Here is a photo of me in my kimono and obi (I tied it in a cute bow!):
Here's Andrew in his Zombie costume, wearing a friend's home-made robot mask:
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Day 52: Hallowe'en
Being busy with the quilt top meant I didn't get to carve a pumpkin this year - but Andrew did with my sister, brother and brother-in-law.
Here is a photo of me in my kimono and obi (I tied it in a cute bow!):
Here's Andrew in his Zombie costume, wearing a friend's home-made robot mask:
Here is a photo of me in my kimono and obi (I tied it in a cute bow!):
Here's Andrew in his Zombie costume, wearing a friend's home-made robot mask:
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Day 51: Finally Done
Just a quick update that the quilt top got finished tonight at 11pm... now we need sleep and lots of it!
From This:
To This:
From This:
To This:
Monday, 29 October 2012
Day 50: No Time Like Quilt Time
Today has flown by as I've been busy trying to get the signature quilt top together to give to my mom tomorrow to quilt it...
Here it is laid out on my bedroom floor, or mostly laid out. All the green strips are sewn together. It's just a matter of sewing the white sections together and then joining them to the green sections. (Click on photos to enlarge).
I'll finish laying the pieces out tonight, blockade it so Banner doesn't make a mess overnight, and then hopefully make quick work of it tomorrow.
Here it is laid out on my bedroom floor, or mostly laid out. All the green strips are sewn together. It's just a matter of sewing the white sections together and then joining them to the green sections. (Click on photos to enlarge).
I'll finish laying the pieces out tonight, blockade it so Banner doesn't make a mess overnight, and then hopefully make quick work of it tomorrow.
Weekend Re-cap Day 47/48/49
Friday October 26th - WODS Throwing Clinic
Just a quick re-cap of the throwing clinic we went to. We practiced/learned to throw forehand and backhand I/Os (inside/outs) and O/Is (outside/ins) as well as focusing on where we release the disc (high, waist-height and low) and our foot position when we release. While it was freezing and raining, we learned quite a bit and had a good time.
Saturday October 27th - Bachelorette Fun!
During the day, Andrew and I mostly worked on ongoing projects (his work-related, mine crafty). After dinner we headed to Burlington. Andrew had a night-in with his parents and I went to a Bachelorette Party in Ancaster :) While we were small in numbers we had a mighty good time ( Yes, I am that cheesy :P ). The games were especially hilarious...
Sunday October 28th - Colombian Night
Our friends' refugee claim was denied and they have to go back to Colombia soon. So, in their honour, we had a Colombian themed potluck dinner including empanadas and pupusas and a Colombian band! While there were tears shed, it was still a good time.
Just a quick re-cap of the throwing clinic we went to. We practiced/learned to throw forehand and backhand I/Os (inside/outs) and O/Is (outside/ins) as well as focusing on where we release the disc (high, waist-height and low) and our foot position when we release. While it was freezing and raining, we learned quite a bit and had a good time.
Saturday October 27th - Bachelorette Fun!
During the day, Andrew and I mostly worked on ongoing projects (his work-related, mine crafty). After dinner we headed to Burlington. Andrew had a night-in with his parents and I went to a Bachelorette Party in Ancaster :) While we were small in numbers we had a mighty good time ( Yes, I am that cheesy :P ). The games were especially hilarious...
Sunday October 28th - Colombian Night
Our friends' refugee claim was denied and they have to go back to Colombia soon. So, in their honour, we had a Colombian themed potluck dinner including empanadas and pupusas and a Colombian band! While there were tears shed, it was still a good time.
Friday, 26 October 2012
Day 47: Laundry Organization
Laundry and putting clothes away, for me, could use a ton of help. So I implemented something today that might help, at least a little.
The purpose of this is to throw matching socks in the bag so you don't have to search for a sock to make a pair (especially if the go in different loads) or you can sort things into this bag that can go in the washer but not dryer. You throw the bag in the washer full of clothes. Which means that I can get rid of this random pile of clean socks off the dresser!
I bought the washing bag and added the hanger portion on. For a full tutorial see below:
Buy a Washing Clothes Bag of some kind:
When opened it looks like this:
Place the hanger on a piece of fabric with the neck of the hanger on the fold of the fabric. As you can see, the width of my bag is very similar to the width of the hanger.
The piece of fabric I used was approximately 21" x 11" (once folded as shown below it measures 21" x 5.5"):
On the wrong side of the fabric place the hanger as shown (with the neck of the hanger on the fold and centered):
Trace around the top of the hanger with a pencil:
Take the hanger off the fabric and fold wrong side out along fold line:
Leaving about an inch on each side of the neck cut a straight line following the angle of your hanger to the outside edges (as shown):
Before I sewed anything, I cut a hole in the top of the fabric along the fold for the hanger to get through, and cut a line from the bottom middle of ONE side of the fabric to the hole for the hanger.
Then I sewed from the folded edge to the outside edge with a 1/4" seam allowance (on both sides):
I then sewed the two edges closed:
I pressed the seams open, turning the fabric right side out:
To be able to slide the hanger out of the slip for washing, I cut a triangle out of ONE side of the slip:
Place the slip (cut out side up) along the edge of the front of the washing bag (zipper out) with the raw edge to the top of the bag:
Finger press the seam and slide the hanger into the full side of the slip (in this case left side) first, and then pull cut side over the edge of the hanger.
Here is what the front looks like:
and YOU'RE DONE!!! This is both the first time I've done this, as well as the first time I've tried to write directions for a sewing project that included a hanger and a pre-made bag so if you have any questions let me know :)
Hanging laundry organizer
The purpose of this is to throw matching socks in the bag so you don't have to search for a sock to make a pair (especially if the go in different loads) or you can sort things into this bag that can go in the washer but not dryer. You throw the bag in the washer full of clothes. Which means that I can get rid of this random pile of clean socks off the dresser!
I bought the washing bag and added the hanger portion on. For a full tutorial see below:
Buy a Washing Clothes Bag of some kind:
When opened it looks like this:
Place the hanger on a piece of fabric with the neck of the hanger on the fold of the fabric. As you can see, the width of my bag is very similar to the width of the hanger.
The piece of fabric I used was approximately 21" x 11" (once folded as shown below it measures 21" x 5.5"):
On the wrong side of the fabric place the hanger as shown (with the neck of the hanger on the fold and centered):
Trace around the top of the hanger with a pencil:
Take the hanger off the fabric and fold wrong side out along fold line:
Leaving about an inch on each side of the neck cut a straight line following the angle of your hanger to the outside edges (as shown):
Before I sewed anything, I cut a hole in the top of the fabric along the fold for the hanger to get through, and cut a line from the bottom middle of ONE side of the fabric to the hole for the hanger.
Then I sewed from the folded edge to the outside edge with a 1/4" seam allowance (on both sides):
I then sewed the two edges closed:
I pressed the seams open, turning the fabric right side out:
To be able to slide the hanger out of the slip for washing, I cut a triangle out of ONE side of the slip:
(You could finish the edge of this cut but I did not)
Sew along this edge using a 1/4" seam allowance, DO NOT IRON unless your bag is safe to do so.
(Picture shows back of bag)
and YOU'RE DONE!!! This is both the first time I've done this, as well as the first time I've tried to write directions for a sewing project that included a hanger and a pre-made bag so if you have any questions let me know :)
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Day 46: Last Call
No, I'm not planning to stay at the bar until it closes down tonight, though I could probably make some interesting friends... maybe that's an idea for later.
November is coming soon and with it Remembrance Day in Canada (Nov. 11th).
One of my favourite parts of playing the trumpet growing up was having the honour to play the Last Call. I haven't played my trumpet seriously since undergrad. I'm not sure that our dog Banner has ever even heard the sound it makes :) He was mildly freaked out, mostly interested, when today I pulled out my trumpet. My intention is that by Nov. 11th I will have no trouble playing the Last Call, which means I need to whip my lips (embouchure) into shape! I'm hopeful it's like riding a bike!
Wish me luck! Is there anything new you're trying, or something you're trying for the first time again, like me?
November is coming soon and with it Remembrance Day in Canada (Nov. 11th).
One of my favourite parts of playing the trumpet growing up was having the honour to play the Last Call. I haven't played my trumpet seriously since undergrad. I'm not sure that our dog Banner has ever even heard the sound it makes :) He was mildly freaked out, mostly interested, when today I pulled out my trumpet. My intention is that by Nov. 11th I will have no trouble playing the Last Call, which means I need to whip my lips (embouchure) into shape! I'm hopeful it's like riding a bike!
Wish me luck! Is there anything new you're trying, or something you're trying for the first time again, like me?
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
Day 45: Organizing the Batteries
Seems like an inconsequential thing, but this small step of organization will allow us to play the Wii as well as workout with the WiiFit and not have to wait until batteries are charged.
Last month we had over two of our young friends, Gabby age 10 and Paula, age 7 and we didn't have enough Wii-motes ready for everyone to play. A disappointment to say the least...
We've used this tray for our batteries for a long time, but we can never remember which ones are charged or which section the used ones go in.
Solution: Put some labels on the sections of the tray already!! This way when we want to have a good time with friends or work out we won't be way-laid. Click to enlarge photos.
Last month we had over two of our young friends, Gabby age 10 and Paula, age 7 and we didn't have enough Wii-motes ready for everyone to play. A disappointment to say the least...
We've used this tray for our batteries for a long time, but we can never remember which ones are charged or which section the used ones go in.
Solution: Put some labels on the sections of the tray already!! This way when we want to have a good time with friends or work out we won't be way-laid. Click to enlarge photos.
Using leftover letters from our Chore Chart (click here for tutorial), I added dead / misc / charged labels to the tray. Easy fix!
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Day 44: Banishing Discontent
I love when a topic is brought to my attention multiple times in one week. I choose to view that as a sign that I should sit up and listen. And in this case share with you.
There is a song at church that we sing that includes the phrase "My soul's sufficiency". (1:15min, 2:50min)
I got to thinking about that phrase. And looked up the definition of sufficiency on Google.
suf·fi·cien·cy/səˈfiSHÉ™nsÄ“/
That something or in this case someone can be sufficient for your soul. That the love felt can fill up your soul, boost your confidence and make you feel special.
There is a song at church that we sing that includes the phrase "My soul's sufficiency". (1:15min, 2:50min)
I got to thinking about that phrase. And looked up the definition of sufficiency on Google.
suf·fi·cien·cy/səˈfiSHÉ™nsÄ“/
| Noun: |
|
That something or in this case someone can be sufficient for your soul. That the love felt can fill up your soul, boost your confidence and make you feel special.
I then thought about the play-on-words. Soul sufficiency versus sole sufficiency - both are important in a Christian context. I think this is something to strive for, I am certainly not at this point. To feel that Christ is sufficient, that I am sufficient. I believe it in my head but telling my heart is something else.
Hence the discontent. I think we all feel discontent to some degree. I generally choose to think about the positive but still like to be in control of my own life. I've just started reading this book:
I'm not fully convinced yet that feeling anxious = discontent. But hopefully if I can banish the discontent from my life than I'll feel less anxious? Anyway, the phrase "soul sufficiency" came up in the book today.
"...possessed a soul sufficiency, a peace separate from her circumstances." (Chapter 1, page 8)
Then today I was reading through the blogs I'm subscribed to and came across one on a home design/DIY blog Sand and Sisal about discontent: Women, Confession & Encouragement. Women should build each other up instead of tearing each other down and that through this, maybe we would find contentment.
I guess this is definitely I topic I need to pay attention to as it keeps popping up on my radar! So here starts the journey to banish whatever discontent I feel.
Monday, 22 October 2012
Day 43: Following Through
I tend to be a "Yes" person. For some of you, this might seem humorous... I don't tend to follow the crowd. But when someone needs something done I say yes. Especially if it's a cause I believe in, or a process they're going through that I'm excited about/scared about.
While school is extremely busy (I'm beginning recruitment!) and life is also busy right now, I haven't stopped saying yes. Which means I'm falling a bit behind on following through on those things that I said, "Yeah, I can do that, no problem, I'll find time."
So tonight I am going to get information for a friend's girlfriend about transferring her nursing credentials to Canada and something else that I can't remember because so much information is coursing through my brain right now!
And maybe I'll try to not volunteer myself next time and wait to be asked for help.
Wait! I remembered!!! Start writing Christmas lists to give to the extended family - we've already been asked for them :)
And I'll do some computer work for my aunt!
This whole blog thing is great, it's like a virtual to-do list where people can keep me accountable. Well here I go!
While school is extremely busy (I'm beginning recruitment!) and life is also busy right now, I haven't stopped saying yes. Which means I'm falling a bit behind on following through on those things that I said, "Yeah, I can do that, no problem, I'll find time."
So tonight I am going to get information for a friend's girlfriend about transferring her nursing credentials to Canada and something else that I can't remember because so much information is coursing through my brain right now!
And maybe I'll try to not volunteer myself next time and wait to be asked for help.
Wait! I remembered!!! Start writing Christmas lists to give to the extended family - we've already been asked for them :)
And I'll do some computer work for my aunt!
This whole blog thing is great, it's like a virtual to-do list where people can keep me accountable. Well here I go!
Weekend Re-cap Day 41/42
Saturday October 20th - Anniversary Celebration Day!
Because we were busy on Thursday we moved most of our anniversary celebration to Saturday (we went to the Keg on Thursday and had a great meal though!).
We spent the day running errands. "WHAT!?!?!" Not romantic enough for you? We actually had a great time going to all the spots/stores we never go to. Usually we shop at the grocery store or box stores. Our itinerary:
St. Jacob's (Quilted Heirlooms, Outdoor market, Indoor meat counter)
The Poultry Place
The Healthy Haven Marche (Fiddleheads, Healthy Butcher, Kara's Smart Foods, David's Gourmet)
Because we were busy on Thursday we moved most of our anniversary celebration to Saturday (we went to the Keg on Thursday and had a great meal though!).
We spent the day running errands. "WHAT!?!?!" Not romantic enough for you? We actually had a great time going to all the spots/stores we never go to. Usually we shop at the grocery store or box stores. Our itinerary:
St. Jacob's (Quilted Heirlooms, Outdoor market, Indoor meat counter)
The Poultry Place
The Healthy Haven Marche (Fiddleheads, Healthy Butcher, Kara's Smart Foods, David's Gourmet)
Plus we ran a couple small errands elsewhere. Our dinner that night, made from our new purchases, was absolutely spectacular if I do say so myself!
Red Quinoa - Marche
Sweet Potatoes - St. Jacob's market
Chicken Breasts - The Poultry Place
-marinade - Marche
-pineapple salsa - St. Jacob's Quilted Heirlooms
Red Quinoa - Marche
Sweet Potatoes - St. Jacob's market
Chicken Breasts - The Poultry Place
-marinade - Marche
-pineapple salsa - St. Jacob's Quilted Heirlooms
So we got a meal out and a meal in for our anniversary which means we were both super happy!
Sunday October 21st - Welcome Home Fall Corn Maze and Fair
Welcome Home is a refugee housing organization that offers housing for up to 1 year for new refugees to Canada at discounted rates. They also spend a lot of time and resources supporting these newcomers through the refugee process.
In the Corn Maze
Leaving the Corn Maze
Pumpkin Seed Spitting
Bobbing for Apples
Awesome Music
We also went over to our friends' house and played games with them as well as a new couple to our church. It was lots of fun! I always enjoy our time with them :)
Friday, 19 October 2012
Day 40: A Quote
Click to enlarge:
In case you can't read it:
Seek Boldly
Journey Courageously
Work Diligently
Sacrifice Valiantly
Suffer Willingly
Persist Relentlessly
Share Extravagantly
Serve Compassionately
Love Fearlessly
Live Intentionally
Give Thanks Unconditionally
Thursday, 18 October 2012
Day 39: Happy 4th Anniversary to Us!
A few words to share today (not my own). A friend sent us a card with this bible reference:
"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other..."
1 Thesselonians 3:12
I think an overflowing love for each other is a wonderful thing to be given :)
"Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence"
Vincent Van Gogh
Impressive that his life was quite troubled and yet these are his words. I think it's true that the aspects of what we love in our partner changes over time, but the essence of love doesn't ever change. Unconditional love and loving a person completely means that you just love THEM. Not what they do or who they are. They exist and you love them :)
Just a side note that we got married on our dating anniversary. So we've actually been a couple for EIGHT years now!
That's all for today folks! I'll leave you with a some pictures of us as a couple from the last four years (at VERY approximately - not really that close to - our anniversary). Again, you can click on them to enlarge them. Apparently we never take photos of us as a couple in the fall!
"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other..."
1 Thesselonians 3:12
I think an overflowing love for each other is a wonderful thing to be given :)
"Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence"
Vincent Van Gogh
Impressive that his life was quite troubled and yet these are his words. I think it's true that the aspects of what we love in our partner changes over time, but the essence of love doesn't ever change. Unconditional love and loving a person completely means that you just love THEM. Not what they do or who they are. They exist and you love them :)
Just a side note that we got married on our dating anniversary. So we've actually been a couple for EIGHT years now!
That's all for today folks! I'll leave you with a some pictures of us as a couple from the last four years (at VERY approximately - not really that close to - our anniversary). Again, you can click on them to enlarge them. Apparently we never take photos of us as a couple in the fall!
Wedding Day 10/18/2008
Mt Fuji, Japan in back 11/02/2009
Sydney Opera House, Australia in back 12/07/2010
Field Museum, Chicago 09/01/2011
Friend's wedding 09/15/2012
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