A First for Everything

I began and finished sewing one of my first projects - a baby blanket. The project was definitely easy enough to execute without any real trouble, but I did learn a lot about sewing techniques and thread tension during this project. I'm pretty happy with the results and look forward to sewing another baby blanket.

There's Nothing Better than Knitting a Hat at the End of Winter

Happy with my Brother

I discovered that I have a strong interest in sewing and took the plunge by going out and buying my first machine (: I bought an entry level machine, a Brother product, since my skill level is basic and my intention is to become better. Like a good librarian, I did my research not only on what machine would be best for me, I also found information on basic knowledge of sewing and best ways to start from square one. I felt confident about the research I did, but the reality of my ambition was not as promising.

The first machine I bought was a Singer Precision. After a long day at work I went home and starting familiarizing myself with the awesome tool. However, during the process of threading the machine, I discovered the it was defective. The threaded needle would not pick up the bobbin thread at the bottom under the presser foot plate. This was a huge disappointment that I wasn't prepared for. I immediately started Googling reasons/solutions for this issue and found out that it was a problem out of my hands. The timing on the machine was not properly tuned. Needless to say, I returned the machine and ended up going home with a Brother machine.

Anyway, my first projects are well on their way. I'm making two baby blankets for friends who are expecting and a canvas grocery tote.

Another Great Braai

Tom and I had our 2nd braai of the year last Sunday. It was absolutely delicious, as always. The menu was enjoyable with pork chops, bread with melted garlic butter spread, grilled potatoes, and grilled mushrooms. I would also like to add (and brag a little) about a wonderful game of Scrabble we had while the food was on the grill. I, hee hee, won against Tom with a score of 265 to 219. I think I'm a strong Scrabble player, but Tom always seems to make impressive plays that leave me hanging. So, my win on Sunday has a special place in my heart... haha.

A Quote

"That is the way it is with a wound. The wound begins to close in on itself, to protect what is hurting so much. And once it is closed, you no longer see what is underneath, what started the pain."

-The Joy Luck Club

London is the Best City in America

I became instantly engrossed in this book once I began reading it. Granted, it doesn't take much for me to get into a book these days to escape some frustrating realities in my own life, so this book was the right choice for me! The main character, Emmy, regains control of her life while in the midst of her brother's wedding weekend. There is a good balance of deep and fluffy moments that left me satisfied. And best of all, when the story came to a close, I wasn't longing for more.

A Big Birthday Weekend

Last weekend we celebrated my mother's 50th birthday in a big way. Friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, and folks from her childhood surprised her at a nearby restaurant as she and Ben entered the party room. Carter and his cousins, Nick, Nate, and Gavin, were the first to greet her as she absorbed the shock and surprise of the event.