Yeah...My Monkey Sock Swap 3 Package Arrived

I had to work yesterday.....we awarded the last of 2007 Contracts and I wearily came home and to my surprise....Look what I found under my carport! My Monkey Sock Swap 3 Package from my Secret Pal! Wow....and look what I found inside of the package!

See the sweet little moneky and my wonderful socks! Not only did I receive these I got a monkey bookmark, a book cover, some calming tea, some candy and lipgloss. There also was the cutest monkey card, some monkey tissues, little monkey buttonand the yummiest pink yarn for new socks. My pal did such a wonderful job! And my package came all the way from Hawaii! This couldn't have arrived at a better time...I was so tired and weary from work and to come home to a very thoughtful and caring package with so many goodies....well...I could just feel the love that come out from the package. The socks are more beautiful than poor picture taking skills show. They fit so nicely and I cant' wait to wear them.....they are so cozy! Thank you Monkey Swap Secret Pal! Thank you bunches! P.S. Please send me your blog!

Now I just need to finish my pal's socks and get them in the mail next week. I have all her monkey items and then I will get them in the mail.

Monkey Socks Almost Done!

These are the Monkey Socks I am knitting for my swap partner. I have to say all of the socks posted on the Monkey Sock blog site are wonderful. If you get the chance browse the site. Cute....cute ...way too cute!

I have only been able to knit on the train. My nights right now are working late and when I get home it's studying. Two more weeks and then life will be a little better.

Well..I have to put the clothes in the dryer and head to bed....

Keep those needle clicking!

Ravelry wait list

This is were I am in the Ravelry count. The other day 13902 were ahead of me....so there is hope still! Yeah!

You signed up on August 18, 2007
You are #26702 on the list.
12740 people are ahead of you in line.
6980 people are behind you in line.
40% of the list has been invited so far

It's Almost October!

Never thought I would wish my life away for a period of time. But the month of September has become such a miserable month! My chosen profession is what makes it hard....it is so busy because of the end of the fiscal year for the Federal Government...but I shouldn't complain...at least I have a job. On to better things in this post!

My daughter's birthday is this coming Sunday...I have some nice things for her but she reads my blog, so I will have to wait to talk about them!

I have almost finished my Monkey Swap partners socks. I posted them on the Monkey Swap sight...I don't know why I forgot to post them on my sight. I will later. I am at work and can't access my files. I do have some very cute items for my monkey pal...who would believe I could find to many cute things. I have had so much fun getting things for her.

My Secret Pal 11...I have been gather things for her....now she is a little tougher to buy for and I must say I have had to put my thinking cap on for her. She is vegan and of course does not eat meat ....so this extends in to edible treats and yarn. I did find some very yummy cotton yarn that looks very sophisticated...I hope she will like my choice. I think I might make some other things for her and try to find really unusual items for her. I must say, participating in these swaps has me searching the inter net and little shops around town......it has become such an adventure!

Well lunch time is over and I need to get back to work......I will try tonight or at least sometime this week to post some pictures.....I keep promising and I keep forgetting......getting older has it's advantages and then it doesn't

Side note...I still have to get out my felted bag for my swap partner....I have disappointed her immensely and I feel really bad. I have it almost finished.....I can't take my sewing machine on the train and sew....so this project fell by the way side.....I promise Mindy if you read this I am going to get it to you very soon....if you are upset with me....you have every right to be....but my life has been so hectic.

Take care to all and keep those needles clicking.

It's Sunday Morning and I am at work.....Boo!

It is Sunday morning and guess where I am? At work! It is that time of the year when I earn my overtime or comp time. Government end of the fiscal year consumes those of us in the procurement field. But this too will pass with the coming of Sept. 30th! And then it is on to other issues. LOL

I have finished one of the monkey socks for my swap partner. I have the other to finish hopefully this weeks. I have knit about 95 % on the train going and coming for work. So this little pair of socks has traveled before they are sent! I have truely enjoyed knitting them and plan to knit some others from the pattern. It is a fun and quick pattern to do.

I have been gathering all types of goodies for my swap partner for SP11 and my monkey sock swap partner. I have a mitten swap I am doing also but we haven't been assigned our partners yet.

I need to get busy and post pictures. I don't know why this is always the last on my list...Maybe sometime this week....

Until then...keep those needles clicking and have a great week!

My Last Long Weekend till October!

Well...I enjoyed my last long weekend until the end of September. Since I work for the Federal Government and it is the end of the fiscal year, I will have to work weekends to get all of our contracts and procurement awarded by September 30th! UGH...but it is my chosen field of employment!

On a much brighter note....I recieved my first package from my SP11...I was so excited! I will post a picture tonight and explain what I got in my package.....I must say she is a very cool pal! She read my blog and has taken note on my likes and needs! Thank you Secret Pal! You are the best.

In the mean time I also have signed up for 2 more swaps and I am working on those also. Will explain more tonight. I am at work and should be actualy working, but I managed to get here really early for me and now I am trying to get in my morning coffee and function at such an early time. I am truely trying to improve myself and this is one of my biggest faults...dragging myself in so late I have to stay late and then working becomes this exhausting circle...so Tuesday morning start right week!!!!! Later...........

I was tagged twice in May~

I have been tagged twice by the same tag...two different people...but I am going to be a really good sport and list 14 things about myself! LOL I am trying to catch up on so many things and I can't really understand how the months of June, July and almost August have disappeared! Swap partners...I hope this will help you know who I am!

1. I travel 100 miles round trip to work which is in Washington, DC capital of the United States.
I love my job and find it stressing and rewarding at the same time. The commute I try to enjoy the best I can and to use the time wisely....I either sleep, knit or read.

2. I love kitties but have decided that I no longer want the responsibility of a cat after mine died several years ago. I am gone too much and can't devote the time to a little furry friend.

3. I love pampering myself! I go one a month for a massage, manicure and pedicure. I love red polish and this is what I pick for my toes! Recently though I have changed to pink...I love OPI polish and I am using Susie sells Sushi down by the seashore....try saying that fast five times!

4. I love history and love to learn the unusual tidbits of history that usually is never told.

5. I to go to little boutiques and small shops where people are friendly and fun to talk with.

6. My previous job I ordered guns and ammo for all law enforcement officers in the Federal agency I work for. This always is a surprise to my friends.

7. My favorite holiday is Christmas....I love the spirit and true meaning of Christmas and family time. I also love to give gifts. I love to listen all year to my family and friends and then get them things they have talked about or have meaning for them. Now for the selfish part....4 days after Christmas is my birthday and I enjoy getting together with friends and celebrate.

8. I am very shy, but work very hard at not giving anyone that impression of me.

9. If I could, I would never wear shoes in my life again. I would rather just wear socks or go barefooted.

10. I love to eat breakfast more than any other meal. I could eat it anytime during the day and be happy.

11. I love to come home at night from work and snuggle in my favorite chair and unwind. Perfect would be to have a Mr. Right in my life to do this with but I know the good Lord will take care of this in time....or not.

12. I love fresh flowers and would have them in my house everyday if I could afford them. (I am not so good at growing them.)

13. I love teddy bears. I use to collect them, but not much anymore. I still love the antique looking bears and items that are related.

14. Last but not least, I am a quilter plus I love to knit. I think I could quilt and knit the rest of my life and be content. I right now, collect as much fabric as I do yarn. I love to touch it and oh my I know you all do it too.....smell the yarn! I just wish I could make a living at both and not work my regular job.....but until I retire ...well I just won't torture myself.

Hope you have enjoyed my little extra info about me.

Monkey Sock Swap THREE Questionnaire

Monkey Sock Swap THREE Questionnaire

The basics:

Do you consider yourself a beginning sock knitter, an intermediate, or have you been doing this so long you could probably knit a pair in your sleep? I consider myself an Advanced Intermediate knitter. I have been knitting for a very long time but new to sock knitting with newer fibers.

The measurements: Shoe Size: 10 US
Foot circumference: 9 ½ inches
Foot length: 9 ½ inches

Yarn Preferences:

What colors do you love? I love all colors. My favor colors are purple, blue, and pink.

Do you prefer solids or variegated? It really doesn’t matter to me. I love both.

Do you prefer wool, cotton or acrylic yarn? I like only natural fibers. Cotton or wool…either one is fine with me. I don’t like acrylics.

What colors would you never wear? Orange…not my favorite color.

What are your favorite brands of yarn? I like just about any brand name that is soft to the touch. My feet are rather sensitive and I like the feeling of soft socks.

Are there any new brands you would like to try? I am sure there are many out there I haven’t heard about. I am game for any!

Cookie A. Patterns:

Which of her patterns have you already knit? Her Monkey sock pattern that was free on Knitty. I loved knitting that one.

Which pattern(s) would you like to knit and don’t already own? Any of her patterns would be fine, because I do not have any of her patterns yet.

Other pertinent information:

Would you be willing to have an international Monkey Pal or do you prefer one in the US? I wouldn’t mind having an international Pal. It would be fun.

Do you have any allergies? Yes, trees, grasses, smoke, and other outdoor things. Nothing to do with food or fibers.

Will your knitting be exposed to smoke or animals? No

Are you on Ravelry yet? If you don’t mind having new friends, what is your Ravelry name? No not yet…have heard about the sight but have not checked it out yet.

Secret Pal 11 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love natural fibers. I don't really like acrylics. I have been looking at solids lately because I love the lacy socks. I also have been looking at some lace patterns for shawls. I love cotton yarn for socks too!
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a painted crock for some and baskets. I, unfortunately, seem to start so many projects I have them pretty much in the yarn most of the time.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learned to knit when my daughter was an infant...so that was 34 years ago. I knitted on and off for many years, but my obsession started last year for my sock knitting. I would consider myself an advanced intermediate knitter.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have a list but I have purchased most of the books on the list. But I don't have any type of knitting magazine subscription so I am open to any magazines.
5. What's your favorite scent?
I love floral scents, along with citrus smells and lavendar. In love the smell of roses. I don't like heavy scents, mainly because they give me really bad headaches.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Oh my yes....I love dark chocolate....but I have never turned down a good piece of chocolate.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I am a quilter so I covet fabric like I do yarn. I don't spin yet.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I love all types of music. I especially like music from the 60's. My compter will play MP3s.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love all colors. My least favorite colors are browns unless mixed with brighter shades of any other colors.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live alone and alas.......no pets.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear the first three but not ponchos.....I hated them in the 60's too.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Socks, scarves, and afghans. But I will try anything once.
13. What are you knitting right now?
Socks, socks, socks!! Oh ...and a sweater, some dishcloths and faces clothes.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
But of course....who wouldn't! They are made with love and care and who wouldn't want that!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I like them all....I love my Denise needles....my Brittnays, my Addis but I haven't knit with plastic in years.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I have both...treated myself and my daughter several months ago with a set for each of us!
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Twenty years old....and I have no intention of ever finishing it....sweater for a friend and I never bought enough yarn....glad I never told her about it.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
I love all of the holidays...but I especially love Christmas because my Birthday is 4 days later...so I get more presents....okay...I really just like to go to dinner with friends for my birthday.
19. Is there anything that you collect?
I love sewing gadgets of any kind and pin cushions. I like both antique and new. And tote bags...both big and little.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don't subscribe to any knitting magazines. I love Woolgirl yarns, any sock yarn, Debbie Bliss yarn ( I love her silk yarn), Brittney sock needles. I am really not picky...I love to try new things.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I am still wanting to learn to knit with the magic needle techique.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I wear a size 10 shoe. My foot measures 9 1/2 in length and 9 1/2 inches around the foot.
23. When is your birthday?
December 29th
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Unfortunately no....I just heard about it and I haven't put my name on the list...something in my to do list.

Whoops...I can't believe I have been a slacker again!

I can't believe I let time slip by once again....I need to really update my blog! I just returned from Florida after a week with friends and I am so rested. I came back to the rat race and I already feel like I need another vacation. I can't believe how DC can make me such a frustrated person...well really it is my office for me right now....but I came back to find out I no longer have the supervisor I had and ...well...yippeeeeee!!!!!

Okay now that I found this out....I can really have a good attitude adjustment! I promise I will post this week things and pictures and stories and such..... I am alive, kicking and ready for new adventures.

I have signed up for SP11 and I need to post my info questions......so until later this week....hope all is well with everyone and I will join in soon with the needle clicking and new projects will abound!

OH MY!!!!!

Oh my goodness...I can't believe it has been almost a month since I posted! I need to get pictures on the site!

Anyway my class that just about did me in finished last night! My group gave a presentation and we did very well. Hope that I did as well as the entire group! Anyway....it is done ...complete....I have breathing room and this weekend is party time! I am going to relax, catch up with my blogging, my house, my knitting, and my life in general! I feel human again. I only wish this really was my last class....but alas I have about 5 more to go....but I will finish this degree..hopefully this May.

I have planned a trip to Florida for the first week in August. I am very excited. Two good friends from High School live in Jacksonville and I am going for a week to meet with them and we are going to have fun! We are planning all sorts of things to do. But during the week when they are at work....I am going to venture out on my own. I am going to shop, relax on the beach and cruze for guys! Thought that would get everyones attention. Really I am going to let loose and really enjoy my life. I have needed this vacation for so long and it will be great to get away from home and work.

When I get home this evening I am going to try and post pictures of the wonderful swap things I have gotten and enjoy a very good dinner without the worry about homework!
Later .....

Whew ...it is finally the weekend

I am so glad it is the weekend! I at least can relax even though I have homework to complete plus a midterm to do. But I am in the bunny slippers (not really) but I am relaxed and ready to sit back quietly and accomplish what I need to.

On Thursday I came home to a wonderful package from one of my swaps ....not sure which one but once I charge my camera up I will take pictures. It was so wonderful...a book "The Knitter's Gift", a great felted mitten pattern, four skeins of felting yarn, beautiful stitch markers, the cutest snowman from a wooden spoon, and fabric fat quarters!

Then on Friday I received a wonderful package from my Secret Pal 10. A really nice skein of Paton yarn, a yummy candle that smells so good, a needle gauge, my favorite candy (Rocher) and the sweetest little card. I can't wait till she reveals herself. SP 10 has been fun!

Again,.....gotta charge the camera up and once I do I will take pictures. I let it run down...gee you think I was busy and had no time...LOL ! I am lucky to remember to keep my cell phone charged.

I better get to the homework and try to complete it so I can have a day of rest tomorrow. I will knit tomorrow...has been way too long...I think it will bring me back to a center of calmness I need right now. I hear all those knitting needles clicking and they are calling my name!

Burning the Candle at Both Ends is not good or wise!

Well once again my over acheiver alter ego has surfaced! I found out if I work really hard I can earn my Bachelor degree next May instead of 2 years from now. But I have to just about kill myself do this. Okay ...not really kill myself, but make a lot of sacrifices and plan the heck out of my life. Not one of my strong points since the creative side emerges whenever it feels like it. The new man in my life is not really on hold but he wants to take it slow and right now that is fine with me. Okay not really but I will worry about men issues later. I too old for my wants to hurt me....and just young enought to care....

The class I am taking at the moment is so intensive. It is a fourteen week class crammed into 7 weeks. It is just about to take me down.....but I will make it through.

I have been so busy that I have even knitted in about a week. This has frustrated me but I also have had to work late at work all week. Exhaustion has been my middle name. Why does it seem like everything hits the fan at once?

I did recently order some beautiful yarn to knit some washclothes and soap bags for Christmas presents. The pattern is so beautiful....it looks like a Victorian set. I got the pattern and yarn from Patternworks. Will have to take pictures and post some of my WIP and some of my other stuff.....today is my thought gathering day and I will be getting organized! Wish me luck!

I am Calm Now...Men are really okay...

Thanks to all who were so kind. I emotionally wrote my blog the other day....not good. I will not give up on this one. We started out as good friends and this can not change. Good friends are hard to find. But I truly believe this one will eventually be more than that....It's in Gods hand and if he feels it is right it will work out.

At least I wasn't non productive from my emotions...I cleared and cleaned a lot of my past life clutter. There were so many closets and stuff in my house from my ex husband that I needed to clean out. And I have! Amazing how much you can throw away when you are on a mission. Thank goodness for being a older wise women...you can snap right back into your thought pattern of " I am women, hear me roar....I am independent and I can go and do what I want..!!!!" Now let me tell you all a little secret.....my sweetie is 10 years younger than me...maybe I was more women than he anticipated...but continuing to being good friends is very important to me....I can handle this and I will.....I am too much of a good person which he readily admits to....he is really a good one....can you imagine a man with a good moral compass...one who values friendship even though he wants more.....we work more closely than I let on in my earlier post. We work in the same office, same department, and same team.....But we came over from the other component to headquarters the same day and we worked at the other area for 2 years.....how do you spell destiny......I am not giving up.

I took a class on Sat. to improve my intarsia technique a little better. Great class...only two of us in there so we really got a lot of hands on help. I will post pictures later....I have to do homework now. My summer class for my degree is "Financial and Managerial Accounting" ...how load can we all say YUCK! Only 6 more weeks to go....and I will be one more class ahead.

This driven women is going to call a friend for dinner and relax her tired self.

How do you spell broken hearted?

Well...what I thought was a budding realtionship turned out to be not one at all. "He" decided that a work relationship was not working and would be better that we stay friends. I am so crushed. I don't know if I will ever trust a man again. Right when I thought doors were opening they have been slammed in my face....again. I have cried my last tear over a man...I am done. Don't feel sorry for me...I know that I am a pretty terrific person and I know that God loves me and I guess there is a reason for this.
I will have several good cries and move on. A sad day. Trust is a very hard thing to give and when it is broken...well....it just hard.

The Weekend ...thank goodness!

This has been the week that takes a good women to her last nerve! If it wasn't for my new sweetie....I think I would have just lost it!

I tired to get a hair appointment 3 times and with me not being able to make it or my hairdresser not being able to keep the appointment I finally gave up and made it with her partner. I teased Tammy, my hairdresser, telling her that her new found happiness in marriage is making it hard for us. She has changed her schedule and it is not good for the rest of us loyal customers....LOL....we will adapt! We are happy for her. Anyway....I also had to cancel my other vice for pampering ....my monthly manicure and pedicure...I have to work on my day off so I had to reschedule my pampering day....oh well......another day will be okay.

But my new sweetie told me I was still pretty....he is a real keeper! Can't go into too much detail ....we are in the early stages of our relationship and hopefully it progresses......we have know each other for 3 years....and this just started to get to be a little more than just friends.....oh yeah! BIG OLD SMILE FOR ME! Enough gushing for now.....will gush more later.

I just received my order from Blue Moon Fiber Arts..Socks that Rock....colors, Lunasea, Little Bunny Foo Foo and Love in Idelness....they are beautiful.....I have other projects to finish and then I am going to dig in! They are yummy, yummy, yummy!!!

Well...off to bed to dream about my sweetie ....hmmmm.

Secret Pal 10 Contest #5 - My Favorite Knitting Spot

My hostess from Secret Pal 10 has a new contest! I am to describe my fav. way to knit. So here it goes...............

My favorite place to knit is in my recliner. I snuggle down in the chair and put my bag on the side and knit my little heart out. I like to have a good cup of hot coffee on the table beside me sometimes and I ususally have the TV on to a favorite show which could be any HGTV show or a "who done it show". Sometimes I recline back some and knit very relaxed.....but this can be deadly....because I usually fall asleep and this is not productive! Oh I want to start to knit.....so I think I will endulge myself and knit for awhile....
Keep those needles clicking!

I am Greatful!

I was off from work yesterday and not feeling well so I just watched TV and knitted. I was watching a show about the generosity of people in disasters and I started thinking how grateful I am to be who I am and what I have. In the last 14 years of my life I have accomplished so much and have done a lot with my life....even though some may look at it as it has been a very small accomplishment....But I think it is huge. A few facts about me in the last 14 years.

1. I was a stay at home PTA mom when my husband decided to leave me and move on to what he said was his view of happiness and it didn't include me. We had been married 23 years by then. I had never worked so I was scared and frightened.

2. After a number of extremely poor years and worrying to the point I thought I would loose my mind, I decided to go back to college. It took me awhile, because I wanted to get my daughter through. In the meantime I worked very small odd jobs to make ends meet and prayed a lot that I would not loose the house or my mind!

3. At the age of 46 I entered community college and received my Associate Degree in Business 4 years later. I graduated with honors and I knew then the world was at my feet.

4. I had the opportunity to start working in the Federal Government and that lead to an internship. I have moved up rapidly in my job (both financially and career wise and today I am comfortable and able to support myself and do the things I have wanted to do.

5. I enter college again to earn my Bachelor of Professional Studies majoring in Leadership and Management. I have maintain a 3.5 GPA throughout my college days and I will graduate a year from now.

There are times where I get very lonely and frustrated with the opposite sex, as proven in my rant a week ago.....but I am proof positive that you can do anything you want to do and do it well.

I am so grateful for my life, my family, my daughter, my grandson and my son-in-law. I am in fairly decent health and I have good friends I can call on. Above all of this I have the love of GOD and without him I nor would anyone else have the blessings we have today.

My point to all of this is to stop when you are angry, count your blessings and see just how rich you are. Riches aren't always counted as money....they are the gifts we give others and how we receive gifts back. Look at all the talent when we read each others blogs! Wow....I find it amazing and overwhelming at times.

We all have so much to share and to be grateful for and I wanted to just express it today. May God Bless you and may you go forth and rejoice for what you have and what you can share. All of have gifts, whether they are sewing, knitting, cooking, or just being a good friend. Dig deep and figure out what your gift is and freely give it. You will find your gift will come back to you many times over.

With all my sincere sisterly love,
Iva

A Lazy Weekend!

I can't believe I left my rant up so long. I intended to post this week end but.....I was just out of it. Thanks for the positive feedback Kaki! It's great when you have new friends that post nice things.

After working so hard for my great grade for my class....I have become the all time slug! I have been so tired. But this is the allergy season and it seems worse than ever. I start back to school May 21st and I am not really looking forward to it. But it will be one more class down and the light at the end of the tunnel for graduation has finally shown brightly! I went to my counselor and found out that I can graduate next May if I really put my nose to the grindstone....and you better believe I am. I love attending classes but I am so tired of doing homework. But the rewards for all my hard work over the years has been worth it!

I still haven't talked about my class with Melissa Leapman. My daughter and I had such a good time. We learned several different types of edgings and I can see using them on socks purses and of course sweaters. I was so enthralled with learning that I forgot to take pictures at the class.....can you believe that. Both my daughter and myself had our cameras and we forgot to take pictures. I will take some of my samples and post later. However, we did get our books autographed by her. At least part of the old noodle was working.

Today being Monday is even harder to get motivated but I really need to get into the swing of work. I really should have come in on Sat. to work...but like the little child I can be..."I didn't want to!".

I did get to see a friend from high school who was in town from FL. We got to visit for a few hours....it was nice and I hope she is able to come back up and we can get together again....maybe I will make the trip down there. I need to start planning a few trips......need to find more yarn shops! LOL

My daughter is visiting a friend in CA and I called her last night. She found some really neat yarn shops and she said she is bringing me home some treats. I can't wait. I have the best daughter in the world!

Well better actually earn my living.....until the next post....keep those knitting needles clicking and new yarn shops on the horizon.

A little Irritation Please!

Well...yesterday was an all time aggrivating day. I dropped my car off at the dealers (first big mistake there) to have the oil changed, tires rotated and State Inspection. Now mind you my car is only 3 years old. No problems noted and none that I could see, feel or hear. Well....they called me to let me know that my breaks needed to be replaced. I only had 48 thousand miles on it. When I arrived my bill was almost 2 car payments. I hit the roof. I managed to get them to remove some charges that they couldn't seem to explain, but now you know where my tax refund it going. I was planning on buying some new yarn....maybe take a little extended weekend trip or what ever.....but no this has to go for something that I know I was totally ripped off. I know this is because I am a women and they saw me coming.....well....no more....I told them I would not ever return nor would I recommend them. I hope I gave them a bad evening....I wasn't ugly...just firm.

And my other rant.....I have been separated and divorced for 14 years. I have put my nose to the grindstone and put my daughter through school, myself through (I am actually going now and almost finished) gotten a very good job and taken care of myself very well. I have no issues or at least very few...fun to be with, a good cook, a hard worker, pretty decent to look at ....so what's the problem.....MEN...what the heck do they want. I have not dated much and at my age it's hard to find them alive and kicking (LOL). I subscribed to EHarmony and I have had a lot of matches, but the men don't communicate.....they close me before we can even get to know each other......usually its the checked box..."I don't believe there is any chemistry"....How the heck can they tell?????? By a few questions?????? To have chemistry folks you have to get to know someone....my big issue with myself is my weight and I belive MEN are looking for one thing....a roll in the hay and they can profess being a Christian all they want but I know they have one thing on their mind and if a women doesn't look like Barbie or act like they haven't a brain in their head....well some of us are just left out. I know that a lot of you have wonderful husbands, but you are lucky.....some of us are not. I would give anything to have a wonderful partner in my life to share things with......but I guess right now it is not on the horizon for me....in the meantime I will wish, hope and pray that God will give me a good man before I get so old I won't know what to do with him! LOL....Rant over.

Will post more tonight when I get home.....have to tell all about my knitting class with Melissa Leapman....fun, fun , fun......