June 2010

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Running Away

June 16, 2010 in leukemia | 2 comments

I feel like running away. Eric went to the doctor yesterday. He goes 4 times a year to monitor his CML. He texted me to let me know things would be slow. It took over 2 hours because the office was so busy. It takes 2 to 3 weeks for his detailed bloodwork to return. But there will most likely be changes in the drug he takes.

His body isn’t responding as well as it could to the drug he is on. I’m not talking about the side affects–they are pretty bad too. But the leukemia isn’t as under control as they would like. This means a new medication–which thankfully exists. It is scary though. The unknown. The changes. How it might affect him physically or otherwise. Sometimes it feels like it’d be easier just to run away. Then I really think about it and I realize it isn’t easier.

I’m working hard on not worrying about it. Until then, I think I’ll go for a swim and work some of my frustrations out while trying to improve my swim stroke.

Peace,

^-^

Highs and Lows

June 15, 2010 in Musings | No comments

Highs this week

  • Lots of kittens to play with at the place I volunteer.
  • After a year and a half our artichoke plant has its first artichoke!
  • Art camp-that I’m running, teaching, creating curriculum for, etc.-is going well.
  • Mom is home safe from Guatemala.
  • Dad caught lots of halibut and salmon and some gets to come to our house.
  • Finding a fun book to read and having the time to finish it in a few days. A cheesy romance novel, but still fun every now and again.
  • Wine tasting at Satori.
  • 19:53 (negative split) on our first 2-mile marker set run.
  • 500 m swim on our first 10 minute marker set.
  • 15.34 mph (very hilly and with some stoplights) average pace bike for our first 15 mile marker set.
  • Playing with my new Garmin 400cx gps heart rate monitor–even though I can no longer be in denial about how slow I run.

Lows from this week

  • Cracking open a rotten egg. Stink city!
  • When our hairy cat has diarrhea.
  • Some hot days and nights without A/C.

How I Train

June 11, 2010 in leukemia | No comments

I’m lucky I don’t have to figure out what to do each day to prepare myself for the upcoming triathlon. I have a detailed training schedule.

I love star-ing the days I complete a workout. My first event I even stickered them all! A little help like that offers a ton of motivation. We have six workouts a week, but my body often needs and extra day of rest. It is a delicate balance figuring out  when to workout and when to take a break.

One lesson I’ve definitely learned is I work out harder and longer when I am with a buddy or group of people. This works great because 2 of our weekly workouts are with the team.

Don’t forget you can always donate here!

Peace,

^-^

Why I Train

June 10, 2010 in leukemia | No comments

Just so you know I’m training for a triathlon. It will be in Santa Cruz, CA this fall. It is my longest race yet, a half-Ironman. I’m nervous and excited. I’m fundraising for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society so please donate to the cause! In addition to being a ton of fun and helping me stay and sometimes get into shape, I train for our honored teammates.

I’d like to introduce you to the Summer Tri Team Honorees. We have 10 official honorees and many more personal honorees on our team. I have the opportunity of being the Honoree Captain this season and work hard to make our honorees feel like a part of the team. Several of them are participating with us at the event. The honorees come to many of our practices and are such a motivation for the team.

Go Team!

^-^

Work in Progress

June 9, 2010 in creating | 1 comment

I’m working on a new bra. I let the recipient pick her colors–I guess green is quite popular! This material is different than the first green lace I used. It is quite stretchy–I’ve had to rip a lot and pull it tight and re-sew as it likes to bubble.

I organized all of the trims and what not I need into a small bin. Then when I have a few moments, I have everything on hand to pick up where I left off. It is fabulous–as long as the kitties don’t decide they need attention in that moment too!

I love these scissors. They make trimming seams a breeze. A wonderful friend was cleaning out her home and happened across them and asked if I could use them. Use them?–they make the trimming process so easy! Plus they are Gingher–meaning very nice quality. I love thinking of that story every time I use them.

Peace,

^-^

Finished Projects

June 8, 2010 in creating | No comments

My quilt is done! The most difficult part was the cutting. I’ve learned a lot.

The quilt was gifted to a good friend for her birthday. It was funny because I originally picked the colors for me, but after working on it, I realized that I have way more than enough quilts–all of which are gifts from significant people in our lives so I had to give the one I made away. The best part of the quilt is the back is a super plushy minky fabric. My friend tells me it is awesome.

Peace,

^-^

Another Run-in with Haute Couture

June 7, 2010 in creating | No comments

I love that I keep running into Haute Couture. I can’t get away from it, and that is okay by me. I kept hearing the name Simone when researching fashion in the San Francisco area. I didn’t know much about her, but if you wanted to learn to make patterns and sew–she was the one you learned from. I was lucky enough to meet her recently.

Unfortunately she no longer takes students. She is self-taught and then into her career learned the techniques in Paris. After completing her schooling she was offered a position with Christian Dior. Due to family responsibilities and a desire to make a name for herself, not Dior, she declined.

What a treat to meet and talk briefly with her.

Peace,

^-^

Summer is Here!

June 6, 2010 in creating | No comments

School is out for summer! We’ve been enjoying lazy BBQs, lots of sunshine, a good amount of heat, and plenty of ice cream. We’re planning on walking to our local frozen yogurt place later–last time I got lemon and chocolate pudding flavors in the same cup! Yum and odd–no I’m not pregnant.

This also means no third grade or community college aiding for a bit. My schedule just opened up a ton! I’m working on my first draping project for me. The dress form cover was a result of a French Pattern Drafting/Moulage class. The results were fabulous and I’m looking forward to working hard in my current season’s triathlon training to require a re-make in a smaller size. We’ll see.

This is such a change from the first draping attempt. I’ve learned a lot these last few years. This fabric was in a friend’s stash. It screams summery dress to me a la the Pretty Woman brown and white polo match dress.

I’m finding myself drawn to more hand-sewn stitches than machine ones. I am contemplating ripping out the shoulder and redoing it by hand. The machine stitches are so harsh on this flowy material.

We’ll see where this leads. Hope you are enjoying the summer sun and have lots of stimulating projects to keep you busy!

In other news I’m Summer Cleaning which means my drawers are much less crammed with things and I’m donating to Goodwill like a madwoman. I have lots of old Threads from a subscription stint. 25 issues from ’04, ’05, ’06, ’07, and ’08. Anyone interested in these? I’ve posted them on craigslist, but if you can use them let me know.

Peace,

^-^