Trying something new

In all the changes to my world I have been going through I have been trying to post but it takes a couple weeks to finish one! I enjoy the process of writing it down as it slows down my thoughts and I can understand more what is going on. I have deleted some drafts as they are older and unfinished. I was thinking that what I will try is eventually finish writing out my thoughts and post it to the day I started it. Lets see how it works out.

Jewels and troubles

I finally have all the jewelery making stuff I own in one place. I had some mixed in my toolbox, with my knitting stuff, in one of my vanity drawers in my bedroom and some beads in of my cigar boxes. I wanted to put the cigar box that sits on my desk to good use. Not only is it nice to look at but it has a function too! I don't have a lot of tools and all the essential pieces to make a necklace yet but we are working on it.

Wednesday after spending time with the Aunties we heading out on the Trolley to the Downtown Library to check out some jewelry making books. We came away with 3 books and a better idea of what we still need for constructing. My friend from work gave and lent us some magazines and some silver connecting  pieces. She also explained a bit how to make a basic necklace and what line to buy. I am excited to get making but also to have someone to do it with. Kel has one piece to make.  she will probably go nuts the next show.

My next day off is filled with annoying things I have to do. I was hoping for project time but the day after is an inspection of the building the Feds do every year. They will inspect 4 apartments at random. My place always gets picked!  We have empty boxes everywhere including in front of the breaker panel! I played a game of Tetras this morning and got a bunch put away. There are still too many around. I was hoping to keep a low profile on the moving until I have somewhere to go. It may happen soon or much later that I want but I did not want to have it come to question.

The other problem that came up recently is the property management of the building denied me owning a dog. First off it is way too late for that since she has been with us since mid February . Now I really feel the need to fast forward a move. I don't want to move in haste since it is a lot of work and expense. Everyone in this stupid building owns a dog and no note! Me and always trying to do things the correct way!

Abby has brought a lot to our world. She is a big goof ball, loving, stinky, demanding at times and makes a crazy amount of noises that can run from weird to adorable and we all love the hell out of her.

Kel bought this shirt for Abby at the pet store. We needed a little something for her to wear when it's cool. Most of the small dog clothes have words on them like "Princess" and "Spoiled" or things of that nature - yuck. Wil cant complain about this shirt. :)

Bead show good!

I really enjoyed the Bead and Gem Faire this time! I told Kel she had to go with me. Auntie BFF drove into town the night before with Auntie She She. She She was too tired since she had surgery a few days before. Mom and Dad usually go with me but stayed home to be with Sheesh. Sandy does not "bead" but her Auntie does so she went crazy getting stuff for her! Kel was not looking forward to the show but boy did she go nuts! We were there for four hours and did not see everything! (first photo is my dollar finds. Yup, each strand was a dollar!)

The second photo is my new treasure I am most excited about. The center piece is Ocean Jasper. What I love about it is the green part looks like a shamrock. It has a sterling silver ring on it so I could wear it on a chain but I found these two strands in the bargain bin and shazam! I like to mix texture and sizes. The smaller beads are pearls smaller then beads. The other stone is semi rough turquoise. Kel and I are going to attempt to make some simple necklaces. We also bought some clasps and rings. I leave the hard stuff to t.

The bead show is not just about scoring on beads. I love looking around and getting inspired. It is even better when someone else enjoys going and hunting too. I do find beads I want to put together in my own way but it gets me inspired to continue my "creative" else where. Sandy is going to take her Auntie to the show when it comes to her town and Kel is already excited for the next show in July.

Last chance to donate crafty!

I am going to ask a favor (again again) of all of you nice folks. Save some items for me for a crafty project I am thinking about doing. I have not completely figured out what I will do but I have some interesting ideas brewing. So, the new and improved list:
~Fortunes out of cookies
~Interesting tickets or tokens from mass transit, concerts, amusement rides . . . .
~Inexpensive currency either coin or paper from anywhere
~Labels from wine, soda or beer bottles that you think are cool or interesting
~old vacation photos, postcards, travel brochures . . . or ones that are made to look old
~maps big or small that are cool
~old keys that are interesting
~small boxes wood or paper that are different
~cigar boxes especially wood. New works but older one are cool

Anything you can think of that you think is awesome! Contact me with questions and ideas of other items. I am ready to get these items from you so collect them up and get them to me! I am ready to get creative!

Kel and I went to the local art store during our walk about on Monday and I picked up some Mod Podge to get started!

A great Monday for me

On my day off last Monday Kel, Abby and I walked all over the neighborhood with no plan in mind. Well, that is not entirely true. We did start out going to Ace for a whistle for Abby's training purposes. We actually ended up with a set of two whistles so that worked out nicely. I asked when we were at Ace if they had the product Mod Podge for decoupage. They checked but they did not carry that but suggested the art store down the street. That lead to a 2 1/2 hour adventure showing Kel around the 'hood and finding out which shops are "dog friendly". It was a nice day with filtered sunshine, very light wind, mild tempature and no rain! Kel really likes Portland and the fact that people are so dog friendly. Back home people dont walk there dogs "downtown" much less take them into businesses! She has enjoyed taking Abby into the hardware store, art store, a knitting shop, small dress shop, we sat outside at Starbucks and had our drinks. Portland is weird but I love it.

Two of my Aunties (my mom's half sisters) are driving up from California tomorrow for a visit. They arrive late Thursday night. Auntie She She (Sheila) had to have some minor surgery last week for a kidney stone that was stuck and caused an infection. She was quite ill the last visit in January. She is better now but the drive will probably wear her out. Auntie BFF (aka Sandy) will do most of the driving. It will be fun to have them around. They love junk stores and girly stuff. The Gem and Bead Faire starts Friday. I am making Kel go with me. I am not sure if the Aunties will be up to it Friday but that is my only day off during the show. Shesh (short for She She) went the last couple of times as it was during one of her visits. t is going out Friday near the opening time so I hope to meet up with her there. We have not been able to connect during the last couple shows. It is funny though since we have bought very simular things from the same vendors.

I am looking forward to the next couple of days. I get Thursday and Friday off. I want to do some fun stuff but really need to get things done I did not do Monday. I did need a day to play. Thursday DJ is coming over after work to meet Kel and Abby. I told him to bring his camera and dared him to get a non blurry photo of Abby. I have not been able to except when she is asleep! Hopefully a bike ride and some sorting, packing and cleaning.

Life of a Diva busy!

I have been busy living life and not on my computer! I know I start a lot of posts with that general thought but it is so true! Since I got Abby and Kel moved in I just have less "me" down time. My working hours have changed from later day start to mid-day so I am trying getting used to that.

Kel moved in with us (from NY) so we are looking for a bigger, nicer apartment or house to rent. In trying to move I/we are sorting and packing but no place to move to yet. We all agree an outdoor space is a must for the dog (Abby) and us. I would love an extra room and or garage for projects and tools. Close to my parents would be handy too.

I got Abby 5 months earlier than I planned. Long story but am glad she is here! I did not have the money saved up. My building does not allow dogs but that does not stop anyone else. I had talked to my doctor a year ago about my difficulty with peri-menopause. Mood swings, great sadness and the fluctuating mood and weight among other things. I had stated I did not want to talk about mood elevators. I thought a dog would be good for my mental well being. I will say "I told you so" this time. Abby has really done wonders for my mental health! I typically laugh within 5 minutes of waking up and many times throughout the day. She is my mood elevator. Abby got real sick a few weeks after her spay and I had to rush her to the vet - unrelated to spay but she probably picked up the virus for Pneumonia from her overnight visit. She is fine now but she gave us a real scare!

My car broke down after dropping her off to get spayed in March. My work situation is sucky (again) I have to take any shift I can pick up since I am back to 2-3 days scheduled. I have been getting enough and/or OT but I cant plan anything! Who needs a social life anyway?

I am trying to find a better (secure) job to work at so I can do online realty school at the same time. I really feel this is the place for me.

So, I have been busy living life and trying to make the world of this Diva better along with my entourage. How you doing?

DJ is coming over Thursday to finally meet Abby and Kel. I have dared him to get a few good photos of Abby that are not blurry. We shall see