Saturday, March 28, 2009

Good Evening.

Once again, I can't sleep. Its not too late, though. (12:30am)... I have high hopes for a good night's rest yet.

Had a great day today. Jenny came over with her son Eli and we had tea together. Jenny brought each a cinnamon bun (yum!) and one muffin because, I think, she knew I hadn't had breakfast yet! I ate the cinnamon bun with her and ate the muffin after she left (thanks Jenny!).

I had a nap after Jenny and Eli left and then dad picked me up. We started work on my sewing desk/table. I'm really excited about it! The sides/legs/pedestals are from a desk that belonged to my Grandma Leboe. Dad and I gave them a good wash since they've been in the hay loft for the better part of five years - they've accumulated a good coat of dust and dead bugs. The pedestals are so old that the oil coat and varnish (and layer of tobacco smoke) was washing right off. I took a sander to the drawer fronts and they came up beautiful. Dad says its made of maple... all I know is that it sure is pretty and will only get prettier! The original top is long-gone but dad has two pieces of beautiful fir that we're making the top out of. It'll all be stained the same shade as the desk fronts. I think it'll look great! I'll take pictures on Tuesday when dad and I work on it again... will post them here.

Spent a quiet evening at home. I made the mistake of drinking a Pepsi at supper. I thought it was caffine-free but noticed after I was almost finished it that it was regular (caffinated)... which would account for me not being able to sleep right now. I had a burst of energy after supper, fuelled by the caffine) so I attacked my bedroom. My treadmill is moving into my bedroom and my sewing stuff is moving out into the living room. I'm pretty jazzed about it but it means I have to bring my bedroom into some semblence of order. I got a good chunk of it done tonight and will hopefully have more success tomorrow evening.

I'm off to give sleep another try.

Talk to you soon!

Friday, March 27, 2009

Good Evening!

Am being a bit of an insomniac tonight. Not sure why... just can't sleep.

Had a busy day. Popped over to the church to pick up the last of the craft supplies (small pictures to colour and construction paper). Claire picked me up after lunch and we hung out. She made chicken stew while I watched (and worked on her isane jigsaw puzzle) and then I quasi-helped her make four cakes for her 7-year-old niece's party (three round and one square which will be cut out into the shape of "C-O-O-L-!" And don't you dare forget the exclaimation point! ha ha). We took supper over to her sister's and we ate supper with her and her family. Lots of fun - got to see their little farm and meet their lovely animals! I was bushed so Claire dropped me off at about 7:30 or so. I finished up the craft for Sunday school (colouring the little pictures, then glueing them to construction paper, then cutting out the picture so that it has a coloured construction paper boarder.) I'll drop them off at the church tomorrow morning.

Jenny is coming over in the morning for tea and then I'm going over to mom and dad's to do some wood working with dad. We're going to build a sewing bench for me! I'm really jazzed about it.

On an entirely different note...

I sang this worship song an eon ago but found this youtube version of it on another blog that I visit. Here it is (you'll have to turn off my groovin' music on the sidebar):

Makes me very aware of our mission in life... in the words of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:
Q. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
And who on earth ever thought I would quote that?! Not me! But there it is!
The song just made me think of that. I think we forget our purpose... I know I get caught up in the day-to-day stuff and often forget to "glorify God and enjoy Him forever". The song is a bit of a wake up call to me anyway.
Bed is calling me once again.
Talk to you soon.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Good afternoon!

Ha! I had a moment of genius this afternoon that I feel compelled to share with you guys.

Claire popped over and we went out and got pitas (yum) and ate them here at my place. Afterwards we went to Pricesmart to pick up a few groceries. Everything went off without a hitch... I took the cart back and then went to find Claire. I walked up beside the car and looked inside and saw that it was Claire in her blue jeans and black sweater. I opened the door and was about to slide inside when the person in the drivers seat turned to face me. It wasn't Claire! It was a middle-aged woman in blue jeans and a black sweater! We were both stunned and just stared at each other. All I could think was "what is this woman doing in Claire's car?!" I closed the door and turned around and mumbled something like "where's my car?" I saw Claire waving at me from two parking stalls down. We had a good laugh but man do I ever feel like a dolt! The other lady shouted "they aren't even the same colour!". And in truth, they aren't. Claire's is a silver four-door and this ladies was half way between silver and gold... I just assumed that it was her car having never given any serious thought to what colour Claire's was! Whoops. The lady was nice enough but I think she was slightly shocked to find someone getting into her car. A total mistake, and a funny one.

The electricians did a good job yesterday and I now have new light switches and electrical sockets throughout my apartment (except for the three sockets in my bedroom). I'm jazzed because appliances actually stay plugged in! Nothing stayed plugged-in long in the old sockets. The electrician and his assistant were very friendly and as it turns out, he's moving into the unit beside mine. Seems like a decent enough guy... bought me a tea from Tim Horton's when his assistant went for a coffee run. Nice, eh? (and no, he's not my age, so you can let go of whatever hope you had for me on that front). ha!

Downloaded a bunch of music for dad (Kingston Trio and Kris Kristofferson) and some for myself (Third Day). Have been groovin' to all of it. I was amazed but how much of the Kingston Trio and Kristofferson that I know just from dad playing and singing it over the years. The Third Day album I downloaded is their newest from last year. Am loving it all! Also downloaded some Disney music for the gal I hang out with on Saturdays (Little Mermaid, Mulan and Pocahontas).

Guitar is tonight and I'm looking forward to it. My hand has been hurting quite a bit over the last two weeks (in the joints) but it feels ok today so I'll give it a whirl.

Turned out to be a nice day, eh? I was a bit worried about the rain this morning. Sure did clear up nice. I've had my windows and doors open for the better part of the afternoon. Its cold in here but its so fresh and springy!

Hope you're all doing well.

Talk to you soon.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Hey there,

The electricians are buzzing around me and will be turning off the power shortly.

Yesterday was good. I had my floral class in the morning and did pretty well (if I do say so myself). My arrangement turned out fine... I'm pretty pleased with it. I'm not 100% satisfied but that's ok. Its not bad considering its only my third arrangement ever! The carnations I used are on their very last legs but I didn't want to go buy new ones when these ones were good enough for practice. When I buy new flowers for next week's project, I'll put the left overs into this arrangement. woot. Should be good.

Jill picked me up last night at about 8 and we taped off her room so she can paint stripes. We didn't get it all finished but we'll aim to do the rest tomorrow.

Not sure what today holds. Alison is in town so I'll see her and I'd like to see Claire, too. And I need milk.

The electricians need to turn off the power so I better go.

Better run.

Talk to you soon

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Hello!

Its been a busy day and I'm exhausted. Time for bed.

I hung out with A today. We had a riot. She's such a great kid. Lots of fun to be with! She had me playing "Twister Dance". Significantly more complicated and required more talent then I possess. We laughed alot at my pathetic attempts to dance.

I babysat my friend Jenny's two kids tonight. Got in about an hour ago from that. They were stellar for me which is awesome. Had lots of fun playing horses, playdough, cars, etc. Took turns playing with the ball and watched a movie in the process.

Went to the bank in between those events and I also picked up a sandwich from one of the downtown deli's which I ate at the park between my house and Jenny's. Delicious! It was an eventful afternoon/evening.

Am heading to bed now but wanted to post a link to www.yarnbombing.com They posted a blog entry about the Chilliwack Crochet Capers. Very cool! Jill and I have our next location picked out. Am going to measure stuff some time this week.

Time for bed.
Talk to you soon.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Greetings,

Have had a lovely couple of days.

Tuesday was fun! Went and did some shopping with mom - picked up some new shirts (one for me, four for her). She looks fabulous. Had a doctor's appointment in the afternoon, went grocery shopping with mom afterwards and then had supper with the family. Got home around 6:30 or so and got together with Claire for a movie. It was a busy but fun day!

Slept in a bit on Wednesday and then Jen popped over. She dropped me off at the Preserved Seed so I could pick up something for Jenny's birthday. I hoofed my way home via Pricesmart where I picked up fixings for spinich dip and my Grandma Leboe's Ceasar Salad that Jenny loves so much. I put it all together tonight (mixed the dressing, chopping the lettuce, grated the Parmesan)... will mix it together tomorrow. Also made the various parts of the cake (the pie filling, chocolate cake and whipped the whipping cream). Will assemble it in the morning. Wrapped Jenny's presents and did a bit of cleaning. Will finish cleaning tomorrow and will assemble the salad and cake then. Also need to make a stop at Pricesmart and pick up what I forgot to pick up today... a sourdough loaf and some marashino cherries.

Its 2am and I'm a bit of an insomniac tonight. Not sure why! Its technically Thursday morning... time to sit still and read my book. Will attempt sleep again in a little bit. Hopefully all will be back to normal tomorrow night!

Talk to you soon!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Hello folks!

Am having a good day!

Went to the Chilliwack United Church today (the one downtown) and had a very lovely service... it was remarkably Presbyterian... which is no small wonder since the United Church is half Presbyterian and half Methodist. The order of service was a cookie-cutter of Cooke's service except that at the end of the service everyone stood up and held hands and sungs the final song together (there's a name for that song but I can't remember what it is!). The lady next to me passed her hand to me so like a complete dork, I shook it while wondering to myself why we were passing the peace again! ha ha. I figured it out once I looked around the room and saw everyone holding hands. It was a bit awkward!

Got to see Michelle, too. I thought she was at Carmen United but nope, there she was in the choir! I bustled up to the front so I could catch her before she disappeared into the depths of the church. It was awesome to see her and we're making plans for getting together later in the week.

After church I got a call from Claire so after a bite of lunch and a short nap, she popped over. We watched a few movies, cooked and ate supper (that I managed to neither over or under cook) and inhaled waaay too many dounuts. It was a lot of fun. We're busy making plans to do a cook-a-thon together. We're thinking of cookies, perogies, etc. I'm glad she called - I had a hoot!

Am going over to Aunt Aileen and Janet's tonight with Jill. Our cousins Pete and Colin are in town - they're so much fun. Dad called while Claire was here and asked if I wanted to go over with them but I turned them down because I was hanging out with Claire. Claire just left so I gave Jill and call and she mentioned that she's going over there in a half hour so I'm going to tag along. Should be a good time.

Hope you all had a good Sunday.

Talk to you soon!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Howdy,

Have had a good couple days.

On Thursday night, Jill and I went out for icecream after my PYPS Exec Phone conference... we were on our way back to my place when we saw this dude at the Museum, stealing a painting (of all things!). It was a very exciting evening... Jill and I followed him in the truck while he ran away (we eventually 'lost' him) and Jill got to bat her baby blues at a handsome police officer. There wasn't anything to do once we had called 911 and showed the police officers where the criminal had disappeared. We were too wide awake afterwards so we went to Safeway instead of going back to my place... we did a bit of driving around and then Jill dropped me off around midnight. At least, I think that's how it happened.

Ya know, its funny. I can't remember the series of events on Thursday night... did we go to Safeway before or after we chased the thief? Which way did Jill take me home? I understand now why some people have a hard time making accurate reports to the police. Not that we need to make a report... but if we did, then I'd have a hard time figuring it out. We know my memory is sub-par as it is.

Today was lovely. I went and spent time with the girl I hang out with on Saturdays. (Lets call her 'A'). I think we had a good time but I think she was a bit upset when it was time for me to go. Next week I'm going to take some pots of dirt with seeds so we can grow something together. Jen has the pots, dirt and seeds. I'm going to see about picking up a few smaller pots for A's windowsill. She seemed excited about the idea.

Tomorrow is Sunday and I'm going with Jen to church at the Vineyard at 10am. I'm looking forward to it. If that doesn't work out, I'll go to the United Church downtown, they meet at 10:30. Not sure what I'll be doing afterwards. We'll see.

Better run.

Talk to you soon!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Hello!!

Its been a few days since I wrote. I've been recouperating from such an exciting weekend.

I haven't been down to our 'bomb' site but I have it on good authority that most of our graffiti has been removed. That's ok - I didn't anticipate it staying up forever, though I wish it hadn't got taken down quite so fast.

I managed to hurt my thumb. It feels a bit better today but I've been careful not to do anything with it (no crocheting, etc).

I am proud to report that I have practically no dishes sitting on my counter. I've been doing the dishes as I make them - what a change. ha ha. Have empty counters makes a person feel good!

Hung out with a really old camp friend today - she's recently moved into town. We had tea together and then spontaneously drove to Sardis for Sushi. It was so much fun! I hope we get together often - she's a lot of fun.

Am getting ready for a PYPS Exec phone conference. Hopefully it won't last too long. I've got plans to go out with Jill afterwards... lets hope that doesn't fall through because I'm still yacking away on the phone.

Anywho. I better run. Hope you're all doing well.

Talk to you soon!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Yarn Bombing

Oh my goodness. What fun!

I've been planning this "yarn bombing" experience for a little less then a week since I saw the idea in the Vancouver Sun... I've been loving every minute of it.

What is Yarn Bombing, you may be wondering?

Its Yarn Graffiti! It's crocheted or knitted pieces sewed onto poles, trees, benches, etc. Its a statement, that's for sure. The world is an ugly place in general and this is a way to make it a little brighter.

Our target today was Wellington Avenue (between Yale and Mill). I've been crocheting the needed pieces by guestimation for the better part of a week and just last night, Jill and I went (under the cover of darkness) to measure various poles, trees and benches. I would have gotten carried away had it not been for Jill "Enough! You don't need to cover the entire street in yarn!"... I think the police car that drove past us slowly made her antsy. I laughed but was a little anxious, too. I'm sure it looked odd - two girls out at 10:30, measuring a park bench!

I settled on eight pieces and made tags that say "Guerrilla Crocheting: Making the world more beautiful one stitch at a time" with our code names "The Crocheted Capers" on the back along with the website http://www.yarnbombing.com/ I recommend you check that site out - lots of good ideas.

We were pleased to have the company of two of Jill's friends! Lots of pictures were taken and here are a few:

This is the best picture of our work... The bit above the bus stop sign, the bit on the lamp stand, the bit above/to the left of the lamp stand (on the canopy arm), the bit on the bench arm. These are four of the eight pieces we sewed on tonight!


This is our group "The Crocheted Capers". Robyn, Jess, Jill and Deedee.

It has been said that this is a waste of time and yarn. I would disagree wholeheartedly. I crochet enough for charity - toques, scarves, pneumonia vests. I wanted to do something that would make people stop and wonder about my sanity. I know some would disagree with our tags - that this doesn't make the world a more beautiful place. Well, fooey on them! (fooey is a place in China, anyhow!)

That's me, sewing on a fun chevron-style light stand-sweater! This is actually my favourite of all the pieces - its very fuzzy!
I had all the tags pre-attached and a dozen pre-threaded darning needles, all wound-up in a plastic container. I figured it wouldn't do for me to stand there like a fruit-loop, trying to thread a dozen needles in the freezing cold while loosing valuble time!

Jess used her sewing skillz to attach this bike-rack cozy. Good use of said skillz.




This bus stop sign post looked cold. Jill looks cheeky (as usual?)... or maybe she's making that face because its freezing outside. (It snowed earlier!)

We were all concerned that the police would be called but we decided to take it slow and act like we were supposed to be there. Lots of people drove by but no one even talked to us, asked us questions. Talk about a relief.

Robyn had the right idea - toque and mitts! That would have been a brilliant idea for the rest of us. Brrr.

I had a whole explaination ready for the cops. (I thought it would be handy to have something ready in my mind in case one came upon us like they did last night). I was going to apologize, explain the purpose of Yarn Bombing (without using the "Bomb" word) and then beg their indulgence while we put them up, took pictures and then took them down. No such explaination was needed!

One last hurrah before packing up and heading for indoor heating. Jess bodysurfing on Deedee and Jill.

So there you have it folks. It was a great evening... full of shinanigans. If any of you are interested in crocheting/knitting squares and rectangles for this project, just let me know! If you don't knit or crochet and still want to take part that's great! The more people we have on hand to sew, the quicker it can get done and the quicker we can get outta there! Give me a week to recouperate but I'm already itching to get out there and do it again. And if nothing else, have a walk down Wellington and tell me what you think!

Hope you enjoyed yourself.

Talk to you soon!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Hello!

Things have been reasonably busy lately. I've got a new project which I would love to share with you but I just can't yet. I'll hopefully have some pictures of it tomorrow, though, and will post them then (with an explaination). Jill is coming over in a bit and we're going to get up to a little pre-project mischief. tee hee.

Was supposed to go over and see the girl I hang out with on Saturday but her mom called to say she's under the weather. Hope she's feeling better soon. Was looking forward to it. There's always next week, eh.

Didn't go to Parkholm yesterday - had a touch of something evil (flu-ish).

Church is tomorrow. We're singing so I'll be there at 9:15 for practice. Am also helping with Sunday School. It'll be a good day, I know it!

Better jet but will talk to you soon!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Hello!

I'm trying to figure out how to embed a video in this blog. I tried a little bit the other day but ended up just posting a link to the video ("Will you come and follow me"). In order to listen to this you'll need to turn off the music on the side of this blog by pressing the pause button.



Had a good day today. Went with dad to Abbotsford. He dropped me off at Charlene's - had lunch with her and Nathan and then we crocheted for a bit. It was a really great visit. I miss having her closer.

Went to church tonight thinking that there was worship practice but I got there to find the Board and Session all congregated in the Fireside Room. I should have figured out that practice was going to be cancelled but I'm not known the world over for my powers of deduction. Oh well. It was a nice, brisk walk. I met a slightly intoxicated gentleman on my walk there who was quite happy to chat me up. His name was Mel and he lives not far from me with his wife and yappy little white dog (so he told me).

Tomorrow I'm heading over to mom and dad's to help dad saw a couple sheets of wood and then me, mom and dad are heading to Harrison to look at a place we're thinking of renting for the Leboe Christmas Gathering.

Hope you're all well!

Talk to you soon!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Good afternoon,

The floral class yesterday went really well! I had a good time, though I was very tired (and was forever fidgeting to stay awake!). We learned the basics about tools and we got homework for next week. I get a rush right before I try something new and experimental... I'm exited to give flower arranging a try. I'm thankful that we have a teacher who will be able to tell me what I'm doing wrong. So often with my crafts I have to figure out my own mistakes... it'll be a nice change. I hope I'm more awake next week!

Beyond that...

I took the shawl I finished for a lady who works at my doctor's office to her today. She really likes it and showed it off to everyone. I blushed but am glad she likes it! I didn't use all of the yarn I bought (have about two balls left) which should be enough to make at least one baby blanket. I have to decide on the pattern. Two of my girlfriends are pregnant...Will see.

Made a stop at the Pharmacy and was chatted up by a really nice older lady. She was so friendly - made the 20 minutes I had to sit there go by faster! She said I look about 18. I laughed and corrected her - I'm almost 25.

Anywho. I better run along.

Talk to you soon!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

God Aften!

(Danish for "good evening")

Hope all is well with you guys.

Yesterday was fun. Janice came over and we watched two movies (Prince Caspian and The Secret Garden) while we chatted, drank tea and crocheted. I managed to just about finish the shawl I'm doing for one of the doctor's office ladies. Just have to put the edging on it and then I can deliver it on Tuesday (hopefully).

Church today was lovely. I helped with Sunday school and was mightily miffed (in a not-angry way) that they played my favourite hymn and I wasn't even there to sing it. I hummed along while the kids were doing their activities. "Will you come and follow me" is my favourite ever! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y747ZlP_gE Anywho.... after the service was over I helped with the offering. We made a mistake somewhere and our books wouldn't balance. Marg worked til 2, trying to find our mistake and eventually she did. It was righted, thankfully. (though I feel bad Marg was there so late!)

Went over to Jenny's for supper tonight. Woot. Jen made us a Haitian meal - rice and beans (makes beans worth eating!), talapia, shrimp, Haitian sauce, and carrots. Yum! Then we had Gelato for dessert with butterfly cookies (a Danielle-friendly re-creation of Jen's wedding dessert). It was a lot of fun to hang out with Josh and the kids as well as spend time with my best friends.

Tomorrow I'm going with Aunt Aileen and (cousin) Janet to a floral art club lesson. I hope it goes well but I'll report my findings to this committee tomorrow night. ;) tee hee

Talk to you soon!