Washed and pressed

Chris went to bed early last night but woke up in the middle of the night. Such is jet lag. He did not wake again in time for church and I let him sleep. So I had breakfast around 10. Then I started ironing my pile of Japanese fabrics. I call them that because I bought them in Japan, but they were made by Hoffman, Kona Bay, etc. Same ones you find in the U.S. I didn't get a lot of e-mail today so I had time to check the supposedly blank recordable CD's I brought home from the thrift shop. Out of 30 only 11 were blank. Some had music and one tried to take over my computer. Two had movies: 'The Cave' and 'Big Fish'. I watched them both, but they were bad copies. 'Big Fish' killed my DVD player. So after that, I watched an old episode of NCIS while ironing all the fabric I bought Friday. For supper Chris baked a hunk of beef. While the rice was cooking, we went to the commissary for groceries.

My family returns

I think I woke up around 8. I exercised and had breakfast. I spent some time clearing out e-mail. I also spent some time picking up the apartment and vaccuming dust. Using a cloth to dust would be like using a sponge to clean up a mudslide. We need power. I don't normally do Michele's room, but today I was brave. I discovered the New York City of dustbunnydom under her bed. I think they were electing representatives to the U.N. so they could apply for nation status. Until THE SWEEPER came along. (cue scary music.) I hope that wasn't some project Michele was doing on emerging cultures. Ooops. I also did some sewing, trying to spice up some donated pillowcases that were not colorful enough.
Todays most memorable link was a video of an interview with Donald Yance, an expert clinical herbalist. He treats cancer patients (and others) with herbs and is often sucessful.
Chris called from the airport to tell me when they expected to arrive at the DHL. So I drove over there and parked where I could see the bus arrive. When it did, I drove up and parked behind it, but Chris didn't see me and carried all the luggage over to the hotel. He called me, but my phone was recharging back at the apartment.
I found him, though, and I picked them both up. We stopped by the office to pick up the mail, then went home. I thought they would go straight to bed after being up for 24 hours, but they both managed to stay up a little longer. Michele made it to 8:30!
Now I alone am awake to tell the tale.

The quilt top Toniette made

I agreed to meet my freinds at gate 19 at 9:45. But in my eagerness to run out, I forgot my fanny pack. That's the thing with my phone and money - and the card to get back into the building! So I had to stand outside the door, waiting for someone to come out so I could go back in. Still, I was only a few minutes late. Then since we could all fit in Toniette's van, she drove us to Dongdaemun. It was cold walking from the engineers parking lot, across the river to the fabric buildings. Yet somehow I detected spring in the air. We decided to do our inside shopping first. I got a pack of size 16 needles for the jeans to skirt class. Then we stopped by our favorite fabric place. Since he won't be at the luncheon, I felt free to stock up now. But I only spent 74,000 won. Then we went to the minki place. I got two yards of pink minki for 1100 won ($10). The others bought some too. Then we went to the Moda guy, whose stall is outside. But he had plastic sheeting over the doorway so it wasn't so bad.
There we saw the perfect print for making baby quilts because we could use it as is. No need to cut and sew back together. But we don't have funding yet. Hopefully it will still be there. LAstly we visited the label guy. But the man there didn't know any of the prices so we will have to go back when the owner is present. Till we drove back and I went home, it was almost 1. I got on my computer to check e-mail. I watched a video on the dangers of Gardisil. But after a while I just had to take a break. I need to make samples for class and was afraid to go in my sewing room because of all the piles of fabric. I spent hours cleaning and organizing all the fabric on the floor and my sewing table ( not to mention the new stuff I bought today). Is there a 12-step program for fabric addicts? A friend e-mailed me to ask if I would be the Thrift shop events coordinator. Gee, hmm, tough question. Tempting, but no. When I got on my computer later, I played Helen Reddy songs on youtube. It was tough to quit long enough to post to my blog. Oops, its midnight.

Long meeting

I got up about 8, with the usual routine. The snow was gone, replaced by black ice. By 9:30 I had walked to post and driven to Starbucks for our board meeting. We met to talk about requesting funds from several organizations on post. We decided to go to Dongdaemun tomorrow morning. This is my kind of group! We put the 'fun' in funding! Anyway, the others left, but Cathi stayed to talk. And we did, 'till 3pm! We have a lot in common.
So then I went home, leaving the car on post. The ice was gone and everything was wet. I had some of my liver soup from yesterday. Yes, I got on my computer and cleared some e-mails, left others for later. I pulled out some fabric to take to class tonight. I was going to cut fabric for pillowcases there since my sewing room seems to get smaller the more fabric I buy. So I packed a number of coordinating sets. I loaded my music-themed bag and headed out. I got there just after 6. The storage room was full of drumset, again. I wanted to move it out of the way, but there was another lady in there looking at tablecloths. So we talked and finally she left. I moved some drums out of the way, just enough to squeeze in and get stuff for the class. When no one had shown up by 6:25 I started to wonder if I was going to be alone, (and very productive). But several girls came with their moms. They worked on the rugs, the moms worked on the sew-and-flip squares and I cut pillowcase strips. Two new people came. I showed them how to make the pillow case and let them make one.
Another lady came late and she wanted to buy some of the fabric I had brought for pillowcases. So I sold it to her. Not like there is any shortage at my house. The lady who made the pillowcase offered to teach a paper-piecing class, maybe in March. That sounded good to me! At 8:30 we packed up, and got out. Some how I carried more out than I carried in. AS I drove back to the apartment, I reached down to grab the clicker to let me into the complex. Somehow that action shifted me into neutral, and the car stopped on the hill. The big taxi behind me blew it's horn. Then it followed me into the apartment complex. Ok, I kept going, down into the garage, and it went down too. It seemed odd to me, but then it turned at the bottom of the ramp. That was good because I didn't want it waiting impatiently behind me while I tried to park. Back in the apartment, I ate some salad and a well-pickled egg. I got on the computer and was able to have a SKYPE conversation with Chris while typing my blog.

The last of the long posts

I woke about 7:30. Then did the usual exercise, eat, shower and dress. I got out the crock pot and put in the liver I defrosted last night, along with some leftover kimchi juice. I thought we were going to Dongdaemun today but the other two ladies couldn't go at the last minute. Maybe we will go Friday. So instead, I went to the thrift shop. It was open for business today, which makes it harder for me to shelve books, etc. I was 2 hours short for this month and no one is coming tomorrow, so this was my last day to get them in. I had done all the books yesterday, so today I finished up the recordable CD's. Ella, the manager, asked me to weed out magazines to get the three baskets down to two. So I did. Then I let the volunteers pick what they wanted from the weeded out ones. Someone had donated a bag of cassette tapes. I checked and sorted them, and put them out on a shelf. I had to rearrange all the tapes so that the titles could easily be seen. We had a few videos, too. Mary Ann came in with some tuna kimbap. It was very good. AFter two hours at the thrift shop, I went to the Chosun to get a scholarship application and look at the silk. But they didn't have any silk. Hmmm. I was certain someone said a new shipment had come in. Then I went home to do laundry. The temp was above 32 so the water wouldn't freeze. While doing laundry, it snowed hard. Well! I emptied all the water from the drain hose after the last load. One white shirt had a small stain on it. I used Spray and Wash, and tried bleach, but it just wouldn't come out. I kept checking on the liver. At one point I tried eating some with the pickled onions, but they were still too strong. So I threw them in with the liver and let it cook some more. (I had to cook it in the bathroom because the cord was so short) During this time I cleared out more e-mail, and tried to find info on how many quilts we've made for QOV and Stork's Nest. The info was not where it should have been, but I discovered that by reading past posts, most of the info is recorded in my blog! Also I cut out the article in the post paper about the longarm opening. It was a nice picture but the article didn't make much sense. There was another article in the paper by the same Korean writer, and it was fine so I don't know what happened. Finally the liver and onions were cooked to my standards, but I wasn't hungry anymore so I put it in the fridge.


** Thursday Jan 21 **
Yesterday's 7:30 wake-up call was not repeated. I guess you have to renew it every day. Finally I got suspicious and checked the time. It was 8:30! I jumped out of bed and started packing. I had to figure out what to mail to Korea and what to take with me on the plane. I could not bear to part with my new fabric so I decided to MPS my dirty clothes and three kimonos to our APO. When C knocked on our door to ask if we wanted to read her magazine on the plane, that woke J up. We ordered breakfast and showered. When I finally finished my packing arrangements, J and I went to the convenience store in the hotel to have our stuff boxed. Then we stopped by the hotel post office. J had to pay to mail hers to the states (she's leaving soon), I used Military Postal Service (MPS) to send mine back to Korean and it was free.
Back in the room, we made sure we had enough yen to get us on the subway, and for the train to the airport. We said goodbye to the hotel (see pic above). A and C joined us as we dragged our baggage to the subway station. We rode to Asakusa to see a temple. Lucky for us there were lockers where we could store our things. They had rickshaws, but at $60 they really take you for a ride. Walking to the temple we passed many vendors selling touristy stuff. Before going inside, many people purified their hands and mouths with water from a fountain just outside. Then they went inside, threw money in a trough, and said a prayer. Some bought a prayer on paper and tied the paper to a rack. After seeing the crowded temple, we went to an Arts and Crafts museum. It was free, small, and in Japanese. Then outside, we saw a 100 yen store (roughly a $1). Nearly was a small restaurant with a staff of one.
He took our orders and prepared them one at a time in a back room. It was both good and inexpensive. After lunch we walked back to claim our things. We weren't short on time and I wanted to explore some of the shops, but had to hurry to keep up with the others. With our stuff we headed into the subway. C's bag was so heavy I helped her carry it up staircases. We caught the subway to Ueno, then the $10 train to the airport. It was a good thing we got on when we did because that train filled quickly and we would have been standing for over an hour. At the airport, there were no steps, only escalators. Yea! We had some trouble getting boarding passes because United wanted everyone to self-check and it just wasn't working. But after that everything went well. We ate some nuts waiting for the plane to board. I had my gum for take-off. This time there was no ear trouble at either end of the trip.
WE landed just after nine, and were at the bus terminal by 10. They were holding the bus, so we took a taxi, which might have been faster. I drove A and C home from the DHL and then went home myself. It had been short-sleeve weather in Tokyo when we left, but still freezing in Korea. I was ready to go back.

Bad moment at the pump

I awoke early again, having slept on the couch in the computer room. Since there are no curtains, the daylight wakes me up. I resolved to re-do the audio file on my theta session, and this time talk much slower. Also I taped the bubblewrap more securely over the open window because I could feel cold air eddying around my face.
Then the usual exercise, breakfast, shower, e-mail. Around 10:20 I left for the thrift shop. Of course I had just missed the bus, so I walked. It was cold, but not so cold that walking wouldn't heat me up. When I got to the thrift shop I was greeted by a pile of books, videos, DVD's, copmuter games, and magazines. I processed them all. Then we had to price some stacks of blank CD's and DVD's. Well, the first two stacks were fine, I think. But the third stack had several different kinds and some didn't look quite new. So I priced the ones that did, and took the rest home to test out. Then one of the Korean volunteers asked me to go to the bank with her and wire some money to her son. She had the cash, just didn't have a military ID or bank account. Then I went to the ACS building to check on our expiring status as a group. I was told I didn't have to do anything until May. I also pickedup a copy of the paper with my picture in it. I wasn't that far from Chris' office, so I walked down there to see if my box had come. Yes. But it was too heavy to carry far so I had to walk back to gate 37 to get the car. Along the way I met Cathy and she gave me a ride. When I came back for the box, I opened it and showed the kimonos to Yuna. I wanted to show them to Mrs. Yi, but she was on the phone. I drove then to the theatre only to find out that the movie starts at 7, not 5. So I went to the commissary, bought raisins, then proceded to the gas station. The car was very low on gas, which was why I didn't drive it in the first place. I had an embarassing moment at the gas pump when I couldn't find a way to open the gas cover. I checked all around the dashboard, the door and the glove box. There was no owner's manual either. In desperation I had to ask the man at the next pump and he knew where it was hidden. Relief! With my full tank of gas I drove back to the gate, parked and walked home. I put some things away and cleared out more e-mail, and ate supper. About 6:30 I walked back through the gate, picked up the car and went to the theatre. I saw a friend there, so I sat with her. The movie made fun of psychic research in the army, so it was kind of comedic. "Men who Stare at Goats" Afterwards we talked and she and Leslie invited me to tap dance class on Friday mornings. Hmm. I drove home. Luckily the guard was watching and let my car in. The clicker is in the other car. I hung up the kimonos, and put the dirty clothes in the laundry. I answered some e-mails, then had to restart my computer because of the Winsock Provider error. I sure wish I knew why that keeps happening. I also got out some liver to thaw for tomorrow since I finished the ground bison for supper.


**Wednesday, Jan. 20th**
The wake-up call came at 7:30am but we stayed in bed for a few extra winks. By the time we got up and showered, it was 8. We called room service for breakfast since we had a $10 off coupon. I got 3 soft-boiled eggs and J got a Belgian waffle. When breakfast arrived, my three eggs were accompanied by 2 pieces of toast and a mound of fried potatoes. I had to peel the eggs, but at least I knew nothing had been added to them. I ate one piece of toast for a few carbs. After breakfast we talked until it was time to meet Ann at the bank. (We had met her yesterday and she offered to take us to the fabric market) C and A weren't there when we arrived, so I went upstairs to get them. They weren't quite ready and I was embarassed because Ann was in a hurry. We had to rush to keep up with her as she led us through the subway, a change of trains, and then Nappori.
It seemed like a bit of a hike then, but it was worth it. There were fabric shops galore. She left us on the 4th floor of the Tomato building. A and I went to the 5th floor where we found quilt fabrics, many American, at stateside prices. But they had a good-sized discount section and we got a yard each of several. We tried to find the others then, but had no luck. So we went to the discount store on the corner. They had the most lovely Asian prints for 315 to 485 yen a meter. WE loaded up, holding back a little because our yen was running short and they don't take credit cards. I guess American Express ISN'T everywhere I want to be. I had a yen for fabric, but that wasn't the kind of yen they wanted. Ha, ha. J did offer to lend me some if I ran out. The fabric was already cut into 1/4, 1/2, 1, and 2 meter pieces. Some packets we bought, agreeing to split later. We hit another store after that, then headed for the subway fully loaded. After we made it back to the hotel, I went to the Nx (like the Px, only for the Navy) to get postcards and peanuts. I wanted a bathing suit too so I could use the pool, but no luck there. So J and I went to the internet room. I used the rest of yesterday's dollar to send an e-mail to Chris and post briefly on Facebook. We hit the gift shop, then we went back to the room and ate some nuts. After awhile the phone rang. It was A and C.
They wanted supper. So after some discussion we went back to the Japanese restaurant in the hotel. I suggested we sit at the grill for a change. Well, the others all ordered Tempura again, so I got a more expensive grilled dish to justify sitting at the grill. Shrimp. The chef didn't put on a show as he prepared it, but he was watching me as I ate it, so I put on one for him. But it really was good. I also learned that you can't pick your teeth with chopsticks.
After supper we went to A and C's room to compare and split fabrics. Oh what fun that was! J regaled us with stories from her younger years. We laughed so hard. Finally at 9 (it felt like 11) we went to our own room. J and I talked some more, then she read while I wrote. We turned down the temperature to 65 (as low as it would go). That made the room more comfortable for sleeping but the sheets were still loud and crackly.

Quilters gone wild

I set my phone alarm to wake me up, but I was awake long before. I think I must have slept really well. I used the Neuroprogrammer software with an HGH session, to be followed by the cat's purr and then the computer on 'hibernate'. But after the HGH session it hibernated, so I ran the purr program when I woke up. I exercised, ate, showered and dressed. I went to the gate to meet Pam but I was early. It was too cold to stand and wait so I started walking and made it almost to the commissary entrance before she came along. My plan was for the group to work on QOV, but there weren't enough steps to keep everyone busy so some people worked on baby quilts. We even got a Thankyou note with pictures from one grateful mother. Several people brought in tops they made from kits. Three got completed. Although we didn't complete any QOV tops, I think we sewed all the strips sets for three or four, and cut maybe half into blocks. We had some show-and-tell, but I didn't have my camera. Sigh. Today was Judy's last day and we will miss her. She goes back to the states on Thursday. Are we jealous? Maybe. But we wish her the best. After I got home, I got on the computer to send out e-mails to handle my presidential duties. We are planning to ask for funding from several groups. So there is some paperwork involved. Then I figured out how to make an audio file of me talking to my subconscious. I had to record it many times to get it just right. I also had to switch microphones. I cued it to run during the theta session. Then I took a break and fell asleep. When I awoke, it was 4:30. Although I could have run to post, driven to the theatre, and been there before the movie started at 5, I was feeling a little groggy so I decided to see the movie tomorrow. I had supper (ground bison and salad) and for dessert, a glass of fiber with cinnamon and honey in it. Then, I went into my sewing room and made two more pillowcases. Judy turned in a really cute one this morning, so I have a total of 45. I think I'll mail them in when we reach 50.
** The continuing saga of Tuesday Jan 19th **
I didn't have my wallet so I went back for it. While there, I searched for my ID, then gave up. I didn't realize until I returned to the restaurant that I STILL didn't have my wallet and I had to go back. My three friends ordered tempura dinners, but I didn't want anything fried so I ordered the cheapest teppanyaki. It came with sashimi (which was a lot like sushi), and miso soup. MMMM! Afterwards we went back to our room and called Ann, to take her up on her offer to show us a place in Nappori where we could buy more blue and white fabric. We made arrangements to meet her the next morning by the bank. J and I had show and tell in our room, trying on our kimonos. We also investigated the game room and the internet room. What can I say? Quilters gone wild. Internet access was $7 an hour, but J showed me how to get in, send an e-mail, and get out for a $1, with credit left over for tomorrow. J and I went back upstairs, talked for quite a while, then went to bed.

I learn something new every day

I awoke about 8 (same time as yesterday) after sleeping in the computer room. This time I played a centering mp3 concurrent with the Theta session. I don't think it added anything to the experience. I had plenty of time to have breakfast and get ready for church. I wanted to write a check but could not remember what to name it. Chris uses a 4-letter acronym. But I couldn't think of one that made sense. So I put cash in the plate. The sermon was a sequel to last week's sermon and was just as good. Nancy is back from the states but now her husband is there, so she is batching it like I am. After church I met a lady who is a doctor. She has some of the same food concerns that I do (aspartame, genetically modified, processed, etc) She only buys Korean produce. We talked for a long time. There was a table with wilting pointsettias on it, so I took one along.
My car wouldn't start, but the next service was just getting out so I was able to get someone to jump it for me. I drove to the commissary and bought some fruit and a tomato. I meant to get a copy of the garrison paper since several people mentioned that my picture was on the front cover, but I forgot. I had a time carrying groceries, the pointsettia, and the kimbap leftover from church up to the apartment. Kimbap was lunch. I sprinkled some curry on it because the lady Dr. said a lifetime of curry keeps her father's memory sharp. I looked through my Japanese fabric purchases to see if I could part with any of them. Well, maybe one. Cathy S. suggested that I bring them to the meeting to show tomorrow, but I am afraid that the others will ask for some. I wanted to hand one on the wall in my bedroom, but nothing looked quite right and I ended up hanging my red and gold quilt. I read through my e-mail, answered a few, wrote up a schedule for the group and sent that out. I listened to some more Youtube blurbs about how Monsanto is putting pressure on reporters to keep quiet about bad test results for their genetically modified crops.The reporters were fired because they refused to modify their report to Monsanto look better. They went to court, and were told that falsifying news is not technically illegal. I had to laugh. That explains a lot! While listening, I was finishing my double wedding ring quilt top. I got it done and cut away the backing used to hold the borders in place. It looks great, just like I envisioned it. For supper I cooked up some ground Bison with curry and made a large salad. I turned on the tree lights again. It is so pretty. Maybe I can decorate it for seasons throughout the year!
I also looking into using my Neuroprogrammer software for more customized sessions. I ended up importing something from the web that uses a cat's purr. The author says that the frequencies of a cats purr keeps them healthy and helps them heal faster.


** Tuesday at lunch **
Judy passed out granola bars and I had brought nuts. Then we took turns going to the bathroom and watching all our purchases. Because carrying them was prohibitive, we also took turns watching them while the others finished the quilt show. J sat first. I finished up the exhibit and took my turn to sit. The last exhibit was from the Allentown Museum! I did not know that Allentown (where my grandparents lived in PA) had a quilt museum. The quilts reminded me of the ones my grandmother had and that brought tears to my eyes. When my sitting spell was over, I finished the tour of vendor booths, then went back to sit. J and I separately counted non-Asian people as they filed past us to the exit. Maybe 5, total? So I guess we stuck out.
At 6:30 the others returned and we collected our stuff to file out along with everyone else. Good to the last minute! It was dark out and the city had it's lights on. They were brilliant! There was a short light-music-waterjet show that we were just in time to see. WE walked to a nearby shopping center to see lighted arches and huge decorative balls of lights. Then we got on the subway and came home, me draggin my wheeled cart behind me. It was convenient but noisy. However, the twist ties I used to keep the wheels on worked perfectly. Back at the hotel, I couldn't find my ID, but the guard let me in anyway. I guess that sign "100% ID check" should read "99% ID check". We went up to our rooms to unpack, then to the Japanese restaurant on the 2nd floor.

A nice day at home - more to come

I slept on the couch in the computer room last night so that I could listen to a neuroprogramming session. It helped me go to sleep. The daylight coming in the window woke me around 8. I planned on going to the Chosun, but due to the cold and the fact that there was nothing I HAD to do there, I stayed home. I cleared out more e-mail, although there are still about 30 left. I checked a stack of charm squares against the collection I already have (800). That took awhile. I looked through my Japan fabric to see if I could part with any of it (because one of our members wants to buy some). I listened to some audio files while hand-sewing. I got it almost finished! I turned on the tree lights when it got dark. I think tomorrow after church I am going to hang some of my new fabric on the walls for color. Tuesday, January 19th ** I kept waking throughout the night. The room was hot and the sheets were loud. Maybe they were starched, but any movement was broadcast. AT 7am the phone rang, it was our wake-up call. J showered and went to check her e-mail in the internet room. I showered and dressed. When she came back, we knocked on C and A's door for breakfast, but discovered we were half an hour early. So we went for a walk. Turning left from the hotel we followed the street, and turned into an alley where we saw a cemetary. Farther down the street we noticed what looked like a monastery. WE noticed how clean the streets and sidewalks were and how quiet the traffic was. Women wore sensible shoes, not the spiky heels I see here. We got back just in time for breakfast. We went to the same restaurant and had the buffet. For me, fruit, ham, sausage, eggs, yogurt and oatmeal. We met two women in the lobby who were also going to the quilt show., so we brought them along. We entered the subway, bought our tickets from a machine, took two subway trains, and then came above ground right at the Tokyo Dome. There was a BIG roller coaster and Ferris wheel nearby. We already had quilt show tickets printed from an on-line purchase, so we were able to get right in. We had been advised to see the vendors forst, but couldn't help seeing a few quilts along the way. ACtually it took a while for the place to fill up. At the vendor booths we saw the traditional beige and taupe fabrics that the Japanese produce. Quite dull, if you ask me. We also saw the blue and white fabrics they use for sashiko. And a machine that stitches sashiko! But they weren't my thing, either. My first purchase was 2 Hawaiian fabrics. Then we came upon a dealer selling used kimonos for $11. Well, not thinking that there might be other dealers, I bought two, neither one quite what I had in mind. But at the next place I found the perfect one. Of course, it was more expensive. Finally we found a stand selling Asian prints on cotton for 5000 yen a meter. I bought 9 different ones. Then we found stadium seating for lunch.

First day back

I slept well last night, whether it was from being back in my own bed or being so tired, I don't know. I slept crosswise, which was more comfortable. Maybe it's time to rotate the mattress. I woke about 8:45. It was nice to have my usual breakfast and nutritional supplements. I spent most of my time combing through my 140 e-mail messages. Still have a ways to go. I had pickled onions with the leftover beef. The onions are too strong by themselves. But now that the beef is gone, I shall have to cook something tomorrow. I also went to post late in the afternoon and took the bus to Chris' office to pick up the mail for the week. I drove our 'new' car home. Mrs. Yi had to show me which one it was. In the mail was a packet of charm squares. I was so happy to get them, only to find out that they are not cut right. That is very strange considering who sent them, so I wonder if she is ok. When it got dark, I plugged in the Christmas tree. I so enjoy the lights! And it allows me to see as I walk between the sewing room and the computer room without having the bright overhead lights on. I got out a quilt top that has been in the works for years. It involves hand-sewing a small double wedding ring onto borders. So it was the perfect thing to do as I listened to some audio links.
I was on Youtube looking at videos for making jeans into denim skirts - maybe for our next project. There is a lady who demonstrates how to make simple clothes by hand sewing. (www.thediscounttrendsetter.com) Her clothes are very simple to make, no patterns needed, but I can't imagine them looking anything other than homemade.

Now for the story you have all been waiting for - our trip to Tokyo
** Monday, January 18th **
After enjoying the tree lights one last time, I packed and went to bed. I was excited so I didn't sleep really well, and I awoke at 5, but thought the alarm said 6, so I hopped out of bed full of adrenaline. I showered and dressed in the clothes I had picked out the night before. I had time to eat breakfast and check e-mail before I shut down the computer and left (6:30). Happily, the car started right up. I got to the DHL on time and backed into a parking space just in case it needed jumping after our trip. Judy and her husband were standing outside when I walked up. I left my luggage with them while I went into the DHL for cash. I got U.S. dollars, but it wouldn't give me won. I already had yen. On the way out I met and man and wife going to Okinawa. They were vacationing here for the cold weather! Well, they got it. Outside all my friends were waiting.
We boarded the bus and sat up front. AFter almost an hour, the bus let us off at the airport. We walked quite a ways to find the "United Airlines" counter, only to find that our flight leaves at 12:15 so it wasn't open yet. We were 4 hours early! So we sat in Dunkin Donuts having drinks until the counter opened. At 8:45 we got in a long line. But soon we discovered the internet check-in line, which was MUCH shorter. Since Cathy had printed out boarding passes the night before, we got right through and went to security. I had to quickly gulp down the contents of my water bottle. Then we went through Immigrations - no problem. Being so early, we stopped at the Korean Culture Center and made little Korean furniture. See pic. Then we took the monorail to the new terminal and easily found our gate, and STILL had lots of waiting to do. A and C (Annette and Cathy) went looking for coffee, while J (Judy) and I stayed and talked. Our flight was a BIG plane which was only stopping in Japan ofr a layover before going on to L.A. We boarded early and sat waiting. I got out a piece of gum and my Sudoku book. I had no ear trouble on ascent, PTL. They served us 3 little sandwiches each for lunch. I ate the cheese from one and the ham from another. Not sure what the other filling was, so I let it go. I had some nuts in my bag in case I got hungry. The flight was about 2 hours. The worst part was filling out the customs and immigration forms. I filled in 'Occupation' with 'teacher', then decided that next time I was going to write 'President'. (And I did) We landed at 2:17 Not everyone got off so debarkation was not so bad. Annette seemed to know where to go so we followed her through Immigration and Customs, picking up our luggage in between. Then we bought train tickets from the Norita airport into Tokyo. IT looked just like a subway train and was heated, too. It was empty when we got on, but filled up qickly at subsequent stops. After more than an hour, we got off and transferred to the subway. After half an hour we reached Hiroo (hero). Coming out of the subway we were suprised to find that it was dark already. Following a map we dragged our luggage up one street and down another until we reached our hotel - New Sanno. Only people with military ID's can use it. IT was beautiful and elegant. As we checked in, we noticed a good-sized group of ladies who fit the 'quilter' profile. So we made their acquaintance and yes, they had just come back from the Tokyo Internation Quilt Festival at the Tokyo dome. They recommended seeing the vendor booths first and waiting 'till the crowd thinned out to see the quilts. Finishing our check-in, we went to our rooms to unpack. Then we went to a restaurant in the hotel for supper. J and I got the salad bar, while A and C got the buffet. We all agreed that the wild mushroom soup was outstanding. Whenever one of us left the table, the waiter came over and folded their napkin. He also kept our water glasses full, so we tipped him well. We planned to take a walk after supper, but were tired, so we just explored the hotel. We discovered gift shops, the pool, the internet room, ATM, NAvy exchange, post office, and other restaurants. Then we gathered in C and A's room to talk. At 9 we retreated to our room. We set the alarm for 7 so we could meet at 8:15 for breakfast. J read her book while I wrote for my blog.

Back from Tokyo...(sigh)

IT is after 11pm. Let's see if I can still type.
We landed and taxied to the terminal, arriving right at 9:15. We had heard that there was a bus leaving for the post at 10, so we hurried through security and immigration, to arrive at baggage claim. Things went amazingly well and we were early for the bus. But then we were informed that it was going to wait for a later flight to clear and might not leave until 11. So we decided to get a taxi. Judy left us to catch a hotel bus, so there were only three of us to share the $60 cab fare. But then another lady asked to join our group so we got to split it 4 ways - AND she spoke Korean. Well, on the way, we went through a toll booth and the driver wanted us to pay the tolls, but we refused, thinking it should be part of the price. When we got to the DHL, we paid him and tipped him, so he got his toll fare anyway. Although most of the snow and ice had melted, it was still cold, much colder than Tokyo. I wanted to go back. Instead, I offered Cathy and Annette a ride to their apartments, hoping the car would start after sitting so long in the cold. Bingo! We must have been living right. I dropped them off, then drove home.
All the good parking spots were taken and I had to park at the very back of the garage. I carried my three bags up to the apartment (taking the stairs out of habit) and dropped them on the floor. I skimmed my e-mail list, and decided to make a quick post and go to bed.

Second day of freedom

I set my cell phone alarm for 8:45 and at that time it played a melody. It was a nice way to wake up. I showered, dressed and went to church. After church they had a veggie tray, fruit tray and a plate of kimbap. I was able to get lunch out of it. (They also had doughnuts and banana bread) Then I went to the PX for a small toothbrush. I stopped by GNC for a fiber supplement. Interestingly, the Girl Scouts were right outside selling cookies. Then I went over to the salon to get my hair cut. Next was the commissary. I bought salad fixings, but not too many since I leave tomorrow morning for Tokyo. Finally I came home. I listened to more interviews (on the computer), sang along with some songs on Youtube (anybody remember Grandfather's Clock?) and generally thought about packing. I washed my scarf in Michele's bathroom and hung it up to dry. I sewed my purple carry-on to make sure the strap would hold, and thought about packing. I sent e-mails to the group, tried to drain my cell phone battery and AA's so I could completely recharge them, and thought about packing. I fixed my wheeled bag with twist ties, vacuumed the apt, washed the foyer floor and thought about packing. I guess I ought to pack.
I will be gone for 4 days so don't get discouraged when there are no new posts. I will be be back at it with lots to tell on Thursday night.
**This is my m-i-l's birthday present. I assume she has it by now.**

Now that they are gone....

We all got up before 6 to finish packing and other last minute details. Chris drove us to the DHL, where he and Michele would catch a bus to the airport. I bid them farewell and took the car home. I tried to get some more sleep, but that didn't work so I put on my headphones for a Theta session. That put me to sleep and when I awoke, it was after 9. After breakfast, I cleaned up the sink, counter, and stove (knowing that with only me here those surfaces will stay clean). I cleared out some e-mail, watched some exercise video segments on Youtube, and posted some pillowcase pictures on TheQuiltShow.com. In my e-mail there was a series of half hour interviews that I wanted to listen to, so I machine-sewed the binding on my second purple quilt so that I could do the hand-sewing while listening to the audios. That worked quite well, and took all evening, but it sure is good to have it done finally.

Ice rink

I read through some e-mail this morning, and got started on a birthday present for my mother-in-law. I am not sure if she reads my blog regularly so I won't say what it is just yet. I washed and dried some nuts, but they got a little blackened in the oven while drying. I packed up my ice skates, put on my skating outfit, and walked to post. Chris picked me up at the gate and dropped me off at Gate 17, Ichon station. From there I took line 4 to Sadang, then transferred to line 2 to Jamsil. I allowed an hour for this, but arrived in 35 minutes. I went to meet Helen, who was also early. Along the way I passed a man selling fuzzy socks for 2000 won, so I bought 2 pairs. He complimented my Korean. Hm.
Helen and I met up and walked into Lotte world. It is a huge shopping center and amusement park and ice rink and swimming pool, etc. We went to the ice rink. We bought tickets (8500w for admission). The lady said it was for 3 hours of skating. Well, 'till we got our skates on and stuff put in a locker, and climbed to the rink, the Zamboni machine was starting its rounds. So we waited and waited. The ice rink is open to the rest of the mall so it isn't that cold. The ice had to refreeze. And when we finally got on, it wasn't that smooth either. But we had fun skating around, dodging kids and beginners, etc. It was crowded because all the kids are out of school for the month. We took breaks now and then to rest our ankles. When the zamboni came out again, we decided to call it a day. The locker room was packed! But we eventually made it out. I had to change from my fleece outfit to a t-shirt because the outfit was so hot. Then we went to a coffee shop and got smoothies, persimmon and blueberry. Then I was cold! AFter we finished, we went back to the subway, then in different directions. The subway got crowded after I got on and I was glad to have a seat. I got off at Ichon, then ran to the bus stop. I was just in time to catch the bus to my gate. I walked to the apt. There I found Chris and Michele watching TV. We had supper, and then I finished the birthday present. Chris showed me how to use my cell phone as an alarm clock. I set it for 5:45 Am. I am going to see Chris and Michele off on their trip to the states tomorrow.

Stripping!

Thursday is thrift shop day. I spent some time with e-mails this morning, then gathered up all the recyclables and headed out. After putting each kind in it's place, I left the recycling area and walked to post. I was just in time to catch the bus! I took it to the thrift shop. It was cold outside and in. I shelved all the books and videos. A lady came by to borrow a quilting ruler which I had brought. I finished in 2.5 hours. I had planned to stay longer, but it was cold and I didn't want to price stuff. So I walked to the DHL to get $100 bills. Then I walked over to Chris' office. He drove us to the Itaewon gate and we walked to the money changer. He got won and I got yen for my trip to Tokyo. He also gave me a key to Howson's car, which is now our car, but he won't be done with it until I get back from Tokyo. Back at the apartment, I had lunch and washed some mixed nuts(too much salt and cottonseed oil). To dry them I put them in the oven, then went into my sewing room to work on some pillowcases. Unfortunately, the nuts got a little singed. But I did finish the cases. Then I lay down for a meditation session and fell asleep. When I woke up, Chris was home. I had a quick supper and bundled up with my class supplies. I walked to post and drove the car to the SPC. Star was just ahead of me. She came early to help me set up! And we did. We laid out the strips according to color. A few others came and I showed them how to sew the strips onto the batting and backing. I also showed them how to join the squares, but that didn't stick because I had to do it several more times over the course of the evening. When it came time to clean up, the supple room was full of drum set. Sometimes they put it in the corner where it belongs, but lately they have been putting it where it blocks access to our cabinets. Anyway, everyone had a good time and I didn't think to take pictures until it was too late. I drove home without any trouble. While sitting at my computer, Michele came up and asked me to serge the ends of a piece of red Chinese brocade. She plans to wear it to Rokugan, a big gaming convention in the states. She and Chris leave early Saturday morning.

Grand Opening of the longarm

It was so nice not to have to go anywhere this morning. The sun shone brightly on the snow, but it remained frozen to the 'teens. I spent some time in my sewing room preparing for Thursday's class - cutting batting and backing squares, making a sample, etc. Then lunch and it was time to meet Pam at the gate. Actually it wasn't. I arrived an hour early, and had to go home and come back a little later. I was more warmly dressed the second time- two scarves! One for my head and one for my face. Pam ran into traffic, so I was well on my way when she drove up. We went to the AnC center to find that it was full of people: official people, quilting people, and people with cameras - even one from AFN! A beautiful twisty set of ribbons was waiting to be cut ( a shame, really) and a table of fruit and meats. There was a quilt on the longarm and I brought one to show to Cathy, which turned out to be featured with all the others in the room. Anyway, five of us got to cut the ribbon at the same time and there was much picture-taking by everyone. The AFN man interviewed me at length about the activities of the quilt group. That was exciting! The garrison commander gave a speech and the chaplain said a blessing and prayer. We ate and talked and finally it was over. Pam drove me all of the way home because it was so cold. I started to make another pillowcase and then Chris came home. We talked while he made supper: about his job choices now the the job he thought he had (or was about to get) failed to get official endorsement. His best career choice now would be to go to Afganistan (without me, and leaving Michele here). That would be a promotion. Or we could stay here (no promotion), or go to Camp Humphreys which is south of here (lateral move, better than staying here). Well, God just closed a door, so I am waiting to see if any windows open (one in Hawaii would be nice!)

In the 20's

The temperature wasn't the only thing in the 20's. Actually it might have been lower. Today's luncheon was celebrating the 1920's by inviting members to dress as flappers. Well, I had to do my part. I had a suitable black dress and Michele accessorized it for me. Someone took my picture but hasn't sent it to me yet. Anyway, I got several nice comments. One lady said she had to look twice to recognize me.
In addition to lunch, there was shopping and I partook. This month I spent $145 for 58 yards and got 8 more for free. Most of them are for making pillowcases. It's such fun! After the luncheon I went to the AnC center to help Cathy do two baby quilts for Stork's Nest. Annette came too, and we discussed our upcoming trip to Tokyo. Can't wait!
Later at home, I washed up some of the fabric and set the pillowcase ones aside. I got on my computer to clear e-mail and worked on a binding while listening to an audio interview. I saw a Youtube video on making crunchy kale chips. Looked healthy. I also entered my volunteer hours on the army website for December and part of January.
I hope to have a picture up tomorrow. Well, it is tomorrow already, so maybe later today.

A very productive quilting day

I awoke at 8:45. I ran to my computer to see if the lady who gives me rides had sent an e-mail. Yes, she will be waiting inside the gate at 9:15. Yikes! Jump in the shower, dress hurridly, eat quickly, no time for all the vitamins, etc. I grab my pile of stuff put aside the night before and run out the door. Even though I was a little late, we still arrived before 9:30. Ladies began to arrive quickly, and so did a man from AFN. He talked to several people and took pictures, then left. We finished 6 baby quilts and cut kits for at least 10 more. We had our block of the month demo and Show and Tell. Several people took kits home to make tops. We all had lunch together, then cleaned up the room. Pam and I were the last to leave.
We stopped by the post office because she had something to mail and I needed to return a book to one of the ladies at the thrift shop. It worked out perfectly.
Pam dropped me off at my gate and I walked home. In my e-mail were a load of interviews waiting (in video form) and it took until after supper to hear them all. I was hoping to clear out my e-mail and get away from the computer, but one of the links was to a talk by a physicist on the nature of reality and it was almost 3 hours long. Basically, reality ain't what you thought it was. This reality is a learning lab, one of many, and one of the better ones. But you can change labs if you want to and practice at it long enough.
** The quilt in the picture is made of socks. Her 13 year old daughter made it for her at night after she went to bed. Is that clever, or what?

Baby quilt gets a binding

I had the greatest dream last night. But Chris woke up amorous and I forgot about it. Meanwhile Michele knocked on the door and asked if Chris wanted to play with the on-line group and I said 'NO'! But he did, later.
We missed church, and pretty much spent the day on our computers. I learned about the history of the Times Square ball. The current one is made of 2668 Waterford crystals! I did a few meditations I found under Windows Media Player. And I put a binding on a baby quilt, and cut a few charm squares.
After supper I hard-boiled 29 eggs and made mayo out of the last one. On Youtube there is this neat video of a guy who hardboils eggs, puts ice water and baking soda on them, and then blows them out of their shells! You gotta see it to believe it. Well, I tried it, and it only worked on the first one.
I spent the rest of the evening watching intros for old TV shows. Life was so much simpler back then.

Well done, Yuna

We slept late without realizing it. Got up around 10. Had breakfast and got on my computer to read e-mail and follow links. Around 1:30 Chris took a break from his online game and drove me to the AnC center to help Yuna quilt her top. It was the first time I did one without any input from Cathy. And partly because I inadvertantly left my phone at home. But we did pretty well, because the quilt top was not square or flat, yet it appears so in the photo. She and I were both pleased. She gave me a ride home. By then I had a headache, and it started snowing. Snow is so pretty if you don't have to drive in it. Chris warmed up some pork and sauerkraut for supper. Afterwards I lay down for awhile to ease my headache. Then got back on the computer. I learned about the effects on animals who ate genetically modified corn and cotton. I also learned people with more choices are less happy, because more choices leads to greater expectations.

Want to go for a walk?

I got before Chris left to make him a sandwich, and since that used the last of the bread, I started another loaf in the breadmaker. Then I did a theta session on the computer. I started answering e-mail and Skype-chatted with my brother. Soon I had to leave for the thrift shop. Even though I was late, I waited for the bus so I wouldn't have to walk in the snow. I stopped at the AnC to tell them I would be using the longarm tomorrow. Then on to the thrift shop. They had heat today, but somehow it didn't last. At one point Ella (the manager) found some new pantyhose that been donated, but we don't sell that, so she gave me one and I put it on under my pants and socks. It helped a little. I shelved a LOT of books, videos, DVD's and games (GameCube). Then I helped to sort and hang clothes. At 4 we called it a day. Ella dropped me off at my gate. When I got home, I was hungry so I finished a can of salmon, and had some pickled onions. When Chris came home, he heated up the burrito fixings for supper. After supper we watched 'HEAD', a Monkee's movie. Can't say much about it except it would have been more impressive in the 60's when it was made. On my computer I watched a Youtube video "29 gifts in 29 days". A woman with MS reversed most of her symptoms by giving a gift everyday (some as simple as a tissue to a crying friend). I also wrote to the General Mills company about the toxicity of aspartame, which they added to my favorite cereal, so I discontinued it.

Cutting a rug

I made myself get up early this morning. I made Chris a sandwich, then laid down for a short while. Then I did two meditations on the computer. After that I had breakfast and walked to the thrift shop. It was so cold that the walking did not warm me up. But there was no one at the thrift shop, so I went to the ArtsnCrafts center to finish the quilt I started yesterday. I had a little trouble getting started because the machine wouldn't move. Turns out it just needed a shove. But I didn't want to be the one to shove it. Anyway, 3 hours later, I finished. It took the longest time to find the designs I wanted on the computer. Then it got bubbly because I used minki on the back and that stretches. Chris picked me up about 12:30 and we dropped some stuff off at the SPC for class. Then he left me at the thrift shop. Books, books and more books! Well, I got most of them shelved in spite of no heat. The shelves being full, I then turned my attention to videos. We called it a day at 4 and had to promise to come back tomorrow. I don't usually work on Friday's but lost Tuesday due to snow. So ok. Then I took a nap and woke at 5:45. I called Chris to bring me the car. He wanted to drive me to class so I let him. Then he went back to work until class was over. The rug class was well attended. People seemed to enjoy the project and took scraps home to finish. Yea!!!

Goodies from the post office

Chris went to work today and I needed to get out too. Trouble is, between my sewing room and the computer room, I have an unlimited amout of diversion. Well, I got all my e-mail sorted through, and then Cathy called. So I went over to the AnC Center to see her quilt. She has the borders done, but is waiting for an on-line quilter to digitize the center design. I just happened to have one of the baby quilts with me, and she happened to have some extra minki. So we unzipped her leaders from the longarm and put a new set on for my quilt. We were just picking out a design, when Chris called. He was going to the commissary and needed me to sit in the car so he could leave it running. Apparently the battery is old and it doesn't want to crank in cold weather. So I left, hoping to get back to it tomorrow (though not until after working at the thrift shop). Actually he picked me up. I sat until he returned with groceries and we called Michele to help us unload at the apt. building.
We had quite a haul: groceries, mailorder cookware, and mailorder vitamins. I guess it was a good day at the post office. As Michele and I put up groceries, Chris washed the new cookware and started supper. It is from Ceramcor and is guaranteed not to leach anything into your food. Also good up to 2700F. We had burritos. After supper I finished a book on exercise (synopsis: short intensity bursts followed by recovery time are better than long aerobic workouts for fatburning, muscle-building, life-lengthening, lung expandion, etc. PACE by Dr. Al Sears, FYI. Then back to the computer. My class is now up to 16 people, and at least 5 of them need machines. I hope the rest bring their own because we only have 7. But the count gets updated constantly. Oh, I also made another pillowcase. They are a lot of fun to make.

Still Closed

Another day spent inside. I finished a 16X16 Sudoku puzzle. We watched the third movie of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I cut and marked backings for the Thursday night class: currently registering 13. And the obligatory e-mail. I listened to an interview between two doctors saying that the only vaccine that works is the small pox vaccine. If the others worked, we would have eliminated those diseases as well.
I also read about the healing effects of oxytocin. It is secreted by the pituitary gland when you touch someone. So, go hug somebody, hold hands, give a massage, get a massage - reach out and touch!

CLOSED!

I was resisting getting out of bed because it was so warm inside and so cold outside. What I didn't realize was that it was snowing hard. I made Chris a sandwich to take to work. But he was back home before lunch because they closed the base. So I did not get to our weekly quilt meeting. It was cancelled. Chris put on the Lord of the Rings DVD's and as we watched, I finished the binding on the first purple quilt. I also made another pillowcase, using candy and bubblegum fabric. I cut some charm square from the leftovers. E-mail also got it's share of attention. Today I read about the hibernation diet, which involves having honey and cinnamon before bed and first thing in the morning.
Post is closed again tomorrow. I did not get out today and tomorrow isn't looking good either. Our complex is on a hill and to go anywhere, we have to walk downhill. But without handrails, it is treacherous!

I finally got out!

I woke up this morning no better off than I went to bed. So we did not go to church. Chris and Michele went to their computers and eventually started an on-line game which went on until almost 8pm. At 8 we picked up one of Michele's friends and went to see "Sherlock Holmes". It was riveting, but a little dark. I divided my time between my computer and my sewing machine, also some Sudoku. I asked Chris to go for a small walk with me just so I could get out of the building. So we took the recyclables out. I made it down the steps and back up, but it wasn't enough. Sometime during the afternoon I gave in and took some Oxycontin and Naprosyn. I laid down in the computer room and listened to a brain wave entrainment program. When I finished, my back was much better. I trimmed a QOV fresh from the longarm and cut binding strips from the excess backing. I will pass it on to Pam in the morning. The only other thing I need to do for tomorrow is make the block of the month. Snowball!

Let it snow!

Well, I went to bed early but it didn't make it any easier to get up this morning. My back was still not back to normal. But it didn't stop me from spending some quality time with my computer and sewing machine. I divided the baby quilt top into two pieces and put piping and borders on them. I also cleared out my e-mail and spam folders. Major accomplishment. I followed links and learned that the fructose you eat gets turned directly to fat (unlike glucose, which only turns to fat if you don't burn it first.) So any high fructose food is essentially high fat. I also read that what you eat is less important than your emotional state as you eat it.
While going through a pile of wrapping paper I discovered a gift I missed opening. (See, that's why I never throw anything away). It contained a CD, a puzzle book and two tick twisters.
I also took a nap under my purple quilt. I must say, there is nothing more relaxing and satisfying than sleeping under a quilt I made myself! I am only just learning this because A) most of my quilts leave home and B) this is one of the first that is big enough to sleep under.
I looked out the window this morning to see that it had snowed. This is unusual for Seoul because the winters here are dry.

New Years Day

I had such good intentions of cleaning this place, only to put my back out before breakfast. So I spent the day on my computer clearing e-mail, doing Sudoku and word searches until I felt good enough to clean the stove. That happened after supper. It felt so good I cleaned Michele's bathroom (and asked her to wash the floor). I also cleaned mine, and vaccuumed the main part of the apartment. I even swiffered the kitchen. (I was surprised the swiffer sheets werent frozen, being out on the porch). Then I went in to my sewing room to work a little on the baby quilt top. I also have to mention that I ate the first tomato from my plant. Great way to start a new year. And it feels so good to have a clean place.
RESOLUTIONS: I am not starting any new resolutions because I figure if it is a good idea, start right away. So I am continuing my resolution to eat healthier, avoid toxins, get some regular exercise, meditate, and think positive thoughts.