Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Playing Instead Of Sleeping


melia1
Originally uploaded by catscluttercrafts
So this is what happens at our house when we are supposed to be sleeping. I had to work on Sunday night and peeked in on my youngest and this how I found her. She had taken a Crayola washable marker to bed and drawn all over herself. Her legs match her face. She got a quick washcloth bath and then soaked in the tub yesterday. The blue is gone. All the hair is in her face because she tried hiding under the blanket when we proceeded to get her up for the washing. Big thanks go out to my husband for taking care of her so I wasn't late for work.
I'm working on her patchwork dress and have tons of little squares. Still not sure how many I will need. It was super hot yesterday and I planted lettuce and peas in the garden.
I was supposed to have a nice Sunday off because my husband was teaching a class. Unfortunately we failed our pre-audit for pricing and are "supposedly" not allowed to ask off anymore. I had to work from 6pm Saturday to 2:30am Sunday. I've had my fill of working in my one department. My boss doesn't have a backbone and shouldn't be in charge she's young and needs to grow up. Her inability to take a look at what's wrong and how can it be fixed is really hurting the department. She decided on Friday or Thursday that no one would have the weekend off but didn't tell everyone. So one of the kids didn't show up for his shift. He had asked for the whole weekend off and since he was given Friday and Saturday off why shouldn't he have Sunday off too? I know he's going to be written up but I do not think he was at fault at all. He was never told that his request was denied nor was he called Sunday morning to be told he was late.
I hope my boss realizes she's not doing a good job and steps job down. We need some one with more experience and one who can over see all that needs to be done. Without worrying if anyone gets angry with for telling them things need to be done differently.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

About 570ish


Quilting Squares
Originally uploaded by catscluttercrafts
So here is my progress on the patchwork tank dress. I did some quick (bad) math and will probably need 570 rectangles. Give or take 100. I decided to make the rectangles 2 inches by 3 inches. The 1st row will probably be 4 feet long and get shorter as they go up.
I'm saving all my mini scraps from the cuts. I just don't want to throw the stuff out that can be used. They range from 1/4 inch by 2 inches, to much bigger. If anyone is in need of mini scraps for doll quilts, mini appliqués, e-mail or leave a comment. I'd be willing to help out anyone who wants these left overs. I will probably be done cutting this weekend.
Should I mention, I'll pay for shipping!?

Friday, April 17, 2009

Look What I Bought

I know I've been slow in blogging but I think about it all the time. This week I've been sick. Seriously winter is almost over and I end up with a fever on Saturday/Sunday. Now I'm still congested and losing my voice! Yeah, plus my oldest is off from school and I can't yell when she's terrorizing her sister. Ugh. Today I'm finally feeling like I may recover sometime soon. Woot!
I did buy fabric for the girls to make some summer clothes. The fabric on the right will be shorts. If I ordered properly I may be able to use all 3 to make a top like I saw in Garnet Hill. The Crisscross Camisole for those interested. The link may not work but I will post a picture at a later date.
I'm thinking the sea horse fabric (bottom left) for the top and the shorts fabric for the tie. Leaving the mermaids for the bottom of the camisole. Of course this is all in my head. I still have to figure out a pattern.
I need like 2 weeks off from work to work on this and the dress for my youngest. I know you are think what dress. Here is my inspiration! I just love it! Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

No Self Worth, Don't Add Alcohol


My Birthday 2009
Originally uploaded by catscluttercrafts
This is me and my brother on my birthday. I don't drink a lot and well neither does he. We were just goofing off.
This is a very serious blog entry, where some may disagree. It's just my thoughts & observations and actually doesn't have anything to do with me or my family but it's something I have observed and wanted to tell what I've seen.
As most of you know I work with people of all ages but mostly underage (aka 18) and early 20's.
Before I quit my job 3 years ago, I was aware of the underage drinking that went on but never really thought it was a problem. Now that I'm back, I'm amazed at how many teenagers there are participating in it. I feel if you drink, do it responsibly. Teenagers are like mice, they will find a way to do what they want. By lying, sneaking around, etc... I know my girl's will one day be faced with choices like these kids are facing today. I expect them to be honest. If they are going to at a party and there's going to be drinking let me know. If they need a ride, I will pick them up. I'd rather them be safe than in the hospital or worse.
There's tons of uncaught DWI's going on around here. I always tell the drinkers of age & under no DWI's. It falls on deaf ears for the ones who think they are invincible. Others totally agree because they are scared to get caught drinking.
I think tons of stupid decisions are made when drinking. I always knew my limit and stopped. I'm amazed at those who are of age, who do the dumbest things! Seriously, you have a new boyfriend and you were making out with your girlfriend who's boyfriend was taking pictures of you guys when you were drunk on your new boyfriend's camera? I just can not feel pity for you. I have bit my tongue many times because of dumb situations like this. I do not think you can blame alcohol. One because if you are a girl and you have no interest in girls, then why in the world are you doing it?! Also you have a new boyfriend who has trust issues.... I wonder why? Does he sense you can't say no when alcohol is involved? Grow a pair and stand up for yourself because people are and will walk all over you.
I don't need to watch soap opera's there is enough drama around here, I don't have to watch.
My observations is that most parents have stopped communicating to with their children about these issues. It's no, you may not do it, we are not going to talk about (sex included), there are sooo many parents who don't talk to their kids about having safe sex! Which pisses them off and they carry it into their 20's with them. So they don't talk about it still with their parents and do not have relationships where they can be truly honest. They have to drink themselves into stupors and blame the drinking. It wasn't my fault, I was taken advantage of. I can't be held responsible I was not there cognitively!
So I have started talking early to my oldest because she's receptive to listening. I know you think that is way to young but I know of someone who started drinking in 5th grade. Seriously that's how old my daughter is. I can't imagine her getting alcohol and consuming it but it does happen.
It's a big scary world we live in and I worry. I worry for those teenagers who don't make good decisions. Those who are in their 20's who still are on the road of bad decisions. Then I worry my children will ignore their common sense and keep me up at night.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Crocus


Crocus
Originally uploaded by catscluttercrafts
About a week ago we had beautiful spring time weather. Now the frozen spring flowers are all that we have here. Everyday I take the dog out in the morning and he sniffs at these poor little crocus's. I'm surprised he hasn't tried to eat them yet.
So it's April and that means tomorrow is my birthday. I've decided I'm definitely not counting how old I am. I'm just going to add, which means I'm eight this year! Woohoo. If you have no clue what I'm talking about here's where you need to go.
I finally delivered the baby gifts yesterday and they are well loved. Plus I found out no one has given her any cloth diapers yet. She's having another shower so she's hoping to get some then. I will finish using up all my yarn and make at least 3 more newborn ones.
In September my youngest will be heading out for a half day of kindergarden and I will get a chance to work days. There is a before school program that I can sign the girls up for so I can work a 4 hour shift. I've let all my bosses know (yes I have 3 bosses now) that this is what is going on. I really want to stop doing 8 hours on Sundays. Plus the 2am or 4am ending shifts are not fun at all. It takes a toll on me on Monday's, Tuesday's and sometimes Wednesday's. So is the working the 32 hours a week but I think if my sleep schedule was the same almost all the time, I could deal with it better.
So the change is in the air and I'm definitely looking forward to it. Another positive note, I will have paid off my last credit card this month! So excited. Of course the car needs new tires and the kitten needs to get fixed but that frees up a large sum of money. Next to conquer is helping my husband with business debt. Plus the building next to us is going to be for sale next year. It would open up a lot of teaching opportunities for my husband. He will be able to do week long classes if people are interested in the summer.

Monday, April 6, 2009

More Baby Gifts

So tomorrow is the day I drop off the baby gifts and I'm still working on a knit woolie by Curly Purly. They knit up fast I just made a booboo with the pattern. It's what happens when you are tired and trying to read patterns and can't remember what you just read.
So I decided to put an N on the woolie so they'd know what size it was. I'm working on a small right now and tired parents don't always pay attention to details. The bib is just like the yellow bib below except double the size and I added a pocket to catch food. So it becomes a toddler bib. I will never knit a bib again. They take way to much time and patience and right now, I need fast projects to get everything done I want to.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Knitted Bibs


Knitted Bibs
Originally uploaded by catscluttercrafts
Here is part of my extremely late baby shower gifts for my friend who is having her first child. They do not look like the bibs in the books I made them from. I followed the patterns but the neck area looks too small. Is it because my youngest is making them look to small since she's 4? I don't know. The other problem with these is they have to be ironed to lay flat. How many mother's want to iron bibs? I'm hoping my friend has an ironing fetish like I do and is willing to do it for these bibs. Or maybe I need to offer to come over and iron them!
I have one more bib that is toddler sized. At least I'm hoping it will be! Drying in the dryer. All it needs is a button and to be ironed and it will be complete!
The last part of her gift is woolies for the baby to be. She's going all natural and is using cloth diapers. I figured she wouldn't get many of those. So they are last on my to knit list for her.
See the blue fabric in back?! From my quilting neighbor who is letting me borrow blue fabrics for my next sewing project. I'm super psyched and can't wait to show you my inspiration! I'm also sick of knitting and need to get sewing. Plus my machine needs a tune up too. So much to do sooo little time! Anyone feeling the spring time pressure?