Kettle Corn And Bloggin', Baby!

Greetings Blogosphere! Yes, your favorite minty fresh blog neglecter (is that a word?) has returned. As always (blah, blah, blah), I am sorry that it's been so long since I've posted (blah to the n'th power) and I hope you're all happy, healthy, and well (blah extraordinaire).

We are all doing very well. Healthy and happy. Erin is loving being a student, and we're so enjoying hearing all her little stories and seeing all of her little craft projects. Her first parent-teacher conference is next month, and we're excited to go and see her little classroom and talk with her teacher. Later this week, her school is hosting a "Cakes And Karaoke" event with Chris Cakes. Wow - our first school event as parents! :) Whether or not Miss Erin will sing karaoke is anyone's guess, but I sure am looking forward to seeing her in her new "natural habitat" and hopefully meeting some other mommies and daddies, too.

No new BRAC news, but we recently learned that all plans to implement (hell, to even TEACH) the new DoD personnel system are on hold. After all that travel and all that preparation, here we are delayed...until October!! Shame on me for saying this, but I hopehopehope that I am out of there and well in to a new, more amazing job by then. I know that all of this exposure and training is good for me...it's good for me professionally and it makes me more impressive to other non-DoD Feddy HR folks, but yeesh, enough already. At least I'm not TDY this week to Boise with one of my colleagues! Yes, she's off in Spudsville and our boss is on a cruise in the Caribbean somewhere, leaving yours truly to spread minty freshness throughout her little HR office. Lucky me.

More news on the work front. Last week, I attended a local Federal Executive Board subcommittee meeting and did some "Jen-networking." It was a good experience. I always love coming together with other Feddy HR types (I love that phrase - "Feddy HR types!") and talking shop. Hopefully, some good will come of it.

What else is there to share with you...? My new SP is a sweetheart! I am really enjoying EMAILing her and getting to know her. Now I just wish the gal I am SP'ing would respond to my messages! Maybe when she receives her first package from me, she'll respond. Sure hope so.

That leads me to...PHOTOS! Here we go, folks. Feast your big browns (blues, greens, etc.) on these very long overdue photos:



This is one of two crocheted gifts I gave Mom this past Christmas (yes, I know I'm late in uploading...shoot me!) I used FOUR skeins of Noro Kureyon and a "J" hook to make "Michelle's Crocheted Cell Phone Holder," a felting pattern that I bought while I was in Columbus. Note how H-U-G-E the bag is compared to my teeny tiny little cell phone! Unfortunately, I didn't take any shots of the bag post-felting. I've asked Mom and Dad to send one post haste, and I'll share it with you as soon as I get it.



Here's a sweet RAOK surprise I received in the mail last Saturday. Thanks so much to my new friend
Lu for the gorgeous Millefili Fine yarn.



Here are my two newest Stampin' Up creations. The top card is a "thank you" (rather, "merci") card for Lu for the gorgeous yarn! The bottom card is for my new Secret Pal, and I'll include it when I mail off her first big SP SURPRISE this weekend! SU products used on the cards include cardstock in Bravo Burgundy (both cards), White and Lavender Lace (Lu's) and Mellow Moss (SP's). Bravo Burgundy ink and buttons were used on both cards, as was The Tearing Edge. I used SU's white narrow organdy ribbon on the bottom card, and the glue dots and colored pencils aren't from SU. Lu's card was made with the "Paris In The Spring" stamp set, and my SP's card was made with the "Sincere Salutations" set.



Here are some scarves blocking! See the next photo for more info!



Here are the two scarves I made for the 2006 Red Scarf Project. And yes, I realize that one of them is not red. :) Not entirely red, but it's got red IN it, and that counts, right? The all-red one was made with "Red Hot" Red Heart Super Saver yarn and a "K" crochet hook. I followed the pattern entitled "Textured Scarf Project" from the "Crocheting For Dummies" book. It was pretty easy to follow (hence the "dummies" nomer, perhaps? *grin*), and the texture is really cool. Me likey. The second scarf was made free-hand with an "L" hook (yowza, dat's a big hook!) and Lion Brand's GORGEOUS Lion Boucle yarn in "Jellybean." I hope the recipients of my scarves enjoy wearing them as much as I enjoyed making them.



My new friend Sissie from Crochetville asked that we contribute 12" crochet squares to her so that she could stitch them together to make a comfortghan for a friend with breast cancer. Here's mine. I used a "K" hook and "Petal Pink" Red Heart Super Saver yarn. The square is the "Lacy Cross" square from Jan Eaton's awesome book, "200 Crochet Blocks For Blankets, Throws, And Afghans" book. I will say a prayer over this square tomorrow for Sissie's special friend, and I ask that you say one as well. Her friend is only 30. 30. So, so sad. Lots of prayers and love needed.

And lots of SLEEP needed, which is where I am going riiiight now. As soon as I finish this taaaaaaaaaaaaasty kettle corn, I am off to Dreamyland! Sorry it took so long to update, folks. And yes, my SP, I know I owe you an EMAIL! :) I will send one tomorrow. I promise. Have a great night and a great Wednesday, friends!

SP7 Questionnaire And An Update

Hi everyone. I need to get my SP7 questionnaire posted, so please pardon the quic-update-and-run. Mom's doing better, we had a dinner party last night (went well - smoked barbecued ribs, wild rice, baked beans, fruit salad, green salad, focaccia, and cherry cobbler), a girlfriend is starting her Arbonne business today and I am going to her home to support her, and I've got to get a birthday gift for my father (January 12th is the big day). There's your "Jen-Update-In-A-Nutshell." Now, the questionnaire...

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)?
Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?
I am becoming a yarn snob, but I can’t ever see myself totally avoiding RH and LB. I just love their wide availability and basic cost friendliness. The only yarn I can’t use at all is Lion Brand Homespun. I can’t see the stitches. I do love to go to higher-end yarn stores and feel and play with all the gorgeous yarns, but have yet to really use them for myself. I *have*, though, used two higher-end yarns on gifts for others and they both blew RH and LB right out of the water - and those were Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Bulky and Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande. I am not really answering this question, am I? OK, here’s the answer. I am a yarn snob in training. How’s that?

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
Crochet. I’ve never spun and I am trying to learn to knit to no avail. I can figure out how to knit, but I can’t get the stupid stitch off the needle without stretching whatever it is that I am trying to knit.

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
My SP6, Mindy, bought me a gorgeous crochet hook holder, and that’s what I use. Looks like it came from Asia. It’s gorgeous and soft and I love it. Before then, I was using a Mary Kay zippered lipgloss holder (hey, it worked!)

4. How long have you been knitting crocheting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
A few years now. I'd consider myself an advanced beginner.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yep, and both of my wishlists are posted here on my blog. Just look to the right under the "More About Your Minty Hostess(tm)" section.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Spearmint, vanilla, eucalyptus, cookies (oatmeal, chocolate chip), ocean/rain, wines (merlot, white zinfandel), blueberry muffin. Basically, anything that smells minty, clean, like nature, or like homemade goodies.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I love to eat and it shows. :) I am not much of a chocolate fiend, but I do love milk chocolates…can’t get much in to dark chocolate. I can’t stand honey, so I always have to double-check to make sure that whatever I get doesn’t have honey in it. I do love those Biscoff cookies that you get on airlines, and I also love oatmeal scotchies and caramel/chocolate combos.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I am an avid card maker, and I am a Stampin’ Up junkie.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Yes, my PC and car stereos can play MP3s. I like all kinds of music, except for the really hard metal/rock and most rap. Anything that's violent or excessively vulgar is a huge turn-off for me. I really have a wide musical taste gap, and what I listen to depends on my mood. Here are some of my favorites - Bo Bice, Josh Groban, Secret Garden, Olivia Newton-John, Kevin Kern, Jim Brickman, ABBA, Journey, Sade, Rob Thomas, Peabo Bryson, Melissa Etheridge, k.d. lang, Gorky Park, The Scorpions, Daryl Hall, Kenny G., Jet, Cake, Faith Hill, Wynonna Judd, and the list goes on and on. My XM Radio dial is almost always tuned to smooth jazz, so I'd probably classify that as my all-time favorite type of music.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I really love all colors, so this one’s easy. If I have to choose favorites, I’d say greens (emerald thru mint/lime), pinks, purples, and blues are my favorites. I do like off-reds (like smokey reds, rose-reds) too.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Wonderful spousal unit (also age 33, married almost 5 years); amazing daughter (4 years old); darling Boston Terrier (1 year old).

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes to all. Well, I don’t wear ponchos, but only because I’ve never bought one. I’d love to have one, though.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Bulky, Plymouth Baby Grande Alpaca, Patons 100% Classic Merino Wool, Lion Brand Fun Fur. I love BIG chunky yarns because they are warm, work up quickly, and the stitches are easy to see.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I don’t like scratchy yarns. Or thin yarns. Not a big fan of the Homespun or other curvy chunky yarns because they are difficult for me to see (I can’t ever find the stitches). I am, however, open to tips on how to use these yarns because they are so pretty! I also can’t use cashmere because I’m mildly allergic to it.

15. What is/are your current knitting crocheting obsession/s?
Pretty much scarves and quick gifts for others. I need to be better about making things for myself. I am dying to try crocheted socks and also a felted bag.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit crochet?
Scarves, mittens, gifty-things.

17. What are you knitting crocheting right now?
I’m about 90% finished with Beth’s Little Star Afghan for my daughter in her school colors (royal and yellow) and I’m about 25% finished with a scarf for Red Scarf Project.

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Absolutely!

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
When I did try to knit, I used straight needles. They were bamboo and I loved them. They were very easy to use. I’ve also tried plastic needles and they were harder to use. I’ve never tried circular needles. Are those easier?

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Crochet hooks? Aluminim. Knitting needles? Bamboo.

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
No.

22. How did you learn to knit/crochet?
Two women in my office taught me to crochet after one of them had made a gorgeous baby blanket for Erin when she was born. I just HAD to learn how because it was so pretty, and so they taught me. Knitting-wise, I took a class at Yarn Shop and More in Overland Park, but I’d been reading "Knitting For Dummies" and practicing for weeks prior, so that’s how I survived the class!

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
About 3 years old.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Eeyore and Eric Cartman (from "South Park")

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas.

26. Is there anything that you collect?
Not really. I did collect Longaberger baskets and pottery for a long time, but not so much any more. They are expensive and their quality and customer service have severely declined in the last several years. I went through an Eeyore period where I collected anything and everything Eeyore. I wouldn’t mind starting that up again.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
"Crochet" magazine.

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?I've got lots of books on my Amazon wishlist. Hooks-wise, I'd love to get an aluminim "L" and "M" hook set, but I can't find them anywhere.

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I’d really love to learn to knit. I love how knitted/purled items look. They are just spectacular. I’d love to experiment more with felting.

30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I’ve never crocheted a pair of socks, but I’d really love to try. I have BIG feet (9½ wide).

31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
February 22nd.

Have a good day, everyone!

One Step Closer...

Anyone who knows our family knows that my mother has a strong propensity for getting bronchial infections. A strong one. In late 1995, she got what we all thought was "just a cold." Within a two week period (and under the care of quite possibly the world's most incompetent physician), her "tiny cold" became full-blown double pneumonia. She was dying right in front of our eyes, and it absolutely horrified me. She refused to slow down, only staying home from work because her body shut down and she had no choice. She'd still get up to take Daddy to work, to cook, to do anything that she felt she could do. And I'd lay in bed with her, hold her, and cry and pray. On December 26th of that year (yes, this happened over Christmas), my father finally had her admitted to the hospital, where fantastic doctors and respiratory professionals returned her to health. Until the day I die, I will never stop loving those people for taking such amazing care of her and bringing her back to the life she had before she got so sick. More than once in the years that have followed, she's taken sick with a cold (as we all do), and every SINGLE time, I worry that we'll have a repeat episode. Today, we had an almost repeat episode.

I blogged not long ago that she had pneumonia, but that it was mild. She seemed to be on the mend, and appeared to be healthy when we were home for Christmas last week. All this week, she's sounded froggy voice-wise, and mentioned not feeling well. She actually took two days off in a one week period, which is UNHEARD OF for her. I knew then that she was really sick. This morning, it was a return trip to the hospital (same one, thank God). Daddy called me at the office and told me the news. They'd X-ray'd her, put her on oxygen, and taken blood to test and see what exactly was going on. Many tests, lots of oxygen, and two strong IVs later, she was released to go home with strong drugs and a stern warning to take it easy. She just has bronchitis - no pneumonia, thank God. And I am so glad that she went to the ER and got help. She's such a go-go-go getter...always on the move and never slowing down to take care of herself. Hell, today she was more worried about all of US being worried about her! That's so typical Mom...always putting everyone else first. I love her so much, and knowing that she is where she needs to be to be on the mend makes my heart so happy.

She had an amazing prayer network behind her today, and I need to come right out and make an incredibly bold statement. Without exception, I am blessed with the best friends in the world. Within moments of the news of her illness, my friends, colleagues, and sorority sisters flooded in prayers and well wishes for health for my mother. One of my very dearest friends (you've heard me call her D(2) here on my blog) not only lifted her up in prayer, but also called in a prayer request to a local Christian radio station and also to her online friends in a Christian chat/prayer group that she uses. My mother and I were both moved, almost to tears. To all of you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. As I told my beautiful D(2), you all are more amazing than you imagine.

Please keep the prayers comin', folks. Every single good thought and every single prayer makes all the difference. My prayers are with all of you, too.

Happy Preschooler!

Erin's big day went well! Thanks to all of you for your well wishes and prayers. I only got to hear a tiny bit about her day over the phone. When I got home, she'd conked out! :) And she's STILL asleep, too! Can't get her up! Looks like preschool's a pretty exhausting activity! :)

Thanks again, all.

She's Growing Up So Fast...

Hi everyone.

Tomorrow, my beautiful little girl starts her first day of preschool. I am both thrilled and sad, excited and horrified, and totally and completely uncertain how these past years have flown by so quickly. Erin is an amazing little girl. She's so funny and so articulate and so incredibly loving. And she is so fascinated with the world around her. I am so excited to see this new chapter in her life begin, and am scared (as are most parents in my position, I am sure) for her as well. Please, world, be kind and loving to my little angel. Let her be happy. Safe. Healthy. Warm. Surrounded by kindness and love and joy. She said a little prayer aloud tonight asking that God protect and keep her safe and help her to learn. I've been saying that prayer every day of her life and will continue to do so until I take my last breath. Tonight, I ask you, my special friends, to say that prayer for my Erin as well. I will do so for those you love, too. I'm on the verge of tears here...just so overwhelmed and happy and filled with love. My mother told me many years ago (long before there were a Curtis and an Erin) that being a parent would be a love like none other...that no human words could ever describe fully the love and joy that you feel as a parent. Truer words were never spoken. Erin has been my blessing. My miracle. Why God blessed me with this beautiful little life, I will never know. What I do know is that she IS my life. I love her so much.

(On the topic of love and prayers, please send yours to the families of the miners lost in this week's horrible tragedy. There simply are not the words to describe the heartbreak, the tragedy, all of it. I was one of the many who awakened this morning thrilled that twelve precious human lives had been saved...and one of that equal mass whose heart nearly collapsed when the truth was heard. You and I cannot begin to fathom the pain and the heartbreak that these people are experiencing. And God willing, we never will. We can, however, love and pray and send good thoughts and energies to them. And at a time like this, those beautiful people need that more than ever. Please, friends. Please.)

She's Cheesy, But Romantic Too...

Cheese Pizza

Traditional and comforting. You focus on living a quality life. You're not easily impressed with novelty. Yet, you easily impress others.

What's Your Pizza Personality?

(And you know what's really funny? We just called Pizza Hut for a late-night dinner delivery and my half of the pizza was cheese only. Whooda thunk it?!?)

Thanks to Becca for my RAOK today! And the balloon scene with Kendall and Zach on today's "All My Children" was about the most romantic scene I've seen on TV in ages. I love you, SoapNet! :)

We Made It!

We're home safe and sound. I'm sad to see the Christmas season go, but I'm also excited about a new year ahead. Again, I hope that you and yours all have an amazing 2006!

(I'm off to collapse and relax with my spousal and offspring units and just chill out!!)