Guest post from Bethany!

Bethany, who doesn't have a blog, is an old friend (old as in, we've been friends for a long time, not that she is old!) She offered to blog about her adventures in taking a quilting class!

Source

Thanks Megg, for giving me this opportunity to ‘guest blog’.  Most of your readers probably don’t know me so here is just a little bit about me.  Like Megg I moved from one coast to the other when I got married.  That was 22 years ago.  Megg is newly married and figuring out to how establish her own home and family.  I am quickly approaching empty nest and re defining my goals and priorities now that my daughters think they are all grown up. It’s more about just being mom and less about parenting.

I have started a new hobby.  Quilting.  I have been a seamstress for many years.  I made a few dresses in high school and I made the bridesmaid dresses for my wedding.  Thankfully God blessed me with two little girls who I could make countless Easter and Christmas dresses for. I confess one year I started the Easter dresses on good Friday.

I have played around with quilting in the past but nothing serious and nothing really to show for it.  So I decided to take a class.  It was Pinwheel passion and only 4 weeks.  Great I can get something finished.

The day before the class I went to the shop to choose the fabrics.  A few lights a few darks. Here is what picked the first time.

I went home and got out my rulers and rotary cutter and my mats. I just looked at them.  I wasn't ready to cut yet.

I washed and ironed all my fabrics. A very important first step.

And off to class I went.  Well it turns out this is a skills class and not a project class.  That means we are learning technique and are not expected to finish the project in the 4 weeks.  I was a little disappointed about this but at least I am learning.

The instructor went over how to fold and cut the fabric and then how to construct the pinwheel.  By the end of the night was passion for pinwheels and quilting was re ignited. 

I will though in a few pictures of my progress. I made a few mistakes along the way. And I was reminded of the importance of reading directions even when you think you remember.   So I have a pile of little seams to be ripped out. 

Towards the end of the last class the instructor showed me the quilt for the April class...sigh.  I would really like to take that class.  but I just don't want to gather any more UFO (unfinished projects)  So I will work diligently through February and March to finish my pinwheels so that I can take the April class.  The instructor said with my skill level and a nominal time commitment outside of class I will be able to finish this one during the 4 weeks.

Writing: Bridging Dreams and Reality

This is a guest post from Melanie, who writes about mesothelioma cancer on the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance blog. Though I have a personal vendita towards pancreatic cancer, there are so many types of cancer out there, and this is one that I didn't know much about.In this post Melanie will talk about journaling as a form of therapy.

Writing: Bridging Dreams and Reality
Think about the last thing that you wrote. Were you writing out a check or were you writing a note to a friend or a loved one? While we use writing for all sorts of trivial day-to-day tasks, what many people do not know is that it is an incredibly powerful tool. Through writing, we can focus ourselves and learn more about what we want and how we can get there. People who suffer from illnesses like mesothelioma cancer to arthritis, no matter the prognosis, can use the journaling and recording process to realize their goals.

When you write something down, you are putting something into the world that wasn’t there before. For example, you are going to find that there is a big difference between writing something and simply thinking it or telling someone. If you write something down, you will find that there is now a tangible reminder of your goal. It won’t be something that you have to keep foremost in your mind. Instead, you now have an external thing telling you to start now and get yourself motivated.

For example, think of something that you want to do. It may be something mundane or it might be something that is totally out of character for you. It may be something like “put away all my clothes” or “go to Mexico.” Write out the desire and look at it. Suddenly, it is something that you can touch and look at. Even if you look away, it is still there. Tape the piece of paper to your refrigerator, your mirror or any other place that you look at often. Every time you pass by that piece of paper, look at it. It serves as a legitimate reminder of what you want to do.

Everyone knows that life is hard. Things come up that we did not expect, and we find that we may be struggling or flailing. The problem is that so many people are not struggling towards a goal. Instead, they are flailing their way towards a number of things, and these things sometimes pull them in different directions. Psychology today states that journaling your goals and your dreams will allow you to figure out what’s going on in your life. This is a good way to help you figure out what you’ve been doing and where you want to go from here.

Journaling is not something that you do instead of doing what you want. Instead, it is the thing that allows you to take the first step towards your dreams. You are going to be getting started with your dreams when you write them down, whether it is on a piece of paper or in a diary designated for the purpose. They say that a journey of ten thousand miles starts with a single step, and that getting started is the hard part, so take your first step today!

When you want to get away from the things that have been troubling you, and you want to learn more about how to start moving towards your goals, consider what journaling and recording your desires can do for you!

For more information on Mesothelimoa cancer, visit the MCA blog.

Dear 16 year old...

Today's guest post is from Amy at Feathered Friendsy! She wrote a letter to her 16 year old self.

Dear Sixteen Year Old Me,

You're a mess. You seem to think that what everyone else thinks about you matters, and it doesn't. You try to please everyone else but you're making yourself miserable in the process. These people don't matter – and the ones who do, they accept you as is. The girl in your algebra class that makes your life unbearable every day? She will end up in jail for drunk driving your first summer out of high school. That guy who calls you fat all the time? He ends up gaining nearly 100 lbs in college. Those shoes you want so badly that your mom can't afford? They'll be out of style in a week.

Look, 16 year old self, you gotta listen to me. I'll be 26 this year and life is nothing at all like what you're planning. I...we are not a lawyer. We're not famous. (We?) I'm not insanely rich. But you know what I have? I have true love. And a gorgeous family. And honest-to-goodness happiness. And those things are all way better than anything you have planned for us.

So here's what I propose. You go ahead and enjoy your childhood – and yes, you are still a child. Stop trying to grow up so fast and worry about marriage and careers. Concentrate on things that make you happy. Enjoy being a “band geek.” Learn to love your body – it will go on to do amazing things. Ditch that loser of a boyfriend you're with right now and take care of your true friends instead. Get closer with your mother sooner. She won't be around for much longer – you need to enjoy every second you've got.

Oh, and one more thing. You grow up to be basically the same person you are now, only happier. You're still dorky, geeky, nerdy. You still enjoy reading more than movies, music from the 90s, and corny jokes. You still view the “popular kids” as lame, but better than that, the rest of the world does too because when you're an adult, high school/college popularity means absolutely nothing.

So dance, 16 year old me. Dance to the rhythm of life. Listen for the music in every day things. Have your own style, love the things you love. You're more valuable than you think.

Sincerely,

The 25 year old future you

Waiting

"She had forgotten that summer would come again, that the green would spread over the frozen fields, that the earth would be turned up to the sun and the seed sown, and that the meadows would renew themselves. Was this what strengthened these New Englanders to endure the winter, the knowledge that summer's return would be all the richer for the waiting?"


The Witch of Blackbird Pond

I chose this quote for this post for a couple reasons. One, I absolutely love it. Two, I'm from New England, and I just love the meaning behind the quote. Three, it sort of goes with what I'm going to talk about.
Hey, it's a good quote!

Anyway, as you're reading this, we're on our way to Hawaii!!

We're going to be seeing beautiful beaches like this, and even spending a night in a honeymoon suite on the volcano!

We've been waiting (and saving) for this trip since last March. That's a long time to wait on a big trip, but I'm proud of how much we were able to save, even with my small monetary contribution to our household. We've been saving, and waiting, and eagerly anticipating a trip that will be both relaxing and fun.
What we will not be doing is putting every last purchase (including the rental car and tickets which were bought in January) on a credit card. Nope. If we don't have the cash, we won't do it. Since we're staying in a time share, we will have a small kitchen, so I'm planning on eating "in" for breakfast and lunch, and out for dinner. Though we will probably pay for some excursions, we will also be doing a lot of frugal or free activities.
We will not be stressing about how much money we're spending, or how we're going to pay those credit cards off when we come back. Nope.

Our last vacation together was just over 2 years ago...our honeymoon. And while we could have gone on vacation after our first anniversary, it would have been a financial burdon. Rather than stress about paying off credit cards for a year, I prefer to save, and enjoy my vacation.

And now it's here, and our vacation will be "all the richer for the waiting".

Stay tuned for a few more posts from the Harry Potter challenge, and guest posts over the next week!

My frugal ways

Chicken broth made from a rotisserie chicken we had recently. This is what was leftover after the 5 cups I needed for soup!

While I'm no Non-Consumer Advocate or Frugal Girl, I like to think that I'm still pretty thrifty. Lately I've been doing some things I never thought I'd do.
Like make my own laundry detergent.

This is my laundry detergent, in the Mason jar. I love those things. Next to it is vinegar that I use as a fabric softener and a tablespoon from the thrift store for the detergent (I didn't want to use my own). My laundry items are sitting on a freecycle laundry "table" between my craigslist washer and dryer. I love this picture!

I won't bother giving you the detergent recipe, because you can find it just about anywhere online. All it takes is Borax, Laundry Soda and a bar of soap (I used Fels Naptha, which is why it's yellow-y).

Lest he feel left out, my husband has also been embracing the thriftiness. I gave him an old fashioned shaving kit for Christmas and he's in LOVE.

He has found an online community and is obsessed with his new "hobby". While this alone doesn't exactly save us a lot of money (shaving cream is pretty cheap, and the soap he bought was about $6 on Etsy) the safety razor he's using definitely does!

This Gillette Milford safety razor belonged to my great grandfather, and my dad, who wasn't using it, sent it to Geoff upon learning of his newfound hobby. Though there's a bit of a learning curve, Geoff has enjoyed using it and I've enjoyed not spending money on new razor cartridges! The safety razors use razor blades (obviously!) which are significantly cheaper.

These small changes add up, and it really is fun to try to see where you can cut costs so you have money to do other fun things. Like go to Hawaii.

Fur Baby Friday!

I'm linking up with Fur Baby Friday with Mrs. Monologues!

A couple weeks ago we had some gorgeous weather. It was so nice that I actually opened the windows to get some fresh air circulating through the house. The kitties were thrilled!

They're like bookends!

Hermione kitty.

Clarabelle-y

What I did with all those letters!

Last month I talked about what to do with all the letters I'd accumulated while taking part in the 52 Letter Challenge. After browsing Pinterest a little, I finally came up with an idea on my own, since I didn't particularly like any of the ideas I found there.

Starting with the postcards I got from Postcrossing over the past few years and from friend's travels, I punched a hole in them all and put them on a ring. They aren't in any particular order (except by general size), but I love the way they look all spread out. I put them on the "window" we have between the den and kitchen, and I like the idea of having them on display.

Similarly I punched two holes in my letters and cards, put them on two rings, and viola! They're all together in one neat place. These are all the letters I received in 2011. Since they're a little more personal, I'm choosing to keep them in a box in my room, but I really like the idea of having all my letters from that year put together. I still need to do the same with the letters from 2010.


What do you think of my creative idea?

Harry Potter Challenge Day 16

Day 16 is your favorite professor.

One of the things I love about these books is the fact that, while the kids don't have a lot of depth because they're children (growing up), the adults have deeper back stories which I've always loved reading about.
I think my favorite professor would be Professor Lupin. Although he's not technically a professor, just hired for a year, I've always had a soft spot for him. I absolutely love the way he acts towards Harry. He's kind and gentle, and it's touching. I love the fact that he knew James, because I do love their relationship.
I do not love what happens to Lupin at the end of the last book, but that's a whole other post for another time.
Lupin provides a little backstory for Harry about what his father was like as a kid, going to Hogwarts. And of course I enjoy, in a pitying way, the backstory of how Lupin became a werewolf.
Lupin represents so much to Harry, but he is especially representitive of a link to his father, for the first time in Harry's life.
Plus, Lupin's classes sound fun!

Who is your favorite professor?


Day 1: What's your favorite book? Why?
Day 2: What's your favorite movie? Why?
Day 3: What frustrated you most about the film adaptations?
Day 4: Who is your least favorite female character? Why?
Day 5: Who is your favorite male character? Why?
Day 6: What house are you in?
Day 7: Who is your favorite female character?
Day 8: What do you think would be your favorite lesson?
Day 9: Who is your least favorite male character? Why?
Day 10: Horcruxes or Hallows?
Day 11: What character would you say you are most like?
Day 12: What's your favorite ship?
Day 13: What's your least favorite movie?
Day 14: Death Eater or the DA?
Day 15: Who would be your best friend at Hogwarts?
Day 16: Who's your favorite professor?
Day 17: What's your least favorite book? Why?
Day 18: Do you prefer the books or films?
Day 19: What is your favorite chapter?
Day 20: What part of the books always makes you cry?
Day 21: If you could bring one character back to life, who would it be?
Day 22: Are there any scenes you wished would have been put in the films?
Day 23: Nineteen years later. Are you happy how the series turned out?
Day 24: What's your favorite spell?
Day 25: Would you rather own The Invisibility Cloak, The Resurrection Stone or The Elder Wand?
Day 26: Who is your favorite villain character? Why?
Day 27: Who is your favorite Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher?
Day 28: What would your patronus be?
Day 29: What is your favorite line in the books?
Day 30: What effect has Harry Potter had on your life?

House list update!

You may recall that I have a lovely list of house goals for 2012? Well, I am pleased to report that I have actually completed three of those goals!

Goal: Sell the futon in the office.
Goal: Find a suitable futon replacement.
Goal: Hang the Dark Side of the Moon picture (this was actually one of last year's goals. Oops.)

The futon in the office, which was inherited from Geoff's mom, was just too big for that room. I don't have a good picture of it in the whole room, but it basically took up the whole wall, and most of the room when it was set up as a bed. So, after much discussion with Geoff, we decided to sell it. I listed it on Craigslist for $100, with the goal of getting at least $75 out of it. When no one bit, I was planning on re-listing it for $75 when the listing expired. Before I had a chance to do that, though, someone offered $75 and wanted to pick it up ASAP! I'll take it!

There was much debating about what we wanted to replace the futon with, because I did like having that second bed as an option. In the end, however, we decided that it was best to put Geoff's huge beanbag chair in there, along with a small bookcase with all his gaming magazines and books.
We only have one bathroom, and our couch (while we still have it) has a pullout bed, so that's an option in addition to the guest room. I don't intend to have that many people staying here anyway, because it's just too small for more than 2 extra people, especially with only 1 bathroom.

Anyway, here's the office with it's new arrangement! Much better. The bookshelf, by the way, is another Craigslist find. It's heavy duty and seriously looks brand new, and it was only $10! Score! Although it is particle board, it's the same color wood as the desk, so it matches and that makes me happy.

Meanwhile, in the den/TV room, we had a big open spot where the bean bag used to be. No good.

I decided to move the two bookshelves (one from Craigslist a while back and one from Geoff's childhood bedroom, painted black to match everything else) into that corner. They have movies and our other DVDs on them, so it only made sense to put them in the corner near the TV.

Next to them is my knitting basket (picked up at Goodwill) and, out of sight is our Wii balance board.


This opens up the areas where the bookshelves used to be for a place to drop Geoff's laptop bag, my banjo and my purse. You can see the before in the link above, and here's the after.

I have a hard time with this area, as it's slightly narrow due to the placement of our couch, and it's also right in front of the garage door, where we come in and out. I'm a little afraid it will become a dumping area, but we do need some place to put those things, and hopefully I can just stay on top of it.

Finally, here's the Dark Side of the Moon poster!

I let Geoff take care of this, because it required measuring and leveling, and it was a big pain, but now it's done! Only took us a year and a half.
So there you go! I love rearranging because it makes everything fresh and new! Plus, we sold something and only bought one thing, so in the end our rearranging profited us $65 (after the $10 bookcase). I'll say that's a good use of our Sunday afternoon.

What do you think?

Harry Potter Challenge Day 15

Day 15 is who would be your best friend at Hogwarts?


I've touched on this before, briefly in another question. My best friend(s) would be Harry, Ron and Hermione.

I've always imagined myself fitting in with their group seamlessly. While I realize that they work together best as a trio, I have always wanted to join them, to be friends, and to go on the crazy adventures that they all go on.
If I have to break it down to one person, I think Ginny would be my best friend, the trio aside. Ginny is very down to earth, and I really like that about her. While Hermione can sometimes be annoyingly smart, Ginny is smart, but doesn't always come off that way. That isn't to say that she acts stupid, but she downplays it more, and I like that. I think we'd be good friends.


Who would your best friend be at Hogwarts?


Day 1: What's your favorite book? Why?
Day 2: What's your favorite movie? Why?
Day 3: What frustrated you most about the film adaptations?
Day 4: Who is your least favorite female character? Why?
Day 5: Who is your favorite male character? Why?
Day 6: What house are you in?
Day 7: Who is your favorite female character?
Day 8: What do you think would be your favorite lesson?
Day 9: Who is your least favorite male character? Why?
Day 10: Horcruxes or Hallows?
Day 11: What character would you say you are most like?
Day 12: What's your favorite ship?
Day 13: What's your least favorite movie?
Day 14: Death Eater or the DA?
Day 15: Who would be your best friend at Hogwarts?
Day 16: Who's your favorite professor?
Day 17: What's your least favorite book? Why?
Day 18: Do you prefer the books or films?
Day 19: What is your favorite chapter?
Day 20: What part of the books always makes you cry?
Day 21: If you could bring one character back to life, who would it be?
Day 22: Are there any scenes you wished would have been put in the films?
Day 23: Nineteen years later. Are you happy how the series turned out?
Day 24: What's your favorite spell?
Day 25: Would you rather own The Invisibility Cloak, The Resurrection Stone or The Elder Wand?
Day 26: Who is your favorite villain character? Why?
Day 27: Who is your favorite Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher?
Day 28: What would your patronus be?
Day 29: What is your favorite line in the books?
Day 30: What effect has Harry Potter had on your life?

The Disney princesses and my childhood

We waited in line for like, an hour to meet Belle. Because she really is that awesome.

Last week I was listening to the kids at work talking about the Disney princesses. They were asking each other who their favorite prince and princesses were. It was sweet to hear them talking about all the different princesses. The most common princess favorites were Belle and Ariel. I don't blame them, as these are my favorite princesses too.

We also met Ariel. She was very bubbly (pun intended. Get it?)

Anyway, my kids got me thinking about the princesses, and how they've shaped my life. Although they weren't called "the princesses" and lumped together when I was a kid, they were just as adored by me as they are by my 6 year old charges.

Belle taught me (reminded me, really) that it's OK to read. I also love Belle because I think she's the "plainest" of the princesses. She has the plain brown hair I have, and though she's beautiful, I feel like she isn't the classically beautiful that Cinderella and Aurora are. Belle taught me to appreciate my own looks.

I've always admired Ariel's voice. Ariel taught me that even though it's sad, it's OK to move far away for love. The Little Mermaid is the first VHS movie I remember getting as a gift. I loved seeing her swim in the water, and sing, and, always an animal lover, I loved Max the dog!

Disney may have its flaws (no mother, ever, parents and villains dying in almost every movie, scary scenes) but it's my childhood, and I love it. I love that the princesses' personalities have developed and become better and better in every Disney movie.

Disney, our collective babysitter.

Which princess is your favorite? How jealous are you that I met Belle and Ariel??

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

Harry Potter Challenge Day 14

To take care of a little business first, the winner of the scrapbook software giveaway is GreatGazoo! You have been contacted!


Didn't win? Don't worry! I have a code for $10 off so you can get the software for $29.97 instead of $39.97! Use the code: STMMMS57677 Good deal, and it never expires!


Anyway...
Day 14 is Death Eater or DA?


For me, the choice is simple. The DA. I can't help it, I'm a good girl at heart!
I love the defense spells that Harry teaches in the DA classes. Defense Against the Dark Arts would be my favorite class, after Potions, I think. Thus, it only makes sense that I would choose the good side...the DA.


I don't think there's much more to expound on, in this question, so I'll ask you...Death Eaters or DA?


Day 1: What's your favorite book? Why?
Day 2: What's your favorite movie? Why?
Day 3: What frustrated you most about the film adaptations?
Day 4: Who is your least favorite female character? Why?
Day 5: Who is your favorite male character? Why?
Day 6: What house are you in?
Day 7: Who is your favorite female character?
Day 8: What do you think would be your favorite lesson?
Day 9: Who is your least favorite male character? Why?
Day 10: Horcruxes or Hallows?
Day 11: What character would you say you are most like?
Day 12: What's your favorite ship?
Day 13: What's your least favorite movie?
Day 14: Death Eater or the DA?
Day 15: Who would be your best friend at Hogwarts?
Day 16: Who's your favorite professor?
Day 17: What's your least favorite book? Why?
Day 18: Do you prefer the books or films?
Day 19: What is your favorite chapter?
Day 20: What part of the books always makes you cry?
Day 21: If you could bring one character back to life, who would it be?
Day 22: Are there any scenes you wished would have been put in the films?
Day 23: Nineteen years later. Are you happy how the series turned out?
Day 24: What's your favorite spell?
Day 25: Would you rather own The Invisibility Cloak, The Resurrection Stone or The Elder Wand?
Day 26: Who is your favorite villain character? Why?
Day 27: Who is your favorite Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher?
Day 28: What would your patronus be?
Day 29: What is your favorite line in the books?
Day 30: What effect has Harry Potter had on your life?

Valentine's Swap!

I joined Fabulous but Evil's Valentine's Day Swap and it was so much fun! I love Valentine's day for the simple reason that I love HEARTS!

I was paired with Annahita and told her that I love hearts and she complied!

 She sent me fuzzy socks (LOVE socks!) with hearts, little heart ornaments and heart stickers! I will probably use the hearts for my scrapbook and letters!

And in case you were wondering what Geoff got me for Valentine's Day (we celebrated with Chinese food and gifts on Friday because he has class on Tuesday night) he followed my suggestion and got me the heart apron at Target I've been admiring!

Adorable. I'm especially pleased with this gift because it's not just "stuff", but something I'll definitely use. Plus, Geoff has an apron and I was tired of borrowing his!

Harry Potter Challenge Day 13

Day 13 is my least favorite movie.


This one was difficult, because while the movies are completely different from the books, I do love them. At first I thought my least favorite was the 5th movie, because I wasn't a fan of the 5th book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Then I realized that this is possibly because I haven't seen that movie very many times.


Then I thought maybe it was the 4th movie, because there was just too much expounding on plot lines that weren't actually in the book. Then I remembered the graveyard scene, and the scene where Harry comes back, in front of the whole school, with Cedric's dead body (oops, spoilers! It's been long enough). Horrible as it sounds, I love that scene, and the music that goes along with it.


Finally, I thought maybe it was the 2nd movie, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This is one of my least favorite books, and the movie has always seemed more childish than the others. With the exception of the first movie, of course, but I almost feel obligated to like that movie, because it's the first one! Try as I might, though, I can't hate the 2nd movie either. The actor's relationships are building, and the movie really shows them coming into their characters for the first time.


Finally, I decided that I don't actually have a least favorite movie. I love all of them for different reasons, and I don't like all of them for different reasons. When you separate the movies and the books, it's difficult for me to not like any of them because, like the books, I love and dislike each for very different reasons.


Do you have a least favorite movie?


Day 1: What's your favorite book? Why?
Day 2: What's your favorite movie? Why?
Day 3: What frustrated you most about the film adaptations?
Day 4: Who is your least favorite female character? Why?
Day 5: Who is your favorite male character? Why?
Day 6: What house are you in?
Day 7: Who is your favorite female character?
Day 8: What do you think would be your favorite lesson?
Day 9: Who is your least favorite male character? Why?
Day 10: Horcruxes or Hallows?
Day 11: What character would you say you are most like?
Day 12: What's your favorite ship?
Day 13: What's your least favorite movie?
Day 14: Death Eater or the DA?
Day 15: Who would be your best friend at Hogwarts?
Day 16: Who's your favorite professor?
Day 17: What's your least favorite book? Why?
Day 18: Do you prefer the books or films?
Day 19: What is your favorite chapter?
Day 20: What part of the books always makes you cry?
Day 21: If you could bring one character back to life, who would it be?
Day 22: Are there any scenes you wished would have been put in the films?
Day 23: Nineteen years later. Are you happy how the series turned out?
Day 24: What's your favorite spell?
Day 25: Would you rather own The Invisibility Cloak, The Resurrection Stone or The Elder Wand?
Day 26: Who is your favorite villain character? Why?
Day 27: Who is your favorite Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher?
Day 28: What would your patronus be?
Day 29: What is your favorite line in the books?
Day 30: What effect has Harry Potter had on your life?

It's a love story!

I love the story of how Geoff and I met, and I was thinking recently that since other bloggers share their stories, I should too. Then I ran across this linkup, and was thrilled! Go check out the other online love stories!

It all started with Harry Potter, Livejournal, and this girl:

Strange combination, huh? So, here's the story.

Waaaay back in December 2005, I got it in my mind that I wanted to play a Harry Potter role playing game. After searching long and hard (not really) on Livejournal for a text based game, my sister and I decided to start our own. We had no idea what we were doing.
Thank goodness for Kim (pictured above)! She offered to help, as she had experience with these things. Since we were lacking in players, especially guys, Kim invited her (relatively new) friend Geoff to play with us.

Ah, those were the days. This was back when everyone used IM, so we spent hours online chatting; Kim, Geoff, sometimes my sister and a few other players. Since they lived in Idaho, and I was in Massachusetts and they were 3 hours behind me, I was regularly staying up past midnight which wasn't good, since I often worked at 5 am the next morning. But I loved it all.

After a while, Geoff and I started chatting more and more. Some time in mid-April I realized that I liked him. It hit me all of a sudden, and seemingly out of the blue, although I'm sure it had been developing for a while. I remember leaving my house and calling Geoff just to say hi, and realizing that it was because I missed his voice.

On April 18, 2006, between class for Geoff, and a baseball game (that I was covering for a paper) for me, I asked him to be my boyfriend.

The rest, as they say, is history. I knew 3 months into our relationship that we would get married. It took him another year to come to this conclusion himself, but that's OK. I tried to be patient. We dated long distance for almost 5 years, visiting each other every few months (and spending about 6 months together). Finally, finally on January 2, 2010, we were married, and moved to the same zip code permanently.

And I still love him as much as the day we started dating.

Our Love Story!

When I saw that From Mrs. To Mama was doing a love story link up, I knew I had to join! Mostly because I just love talking about my wonderful husband!

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?

On April 18 it will be 6 years!

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}

I'm going to go into this more tomorrow, so I won't go into ALL the details now (come back tomorrow!) but we met through a mutual friend, online, while playing a Harry Potter game. Does that entice you to come back?

3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}

I knew I was going to marry Geoff after we'd been dating 3 months. 4 years later...he caught up! We were married on Jan. 2, 2010 (a palindrom! 01.02.2010) in Massachusetts. It was perfect, and it even snowed for us!

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding?  If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?

We got married in my home church in Massachusetts and had a reception in an old mansion. I think the wedding was medium sized, but I have no idea how many people were there. Maybe 200 or so?

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!

I call Geoff either love, or Geoff-Geoff. He calls me Meggy, Meggy the Pooh Bear, or Megg-Megg.

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

I love his dedication. He's a freemason, and he has recently progressed to being the equivalent of "president" of his lodge. He worked hard to get to that point and I'm so proud!
I also love how much he loves ME! He's so dedicated to me and our little family that it makes me excited to expand it.
I love that he's such a hard worker. He's working full time and going to school part time, and isn't slacking in either. 

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?

We love, love, LOVE to go to the movies. We dated long distance and we always went to the movies when we were together. On one of our last visits he proposed while we were in the theater, watching Up! It was perfect for us, and I love telling the story!

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

Neither. He's practical, which I love. I usually give him hints, but he typically gets me something I'll use, rather than a teddy bear that will just lie around. He did get me flowers for our last 2 Valentine's days together though, so I may get them again this year!

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

Definitely a pop a movie in and relax! We are kinda homebodies and like it that way! Although I wouldn't say no to dinner on the beach...

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?

I'd love to go to Europe with him! I've been to Italy and he's been to Japan, but I'd love to experience England and some of the surrounding countries with him!

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.

Absolutely nothing! He has class and we're going to Hawaii the next week, so we're not going to worry about the actual day.

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

I asked him for an apron from Target! They have an adorable one with hearts, and I don't have an apron so I really want one!

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

Communicate. We read The 5 Love Languages in premarital counseling, and one of the things I learned was communicate with him, especially when I'm feeling like my "love meter" is running low. Guys just don't get things, and sometimes you just need to lay it all out for them.

14.  Show us a picture of what love means to you.

I'm going to show you a video, rather than a picture :)



Go link up here!

Harry Potter Challenge Day 12

Day 12 is your favorite ship.

Before I start this post, I want to mention that I've decided to go against what I have always felt to be right. I'm posting twice in one day. The reason for this is that if I don't, I will never get through this challenge. So I'll post my Harry Potter challenge after my "regular" blog posts. So come back later for Harry Potter!

For those of you who don't read fan fiction, ships are the "relationships" that you like the most. Gay and lesbian ships are typically called slash. All ships are abbreviated. There's your geek trivia for the day!

I ship Harry/Hermione (aka, H/Hr).

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know they don't end up together (spoiler!) I know their relationship is, and always has been 100% platonic. Unfortunately, I love them together!
I think it stems from the fact that while I like Ron, I love Hermione. Of the three, I prefer Harry and Hermione, closely, but lastly followed by Ron. Therefore, I tend to put the two I like best together. That's about the only reason I love them together.

I used to obsessively search for screen caps from the movies with Harry and Hermione together. I had a page a day calendar with movie photos and I used to save all the Harry/Hermione pictures. I was obsessed! Even though the series is over, and all hope of Harry/Hermione was permanently squashed in the 5th book, I still hold onto my favorite pair.


Who do you like together?


Day 1: What's your favorite book? Why?
Day 2: What's your favorite movie? Why?
Day 3: What frustrated you most about the film adaptations?
Day 4: Who is your least favorite female character? Why?
Day 5: Who is your favorite male character? Why?
Day 6: What house are you in?
Day 7: Who is your favorite female character?
Day 8: What do you think would be your favorite lesson?
Day 9: Who is your least favorite male character? Why?
Day 10: Horcruxes or Hallows?
Day 11: What character would you say you are most like?
Day 12: What's your favorite ship?
Day 13: What's your least favorite movie?
Day 14: Death Eater or the DA?
Day 15: Who would be your best friend at Hogwarts?
Day 16: Who's your favorite professor?
Day 17: What's your least favorite book? Why?
Day 18: Do you prefer the books or films?
Day 19: What is your favorite chapter?
Day 20: What part of the books always makes you cry?
Day 21: If you could bring one character back to life, who would it be?
Day 22: Are there any scenes you wished would have been put in the films?
Day 23: Nineteen years later. Are you happy how the series turned out?
Day 24: What's your favorite spell?
Day 25: Would you rather own The Invisibility Cloak, The Resurrection Stone or The Elder Wand?
Day 26: Who is your favorite villain character? Why?
Day 27: Who is your favorite Defense Against The Dark Arts teacher?
Day 28: What would your patronus be?
Day 29: What is your favorite line in the books?
Day 30: What effect has Harry Potter had on your life?

I love my job...right?

I love my job...usually.

Last week I was frustrated.

I was stressed because in the last pay period I worked 4 out of 10 days.

My lead teacher can be pompous and often doesn't let me take the lead even when I request it. Sometimes she talks down to me. Often she doesn't listen to my ideas, or takes them over as her own.

Hours are being cut, I'm working part time, and while we're cutting costs as often as we can, going from part time to full time has been a difficult transition.

The kids are driving me crazy, pushing their limits, testing us, and generally being rambunctious.

I've been wondering if I should be looking for another job, feeling like I'm not contributing enough to our family.

And then...something happened.

source

We've been working on Chinese dragons all throughout January for Chinese New Year. It was a big thing for me, because I have been the one spear-heading the whole craft. Although Chinese New Year was a couple weeks ago, we decided to have a "parade" with our dragons, especially because we had two little girls who celebrate in our class.

My lead teacher was leading the parade, and I was following up behind. She played a song on a little recorder, and (most of) the kids hummed or sang along. We paraded through the other classrooms, through the office, and back to our classroom. For a class of almost 30 kids, they were amazingly well behaved, and I was really proud of them.

To put the next part of the story into context, I need to tell you about Michael*. Michael is younger than the other kids, and he's a complete handful. He doesn't listen, he's always in his own world, and though he's adorable, he couldn't sit still if his life depended on it.
So there I am, at the end of the line with Michael, who is being surprisingly well behaved. I was so proud of him because lines are definitely not his strong point. Anyway, he leaned over and gave me a side hug and said, in his little voice, "thank you for doing the dragons".

Suddenly all those frustrations melted away, and I saw my job for what it really is. Introducing those kids to another culture and seeing them actually get it, was wonderful. If no one else appreciates what I do, they do, and that made it all worthwhile.

All the cut hours, the frustrations, the glitter...it suddenly disappeared, because Michael appreciated what I was doing, and he even walked in line properly.

I guess sometimes I need a little reminder of who I actually work for.

*Name has been changed to protect the adorable.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for free scrapbooking software!

Dear anoymous...

To the person who found my blog by searching "cancer fucking sucks", I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you were forced to search that phrase, and I hope you found something you were looking for on my blog. Or at least something useful. Or at least the knowledge that someone else understands.

Because you know what? Cancer does fucking suck.

Someone close to someone close to me (if that isn't awkward I don't know what is, but I don't want to be more specific) was diagnosed with two types of cancer, recently, and I'm not sure what the outcome will be. I don't think it will end happily.

It just makes me want to double my efforts in fighting. In any way I can.