Back to the ordinary

  I've been out of sorts lately, trying to figure myself out. The whole student, mother, employee, thing has been something I've struggled with and I always forget that this is where I work most of it out.:) Aren't you so glad you can eaves drop on my brain?
Undoubtedly, the whole school thing has taken up most of my time this year, and I hate that it has. I have friends that I miss, and blogging friends across the country that have been nice enough to not drop me for my inconsistent postings. It's not that I'm trying to do too much, it's that I'm not a very good time manager. That's a terrible admission for someone who is looking to be in a health field, but true nonetheless. Lately I've looked at that quilt on the wall and wish it were done. Maybe it's not done because I don't know if or when I could possibly start the next project. I've done some pretty lame things during spring break from my school like: watch House, Horders, and pretend I'm watching Being Human with Hunnybunny. (I just don't get that show!) I've also been on Facebook more than I'd care to admit and mostly because it's quick and easy. I've never managed to do the quick and easy for very long without consequences.  And I do like Facebook, heck- if it weren't for that I may have no clue what's going on with my family. It's handy when I want to "talk" to Hollywood down in Tennessee as you know that teenagers stay on it. They'll sit for hours instant messaging you, but fall short when it comes to real conversation. I miss him very much so I'll keep on with it.
The Legal Adult has had his share of growing pains this year, and between work, school, and my crew at home, I've been carving out more time to see him. In fact, he and Sweet Thing took me out for a nice dinner last week. Miracles never cease.

And then there's the Dyl Pickle, who's growing faster and faster, and with all that I'm doing, I don't want to miss it. His birthday falls just as school starts, so we bought him an early birthday present..a new bike! He is riding now without training wheels and it's so cute to see. I think I've mentioned before that The Legal Adult doesn't drive? He actually owns 5 bikes and was generous enough to give me one last week so I could "ride with Pickle".

I wonder what I was thinking when I accepted it...sigh. I haven't been on a REAl bike in 25 years! So, it's kind of like we're both learning how to ride.   

I'm having trouble figuring out the gears. And I don't have a helmet. Do you HAVE to wear a helmet these days?

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Life Compartmentalization at its Best

This year I didn't make resolutions. I knew I couldn't live up to them. But I did look at how I was spending my time,
First and foremost, as a student. In fact, I have so compartmentalized this aspect of my life that I'm boring everyone with it. To remedy this, and to perhaps connect with other older nursing students, I created a new blog, Midlife Nursing Crisis. Yeah, I can guess what you are thinking: "She hasn't made time for this blog, why create another?" Mostly, I wanted to get back to the "normal person" aspect of this blog. I started this to get some stuff out, and keep a record of what's been going on. I have not made time for it, and many things which could have been addressed in this forum went to the attic of my mind. And there's enough stuff there already. To be honest, I've been compartmentalizing my life a lot lately. It's almost as if I can hear the gears switch in my head when I'm doing it. For example, when in "Wife 101" mode, I try to stick with those things that most wives deal with; bills, husband, kids, laundry, dogs,financial stability, "what's- for-supper-honey?, etc.  As a student, it's all about what is on the next test, did I get those transcripts? Am I going to have a GPA that's competitive enough against all these younger students? Labs, reading, red tape....you get the picture.
Basically, I am going to another blog to grouse about school. Don't wonder if I've quit school if you don't read anything about it here. If you're curious, head to Midlife Nursing Crisis. You'll find all the sorted details of that part of my life.
The Jury is Still Out is still my playground for quilting, life experiences, and general catching up, so I'm endeavoring to make this split to retrieve some of that fun while I jump through the nursing school admission hoops. Thanks for listening. Y'all are the absolute best!

If it wasn't this, it would be something else.

Well, about school, anyway. So, here we are about 4 weeks from the end of the first semester, and I find that my credits from my first school (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth!) did NOT transfer. The accreditation is the problem. My school was accredited, just not from the same organization as the community college I attend now. I actually have an A.A. from the same group of schools that my new school is a part of. But because of the credits, the jury is still out on if they will even consider them.
I've decided to go the LPN route as I'm pretty sure I would be put on a two-year wait list. There are several LPN to RN Bridge programs in my area so I will look into those.
Spring break came and went without a hitch. Now...this week, we have the nice weather! As far as quilting goes, I do miss it everyday. I've got to find time to "schedule it in" . I miss it too much. While I struggle with trying to be all things to all people, quilting is the one thing I don't have to be to anyone but myself. And truthfully, I miss blogging. I miss reading blogs. I've always felt like I could circle the globe virtually by reading your blogs. Priorities, priorities......

Top Ten Reasons Why You Haven't Heard From Me

Every time I sit down for even one minute of me time...bam....I have to get up and see who is screaming; find out if there is blood; and then lose my seat at the computer. But I have missed you all, as you are there keeping me sane. Since Michael Jackson's death, there's been a lot going on. So I'll give you my top ten reasons why you haven't heard from me:

10. The Enter Button is messed up, AGAIN. So, when I push it down, it keeps going, and going, and ...you get the picture.

9. I've been completely mesmerized by the media frenzy associated with the death of the King of Pop. I don't know if it's that I got to watch old videos and reminisce or just hypnotized in the masses. Maybe it was the fact that the guy was all of 4 years older than me and it freaked me out! I even watched the memorial service and blown away that it was on the big 3 networks.

8. I keep falling asleep on the couch every night. With the onslaught of summer vacation, The Pickle has been given permission by his dad to stay up past his regular bedtime. That's all well and good for Hunnybunny, but I hang out with kids all day: it would be nice to know that EVENTUALLY I'll be an adult at least for part of the day.

7. I haven't felt I had anything profound to say. Lame, I know. But awfully true. Some of my old blogging buddies fell off the face of the earth because they felt like they had blogged their last. I didn't want to do that. Technically, blogging is a diary. Maybe I don't have anything profound to say to myself. It wouldn't be the first time.

6. I'm consumed with a wedding. My best friend's daughter is getting hitched in 5 weeks! Guess who's the DJ? Moi. Yes, it's been since 1993, but I think I can do it. The music for this shindig is a little...eclectic at best. Hope I can mix it well enough.

5. I've been kind of depressed. Mostly, because my family wasn't all together. Well, that excuse isn't going to hold water because I picked him up Saturday. A little early, maybe, but I think he missed me.

4. My schizophrenic sewing habits have gotten in the way, too. Okay, I'm most definitely a quilter. But, I've been exploring making my own clothes. Am I doing it to avoid quilting, or just simply need something to wear. Hey, I made pleats for the first time in my life this past weekend! Was I stoked! But I keep wasting time, going back and forth.

3. Exhaustion. Enough said there. I leave the house to go Nanny for Jo-Jo and Idgy at 8:00 am. Sometimes Pickle comes along. Most of the time the Diva shows up. It can be anywhere from 2 to 4 kids in a hurry. I leave around 4:30 or so, but then there's supper to make, or I collapse in a chair, or take out Fiona. See what I mean?

2. So many of my blogger friends have left. This really bothers me. I go to read their blog and read, "Blog not found". Then I worry. Say what you want, bloggers are a tight bunch. We pour our hearts out to readers, and we get into their lives via the Internet. I miss them when they leave. See reason 8.

But probably the biggest reason I haven't been a good blogger:

1. FACEBOOK! How addicting is it to find old college and high school friends and give them a synopsis of what we have been doing for the last 20 year? Or maybe one of those stupid quizzes that we can't seem to stop doing. While I enjoy FACEBOOK, I really love the blogging community more.

Resolution or Revelation? Thinking out loud...

I'm not really one for resolutions or publicly detailing them. I guess I always feel like if I don't make it, it's right here in black and white. Or pixels. But we've been together a while now, so I'll risk it and let you know what I'd like to change in 2009.

1. More time with God. You know, the Creator of the Universe took out time in His busy schedule to see to it that I walked on the earth, the least I can do is hang out with Him and study His word to hear what He has to say.

2. More family time. This one is actually in the works. Hunnybunny changed jobs so we could actually see him and it's worked out well. Maybe a camping trip would be cool?

3. More quilting time. Oh, yeah, I get the same 24 hours as you, but apparently I'm not using them so well in this arena. It's a crying shame to have FIVE, count 'em, FIVE sewing machines and not use them. I also have every gadget a quilter could ask for so I'm thinking I'm afraid of failure. Ever put off doing something because you're afraid you reek at it?

4. More blog time. Negligent doesn't quite cover it. I've been backing off lately and some of it has to do with the time factor. Some has to do with me thinking maybe there isn't anything else to say. But some of you know that I usually don't EVER run out of things to say...;). And truthfully, I'm writing this blog for me. It's so cool that you all read and comment, (and I appreciate it very much!) but I write to let this stuff out of my heart and head so I don't forget. And sometimes, so I won't carry it around.

So maybe this list isn't as much of a resolution list as it is a time management wake-up call. Perhaps getting organized would make some of this fall into place? I'll give it a shot.

The Highlights of 2008

...and considering Father Time has been on me all year, I'm looking forward to 2009. I would say, "Can things get any worse?" But sure as I do, things will get worse. And I just don't want to jinx it.

My Top Ten highlights from 2008:

10.The long-awaited Dark Knight came into theaters. Unfortunately,in January, Heath Ledger died. That was really sad. So young.

9. Met Jim Caviezel in April.

8. Got to see my husband more in 4 months (with his new job) than in the two years he was with his other job.

7. Watched as America elected a new president.

6. Finished the Boy Scout Quilt for Chip.

5. Finished the quilt top for "Stars Fell on Alabama" quilt for Grandma Hunnybunny.

4. Reconnected with a lot of old friends on Facebook.

3. Got a Minnesota Treadle from 1904 for $10!

2. Watched The Legal Adult become gainfully employed.

1. Put another son in kindergarten and lived to tell the tale.

By the way, I hope and pray for your family a Happy New Year!

WIP Wednesday: Shirt off my back

Pickle took this picture, not bad if I do say so myself. Maybe he's going to be the next blogger in the family. Heaven forbid!

So, here's Simplicity 2898

Now, this is what it was supposed to look like:












I will not beat myself up for such obvious mistakes, but I am grateful to have only spent $4 on the fabric. My buddy Robin says make another while the iron is hot. So, stay tuned.

Rules for socks

I don't claim to be an expert on men, but let me tell you about a recent phenomenon I found....there are rules regarding the wearing of socks. Since Hunnybunny and I married in 2002, these rules have dominated and I was totally unaware of them. Finally, I asked him to break the silence so we can all be educated.

Top Ten Rules for Wearing Men's Socks

1. Socks can match either the shirt or pants.

2. Hunnybunny prefers that they match the pants because they blend in better.

3. You wear causal or dress socks with casual or dress shoes.

4. Never with sneakers.

5. Don't wear athletic socks with casual shoes. (running socks with oxfords)

6. Never wear dress socks with sneakers.

7. If you wear black shoes, then you wear black socks.

8. And if you wear white sneakers, then you need white socks.

9. You can wear patterned dress socks with solid dress suit.

10. And the cardinal rule is: Don't wear tube socks with shorts.

Also here's a link to some style rule commandments.

Quilt Everyday.....with us!

The Quilting Diva is challenging us to Quilt Everyday. That has always been my dream anyway, so I'm in.

Tag....I'm it.

I've been tagged by The Passionate Quilter, a new blogging friend, whose handle I don't know. My apologies.

DA RULES:

1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.

2. Post THE RULES on your blog.

3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.

4. Tag 7 people and link to them.

5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

The first random or weird fact about me is that I used to be a disc jockey back in the 80's. You know, when all the girls' hair was the 'closer to God than you' bit. Played top 40...it was my favorite job.

Next would be I had seven step-fathers. My mother was beautiful, what can I tell you? She just never found the right guy.

My husband claims I have an affinity with Darth Vadar as I am a Hosehead....a CPAP patient.

I didn't get a permanent driver's license until I was 32 years old. Drove on my learner's permit all that time.

I have sons 22, 12, and 4. Is that random enough for you?

I could live on the beach the rest of my life, but would have to wear 60 spf sunscreen as I burn very easily. But, I'd do it.

I really love vegetables. I'm a closet vegetarian.

I tag Deborah, Angela, Leanne, Suzanne,Leah and anybody else who doesn't mind getting tagged again!

Since it's Valentine's.....

here's some love for Grandma Hunnybunny from your favorite little man!


This is kind of a new face....


This is making valentine cards with the Amazing Jo-Jo.




And what Dyl Pickle post would be complete without the appearance of Spiderman? Pickle is wearing The Rock Star's ("Bubbie's") shirt.

Heath Ledger is dead.

No, I'm not kidding. I feel like someone just kicked me in the gut. I really thought someone was pulling my leg, that this was a very elaborate joke, but all sources confirm that Heath Ledger, of A Knight's Tale, The Patriot, Monster's Ball, Casanova, and most recently, The Dark Knight, died today. Here's the link from the New York Times. Rest in peace, Heath.

Giveaway at Lara Berch's blog!

Dubiquilts turned me on to this site: Lara Berch Tutorials. She's having a really cool giveaway, so go see her.

Tagged with a Meme

Well, Ms. Debra tagged me last week. I'm just now getting around to her meme.

Even more than you wanted to know about me:

1. I am such a creature of habit. Got to have my cup of Joe every morning, or it's a bad morning, if you know what I mean. Fortunately, I married a coffee addict as well. And hey, Starbucks is within walking distance! You can't beat that.

2. I used to be a "disc jockey" back in the '80's. It was a top 40 station at the time with a living legend, and doing overnights in front of him.Fairly intimidating. But he's been around forever. Jocks are now called "AP"'s (On Air Personality). Disc jockey then meant you cued up your own records, did your own commercials, and filled out your logs. I'm not sure if they even use logs anymore. Hunnybunny was a jock, too. He worked for was a Christian stations.
This is the job I still dream about at night. If it's been a long day, I have dreamed of picking out records, doing commercials, and actually talking on the air. I guess I still miss it, but I'm a little old to go back. Once you've been in radio, it's like a disease...it's in your blood and it never goes away.

3. I have this thing about the ocean. I want to live there someday. Don't know if I'll get to. What's funny is that the boys don't really care for it much.

4. This is the first time I've ever been "unemployed"...since I was 15! That is, going to a formal job, not keeping children like I do now. I really like it. But it took a lot of getting used to. The little boy I keep, (The Amazing Jo-Jo) will be off to preschool with the Dyl Pickle this fall. His newborn brother, Idgy, will be coming in June. So, three days a week I'll have one, and two days a week I'll have 3!

5. It's killing me watching the Rock Star get more mature. His voice is changing, he's getting a mustache, and truthfully, he really doesn't NEED me. He just chooses me, and that's pretty cool.

6. The Legal Adult has really come full circle. I'm so proud of him. I was proud of him, anyway, but he didn't believe it. He turns 22 on Monday, and I'm feeling a little nostalgic about my baby. I was just a kid when I had him, (21 about to be 22)and now he's half my age.

Anyway, that's all I can think of.

Bloggers make the media

I know I'm not telling any of bloggers out there anything new, but I thought this story was pretty interesting. The Libby Trial is going to be the first to allow bloggers in Court alongside reporters. Here's the ABC News story of on Robert Cox of Media Bloggers Association covering the trial of Scooter Libby.

I guess if You tube can get the attention of the media, maybe the times "they are 'a changin'".