In case anyone's been wondering, I'm still alive. I've been doing some sewing, some collage work, making postcards, and dispensing lots of advice. I haven't had time to take pictures of everything, but that will come later.
Biggest news first: Kevin is being transfered to Anchorage Alaska! It was a great opportunity that came up, and he asked to be considered for the job. He found out last week that its official, and he's going on his house hunting trip next week. Oh, the emotions - we're so happy and excited - he's excited and nervous - Tara is excited and scared - its a big step in their lives! Tara will keep working through July, then they'll get married in August as already planned. After their honeymoon (a Sandals resort in Jamaica) they'll fly back to Texas to pick up their dog, and then fly to Anchorage.
He has a million questions, and I try to give him good advice when he asks for it. The relocation service through his company handles almost everything, so he's bouncing ideas off of me about housing and the incidental things. (I'm honored that he asks my opinion on these things, and that he wants to talk things through with me - its kind of like I'm his smartest friend!) We've been e-mailing townhouse listings back and forth and talk on the phone two or three times a day - time consuming but I'm enjoying doing this with him. He's a planner - trying to figure out things like cell-phone service, banking, working on his budget, setting up appointments to look at properties next week - I know its better to be that way than being passive about it, but he's pretty uptight right now. He will learn with time and experience which things need to be done first. :)
I've also been doing some sewing - mostly finishing quilt tops that I've made and working on projects in my quilting group. Last month we made rag flower quilts, and next month we're making patriotic bullseye quilts. We swap some of our block pieces - it adds so much variety to everyone's quilts. I've got several quilt tops to quilt for the female soldiers this quarter also (for our service project). I'm quilting one now, and will have the others done by the end of May. I'm also in a postcard exchange, and I've been working on those when I just have a few minutes to play. They're all together - I'm satin-stitching the edges now. I like making postcards - they're great for experimenting with techniques.
I'm sadly behind on the 12x12x12 challenge and have also fallen by the wayside on my weight-loss program. (here's the part where I flog myself for all my inadequacies) I've now got just 3 months till that wedding, and am starting to worry about shopping for the MOG dress. I don't want it to be a size 22. I've started walking several different times, but my knee problems flare up. It hurts pretty much all the time now. It may be time for a steroid injection, but I sure hate those. I'm considering starting Curves - does anyone do that? Its not high-impact, is it? I'd have to work it into my schedule - they aren't open in the evenings so I'd have to be sure to get off work early enough.
As always, advice is appreciated! (((hugs)))
So glad I'm not alone! I have been swamped trying to get samples made for upcoming shows, classes and Shop Hop here at the quilt shop, life in general, etc. and I am so woefully behind on my journal quilting and blogging. I also can't manage to lose 10 darned pounds (though I could drop 30 and still be amply sized). Good luck with the wedding preparations.
Posted by: The Carolina Quilter | May 17, 2007 at 08:13 AM
Hi Jeri!!!
I have been watching your blog and I am glad that everything is going well. I remember when Kevin was just starting college, now he is going to be a married man living in Alaska. It is going to be a big change after living in Texas! Good luck on the exercise, I definately understand knee pain!
Posted by: Teri | April 30, 2007 at 03:14 PM
HI Geri!!! I recieved your beautiful postcard from the meme...thank you sew much...love it!!! Suz from NJ
Posted by: SuZ | April 25, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Nice to see you surface again!
Posted by: Debra Spincic | April 25, 2007 at 09:52 AM
Hi Gerry, I joined Curves last fri. If the one near you is anything like mine you will love it. It's very low impact and I can't believe how quickly 30 min passes. I have knee problems too and so I am just taking it slowly on the jogging/walking in place between machines. I walk on my own treadmill before at home and cool down after there. The people are so nice and best of all...everyone there is older than me(58)you should see these babes move-I'm in awe
Posted by: dee | April 25, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Curves is fantastic. It is not high impact and it helps me lose when nothing else does, of course, I have to eat properly at the same time, but it seems to trigger the metabolism to burn up the calories faster when you do it 3 times a week for a few weeks and then continue.
I sympathize with things flairing up and messing up your walking, I've been having the same problem. The best thing about Curves is that they make you feel comfortable about being there.
Posted by: Granny Fran | April 24, 2007 at 07:35 PM
Wow, what a list. LOL. Deep breaths...it will all come together :-)
Posted by: Gerry | April 24, 2007 at 04:31 PM