Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Holy snowbanks, Batman!

I know we all wanted a white Christmas but this is getting ridiculous. Lizzie and I just spent close to an hour shoveling snow and we are tired.

Lizzie and her friends are working on building a sledding hill in our front yard. With all this snow, they just might be successful.

After 8 years of living in Alberta, I have finally broke down and bought some winter boots, I mean the kind that come above my ankle and are not purely for fashion! And I finally learned that feet CAN be warm in the winter!

Oliver has had enough and is demanding that we send him somewhere with less snow.

Want to know another way to annoy your cat? Throw him in the snow and watch how fast he can get back into the house. And laugh your head off.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

99 things

I saw this meme on Simple Sparrow today. I've done a lot of things so far!

Things you've already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven't done and don't want to: leave in plain font

1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band - school band (I played the flute)
4. visited hawaii - times 2!
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to disneyland/world - more than I wanted to
8. climbed a mountain - it was a little mountain, but still
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo - my school music teacher never let me sing a solo, something about me not singing well?
11. bungee jumped- hmmm, maybe
12. visited paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea - lightning sort of scares me
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child - I would love to adopt but hubbie will never agree
16. had food poisoning
17. walked to the top of the statue of liberty
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the mona lisa in france - very small
20. slept on an overnight train - from Nice to Paris (and I was very sick with a cold.)
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch hiked - not the best of decisions in my life, but it was an experience
23. taken a sick day when you’re not ill - I NEEDED to finish my Diana Gibaldan book
24. built a snow fort - heck yeah
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden a gondola in venice
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or sunset
31. hit a home run - yeah this is not ever going to happen for me, I'm lucky if I can hit the ball
32. been on a cruise
33. seen niagara falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors - does England count? my grandma was a war bride
35. seen an amish community
36. taught yourself a new language - my attempts at learning Spanish this year haven't worked out
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied - I always find we never have enough money, but I'm pretty satisfied with life
38. seen the leaning tower of pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing - just a little bit, I want to do more
40. seen michelangelo's david in person
41. sung karaoke - there were a few Long Island Iced Teas involved
42. seen old faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. visited africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance - and I hope I never do
47. had your portrait painted
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the sistene chapel in person
50. been to the top of the eiffel tower in paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkelling - snorkelling
52. kissed in the rain - why have I never done this?
53. played in the mud - must do more of this
54. gone to a drive-in theatre - with my mom & dad in my pjs when I was little
55. been in a movie - I was an extra in a Dutch movie, it was on tv one day, but I think my scene got cut
56. visited the great wall of china
57. started a business - I was self-employed as a business consultant for six (boring) months
58. taken a martial arts class - I might
59. visited russia
60. served at a soup kitchen - or some other volunteer thing
61. sold girl scout cookies - we don't have Girl Scouts here, only Brownies & Girl Guides and yes, I sold the cookies and ate them too
62. gone whale watching
63. gotten flowers for no reason
64. donated blood - I tried once but they accidently hit a nerve when they inserted the needle and I've been afraid ever since
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a nazi concentration camp
67. bounced a cheque - unfortunately
68. flown in a helicopter - from Vancouver to Victoria and back, it was fun
69. saved a favorite childhood toy - I have my favourite doll from when I was little, minus a foot
70. visited the lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar - yeah I like all that stuff
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in times square
74. toured the everglades
75. been fired from a job - I was leaving anyway, but still!
76. seen the changing of the guard in london
77. broken a bone - touch wood
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the grand canyon in person
80. published a book - I have an idea in my head but I'm not sure if I have the courage to write it
81. visited the vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper  - I'm pretty sure I was in my hometown local paper for something, maybe a colouring contest
85. read the entire bible
86. visited the white house
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating - no
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone’s life - I guess my nursing work contributes to this on every shift
90. sat on a jury - never had the opportunity
91. met someone famous - I met this lady in a video that I saw in one of my nursing classes
92. joined a book club - some day, maybe now that I'm done school
93. lost a loved one - my grandparents
94. had a baby 
95. seen the alamo in person 
96. swum in the great salt lake
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee

Toni added a disclaimer on her blog after this meme which I thought was a really good idea. I would enjoy visiting a lot of the places mentioned, but they are not on my own "To Do" list. That's my disclaimer!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Spoiler Alert: Christmas Gifts

Okay, if you are related to me and don't want to know what you could possibly be getting for Christmas, stop reading now...

I tried to economize this year and make a lot of presents myself. However, I wasn't able to start until December 20th, so it's lucky that anyone is getting anything at all. It's been a busy couple of days, but all presents are now finished, wrapped, and waiting under the tree. Except for the cats of course. Verdict is still out on whether they will get anything for Christmas (bad cats).

Hand-sewn shopping bags from a pattern in The Craftster's Companion. I used all materials from my stash. Vintage sheets and old curtain fabric. I even had matching thread. I embroidered the words..."save a bag...save a planet" on each one. Nice and vague I think!

They even fit into their own little self-contained pocket.

I also made a bunch of these coffee cozies to give away. Teacher, coach, piano teacher, and maybe a few family members each get one. I got cups from Tim Hortons and put a gift certificate inside each one. Tim Hortons is not my favourite coffee, but it is probably considered our National Beverage, so that's what everyone gets. 

Miss Lizzie got into the spirit too. These little boxes contain her handmade offering. She chose the packaging herself and paid for everything too! Red for girls and green for boys. She felt it was important that everyone also get a candy cane. She knows it's all in the details.

And inside...little snow people. She made one for everyone in our family and they are all personalized with details specific to each person. She's my girl!

Now all that's left is to clean up and go shopping for Christmas brunch supplies. Oh and embroider those napkins so they match my holiday table (even I think that's crazy).

Honestly, Boxing Day I'm doing NOTHING, except curl up with a good book and probably lots of coffee.


Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Holiday Homes Tour

Welcome to my holiday home. I was so busy yesterday that I forgot to post for the tour over at Jen on the Edge.

So a day late I guess, but here's my home. 

I took this picture today, just moments after I stuck this wreath on the front door. Normally my decorating is complete at the beginning of the month, but this December has been a whirlwind and nothing has gone as planned or normal.

Our little Charlie Brown tree. This is the second one we've put up. A few weeks ago we noticed a burning smell coming from the tree, so we ripped it down and tossed it outside. This new tree is the type of tree you get when everything else is already sold out. It's about 5.5 ft tall so I put it on a stool to raise it up. At least we've got lots of room for presents. Our style of tree decorating consists of some coloured balls, some homemade ornaments, and then our yearly commemorative ornaments. I started the collection when Lizzie was born and we try to get something that symbolizes what happened during the year. 

This Angel is from our Hawaiian Christmas in 2003. I'm missing the sand and warmth right now.

These are my favourite decorations. A Santa and Snowman from Pier One Imports a few years ago. They always make me smile. The smaller Santa is a stocking holder for Lizzie's stocking.

A selection of handmade stockings from years past.

And an Angel, sans candle. I haven't put everything out yet, I guess.

These are two Snowmen I painted years ago. I love painting ceramics. Very therapeutic.

Thanks for coming by. Be sure to check our Jen's blog for some other holiday house tours.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Club Little House Reveal

I've been sitting on these photos since mid-November and I just cannot stand it anymore.

Remember these little boxes from before? 

Contained in these beribboned cardboard boxes are 12 Romantic Picnic sets.

All the ingredients for a lovely day at the park for two sweethearts including a bouquet of flowers.

This is the whole set with blanket so the duo don't get their clothing dirty. The menu includes apples, bread, and donuts (inside the white box). I used some scraps of old flour sacking to make the reusable shopping bag for the produce and bread. Glasses, plates, and bottles of wine came from a dollhouse supplier.

Notice the Tiffany blue? I think a proposal might be part of the afternoon. What a lucky dollhouse girl!

More shots of the edibles. I printed the white takeout container for the donuts from Jim's Dollhouse Minis

I hemmed 1" squares of white linen and embroidered cherries on one corner. Crazy, I know.

This was way more work that I had expected, mainly because I kept getting inspired with more details. I ALMOST made 12 miniature corkscrews, but I was running short on time.

Some of the Club Little House members have already received parcels full of amazing handmade dollhouse items. I can't wait until mine comes. Hopefully before Christmas! 

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Sack Boy

A few weeks ago, my friend Saucy sent out a plea for help creating a Sack Boy doll for her daughter, Loopy, for Christmas. Being a crafty knitter, I eagerly agree. It took me a little longer than I anticipated, but here he is--Sack Boy in all his glory.

I'm not sure if he's supposed to wear a scarf, but the cold weather and snowy days made me think he might need one. Plus, it's an awfully jaunty look, don't you think?

Bye Sack Boy, we'll miss you.

Monday, December 15, 2008

One Word Meme

I might have post-graduation let down or maybe I'm just tired from working last night. It feels very strange around here. Like after Christmas. All the relatives have gone home, Lizzie is sick, and we are just hanging out. I guess we need a little downtime.

So I'm playing around on the computer. Waking up. Catching up on some blogs. And doing this meme I found at So Not Zen.

Where is your cell phone? purse
Where is your significant other? work
Your hair color? brown
Your mother? healthy
Your father? talkative
Your favorite thing? books
Your dream last night? none
Your goal? employment
The room you're in?livingroom
Your hobby? crafts
Your fear? mice
Where do you want to be in six years? beach
Where were you last night? work
What you're not? 20
One of your wish-list items? vacation
Where you grew up? Alberta
The last thing you did? blogged
What are you wearing? housecoat
Your TV? off
Your pet? cats
Your computer? Mac
Your mood? content
Missing someone? yes
Your car? cold
Something you're not wearing? socks
Favorite store? PuddingYarn
Your summer? missed
Love someone? husband
Your favorite color? green
When is the last time you laughed? yesterday
Last time you cried? Friday

Sunday, December 14, 2008

The real me

Now this is an argument for getting professional studio photos. I came out of Friday's event without ONE decent picture of me in my uniform.

The lighting was CRAPPY and every picture is a much shinier and uglier version of me with bad hair.  At least the narcissistic version of me thinks so. However, I was clearly very happy that day, even though my darling girl was too sick to be there. 

All is good now. I can finally put school behind me (except for that pesky national registration exam in February) and enjoy my life.

Thank you for the good wishes. And I just want to answer a few of your questions...

- No I will not be wearing my nursing cap at work. I have visions of it falling off into someone's nasty incision, or something even worse.
- My mom bought me some new really fun scrubs to wear to work. I love the scrubs. Imagine wearing your pajamas to work. That's jut how it is.
- I don't think they permit the "bedazzling" of nursing uniforms. But that would be SO MUCH FUN. And has just given me a fun Christmas idea!

Thanks again. I feel like a virtual cheering squad has been behind me these past few months.

Friday, December 12, 2008

I'm a nurse!

How do you like my shoulder pads?

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Graduation Day

Tomorrow I won't be wearing a mortarboard, but I will be wearing a smart little nursing dress and marching across stage to get my hat and nursing pin. Wow.

Somehow I managed to agree to give the student address at the ceremony. Sort of like valedictorian speech, but I'm not calling it that.

Want to read my speech?

"Standing on this stage today represents the end of a journey for us. My personal journey began more than six years ago when I decided to become a nurse. It took me a long time to discover what I wanted to do with my life. One day, after listening to me recount a particularly grueling and unfulfilling day of work, my ever-patient husband challenged me to choose my dream career, without consideration to educational requirements or job options. Without really thinking about it, I said I wanted to be a nurse. It was not something I’d ever considered, but once I said those words I understood that it was the perfect job for me. And the decision was made. I was to become a nurse.

Three years, three months, eights days, and about 4 hours ago (not that I was keeping track) I attended orientation in a small classroom in the Health Studies wing at this college, with this group of individuals sitting before you. I was more than a little nervous and somewhat confused and terrified. Plus, I was sure I’d be the oldest person in the room. However, I quickly learned that despite differences in ages and backgrounds, we were united in our desire to make a difference in the world, to become nurses.

In the months and years following that day, we were completely immersed in our clinical rotations, exams, lectures, term papers, and group projects. We quickly learned that nursing school consumed our thoughts and time. But we were in it together. We cried together and laughed together—both equally unforgettable. When we got together as a group, our conversations revolved largely around school and school-related activities. Our friendships sustained us through the long hours of preparing for exams and endless term papers and group projects. In one of my earliest clinical experiences, a staff member asked us how long we’d all been friends, because we’d obviously worked together for a long time. She was surprised to discover that this was our first time working as a group. And that’s the way it’s been throughout. In every situation, good and bad, there has always been room for laughter.

And here we are today, finally finished with this program. I’m looking forward to a new journey as a nurse, as I’m sure we all are, but now that I’m here, I find myself feeling slightly saddened at the loss of my student identity, at not seeing my school friends everyday. However, I am confident that the friendships I’ve made are forever. I am so proud to be associated with this incredible group of new nurses.

Congratulations to you all and the best of luck in your careers."


Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Advent

A few years ago, I abandoned store bought advent calendars in favour of the homemade variety. I created a poster board with 25 pockets into which I placed notes for an activity or small gift or special announcement. It was met with instant success and set the tone for every Christmas since.

Lizzie desperately wanted a Christmas tree in her room this year, so I introduced the Advent Tree. Everyday I tie a new handwritten note to one of the branches of this white flocked tree. So far we've had evenings of special hot chocolate and crafting afternoons. 

This little house was the activity from last Sunday. Clever girl that I am, I purchased a Martha Stewart house kit on sale last year and promptly put it away for this year. I put it away so well, that I have NO idea where it is. This little house was made following a pattern from BHG and is a collaborative design between Lizzie and I. Maybe we should become architects?

Monday, December 8, 2008

A winter wonderland

Yesterday Miss Lizzie and I walked to a friend's house for a Christmas Party. She was lamenting the lack of snow for this time of a year as it rained lightly on our heads. 

When I returned a few hours later to pick up Lizzie, it was snowing! We woke up to this wintry wonderfulness this morning. I love the look of snow before there are any footprints.
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I have been busy since I finished school trying to finish all of my various projects. I confess that I am a little late on my Sassy Apron this month.

This is my submission for the Sassy Apron Swap - Winter Edition. I went with the Gingerbread People theme! Embroidered designs matched perfectly with the candy stripe fabric I got at the quilting store (still boycotting Fabricland!).

I put some extra goodies in the box. Some candy gingerbread men, gingerbread printed baking cups, Christmas baking buttons, and a foam gingerbread man to assemble. The recipe I enclosed with it? Gingerbread People of course.