Where are you from?

We are going to be moving soon. I am ready. It is time to go somewhere new. I want new scenery. I love my friends, and I hate the thought of having to find a new group of friends, and aside from this. I am so excited!


Moving is such a huge hassle. My least favorite part is.... what to do with all those address labels that I will never get to use again. Also a few months ago, I got a new box of checks in the mail. I for sure will not be able to use even half of them before we move. Thankfully, those can still be used even after we move. Those darn address labels though will need new purpose.

I also get to figure out a new answer to that question that everyone wants to know. Usually it is just small talk but the answer is still so difficult. In the military circles, the question of "Where are you from" has so many possible interpretations. This could mean one of many things,

Where were you born?
Where did you grow up?
Where was your favorite place to live?
Where did you most recently live?
Where do you hope to live?
Where you call "home"?
Where do your parents live?

While anybody could face a difficult time answering this simple question, military familes have an espcially difficult time. Unless you are going to be explaining for twenty minutes, you need a simplified answer. For a military families anyone of these questions could be the answer to "Where are you from." Also complicating matters, the husband is from somewhere completely different. So we have to answer that question twice.

In a COMPASS class, attended when I first moved to Groton, they skipped the question "Where are you from?" and just went right to "Where do you put your dot?" I loved this question. It takes the guess work out of the original question. You can put anything you want, and there is no wrong answer.

Heritage Quilt

I realized today that this project hasn't been properly showcased yet. This is another project that the top is done, but not yet quilted. I worked on this a while back. It is anxiously awaiting my attention. I am going to have to get going on that!

I love this line. It is called Heritage. The colors were reproduced from a quilt from the 1800s. The colors are so warm and friendly. At the top of the picture in the center, the blue square is my favorite print. Its a much deeper blue in person, and this is the fabric I have for the backing.

On another note, a wonderful sewing machine repair man visited my home today. He has fixed the tension problems for the moment. The problem though, still exists. For some reason the screw in the tension knob is too short. It doesn't allow a proper "dial-a-setting." He is going to see if he has a screw that would work, and hopefully come back and do a more permanent fix. Yay!

Year of Schnibbles-September

What is a Schnibble?

Schnibble: noun A scrap of fabric; a leftover bit of cloth; a small piece. The word has a German origin and is found primarily in German settlements in the Midwest.


Miss Rosie Makes Schnibbles....

This is my Schnibbles quilt. I used the GLACE line as pictured in the pattern. This is my first attempt at flying geese, and I am very proud of myself.

There are about 80 people, all doing the same project. You can pick your fabric, but everyone is doing the same pattern.

I don't know quite what I am going to do with it, it is cute, but is it functional? I am taking suggestions. It is about 34" by 34"








Update: Links for All the other Schnibbles Projects

http://aquiltinglife.blogspot.com/2009/10/schnibbles-parade.html

http://pinkpincushion.blogspot.com/2009/09/parade-of-schnibbles-begins.html <-- Mine is featured on this page...

If Dr. Seuss were in the Navy....

So it is still such a long way off, but I got to thinking about it tonight, and it just came to me. Enjoy!


‘Twas the night before homecoming

And out on the pier
Not a creature was stirring
‘Cept for the watch standers near

The hustle and bustle
Of the San Juan return
Could almost be heard
It was almost their turn

The parking, the crowds
Are headaches for sure,
Don’t worry, Its worth it
Just one midnight tour!

The deployment was over
Stand down was near
The women were primping
The children would cheer

Ready your cover
Ready your gear
It is time to meet us
The date, it is here!

The ORSE is completed
The paperwork done
Just blow that horn
And come out for the sun

I see my dear sailor
The heart missed a beat
With flowers in hand
He is always so sweet!

It takes a strong wife
To wait for that vessel
It’s a hard navy life
But each moment is special

If you’re unlucky, like me
And he’s stuck with duty
Don’t fret don’t you worry
You’re still such a cutie

Dinner on the boat
Can be quite a treat
Even if the air
Smells like dirty feet

So one more wakeup
‘Til my day is here
He can finally come home
And leave that darn pier.

Now, My sailor is home
You know what comes next
So leave me alone,
Its time for some CENSORED.


*************
Now don't steal my rhyme
Neither the stanza nor verse
I claim it as mine
And fraud is the worst

If you're a putz
And don't like my writing
Leave me a comment
And you can try rhyming!

But all just the same
Comment love is so sweet
Thanks for visiting my blog
You are all such a treat!

To Tattoo or to not Tattoo.....is not a question I lose any sleep over.....

Tonight was an exciting outing to the tattoo parlor. It was very nice establishment, populated by two very amusing artists. Some of my more decorated friends were wanting additional decoration, and I decided to tag along for the fun.

Aside from my ear piercings (two in each ear) I have not permanently altered my body. I don't have anything against it, but I cannot think of anything that I want to keep around for the the next 80 years. I am also slightly afraid of what would happen to a tattoo if my body weight changes in either direction. You certainly don't want Nemo turning into Shamu with the help of dunkin donuts. Since babies will be in my future (and my belly) at some point it would be best to save the decoration until I know that my size is completely within my control.

The husband has mentioned getting a tattoo at some point, but I like his muscles too much in their current state and would be very depressed if he altered them. I have told him, that I have to look at it, and would prefer if he did not.

Sewing Machine Frustration

If only my machine were not bolted to the table, it would have been off to the repair shop. This is the source of the problem. This is the granny machine. It was made in 1951, but I know that it still has 51 more years of life. The needle tension is too tight, and therefore the top thread tension is too tight. I cannot adust this knob anymore. It is as loose as it is going to get. I am sure it is something very easy to fix, but I just want it to work correctly. What to do? See the stitches below....green is how it appears on the bottom.....Any suggestions? (PS Moda Neptune fabric)

The machine is a singer 403a. I think the broken part is within the casing that has the numbers (on the knob) because when you turn the knob, it rotates, but the tension discs behind don't move at all...so whatever should be moving them is not moving them....hmmm...hoping I can find a technician to make a house call....

CNO Open to Putting Women on Submarines

Read Full Navy Times Article Here

I don't quite know what to think about this. Perhaps this is the brainchild of an admiral who didn't have any sons to become the next generation of submariners. On one hand, it doesn't quite seem fair that they should be excluded from the fun times of days without showers, sharing racks, boat smell, NR critiques, but why in the world does a woman want to be stuck in a tin can with 100 other sailors? Eventually the submarine pier will be proportionally populated with skirts, but what good really come of this? Who wants a group of whiny women stuck without makeup and curling irons?

I won't lie. I like that this is still an old boys club. However, the deployment brings enough drama with the rumors that go on about the wives. I suppose these men just don't want to feel left out, and want to start their own adultry rumors. I don't have have any questions about faithfulness in my marriage, but when you go months at a time, eating, sleeping, and not sleeping with the same people stupid things happen. Does this drama really need the assistance of months without sunshine?

The bubblehead makes some good points about it here... Bubblehead's blog....

The Gimpy Leg

I am super excited. Last night the Mack-Noodle stood on three legs, to scratch himself with the fourth leg. The exciting part is that the three legs were the front legs, and the gimpy leg. This is so fantastic, he is putting weight on the bad leg, and it is healing. It was been almost two full months since the surgery, and while it has been a slow recovery process, I am so happy that we have a positive outlook and many dog park days ahead of us!

Charmed By Butterflies

I have been working on this project for a while. Actually, the correct statement would be...I started this project a while ago, and have finally finished it. The charm pack fabric was called "Butterfly Fling."

This was also inspired by MBS and created by the wonderful artist over at CrazyMomQuilts.

I promised it to Ainsley months ago, and it finally was delivered on Saturday, just a week before her birthday. I think I will try this pattern again soon, but perhaps with solid sashing. I have some neptune charm packs that would look absolutely fantastic!

Framed Top

Framed Top
Originally uploaded by alimaui

I am finally done with the top! This was a fantastic pattern from Green Fairy Quilts. It was pretty easy, but it was definately a new experience working with all the biased edges. I do need a little more practice, but I think I will be saying that forever. I am going to put this away for a bit until I can teach my self to do the actual quilting. I do like it though! I don't know what I am going to do with it, but I will worry about that later. I have a couple other projects that I want to start including my Year of Schnibbles. My charm packs finally arrived, but I will have to find a new place to shop for my Schnibbles supplies.

Green Fairy Giveaway!

Green Fairy Quilts Blog has a giveaway to celebrate two new layer cake patterns. I have a beautiful neptune layer cake that is needing a purpose. Maybe I can win this pattern and put it to good use!

Clean Crisp Sheets

I love new sheets on the bed. It is so wonderful when they are just slightly crisp from being folded in the closet. When the cold air requires an extra blanket on the bed, it is absolutely devine to finally turn off the lights at night. The bed requires much less "making" in the morning when the husband is not tucked in beside me, and I suppose this is my consolation prize. I am going to bring out the sweaters and the winter clothes this week. Its almost time to use them!

Taggie Blankets and Sweetwater

This fabulous little project was inspired by Moda Bake Shop and created by the fantastic artist over at Our Cozy Nest! I am very proud of myself. I think this is the fastest I ever started and completed a project, but then again its not that big. Kudos to me, regardless! It will have a new home soon.I am enjoying playing with a new sewing machine and all the fun stitches. (See border) I think it fits perfectly for this little baby project!

These fantastic little labels are made by Sweetwater.  I am IN LOVE with them. I need to decide which ones I would like to go with. Of course I could just keep ordering different ones, but that would require an extra decision every time I finish a project. I love the top left corner, but I wish there was a way to incorporate the date. I do also like the one on the center bottom and the far right. Hmmm. They are all super cute though. I am open to suggestions!

Also made by Sweetwater is this fabric line. It is called authentic. It seems very serene and peaceful.  Some of the prints display dictionary like pages with the words Simply, Authentic, Real, etc. Its also got some great number prints. All the designs are very crisp and clean. This is the start of another project. I am not quite sure how this is going to turn out. I am not using a pattern, and just letting it fester right now. I was able to pick up five charm packs (total of 200 5" squares) at great price (ebay of course). So far, I have put together these nine patch blocks, soon to become a disappearing nine patch.

Detailer's Wives Briefing

Or is it "Detailers' wives' briefing" or more simply Detailers come to Groton to talk to the women-folk. I truly appreciated this briefing. I am sure the detailers' briefing for the guys at SOBC was similar but questions I am sure were vastly different. It was very informative. The powerpoints had alot of very small information, and I forgot my glasses, but I feel better knowing that information I already knew was actually correct, and the information I didn't know was easy to digest. I am sure alot of it is fluff to make me feel better, and convince me the navy holds a very lucrative future. I did get the opportunity to ask some questions that have been driving me nuts for months.

Staying in or getting out is such huge dilemna. The state of the economy is a huge proponent for staying in. Its hard to thinking about walking away from such great security when so many industries are still suffering. The bonuses are definately a very stong motivator. But at the same time, how can you sacrifice the time you lose for the COPAY. Time that you have apart is time that you can never get back. When you have children and family missing those moments is not something that I want Drew to have to have do. Its a huge sacrifice for service to your country, and perhaps not so bad if you get to put time on hold while you are away. You cannot stop time. You cannot help but miss birthdays, anniversaries, births, deaths, and all those wonderful events in between.

Our Cozy Nest Blog

I found this blog through the Moda Bake Shop. This has fantastic tutorial for a little taggie blanket. There are enough new babies in my life right now who might need this, I cannot wait to try out the pattern. Check out the blog. And the bonus...they are giving away charm packs!

Year of Schnibbles

I am mostly excited. My first Year of Schibbles kit arrived yesterday. This project is hosted by The Pink Pincushion and A Quilting Life I ordered the complete kit, which is supposed to include material for the front, back and binding. I ordered it on Sept 1st, but there was bit of delay in shipping because of a shortage of patterns. It came with some beautiful yardage of holiday fabric, but it came without the charm pack. It is just a small kit, and supposed to go together easily since it is mostly charm squares. I now need to get them to send my squares. Hopefully I can get them soon, since this supposed to be completed by before the October project gets posted. It is a cute little bundle though!

Fig Tree Club

In an earlier post I mentioned the beautiful Patisserie fabrics. These are made by the Fig Tree fabric company. I joined the club. I might win something by posting this...Go check it out!

http://www.fatquartershop.com/Fig-Tree-Quilts-Fabric-Moda-Fabrics.asp

FRAMED update.

How ironic that my current quilt is named FRAMED. I am super excited. This is my first "kit" project. Though a bit wonky in the middle, I think it rocks!

It still requires yellow borders on the top and bottom, then then I think three more complete borders. One of the borders requires alot of piecing, so that is what I worked on last night.

The solution for an amazing day....

This lovely bottle of cider was purchased at the wonderful Holmberg's farmstand. Yes, they still card, but they have nice assortment of apple and pear wines and apple cider. My unrefined palate finds many similarities in the apple wine and the apple cider, but both are amazingly delicious.

As indicated by the warning label. Not for pregnancy. I assure you...not pregnant! Bottoms UP!

Table for One?

Tonight I was really wanting California Pizza Kitchen. The closest one is at Foxwoods. Drew and I would often drive up to the casino for dinner. It is always a fun reason to get out of house. Sometimes we would play a couple casino games. It is always fun going out when the answer to the infamous question, "how many in your party," is TWO. What about for one?

PROs....

• I get to eat what I want, when I want.  This is at the top of the list for a reason. How often to we find ourselves negotiating for the venue for the evening meal? Sometimes it is an absurdly polite argument, of  " you choose, no you choose, I feel like.....but what ever you want is fine." Sometimes the choice is made based on location. I prefer not to drive an hour for dinner, once I have decided I am hungry. The husband, however, likes the adventure of the dining and refueling combination. Other times the choice is made on pure desperation and convenience. I try to avoid fast food if possible, and nicer convenience dining has certainly become easier since the days when we were both broke college students.
• I can pretend to be independant, even when I am feeling like crap. The self help books are full of lies like this. Humans are meant to be in pairs, there is no arguing with this. Since it is possible, that I may be successful at convincing myself that there is no shame in enjoying a meal in the company of me, myself, and I, I will list it in the PROs.

CONS

• It is an unnecessary expense when I could have eaten a bowl of cereal at home. This perhaps the reason that keeps me opening the fridge. It is is so ridiculous to go out and spend money on a meal that I will enjoy the taste, but not the event. In my fridge, I have alot of food. I have tons of food in the freezer. I really do need to get busy eating this food because we are going to be moving soon, and I do not want to throw it away.
• It is slightly embarrassing to sit down alone at a table with two or four chairs. What I said above is full of crap. I cannot convince myself that sitting alone at a table for four will not help me in anyway shape or form. The only place where it is acceptable to eat alone is in an airport, or a hotel restaurant. Perhaps jail in a foreign country would also be acceptable if you are beting detained against your will, and your dining options will not be up to you.

I have four more days this week to decide that I really want CPK. Tonight is spaghetti for one. I have little cups of spaghetti sauce frozen in the freezer which will warm up very nicely in my little dipper crockpot.  What is another good alternative to dining alone (other than take-out)?

Epiphany

This beautiful quilt was made by Karla, and given to me as a gift two years ago. Unknowingly, I selected this same fantastic print for my blog. I knew I loved it, and I knew I had seen it before, but I am so oblivious, because it has been sitting on my couch the whole time.

Thank you again Karla for this wondeful gift!

Navy Network Information Center

Update: 6/9/2011:  This is probably the post where I get the most hits, and before I get any more crazy comments (which are moderated), I thought I would set the record straight. I have since learned that NNIC shows up ANY time someone is accessing my blog (or anyone's site) from a Navy Controlled computer. Whether that be some admiral in Washington DC, a petty officer on the Enterprise, or a land locked recruiter at his computer in Kansas City, it will all show up the same. So conspiracy theorists, put your theories to rest. No one is stalking you.

I am intrigued. Someone from here has been scoping me out more than once! Apparently they find my ebay purchases and VS PINK pants exciting. I am sure I have been flagged because I occasionally talk about our crazy navy life. Or perhaps the crazy women of the San Juan have started to ruffle more feathers than those of the BB housing office. Perhaps they are worried I am going to divulge national secrets amongst my my musings. No secrets to be had here. I think that is the one thing that I find most annoying...I can ask my husband a question that seams pretty innocent, but the lack of comment and the nasty look that follows indicates that information is not for my ears. I love secrets, and living with a man who has more than me is a royal PITA. Honestly, I could really care less about classified submarine tactics. I just don't like it that he knows something I don't know. (Seriously, if he knew how many licks it took to get to the center of the tootsie roll pop, and couldn't tell me....it would drive me insane!) I will have to live with this disappointment. I will have to be satisfied knowing that he did something very cool or very boring in the time he spends away from me, and thats about it. Occasionally I hear stories about the removing of stateroom doors and san tanks exploding. I get to hear about the mushroom omelets, float tests, and the halo marathons. I suppose these topics are probably the most exciting day to day activities for him anyway.

I will continue to be intrigued that Big Brother is watching...maybe they will leave a comment next time!

Hooter Hider for Benjamin

I finished the hooter hiders. This is for Anna. And perhaps, if I can drag my lazy behind out of the house, I will take it to the post office today! My skills definately need some fine tuning, but it will work. I hope she likes it!

It didn't take that long, and I should have enough material to make one more for another set of hooters that might need hiding.

Pink loves the US NAVY

This item is a pair of sweatpants that I found at the Navy Exchange today. I saw this new line of products on the VS website a few weeks ago, and I purchased the gray set for my collection of navy garb. These pants are navy blue, and different than what was on the VS website, I was compelled to buy them also. Against my husband's wishes, I actually spend alot of time in my frumpy sweatshirts and pants. Unfortunately, this is a hazzard of working from home. The candidates that I work with have no idea that I working from home in my PJ's. My team knows this, because they are probably in their PJ's also. There is nothing better than a new cozy pair of sweats!

Surprise Gifts

I found this lovely surprise at my door yesterday. It is from my secret buddy. There is nothing better than these types of surprises to brighten my day. So far my secret pal has surprised me with Dominos Cheesy bread (yes the delivery man showed at my door with cheesy bread), ice cream accessories, treats for Mack, cookies for me, and more.

To whoever you are...thank you! You brighten my day and make the hardest moments easier to bear!

New month, new challenges

Isn't it funny how the first is such an important day. Every month, there is a third, a fourteenth, and in most months a twenty-ninth. Yet our favorite deadline is always the first. So many things to accomplish, and only 24 hours in the day. The dog gets his monthly preventatives on the first. For some reason when I was doing it on the twelfth of the month, I could never remember. The first works out okay. Why is this?

School is starting and sometimes I wonder if I should go back to school. I went for for years, and I got my degree, and yet, I feel a void where the "check" should go in the accomplishment box. I don't think another degree would fill this void, but I cannot think of a better option. My degree is fun to talk about, but from a practical perspective, its a little focusted. There is not much airport planning and design to be had in Groton. We will not be in Groton for much longer, but still begs the question, since I have been out of school for four years, how relavant am I?

I recognize that so many people are thriving in their careers, and often times their degree does not mach at all. How can I can I make this work for me? I would love to hear about all the people and their careers and non-matching degrees.