing on it, but the stitching is out of the way. I would love to post a pic of it since I’m thrilled with how it came out, but since it’s for an exchange, you’ll just have to wait.

Well, it’s back to work tomorrow. It just seems lately like the weekends get shorter and shorter. This really isn’t good since I get a 3-day weekend every other weekend, too, and this was one of those. A lot of that probably comes from the fact that I enjoy my time away from the office far more than my time at the office. I think I really just need to become independently wealthy so I can quit my job and follow my true passions of philanthropy and stitching. Oh well, a girl can always dream!

Happy Stitching!

Guilty, As Charged!

I found this on Belinda and Jenna’s blogs and thought it was too funny!

Bold all those that you ever were guilty of doing. When you are done, add one thing that is true about yourself to the end, then post the list to your journal.

I’ve run away from home. I was about 4, to my grandmother’s house.
I listen to political music. Not really, but I read political books.
I collect comic books.
I shut others out when I’m sad.
I open up to others easily.
I am keeping a secret from the world.
I watch the news. Not really, but I do read news online.
I own over 5 rap CDs. I just got a new one today, in fact.
I own an iPod. No, but I do have a mp3 player.
I own something from Hot Topic.
I love Disney movies.
I am a sucker for hair/eyes. and ears, too!
I don’t kill bugs.
I curse regularly. Yes, I love the “f” word!
I have “x”s in my screen name.
I’ve slipped out a “lol” in a real conversation.
I love Spam
I bake well.
I would wear pajamas to school.
I own something from Abercrombie.
I have a job. Yes, and I’m thankful!
I love Martha Stewart.
I am in love with someone.
I am guilty of tYpInG lIkE tHiS.
I am self conscious. Mostly about my weight.
I like to laugh.
I smoke a pack a day.
I loved Go Ask Alice.
I have cough drops when I’m not sick.
I can’t swallow pills.
I have many scars. Physical & emotional.
I’ve been out of this country.
I believe in ghosts.
I can’t sleep if there is a spider in the room.
I am really ticklish.
I love chocolate. Especially dark chocolate!
I bite my nails.
I am comfortable with being me. Mostly, but still self-conscious quite often, too.
I play computer/video games when I’m bored. and when I’m not bored!
Gotten lost in the city.
Saw a shooting star.
I have had two serious surgical procedures. Only 1 so far, thankfully!
Gone out in public in my pajamas.
I have kissed a stranger. At New Year’s Eve parties.
Hugged a stranger. Also at New Year’s Eve parties.
Been in a fist fight with the same sex. When I was in 7th grade.
Been arrested. No, but came close once.
Laughed and had milk/soda come out of your nose.
Pushed all the buttons on an elevator.
Made out in an elevator.
Sworn at my parents. Just my Mom actually.
Kicked a guy where it hurts.
Been skydiving.
Been bungee jumping.
Broken a bone. 4 bones actually: My arm, my nose, and 2 of my toes.
Played spin the bottle.
Gotten stitches. Multiple times - I played hard as a kid.
Drank a whole gallon of milk in one hour.
Bitten someone.
Been to Niagara Falls.
Gotten the chicken pox.
Crashed into a car.
Been to Asia.
Ridden in a taxi.
Shoplifted. When I was 6 & Mom was pissed!
Been fired. Let go during probation period. Does that count?
Had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back. Yes, and it SUCKS!
Stole something from my job. Do Post-It Notes count?
Gone on a blind date.
Had a crush on a teacher/coach. A college professor during my freshman year.
Celebrated Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Been to Europe.
Slept with a co-worker.
Been married.
Gotten divorced.
Saw someone dying. My grandfather
Driven over 400 miles in one day I moved to California - 2300 miles in 3 days.
Been to Canada.
Been on a plane. More times than I care to think about.
Seen the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Let’s do the time warp again!
Thrown up in a bar. IN a bar, no. AFTER the bar, yes.
Eaten Sushi.
Been snowboarding.
Been skiing.
Been ice skating.
Met someone in person from the internet. Probably close to 100, if not more.
Been to a car show.
Gone to college. and back in college again.
Done hard drugs. when I was MUCH younger.
Taken painkillers. For chronic pain due to endometrosis prior to surgery.
Met a celebrity Lots of them. Used to work in the music business.
I like playing practical jokes.
Once swore Disco would never die.
Seen a ghost.
Attended a professional sporting event. Multiple times and multiple sports. I’ve visited nearly half the major league baseballs parks.
Attended a live rock concert. Lots of them from working in the music business. Favorites would be Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, and Queen.
Appeared in a TV commercial. My addition - I was in 8th grade and did a STP commercial with Johnny Cash and Richard Petty.

Happy Stitching!

14 Sept 05 SBQ

Stitching Blogger’s Question for 14 Sept 05:

Do you stitch for events like weddings, engagements, or other things that might not last? If you have been unlucky and the two people broke up, what happened to your stitched gift?

I’ve stitched gifts for several different weddings. All of the marriages have lasted, as far as I know. Ironically, I didn’t stitch anything for either of my marriages and neither one lasted. Of course, that’s because they both cheated. Perhaps, if I ever do marry again, I should make certain to stitch something for myself!

Happy Stitching!

Warning: A Rant

[rant]

Ok, one would think I’m used to this by now, but it still just irks me to have to put up with someone poking fun at me for being vegetarian, or having to explain to someone why I’m vegetarian because they won’t just accept it as a matter of fact.

I do understand that by being vegetarian I am decidedly in the minority. I just don’t understand what gives people the right to think it’s OK to poke fun at my way of eating simply because it’s not how THEY choose to eat.

I attended two different work-related award luncheons this week for different projects on which I had been a team member. During the ordering process at BOTH meals someone took it upon themselves to make “funny” comments about my being vegetarian.

At the first lunch, it was just one comment, and then it was done. Although, he did continue later in the meal by making comments about people from the South after he learned I was from Tennessee originally.

At the lunch today, the person made her first comment to which I politely responded, but then she just KEPT on doing it. On top of the vegetarian aspect, she also managed to get in comments about watching one’s weight on two occasions. I finally had enough and sniped back at her reminding her I wasn’t making fun of her for choosing to eat meat.

I don’t expect everyone in the world to understand, or even approve, of my way of eating. However, it IS my option and I would appreciate it if you please not denigrate my choice just because it’s not yours! It’s all just enough to make one want to which completely goes against my non-violent nature.

[/rant]