Summer Break

Well I have a week off from school. I have successfully completed my CNA class and I am waiting for the first available date to take my state test. Next week I start working on my PCT classes. Almost there and then onto another college to get my AA as a Surgical Tech. Then after that on to get my Masters for RN. I am going to be in college forever.

So I have been interested in moving after I am well on my way and half way done with school. One place I have started looking at is New Zealand. Why? You can't beat the beauty, and the homes are gorgeous. The only thing is I have never been there and I am not sure what the people are like, the schools and how things work there? There are medical jobs there in high demand which is better than what I am getting here. Although AZ is having issues with the state budget so that puts jobs on hold. Then there is the other factor that so many people are unemployed that when on job opens they have thousands of applicants.

I finally made it to orientation to volunteer at the VA Hospital through the Red Cross. I have had to go through so much red tape because it is a federal building. I still have a lot of paperwork to complete and face to face interview.

I am hoping that with this nice little break I can knit and get some new items up on essenceofara1.etsy.com. And for this Month in July I am offering a free gift with purchase from http://amaxwell-cousins.mymarkstore.com/ Hey I have to help pay for college some way.

Am I Really That Boring? Wait Don't Answer That.

I must be extremely boring as a blog writer... no one wants to comment or be a follower of my blog. Hum what does it take to be the blog everyone wants to read? I need my own reality show to get my fame as an interesting blogger. LOL. Well at least I make myself laugh. God If I had cameras following me around everyday the camera crew and producers would be put to sleep with how normal I am. Just normal old me.

Well on that note I have started my 2nd part of my CNA Classes and I am so pumped to take my state test. I went to clinical and I was thrown into a entirely new world. It is hard work. These residents depend on you for help with every day things that we take advantage of. After getting over my nerves on the first day, which had me on the verge of throwing up, the routine came easier and I felt real satisfaction in what I was doing.The best feeling in the world is to see them smile and be happy. I took two practice state tests and past both, so the studying is paying off. By July I should be a licensed CNA in the state of AZ. WOOHOO! I have maintained a 4.0 and made my spot on the Dean and Directors list. Ya Me!


Me on the right.
I sent in my application to a college for nursing and I am waiting to hear back. I was hoping to hear something today but no such luck. oh well the waiting game.

On top of everything there are so many other things I want to do. I want to get my CDL and go to culinary school, and buy a dirt bike. So I would be the Nurse who can drive big rigs, make a mean dinner, and take on MX track. Mom said I am a jack of all trades and master at none. I have done tons fun and fabulous things. Life is a dance you learn as you go.. right!

Keeping up on my reality shows has all been possible because of DVR. I have no idea what I would do without it.Any who, Real Housewives NJ I am not getting the reasoning behind them. The only thing I can think of is that they are related so that's why they are interesting. Well all them are related except one. I have never been to NY or NJ, but just curious are they the same type people, or is like Beverly Hills vs Orange County. You know like City girl and the girl who knows what a backyard is. Really is there a difference? New shows I have picked up on are Southern Belles:Louisville not a bad show a little on the boring side at times. I think my interest perks more with the people who are too rich for there own good and run around buying outrageous stuff. However the Southern Belle girls are more my style down to earth and are not afraid to fish and cook their own food. The new non reality show I am excited about viewing is Nurse Jackie, which looks so funny.

Well I used say I must be gett'n on so I can knit.. but now its I must gett'n on to study study study. Oh and work on my reality show deal with a major network.

Being Sick

Uhh the cold that never leaves it just lingers and keeps you feeling miserable. I have moved on to my next class which is my CNA portion. These classes move extremely fast. I have to study hard and stay focused on the prize. Since I am swamped being a mom, cleaning, and student I am happy I invested in DVR woohoo! I have been recording my show The Real Housewives of New York. I look forward to a marathon on the weekend. The New Housewives of New Jersey scare me they might hire a hit man if you say anything bad about them. LOL

My poor knitting has been stopped completely, and even though I have a few things to felt my washer died last week. It was crazy I had a small load in and the washer got off balance. No big deal stop and it and fix it. The washer was hopping around in the laundry room so hard I was afraid to get near it. The barrel in the washer broke off it jumped around so much. Now laundry is backing up and I am waiting for a new washer to arrive. So felting is out of the question. I have so many patterns I want to start but I can't fit them in to my busy schedule. Ever since I started school it seems like everything happens at once. There isn't enough time for everything and trying to get a routine down has been so hard.

So I hear that twitter is the new thing to do and everyone talks about it all the time it crazy.I signed up but I must be getting old because I don't get it. I don't know how to find people and it doesn't seem that user friendly. However I have not set down and played with it really. I think this next weekend I will take a closer look. But is twitter the new wave of communication? Hum Well I must be off to get my day going.

Happy Knitting

Avon???

I am asking for opinions from people about Avon products. Do you like Avon? Do you find there stuff affordable? The reason I ask is because I am thinking of becoming an independent consultant with them. I was told on Friday that The Body Shop At Home is closing for consultants like myself. Your input is greatly appreciated.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Busy Girl

It has been crazy busy these past few weeks starting school. Oh lord. I have had to learn when the best time is to do my homework and study.. it's when the kids are asleep. I have been out of the loop on my show The Real housewives and on the weekends watch the reruns to catch up on the drama. tehehe. My final is on Tues next week and on Thurs I start my next section which is health care. I am so looking forward to getting in and learning. I also signed up to volunteer with the Red Cross. I am hoping to get going on that Next week. My knitting has been put on the back burner for now. There really isn't enough time. Well I am off and running.
Happy Knitting!

My Mission

I would like to empower, motivate and inspire people to living a happier and more fulfilled life. I want to be a good role model for my children by going to college and succeeding in my career with the medical field. I want my family to see me grow as a responsible person who helps others. I want to pass on good morals and honesty to my children.

Going back to college after many years has proven to be a challenge. With my determination and will to succeed I have pushed open the doors to a new chapter in my life. Rising above the issue’s that I face I have found I am much stronger than I thought. I want to make a difference in my life and those that surround me. Changing my career this late in my life I have found I am motivated more than ever. My goal is to help others by becoming a registered nurse. I want to offer care and comfort for those who are in pain and may be suffering, to help save a life and bring a new life into this world. My education is very important to me so that I can deliver the best care for each patient I come into contact with. I want to step up to the table and make my mark in this world. To overcome my own fears and prove to myself I am capable of anything.

Finding my place in today’s world can be difficult, but with perseverance and education I can achieve my goals. The legacy I hope to leave behind is to have an open mind, faith in yourself and the anything is possible.

My PCT Class

Well last night was great I made a great new friend and everyone was very nice. I am behind since I signed up late, but they felt confident I could catch up. At first the teacher freaked me out by making me feel I had a lot to catch up on. What's funny is I have taken the beginning class before at Ashford Unv. It is a class they make you take to prepare you for school. I even think I have the book somewhere. This class just helps you find your best ways to study and keep a handle on time management. It's a good book lots of helpful hints.After this I will move into the CNA portion and then on to PCT. I thought being at school at night I would be tired but I was wide awake. Last night we had CPR training. I am less nervous now since I pretty much remember a lot of stuff from my EMT class I took many moons ago. Well I have to get started on my homework.
Happy Knitting!

My Chapters

I was thinking last night about the chapters of my life that would be put into a book.

Chapter 1* Born, Not much there to remember so we will move on.

Chapter 2* Aww the the toddler years crawling walking saying goo goo gaa gaa

Chapter 3* Elementary school, making life long Friends and then moving from a small town to a huge city life.

Chapter 4* Junior high, totally lost as a small town girl, living up to expectations that a manger,agent, and family can put on you. Missing a lot school and not making many friends but working on set a lot.

Chapter 5* High school,Freshman & Sophomore cheerleader,I finally get the hang of things,I made some great friends. Then Junior year fall into a rabbit hole and by senior year with the grace of god live through it and graduate.

Chapter 6* Early 20's, Trying to answer that pressing question of what I will do with my life. Learning who I am and seeing I would rather just hang out with friends. Changing jobs like I change my underwear.Meeting all the wrong men and falling apart. Not understanding that my actions would affect my future.

Chapter 7* Mid 20's, Still trying to figure out what my career choice will be, Meeting the right man, getting married, and having our baby girl. Moving around to find the right home and ending with buying what I thought was our dream we would have forever. Communication is key in any marriage, trying to make a plan for our future.

Chapter 8* Late 20's, Our baby boy was born, thought we had it all jobs, cars, vacations, and then the rug was pulled from under us losing it all. Moving to another state starting over again and trying to hold on to what we had left. The trial of my life had taken a drastic turn and the changes I had to go through quickly put me in a state of lock down. After faith,prayer and determination we have finally started to get our ducks in a row and are trying to move on without our luxury life style.

Chapter 9* 30's, To be continued until next year.


That's it in a nut shell. It is so interesting to look back and see what you should of or could have done to change things. The only steady thing in my life was the support and endless love of my family and friends.I don't think I would be the person I am with that.

On another topic I start my PCT class tonight and good news I got a call about a JOB! I know OMG! right. I am so happy and I hope this is just the beginning of great things to come. Meanwhile my new schedule is going to limit me from my knitting, but I can live with that. I still have two purse's to felt and some unfinished projects to work on. I think today I am going to start another purse. I hope to have pics up by next week.

Well I am off. Happy Knitting everyone and God Bless.

Here I come

Well it is official I am signed up a starting my PCT class this Thurs. I am so happy. I wish I could have gotten in at the hospital it would have saved me a lot of money but I have to act now. I was nervous last night making the commitment, I just hope that we can over come the obstacles we will face the next 9 months. Those being daycare, money to pay for school and I have to find a job before my unemployment runs out. I don't have much time. I know i have posted this info all over but really this is so important to me. Please check out my store links as this is what I have to right now to help me pay for school.
http://amaxwell-cousins.mymarkstore.com/
essenceofara1.etsy.com
http://www.thebodyshopathome.com/web/acousins
Thank you all for your support.... Keep Knitting

There is Hope

I am so thrilled I applied for a job today that will work around my school. If I get this job it will allow me to pay for daycare for the little ones and not leave us broke. Since I decided to take a night class I will only run into problems if my husband's job takes him to New Mex to work which is a possibility. I am looking for back up ideas to help with that. I don't think I have ever needed a job and wanted to go school as bad as I do today. I am sure there are many other people who are thinking the same thing. It's funny when I hear someone complain they hate their job I wanna say "Hey at least you have one! While I am grasping at straws and coming up short you have the ability to pay your bills and buy the good grocery's." You know some items at the grocery store that are low priced are not too bad but I miss the food that has taste and isn't in a can.

I have been stuck at home and will be since my daughter has a cold. I am getting cabin fever already. I miss my outings with the moms group. This week they had tons of fun things planned out and we were going to be crazy busy having fun. Then the runny nose came on and I knew what was to come. Even though my daughter doesn't act sick, for example she is running over her brother with her toy car screaming "Move Bubba!" he never moves just laughs at her. Anyway I would feel bad if she got someone else sick, it is frowned upon to bring a runny nose to any play group.

Here is another purse I did. It's up in my little girl collection. I tried to be creative with the handles.

Time to Knit

I have put my issue's with trying to go school and pay for daycare for my two little ones on the back burner. I swear if I keep thinking about it I will throw up. So I have picked up my yarn and needles and started knitting like a mad women again. You can tell when I have a problem I can't solve I will have made like 20 scarves and 10 purse's. Even though I have looked into many ways to pay for daycare it's difficult since we make too much money as a family.. Yet not enough to stay afloat and not loose the things we have. I am still an independent consultant for The Body Shop At Home and a Mark Rep, but since I am new to Tucson I don't have many friends to help me host parties. I was hoping to get in at a hospital here in Tucson that offers on the job training to become a PCT. However I am thinking they are on a hiring freeze right now. With our situation I have to act fast and with the economy going the way it is who knows how long I will be waiting around.

I have finished two scarves one yellow and white and the other is a tan and orange. Both in the funky design. I also finished a new Party Purse that is grey and black. I have some other colors I am thinking of using for a new Party Purse, maroon, black and red, and orange and tan. I am going to see about doing matching purse and scarf as an item to sell together. On top of making things to sell on my Etsy and I working on Christmas gifts too. I want to start early this year so when November comes I am not knitting my fingers to the bone. I have a few ideas in mind and I love looking for new quick projects. The Internet is such a good source for finding quick knitting projects. Well I must be off and running yarn in hand.

Happy Knitting

The Real Housewives

I love watching The Real Housewives of New York City. These women are freaking funny. I think I watch to escape. Bethenny cracks me up, when she dressed up as Jill and did the impersonation that was great. The new girl Kelly I had mixed feelings about, that was until her lash out to Bethenny. She claimed she wanted to work things out and ambushed Bethenny after inviting her to meet at a bar. I would have not been as nice as Bethenny was. I also decided that I want Jill's mother to adopt, love her. Ramona she is a little off in my opinion. Alex and Simon they are a cute couple and even though somethings they say or do maybe odd you don't let that stop you from liking them. I have to say the women Of OC are not as interesting to watch. They lack the attitude of the New York women and Atlanta has too much attitude. The new Housewives of New Jersey should be interesting but I think they should do The Real Housewives of Texas or The Real Housewives of Colorado.

Etsy.com

I have added two new collections to my Etsy Store. The Petite Fille Purse Collection and The Party Purse Collection. Please take a look and send me your feedback.

On another note I have been busy busy getting things back on track. We had a great trip to Texas and Kyleigh and Landon really enjoyed being around family. I have lots of knitting stacked up to start so I must be off.

Landon Fishing with his sister's pole

Kyleigh talking to the pigs.

Happy Knitting

Back On Line

Well now I am back on line at home. Yippy!! I have to admit getting out to the library was nice but with only one hour to research and respond to emails and sneak in a blog entry was no easy task. I did check out some books and one video on nursing so that was a plus.

Since I have joined a moms group I found getting out of the house and taking the kids to the parks to play makes me a happier person. The women are supper nice and the kids are the ages of mine. There is always something to do and you meet new people everyday. Our first trip out was to the zoo and I was more excited about than my 2yr old. The place was packed but we still had fun.

Mean while I have slacked on my knitting being out of the house more. This next week I plan on catching up since I will be vi sting my grandparents in Texas. Plus I will have my knitting guru (mom) with me to help on those projects I just can't figure out. My purse handles are not lining up right even though I am measuring. Well I am off for now.

Keep Knitting

Lost

I am so lost without my computer these past few days. The library is a nice treat to get me out of house I guess.

I took the kids to story time today and it was a nice little group. I am branching out trying to make new friends. I even signed up to a mommy's group. My main fear that I am a bad mom and my kids are worse than I thought. After being stuck in my home for almost a year with two toddlers I have become afraid of people. I fear judgment. I had so much more confidence than I do now. These are the main reason I decided to change all that and get out and meet people. I always thought I could get by without having to need anyone. I have proven that is the wrong way to think. Once again I have to go due to my time limit.

Happy Knitting. By the time my computer is fixed I will have lots of stuff made to show.

Crash!!!!!

So my computer had a melt down and crashed. I am now at the library using there computer. Its a nice library they have so much stuff these days. I used to hate the library, I think it was because of the smell of the old books. So now everything is on hold and my hour to use the computer is almost up. That's all the time you get to surf the web and reply to emails. I have to say I am so lost without my computer. What did they do before computers? Yes, I was born when the first computer came out, but back then they were not so needed like they are today. I can't do anything unless I have the Internet. I can't pay my bills, apply for a job, check my bank account. It is so crazy. Well I better hurry only 20 mins left before I am kicked out.

Knit Knit Knit

So between looking for a job and being depressed, I just have to knit to calm my nerves. Knitting really is a therapy. If I keep my hands busy and focus on my creation I feel so calm. The best feeling comes from finishing your creation and knowing you made that. I have been playing around with a few ideas for new felted purse's. I have my yarn ready to knit new Funky Scarves and I am chomping at the bit to go go go. I have have A.D.D. when it comes to knitting, I think I get it from my mom. I start off pulling my yarn then all of the sudden I have piles of books around me with other thing I want to make. Next thing you know I spent the day looking at my yarn, needles and patterns and never get anything made. To help me I have set out the patterns and yarn with needles in individual zip lock bags. When I go in my yarn room I pick up a bag and start knitting, this keeps me from wondering off. Here are few of my new projects and after I felt them they will be up on essenceofara1@etsy.com The new collection is called "The Petite Fille Purse Collection" French for little girl. My 2 year old daughter whom I call the purse collector was my inspiration.

Happy Valentines Day

Valentines Day is tomorrow so in tribute to the romantic day I plan on picking a weed for my husband, it's what we can afford. My husband and I met 4 years ago on an airplane. We were both leaving a city close to our hometowns and headed in separate directions. I was going back to California and he was headed to Washington. While I was waiting to board the plane I noticed him, a very clean cut man. I right off the bat I thought he had a girlfriend. When it was time to board the plane he got on first and I gave up on the idea of meeting him. I was in the last group to board and to my surprise he was sitting alone by the window. Now I am a total window freak I hate the isle seats. I asked if the seat by the Isle was open and he said yes. I sat down and I ran through things in head of how I could start a conversation. He had a brace on so I asked him what happened and that's was all it took. When plane landed he had to stay on and I had to get off. Before I left I gave him my number and said if he was ever in California to call me. I immediately called my mom and told her all about him. He called his mom and told her he met her future daughter in law. Four months later after only talking on the phone we were engaged and One year later we were married. Funny part is both of us were not looking for love that day on the plane. We had both just given up the fact we would meet our soul mate. I guess it really is true that when you least expect it, it just comes naturally.

My New Oops

So I did pick up the needles and yarn again.. what can I say I can't help myself. I started a new poncho pattern for my daughter and yup made an oops. But hey I think it turned out pretty cool looking.


After I finished my poncho I went outside to freeze and read my book. The only place that gives me chance to hear my own thoughts, that was until an ambulance went by. It's odd how sounds take you back to a time and place. For me it was when my mom and I first moved to California. I was 10 and we lived in Burbank. The only place we could afford was this hotel type house. The place was furnished and it wasn't in the greatest neighborhood. Sirens going off was the norm. When it was cold and we couldn't afford heat my mom would heat the hair rollers and put them in my bed. Our dinner would be mac'n cheese or my favorite tuna casserole. The stress at 10 years old had gotten to me knowing we had no money and had not paid rent for three months. I spilt my cup of milk on the floor and just sat down and cried. My mom did her best to hide the situation and be positive but I knew otherwise. So we both sat there and cried together. That next day after school my mom picked me with our car loaded with all our belongings. No place to go and no money, this wasn't the first time we had to sleep in our car. We ate off a gas card from Chevron my grandparents loaned my mom. She had too much pride to tell them of our homeless situation. We slept in our car for a few days until a friend offered us a room in their home. When think back to those days it makes me sad. Life does throw those curve balls.

Just A Thought

Last night I watch the President Address and really wish I could offer my thoughts to the President. Congress should be laid off and then maybe they would move a little faster.Everyday I search the classifieds and find that my background doesn't hold a job. No degree and, even though I have tried to use financial aid to return to college just for certification I can't afford the cost that is not covered. I wish there was some way I could go back to school. Tucson has a limited supply of work. So I am looking at having to separate from my husband and travel else where to find a job. For how long though? It could be a month or even a year that my family will be torn apart. I know you do what you have to so you can make ends meet but I am hating this idea.Kick congress out and put everyday people in there, put people in who have nothing left, no money, no job, home taken away then you will see results. People are so desperate that more home invasions are happening. I am so afraid that I have planned out what I would do if this happened to me. I don't answer the door, I take the long way home and I pray every night to please keep us safe.

This guy my husband used to work with keeps showing up at our house asking us if he can borrower money. We can't pay our own bills and don't know if we will electricity next month you kidding me. The guy got fired because he fell on the job and got hurt, they claim he was drunk. He sent my husband a message last night, that he went to jail and his dad bailed him out. But he needs to pay his dad back and, since he promised his girlfriend he would fly her mom out he needs money for a plane ticket too. WOW!! This guy worries me. When I asked my husband why this guy knows where we live he said he told all the guys just in case anything ever happened to him.

It is the downward spiral and I am hoping that some relief for our family comes our way. There are people who are by far worse off than us. How do you save the world? I can't help but be emotional about the situation.

The hunt

So I put the yarn and needles down for now and I am on the Job hunt full time. Plus the poncho I was making was driving me crazy since I keep making mistakes. Finding a job is like finding a needle in a hay stack. I am having the hardest time I have been looking since last July and no luck. I am part of the cattle call waiting for my turn. The hardest part is finding a job that pays enough to cover day care for two children and enough to pays bills that continue stack up on my desk. No easy task. I have cried so much that my tears have dried up over this issue and now I am just frustrated. I keep searching for anything and hope to hear my phone ring.

Dreamer

Reality Shows are the best, for me that is. I am tuned in to the Bravo channel everyday. I have to see what these Chef's are cooking. What those rich housewives have done now, and of course project runway. I watch to escape and dream, I want to cook like that, and be rich with my own clothing line that's hot and chic. I am a DREAMER! I like to think of the what if factor and how can I get started now. For now I stand in line trying to make ends meet like everyone else is trying to do. I have applied for almost every job out there. Today I am still looking. I recently applied for a PCT and I am sitting by phone for the interview, this is one dream I want to come true. I would love to work in a hospital helping people my goal in the medical field is become an RN. I want to work in the NICU, I feel I have a real connection to the mothers since I have been where they are. I am young yet in society I am old, and trying to switch my career path so late in life is no easy task and the economic down fall doesn't help.

So I did start working on that poncho finally last night and even though I stared at the pattern all day I made an oops! What the ! Uhh This is a beginner pattern for goodness sakes and I made an oops. So I called my mom the guru for help, because it doesn't make since to me. The pattern wants me to knit and I don't have the right amount stitches. Ya there is something wrong. Time to rip out and start over I hate that part.

These Days

There are times like today I really miss being in CA. I miss being able to go over and visit with friends and family on days like this because I feel so alone. I smoke out of habit and boredom.I hate that I smoke and have quiet twice, so I know quiting the nasty habit isn't going to kill me. This day is boring. I have tons of knitting projects lined up and look forward to working on them, but its so lonely when you can't get the girls over to knit with you. I should clean, but today I am just not in the mood to do anything.

I pulled out this old pattern and yarn to make my daughter a poncho I have read over the pattern like 4 times now and just stare at the words. Nothing, no motivation to do anything. I did vacuum that took a lot. The dishes in the sink right now are driving me crazy knowing they are sitting there and will only pile up if not done now. Oh I am lazy today.

I did push my self to get to my sons doctors appointment on time for his check up for his helmet he wears. He has a condition that has a name I can not pronounce but basically his head is misshaped and the helmet helps round it out. He was a preemie and this was just one of many things I had to deal with and cry about.

I attempted to make a simple a appointment for my husband to see a doctor to follow up on his arm and and see if he will have to have yet another surgery to cut bone back. When he was injured by an IED he lost his elbow and there really isn't much they can do for him. He has no sense of feeling since the nerves are damaged. Well the bone is trying grow back, which he was told would happen and he might have to have the bone cut back so it doesn't come out of his skin. The appointment was no easy task it's not the same for normal people, I call and get asked a bunch of questions, and then all this info, and then you have to start here and wait for this and do this and then you can see a orthopedic doctor. Good GOD. I was so overwhelmed I was so lost when I hung up I wasn't sure what I signed him up for. I am thinking I wasn't the best person call.

It is so one of those days.

Red White & Blue

I have never been one to watch politics but I am glued to my TV over the inauguration. It's history in the making. I would think to be president would be the most exciting thing and scariest you have the weight of the world on your back. I can barley deal with the weight of family.The news reporters are funny they talk about everything right down to how many minuets the president and first lady walked in the parade today the first time was 8 minuets and the second time 7 minuets. That cracks me up. Makes you wounder will that be in a history book for our children to read, will they be tested on that? At least I feel better knowing I will able to answer the question. What's it like to be the president? Living in the White House would have to be pretty cool. I would have to run around and jump for joy just for being in it's presents. If those walls could talk, Right! I have never really traveled, I keep a list of places I want my children to see. I want them to live a full life of adventure, experience and gain knowledge from it. The White House is on my list of places for them to see.

Something nice to know The first lady has said that military families are going to be her first priority, Thank God. Those poor families need some help. Being a wife to a retired military man is no easy task. Even though I didn't go through the tears and sleepless nights while my husband was on the front line, I dealt with the after math of getting him home. I met my husband after he was injured in Iraq. You have a completely different language to learn and no it's not just the time. I had no clue what rank or unit meant. Even though I am not a military wife technically, the first thing you learn when you have a husband that's served in war is that you become one. The war for the guys never goes away they have to live with scares for the rest of their lives and you better find a way to handle the pressure of trying understand them. When they relive the war you relive the war with them you are their support. I cried the first time my husband broke down and told me what he went through. He's my hero.


Back tracking a little My husband and I met on an airplane and his arm was in this brace thing. I gave him my number before I got off the plane for my layover. Thinking he would never call. He did and we spent the next four months on the phone talking and then he came to see me and we fell in love. The next month he proposed and I said YES! We have been married for 3 years now. That was by far the best plane ride in my life.

Sewing in 2009

New things for this new year for me is to learn how to sew. I was watching Project Runway and decided that I was going to spread my creative horizon. Now I am no where near the caliber of those contestants on Project Runway, I will be happy sewing up jeans or a simple purse. With my new Christmas sewing machine my mom threw in some purse patterns and a sewing magazine called Sewing Savvy. I have to say I am so lost. I have no idea where to begin. Do I go buy fabric or should I read more so I know what to even buy. I have been doing my research on the Internet and watched a few You Tube clips on learning how to sew, but I feel a class would really help me grasp the concept better.
This is the case I got to put my sewing machine in. I love bags that have wheels. My dream home would have enough rooms for kids and guests, but my favorite room would be my yarn room. Yarn from floor to ceiling lining the walls and books galore. with a sewing table and a knitting machine, a crafter's dream. I picture the room being part of a guest house with a cottage like setting. A nice little get away from the main house which I am sure would be covered with toys, sort of like my house is now.For now my guests that come to stay are surrounded by my yarn and unable to hang their clothes in the guest closet due to my clear tubs holding even more yarn for future projects. Clutter every where in that room. Some days I go in there and pull everything out just look at all my yarn and my books, after a few hours I put it all back. For now I am waiting to win the lottery.

This is my closet full of yarn and books
This is a dresser that I use to store more yarn. This another dresser type thing I use to for my yarn and needles.

The Funky Scarf

My favorite thing to knit is what I call my "Funky Scarf". I combine the thread for the scarf with the colors and texture I want use and knit away. It's quick easy and I have a clear tub full of them. They make great gifts for family and friends. By now all my family and friends should all have their own tub full of them.

Reading and Writing Fundamentals

I love writing however I can't write. I am horrible with big words and as far as grammar, oh lord help me now! So I write how I talk .. ramble on and on with no breaks and sometimes not making much sense at all. Spell check is my best friend.When I was younger after school I would ask my mom to give a topic to write about, like the sky, a bunny rabbit, my shoes, whatever she could think of. I made up the lamest little stories.So you are pre-warned that I suck at this whole writing thing.

The last time I had a blog I made a comment about these handmade purse's that were being sold like hot cakes, just flying off the shelves. It wasn't a mean comment or anything just jealously I guess. Anyway that's how I found out you really are monitored on the Internet about what you say and who you talk about. I was totally freaked when I read the comment about my little vent ramp aid of jealously I kept looking at my computer waiting for the Internet police to jump out and scold me. So for me to mention a product or name will come rarely if I am not happy with it or jealous of it.

So on this note I am happy to report that even though it's taking me forever I am reading a book that has caught and keeps my attention. My good friend told me about it and one day my mom I were looking at knitting books and poof there it was. My mom was a little confused she was like where are all the patterns. I explained it much more than just patterns, it's a real book and the bonus is the patterns. She was still confused. Whatever mom .. I love you. I walked out that day with my new purchase. That night kids are asleep, Husband is occupied with his own thing I am in bed with my blanket and my book. I laughed my ass off this girl was funny, real, honest and I like her.When it comes to reading a book I find myself reading the same sentence over and over again. I have this mind that likes to picture things, so if it doesn't get the clear picture it won't move on to the next sentence. I had no problem getting the picture with her book. I am in aw of this woman's strength to over come the obstacles in her life. Wanna know what book I am talking about? I have one last thing to share if you are a knitter or not you should go out and buy this book ASAP. Crazy Aunt Purl's Drunk Divorced & Covered in Cat Hair by Laurie Perry. Get a glass of wine and read till 4am. I did!

My Pattern

My style of knitting is the lazy knitter. I love projects that are quick easy to follow and that felt. I have yet to attempt a purse that requires me to line it or add snaps. The purse featured in this blog entry was a one that took attention to detail and I did not give it that. The white part was supposed to be a skull. I clearly missed that one!

I love looking at all my books at the pretty patterns and things I wish I had time to make. It seems like every time I try it just doesn't turn out right. I think I give up mid way. I started making these way cool felted flowers that required extremely small needles. I got to the part that has me using 20 needles at once, my half finished flower now has a place in the pile of "To finish one day". See that's so lazy of me but I need more hands for that many needles and oh my gosh the stitch was making me go crossed eyed. So I stick to the basics easy knit and purl, big needles to med size, easy yarns, and a pattern I know by heart so when I put it down it doesn't matter what I just did cause I'll make up the rest as I go.

From The Beginning

I've been working on starting a blog for sometime now and it's died midway through every time. I love knitting even though I can crochet I feel I follow the patterns of knitter better. I have a bad habit working on any project that requires me to follow a pattern I tend to create my own pattern after the fourth row of purls. Then I end up with this funky purse or scarf that looks a little odd.

Having two children makes anything more complicated. Going to the grocery store, putting the mail in the mail box, reading a book, knitting and having to follow a pattern(that's probably why my purse is lopsided), just about anything I do I must learn to do with one hand, and not having to pay attention to it. Knitting is a challenge. When the kids take a nap I go into turbo speed, I do it all in a hour clean, read, knit, quiet time, shower,eat, and sneak a glass of wine in if it's been a bad day. By bad day I am talking about those days when nothing makes your 2yr old and 9 mo old happy or stop crying.

I learned how to knit and crochet from my mom who at times lacked patience. My mom has been a very crafty person ever since I can remember. She always knitted and crochet, but ventured out and taught me how to make soaps, bath salts, oils, candles, and many other things I don't think there is anything out there she hasn't tried to make. My mom is my knitting guru.

Recently I moved away from California, I moved away from what I've known for years, my familiar areas, family and friends. Now living in Arizona I am learning California people have nothing on these people. I blame the heat for their meanness or maybe it's because there isn't much to do here and no one can escape the desert. California was perfect in my opinion you could drive an hour and be somewhere completely different almost like being on a vacation, my husband disagrees. He couldn't wait to get away from California, but that's because where he was raised it's completely different. A small town setting where everyone is nice and everyone knows your name. I am familiar with the small town living my hometown was only an hour away from his, but I moved to California when I was 10 years old so I adjusted to my surroundings easier. He never did. So when things got tough in the mortgage industry and I was looking at losing my job soon as a escrow processor I was thinking maybe we should get out before things get too bad. Not so lucky I was pregnant and just my luck my son came earlier, my husband lost his job before me, and our mortgage was way too much. So two months after my son was born we moved.

So here I am in Tucson unfamiliar with anything or anyone starting over. This is my new beginning.