Beaten by a knife sheath

After last night's meal, I could not drag myself out of bed until almost 11. That is not like me. I had breakfast, and e-mail. I read that 60% of dentists polled say that flossing is more important than brushing. So I flossed today. Donna sent me an e-mail with a pic in it of a hand that supposedly got caught in a paper shredder. I ran out of the room screaming. It was awful and I tried to expunge it from my memory. Michele suggested doing a puzzle, and I started one, but that did not seem to work. At 1:30 I showered and put on a nice top and pants. I drove to the Moyer Rec center for the Arts and Crafts awards ceremony. Chris showed up too, to support me. As it turns out, mine was the only quilt entered, but I didn't win. No, some man who made a sheath for a bowie knife won first place in the fibers category, and I came in second with just an honorable mention. What is wrong with this picture? Then Chris tells me that there is an Army wide contest ending on July 5th. So I went home and tried to enter it online. What an exercise in frustration! Just like entering this last contest. The site for entering the pics into the contest is not compatible with Firefox, and even in IE, it gives unhelpful messages - like "Your file upload did not complete". Then of course, everything you entered has been wiped out and you have to type it all back in to try again. No wonder so few people entered. Anyway, I went back to e-mail, Chris came home and cooked supper, Michele was on her computer as usual. I watched a few longarm videos that Cathy lent me. I want to finish them so I can return her DVD.
P.S. I also want my toolbar back. Something on that Army website stole it.

Korean American Friendship Award

Made the sandwich and went back to bed. Had a hard time getting up again until I remembered my seeds that had been soaking all night. I jumped out of bed to put them in the sprouting bag and hang them up. Then I had breakfast with e-mail, and showered. I made it to the thrift shop about 11, but had to stop to answer a call from the Arts and Crafts center. They wanted a pic of my contest entry as soon as possible. I promised to get it to them in the afternoon. There were a bunch of books, and even more videos at the thrift shop. I shelved the books and the videos but had to throw out some videos to make room. I intended to leave at 2, but got another phone call which kept me late. Then I dropped some stuff off with Cathy and went home. It took me half an hour to find an e-mail address for the AnC center to send them the pic. Apparently their site is down and the presentation is tomorrow afternoon. I wonder which one I will get. Anyway, I spent some time dealing with e-mail, then got dressed up in church attire. Chris picked me up at the gate and we went to the DHL to catch a taxi to the Hyatt Hotel. We were attending the Korean American Friendship Award Ceremony. What a lavish hotel! In the ballroom was a large ice sculpture of one of the four gates to the city. As people mingled, we wandered into the next room which was set for dinner. There must have been 60 round tables which seated 10. But our names were at the end of the center rectangular table. It seated 20 or 30 of the most important people. Chris and the other recipients were instructed on how to accept the award. At 6:45 we lined up on stage for picture taking with the four star general. All those flashbulbs were like popcorn, or small firecrackers. Is this what it is like to be famous? Then we sat down to listen to speeches in English and Korean. The awardees went up to accept their awards while their accomplishments were read. I tried to take pics, but they didn't turn out well. Chris was given a nice certificate and a solid gold disc on a ribbon - like in the olympics. Oh, and a bouquet of flowers. There were cameras everywhere, esp around the center table. You know how during presidential speeches they pan the audience in close-up, and sometimes catch someone yawning or rolling their eyes or something? Well, I was determined that it wouldn't be me, so I sat and smiled like it was painted on my face. Obama and the sinking of the Cheongnan ship were mentioned more than once. Finally we had a prayer, and food was brought in courses. Candles amongst the rose petals down the length of the table were lit. And wine was poured. Normally I wouldn't have any, but at three times during the night we were asked to toast, and I had to have a sip along with everyone else. When you sit at the head table, you do as the head table sitters do. There was musical entertainment after the meal, and then we went outside to catch a taxi. It didn't take long, either. We were dropped off at gate 10 (regular taxis cannot drive onto post) and walked to the DHL to get our car. When we got home, we related our adventures to Michele, and put the flowers in water. Chris showed his medal and went to bed.

Greater Love hath no man...

...than that he cleans and cooks a squid for his wife. But that comes later. First thing this morning, I made Chris a sandwich then went back to bed for awhile. Later I got up, showered, dressed, skimmed e-mail while having breakfast, grabbed what I needed for quilting and headed out the door. I got in my car and drove to Gate 17. Julia called to say she was almost at the station. That is when I realized that I had forgotten all about her baby quilt stuff. So I called Michele and asked her to bring it to our gate. I got Julia signed on, and drove us back to Gate 37 to pick up her stuff. Then we proceeded to the chapel. Half of our room was full of chairs which we had to clear away to put up tables. Then we set out machines, etc. I did not get much done on charity baby quilts because I was helping Julia do her baby quilts. Judy got hungry early so we had lunch and sat around talking. She brought me pickled eggs. They were very good. Then we went back to work, 'till after two. After packing up, our little crowd broke up. I took Julia to the thrift shop which was about to close. She got some magazines. Then I parked at Gate 17 to sign her out. While we were in there, a big truck parked me in. I ran to stop him before he could get out of his truck and almost forgot to show my ID to the guard. Luckily I did catch the guy, who then let me drive off before he parked his truck for good. I went home and checked e-mail, and snacked. I started a loaf of bread. I laid down to meditate a little when Chris came home with packages. It was my ferrite beads, sprouting bag and seeds, and cast iron casserole cooker. I read the instructions for sprouting seeds and got them started. Then Chris heard the veggie man's broadcast. So I ran down to see what he had. It was a lady this time, and in addition to veggies, she had squid. So I called Chris to see if he would cook it for me. Not only did he say yes, but he had a fry pan ready when I got back with said squid. He cleaned it, cut it up with garlic and onions and pan-fried it. I ate it with a little lemon juice. Mmmm. Michele had absolutely no interest. We watched Three Days of the Condor. Then while they went to bed, I returned to my computer to make one last check, and record the events of the day.

Providence at E-Mart

Unfortunately we got up too late to get to church and it put the rest of the day off schedule. Around 1 we went to E-Mart for kimchi. I had my note, written by Ms. Yi in Korean, that asked if MSG was in it. I showed it to the clerk, and she replied in several sentences. I was hoping for a yes or no answer. So I tried again, but she still did not say yes or no. I bought it anyway since Chris was there and I thought he might be upset if we came all that way and didn't get anything. But I figure if the answer isn't a straight no, it is some form of yes. So I will investigate making some form of it myself in the future. Then Chris asked me if there was anything else I wanted. Well, natto came to mind, but I didn't know where to look for it. I had a label someone had given me but I couldn't find it. As I was looking in my purse however, I heard someone say 'natto'. Out of all the Korean spoken all around me, I heard that! So I asked the nearest lady who was handing out samples, and she handed me a package of it. The providence of it blew me away. How cool is that? I guess God wants me to have natto. (Maybe I should have asked her if it had MSG?)
Anyway, we walked back to post, and Chris dropped me off at the hair salon. I had to wait half an hour, but that was ok because I had a book to read. Then, as she was cutting my hair, I told her about my experience at E-Mart. She said she makes her own kimchi, and no MSG. So I asked about sugar. She said no sugar, she uses Nutrasweet! I definitely have to make my own if I want healthy ingredients.
From there I walked around, ran into Tina for a chat, walked through the gallery, into the DHL, and then on to the theatre. I was thinking of stopping at Cathy's apt because she wanted to rewrite our constitution, but I knew Chris and Michele were going to see Toy Story at 4:30 and it was 4pm. Tough decision, but the movie won. Toy Story 3 was good, totally engaging, and had a strong story line. Afterwards we stopped by Pizza Hut to order pizza (because Michele requested it). We took it home and they ate that, while I ate leftovers from yesterday. They put on Princess Bride, while I went into my sewing room to cut squares and fat quarters. Finally it is time to blog and go to bed.
**Pic is from bookstore in the mall with E-Mart**

An extra day at the thrift shop

I thought I was spending the day at home, but while fixing breakfast MaryAnn called to say that only she and Geri were there running the thrift shop and that she needed me. Her opening salvo was "How much do you love me?". How could I say no after that? So after breakfast with a quick check of e-mail (concurrent), Chris drove me to the thrift shop. While I got to work, he checked out the DVD section and bought 4 movies. Other people did come in, but she didn't want me to leave. I spent the day sorting donations into the save-and-price group, or the donate-to-charity group. Most stuff went into the donate group since we have SOOO much and so few people to tag and hang it. I pulled out a few things that I thought Michele might like. They agreed I could pay for it later after Michele decides if she likes my selections. I brought some lunch but 3pm came before I got hungry. Then we chased customers out of the store and cleaned up, counted money, etc. Chris came by to pick me up. He and Michele had been watching the movies he bought. We finished Lilo and Stitch, then put on Flashdance. I just had to get up and dance along. It's that kind of movie. Chris made bison burgers for supper, which were really good. For dessert he sliced up strawberries and poured on cream. Then I had to get back to my e-mail, and follow a few links. I learned that jumping into a lake or ocean is far more grounding than even walking barefoot on the earth, which is one of the best things you can do for inflammation and stress. And that the barefoot people on the beach are less at risk of sunburn than the people wearing sandals, etc. **I did not take any pics today, so here is one from class on Thursday**

Learned something new

I got up to make Chris a sandwich before he went to work. He says he told me he was eating out but I don't remember that. So he ate it for breakfast at work. I went back to bed and slept 'till after 9:30 - pretty late for me. I had no particular plan for the day. I dealt with e-mail for awhile, listening to some audios and interviews. Michele left the apt to go to the library, so I took the opportunity to write and record some new affirmation files. This set is in the form of questions. I am testing the theory that questions are better than statements. I just need a music track to go underneath, one without lyrics. I took a shower with Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap and found out that there are some body parts that are VERY sensitive to it. (If I ever need to wake up early, that would do it.) Around three I went to post to get my hair cut, but she didn't have time today, so I took the opportunity to sit on grass under a tree and read a book. Since the grass was freshly cut, I got clippings stuck all over my legs. I called Chris to come check my oil after he got off work. But it turned out to be fine, even though a cloud of smoke seems to follow me. We came home together, leaving my car in the parking lot. Michele was still out, at a friend's house. So we talked for awhile, watched a copy of 'Knowing' starring Nicholas Cage, and talked some more. Chris wasn't hungry so I got out some squid, but it was damp. So we turned on the oven, and put it all on baking sheets to dry out completely. A tub of coconut oil got knocked over, and in cleaning it up, I noticed how shiny the wood floor became. Hmmm. Another use for coconut oil. When Michele got home, she was assaulted by the odor of squid and had to leave the kitchen. We didn't think it was that bad. Then we all retired to our respective computers. I had been suffering from the New Yahoo today and Chris showed me how to get the old Yahoo back. **Pic is of the Putt-putt on top of I-Park Mall**

Purse class and pincushions

While clearing e-mail this morning I got a skype call from Keith. It was nice to hear from him again. All too soon it was time to go to the thrift shop. There I found all the movies and Cd's that I didn't have time for on Tuesday. There still wasn't room on the shelves, so I collected a bunch of unpopular stuff and put it in a bag for charity. We had two CD cases donated that had a bunch of CD's in them. There was no good way to package each one for sale, so I put them in the 'free to volunteers' box and priced the holders. At lunch time, I pulled out my seaweed, squid, and mixed nuts. I got the usual ribbing for my choice of food. I asked the Korean ladies about MSG and they said most kimchi had it. At two I left for home because I had a student scheduled for 2:30. Well, she was early. In fact she and her mother caught up with me crossing the pedestrian bridge. So much for cleaning up before the lesson. We worked on making a sling purse, and I sent some of it home with her to work on. Then I got back on my computer and ate blueberries. I had to stop and make myself get ready for class. I also had some leftovers and a glass of fiber. Then I went to class thinking that I was missing something. Indeed I was - the keys to the storage closet! Luckily there was someone in the office to get the spare keys. I started setting up for class. Then Melanie came with her husband who helped us set up tables. She had done a fabulous job of typing up instructions to the purse pattern that the Happy Quilt man gave out. It was barely labeled, and in Korean, but she had done up an impressive power point document, with pieces for two sizes! Everyone was eager to make it. They traced and they fused and they cut. We didn't get to the sewing, but will next week. Melanie's mom made pincushions for 10, and sent them to her to give out in class. Kinjal was there, and brought me the Castin Craft she had picked up. We got out on time, and Chris picked me up inside the gate. At home, I got back on the internet, watched a quilting video from TQS, then took a break before writing my blog, and posting pics for this and previous posts.

Dongdaemun - just because

One of the first things I did was to take down a panel of silk curtain to re-sew the paper clips on. But I found that they had rusted in the humidity so I replaced them. I had breakfast, and checked e-mail. I spent a fair amount of time searching the internet for the least toxic lip balm, shampoo, soap, and dryer sheets. Then Chris called to see if Michele and I wanted to go to lunch. So I showered (using the Dr. Bronners liquid soap - definitely needs diluting), and we took some boxes out to my car. We went to the DHL parking lot and met Chris and one of his coworkers. The four of us walked to DNM cafeteria for their Korean buffet. While eating, Kinjal called me to see if I wanted to go to E-Mart. We finished our meal, Michele and I went to the DHL for her to deposit a check. On the way out we saw spaghetti strap tops. Michele picked one out and I bought it for her. Then I dropped her off at our gate and drove to Gate19, from whence I walked to E-Mart. Kinjal was there and we found the bookstore we were looking for. They were selling tents and beetle farms as well. We wanted cutting mats, but the largest they had was 18 x 24. Then she wanted to go to Dongdaemun. So we took the subway there. We both got fabric, but she bought more. I also bought 2 yards of stiffener for the purse class tomorrow in case people don't bring their own, or get the wrong stuff.
She left first, then I bought a roll of batting and went back. In the Gate 19 subway station, a stall was selling fresh flowers. Since I didn't make it to Namdaemun flower market, I bought some in the subway. She wrapped them up very nicely with a ribbon, like it was a gift bouquet. I carried all my purchases to the car. I then drove to Burke towers to drop off the boxes for Annette, and I headed home. Chris and I arrived at the same time. He brought a note from Ms. Yi on how to ask if kimchi had MSG in it, in Korean. He mentioned that Ms. Yi never eats at MND cafeteria because of all the MSG the use. Just great. He made a chicken for supper, and watch more Tolkien movies. I spent the evening on my computer looking for natural and organic cleaning and personal hygiene products.
**I did take pics, will post them later**

Busy day

My morning routine seemed to go faster this morning and I thought I might get to the thrift shop early. But I started searching the cosmetics database looking for a shampoo with a risk rating of 0 or 1 out of 10 (mine current one has a 6). Next thing I knew, it was 10:30. I had to rush to get to the thrift shop by 11. Luckily I was a bit early, which gave me time to go to the post office next door and mail two packages. But by the time I got the packages labeled, and waited in line, I was late. And there was a lot for me to do. Somebody dropped off a truckload of tapes, books, DVD's and CD's. Not only did I not have time to process them all, there wasn't room on the shelves. I did not get a lunch break. At 2 I ran out to the car and drove home. I was expecting Julia, but she was late, which gave me time to have lunch. I readied some fabric to be washed, then ran out to lead Julia in from the bus stop. She kept talking about her Brazilian Jujitsu class, and the men in it. We worked on her baby quilt tops, but didn't have the room to lay them out for sandwiching so I suggested she come to the SPC on Monday morning when we would have the large tables. I told her I would pick her up at Gate 17 at 9:15 and I could tell by the look on her face that that was not the time she would have picked. But, I have the keys and have to open the closet for the group so I have to be there on time. Anyway, I washed my fabric and her jujitsu top while we were sewing. She took it and her gi and we walked to the Seobinngo subway station. But when I mentioned that the train only ran every 20 minutes, she grabbed the nearest taxi to go to her next event. Chris came home soon after, and we had supper. He and Michele left to see a movie. I checked e-mail for awhile, then remembered that all my freshly washed fabric needed to be ironed dry. So I turned on the TV and happened to catch an episode of CSI while ironing. It was after 11 when I finished, so I decided just to make a quick post and go to bed.
P.S. Julia says there is MSG in kimchi. I have to check this out at E-Mart, because if it is true, I am really going to miss eating kimchi.

Dongdaemun, for any reason

It's another quilting day and Cathy left me in charge while she and her family went on vacation. The day started well, because Lisa arrived before me to help set up. We figured it would be lightly attended because of people moving and people going on vacation. And we were right. Except about Cathy. Turns out their Korean hotel was so uncomfortable that they came back after only two days. There were four of us for lunch. I brought kimchi and fudge, others brought watermelon and salad and fried chicken. I also brought myself a hard boiled egg, just in case, and I did need it. After lunch we worked some more, finishing 10 baby quilts. Quite a record for so few of us. Cathy wanted to go to Dongdaemun after we cleaned up and I couldn't say no. There was no reason for me to go, nothing I needed, but I came home with a load of fabric anyway. Cathy got Minki at the booth seen here. Maybe I will wash mine up tomorrow with the last load I got from Dongdaemun. By the time we got back it was after 5 and I had to pick up my leftovers in Cathy's fridge. She showed me her projects in progress, and I made recommendations. Then we walked out together: her to the movies and me to my car. As an aside, there is a rumor going around that movies may no longer be provided for free. Eeks! And we may lose our longarm privileges. Double eeks! Both are money issues. Chris was at the movies when I got home, so I got leftovers for myself. I cleared e-mail and looked up sodium methyl sulfate (and other ingredients in my shampoo). There is a site for that called www.cosmeticsdatabase.com. It gives you the risk factor for each ingredient. And I thought I was doing so well with my organic shampoo! Taking a break from the computer, I did some vacuuming and cut charm squares. But now it's off to bed, off to bed...

Church Picnic

I dressed for church while Chris dressed for the church picnic. He drove us to the picnic site and took charge there, while I drove to church. The sermon was about fathers, demons and pigs. Afterwards, I helped Tia count the offering, which is usually Chris' job. She is PCSing soon, so I guess Chris inherits her job. We talked for a bit afterwards, then went to the picnic. It was already in full progress. Chris had cooked hotdogs, hamburgers, and steaks. Everyone was seated and eating. I got a plate of food and joined Chris. Eventually it broke up and people took food home. Not much of our underdone carrot cake was eaten, and we also came home with a plate of kimbap. We stopped by the commissary for groceries and proceeded home. It was too late in the day to go to E-Mart because that is a madhouse in the afternoon. We watched more of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I tried to read a book, but it failed to keep my attention. I took some time to cut up the leftover salad veggies from a week ago and put them in kimchi juice. Finally I retired to the computer. One site was having massive free downloads, and I collected a few pdf's and mp3's. I hope they are not just veiled advertising. I deleted a bunch of old e-mails, and added a few things to my to-do list. I researched ACCESS Consciousness, which turns out to be some sort of negative energy releaser (accomplished by holding certain points on the head). It costs money to get the whole story. At one point, a voice inside told me to take out the recyclables. It seemed like a reasonable thing to do, so I did. I had been fighting an imminent download that would require the restart of my computer all afternoon. I thought that putting the computer in hibernate mode would hold it at bay for awhile, (it has in the past), but it restarted when I took a break.

Baking day

This morning we found a new use for the big fluffy feather that I had bought for my hat. All I will say is that it is very relaxing. Then Chris and Michele played a game with the voices. I got up to make a double batch of fudge, and have breakfast. I spent a little time on the computer, first deleting the stuff that only required a quick skim, and saving the ones with interesting links for later. I had notes to myself jotted on some pieces of paper: things to look up on the internet. I eventually got everything crossed off that list. In doing so, I found myself ordering an ionizing toothbrush and a special substance with neem which is especially good for teeth. From another site I got snap-on ferrite beads, which are the small cylinders attached to computer cables. They prevent the electrical magnetic frequencies of the cord from interfering with the rest of the computer. I read that it will work on your cell phone head set to lessen the radiation your head gets. From Amazon I got a variety of seeds and a sprouting bag. I have never sprouted seeds in a bag before. But sprouts are very nutritious so I'll give it a try. Chris had to go to the airport to pick someone up, and while he was gone, I made a carrot cake for Father's Day. Actually, it was two cakes. I didn't have an 8x8 pan, so I used two 8x4 loaf pans. They seemed to take much longer than the required baking time. I took them out when the tops looked dark. Later in the evening I frosted them and topped them with pecans - Chris' favorite nut. But then he and Michele had some and they weren't fully baked inside. Sigh. I thought about taking one to the church picnic tomorrow. Now I don't know.

No doubt it is Michele

I got up early to make a sandwich, and discovered that I had left the pork in the crock pot out all night. My initial reaction was to get upset and castigate myself all day, but instead I calmly put it in the fridge and went back to bed. I got up again at 9, had breakfast, got on the computer, finished my book, got Skyped by Keith, and then it was almost lunchtime. I Swiffered the floor, which I had been intending to do since the dogs left. Then I mashed up 2 hard boiled eggs with coconut oil, kimchi juice, ginger, and cayenne powder. Not too bad. I spent the afternoon looking at skillets, narrowed it to one to show Chris, then turned my attention to finding organic chemical-free fabric on the internet. I figured to buy enough to make one outfit, just to see if I feel better wearing it. Can't run around naked, can I? (No, Chris, I really can't) I also make another loaf of bread, and read some Poe stories from Michele's literature book. I finally chose to order an organic sheet, figuring that there is lots of fabric in it. But when I got to the end of checkout, it said there was no shipping option for my address. Phoey! So I send them an e-mail, but haven't heard back yet. When Chris got home, I showed him the porcelain-enameled cast iron skillet-like item that I had chosen. He was fine with it. It is a 4.86-Quart Casserole with Grill Pan Lid that goes in the oven or stovetop, and the lid doubles as a 10" fry pan. I hope we like it as much as the people who reviewed it. I also tried to make a copy of the DVD of Michele and two classmates reenacting the last scenes from the movie "Doubt". As yet we have not succeeded. I got a Skype message from Faye and called her back, We talked for a little while, traded schedules, then hung up. It is after 11 now.

Sewing instruction

After breakfast I intended to wash the floor, or even clear e-mail. But all too soon I found myself reading the book from yesterday. Around 10 I tore myself away to take a shower and go to the thrift shop. There weren't that many books so I priced some of the non-book items that had found their way into the book bin. I also tried to straighten the books on the shelves, until the light went out. Apparently that had happened before. But no one could come out to look at it until next week. But after much discussion, the light came back on. Why? I finished straightening the books. I stopped to have lunch and count puzzle pieces. Fascinating job and someone has to do it. Thankfully MaryAnn was working today. Time always passes so much faster and better when I am giving her a hard time:) Ella the manager came in to do some last minute shopping with her kids before their plane left. I never saw anyone cut it so close. I left around 2, went back to the apt, swept the floor, and did a little decluttering. My new sewing student arrived a little after 2:30. We made a pillowcase together, and then she had to leave with her mother to catch a bus. I got on the internet and looked at skillets again, this time cast iron ones with a ceramic glaze. Chris had put pork and veggies in the crock pot this morning and it was very aromatic by 4. So I had to have a bowl. I added water to cool it down. And yet when the spices hit my throat, I felt like I could breathe fire. Oh my word! I didn't think I was going to die, I just hoped I would. Ice water didn't help. I tried cheese, and finally a hardboiled egg. The egg yolk did the trick. Phew! I got back on the computer for awhile, then collected my stuff and headed for post. One of the items was a transformer that Cathy asked for to take with her on vacation. They are small, but ridiculously heavy. I was glad to reach the car and put it down. I arrived at the SPC by six. I started setting up and then Kinjal arrived to help. We had a good turnout. Some were beginners that had never sewn before, but they did a good job. Kinjal showed us how to make breastfeeding covers. After class I meant to call Chris for a ride home, but I had left my phone at the apt. So I parked at the lot and walked around to Gate 52 and then home. He arrived an hour later. I expected to be in the internet, but found myself reading the book again. I used to love to read books - before there was an internet. *pics tomorrow*

A New Experience

I got up before 8 to take my pre-breakfast supplements, and then Michele and I took the dogs for a walk. We put food in their bowls, and fresh water. Then we could have our own breakfast. I cleared e-mail and took a shower. Hannah came over to bathe her dogs. Then she invited Michele and I to lunch - after paying me for keeping the dogs! So we picked up the cages, and walked the dogs over the pedestrian bridge to post. We took my car to the DHL where Hannah could sign them in for one night (they fly out tomorrow). But they had to stay in their cages in the loading dock. Then we met at Greenstreet for lunch. Turns out there were 7 of us as a few other ladies showed up. Hannah paid for everyone. After lunch (and goodbyes), Cathy, Annette and I walked to the SPC to get some fabric for a binding for Cathy. She and Annette went one way, and I went home. I got back on the internet, looking at skillets again. Still unable to choose because for every one that comes highly recommended, several people have had bad experiences with it. I meant to wash the floors and clean up the kitchen, but took a moment to read a few pages in the book I got at the thrift shop, and before I knew it, was asleep. I awoke about 6:30, when Chris got home. I had been promising myself for awhile that I would attend a Wednesday night EFT session in Itaewon. For one reason or another I had never done it. And now I knew I would be late if I went. But I decided to go, even if I didn't go in, and only timed how long it took to walk there. After 35 minutes of walking, I arrived and decided that I was going in even though I was half an hour late. Turns out that no one had shown up, and the leader was sitting by himself reading. So we had a good session, discussing EFT and other therapies, and clearing some issues. Another lady stopped by later. Around 9:30, we wrapped it up, and he showed me where to catch a bus that dropped me off right by my apartment. It went a different way than I was used to and I was excited to learn another way to go, but it turned out to be longer. Still, it took about half the time of walking. Chris was waiting up, but soon went to bed. Now I alone am left to tell the tale (and post pictures).

Julia comes to sew

I will try to get pics uploaded tomorrow. For now, this was my day:
Got up early to make a sandwich (which he did not eat because there was a going-away luncheon for the dogs' owner). I went back to bed but got up to walk the dogs, with Michele's help. I found a few other things to do (like breakfast) then went to the thrift shop. The shop manager asked me once again if I could increase the number of days I come in (while she is leaving for 2 months). Deb brought in her two elementary age sons. I tried to keep them busy while she and others were in a meeting. I got a fair number of books shelved before I had to leave to go walk the dogs. Michele wasn't there to help me, so I walked them one at a time. Since they look alike, on-lookers must have thought I walked my dog twice. Then Julia came over, bringing fabric to make into a baby quilt, and her gi to be washed. She also had patches to be sewn onto the gi. So I showed her how to rotary cut and sew, and we worked until Chris came home and made supper. After supper, I sewed the patches on, lent her a camera (since hers bent) and walked her to the bus stop. She left her quilt materials here for next week. Michele fed the dogs at supper time, but they weren't much interested. However, we walked them at 10, and then Bella wanted to play ball. And they both ate from my hand. Finally I put them to bed, and resumed e-mail processing on my computer. One article said that affirmations as questions work better than affirmations as statements. So I am working on rewriting some of my affirmation tracks. Also, I still have not decided on a skillet. Any opinions on the best brand?

Dogs, quilting, dogs, mail, dogs, skillet research, dogs

I got up with Chris to make his sandwich, then went back to bed for a little while. At 7:30 I got on the computer to keep me awake so I would be ready at 8 to take the dogs out. My friend Keith (whom I have known since college) Skyped me for awhile. Then Michele and I took the dogs for their early morning potty break. I made myself breakfast then realized that it was time for their breakfast too. Hannah came over in a taxi to take them to the vet. I helped her carry the dogs in their cages. Then I took a shower, dressed, grabbed food and whatever was in the Monday box, and headed out. I made it to the SPC a little before 9:30 and thought I was early, but Cathy was already there. But I had the keys:) We started setting up, and slowly others trickled in. We had quite a few stop by although not so many stayed long. Nothing unusual. Lately we have been using a cute printed baby fabric that doesn't need cutting and piecing to be a quilt top. Therefore, construction went very quickly. We finished 7 and are almost finished with a bunch more. We stopped for lunch. The kimchi I brought went better than before. I meant to bring cheese,too but couldn't find it in the fridge. I did bring myself a hand-boiled egg. After lunch we did a little more sewing then packed up. We said "Goodbye" to those who are moving back to the states within the week. Very sad.
I meant to be home by two to walk the dogs. Hannah had returned them after their appointment. Michele helped me walk the dogs, then she went off to one of her finals. I cleared some more on the computer, then laid on the futon and fell asleep listening to an affirmation track. I did not hear Chris come home, but discovered that the computer chair had mail on it: evidence of Chris. One of my items was a package of crystals for making orgonite. Chris cooked supper for us, and we ate. Later Michele came home and had some chicken and rice too. We were objects of rapt attention for the dogs as we ate. When I was finished, I let my hands hang down. The dogs licked my fingers clean (clean being a relative term). We put out their supper but they were not interested. Then they were largely ignored as we each sat at our computers. I had selected an Emeril Saute pan, and had Chris pick the size he wanted. Before ordering it, I did a websearch and found that many people had bad experiences with the aluminum core melting and the glass lid exploding. Hmmm. Yet other people swear by it. So back to the drawingboard. It was almost 11 when I noticed it was past time to take the dogs out. Chris had gone to bed, so Michele and I handled it. This time we did not meet the unattended Taco Bell dog that drove them crazy last night. Phew!
**In case you are tired of looking at the dogs, here is a pic of Chris at work**

Frying my brain over skillets

Sunday. Chris set his alarm for 8 so we could take the dogs out at their regularly scheduled time. Then we fed them, had our own breakfast, and got ready for church. Michele stayed home with the dogs. The sermon was about getting in touch with your feminine side (ie. right brain). We had snacks afterwards and went to Chris' office. He hand-cut the grass around the tomatoes in the back. Then we went to the commissary. Nothing special there, just groceries. We took them home and put them away. Around 1:30 I cut Chris' hair, and then we took the dogs for another walk. The walks are short once they do their business. Later in the afternoon we went to the PX to get small round batteries for the battery tester. Seems ironic to need batteries in order to test batteries. Anyway, we proceeded then to E-Mart for eggs and kimchi. We also looked at their skillets. I wanted a Visions, but they don't carry skillets in that brand. So I wrote down the names of all the brands they do have. Some are quite expensive. I looked them up on the internet and from what I read, they all have some sort of non-stick coating (Teflon), or are otherwise not the right thing. I literally spent the rest of the day looking up skillets. Most don't have lids, or are not oven safe, or won't say if they used 18/10 stainless steel. One item on Amazon looked perfect, but got bad reviews. We fed the dogs again at 6. They did not want to eat from the bowls, but would eat from my hand. When we had supper, they begged for people food. Sometime around 10 we played ball with them. One can catch the ball and hit it back. Her name should be Pele. Then Michele and I took them for a walk and put them to bed.

New guests

It's Saturday, so I slept in. Chris got up to talk to the voices. I had a headache so I stayed in bed until I was able to get rid of it. Then I had breakfast, got on the computer, etc. Then Hannah called. She asked me to keep her dogs for a few days until they were ready to fly out since their furniture was gone and they were staying at the DHL which doesn't take pets. I said yes, and she and her husband brought the dogs and their cages over. They are fairly low maintenance: two meals and three potty breaks. But they would have nothing to do with us. The few pics I got are not good. They like hiding under Michele's bed. Since Chris and Michele spent the day on their computers, I did likewise. I tried to find the best brand of skillet to replace the one that broke. I still have no idea, but I know more than I bargained for about stainless steel. Then I happened upon a website DLD123.com called Green Living Q&A. I found out about so much more than just environmentally friendly cookware. It has all kinds of advice for people who have multiple chemical sensitivity or MCS. I also have a window open on www.weallsew.com/sew-to-serve. It is a list of organizations that need sewers to make items for their target group (blankets for babies, etc). Romaric came over about 6 and Chris made supper. We all talked for awhile before I retired back to my computer. Oh, we put out food for the dogs but they didn't eat. Later I got out handfuls to pitch at them one piece at a time. Before too long, they were eating out of my hand, but wouldn't eat out of the bowl. Around 10:30 we took them out to pee. It was rainy and wet. But they did not take long. When we came back, we took off their leashes, wiped their paws (she left baby wipes), and put them in their cages for the night. Then Faye Skyped me and we talked for an hour before we both had other things to do - like post to my blog. After all, we have to up and dressed by 8 to take the dogs out for their early morning business.

The Skype that wasn't.

I didn't get up early because his sandwich was already made. However, he forgot to take it. I got up around nine, and sat down to e-mail and waited for my sister to Skype me. Around 10, I tried to call her, with no success. So I fixed breakfast and went back to the computer. That is when I noticed a message from her dated a little after 9, that she was trying to call me. Where was that message earlier? Then I took a shower, and checked out the fabric in the bag from yesterday. Because it was for the group, I only took 3 inch strips of a few things to make charm squares. It was after 12 when I went to post, to pick up Cathy for the group lunch. We went over to the DHL, and when everyone had shown up, we proceeded to the Navy Club. It was loud, so we could only talk to the people closest to us. I got the grilled Mahi Mahi. It came with two sides, so I got two kimchis. That was the healthiest thing on the menu, and I knew it wouldn't be microwaved. After lunch, I took a pic, but my batteries died before the image registered. I took Cathy to the Arts and Crafts center. We looked through the bags of fabric and she took lots. Then Poncie came, and we loaded her top on the longarm. Her backing was too small, so she had to add some more. When we did get it properly loaded, it was not at all flat. She said her m-i-l made it for her and her husband. She had to take a big tuck in the border. We were able to get some designs in around the corners and big triangles (it is a lone star design). I am anxious to see how to longarm such a design. It is not something to be done in rows. We stopped about 6 and I went home. As we ate supper, we watched "A Walk in the Clouds" starring Keanu Reeves. The movie was a birthday present from my Mom to Michele. Then Chris put on "Buckaroo Banzai". I worked a nanogram, but made some mistakes, which threw the picture off. Then I went back to the computer to check any last e-mails. One was about PSTec, an auditory and tactile way of breaking the bonds of negative emotions.
There is a free sample on the website. Now let's see if I can come up with a picture. It makes my blog more interesting.

Some quilter I am, never got to the fabric

Chris got up early to go to work. This is his first full day of work since his parents came to visit. I tried to get up to make his sandwich, but just couldn't. I got up later and had breakfast, checked e-mail, etc. Then I grabbed some of the stuff for class tonight to put in the car and headed to the thrift shop. There weren't all that many books and videos to shelve, so I did some rearranging and pulling of old items. While I was there, the base commander came by to drop off three bags of fabric that his wife (a quilter) left for the quilt group. I put them in my trunk, but which car is mine? About 2:15, I left to go home. I carried one of the bags of fabric up to the apartment to look through it, but didn't get around to it. I checked more e-mail, and saw some Youtube videos on the cancer-curing effects of hemp oil. Then I grabbed the rest of my stuff for class, and headed for the SPC. I was early, but not early enough. A family was waiting for me. They are looking for someone to teach their daughter to sew even more than she already does. She showed me some things she has made. As we were talking, other people came in and distracted me. Finally they helped me set up tables, and left. Then some other people came in to talk to me and class was late getting started. I was hoping the class would finish making their kites, but they didn't. Too bad, 'cause next week Kinjal is teaching how to make a breastfeeding cover-up. After class, Chris picked me up. There was more e-mail to sift through, and a few links to follow. Since my broken skillet will not be replaced (or refunded), I researched Saladmaster, which a friend of mine recommended. It is made of 314 or surgical grade stainless steel. But golly gee, it is pricey. Opinons on the net were that there are other comparable brands on the market at a far lower price. It only took me several hours to read all of that, and I was surprised to see that it was after midnight when I finished reading just the one site. Now I am going to bed. Maybe I will get to post a pic in the morning. I already made a sandwich for tomorrow morning.

No more guests

We got up about 7. Chris and his parents were ready to go by 8. He drove them to the airport, then on the way back, dropped the car off to have the damaged tire fixed. I think they found something else to fix as well. I read my e-mail, had lunch, and re-recorded some affirmation tracks that didn't come out exactly right. Chris was home by 12:30. We washed all the sheets. Then he and Romaric walked over to pick up the car. I wrote myself a shopping list and then wasted a lot of time looking for the Namdaemun map. Finally I left without it. In Dongdaemun I got two strings of amethyst, but no citrine. And fabric. I wanted size 12 machine needles, but every place I went only had 11's and 14's. Had to buy the 11's. Then I went to Namdaemun. I got my usual pineapple on a stick. I did a lot of asking around for the soap shop and powdered metal. The alpha store had the powdered metal. No one knew of any soap making supply shop. When I was ready to head back, I could not find the subway. I was lost. Because I was supposed to meet some ladies for supper at 6:30 and it was getting late, I bought a dress and changed in the bathroom (when I finally found the subway station). But it was too big, so I took the time to park and walk to the apt to change. Then my purse didn't match, so I changed purses and went back to post. Well, my car keys did not change purses with me, so I called Nancy and she picked me up. All the others were waiting for us. Then we walked into Itaewon to a Mexican restaurant. I ordered a chicken fahita pita, but did not eat the fahitas. I took them home to Chris. On our walk back, some stopped for ice cream. I called Chris and he picked me up at the Itaewon gate. He and Michele were watching Sherlock Holmes. Afterwards we dressed the beds and turned in for the night.

Trying to get a handle on the situation

I still didn't have to make a sandwich so I stayed in bed 'till after 8. Then had the usual breakfast, shower, etc. Chris let me know that the extraordinarily expensive skillet that I'd bought online, had broken. So I e-mailed the company to tell them I wanted a refund and why I was dissatisfied. I also sent them a pic of my broken skillet. At 10 I was dressed, but realized that my top needed darts to fix a bad case of gaposis. That took longer than I thought it would. I did make it to the thrift shop by 11, but not earlier like I had planned. There was supposed to be a meeting at 11, but everyone was working, so I did, too. About 11:15 Ella called us together, said the usual things like be nice to customers but watch them in case they steal something, etc. Then we broke for lunch. Not wanting to put in the time for deviled eggs, I had opened a can of bean salad and put it in a container which I brought along. We all set out what we brought, and about half was stuff I could justify eating. As we ate, I met a new volunteer and talked her into trying our quilt club. When lunch was over, we went back to work. Lots of books and movies to shelve. Around 1 Maryann came in and told me that the Chosun was selling all the silk pieces that they used for decorating. It was only open to volunteers at that point, so I gave her $50 and asked her to buy all of it for me. Turns out there was $70 of silk, but I didn't care. They might not get any in next year. At three I called Julia to see if she wanted to do anything, but she was glued to her AC. So I worked until 4, then paid for a book I'd found with beautiful pictures of a valley in China. I grabbed my silk and headed home. I arrived at the same time as Chris, Cecily and Al, who had all gone to the War Memorial Museum. We talked for a bit, then started supper. I cleared a bunch of e-mail, then Michele came home, and we ate soon after. After supper we sat quietly in the living room, reading or doing math puzzles. I got an answer from the cookware people asking why I was so negative, and offering to send me a replacement for $50. So I explained that cookware that has a risk of thermal cracking is of no value, and that I wouldn't have bought it if they had mentioned that in the ad, and I wouldn't want another one even if it was free. We'll see what they think of that.
**Here is another quilt from yesterday's show-and-tell using our exchange blocks**

Show-and-tell

Chris got up early to go to work for a short time. He returned home just before I had to leave for our quilt social. We were supposed to bring food, which is annoying to me because I am a quilter, not a cook. But I had a bunch of hardboiled eggs in the fridge and my m-i-l helped me peel some of them and make deviled eggs. They were hard to peel and some were too messed up to use. But finally I had a plate full and left the apt for post. I drove to Cathy's apt. Just a few of us showed up at first so we sat and talked. But more and more came. We ate and had show-and-tell, then had the final reveal of the secret sister program. Several people had already guessed who had their name. Others were completely surprised. We had a short passing of the mantle ceremony for officers. I am now officially only VICE-president. Hurray!
Around 3:15 the three remaining ladies (including me) drove to the DHL for Cathi's husbands retirement ceremony. It was mercifully short, and we got in the receiving line, shook hands, etc. Then I drove Toniette and her daughter home. We spent some time talking in case I never see her again. She flies out on Monday.
So then I went home, and cleared some e-mail before supper. Michele was having a late day so missed supper. We talked for some time afterwards and I showed off my latest quilts, until Cecily went to bed. Even then we stayed up talking until Michele finally came home, around 11. But now she has had her shower and is ready to kick me out so she can sleep.

Wheel of Coupons

The morning started with a church service. Pastor Stan spoke and he was humorous. His subject was God's promises to us. We had snacks afterwards, then came home to change clothes and relax before walking into Itaewon. We went back to the Thai restaurant because Michele did not get to go the last time. The food was good, and, because we were so close to Paris Baguette, we stopped there to get another cake to take home. This one was a blueberry yogurt cake. We got back around 2:30. I mended Chris' shirt, and started in on his jeans. Then my sewing student Amy arrived. She has already shipped her car to the U.S. in anticipation of moving back, so she came on her bike. She brought some of her daughters clothes so we could make her a dress for a play. I drafted a pattern and we cut it out, and sewed it together. We did not have time to hem it as she had only 2 hours to spare. After she left, I walked into Itaewon to meet Julia. She'd had a bad day, and wanted to talk. We got kabobs at a stand, and then went to Cold Stone. They had a wheel you could spin to win coupons. So we did. She got a free brownie, and I got a buy one get one free tea or coffee. It was busy so we sat in the window. From there we could see that the back of the wheel was weighted. Ha! We talked, played a round of banangram (kinda like Scrabble), and did a nanogram together. Then she had to leave. I walked back, calling Chris to let him know I was on my way. After I got home, I called Julia to let her know I hadn't been abducted (apparently some women have been). If I had been abducted, I would have taken pictures so you all could share in the experience.

Saturday catch-up

Chris and Michele played with the voices this morning, while I got on my computer to clear out e-mail. My in-laws sat on the couch and read. I think my m-i-l also did some laundry, as did Chris, later. After lunch, everyone but Michele and I went to the Px and commissary. When they got back, we all put groceries away, and the supper process started. I went to Youtube to see a video, can't remember what it was now, but it led to others and still others. People demonstrate the making of small bombs, incendiary devices, etc and I just want to ask them: "Do your parents know what you are doing?" I also learned how to make rust. I wanted to know because I need metal powder for my organite. But other people use it to make thermite - hence the videos about burning and exploding things. My organite, being made of low-temp paraffin, is awfully soft and sticks to whatever surface I put it on. Yes, it is finally hot here. I am looking forward to having either soap base or resin to make the next batch.
**I didn't take any pics today, but here is a short video clip of Chris taking pics of some school kids at their request (outside the Gyeongju museum)**

We're back!!!

Wednesday morning we packed a few clothes and such, after breakfast, and took off to Gyeongju. It seemed like a long trip. Chris drove and his mother navigated, supplementing the new GPS unit. We stopped several times for bathroom breaks and once for lunch. Korean rest stops are not paragons of healthy food. We got to Gyeongju around 3 I think. I remember that we were on a slim trail between rice paddies when the GPS unit announced that we had arrived at our destination. Ha! At least we could see a hotel at the top of a nearby hill. When we found our way there, it was a large establishment, nearly void of life. We were given a room on the 6th floor. There was a large room with a small kitchen area, and then two bedrooms. The kitchen had a rice cooker instead of a microwave, and one bedroom had no furniture, only quilted pads to put on the floor. The decor was gray and brown. But the view was lovely, the lobby was elegant, and there were computers you could use for a fee. It was a complex of hotels and we investigated several buildings. We also went into town to sign up for a tour on Thursday. We did a little exploring of the area, found a nice park, and a sit-on-the-floor place. Finally we ate in a Korean bar recommended by the tour desk attendant. We just mentioned bulgogi and they brought us rice, kimchi, side dishes, raw beef and a tabletop grill. Afterwards we went back to the hotel. We played rummy until bedtime. My in-laws let Chris and I have the bed while they slept in the other room on the floor. In the morning we took showers, finding out that the water goes all over because there is no shower curtain, and the third wall doesn't touch the floor. There was no shower pan. The bath towels were tea towel sized. No face cloths. But we got showered and dressed and went downstairs for breakfast. The dining room was closed. We hopped in the car and Cecily suggested the nearby golf club. But she wasn't impressed with having Korean food for breakfast. So while the others had just coffee, I had persimmon juice. Then we went back to the hotel, got a 6-pack of eggs from the FamilyMart, and Chris and I made boiled eggs. Then we met the bus for our tour. Of course it was in Korean. There were little bits of English on the Dvd that she played between stops. We saw a small watercourse where a king and his court played drinking games. The associated palace was gone. Then we saw burial mounds. One grassy hill looks like the next, but the park-like setting was beautiful. We saw a stone observatory that was not very high or on a hill. Then we stopped for lunch at a Korean smorgasbord. What a selection! No idea what most of it was, and not enough room on my plate to try it all. No one left hungry. Some members had 4 or more strawberry ice cream cones. Then we were taken on a long trip up into the mountains to see a granite buddha. It was a long but beautiful walk through the forest. They had built a small building around him and glassed him in. Pictures were prohibited. We got there between large groups of school kids. I was glad I have been taking the steps to my apt, because all the walking up and down large stone steps had my legs feeling like jelly. After the buddha, we went to a palace complex with more buddhas meditation chambers. And more school kids. We tried to see it all, and take some time to just enjoy the incredible weather and forested scenery and fresh air. Finally we got back on the bus and were dropped off at the hotel.
We went to the sit-on-the-floor restaurant. First you go to the beef counter which looks like the meat counter in a supermarket. You pick out your cut of meat, which is handed to you on a plate. Then you take off your shoes, and are taken to a low table with mats to sit on. There is a grill built into the table and you are given tongs and a pair of scissors to grill the meat. Side dishes were placed all around. The beef was EXCELLENT, and no one went home hungry. We went back to the hotel, which was no longer empty. A herd of monkeys moved in upstairs. I don't know how many kids they must have had but those were the most energetic bunch of bouncing bodies I have ever heard. Thankfully I had brought my CD player, and when the CD was over, they had gone to bed. But they got up early, and the thudding started all over again. Chris and I had the remaining three boiled eggs, while Cecily had orange juice. We packed up and headed for the Gyeongju museum. I wanted to be left at the park, but no such luck. At least this place (which every school child in Korea must have attended with their little notebooks) handed out (for a fee) a little translator device with head phones. You hang it around your neck, and when you get close to an exhibit, an audio is triggered, in English, explaining what you are looking at. You just have to be careful not to walk out of range before the recording is finished. When you walk back, it starts over from the beginning. There we saw another large Korean bell, and a mock-up of how they cast it, making a mold underground and pouring hot metal into the crevass. From there we got on the road for Seoul. We stopped several times for bathroom breaks, and then for lunch. My in-laws had ice cream, while Chris had mandu and coffee. I had the broiled cuttlefish - a squid on coals. I got a few looks from Korean bypassers. Then we drove to the gas station nextdoor to investigate a flat tire. It would not hold air, so Chris and Al tried to change the tire, only to find that there was no lug wrench included with the spare and the jack. AFter much gesturing, the station manager walked Chris to a booth set up in the middle of the parking lot selling all kinds of stuff, including lug wrenches. The man insisted on changing the tire himself and storing the original in the trunk in just the right way. We had to insist that he accept money for his service. Then we were on our way again. Although we ran into some traffic, we made good time. The toll charge was $16, which we think was less than on the way up. AFter getting back, Chris and Al went to the commissary for a rotissary chicken. Michele got back from college about 6, and we ate at 6:30. She wanted to get back to writing her paper, but was made to sit and listen to our adventures. She said she got a lot of school work done while we were gone.

Irregular Tuesday

Because it is Tuesday, I went to the thrift shop, only to find that no one else showed up, and there is a BIG pile of donations. I called Maryann on my cell phone and found out that she is at the beach, and no one is coming in today. Ha! If I had walked to the thrift shop, I would have been pissed. I left my car there, and walked to the DHL bank to get Julia a cashier's check. Then I went back home. Chris and his parents were there, eating lunch before going to the National History Museum. They left me alone (Michele was at college), so I made 2 more small pieces of orgonite. I used a Korean egg carton top for the mold and it was too small for any of my crystals, so I used the amethyst chips. I tried to get some sand from the playground, but it was more like small rocks than like regular sand. I searched the internet for cheaper crystals and metal powder. Chris and his parents returned just after 4 and started supper. I went to the Ichon subway station to meet Julia. She gave me the won equivalent of the cashier's check, and a Korean smiley scrubbie, and a bookmark. A very nice metalwork bookmark. We talked for awhile, then she went in search of food while I went home. Chris had made meatloaf, more butternut squash, and broccoli. After supper the others ate cake and ice cream and I ate a piece of my fudge. Chris and Michele opened their presents from Faye, which had just arrived. "Avatar" and "Sherlock Holmes". Cecily refused to watch either one as she had been told that they were too violent for her. Then Cecily and I took all the flowers out of the two vases, trimmed them, and then rearranged them, albeit a little shorter.
Then we all sat down to watch our movie star child act out the last scene in 'Doubt', playing the part Meryl Streep played, and doing an excellent job. It was a project from her film class, recorded on DVD. I see an "A" in her future. We ended the evening watching a Hornblower movie at Cecily's request, but she fell asleep.
I took one last look at e-mail and got a request from a friend for some emergency math. She is subbing in Algebra tomorrow. So I worked the problems and scanned them back to her. Poor Michele is now trying to sleep as I finish my blog.
I am not sure what is happening tomorrow. Chris made plans for the four of us to go somewhere historic for three days. I can't take my computer, but maybe I can get on his, if there is wi-fi.