Fake food, real flowers, and mystery meat

Chris left me the car in the parking lot inside the gate. After completing my morning routine, I took the car to the ACS building where a roomful of people from the thrift shop gathered to read and score scholarship applications. It was tougher than I thought. They had fruit available throughout the morning and then at lunchtime brought in sandwiches. I ate the insides, but not the bread. Then we finished, packed up, and left. I drove Maryann to gate 19. We took the subway to Dongdaemun, looking for stuff to decorate our hats for next week's luncheon. We got flowers, feathers, a bird, butterflies, and lace. I was looking for a quartz crystal, but didn't see any like the ones on the internet, kinda roughly shaped. Then we went to Namdaemun, to the flower market. We bought real and fake flowers. We looked for 00 steel wool, but with no success. I did get shredded squid. I was tempted to get the shredded octopus but it was 50% more expensive. MaryAnn got more stuff for her hat. We sat down in a little restaurant and had a meal and some mystery meat. I think it is an organ but I can't tell you which one. Then we walked back to Maryann's apt, stopping along the way to buy kimbap at her favorite place. Her husband was home, so we talked for hours, and then he drove me to my car in his blue charger. Nice car! I drove home and immediately found a vase for the flowers, a little big, but all the others were way too small. Michele liked the kimbap and said it wouldn't keep, so we ate it all right then and there. I got on my computer to clear e-mail and listen to the audio files, but it went too long and I just quit.

To fly a kite - or not

Although I got up to make the sandwich and take some supplements, I went back to bed and slept for 3 hours. I kind of rushed through my normal morning routine to get ready to go to the thrift shop. Chris told me to call when I was ready to leave the apt so he could give me a ride. So I took a few extra minutes to pack up all the recyclables and put them in the bins outside the apt. He delivered me to the hill above the thrift shop as usual. I was greeted by a whole bin full of books, not to mention more videos and DVD's than we had room for on the shelves. I did what I could before they decided to pack up at 2. Then on my way home, I decided that such a windy day would be good for kite-flying and I just happened to have one in my purse. So I went to the new little park by the driving range. Wouldn't you know it, the wind died back. I got in only a few minutes of flight time over the next half hour. So I went home. There wasn't much to prepare for class, so I spent the time clearing out e-mail and following links. I learned that vitamins K and K2 lower your risk of cancer. When Chris came home, I gathered up my keys and the block pattern. I found the car in the lot inside the gate and drove to the SPC. Attendance was small and late, possibly die to the Toby Keith concert at the gymnasium. Only two people worked on the QOV project. Most brought their own, or had questions about something completely different. After class, I drove home, through the concert-goers wending their way home. After having an egg, I went back to my computer. This time the links led me to alternative forms of cancer cures. E-mail me if you want the site address. Finally it was time to go to bed.
**My tomatoes are coming along nicely**

Where is spring?

I had hoped to go to Dongdaemun today, but it was a cold and rainy day. I decided that instead of dwelling on the dismal weather I would make something to wear in warm weather. So I took a 2 yard swatch of fabric and made a strange kind of pants where there are no side seams. You tie the front on, and then tie the back on. Well. they turned out short. So I made another pair using fabric that was given to me on Monday. They turned out too long, but that is something I can fix. Then I got on the computer. One of the things I read was the weather report for tomorrow - low 30's. Yikes! What's with this weather? When the weather warmed up, I took the lining out of my coat. Then it cooled off and I had to put the lining back in. Well, it warmed up again and I took the lining out. Well, after hearing the most recent weather report, I put the lining back in. At this point I am not sure if I am reacting to the weather or causing it.

New subject: orgonomy

I didn't get up with Chris this morning because he was up at 4am. I think it was after 7 when I got up. I went through my typical morning routine. Then I called Chris for a ride to the thrift shop, which he gave me. It was 55 degree outside and a little windy. I spent about 3.5 hours there, shelving a great many children's books, videos and DVD's. I don't know why there is suddenly such an influx of books and videos. When we left, it was cold and rainy. My calendar says it is almost May. What's with the weather here? MAryAnn gave me a ride to my gate. I was glad to get home and warm up. I wasn't dressed for the change in weather. I did clear out some e-mail, but got sidetracked on the subject of orgonomy. Except for the time sitting around the supper table, research took up the rest of the day. Orgone is the basic energy of the universe and there are 'devices' built on the research of Wilhelm Reich that collect and transmit it to where you need it. If used properly, these devices promote healing. Well, you know I just have to try it, and there are instructions on the internet on how to make your own: metal shavings, quartz, resin. Also, you can make some kind of blanket out of wool batting and steel wool. I may have to try that too.
**Here is a pic of my fabric closet that a friend asked for**

Quilting during the day and evening

Chris left the car in the parking lot by the gate and took the bus to work. When I was ready, I took the car to gate 17 and picked up Pam. It had taken her almost 20 minutes to walk there from her place. We drove to the SPC, to find that two new people awaited us. They helped us set up, and then others arrived. We had a good turn-out today. Some worked on QOV and some worked on baby quilts. We started cutting panels that needed no sewing for our next round of baby quilts. Kinda seems like cheating, but it is faster. We stopped for lunch and conversation. We traded a few blocks today with a lady who is leaving early. The rest of the blocks will be traded next week. By the time we cleaned up, it was 2:30 and raining. Chris wanted the car back, so I drove over to his office, and let him drive me to the gate. Michele was still there, but left after an hour to go to class. I cleared some e-mail, and hunted for my list of block exchange people. Chris came home with a Netflix video, so we watched that while eating supper. Then I went into my sewing room to bind a baby quilt and watch TV. Chris went to bed early because he has to be at work at 5am for a teleconference. Therefore I made his sandwich before I went to bed.

Frustration

Nothing went as planned today. We woke up at 10:13. Church starts at 10. We tried to get there anyway, but the car wouldn't start. The seatbelt got caught in the door Friday night so the light was on all day Saturday. I walked to post (the long way) to get the jumper cables from the other car. Then Chris called Rick to come jump our car. In the meantime I gave Chris a haircut. When the car was running, we went on post to drop off the potato plant that Chris started. Then we parked at gate 19 and walked to E-Mart for eggs and kimchi. We came back with two kinds of kimchi. I was going to spend the afternoon helping Hannah quilt one of her tops, but she called and canceled. Then we stopped at the commissary for groceries. They had beautiful bedding plants, but alas, I have no place to put them. We brought the food home. I put the kimchi in glass jars. I soft-boiled the eggs (carton of 30) and made a batch of fudge. By then Chris was starting supper. I did a little vaccuuming and clearing out e-mail. I deleted all the ones that involved listening to an hour long interview. I even searched the net for good deals on rotary rulers and cutters. One deal was on E-bay. But they have outdated info on me, and wouldn't let me change it, partly because they can't handle APO addresses. So I e-mailed them my concerns, but they will probably reply to the e-mail on my account, which is closed. I tried to update it, but their system won't take it. Blogger isn't any better. I still have to sign in under my old address, and sometimes I forget and type in the current one. Then it 'yells' at me in Korean. Ha!

Fancy hat

I spent the morning trying to create a matching hat to the dress I wore last night. There will be a 'derby hat' contest next month and I thought it would be great if it matched my dress then I would have something to wear it with. I googled 'derby hats' to see examples of hats others have made. They can be quite lavish. Some look like wedding cake worn on their head.
Then I played a mod with the voices. This time we accompanied three monks to finish and consecrate a temple. But first we had to get rid of pesky, underground gremlins who were sabotaging the construction.
After supper, I cleared out a lot of e-mail that had been building up during the day.

Volunteer of the Year

I woke up late again, about 9. I spent a little time on e-mail, but decided that my top priority was putting the finishing touches on my outfit for the Volunteer of the Year ceremony. I tried out several ways of adding lace to the neckline, then sewed it in, only to find that it was backwards. So I ripped it out and redid it. Then I made a belt of matching fabric, but also looked at making a belt of the same lace as the neckline. But there just wasn't a good way to finish it off. Pinning a strip of lace around my waist seemed a little tacky. Then I turned my attention to jewelry. I strung some white, blue and tiny clear beads into two loops for earrings, and then a longer string for a necklace. The necklace was a stretchy, clear band, but I discovered at the last minute that it wouldn't tie in a knot. So I got Michele to tie monofilament thread around the ends. Around 6 I asked Chris if we had time for me to make a matching purse, but he said no (The meet-and-greet part started at 6). Well, we were there by 6:30, signed in, had our picture taken, then walked around finding people to talk to. Finally we all sat down in the ballroom, a little cozy with over 200 people. I was there as both a nominator and as a nominee. Chris came as my guest. Food was brought to the tables, in courses. Each volunteer had a silver peacock napkin ring. At the ceremony afterwards, we were each handed an engraved chalice and a USFK coin. I was so nervous about going up there that I had to hold my breath so I wouldn't hyperventilate. Then afterwards I had to sit outside for awhile to calm down. Chris and I stood around talking after the awards (172 of us were all awarded VOY.) Finally we came home and it was time because I am tired.

Stuff

I woke up late and so I got to the thrift shop late. I had to walk because I could not get a hold of Chris. Ironically, we had a lot of books to shelve, and the person with a key locked up early, so I only got two hours of work done before we all left. I bought a hat there to decorate for the 'derby hat' contest next month. Now I just have to find out what a derby hat is. I went to the ACS building to talk to one of two people, but neither of them were available. So I walked home. I started listening to interviews from links in my e-mail, and all too soon, Chris walked in the door. I had no idea it was so late. He discovered that the crock pot he had filled with pork and cabbage was not plugged in, so he had to quick fix something else. I grabbed something from the fridge. I washed the dishes in the sink, then headed out for class. I was expecting a lot of people because of our new presence on Facebook (see YONGSAN QUILTERS), but not that many showed up. However, we practiced cutting 14 inch blocks, stacking them in sets of ten, and cutting them into 8 sections. I showed them how to rearrange each stack, and sew the pieces back together. But few people actually did the sewing. They seemed more interested in talking. We packed up on time and were out the door. I came home and cleared out more e-mail. I discovered from talking to Chris that he is going to the Volunteer of the Year ceremony with me tomorrow. I am not big on ceremonies, but did agree to attend. I want to wear my new blue dress, but have to put in some lace at the neckline, make a belt, and string some blue beads for matching jewelry.

Adding color to my walls

Wednesday is one of my work-at-home days and I did. I washed, ironed, and folded almost 80 yards of fabric. Of course I still need to find space in the closet for it all... I also made bread for Chris, but it came out strangely. In adding peanuts and cranberries I must have altered the liquid to solid ratio. But it used up the last of the flour so I can't make any more until we go shopping.
This is midterm week for Michele. She didn't have a test today so she got to stay home all day.
Chris brought home another package from Swanson vitamins. I got one yesterday too. I am feeling a little overwhelmed by supplements at the moment. But yesterdays batch was brain-boosting substances. Today's batch was some of the top 5 superfoods and herbs. I started yesterday's batch this morning and I think I will hold off on today's batch for maybe a week, until I see how it makes me feel.
**Here is the other charm panel. I pressed it today and taped it on the wall**

Volunteer of the Month

Today was the April luncheon for AFSC. I did get my fabric put away just in time to gather my stuff and meet Pam at the gate. We drove to the DHL. We both bought fabric but I got more. In fact I bought 120 yards for our group. During the business part of the luncheon, they announced the Volunteer of the Month. I was gob-smacked (as Tina would say)! Yes, I do a lot of volunteer work, but not for them. But the honor includes having next month's lunch paid for, so I appreciated it. After lunch, we played a game called "Left, Right, Center". It was alright I guess, but I don't care for games of pure chance because you can't get better with practice. When the affair broke up, I carried the 120 yards of fabric over to the SPC. I had to stop many times because the load was so heavy. Then I had to come back and get my personal load. I didn't count it, but estimate it at close to 70 yards. I couldn't carry it over the pedestrian bridge so I put it in Chris' car. Pam drove me to my gate and I walked home to have a real lunch. The luncheon food was very high in carbs so I mostly ate leafy greens and roasted veggies. I needed protein. I scanned my e-mail and changed into shorts. Then Julia called and we agreed to meet after I helped Cathy quilt a QOV. CAthy picked me up at my gate and we proceeded to quilt. We had a major jam, but she was able to get it out. Then Chris picked me up and we drove to gate 17 to get Julia. We brought her here for supper. When she had to leave, Chris and I walked her to the subway station, noting a new restaurant on the corner. I spent the evening listening to interviews that seemed little more than advertisements.

Lots of sewing to do

I weighed myself this morning and I have lost 5 pounds. Seems to be associated with eating the healthy fudge. It's gone now so I have to make more.
It was a rainy day, but not too cold. Pam picked me up at my gate and we drove to the SPC. She dropped me off and went to re-new her driver's license. No one else came for awhile so I had to set up alone. I was not pleased. Pam came back and several others dropped by, but most left early. I stayed until 5 and caught a ride home with Chris just to get all the work done. It was kind of nice to have a big space all to myself for awhile.
Chris warmed up some leftover soup for supper, then had a piece of pumpkin pie with Nutella on it for dessert. I had frozen blueberries for dessert. I read some e-mail, but got bored and went into my sewing room. I ironed all the fabric I bought last week and filed it into my stash. I ironed the two freshly washed pillowcases that were made in class last week and put them in ziplock bags. I also finished another charm square panel. Sadly, I did not put away the stack of fabric that I promised myself I would put away before I bought more fabric. I guess I'll have to get up early tomorrow to get that done because the fabric man will be at the luncheon tomorrow. And I don't want to miss that.

Finishing up

We went to church, heard the sermon about fishing in a new place, then had snacks and fellowship afterwards. The lady who showed me which weeds to eat, did not come this morning. So I asked another Korean lady, and she discouraged me from doing that. She did not trust berry sellers in the subway either. She said the berries could be from China, grown in polluted soil.
After church we went to the commissary for groceries, and took them home. We watched a movie and then I drove back to the Arts and Crafts center to finish the quilt I started yesterday. It took me until almost 6. It was a slow quilt design - lots of detail. But the good news was that I could sit and read while it was doing each row.
I brought a piece of fudge for Cathy but she didn't come because she was feeling dizzy again. When the quilt was finished, I drove to the salon to get my hair cut. The stylist thought I was too young to be getting grey hairs. She guessed I was 34. Ha, ha, ha. Then I went to the Px to pick up my broken camera. They had it wrapped in bubble wrap - too funny. I also stopped at GNC. Then I came home. Chris had fixed bison for supper. It was very good. I checked my e-mail again. I learned about the health benefits of coconut oil. Some people loose weight just by adding it to their diet (and using it instead of other oils). I also tried on the clothes that I got at the thrift shop yesterday. Mostly they fit, even the size 10 pants!
**Here is an azalea that we saw on the way home.**

All day at the machine

Once again, I began the day thinking I would spend it at home. Chris and Michele were playing with the 'voices' when I got a call from Cathy. She wanted me to help her with a quilt on the longarm. So I drove over there, taking Ralu's quilt top with me. Well, it took all day to do Cathy's quilt (actually someone else made it) because it was so wonky. That means it wasn't flat and the seams weren't straight. We did the best we could. So it was after 5 when we finally took hers off and put Ralu's on. We got the top border and one row sewn then called it quits. We were exhausted and hungry. I did take a short break during the day to see if the Chosun had gotten in the Thai silk. Nope. But the thrift shop next door was having a $2 sale, or $5 for a grocery sack full. So I picked up some tops and a dress for Michele.
I was home around 7, and raided the fridge. I listened to a few interviews, and cleared out some e-mail. I learned that stability ball exercises are some of the best ones to do. Then I came to an e-mail from JoAnns saying they have 50% off some sewing stuff. Well, time to put in another order. Took hours but I put one together, stuff for me and stuff I think others in the group will want. I hope it comes in less than 2 months this time.
**This is me at the quilting machine, trying to look busy even though it is computerized **

Suprise fabric trip

I got up this morning thinking I would spend the day at home. I listened to more audios, cutting several short as they seemed to be more advertising than informing.
I also did a little cleaning in the kitchen with my new peppermint soap. It can be used for anything and it is non-toxic. So I used it on dishes and countertops. I also swept the floor. In the afternoon Cathy called and asked me to go to Dongdaemun with her. She didn't have to twist my arm very hard. But if I had known I would be going to Dongdaemun I would have put away the fabric I bought last month which is piled on the floor, because I promised myself that I wouldn't buy more until I had the last put away. I thought I had until Tuesday! (Nothing like waiting until the last minute). I guess I broke that promise because I did buy fabric. Anyone suprised? Ok, then. Coming back through the subway, we passed a man selling various seeds and berries. I bought some dried berries that he indicated were for making a tea. I ate one, but it was very strong. So I took them home, put some aside for Cathy, and put a few in a cup with hot water. It did turn into tea, and pretty good at that. I suspect they may be Acai berries.
Afterwards I got back on my computer to enter a contest sponsored by the Army. First I had a heck of a time finding my password (they insist that it be a difficult one) and then it didn't work because it had expired. So I had to create a new one. Then I entered all my info into the form and attached 3 pictures of my quilt. That took a while because the jpg's were too big and I had to resize them. But then the upload didn't complete and all the info was lost. SO I did it again. And it was lost again. I did it a third time, and when that was lost, I called it quits, writing them a grumbling e-mail about how their site wouldn't upload my entry.
**This is a bag I saw hanging at the fabric man's stall**

At the thrift shop they were having a going-away party for Anna, our retail manager. I packed a container of Three Bean Salad and some homemade healthy fudge. It was a nice day so I just walked over there. I was a little early and there were very few books to shelve, but LOTS of videos. So I worked on finding places to put the movies. People trickled in over the next hour and finally we had enough to start the party. A few words were said and then we ate. It was all good. There were lots of desserts but I stuck to my fudge. I got lots of compliments and one asked for the recipe. MaryAnn shared about how the AFSC is having a DErby hat contest in May. Hmm, reminds me of the hat contest in the Grange when I was young. I am sure I can come up with something.
Before 2, I left there and went to the ACS building. I still didn't get to see the director, but the other lady was very nice to me. She offered to show off our flyer to two new groups that she is visiting tomorrow. Normally she just promotes ACS groups, so this is a big deal. She also said that she and her daughter will be coming to my class tonight. I left her with a pile of my business cards to hand out to those who were interested from reading the flyer. Then I walked home. On the way I ran into YR whom I hadn't seen since last year. She wants to start coming again. After arriving back home, I cleared some e-mail and laid down for a nap. Then I got up to get ready for class. I cleared some more e-mail and selected some fabrics to bring for anyone who didn't have anything to work on. Chris left his car inside the gate so I took it to the SPC. That's when I realized that I had left the closet keys at home. And there was no one in the church office. Well, I decided to focus first on finding tables - always a task. There was a stack in the cabinet area, and we had a heck of a time rolling them out. By then a new lady had come. What an introduction she got! Finally someone did show up in the office (they have an extra set of keys) and I was able to get into our cabinets. In the end, not a lot of ladies showed up, but several were new to class and new to sewing and I was able to to give them the personal attention they needed to get a good start. Then we packed up and went home. I listened to another two interviews (from my e-mail) and then it was time to go to bed. *pic tomorrow*

Wish I was there

I slept in a little today because Chris did not ask for a sandwich. I may have done a little sewing, I was on the internet for awhile. Then I got an e-mail from Chris saying that I should meet him at the gate because one of his coworkers wanted to take us to Youido to see the cherry blossoms. He took me to his office where she had bought kimbap for the three of us before our trip. It was the best kimbap we have had. There was more filling than rice, which is unusual. Then she took us on a ride through Youido to see streets lined with cherry trees and forcythia. I took a few pics. It is a nice place to take a walk right now. Then we came back and spent some time talking to the office people. Chris drove me back to the gate, and I spent some quality time with my e-mail, and then retired to my sewing room to work on another charm panel. I finished one and was well on my way to finishing another when I got tired of it and quit. After another look at e-mail, I decided to follow Chris to bed.

Lots to tell

Today has been quite a day. I actually got ready for the thrift shop early and Chris drove me there. There were a lot of books, but I managed to shelve them and get out before noon. I even had time to go by the post office and mail some charm squares to Australia. Then I walked to the ACS building to listen to Hyon's presentation on Korean's love of nature. She ended it by taking us outside to see what weeds (plants) they dig up to eat. There were two, here is one of them. I didn't know you could eat that. What other weeds am I missing out on?
I went to the ACS office to talk to the lady from yesterday but she was out so a different woman took charge of my case. My original idea was to advertise our group by getting permission to hang a quilt in the ACS building and a proposed space to hang it, then make the quilt, make a card with contact info and then hang it. I figured it was a slow process. Well, I may not have permission to hang a quilt yet, but we do have advertising. The new lady showed me how to make a flyer in power point, turn it into a jpeg file, then post it on the army Facebook website. It has a bunch of hits already! In fact, one of the other army installations is now talking about starting their own quilting group because we have one! We also now have a group webpage on Facebook so I don't have to give out my personal contact info. Gee, I feel like I have really started something.
Then I walked up to Chris' office to get the car. It was cold and seemed to be getting colder. I did see snow flurries earlier, but that didn't continue. I drove to my gate, thinking to have lunch then come back and meet Julia somewhere, but she had been out without a coat and needed to stay home and get warm. So I came home, and worked on e-mail and practiced making flyers in power point. When I got one I really liked, I sent it to the IMCOM webpage and another army related webpage, all on Facebook. Chris and Michele spent the evening working on her chemistry homework.

Another bloomin' day

This week is spring break. Most quilters have kids in school, so attendance today was light. Only five of us showed up. But we had 6 quilt tops waiting to be finished. So we backed them, and tied them and wrapped them up, ready to go to the babies.
Then we had lunch and talked for two hours. Later we packed it all up and headed out. I asked Pam to drop me off at the PX since they called me during quilting to say my old camera was too expensive to fix and I could pick it up. Well, they lied in that they didn't have the camera back from whoever was checking it out. And it took them 15 minutes to figure that out. Then I walked to the post office to mail stuff. I also took a moment to photograph the cherry blossoms on the road to the PX. While clicking away, I heard brass music. SO I headed toward the sound and discovered that 4 trombonists were practicing quartets outside the army band room. I listened for a while and spoke with them a little. On my way home, I stopped at the ACS building to see if I could get permission to hang a quilt and a sign advertising our group. Well, the person in charge wasn't in, so I was told to come back tomorrow and they'd have more info more me. But the chances are good!
I finished my walk home. When Chris got home he had a movie from Netflix called Slumdog Millionaire. Watching that made me glad I don't live in India. For supper he made chicken and brown rice. SO I took a sheet of seaweed, spread the rice and chicken chunks on it, and rolled it up. Basically that is kimbap. Ok, so the rice wasn't that sticky, but it tasted good. Then I cleared out a lot of e-mail. I learned that yawning is really good for you because it improves blood flow to the brain. So go ahead and yawn. Again. Good for you.

Flowers at church

We spent the morning in church. First the service, then fellowship hour. I always stop to smell the flowers, so here they are. We were the last to leave because Chris was talking to Rick about work. Went right over my head, as usual. Then we went to the commissary for groceries. The frozen blueberries were gone, but Gerri was there to ask the manager to bring more out. And he did. So I got blueberries, but they didn't last long. I ate the whole package for lunch while sitting at the computer. I didn't get any sewing done today, but I did get some charm squares ready to mail to Australia, and something for my cousin. I re-recorded my Silva session segments to make them more monotone. Then I added two more tracks to my triliminal, to make it a quintiliminal(?) It sounds like 5 people are talking all at once from 5 different directions. My conscious mind can't separate the statements, so it shuts down and lets the affirmations into the sub-conscious. At least, that is how it is supposed to work. I burned it to a CD so I can play it tonight in bed.

The game

Chris and his friends were starting their game early this morning so I didn't have a lot of time to get ready. The game had already started when I sat down to write my blog entry for yesterday. It was amazing how well I slept in spite of the wake-up clause. Just think how well it will work when I put in the sleep clause!
The game went until after noon. This role play scenario was about a disturbance in the 'force' and getting rid of an evil force. Thankfully they didn't play another one because I was pretty tired of sitting by my computer, trying to make out what was being said, and generally trying to keep up. Afterwards I made another batch of fudge for Monday and then we went to see a movie on post. When we got back it was time for supper, which was leftovers. We shared a large Asian pear for dessert. I spent the evening listening to audios and ordering vitamins and supplements.

Quilting

I had to finish my morning routine a little early to arrive at the Anc center by 9:30. I asked Chris to give me a ride, which he did. But the bus came just before he did, and I guess I could have ridden it, but it was still faster to have him drive me. At the AnC center, I started cleaning and oiling the longarm in preparation to help Erica with her quilt. She arrived soon after and although I have trouble remembering everything from previous quiltings, we did figure it all out. In fact, she had two quilt tops and we were able to do both of them without calling Cathy even once. We finished around 2:30. Chris wasn't able to drive me home, so Erica gave me a ride back to my gate. It was such a lovely day I probably should have walked. SO I put on my bathing suit and sat in a sunny window with a book for awhile. I read about the supplements that are recommended for optimum brain functioning. Some of them I am already taking. I'll have to order the others.
I spent the afternoon writing a triliminal. It's the lastest rage on-line, but hey, I have the software to write my own. I ended mine with a wake-up clause. I tried it after supper. The wake-up clause didn't work, and I fell deep asleep, forgetting to write to my blog.

Locked out

My usual morning activites lasted until about 10. I had a little more energy than yesterday so I think the sunlight and warmer weather are helping. I walked to the thrift shop. The banner was down, but I think they will put it back up on Saturday. It only took me an hour and 15 minutes to shelve the books in the tub. I did see something new. It was like a little tape player on a necklace. There were three of them and each had the title of a book, and had a headphone jack on the side. Totally new to me. Around noon, I walked home. It was a beautiful day and I didn't need to wear my coat. There was the usual e-mail waiting for me when I got home. I listened to some of the audios while ripping off the border to my dahlia quilt. It doesn't lay flat, so I am going to add an inch at the narrowest point, resew, and see what that does. When Chris came home, I gathered up the rulers that came from Joanns, and the baby quilt top for class. I drove to the SPC, only to find that someone had locked the storage closet. No one EVER locks the door, but it was locked. I went to the office to get a key. The Katusa brought a whole handful of keys, but none of them worked. I asked if he could call someone. He did, and then said there wasn't a key for the closet. Say what?! All of our stuff is in there! We borrowed two paperclips, but were unable to get in touch with our inner lockpick. One of the other ladies asked him to call DPW, explaining that there was always someone on call. So a guy got sent out to drill out the handle and replace it with a new one. Well, by then class time was half over and the ladies were content to sit and talk. So we did. Several had brought their own machines and their own projects. They were the only productive ones. I sold a few rulers and put the ones designated for the group in the storage closet. We put up the tables and went home. I cleared out some more e-mail and watched some testimonial videos for a wand that heals pain when you wave it over the spot for several minutes. They claim it has zero-point energy fused into it.

New life

I used up the last of the bread making Chris's sandwich so I left the bread maker lid open to remind me to make more, and I went back to bed. I wasn't in bed long when some thought got me up and going. Too bad, because I didn't sleep well last night. Anyway, I didn't have to go anywhere, so I worked on e-mail and put my sewing room in some semblance of order. I added a 6 ft plank above my sewing table to take up some of the clutter that always seems to be in my way. I also checked on my tomato seeds and was very pleased to see that they are up already. Sadly most of them will not make it because I only have one pot to plant in. Right now it has a pointsettia that is on its way out. I miss having a garden to plant in. Sigh. I wonder if tomato sprouts are edible?
I spent the afternoon making a baby quilt top from extra squares for class tomorrow night. Oh yes, and I did remember to make another loaf of bread. I finished reading the Silva pdf thinking it would contain a word-for-word script so I could record it in my own voice, but it didn't. So I spent the evening transcribing several mp3 sessions. I am doing this to increase my brainpower and problem-solving ability.

A walk in the park

I finished the thrift shop banner, then asked Chris to drive me to the store. Ella, the manager, was quite pleased with it. I spent almost 2 hours shelving books and DVDs. Although they told me there were more books outside in the bin, I signed out at noon to meet Julia at the subway station. Along the way I stopped at the Shoppette for natural peanutbutter for my next batch of fudge (which I will take to the quilt meeting). I met Julia coming out of Ichon station and we walked past the National Museum of Korea to Yongsan Family Park. The flowers were just getting started. We walked all around and even tried out the exercise machines. Lots of Korean kids were there, playing around after seeing the museum. Then we walked back to post and I signed her on. I showed her the gym, the cinema, the thrift shop, the post office, the ACS building and the Dragon Hill. Then she went home and I took the bus to my gate. I spent some time on e-mail and Youtube. Chris had pork in the crock pot, and we ate it for supper. Being tired from all the walking, I had to lay down for awhile to get up the energy to write this post.

A few good ideas

I took the remaining avocado mixture from the fridge and slathered it on my head. This time I had the full 30 minutes, and then showered as usual. (I hope I don't have to explain to some Korean plumber why the drain is full of avocado chunks.) I gathered everything thing I thought I needed for the day, and headed out. I met Pam at the gate, and we drove to Annette's house for show-and-tell and the secret sister exchange. Cathy J did a demo on cutting up a floral stripe into triangles to make a tablerunner. It was very cool. She and Annette also made some quilts together (see pic). We had planned to catch the subway to the Mad for Garlic restaurant, but so few people were going that the few of us left decided to walk into Itaewon to an Indian restaurant. The food was very spicy and the waiter didn't speak enough English for us to get what we wanted, so we probably won't go back. I enjoyed my lunch though. We walked back, and Pam took me by the post office to mail my mother a gift. Then she dropped me off at my gate. I spent the rest of the afternoon checking e-mail and listening to interviews (and a little cleaning). Then I retired to my sewing room to work on the thrift shop banner. I got all the letters sewn on and the rod pockets made.

Easter Sunday

When I got up, I looked to see if Michele had found her 'eggs'. She had already eaten the golden nugget, and had found more than half of the chocolate balls. I put on the blue dress I made for church. Unfortunately I didn't think to make a matching belt so I wore one of Michele's scarves. The church was full of lilies and I should have taken a picture, but I didn't. Here is the after-church spread. The chocolate bird's nests don't show, but I hear they were very good. There was an egg hunt after church. Although no age limit was specified, I figured I wasn't invited. After church we stopped at the AnC center for a 6-foot board to build more shelving in my sewing room. It just gets harder to fit all the fabric in. (I don't see how we can stay here another year. There won't be any living space left.)
We also stopped at the commissary for groceries. We were back in time to put them away and get to the theatre to see "How to train your dragon". It was a cute movie.
I worked on my e-mail then until supper was ready. After supper we watched some DVD's and I gave Michele some hints for finding more chocolate balls. There is only one left. Then it hit me: wouldn't it be funny if I re-hid the ones she found while she is sleeping? What a mean mother I am! Bwahahahahaha!

Pre-Easter preparation

Last night after writing to my blog, I saw my seed starter kit. So I soaked the little pellets, and planted tomato seeds in them. Then it was off to bed. In the morning I got up to have breakfast and get ready for the game. We all played with the voices today, but this game was different. Instead of having a team quest, we were all individuals going to a three-day competition. So each person had fight their own battles. That left me time in between to work on my dahlia quilt and the thrift shop banner. Unfortunately the corners were too small (or the dahlia is too big). For the banner I made templates and cut large letters out of white denim. The background is a work in progress. It sounds so simple to satin-stitch the letters on, but in reality moving a LARGE piece of fabric through the machine in all different directions is a recipe for frustration. The game lasted until 5. I started on the backing, and then Chris had supper ready. After supper I cleared some e-mail and tried to finish reading a pdf. When Michele went to bed, I got out the basket and plastic grass. I have one piece of chocolate that looks like a golden nugget. I put that in the basket. It looks like the Easter bunny's version of coal-in-a-stocking. Ha. Then I hid Ferrero Rochet balls all over the living room and its general area. After all I don't have any colored eggs and some traditions must be preserved.

Productive day

I tried something new this morning - avocado hair conditioner. I mashed up an avocado, an egg yolk, and some olive oil. I spread it on my hair. 30 minutes is the recommended time, but by the time I got the mixture ready and spread, I only had 10 minutes to spare. The avocado wasn't as ripe as I thought and I had chunks falling off of my head. They were everywhere: on the floor, in the sink, and in my ears. I looked like a mate for the Jolly Green Giant. Then I showered, removing it all. I dressed and met Chris at the gate. He drove me to his office where they were gathering to go to the mushroom restaurant. Ms. Yi helped me learn some Korean. Then we drove to another walk-in gate, and walked to the restaurant. We sat on the floor and they brought us their specialty, cooked in the middle of the table. I had been taught not to leave food behind, so tried to eat my share. But Chris was able to clean up for all of us. I read recently that in Korea if you don't leave some food behind they think you are still hungry and that they were bad hosts and didn't make enough. See the tissue box on the table? It's a joke. What you really need is a roll of papertowels.
Then we walked back. Chris dropped me off at the PX, where I was able to buy an egg coloring kit, and a high-cocoa chocolate bar. I walked to the DHL, and examined the walls for a place to hang a quilt. I did the same thing at the ACS building. My thought is that instead of a quilt show for a day or two, we could hang one quilt, changing it out periodically, with a small sign advertising our group. I just don't know how to make it happen. Anyway, I stopped by the commissary and got coconut milk. When I got home, there were several hour-long interviews in my e-mail. I attempted to listen to all of them, but cut one short. When Chris came home and Michele was still out, we had some alone time. Neither of us were hungry for supper, having had a big lunch. I made a recipe of Healthy Chocolate Peanutbutter Fudge. It uses chopped dates instead of sugar. Instead of commercial peanutbutter, I made my own by washing some mixed nuts and putting them in the blender with a little oil. It also calls for coconut milk, wheat germ and fiber. When I was finished, I tasted it and put the rest in the fridge to harden. It is good because it isn't so sweet that you can't taste the chocolate.

Dying for colored eggs

This morning I stayed up after making his sandwich. I cleared out much of my e-mail, and almost finished the binding on the floral quilt while listening to some audios. Then I walked to the thrift shop. I was able to get in 3.75 hours. Part of that was Ella asking me to go with her and some others to get lunch at the Katusa snack bar. I ordered the bean paste soup, but when we got back and sat down to eat, what I got was the bean curd soup (with tofu). After working, I walked with Gerri to the commissary. I wanted to buy egg dye, but they didn't have any, nor any food coloring:( I want to protest! As an American I have the right to color my food!
Then I went home. I was able to finish the binding listening to another interview (makes me feel productive). When Chris came home, I was almost ready for class. I grabbed my keys and copy of the project directions, and headed for the SPC. This time I couldn't steal tables from other rooms because they were in use. So I got the stack of leftovers from the big room. I made copies for everyone, and started setting up the room. I had hoped to do a little maintenance on the sewing machines, but ran out of time. A fair number of people showed up to make the baby quilts. We got as far as we could in one night, but will have to do the batting and backing steps next week. Everyone helped to clean up. I drove home and decided to make things easy on myself by parking nose first in the parking deck. I listened to another audio interview, and then it was time for bed.