Post By Request

I have never had a request for an update. Probably one of the many contributing factors of my not blogging much or consistently.

I am going to try to blog more so maybe I will try to keep my brain open for ideas. I also would like input about topics you've read here that you'd like to see more often. I will try to listen for funny quotes!

I thought I would mention a couple of things in my first post back.

1. Funny comic http://falsewithasmith.com/
2. David is going to have a time slot on http://vader.boisestate.edu/stumedia/university-pulse/ starting sometime this semester.
3. I am trying to learn American Sign Language so I may post related items for anyone interested in that challenge. I am using http://www.lifeprint.com/ to help me learn right now and I have a textbook with videos from a friend who took the BSU class.
4. We recently got bicycles and anyone who talks to me will know that I am sore almost all the time but loving the fun of riding my bike. It is the first time I have enjoyed exercise in awhile. I will try to post pictures of my new toy once I get my camera back.
5. Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks are back and we all know how much I LOVE them. I got one today and it was delicious. It was even better because I enjoyed it with a friend.
6. Viola is good. She had been sick a few weeks ago, but seems 100% normal.

Hope all is well with you and thanks for not ditching me :)

Updates in Daba Town

I know it has been awhile. Sorry. That's what happens when you get three job interviews (finally) and graduate with your Master's degree. Now that school is out and things have calmed down I would like to say thanks to EVERYONE for all the help, love, and words of encouragement I received over not just the past few weeks but for my whole 19 years of schooling. A special shout out to my husband and my mom (madre) for the hours of extra encouragement.

In the next few posts I will be putting up pictures from the past month and moving right along with fun things I am planning to do now that I have EXTRA FREE TIME!!!!

News:

• M.S. Mathematics and celebrations with family and friends.
• Job @ Brown Mackie - contract signed for teaching a math class in June.
• Grad present ordered: super sweet tablet (touch screen) laptop. 

Updates in Daba Town

I have been busy lately. When I stopped being as busy I took a break to rejuvenate. So I haven't been commenting on blogs (though I have been reading most of them) and I haven't been posting much other than Quotes from Class.

Here are some things you've missed because I didn't post about them:

Big Things:

• I passed my thesis oral defense (big sigh of relief).
• I turned in the 2nd to last draft of my thesis (bigger sigh of relief).
• My little brother passed his GED test.
• My big brother took care of all his license issues with the state of New Jersey.
• Two nieces/nephews on the way- one due Aug 1, one due Nov 24.

Medium Things:

• I bought my cap, gown, tassel, and hood for graduation.
• David signed up for summer school.
• Lee J (nephew) crawls like a mad man, makes the "d" sound, and stands for long periods of time without falling.
• I have been eating healthy foods and feeling good about it.
• Played catch and hit some softballs with my dad. He says I "still got it."
• Made a baby blanket (star shape through crochet) and I'm almost done making another one (patchwork of knit squares).
• I learned how to make some new things like baby hats.

Small Things:

• Tulips from our roommate to celebrate the thesis accomplishments.
• David found 12 long gray hairs in a section on the back of my head.
• Less than one month of being a student (for awhile).
• Our dryer broke.
• I still want a dog but it might have to wait another year.
• I want a new lens for my camera because I want to get back into photography this summer.
• Haven't read a book in almost a month (no time and using it as motivation to lose weight).

Spinning and Knitting

Over the break I went to my friend Ashley's house in Lincoln City, OR. She runs her own Fiber Arts store from her home. She buys wool, dyes it, and sells it. Sometimes she spins it but she says most people who buy from her want to spin their own yarn. She is teaching classes in Lincoln City on how to recycle yarn from sweaters, beginners knitting, beginners crocheting, and how to spin roving using a drop spindle.
We had a lot of fun this week. She practiced some of her lessons on me. Here are some pictures of what I learned.

This is what dyed roving looks like before it is spun. I picked one dyed periwinkle and violet.

Ashley also made the drop spindle I used. She is going to sell them. Mine has two leaves on the top and the word "grow."














Almost done with the scarf while in Lincoln City.














I spun the yarn extra hard to put the extra kinks into it.














 This is the finished scarf project with beaded ends.

She also taught me how to knit baby hats.

Sermon Says...

The speaker Sunday night said some funny things. I believe they are funnier out of context.

I'm not going green on anybody.

My wife got sick and I lost my caregiver.

When did you bring me a cup of coffee... I mean... when did you bring me a cup of cold water?

Is this BroncoNation? I think I'm starting to fit in- I even got an orange shirt.

I worked 8 to faint.

Well, when we look at...oh that's the end.

I love... (part 6)

I love new friendships.
I love old friendships.
I love romantic gestures.

Halloween

This year we celebrated on the 30th at a party put on by some friends from church.

David and I decided to take the cheap route and make our costumes.

I must say they were a hit, but the little ones needed us to remove our masks before they would get near us. Who knew stick figures were scary?

Welcome to the World!

I am happy to announce my friend "C" and his wife "B" had their first baby: Lydia Charlotte! She was early (due on Halloween) but I know her parents were as sick of waiting as she was. She is such a blessed girl already! She has such wonderful people as parents (and an awesome "aunt Bailey").

I was waiting for her arrival to post pictures of the present I painted for her. I got the idea from a friend who likes to wood-burn and paint wooden items for people. She's made me a beautiful candle holder and that wonderful Math Wheel (see other post). B decorated Lydia's nursery in all things Dr. Seuss. They have blankets and sheets, they painted scenes to hang on the walls, etc. I thought that I could make a stool for the nursery that had a The Cat in the Hat theme with the hat's stripes on the legs. I love the way it turned out and I plan to make more of different themes for presents in the future. C and B said they love it. I hope Lydia loves it (eventually), too.

I really wish I could go meet her. Thousands of miles is very expensive! I hope to meet her before she turns one and I plan on seeing tons of photos!