Daydream Believer

Friday Fill In

2010-03-04T19:34:00.002-05:00

I've slacked off again with posting. :(

1. Why are you making a big deal about it?
2. I want you to take your time and not rush.
3. __________ then it will be on my terms. *I'm completely blanking on this one.
4. Pray and see what happens.
5. I could use a maid.
6. Bend and then snap.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to packing, tomorrow my plans include Mardi Gras at Universal with Jess and Buck and Sunday, I want to ride a roller coaster!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-13T21:53:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!
Originally uploaded by imafundork

My newest love, Hazel, wants to wish you a fabulous day with the ones you love!

Friday Fill In

2010-02-11T19:00:00.002-05:00

It's Friday in Europe already, so let's just pretend I'm there. :)

1. Pickles are quite disgusting; I can't understand how so many people love them.
2. I like being at home.
3. The snow is not going to visit us.
4. Southwest Florida is snow-free in nature.
5. It's 5:16 PM; that means I was just taking a nap; it's been a pretty lazy day off today.
6. True friendship is hard to find.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to packing my things, tomorrow my plans include picking up Noa and taking her somewhere fun and Sunday, I want to continue to have fun with Noa.

Friday Fill In

2010-02-05T21:43:00.003-05:00

1. I know I had way too much espresso today...like three days worth.
2. September seems like the longest month.
3. You can't help but love me .
4. You don't believe me; bring it on!
5. Where have you looked for your keys?
6. Your table is now available.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing nothing, tomorrow my plans include going away party/dinner for Alison :( and Sunday, I want to sleep in!

Friday Fill In

2010-01-31T00:21:00.004-05:00

I'm beyond late on this one...oh well.
1. Wouldn't it be easy if we could all just get along.
2. New and improved; now better than ever!
3. I love the taste of peanut butter...and chocolate.
4. It looks like a tornado swept by in the living room.
5. The first thing we're going to do is attempt to get organized.
6. DRIP drip, drip, drip; coffee's done.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner with the fam at Olive Garden, tomorrow my plans include watching Sydney and Austin and Sunday, I want to work on crafting for swaps.

Friday Fill In

2010-01-22T23:00:00.002-05:00

1. You have a chance to redeem yourself if you just try a little.
2. I'm in bed right now!
3. There is a cat sitting next to me.
4. Buy now and pay later.
5. It's time to finish what you've started.
6. It goes up in the air but doesn't come down.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to vegging out, tomorrow my plans include crafting with Mindy (doesn't that sound familiar!) and Sunday, I want to walk on the beach after work!

Road to Spring Quilt-a-long

2010-01-18T22:36:00.002-05:00

Fabric for Road to Spring Quilt-a-long
Originally uploaded by imafundork

I was bad today. I purchased five yards of fabric and have only sewn about three yards so far this year. But how could I resist these lovely pink and brown prints?! I have justified my purchase since I will be using the fabric right away for the Road to Spring Quilt-a-long. I also will be using some pink stashed fabric...so there will be some destashing involved!

But on the bright side, I walked by the yarn department without even pausing! I wouldn't allow myself to even peek over there.

Friday Fill In

2010-01-15T23:53:00.002-05:00

1. The lesson I learned yesterday was mocha should be pronounced "moh cuh". I think Patrick and I will forever pronounce it this way in rememberance of a *special* customer.
2. Starbucks is where friends and family meet.
3. All these years I was missing out.
4. The party began when I arrived.
5. The truth is that we have fun at work.
6. Mocha is what I remember most from that day.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out at Mindy's again, tomorrow my plans include a baby shower for Amanda and Aaron and Sunday, I want to have some more fun at work!

Quilt-A-Long

2010-01-12T20:59:00.005-05:00

Randi at "i have to say..." is hosting a quilt-a-long and I'm going to participate! I think my quilt will be made using scraps and it will nice and colorful! Yay!

I've never made a proper quilt before and I'm excited to start!

ETA (11:45pm):
I just got home from my sister's house where I wrote the intital post and I took a quick look at my fabric stash. I think I have almost enough fabric to make either a pink quilt or a black/red/white quilt. Or I can stick to my original plan of crazy colorful scraps. Decisions, decisions...

Locks of Love!

2010-01-11T23:41:00.002-05:00

Locks of Love!
Originally uploaded by imafundork

This is a delayed post...but aren't they all?!

I've spent the last year or so growing my hair out again. I had contemplated cutting it many times, but couldn't justify spending the money on it. I've been spoiled since moving to Fort Myers in 2005 and have been going to a super nice salon and spending way too much on hair cuts/color. Since 2009 was a financially tight year for me, I just let my hair grow and kept the color natural. Oh how I miss the red though!

After getting Roslyn (my Blythe) back in November, I had seriously considering cutting me hair to reroot her (hello...mini me!), but decided to donate the hair to Locks of Love instead. I couldn't seem to justify using my hair for a doll when it could go to a person who needs it.

I made an appointment for Dec. 23 and had 12 inches cut off. I have donated once before (Nov. 2007- 14 inches). So in total I have donated 26 inches in twenty-five months....not bad!

If you ever have to opportunity to donate your hair, I encourage you to do so. The drastic change in one's look is refreshing and you'll most likely get a free haircut!

Friday Fill In

2010-01-09T10:59:00.002-05:00

Eeeekkkk....I'm late! But it's all #7's fault! I'm at Mindy's house for most of the weekend working on crafty projects!

1. There are places I've never been, but want to go.
2. The cold will blow those clouds away.
3. Standing in the sun, waiting for my rocket to come.
4. Boy! oh boy.
5. He went out tiger hunting and had no luck.
6. It is very, very hard to keep my mind from wandering .
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out with Mindy, tomorrow my plans include hanging out with Mindy and Sunday, I want to be well rested!

Off to a good start

2010-01-07T19:40:00.002-05:00

Piano Scarf
Originally uploaded by imafundork

Last year, I had a lot of goals set for myself. I started off doing really well in the beginning of the year, but lost steam fairly quickly. I've set pretty much the same goals, but in addition to them I think that if I blog about my progress it will help me stay on track.

My goals for this year are:

*Write two blog posts per week (Friday Fill In and another)
*Complete at least 52 craft projects from stash (hopefully a pair of socks and a shower curtain will make it on the finished list!)
*Do not buy any yarn until after Easter (I stopped buying yarn sometime in October- so this is roughly six months)
*After April, I can only buy one skein for every two that I knit (But I'll gladly accept gifts of yarn!)
*No purchasing fabric, unless I've sewn an equivalent amount
*Only participate in swaps that will help me to destash, not add to it!
*Destash other areas of my condo, so that my mother will get me new flooring!
*Read at least 25 books
*Save enough money to visit Tara in Honduras with Kate sometime in the fall!

Reading 25 books shouldn't be a problem. I know I read close to 50 last year, but I lost track sometime in late Spring/early Summer.

Saving money should be easier this year, because one of my major loans is almost paid off and I make tips at my new job. I better start brushing up on my Spanish!

The crafty goals are going to be the hardest, because I think I like buying craft supplies as much as using them! I completed 52 craft projects within the first few months of last year. However, most of them were with new materials. So far this year, I have completed two stash craft projects. I knit myself the Lavender Lace Beanie from the 101 Designer One Skein Wonders book in a nice slate gray color. I still need to get a picture of it. Today, I sewed this piano scarf as a belated Christmas present for my brother-in-law, Jay. It's the first sewn scarf I've made and I have to tell you, sewing a scarf is A LOT faster than knitting one! ;)

First Friday Fill In of 2010!

2010-01-01T21:20:00.005-05:00

I haven't had a proper post in quite some time. I plan to do that in the next few days. Right now, I am exhausted. I've worked three open to close shifts in the last three days (39 hours). I'm looking forward to having the weekend off, even if I am babysitting for a two year old!

But in the meantime, here's my first post of the year...a Friday Fill In. :)

1. Last night I went to bed at eleven o'clock. That's the first time since I was a kid that I didn't stay up to see the clock strike twelve.
2. I want to fall in love this year. I've been in a hopeless romantic mood lately. You'd think I've been watching chick flicks, but I haven't. I just keep thinking about the book, Love Walked In, since I started working at a coffee shop.
3. The funniest thing is also sometimes the cruelest thing.
4. Ahhhh, yes...so where do we go from here?
5. He said this is this ; she said that is that.
6. The rocket's gone missing and it's up to us to find it.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to lounging in bed, playing on the internet, tomorrow my plans include sleeping in and babysitting overnight for Noa and Sunday, I want to knit a hat (for a swap)!

Friday Fill In

2009-12-26T00:45:00.002-05:00

So, this one is a little late...but if I haven't been to sleep yet, it's still Friday in my mind!

1. My boots are really flip flops.
2. I'd like to pay off all of my debt this century.
3. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
4. Can you walk the walk and talk (the talk)?
5. I'd like someone to organize my home for me.
6. What does it take to get over it?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to beating my family in Shrek Sack Races on the Wii (Technically this already happened! Both Keri/Jay and Pete/Katie got Wiis for Christmas and we had a marathon of games tonight. I rocked at any of the racing games, but did horrible on most of the others!), tomorrow my plans include a little bit of shopping and a holiday party with the Misbehavin' crew and Sunday, I want to have fun at work!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Friday Fill In

2009-12-18T06:45:00.002-05:00

1. No, we will NOT stop dancin'. I really think I need to have a dance party soon. Even if it's in my kitchen by myself!
2. She sits reflecting on a life well lived at the old kitchen table.
3. I watched the steam rising from the hot cup of coffee (or tea) and thought: YES! I am finally getting it. My Starbucks training is going really well. I only had one meltdown- over steaming milk for a cappuccino. I just wasn't getting it. I ended up crying in the backroom for fifteen minutes. That was on Sunday. Yesterday, my manager said I made a perfect cappuccino. Woohoo!
4. Don't worry about a thing, it's going to be okay.
5. I'll take one of everything. Someday, I think it would be fun to have the money to walk in a store and say that and mean it!
6. Chocolate and peanut butter will make anything better, at least from my point of view.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to crafting (maybe with Mindy?), tomorrow my plans include hanging out with Papa and Grandma, taking them to see New Moon (hehe...suckers. I took Grandma to see Twilight last year, because no one else would go with me. She didn't quite get it, but she just loves to go to the movies.) and Sunday, I want to craft some more! I have all three days off of work and I just found that out last night. Three days of no plans or obligations. I really want to get things done and not be totally lazy. ;)

Friday Fill In

2009-12-10T23:40:00.002-05:00

1. Good times: Flip Flip Flip Adelphia. (I just watched the IASIP season finale and it was hysterical.)
2. I need to clean my home.
3. Sleigh bells ring are you listening.
4. I wish I was still little.
5. Once more things are looking up again.
6. Will it ever end? (I love how this contradicts number five!)
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to knitting for me!, tomorrow my plans include working the Steward sale at the resort and Sunday, I want to make drinks and not screw them up!*

*Remember the crazy work stress/drama from last week? Things got better on Monday. The resort transferred me to Starbuck's. I wasn't too thrilled about it, but now that I'm there I love it! The people I work with are awesome and the majority of our customers are super happy-I think because they found a Starbuck's on an island that doesn't have anything else! My supervisor told me today that it's like working in a bar without dealing with drunks. I love that analogy.

Friday Fill In

2009-12-04T15:35:00.005-05:00

1. You get what you deserve, most of the time.
2. Get right to the point.
3. It's never the right time.
4. The communication (or lack there of) has been ridiculous!
5. I feel more and more angry every minute regarding my work situation.
6. Sweet dreams...goodnight!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to babysitting Sydney and Austin (love those two!), tomorrow my plans include painting baseboards and doors at Keri's house and Sunday, I want to have fun helping Kelley out with her pottery party!

I wasn't that creative with my answers this week, stemming from the anger and bitterness caused by numbers four and five. I haven't been this stressed in a long time. I have worked my ass off for the past few months and am getting screwed over. As it stands right now, I think I may be unemployed. I don't know for sure because my phone calls are not getting returned. My store was forced to close earlier than expected, leaving me without a job. Supposedly I am going to be transferred, but I don't know when. No one tells me anything. So I sit and wait and get angry.

Friday Fill In

2009-11-27T11:07:00.004-05:00

1. Wait! Wait, don't forget to save the date. (I felt the need to rhyme with this one.)
2. One large iced vanilla coffee followed at once by one extremely wired Kara. Yep, that's me today!
3. The trouble is Mom doesn't know how to make good mashed potatoes, but was too impatient to wait for me. I honestly don't know how she possibly messed them up as bad as she did, but they were a gluey paste. Yuck!
4. All of my best friends live many miles away.
5. With a faint pop the transformer blew and the entire island was out of power for nearly 24 hours- true story. Actually last Saturday night, it was more of a loud boom and light show.
6. After that, it was quiet, dark, shadowy and ominous.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to driving to Orlando, tomorrow my plans include Magic Kingdom with my family and Sunday, I want to be on time for work!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T11:36:00.002-05:00

I have been feeling bitter and ungrateful lately (even more than normal- hard to believe, I know), but in a time of reflection this morning on my way to work I decided to compose a list of things I am thanful for.* Anyone who knows me, knows I love lists almost as much as I love crossing things off of them. Sometimes, I write a list after I've already completed the tasks just to cross them off, but I digress...

Things I am thankful for this week:
~ A free latte this morning at Starbucks! Thanks Shandella!
~ Setting selling goals and beating them
~ Nice customers
~ Papa was released from the hospital on Saturday and seems to be in great spirits- not his normal grumpy self!
~ Kate is healing nicely. She is still swollen, but able to talk. I had a nice phone conversation with her on Tuesday and she was pleasant and laughing a lot.
~ Pete and his family are at the Happiest Place in the World for Thanksgiving (Walt Disney World)
~ I get to join them tomorrow night and spend Saturday at one of the parks
~ My Disney pass is valid thru Saturday. Yay for fate!
~ My trip will be virtually free (just have to pay for fuel and maybe a meal or two)
~ My sister who spoils me- feeds me and gives me a free place to crash
~ My store is closing two hours early today
~ It's quiet enough right now for me to compose this post while at work (well over the course of an hour or so)
~ Not having to contribute much to our Thanksgiving feast except for the Quorn "Turkey Breast" and the mashed potatoes
~ MASHED POTATOES!!!
~ I am getting up before the crack of dawn to go shopping tomorrow with Keri
~ This is possible because my store doesn't open until 10am
~ Shandella works again Friday morning (fingers crossed for another free latte- I'm going to need it to survive my Friday!)
~ Having internet at work
~ Itunes shuffle...this morning my iPod delievered a great mix of 90s alternative rock with a bit of Death Cab, Anberlin, and Jack's Mannequin. That makes for a great commute!

What are you thankful for?

*So cliche, but whatever!

Friday Fill In

2009-11-20T12:44:00.002-05:00

1. We need to have a dance party.
2. I received an email from my boss today that said, "Send the bad hats to the Basement" and it made me smile. *
3. If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself.
4. I now have to work on Black Friday because Mark is being pulled to work in another department.
5. Massachusetts has a proposed 5% sales tax on elective cosmetic surgery; I think it should be even higher than that.
6. Having the day off makes for a happy holiday.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to opening a swap package full of craft supplies, tomorrow my plans include work and then painting snowmen at Kelley's house with the Paint Misbehavin' crew and Sunday, I want to not deal with inventory and transfers at work! **

*My store is now being called "The South Seas Basement". We are the clearance center/outlet store for the resort. The hats in question were embroidered with the wrong color thread. The way the sentence was written made me think that the hats were being punished and sent to the basement and that made me laugh.
** Not likely.

Maybe if I act like a five year old...

2009-11-19T14:40:00.003-05:00

A girl with her lolly and dolly
Originally uploaded by imafundork

I won't have to deal with adult responsibilities and hardships?!

Nope, doesn't work.

Why is it that things always seem to go wrong around the holidays?

Just in the last week three people who are very dear to me have had some sort of surgery or medical procedure.
Kate had her jaw surgery yesterday. I haven't talked to her yet, but heard she is doing well from Annie.
Pete (my older brother) had another larger biopsy last week to *hopefully* find out if he really has cancer or not. I believe he goes back in next week for the results and they may schedule surgery then.
I also found out last night that Papa (my mother's father) has to have a blood transfusion which if I understand correctly is an all day event today. He has about half of the amount of blood he should have, but they don't know where the missing blood has gone. So after the transfusion, more tests will be run to see where the internal bleeding is.
What am I doing about all of this? Escaping into a fantasy world and pretending to be a child again. Oh and praying...lots of praying.

Weekend Update

2009-11-18T11:22:00.007-05:00

Yes, I understand that it is Wednesday. Better late than never, right?

As planned, I drove across the state to Rachel's house on Friday night. I was thrilled because the drive lasted 2 hrs. 59 mins. I could have sworn it usually takes me 3 1/2 hours to get there. Shortly after I arrived Kate showed up. I hadn't seen either of them in over five months. It was great catching up on life.

Saturday we headed over to the Sebastian Municipal Airport for a little geocaching. Roslyn came along and enjoy her first adventure in geocaching.

Roslyn even found the second cache of the day.

In it was a pony that she begged me to take home.

But the highlight of the weekend was when we drove to Melbourne to see Donald Miller and Susan Isaacs on their Million Miles book tour. They were both amazing!

Here's Kate and I with Don.

Friday Fill In

2009-11-13T11:28:00.005-05:00

I have been reading Sara's blog, Lazy Knits and Purls for a few months and each Friday she participates in Friday Fill-Ins. I love reading what she has to say and have been inspired to do write my own Friday Fill-in each week. Plus, if I actually remember to do it each week, it may help me to compose other posts throughout the week...maybe...

On to the Fill In:

1. The last band I saw live was Jack’s Mannequin. **

2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is mashed potatoes. Pretty pathetic, I know.
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is spent with Keri.
4. Thoughts of escaping fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear the clothes I wore in college.
6. Bagpipes and kilts.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to driving to Sebastian to have a “big girl” slumber party with Rachel and Kate, tomorrow my plans include geocaching and meeting the man of my dreams (Donald Miller book tour!!) and Sunday, I want to go to Rachel’s church and not rush home.

**The picture is of Jack's Mannequin in West Palm Beach at the Blue Martini on Sept. 26. I actually saw them (Well, only Andy) again on Sept. 28 at Icabod's in Fort Myers. Sorry for the poor photo quality!

Introducing Roslyn

2009-11-05T13:12:00.003-05:00

Pretty Girl
Originally uploaded by imafundork

I have been enamored with Blythe dolls for quite awhile now, but never seem to have the money to purchase one. Those who know me, know that I am horrible at saving money and shop on impulse frequently. My lust for Blythe grew so strongly that a couple of months ago, I decided that I would begin saving for her. It also helped that I worked one day a week at the Marina during October. The marina staff make tips...all of my tip money went into the Blythe jar! After countless hours of research, I decided I wanted Urban Cowgirl Blythe as my first. She'll be released at the end of this month. Of course my impatience got the best of me and I went ahead an ordered an ADG Aztec Arrival instead. She was considerably more reasonably priced than Urban Cowgirl and I had just enough saved to get her.

So that is the backstory and now I introduced to you, Roslyn. Isn't she beautiful?! Roslyn also has her own set over at Flickr.

I knit her hat and dress. Both the hat and dress were free patterns and are on Ravelry as well. I do believe an entire knit wardobe is in her future and maybe she'll even inspire me to put my sewing machine to work again.

Roslyn is named for my late grandmother, Rosalinda. In my research of names I discovered that Roslin means "Red Haired" and Roslyn is Spanish derived and means "Beautiful; pretty rose". It's perfect and a lovely way to honor my Nana.

I'm hoping Roslyn will give me the push I need to update my blog more frequently as well as to learn how to take amazing photographs!

MYB Round 11

2009-09-20T12:27:00.002-04:00

I totally forgot to post pictures of what the lovely Kimberly sent me in the Magic Yarn Ball swap.
She sent two MYBs complete with two patterns. One for an Owl Dishcloth that I have already made and the other is for a Hermione Cabled Hat. I still need to purchase circular needles for the hat and I keep forgetting.

Full of all sorts of goodies, including the best gummy bears I have ever had (and they're vegetarian!) and the tiniest turtle that has become a friend for Goldie.

Goldie is only about 4 inches tall and the turtle is about the size of a quarter! I can't even imagine crocheting something that small! It's has gotten me somewhat obsessed with tiny things lately though. I think Goldie is going to need a proper home soon to house her new playthings!

DRT Update

2009-09-20T12:18:00.003-04:00

It's been awhile since I've written. I am so bad about keeping this updated. Oh well.

Anyway, Dish Rag Tag is in full swing and my team is rockin'! We've been tied for second place with about half of the other teams pretty much since the beginning. BUT we just stolen the lead! Woohoo! Three more people need to get the box before it heads home to Emily, but I'm feeling more and more confident about it now! Our fearless leader, Amanda, has been incredible. My first DRT experience has been great thus far.

My one hesitation is that I'm going to hold up the team somehow as I have yet to receive the box. Enough with the negative and back to the positive...

Needling Ninjas are wickedly awesome and stealthy!!! And I'm happy to be one!

Needling Ninjas

2009-08-24T15:49:00.002-04:00

Ninja_Knitter
Originally uploaded by imafundork

Dish Rag Tag is getting ready to begin. My team decided to call ourselves, "Needling Ninjas". Our team captain, Amanda, had her husband design this logo for us. How fun is that?!

I'm feeling really good about this and think we have a great team. We have a good mix of veteran taggers and some newbies. As it stands now, I'll be second to last in the relay. I do believe that it's a lesson in patience.

Team #2 is going to be #1 in the end!

Son of a Dish Rag Tag

2009-08-14T10:47:00.004-04:00

My partner in the MYB Round 11 Swap, Kimberly, tweeted about something called Dish Rag Tag a few weeks ago. I had no idea what it was, but decided to investigate. It's a swap/race organized by Emily of Yarn Miracle. There are twenty teams that set out to knit dish rags and pass them along relay race style. It sounded like a lot of fun, so of course I signed up! This is the third year Emily has organized the race. Teams were assigned on Wednesday and I am on Team #2. I have my yarn and box already. I also have an idea of what I'm going to make for the extra treat to send to the person I tag. This will be my first non-Craftster swap other than the traveling scarf swap I organized with my girls from college. Which reminds me, I need to post pictures and share about that...

First Pair of Fingerless Mitts

2009-08-04T17:21:00.003-04:00

First Pair of Fingerless Mitts
Originally uploaded by imafundork

I participated in the Craftster Magic Yarn Ball Round 10 Swap back in March. My partner sent me this yarn and a pattern for crochet fingerless mittens. Apparently, she overlooked the fact that I said I had tried to learn to crochet, but never could grasp it. So anyway, the yarn has been sitting here for months waiting to be turned into something fun. Since my partner had intended for the yarn to become fingerless mitts, I felt it was only right to knit them. I had never used DPNs before, but found a pattern that seemed really simple so I gave it a shot. I think they turned out well. The yarn really isn't to my taste so they will probably be a gift for someone.
Despite MYB 10 being rather disapointing, I decided to give it another chance. This time around I'm the organizer so I got to choose my partner for Round 11! About a week and a half left until send outs and I'll post pics of what I send and receive then.

Stalking her prey.

2009-05-03T22:20:00.004-04:00

Going in for the kill.
Originally uploaded by imafundork

I bought "Wendy Knits" by Wendy D. Johnson this morning at Border's. In the book, Wendy has a pattern for a very simple catnip mouse. I decided to make it this afternoon with some random acrylic yarn I had in my stash. Mischa wasn't too sure what to think about the mouse, but Brody was all over it!

More pics here.

Tree Love

2009-04-16T22:42:00.005-04:00

I joined the Tree Swap over on Craftster and was lucky enough to be paired with lafemmefatale who lives only two hours away. We decided to swap our tree goodness in person. I drove up to meet her and spend the afternoon.
Jessa made me this awesome cork/tree wall art! Isn't it fabulous?!
There are more pictures of what we made over in the gallery.

We had a yummy vegetarian lunch at The Moon Under Water and then explored St. Pete while geocaching.
The first cache we found was at a Banyan tree-my favorite type of tree!

How cute is she?!

The final cache we found was high up in a tree! Jessa gave me a boost and despite my fears I climbed the tree and got it down!

It was a great afternoon and I'm really glad we decided to meet in person. I definitely gained a new friend after this swap!

Colorful Dots

2009-02-15T21:22:00.004-05:00

Gift cards and envelopes
Originally uploaded by imafundork

To continue with my destashing, I made notecards and matching envelopes yesterday afternoon. It didn't use up a lot of stash, but they are so fun, I'm sure I'll be making more soon. The problem is I have tons of note cards so I'll have to give them away as gifts.

This set is for Kelley's birthday. Hopefully, Kelley will enjoy writing notes in them as much as I enjoyed making them!

I learned how to cable knit!

2009-01-26T20:45:00.009-05:00

Since learning how to knit five years ago, I've wanted to learn how to do cables. I always thought it was going to be difficult so I've stuck with basic stitches. Over the New Year's holiday, I was talking to Tara about it because she was working on a cabled scarf. She told me it really wasn't that hard once you got the hang of it and knew how to hold your cable needle. After I got home, I purchased some cable needles and set out to find a beginner pattern. I found a pattern for dishcloths here.

I made one in Bernat Organic Cotton in Muslin. I made a few mistakes, but overall I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. It turned out to be much smaller than I anticipated. Instead of a dishcloth, it seems more like a baby washcloth to me. I was so excited with cables that I modified the pattern and made another washcloth in Bernat Organic Cotton in Cactus.

Destash

2009-01-25T01:41:00.005-05:00

My new year's resolution is to destash in 2009. I have way more stuff than any one person needs. This includes clothing, movies, music, books and CRAFT supplies. So, I've been selling things on ebay, donating to thrift stores and crafting like mad. ;) My other resolution was to make at least one new project a week; so 52 for the year. I believe I'm up to 11 projects done and there's still another week left in January! There are a few craft-alongs over at Craftster that are helping me along with my goals. There's a Destash-along, Color Craftalong, 50 Projects in a Year, and Holiday Handmade Crusade. The ladies at Craftster are so encouraging. It's nice to know that there are people out there working towards your same goals. I've posted some pics over there already and will try to get some up over here soon.

Wow...two posts in one night...I wonder how long it'll be until I post again... ;)

I'm a horrible slacker and...

2009-01-25T01:30:00.009-05:00

I don't post nearly as often as I should. So for whatever reason, I decided to start another blog...

Okay so here's the scoop, I was trying to use this as a crafty blog but then incorporated life's other ordeals. I couldn't find a balance and wasn't liking the format/structure it was taking on. So from here on out this will be a crafty blog. No more talking about losing my job (However, I did get a new one! Orientation is on Tuesday) or other randomness. This is strictly my crafting endeavors, successes and failures. My new blog will be about life's other pleasures. It's home is here.
Oh and I really need to learn how to format my posts better so that they are more pleasing to the eye. Any suggestions, Katie? I think you're the only one who reads this anyway! ;)

On the 11th day of Christmas...

2008-12-15T20:38:00.004-05:00

Day 11 from Hellobint
Originally uploaded by imafundork

Hellobint gave to me: knitting goodness. A much needed needle roll with a set of needles, 6 stitch markers and super awesome knitting needle bracelets!

On the 12th day of Christmas...

2008-12-14T20:13:00.008-05:00

Hellobint gave to me: A 2009 Calendar complete with pictures of me and my friends. I love it because she doesn't even really know me, but picked out pictures where she thought I looked really happy. All of the pictures are so great and bring back fabulous memories! I haven't taken any pictures yet, but when I do I'll update this.

A Bad Case of the Mondays

2008-12-02T12:18:00.006-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, I went into the office to clock out for my break and the machine said, "This code has been deactivated, please see front desk." It was a little strange, but the same thing happened a few weeks ago and on the third try it let me clock out. I tried a second time and I got the same reply so I stuck my head into RA's office. Her reply was, "That's weird. You're still in the system." I told her I'd just keep an eye on the time and make sure I take an hour. When I went to sit down at Mindy's desk, RA called out to me to come see her for a moment.
When I went back into her office, I assumed she wanted to talk to me about the days I had requested off that morning. She started with, "I'm sorry..." I thought, "Darn! I'm not going to get January 2 off! Bummer...no Savannah for New Year's for me." But instead, she finished with, "I have to let you go."
WHAT?! Did I hear that right? Did I really just get fired? What did I do wrong? Nothing, I did nothing wrong. You hear of people getting laid off everyday, but you never expect it to be you. At least, I didn't anyway.
The school has been in financial trouble since shortly after I started working there a year and a half ago. I think I'm now the fifth person to be laid off, with a few others quiting. Two more students got pulled from the school for December and another one was put to part time. And apparently, there are a lot of bills that are past due. The only thing left to do was let someone go. RA chose to let me go, out of our staff of ten, because I was the highest paid assistant. And to think, I often complained about how poorly I was paid...
I'm not that upset about it. Sure, it's come at horrible time. It's not going to be fun being jobless at the holidays. But I wasn't truly happy at the school anyway. This is just God giving me a swift kick in the butt to find something I love. Now, I can chase after a career I would really enjoy. I just have to figure out what exactly that is...

Only I would do something so silly...

2008-11-25T00:05:00.005-05:00

I was good when I got home from work; I went straight into the studio and got right to work. I made a pattern for something new (a medium for 12 Days Swap) and sewed it up-two of them actually. I was excited because it seemed to work out perfectly on the first try. But I wanted to hand paint something on each one, and that had to wait until later. I wanted to get more sewing done before watching a little bit of tv. So I worked some more on a large item for 12 Days. I think I'll have that done tomorrow.
Eight o'clock rolled around and I decided to take my tv break. I busted out my paints and parked it on the floor by the coffee table and set out to work. I was so very pleased with my handiwork which was completely freehand when I realized I painted it (both actually) UPSIDE DOWN! Seriously...who does that?! ME! Only me! All I could do was laugh. I honestly think I'm going to send them that way. I may be able to modify them somehow. I don't know how, but I'm going to bring them to work tomorrow and get advice. I fear if I try doing it over, it won't be nearly as cute.

Update:73/78 items complete for hellobint (74 if I send this "oops!")

BAA + Rock

2008-11-20T20:46:00.006-05:00

In light of the recent presidential election, I thought I'd post a picture of a young political activist, Charlotte (one of my students). Charlotte's parents took her to see Joe Biden speak just prior to the election. She dressed in full support of her candidate. There's nothing like a little liberal three year old!

I have to say that I found this to be quite the clever shirt.

I need a Mental Health Day

2008-11-18T21:10:00.012-05:00

I have felt so incredibly stressed/depressed/bitter lately and I'm not entirely sure why. I'm in a funk where I feel like nothing I do is good enough and that I'm completely inadequate. I hate when I get this way and I never know what to do about it. I'm ready for the next week or so to be over with.
Next Tuesday is our big Thanksgiving luncheon at school, so there is a lot do still for that. Meanwhile, Ruth Anne (my boss) took this week off and a few other teachers are out, so we are short staffed. This always seemed to happen when RA leaves. I have been sick since before Halloween and haven't taken a day off. I just want a day where I can stay in bed and do nothing to hopefully feel better. But that's not going to happen. Thankfully, school is closed next Wednesday through Friday. So if I can make it through the next week, I'll have a five day weekend....hallelujah!
I also can't wait to be done with the 12 Days of Christmas Swap. I definitely bit off more than I could chew with that one. Seventy-eight items- what was I thinking?! I have 67 items done, but the last 11 are killing me. I'm not the best sewer and those items need to be sewn. Then I come to work and Mindy shows me her latest sewn items which could be sold in a boutique. It makes me want to scrap all of the ideas I've had because I don't think they're going to be good enough. I haven't worked on anything in the past few days because I feel if I do it's going to be half-assed. I'm hoping to be in a better mood tomorrow so I can work on Day 2. One of the items is already started and the other is something I've sewn tons of in the past. It is actually the second thing I learned how to sew back when I was a senior in high school. So Bint- if you are reading this, I'm sorry if it's not the best quality, but I am trying.

On a somewhat brighter note, here are some pictures from Halloween with my nephew, Craig.
I was a (punk rock? spider?) fairy and Craig was a lion.

Craig's an indecisive little man (much like his aunt) so he had to have two costumes. He was also a fireman and I love firemen!

I made my tutu (out of tulle and it has about 40-50 spiders throughout it), top (I based it off of the infinity dress, but used ribbon as the straps), bracelet (out of soda tabs) and painted my wand.

Swap Drama

2008-09-17T21:45:00.009-04:00

So I received my questionnaire for my 12 Days partner this morning and I about died. We had relatively nothing in common, but that could be worked around. The thing that really got me was that she was a smoker. I'm not allergic to smoke, but I am quite sensitive to it. I thought I had said that in my questionnaire, so I was surprised to be paired with a smoker. But I did know that the organizer had a lot of info to sort through and make the pairs. I decided to send her a message asking if she could switch partners around. Apparently, I wasn't the only one who did this. Her inbox was flooded with complaints. And she was really upset about that.
Of course, now I feel horrible that I was one of the bratty complainers. But it is a huge, highly involved swap and I wanted to have a slightly more compatible partner. It was looking like I wouldn't be involved in the swap at all. I ended up having a highly emotional afternoon at work...all the other teachers couldn't figure out what I was so upset about.
After a few more pm's to the organizer, I ended up becoming a replacement partner for Hellobint. I was so relieved to still be in. The only downfall is that she's in the UK, so I have to save all my extra money for postage. But otherwise I think we're going to be a great match!

12 Days of Christmas Swap

2008-09-17T21:45:00.008-04:00

I just received my swap partner for the 12 Days of Christmas Swap, over on Craftster. I am extremely anxious to receive Mlookyloo1's questionnaire, so I can start preparing for this swap. I think this will be the biggest project I've ever taken upon myself. I have two and a half months to craft 78 items total for the twelve days!
I hope to have most of my days planned out by this weekend, so that I can begin crafting next week. I'll be holed up in my creative studio (aka my craft room) in all of my spare time. I am also making the gifts for everyone in my family. I'm hoping that some of the things I plan to make for my family with cross over to Mlookyloo1, so I can tackle them both at the same time.

I plan to keep a tally of how many items I have completed. Mlookyloo1: 0/78. Family: 0/???

PINK Infinity dress!

2008-08-31T20:06:00.006-04:00

I've had a super productive crafty weekend. I've made quite a few birthday gifts and three...yes THREE new dresses for ME! Woohoo! I'm always making things for swaps and I rarely make anything for myself. So here are a few pictures of my favorite dress I made this weekend.

I used Rostitchery's tutorial.

New Beginnings...

2008-08-19T14:27:00.003-04:00

So, I've had this blog for about six months now and haven't done a thing with it...

So, today's the day! School was canceled due to Tropical Storm Fay. And that means an extra day off for me. YAY! I hadn't really been all that concerned with the storm and didn't need to be. We did get a lot of rain this morning and it's still quite windy out, but there hasn't been any lightning. We have definitely had worse thunderstorms this summer.

BUT had it not been for TS Fay, I probably never would have gotten around to posting here. My plan for this is to share some of my crafty endeavors and other life adventures.