Apron class

I got up after Chris did. My knee did not hurt when I got out of bed, but it was still sore in certain positions. I drank water, swished and exercised. I watched videos as I ironed a piece of blue fabric to take to class. I took a shower, and ate seed crackers. I put some red, white and blue fabrics in my class box. I could not find my take-to-class sewing machine. I looked everywhere and found it set up in the sun room. Then I remembered doing that. I packed it in its case. Myra and Nela came by. We loaded the fabric and sewing stuff in the car, and went to FFTC. We unloaded and Myra had to leave. I spoke to Dan about having the room through the month of March. He said the military could commandeer it at the last minute. During class we made aprons. Some ladies brought their own fabric and some chose from our pile. Kelly had trouble with the machine I had fixed for her. I put my own thread on it and it worked find. Most finished and helped to clean up. Anna came back with her boy, but she did not finish her apron because he was into everything. Myra returned during class. She took several people home and came back for me and my stuff. She took me home. We sat talking in the parking space for some time, then carried my stuff to the house. Kelly's daughter returned my spool of thread, I took her machine back, and she gave me her husband's jeans to mend. I made and ate breakfast. I listened to tapping audios while patching jeans and ironing fabric. I laid a length of fabric in the hall to fold it and it got dirty. The floor must be dirtier than I thought. I swept the floor. I continued ironing and folding. I took a break at 4:30 to return the pants next door. Then I ironed until I finished the last piece. I got some food from the fridge for supper. Chris came home. We talked. My laptop was still in the sewing room (so I could listen to audios), so I went back there to read and clear e-mail. When Chris was ready, we watched 2 episodes of Hornblower (because the first was to-be-continued ). Then I drank my nightly salt water and we went to bed.

Pressing matters

Chris got up soon after my alarm went off. He made breakfast and went through the hymnal to make a list of which hymns he knew. I got up to wash another load of fabric. I checked e-mail and exercised. I saw that Elizabeth was looking for a walker so I posted that I had one. I cut the corners off a second load of fabric and threw it in the washer. I ate seed crackers with a Tbsp of coconut oil. My knee was hurting because I had slept on it wrong. I hoped that in the process of exercise and making breakfast it would work itself out. But every time I sat down, it stiffened up again. So I skipped walking to church. Chris also skipped church because he spent so much time going through the hymnal. Chris put a pot of bone soup on the stove to simmer. I had breakfast around noon. Then I spent the afternoon ironing fabric while listening to audios. Myra called to say she would pick me up early tomorrow. I went back to ironing and Chris went to the commissary. But they must have closed before he got the whole list. When I got out the hummus to mix with fresh garlic, there were no cloves. But I had two bowls of the soup, and I cut up some of the fresh vegetables into it. Chris did laundry and washed the sheets. I made him a loaf of bread. I posted to the community page about sewing class tomorrow. We watched Kindergarten Cop. Chris looked up some of the actresses. Then he went to bed while I stayed up to post to my blog and drink salt water.
* this is the quilt Myra made the day before the shower *

Baby shower

We heard the alarm go off from the warmth of the bed. We stayed in bed. Later Chris got up to talk to the voices. It was a kind of pre-game conversation. I got up to wrap the baby towel. I checked Pinterest for ideas. Then I cut an origami square into a snowflake. I got a sheet of green and a sheet of white tissue paper and wrapped as best I could, but it did not quite cover. I taped the orange snowflake to the top and it kind of looked like a cabbage. Then I competed with Chris' conversation by playing tapping audios while I exercised, swished and make breakfast (including seed crackers). At 11:30 I paused the audio to scrub the tray under my dish drainer. I put the hummus into a plastic serving container. Then I washed broccoli, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers. I cut them up and put them on the tray. One head of broccoli did not look good inside – kind of gray. Odd. I left that one out. I nestled the hummus container into the center of the veggies and slipped the tray into the fridge. I got dressed, trying on several tops but not satisfied with any of them. I settled on a blue one. I cut up extra veggies and put them in a separate container. I wrapped the tray in plastic. Chris took a break to help me carry the veggies and the gift to the housing center where the party was. Tables were already set up and there was a place for my veggies tray and for gifts. More people came as we chatted. Anna asked me to give her son piano lessons. Eventually we got in line to fill our plates. I was able to get fresh fruit, veggies, and potato salad as an exception. Maria, the lady of the hour, brought veggies, too, but she made cute little cars out of hers. They were far too cute to eat. She also brought little gel candles to hand out. After we ate, she opened her gifts. Myra made her a quilt with a matching pillow. Ladies started leaving. The rest of us cleaned up. Myra, Nela, Anna and I were the last to leave. We stood outside talking. I found out that I have to make an appointment at Housing in order to return our loaner items. Our little group broke up at 5. when I got home, I ate an apple and checked e-mail. I sorted my fabric and put a load in the dryer. I put the buckles on the backpack, but was not satisfied with them. I adjusted the straps to a relative position with pins. I finished the tapping audio from earlier. I ate some chicken legs that Chris made for supper. We watched another Horatio Hornblower DVD while I washed and dried 2 loads of fabric. We even watched the commentary afterward. Then I checked e-mail one more time, posted to my blog and went to bed.

Mo-du is an expensive word

We heard the alarm go off, but stayed in bed to cuddle. Then I got up to take a shower. We refilled the water containers. I drank water and made breakfast. I listened to the tapping meditation from yesterday. I took a shower and got dressed. I packed some seed crackers, coconut water, and a seed snack that came from Swanson's. At 7:40 I walked down the hill to Duffy's parking lot. Chaun was already there. Then Akia drove up with her baby. She paid me in won. Others came and paid too. I marked them paid on my list and jotted down their phone numbers. Finally we realized it was after 8 and the bus hadn't come. So I called MWR, and she called the driver. She said the driver was having trouble getting to work so another driver was coming. And indeed, soon a 25 passenger van drove up. We climbed on and loaded the stroller. We were off base before 8:30. It was a long ride to Daegu, but we had fun chatting and sharing information. I did some covert tapping. The driver drove around a lot in Daegu and I think he took some wrong turns. It was 10:30 by the time we got to the market. We got off and trailed along through the streets until we found the right building. Most of us went to the third floor. We split up looking for the 2/yard table. My group found it first. Soon the others joined us. We rifled through all the stacks of flat-folds. I built a stack of my own. When it was time to cut, I told him 'mo-du'. That means 'all of it'. It seemed like a good idea so I would not have to deliberate over whether I wanted one yard or two. But the final price was $128. That's 64 yards of fabric! Most of it was for Quilts of Valor. We still needed fabric for the quilt the school asked for. Yellow was the hardest to find. We perused stalls all around the floor. Eventually we did find a yellow and a blue of the right color. We bought a few other things too. Some ladies went with Akia to look at baby clothes. Others went to find batting. Myra and I found a $3/yard fabric place and I bought a lot there, too.
Chelsea called to say they were waiting for us to join them for lunch. We agreed to meet in 10 minutes. But finishing our shopping took longer than that. Nela called for the same reason. I told her to go to lunch without us, but she insisted we come. Finally she found us, then we went looking for Chelsea and we all went to lunch in the basement. They all had bibimbap and I bought kimbap at another booth, then ate with the others. I was ready to go shopping again but had to wait for them to finish. We stayed there until 2 and I was itching to leave. But we all stopped at the restroom first. Then
Chelsea went back upstairs to get Blue's Clues fabric. Some ladies went with me to get towels and yarn. Those shops were on the way in. I got two sets of towels – one in blue and one in white. Then we moved on to the yarn shop. We asked about prices until we found the lowest priced yarns. I pulled out blue, orange, yellow, white, black, etc hoping to make $50. It was at $48 when Nela suggested two sets of knitting needles for $1 each. That was perfect because it used all the money that Kelly had given me. Then I saw that it was 2:30. So I walked to the bus even though the other ladies were still looking at something. I discovered that Daniele was already there, and the bus was open. I called Nela to let her know we were waiting. Myra wasn't there, but she doesn't have a cell phone so I could not call her. But she arrived with Akia, and soon everyone was present and climbing onto the bus. The nice driver hoisted all my purchases onto the van. Soon we were on our way. It took less time to get home than it did to arrive. Daniele told me all about tapping trees and making maple syrup. Jane called to ask when I would get home because she wanted me to sign her onto post. I told her 5, but we got back just before 4:30. Akia drove me and my fabric home. I called Jane to say I could get to the gate early. I walked down there and stopped to talk to Elisa. Then I waited at the gate. Jane arrived on the next bus. I signed her in and we went to the ATM. She got cash. Then I asked her to read the bottle of gingko drink that Myra had given me. The ingredients were all on my approved list. We walked to the gate and I signed her out. Then I went back to the ATM to replenish my won. I went home to make supper and listen to the Day 4 tapping audios. I scrambled the giant egg. The audio finished and I checked e-mail and started the second one. Chris came home so I shut it off to talk to him. He had had fish tacos at the chapel. He checked his e-mail while I did today's puzzle. I read an article with a surprising finding: The researchers found that leg strength was a better predictor of brain health than any other lifestyle factor looked at in the study. Guess I'd better brush up on my squats. When I finished the second audio, we watched a DVD called Sharpe's Challenge. When it was over, I put my foot in it, so to speak. I congratulated Myra on something she had not been told about yet. I owned up to it and apologized, hoping not to get caught in the same trap. I drank my nightly salt water. I listened to a tapping meditation. Then it was time to post to my blog and go to bed.

Getting ready for Fabric Friday

Chris got up early today. I stayed in bed until he left. Then I got up to have some water and check e-mail. Sadly I wasted a lot of time reading responses to a question on Quora – should you gave money to beggars? Most people said no, but do offer food or clothing. If you want to give money, tip someone who has a low paying job, or buy something from a street vendor. I skipped exercises and ate some seed crackers. I made up a new mixture of spices, and then made breakfast while listening to a day 3 tapping audio. I had to pause the audio and my breakfast to get dressed. I grabbed my yoga mat and headed out. But the door locking mechanism made funny sounds and would not lock. I called Chris but he did not answer. I opened the plate and took out the batteries. I checked them with my battery tester and they all tested well. I put them back in and it did not make that sound again. Once the door was fixed, I walked down the hill with my mat, and ran into Scott. He said he needed more chocolate to fully recover. Lily was walking away from the gym with her mat because no one showed up. So I did yoga with Lily until noon. I did stretches and used the stability ball. I also did a headstand against the wall until my back complained. On the way home, I met Chris on his way home with two boxes from Swansons. I called Nela and she said they forgot about yoga, probably since the instructor wasn't going to be there. I finished eating breakfast while talking to Chris. He went back to work. I listened to rest of the audio and the second one. I worked on the hooded baby towel. Myra called to go walking since the day was so sunny. I put some chocolate in a bag for her husband, and a container of collagen. She arrived with stuff to carry home so left it in our foyer. We walked the trail around to the commissary and then to my house. We ran into Kelly. She talked about making food to sell to the extra people who would be here for the exercises. Myra paid me for the trip and got her stuff and went home. I got my ATM card and went to the bank. I deposited the payments collected so far and took out a lot of won for tomorrow. Cory saw me come out of the bank and handed me a back stretcher item. I carried it home. I made a salad and had some cabbage soup, too. I ate the last of the hummus and made a new batch for Saturday. I cleaned up and put away the items from the two Swansons boxes. I finished the baby towel and wondered what to wrap it in. I looked high and low for a list of fabrics for future classes, but could not find it on paper or in my computer. I opened Excel and made a list of people going on the trip and their phone numbers (the ones I knew). I also listed what I want to buy for me and what I want to buy for future classes. I printed it out for tomorrow. I jotted notes for my blog. I rubbed oil in my hair because it was so dry. We watched another episode of Hornblower. Chris went to bed while I posted to my blog.
* these are the pea plants I bought in the market. *

Guess who went to lunch

I drank salt water before going to bed since it seemed to work last time. I woke up once to go to the bathroom, but never with a night sweat. Yea!
I heard Chris' alarm go off at 6, but he was gone. I shut it off and went back to sleep. I got up before my alarm because I could not tell what time it was. I listened to the rest of the audio for last night while working on today's puzzle. I exercised and drank salt water. I ate seed crackers. I cleaned the kitchen countertops. I made breakfast and ate it while checking e-mail. It struck me how empowered I felt that I paid for the bus and I could just invite anyone to join for free if I wanted. I took a shower and got dressed. I called Myra to pick me up. I moved my sewing machine and box of fabric and notions to the front porch to be ready. When she arrived, we put my stuff in her car and picked up Nela. Then we went to the chapel to set up. Anna came with her machine. And so did Elisa, and her mother. But soon they all left to see the kids do a presentation at school. Then it was just Myra and me, trimming blocks and pinning them together. Anna came back briefly then left to deliver lunch to her husband. Nela came back and showed us pics on her phone. Nela took pics of us sewing and pressing. We got the six rows together into three panels. Then it was time to pack up. Anna invited us to lunch, but Myra had other things to do, so she dropped Nela and me and my stuff at my house. Then Nela and I stood outside looking for Anna. Keymora stopped to talk and when Anna came along, she invited Keymora to lunch as well. We walked up the hill to Anna's house. While we stood in her kitchen talking, she made lunch. Nela sliced the meat and put some in each dish. Anna put rice noodles in each dish as well as parsley and onion. Then she added boiling water and served the bowls. We stirred as the meat cooked in the cooling water. It was very good. She had cake from Cabin Fever for dessert. We talked about planning going away parties. At 4, the ladies left to pick up their kids. I walked home. I posted my Daegu trip to the Facebook page one last time. I listened to the first audio of the second day of the tapping summit while working on the puzzle. I examined my neighbor's machine. It was missing critical parts, but I used some from one of my machines to verify that it did indeed work. I messaged her on Facebook to let her know and see if she had the missing parts. I got the towels and ribbon from the back to work on while I listened to the second audio. Chris came home, tired. He made himself supper while I tapped and sewed. Then he read a book while I made myself a salad. I ate while we watched several episodes of Castle. Then he went to bed while I stayed up to post to my blog and drink salt water.

Busy Tuesday

Chris got up early again. I heard my alarm go off, but did not get up right away, until after he left for work. Then it was a coffee morning, with exercises, drybrushing, and rebounding. I listened to an audio and played some relaxing music as I did some tapping. I cleaned the kitchen sink. I got dressed, rolled up my mat and went to yoga. She did not go easy on our thighs. She just loves holding those bent knee poses. Afterward, she told us that she has to take the month of March off because meetings are being scheduled during her lunch hour, which is when she does the classes. She said we could continue to meet as a group on our own if we wanted to. I walked out with Myra and Nela. We ran into Kelly and Chaun who had just come from the 5-day market. They said the produce looked great. We thought about going, but Nela had to be back for a knitting class. So we decided to go after that. Then, I went home to make and eat breakfast. Chris was there for awhile and had brought me two Valentine cards from the post office. I opened them after he left. I read e-mail. Two men came to check the door (it had been making funny sounds). They changed the batteries in the lock system. I checked e-mail, and looked for the Tapping Summit link for day 1. It was not mailed to me and I could not find it anywhere on their site. I put on my coat and grabbed a shopping bag. I walked to the FFTC building to pay for the bus on Friday. Then I called Myra and she said to meet her in the parking lot. I walked over there, and saw Elizabeth. Myra drove up and we walked over to talk to her. Nela had washed up some of the clothes from the locker and they still smelled. So we asked E if we could throw them out and she said yes. We went to the school to wait for Nela. When she came out, we walked past the laundry. We looked at the prices to see how expensive it would be to wash the clothing. Almost $50. Thinking it would not sell for that much even if we washed it and the smell came out, we decided we would rather donate the $50 directly. Myra drove us to Home Plus and parked. We walked across the street to the five day market. I did not bring my cart because I only needed sesame oil. I bought sesame oil, a large egg, strawberries, peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, underwear, tomatoes, and 7 pea plants. Then we went back to her car at Home Plus. She drove to base, and took Nela home. When she took me home, we split the tomatoes. Kelly came out to talk, then said to get her when I leave for the town hall meeting. I put away the food, and ate some cabbage soup. I found the link for the 2014 tapping summit and changed the 4 to a 6 and then I got in. I listened to part of the first audio, then stopped to go next door. Kelly offered me a ride to the town hall. We and her kids and Jen went to the theater. I got to talk to a few people before it started. Chaun paid me for the trip on Friday. Chris sat with me. It was very interesting. They talked about exercises and the cherry blossom festival and we had a speaker for the Nex. It went long, but it was all cordial. Then a group of us discussed the moldy clothing in the FRG locker (more like a big cage). Eventually, Chris was ready and we walked Myra home. Then we went home. I finished the audio and barely started the second one when Chris was ready to watch Castle. We only saw one episode. Then Chris laid in bed to read and I posted to my blog.
* Market egg compared to commissary egg. I wonder what kind of egg it is *

Separating the good from the bad

I drank salt water before I went to bed. When I woke up, I only remembered one night sweat. Hmm.
Chris got up early this morning. I stayed in bed, got up after 8 to drink and check e-mail. I swished with coconut oil and activated charcoal to clean my teeth. Iate the last seed cracker. Then I walked to Myra's house. Nela came over and we worked on a 1700's costume for her son. We finished as Myra's husband came home. Nela and I went home for lunch. I made and ate breakfast and worked on today's puzzle. I made a new batch of seed crackers. I called Nela and she met me near the fire dept. We walked to the chapel to make certain that our room is still open for Wednesday, what with all the training going on. They assured me it was. Then we went to the Navy Lodge to find out where the FRG locker was. Nela went to get Myra. The man showed me where it was and I took a pic. Then we went back to the office. I said I would come back later in the week to clean it out, but Myra wanted to start right away. So I checked out the keys (turns out there are two lockers.) Nela brought latex gloves and masks. We spent hours going through bags of clothes, picking out the moldy stuff. Most of it was tagged from a yard sale, and tagged high. We put the best stuff in bags to be washed. We separated the trash, but left it for when we have a car to carry it off. On the way home, we ran into Akia. We talked to her about it since she wanted to help. When I got home, I checked e-mail and there was one from my neighbor asking about her machine that I was going to fix. So I cleaned it and put thread in it and balanced the tension as best I could. The top tension was tight even on 0. But other than flossing the discs, there was nothing I could do. I ate a salad for supper. I put the machine back together and took it next door. She gave me money to buy her yarn at the Daegu market. We talked and I giggled at her baby son who pushed her other sewing machine down the hall. So finally I just picked up the machine and brought it home to work on. I ate some chocolate and an apple. I put the celery in food waste for pickup tomorrow. I read e-mail. We sat down to watch 2 episodes of Castle. Then he went to read in bed. I laid on the couch until I mustered enough energy to post to my blog.

Catching up

Chris got up first, after the alarm went off. I got up when I remembered that I hadn't made the loaf of bread that Chris requested. I greeted him at the table, then we re-filled my water containers from the shower filter. I swished and exercised while listening to the rest of the video from last night. Chris left for church. I put ingredients in the bread machine. I brushed my teeth with turmeric because it was recommended for whitening teeth. I took a shower and got dressed. Then I walked to church. I met Chris on his way home. We chatted then I continued on. I still had time to visit the bathroom before sitting in church with Jane. The pastor announced that the songleader was in an accident. So we sang three hymns acapella. Then the pastor gave his talk about the passover. He played us a video where the Seder meal was explained by a Jewish Christian. It was very interesting. We had communion after that. When the service was over, a lady brought her new baby to be oo-ed and ah-ed over. Jane headed to the Korean church and I went home to change clothes. Chris and I walked to the Korean church for lunch. We ate with Jane and she insisted a man take our picture. After she left, we walked back. We stopped at the commissary for groceries. Chris did laundry, and I checked e-mail. I whittled it down to 60 unread messages. We folded laundry. Then I worked on the lining for the backpack. I finished that and sewed it in. I showed it to Chris. Then I called Myra to see what we are doing tomorrow. I read a publication on FRG's – all sorts of ideas for activities and fund raisers. I posted an announcement of the Daegu bus trip to the community Facebook page to get more participants. Someone responded almost immediately. We watched the second Hornblower movie. Chris went to bed with a book. I stayed up to post to my blog.
* Jane told us that the meal was a special one, served for the first full moon. *

Finally getting some exercise

We slept late. I got up to drink, exercise, and check e-mail. Chris went to work. I ate seed crackers. I made up supplements for the week. I went up the trail and walked down behind the house. I made and ate breakfast. Chris came home from work, got his phone, then went to the fitness center. I put on a quilting sweatshirt, then went to the fitness center for the Cabin Fever event. I talked to a few people, then sat with Elizabeth's mom. I tried the electric snowboard, and later the bungee race. I really liked that one. We left at 4 when it closed down. When I got home, I checked e-mail, and listened to a video on holding your breath (the speaker had a 22 minute record). I worked the Sudoku puzzles for yesterday and this weekend. Chris went to work to update his skype account. I fixed his broken and missing coat buttons and reinforced the remaining ones. I fixed his jeans loop too. Then for the backpack, I sewed in an extension, then finished basting the front side and then basted in the back side. I listened to another two audios on breath control as I sewed. Chris came home from work not long after I started the second video. Then I made a salad and ate while we watched A Walk In The Clouds. It was very touching. I put together another Swansons order to take advantage of the latest offer. And then it was time for bed.
* electric snowboard - kind of like a mechanical bull *

Ribbon Cutting ceremony in Busan

I woke up when Chris got up at 6. I went back to sleep several times. I got up at 7 when he came back for his shower. I drank a quart of vinegar/salt water. I e-mailed my neighbor to see if she could cut my hair. Chris gave me a pair of jeans that needed patching, and he went to work. I did my exercises while listening to an interview on electrical sensitivity. I took a shower and got dressed. I boiled water for the nuts. I started making breakfast and Skype rang. It was Faye and we talked for half an hour. Then I put on my coat and ran next door to beg for a haircut. And she was able to do it on the spot. What a lifesaver! I tipped her $20 which was all I had. I asked for her sewing machine which she said needed fixing. I brought it home to work on later. I ate seed crackers. I made and ate breakfast. I got dressed and redressed until I was satisfied that I had done my best even though the effect was not quite what I wanted. I put some cashews and pieces of chocolate in a baggie which went into my purse. Then I put on my warmest coat and walked to Chris' building. Along the way, I ran into Jessica so we walked together the rest of the way. Then I called Chris from the lobby and he came down. We all talked as the group grew. Then we split up into two groups and got in two vans for the trip to Busan. We were with Burt and Tom and Mr. Pak. It was a long trip because of all the stop-and-go traffic. When we got to the ROK Navy base, Ms Pae explained who we were (I guess) and they let us on. Then we went as close to the gathering as we could get. The ROK band was playing a Beatles tune. The weather was beautiful and I did not need my warmest coat. We got out and eventually were shown where to sit. Each seat had a 'radio' and headset so each attendee could hear the speeches in their preferred language of English or Korean. My unit did not work, but only one speech was in Korean so it was ok.

A bell rang as each speaker was introduced and they then took their seat. The flags were paraded in front of the crowd as we stood at attention for the playing of both national anthems. Then the speeches began. After the speeches (various generals and the ambassador), each was invited to proceed to the ribbon area. A few other men were called to go as well. Then we all surged down the hill to the front door. We were invited to take pictures, but I was too short. They cut the ribbon and there was clapping. Then people milled about, visiting the refreshment table where a huge cake sat, or taking the tour, or talking. We talked first, then gathered for the next tour. I took pics inside the building. Chris introduced me to a lot of people. I toured the bathroom on my own. When we got outside, we visited the food. I had some fresh fruit. Others got cake, cheese and crackers, cookies. As Chris stood talking to a group, one of our vanmates asked me to nudge Chris to leave. So I did. He departed the group, but got in another conversation on the way back to the van. Eventually, we did get back and started the trip to Chinhae. (We did not stop at the fabric market.) The trip back seemed shorter. Chris regaled the group with stories I have heard before. When we got back, the weather was colder and I was glad for my coat. We dropped by the post office to check for mail, but there was none. Then we walked home. We passed Kelly and she asked if we met the ambassador. I said no but the new haircut made me feel more confident. We went home and changed our clothes. Chris gave me his coat which needed a button sewn back on and a broken button replaced. I looked through my bag of buttons to find a similar one. We ate supper while checking e-mail. I did yesterday's puzzle, saving the one for today for tomorrow, since there is only one on the weekend. I looked up the incident where our ambassador to Korea was stabbed. That was a year ago and I did not notice a scar on his face today. Chris chose Horatio Hornblower for our movie. So we watched the first one of the series. Chris went to bed, while I stayed up to blog and clear the latest e-mail.

Last day of class

We woke up at 7 with the alarm. I got up to drink water and check e-mail. I washed up and got dressed. Chris left for work. I ate some seed crackers. Myra called to say her husband took the car so we would be walking. I left the house just in time to arrive on time. Everyone else was there already. Chaun brought her famous cupcakes and Jess brought strawberries and kumquats. I brought some chocolate. We went through a module on abuse. It was very emotional for me. Then we broke for lunch. I walked home to make breakfast, but the others walked to Turtle Cove for lunch. Chris arrived after I did. It took me the entire time to made and eat breakfast (while checking e-mail). Chris and I walked back together. He greeted our presenter. Chaun was there and took pics as people arrived. So I took a pic of her taking a pic of me. Her pics were for her photography class. Then we went through the last module. The CO and the SC came in near the end to observe. Then when we finished, they spoke about the importance of the training and how they hoped everyone who took it would use their new knowledge to help the people on base. They handed out certificates of completion. Everybody thanked everybody else for a great class. As we packed up, the CO asked if I had thought about being an ombudsman. I told him Cory was the best in class, but apparently Cory had turned it down. Then we got to talking to other people. Chaun took a group picture. Eventually, we all walked out. Myra and I stopped to talk to Tricia who teaches at the school. Then I walked Myra home and we talked to Daniele and Chaun, who walked her cute little dog. Finally I went home. I called Nela to see if she was going to the 5 day market. We talked for a bit but decided it was too late to go. I made some supper and listened to the third day of the Aura Seeing Fest. The exercises made my eyes hurt. I stopped when Chris came home. He ate and I checked e-mail. I looked for cute baby stuff tutorials. I took apart the backpack lining to add an extra piece. Then we watched a movie on youtube called The Lost Future. It wasn't a great recording, but it was an interesting movie. Then Chris went to bed. I stayed up to post to my blog and tap for tomorrow.
* I discovered that my pics came out really dark. So I lightened them as much as possible with software and am posting the best one. *

Day 2 of Ombudsman class

I put the wastebasket with the centipede outside as Chris suggested. But as I went to bed, I was remembering one of the classmates saying that the house heat has to run all the time because otherwise the centipedes will crawl in the vents. So I imagined them falling from the vent onto the bed, and slept with my head under the covers.

The alarm rang at 7. I got up for a pitcher of water and went back to bed. When I had drunk most of the water, I got up to exercise and put out the recyclables. I checked e-mail, and started an audio. Then I showered, dressed, and ate seed crackers. I walked out to Chris' car because it looked like his backup lights were on. But it was just the sun. I met Myra pulling up. We rode to the chapel for day 2 of class. We had lecture and exercises. Chaun's husband stopped by with a bouquet of flowers for their anniversary. It was so sweet. We broke for lunch a little after 12. I went to the post office, and tried to open the box but failed. I asked for assistance and suggested a taller foot stool. Finally I got our two packages. I got in Myra's car, and she drove me home. I made and ate breakfast , then met her outside and we went back to the chapel. We did another module and read about resources available to military and spouses. I found some I want to check out personally. Senior Chief came in near the end while we were doing scenarios. He told us stories about situations we will hopefully never have to handle.
Jane called just as the group was breaking up to say she was coming to post and needed to be signed on. Myra and I went to Security to check on her husband. She drove me home for my list and we grocery shopped together. Jane called to say she was 10 minutes away. So Myra took me home and I dropped off my groceries. Then she dropped me by Duffy's. I walked to the gate, and signed Jane on. She gave me some Korean popcorn. We went to the ATM for her to get cash. She taught me some new words. I signed her out at the gate, and we walked to the market. She bought cabbages on sale and some daikon radishes. They were heavy and I felt bad for her. I got some greens. Then she went to the bus stop and I went back to post. As I was walking uphill, Myra waved at me. She gave me a case of gingko drink that someone had given them for Christmas. She tried one and from her expression it must have been horrible. I took it home. Chris had just gotten in. He put away the groceries, and got rid of the centipede. I heated some cabbage soup for supper. I put dishes in the dishwasher. I worked the puzzle. I finished the audio from this morning, and was ready to watch TV but Chris was making a phone call to the states. So I melted some cacao butter in a measuring cup. He finished his call, but I was in the middle of making chocolate. So I whisked in cacao powder and some vanilla and cinnamon. I put in honey too, but not enough as it turned out. I emptied the last of the chocolates from the mold and poured new ones. Then I got out my silicone muffin tray and poured a little chocolate into each one until the chocolate was gone. That is when I tasted it and thought it was too bitter. There was little I could do at that point. I left it out to harden. I posted to my blog and went to bed.
* This is my version of the Bloc-Loc ruler *

Ombudsman class

I got up with the alarm at 7. I drank water and read e-mail. I washed up and got dressed. I found some paper to take notes on. I checked on the centipede in the wastebasket. He was still there, but in a different position. I ate seed crackers with coconut oil. Myra came at 7:45 to get me. We had to park at Security to get a spot and walk to the chapel. When we got to the classroom, I noted two people I did not know. One was an ombudsman from Yongsan and the other was a male spouse whom I just hadn't met yet. The instructor was from Japan. She taught two modules of the course before breaking for lunch. There were exercises to do, but not difficult ones. Myra drove me home for lunch, during which time I made breakfast. She picked me up at 1:35 and dropped me off at the post office. She went to park and I got in line to have someone help me get my mail. There were two packages. I carried them to class. I wasn't the only one who was a little late, so class had not started yet. Then we did module 3. The senior chief came in for the last part. Most of the information had been vague and general. But we ended with sample situations. The theme seemed to be that ombudsman can not share anything they hear with anyone else, except for the CO. Everything is fair game for the CO. Lots of stuff fell in the 'mandatory report' category. I decided that I did not want the job because I don't want to report what people tell me in confidence. Class ended at 4 and we walked to Myra's car. She went into the building to see her husband. Then we went to the FFTC room to get her box of goodies that were leftover. She dropped me off at my place and went home. I checked on the centipede, and then e-mail. I ate supper and put ginger slices in water to simmer for tea. I called Myra to tell her how much her items from Swanson's cost. I did today's Sudoku puzzle, made tea and left it to simmer. I called Nela to see how her class went. She tried to call me on Facebook but I don't have the right app. She shared a pic of two scarves she is knitting that look like pencils. I did a meditation from AuraFest. I brought the backpack lining pieces to the laptop. While I watched an episode of TQS, I basted the side to the front. Before I finished, Chris called. I told him all about my day. Then he hung up and I finished the episode and the basting. HOWEVER, the length of the side did not match the perimeter of the front, and that really ticked me off. Now I will have to add a piece, even though I measured carefully. I decided to drink my tea, prepare the recyclables, and go to bed.
* Here we are, explaining our poster marketing the ombudsman program *

Centipedes on my mind

I stayed in bed late, with a little help. I got up to drink water and check e-mail. I did most of my exercises before I realized it was time to get ready for class. I washed up and got dressed. I ate some seed crackers, which were still in the oven from last night. They were nice and crisp. I put them away. Myra called to see if I needed a ride. I checked the sewing box to see if it had everything we needed. I added some red fabric since I think we are going to make aprons, and they use a contrasting band. I put a bandaid on my finger. It had a boo-boo that just showed up. I sent out a last minute message to tell the group that sewing class would start at 10. I jotted notes for my blog. Then Cecily and Alfred called just as Myra showed up. I had to leave before they were finished talking to Chris. Myra and I carried my stuff to her car. Then we picked up Nela and drove to the FFTC building where we unloaded our machines and stuff. Thankfully Myra had brought her fabric, because I had left mine at home. I called Chris, but he did not answer. So I messaged him to bring the fabric with him on his way to work. But he must not have gotten it since he never came. Linda brought her girls to class and Elizabeth brought her son. Anna came too, to finish her bag. She also started an apron. The two girls worked on bags. Elizabeth finished hers and made a tissue cover. Nela worked on a quilt. She pinned the top and backing, but had no batting. At noon we started packing up because Myra had to return the car to her husband. But she was busy helping one of the girls, so Nela and I did most of it. Elizabeth and her son helped us carry stuff to the car. Myra dropped Nela at home and then went to my house. We brought my stuff inside and then stood on the porch talking about the ombudsman training tomorrow. After she left, I started coffee, planning a coffee afternoon since all the mornings this week will be taken up. When that was over, I rinsed all the utensils that went into making and straining coffee. I placed another Swanson's order, hoping for a better deal, but there wasn't one. Then I bundled up and took a walk up the trail. I did not go much higher than the exercise station in case it was still wet. I stopped to exercise, then came down the hill and walked back up, then down again. I came home. I made and ate breakfast. I read e-mail. One was about using Bloc-Loc rulers. I think they are great but way more expensive than other rulers of similar size. I tried making my own by placing two layers of tape at a right angle across my square ruler. It did kind of work. But trying it out did not give me the accuracy I hoped for. I worked on the backpack, measured 5/8 inch and marked it all the way around. I basted it by hand, until my phone rang. It was Chris, saying they had just arrived in Pohang. While talking to him, I spotted a curly thing next to the rug in the living room. I thought it was plant matter so I picked it up and immediately dropped it when it moved. Chris said it was a centipede and that they were poisonous. That really freaked me out. I scooped it up with a piece of paper and dropped it in the wastebasket. Such things should be dead in the middle of winter! I tried to go back to sewing but my mind would not leave the centipede. Every little sound make me think centipedes were crawling out of the woodwork. I went to the kitchen to make a salad and warm up some soup. I hung the calendar on the wall across from my laptop. I watched an episode of The Quilt Show. It featured the Bloc-Loc rulers. I continued my work on the back pack. I finished the outside and started on the lining. I put in a zippered pocket as she requested. I cut a side piece of lining and measured around the front piece to see how long it should be. I sewed the zipper inserts to it. Then I realized it was almost 11 and past time to go to bed.

Valentine's Day

We slept in till after the alarm. Chris got up to have breakfast, I got up to read e-mail and exercise. He left a Valentine card on my laptop. It was very sweet. He made a request before he left for church. He told me he could not drive me to church because our Alabama licenses expired in January and we did not get the notices in time. That means his USFK driver's license is not valid until the Alabama ones are renewed. Since the chapel is downhill from here, I suggested we just let the car roll. But he said that stills constitutes operating a motor vehicle. After he left for church, I ate some seed crackers. I took a shower, and put on my robe. I filled two pitchers with water from the shower filter. I folded the clothes and put mine away. I emptied the dishwasher. I blended up the acorns (which have been soaking way too long). Chris came home from church and gave me a coconut oil massage. I fulfilled his request. We slept for what seemed like hours. He got up to make cabbage soup. I got up to make breakfast. I checked e-mail. We filled all the water pitchers. After reading e-mail, we went for a walk. It was a sunny day, but very chilly and we did not go far. When we got back, we ate the soup. I put together a Swanson's order. I did tomorrow's Sudoku puzzle. I made a batch of seed crackers. We watched Con Air with Nicholas Cage. I found my apron pattern for tomorrow. I wrote to my blog, not sure if I was going to bed or working a little on the backpack.
* Here is the back pack so far *

Skype and more skype

Chris got me up at 9. We skyped Michele and talked to for awhile. It was really nice to be able to chat with her. Then we called my dad. That was nice too. He had a little trouble hearing us, but overall it went well. Then we called William. Chris got ready for work while I talked. I really missed being able to call him. Then I skyped with Kurt, a little longer than I meant to. But again, it was good to be in touch. Faye was not on skype, and neither was Maryann, although by then it was pretty late for them. I exercised, then made and ate breakfast. I realized it had been quite a while since I walked up the mountain, but what with the rain, and all the morning sewing classes, there had not been the opportunity. And next week will be even worse. After reading e-mail, I cleaned the kitchen and ran the dishwasher. Chris came home. I asked him to help me fix the timing on my mail-ahead machine. We compared the shuttle/needle interaction on it with another machine. After much deliberation, I decided that the shuttle was ahead of where it should be. So we loosened the set screw as seen in a video on Youtube, but the mechanism would not move. We took off the back of the machine where the bobbin sits, and found two set screws there. Chris loosened them and I moved the shuttle guide. But I was unable to make small movements because it did not move freely. Eventually I did get it stitching with greater accuracy. Then I worked on the rubbing problem. The whole process was working too tightly, but I could not determine where the friction was occurring. I took off parts I had never taken off before. But I could not get off the one part I thought would allow me access. So I reassembled the machine and put it away. I searched the internet for a service manual, but could not locate one. I put a burger in the toaster oven to heat. I made a batch of hummus. (So much for cleaning the kitchen). I cued up a movie on my laptop as I ate the burger. Then Chris hooked my laptop to the TV so we could watch “Cleopatra”, a movie with Timothy Dalton as Caesar. Och, it was three hours long. It made me sad that I will never see the great library at Alexandria. I posted to my blog as Chris looked up some of the characters. We discussed Greek and Egyptian history. Then it was way past time for bed.
* This is the lady from the restaurant, mixing up the leftovers with rice and onions so we would have something nice to take home. *

Duck Bulgogi

Just before I went to bed, I mixed a scoop of GI Detox in a cup of water and drank it. I also put essential oils on my feet and went to bed. I slept fairly well. I did not hear Chris get up or the alarm sound. And there wasn't much light coming in the windows because of the rain. It was after 8. I will spare you the details, but the GI Detox must have worked, because I almost had to call to have the toilet unplugged. After that, I tweezed my eyebrows. I drank lemon water with salt because I read lots of benefits of doing that. I looked through my e-mail and did some tapping. I worked on the backpack until Chris came home. I quickly got dressed and then we walked out into the rain. Chris brought 5 suits and we dropped them off at the drycleaners. Then we went to the duck restaurant next door. We ordered the bulgogi, which is normally beef, but this place specializes in duck dishes. A man put the grill on our table and lit it. Nothing happened for awhile and then there was enough food for three or four people. In this pic, the lady had just brought all the side dishes – or so I thought. Then she came back with more. The bulgogi had to cook for a bit, then we ate it on lettuce leaves. It was all so good that we asked for the leftovers to be wrapped up. Chris particularly liked the sauce. I am not sure we communicated that. She brought rice, onions and seaweed and stirfried it into the leftovers, pouring off the sauce and fat. She packaged that into a plastic container for us. They did not charge extra. The on the way out, the man gave us cups of coffee from his coffee machine that grinds the beans. When we got outside, I gave my cup to Chris and he drank them both. Then we walked back to base. Chris proceeded to work and I went home to read e-mail and have a few strawberries. I worked on the backpack all afternoon. I wrestled with the loop, first getting the side pockets attached and then the zipper, then trying to attach it to the front, which had rounded corners. It was like trying to sew a set-in sleeve. Sue and her husband came over to get some boxes from our shed. They had been asked to move off post. Back in my sewing room, I basted the front to the loop that formed the sides first by hand and then sewed it. It was almost 8. I heated up a burger and put some of the rice mix from lunch on it. Chris hooked my laptop to the TV and we watched Robin Hood: the one with Russel Crowe. I made some tea, and drank it while posting to my blog. The tea was made from dried berries that I bought in the market. I don't know what kind they were, but the instructions were to boil them and throw out the first water, then boil them again, and drink that. Then we went to bed.

Don't hand me a carrot

After three hours of socializing last night, I finally got home. I was sleep drunk and unsteady on my feet. But when I got into bed, I had a hard time falling asleep. ?!?!? I woke up several times during the night, and then in the morning I felt like I had what I imagine a hangover feels like. Did someone spike my tea? I stayed in bed late and did not get up until 9. I found I could not delete e-mail on my Yahoo account on my laptop so I got on the desktop and deleted a hundred messages or so while drinking vinegar water. Then I put on an audio and did my exercises. I ate some seed crackers to tide me over. Then I took my yoga mat and papers and went to the gym. Kathy was there, getting ready for class. We chatted until Nela came. I handed her a lighter and she said I had promised her nails. Oh yeah, totally forgot. During the class, Kathy had us do stretches, all kinds of stretches. She even had us hanging from the chin up bars. In another stretch, we put our left hand reaching up our spine. Then she told us to turn the hand around. There was no way I could do that. After class I walked out with Nela. She said Myra wanted to go walking later. (Myra was too sick for yoga) I dropped off paperwork at CYP and went home. I made and ate breakfast, and then worked on the backpack. Myra called to go walking in town., I worked some more, ripping and sewing by hand to get it just right. I walked down to Myra's house, then realized I needed my cart because I intended to buy apples. We came back to get the cart. Walking down again, we met Karon. We talked with her about taking her husband back to the states for tests. Then we went off post to check prices in the nearby store, then to the everyday market to check prices there on apples. We went to the fabric booth and Myra got stuff for an apron class. Nela bought some strawberries. I tasted one and bought a basket for me, too. I finally found some affordable apples. Then I went looking for carrots. We found a lady selling 3 big carrots for $2. So I got $4 worth. Then she handed me an extra one. As I leaned over to put it in the bag, my back spasmed. So Myra put the carrot away and wheeled the cart back to base for me. In fact, they went home with me. Then I thanked them and came in. I laid down for awhile. Then I put the strawberries and apples in the fridge. I ate the last little bit of leftover salmon and heated a bison burger. I smashed two cloves of garlic in hummus and put that on the burger. Chris came home with groceries. I read e-mail, then worked today's puzzle. We watched Amadeus, a wonderful film with a great score. Sadly, or gladly, little of it is true. But it makes a great story. Then I drank the rest of the chrysanthemum and ginger tea from yesterday. I posted to my blog and hoped to go to bed.

PJ party

As I was heading to bed last night, I saw the recyclables. So I flattened and bagged them and set them by the door. I also prepared the food waste container in case that might get picked up since the pickup was canceled or postponed for the lunar new year. I put on a castor oil pack and laid down to sleep. I slept ok. Not great, but the night sweats were not as bad.
I got up after the alarm. I threw a coat over my pajamas and set the bags out by the street, and the food container, too. I listened to an audio while I swished and exercised. I took a shower and got dressed. Then I ate some seed crackers with coconut oil paste. I called Myra at 9:35. She drove over and we loaded my stuff in her car and drove it to the chapel. The classroom was already heated. We set up, then I ran my sewing machine while she stood outside the door to see how loud it was. We decided it was ok with the door shut to sew even during the Ash Wednesday mass at 11:30. No one else came to sew. The school was having a potluck so all the mothers were there. Nela came by for a few minutes just before the potluck. Chris handed me two bottles of geranium oil just before the service started. Not many people came to the mass. Afterward, Chris came in with another woman whom he introduced as Maria. She is into arts and crafts and her husband sews. But she is only here temporarily so … She was happy to discover that Myra is going to Seoul this weekend so the two of them are going to ride the bus together. Then the two left. Myra cut and trimmed blocks while I added white triangles to the blocks that needed them. Nela came after the potluck. She helped us pack up and to carry the stuff back to Myra's car. Myra dropped her off and then took me home. I made and ate breakfast. I read e-mail and did today's puzzle. I formally responded to Chief Crowe that I would attend ombudsman training. Myra did it yesterday and they had her scheduled for an interview already. I don't want the job, just the information. But if Myra takes it, I would help her. I tapped through some recent video postings. I filled out the CYP volunteer form. I read the proposed FRG by-laws and made notes on things that need clarification. I made up a new round of supplements, adding in the newest ones. I made up a bottle of liver detox using the geranium oil. I boiled chrysanthemum blossoms and slices of ginger in my new tea pot. I ate a burger with hummus and freshly crushed garlic. I watched more tapping videos. We watched 4 episodes of BBT. Then I put my tea in a jar and bundled up. Kathy had posted an invitation to all the ladies on post to attend a pj party at her house at 9. I thought she was kidding about the pj's so I walked over in my regular clothes. I think I was only one not in pj's or sweat pants. There was wine and snacks, but I drank the tea. Lots of ladies showed up. They had a great time and I tried to keep up with the conversation. Then the newer mothers had to go home. Kathy and Keymore regaled us with stories. I got so tired I could hardly stand up. Keymora gave me a ride home and stayed to see that I got in the house. I posted to my blog and went to bed.
* No pics from the party. This is from last week *

FRG meeting

I don't remember when I got up. I listened to an audio from the Metabolism Summit – 1tbs or more of coconut oil will raise metabolism 40% or more for 24 hours. I swished, exercised, drybrushed and mad coffee. I listened to some relaxing music and tapped. I ate some seed crackers with coconut oil slathered on them. I grabbed my yoga mat and walked to the gym. Our instructor was tired, so I think she took it easy on us today. After yoga, I was walking toward the commissary with the ladies when we saw Chris walking with packages from the post office. So I left them and came back with Chris. He had a form for me to sign. I made breakfast, and opened the Swansons boxes. I ironed strips for QOV, then took some apart and resewed them so the strips sets would be closer to the correct size. I got the pieces ready for tomorrow. Then I worked on Suk's backpack. I had to stop at 5:45 to bundle up and walk to the FRG meeting. Nela came along. Chris was supposed to meet me there, but he came in late. It was a good meeting. The only thing I volunteered for was to clean out the FRG storage unit. They mentioned wearing a mask, and I don't have one, so I may be sorry later. Myra volunteered for some stuff that may end up involving me. After the meeting, we chatted and then I walked home with Chris. We ate leftovers. I did today's Sudoku puzzle. It got late. Instead of a movie, we watched two episodes of Big Bang Theory. Chris went to bed and I stayed up to post to my blog.
* Here is a pic from sewing class yesterday *

First sewing class

I woke up sweating profusely, several times before the alarm went off. I dozed a little after, then got up. I checked e-mail while drinking water. I exercised to an audio. I ate some seed crackers with coconut oil on top. I sorted through my stash for fabrics to bring to class. Myra stopped by to pick me up. We loaded my sewing machine, fabric and notions in her car. It was full with her stuff too. Then we picked up Nela and her machine. We parked in back of the FFTC building and carried all of our stuff inside. We rearranged tables to suit our purposes and take advantage of outlets. I hid the dry erase markers in case kids came. Soon after 10 ladies arrived. Some brought their grade-school kids. Those kids did well. One lady had a toddler and that did not work out so she left. Another had to leave at 12, but most stayed to finish their project. Myra had brought several bags to copy. I worked with those who wanted to make the shoulder bag, which was similar to one I made. I had not done the other bags so left Myra to supervise that. At first I was completely busy, turning from one to another to explain their next step. But two people left and then it was better. My machine did not get much use because the bobbin case was missing. I had removed it to watch the needle/shuttle action in order to work on the other machine. I called Chris to bring it to me and he brought the only one he could find, which was for the one with the bad timing. Nela had brought her machine, but without any thread. I put my thread in it, and did not have any other spools for my machine, even after I put the bobbin case in. I made a note to bring extra thread next time. The ladies had a good time and generally it went well. About two o'clock we packed up. Some had a few finishing touches yet to do. We put the tables back in place and folded all the fabrics. The items went in various cars. Myra drove me home, and Anna brought my machine. Then they left. I checked e-mail and made breakfast. I mixed up more breakfast spice mix. Chris came home from work. We stripped the bed and washed the sheets. He made burgers. I assembled the most useable sewing notions in a clear plastic box to bring to the next class. Then we ate our burgers and looked at e-mail. I listened to several short audios. I made some chrysanthemum and ginger tea. I found more notions to add to my take-along notions box. We watched a version of Zorro on VHS from the 70's. I got very sleepy and tried to fall asleep right there on the couch. But it did not work. So I got up to post to my blog and go to bed.

Walking into town on Lunar New Year's Eve

Chris got up before I did, to get ready for church. I got up right after he left. I drank a quart of water and checked e-mail. I messaged back and forth with Myra. I took a shower and got dressed. I was folding laundry when Chris came back from church to drive me to my service. Jane was not there, so I sat with Karon. The song leader was not there either, so we all sang the three hymns acapella. But, when the choir sang, they had a keyboard player. I wondered why she did not play the hymns. After church I was talking to Karon and we were asked to count the offering. Aha! It was amazingly simple since few people showed up for the service – lunar new year. After the counting, Karon and I were talking and I heard Chris' voice. He had come to pick me up. We went home. I changed out of my dress. We fell asleep. Then he got up to walk to the commissary. Myra called to see if I wanted to walk in town. I didn't think anything would be open. But I grabbed a box of vitamin C and a handbag pattern. I stopped at Karon's place to give her the vit. C for her husband. Then I walked up to Myra's place. Her husband was there and I wished I had brought him some chocolate. Myra showed me the beautiful dishes she got from her Korean friend whose mother had to move into a home. Then we visited the ATM and went walking into town. We decided to visit the underground fish market. It was mostly restaurants. I wondered if you had to buy the fish and take it to a restaurant to cook it for you. When we came up, I did not know where in the market we were. But we found our way. We went to Daiso for Myra to get stuff to hang her rulers. As we wandered around, I saw a lady selling bottles of sesame oil. Some were clear, so I got one of those. (Chris said later that it smelled like fish oil). We stopped at another store to get a hairbow for MaryAnn. Myra wanted fabric for tomorrow, but those places were closed. The market was much cleaner than usual. When we got back, we went to our respective houses. Chris was on his laptop. I made bread, and then breakfast. I ate it while reading e-mail. I came up with a list of small super-easy projects for sewing class and looked up links to the projects. I made a list of materials needed so when we go to the store in Daegu, we can tell people what to get. Then Chris and I sat down to watch The Legend of Zorro with Antonio Banderas, kind of a sequel to the Zorro movie we watched two nights ago. Chris went to bed while I posted to my blog, wishing I were more ready for tomorrow.
* No pics today, so here is one of decorations at the party yesterday. *

Baby Shower and taxes

I got up after 8 to find Chris already at his computer. He did not want to wake me. I wondered if my alarm had failed to go off. I drank water and read e-mail. I did my exercises in spite of still being sore.
I took a shower and got dressed. I called Myra and Nela to see if they were going to the baby shower. Nela said she was. Nela said Anna was coming, so I put the sprouter and seeds in my bag. I made and started eating breakfast. But at 11 I put down breakfast. I picked up the baby gift bag and headed out. I met Anna walking, so I gave her the sprouter. She told me the house number for the baby shower. I saw Elizabeth get out nearby so I followed her to the house number. There were two ladies in the kitchen. We hung up our coats and stood around talking. Little by little, other people arrived. Several had their babies. There was a Dr. Seuss theme and the decorations were so cute! The food was themed as well. The deviled eggs were green in the center. The drink was ocean blue. There were fruits and veggies I could eat. And other things I couldn't. I enjoyed greatly the conversation, from baby poop to a Daegu trip. There were two games: one was guessing gummy worms in a jar. The other was filling in the blanks on Dr. Seuss book titles. I won the second one. When Kristen opened her gifts, she got a knitted Dr. Seuss hat from Nela which was really cute. Others exclaimed over the hooded baby towel. I think they want to learn to make one. I asked about the Daegu trip and there seemed to be plenty of interest. There was also a lot of picture-taking and baby handling. I got my share. It did not make me want a baby of my own. The ladies trickled out. I was one of the last to leave. When I got home, Chris was working on taxes. I finished breakfast and a few other things. I checked e-mail. I made seed crackers. I sorted a stack of papers into Blocks, Purses, Quilts, Non-quilt projects, Sketches and misc. I had to pause to help Chris with the tax forms online. We searched for papers and bank registers. He got very frustrated. It was not a good day to be Chris. I hope the people next door were not disturbed. Then I resumed the sorting and finished the process. I wrote my blog post, chose a pic to go with it, and went to bed.

So sore

Chris got up early to go to work for a 6am call. I got up about 7:45, not having heard the alarm go off, but having watched the daylight steadily increase. I was very sore, especially my thighs. I seriously reconsidered going to the community roundup. But Chris called and offered me a ride so I agreed. When he got here, I was dressed and had eaten some seed crackers. We rode to the bottom of the FFTC and took the elevator up to the third floor. We were the first people there. Chris sat in the front row and I sat in the second row so I would not look like I came to talk. When the ops officer reviewed the 8 week schedule, I suggested that the quilters be on it and he said ok. That was my entire contribution. I sat and listened to every one else tell what their group was doing. Afterward, I talked to MWR about a trip to the fabric market. Then Chris dropped me off at home. I made and ate breakfast. Linda texted that she wanted me to come over, but I did not respond soon enough. Nela called to meet at one for walking into town. I wrote a post for the community Facebook site and wanted to post a pic with it. Kathy had taken some and texted them to me. I had a devil of a time tying to get them to my laptop. So I took a pic of the pics on my phone and they turned out ok. I got Nela and Myra (who were in the pics) to agree to being posted. Myra suggested I post one of Anna as well, but I did not have her number to ask her permission. Chris came home just then and said I could post her pic later. I posted and then remembered that there is a baby shower tomorrow. I started working on a hooded baby towel. Then I ran off to join Myra and Nela. Chris called to say I had left my ID at home. He brought it to me on his way back to work. Myra, Nela and I walked into town to the everyday market. I bought allen wrenches and a tub to soak my feet in. We went to Daiso and I mentally screamed all the way up the stairs. My poor thigh muscles. I did not get anything there. Going down was just as bad. We followed Nela to a kimbap place. She picked up three rolls for her husband. I bought one for me. We found a new fabric store, but there was nothing suitable for QOV and it was quite expensive. We stopped at Office Depot on the way back, but I did not go up the stairs. When Myra came down, we left for the base. When I got home, my legs were killing me. I ate the kimbap, then sat down to read e-mail and listen to audios. I visited Linda to see the fabric she wanted to donate. I picked out a few pieces we could use. She served me tea. We took pictures of the hanbok she wants to sell. When her husband came home, I left. I listened to an audio and ate supper. I did the weekend Sudoku puzzle. Then Chris came home. I jotted notes for my blog. I finished the hooded baby towel, in white with Winnie the Pooh ribbon trim. I wrapped it in packing paper and put it in a Swanson's box, but that looked too rough. I tried to make a gift bag out of some Korean paper, but had trouble getting the dimensions right. Then I remembered the guest bedroom. In there I found a gift bag that looked like a bear. So I put the towel in there and made a tag to put on it. Soon Chris was ready to watch Zorro, with Antonio Bandaras. I rubbed magnesium oil on my thighs and it stung. Chris rubbed my feet during the movie. Then he showed me how the bottom of his foot split. Yikes! He rubbed shea butter on it and went to bed. I posted to my blog and went to bed.

Tendon soup

I got up at almost 8. I drank water and listened to an audio. I swished while exercising. I started making breakfast for later. I ate some seed crackers. Then I got dressed for yoga. I did something in my sewing room. I investigated the timing on the damaged machine. I put the iron caddy project with my yoga mat, and put a quarter cup of broccoli seeds in my extra sprouter. I tried to adjust the timing. I looked up on internet, and watched a short video, but then had to leave. When I got to yoga, I had to go to the bathroom, which was outside because the renovations were still going on. We did some forearm stands against the wall, as well as the usual lunges. My legs did not want to hold me up after the hour. I gave Myra the iron caddy packet. The seeds were for Anna but she did not come.
When I got home, I finished making breakfast. I watched the Secret Life of the Sewing Machine on Youtube. I swept the floor. I read e-mail and listened to an audio. Jane called to say she was at the gate and needed to be signed in. I took a moment to quickly clean up in the kitchen and scrub the sink in the bathroom. Then I bundled up and walked to the gate. Jane was waiting outside since the man at the desk would not let her wait inside. I signed her in and we walked to my house. We had snacks in the kitchen. I made peach tea which we both enjoyed. Then we went to my sewing room to finish the project she started last week. While she pinned, sewed, and pressed, we reviewed the Korean numbers. I wrote them down the way they sounded, and she corrected me on a few. When she finished cutting out the blocks, I called Chris to ask him to drive us to the gate. While he was walking home, she called the chaplain to tell him we would pick him up to sign her on. He said he'd meet us at the gate. Well, he got there before Chris got home and he called. We hopped in the car as soon as Chris arrived and picked up the keys. When we arrived at the gate, she and I jumped out. I signed her out and Chaplain signed her back in. Then Chris drove all of us to the chapel. They got out and we went home. Chris loaned me his leatherman, but the head was too small to turn the set screw on my sewing machine. I heated up tendon soup for supper while Chris made a burritto. I ate the last half of sweet potato with my soup. I could not finish the soup so I put the rest away. I read e-mail and listened to an audio. I looked up CD rates. I jotted notes while waiting for Chris to be ready to watch the last episode of Castle. It turns out he was waiting for me, waiting for him... We watched it and all the extra stuff on the DVD before sealing back in its red Netflix envelope. And then it was way later than we planned to go to bed.

Ox-tail soup

I got up after the alarm went off. Chris stayed in bed, sleeping. I boiled water for the nuts. I drank water and exercised. I tried out my new glass teapot and was underwhelmed. It did not seem sturdy enough for a burner so I did not turn the heat to high. It took a long time for the water to boil. When I decanted it, the steam burned my fingers. I did my coffee morning routine. When Chris was awake, I asked him if he wanted me to stay home with him and he said no. So at 11 I rolled up my mat and went to yoga. I was a little late but got more than enough of a workout. We had a record crowd. At the end my back hurt even though I did not do everything the instructor did. Myra massaged my back. Then six of us got in two cars and went to lunch. Suzanne knew a good place for oxtail soup. It was 13,000 won. They also had tendon soup, so I ordered that to go. We sat around the table and had a good discussion of issues on base. I kept shifting my position because my back hurt and we were sitting on the floor. When I finally had to stand, the others stood too and got ready to go. We stood in line to pay our bills and then put on our shoes. I rode back with Anna. She dropped Sue off and then parked at her house (which isn't far from mine). She helped me bring Myra's mat to my house. Then she had to go. When I came in, Chris was watching a movie. I put my tendon soup in the fridge. I wrung out a wash cloth, put it on my back and laid in bed on a heating pad. I fell asleep. When I woke up, it felt better but I stayed in bed a little longer. Then I got up, put cinnamon on apple slices and ate them while watching the end of the movie with Chris. I checked e-mail, getting up frequently to move around. Netflix finally received the last disc we watched. I tried to add streaming to our plan since one movie a month is really inadequate. But that option did not work, no matter how many times I clicked on it. I listened to an audio on the gall bladder. That prompted me to search Swansons for bitters and lecithin.
I made a salad for supper. I changed my location on skype and blogger because my sister suggested it. I listened to an audio from the Metabolism Summit. I put recyeclables by the door. I made a list of items to bring to QOV tomorrow. I decided it was high time to check out the shipped (damaged) machine to see if the new part fixed the problem. I had to pick something to sew on, and then...it messed up. It made some stitches, but the new shuttle looked scratched and the thread screwed up. And it still groaned before it would start. I sat down to file a claim with USPS. I had to edit my profile with them to reflect my new address. They claimed the tracking number was for an uninsured package. But there was an insurance sticker on the box. Since it had its own number, I typed that one in and it seemed to work. I filled out the data boxes, but then they asked for proof of value as a pdf or jpg. I looked up my model machine online. It was marked down to $119 from $349. I had to do a screen capture to enter on the claim page. But while I was figuring out how to do that, the page reset and I had to fill it out all over again. Then it asked for proof of damage. The machine does not look damaged so Chris recommended writing up the damage in a word document. I did that, but it saved as an odt file, and not as a pdf which was all the claim site would allow. Chris told me to print it to a pdf file, so I did. But the page reset again. But I finally got it all in the third time. Done with that, I cued up another audio. I worked on my blog. I messaged Myra about stuff to bring tomorrow. I decided to go to bed when the audio ended.

QOV sewing

I got up a little before 8. I put the recyclables out by the road, in the bin with no top (since the tops get ripped off anyway). I glanced at e-mail while I drank water. I took a shower and got dressed. I started assembling the items for the QOV session. Myra called to say she was coming early to get out of the movers way (her neighbors were getting their shipment today). So she showed up as I was packing. She asked how I was doing, and I said I was sewing-good but not yoga-good. She carried stuff out to her car while I raced around thinking I had forgotten something. We went to pick up Nela. She told us that Housing told her to leave recycle tubs in the house and only put white bags of sorted items at the street. Interesting. Why wasn't that in the manual? We went to the chapel to unload and Myra re-parked her car behind the post office. We went to classroom 1 but were redirected to classroom 2. I know, and the ladies backed me up, that we were told last week that classroom 2 was not available. But since it is a better room, we decided to occupy it. I put a note on the door of classroom one. We set up the machines and an ironing station and a cutting station. Anna came and Myra got her started sewing strips. Nela used my machine to sew strips. I cut more strips and Myra pressed them. Nela sewed quickly and I was hard pressed to keep her in strips. Kathy came by for awhile and I showed her how to cut. She had just gotten the hang of it when her phone rang and she had to leave. We started packing up about 12:40. By one we had loaded Myra's car. She parked it at Security and we got in Anna's car. She drove us to the ROK base for lunch. It was her birthday. We walked to the third floor of the building which had stores and businesses. It was like a cafeteria. We perused menus and chose 4 items to share. Myra paid. Then we sat at tables waiting for our numbers to be called. The clerk helped us determine where to pick up each dish. Anna's son really enjoyed filling water cups and bringing them to the table. We had a good time. I would have taken a pic but my camera was at home. There were a few mandu left and no one wanted them so I took them home for Chris. Anna dropped us off at Myra's car, and Myra drove us to my place to drop off my stuff. As they left I presented each one with a piece of homemade chocolate. Nela gave hers to Myra because they were not sweet enough. I spent the afternoon reading e-mail, listening to audios, and looked for a good baby gift to make. I added to my files a few things I found on the internet. I filled out the volunteer forms as best I could, until I came to the 'references' part. I looked for patterns in my sewing room. I found the pattern for my iron caddy, which Myra and Nela both liked. Chris came home while I was sorting. He ate the mandu and made a burritto. I made a salad and used some of the dill Anna gave me. We read e-mail. I looked for my sprout growing kit. I posted Michele's picture to Facebook so Nela could see it. She wanted to see a pic of my daughter. I added it to my photo file, not realizing that it would send it to newsfeeds everywhere. We watched 3 episodes of Castle. Chris called the bank that bought our bank and it got heated. Apparently they did not think the process through before they merged and we lost access to our banking files. I wrote to my blog and posted it, not sure if we were going to bed, or doing more banking.
* These are herbs growing in Anna's house *

Trip to COSCO

I got up shortly after 7. I checked e-mail while drinking water. I did my exercise routine while Chris showered. Then I washed up and got dressed. Chris left for work. I listened to an audio while eating some seed crackers. They tasted burnt and I wondered how that happened. I put on my shoes and looked out the window. Nela called to ask if I was ready. So I put on my coat and walked outside. Anna drove up with Nela and Myra. I got in and we were off. Off to Cosco. I thought it was in Changwon but it was in Busan. So close to the fabric market and yet so far away. Anna had to be back by noon so there wasn't time to find the fabric market. We followed her around the two story store. The items there were no cheaper than here in Jinhae so I did not get anything. But Anna got lots of meats and other foods. When we got back, we dropped off Nela first. Then Myra and I helped Anna carry in her food. She had a plant kit growing herbs under a light. She gave me some dill to take home. When I got home, I put it in the water with the sweet potatoes. I made and ate breakfast. It wasn't until Chris blew his nose that I realized he was in bed sick. I called Myra to go walking. We stopped at CYP to talk to Terra. She gave us a tour. She wants us to do activities with the kids. She gave us papers to fill out for the obligatory background check. Then we went to the post office. I picked up our mail including a box from Swanson's. Then we walked off post to the small market nearby. I was looking for pomegranates but they did not have any. Then we came back. I went home to check on Chris. He was still in bed. I listened to interviews while cutting out pieces for the backpack. I made up supplements for the week. I tried to eat salmon, but was just not hungry. I guess eating fat for breakfast really works. I made hummus, and cleaned up some in the kitchen. I did tomorrow's Sudoku puzzle. I cleared e-mail. I tapped for tying up all the loose ends of things I have started. I put out the food waste, even though it is not supposed to go out until morning. I have forgotten it twice now and the smell isn't getting any better. I unpacked the Swanson's box and put the castor oil gelcaps in the freezer. I looked up castor oil packs. I checked off my accomplishments from the list. I still had to finish the backpack and do the second BOM for January. I tied up a few loose ends. I prepared to do a castor oil pack. Then I drank some baking soda water, posted to my blog and went to bed with the pack.