SIWA Bazaar (and my birthday)

Got up again at 8 with the alarm. I rushed breakfast and e-mail so I could be at the DHL by 9:15. I did take a moment to discard some recyclables on the way out. I waited at the taxi stand for MAryann and Mary, but it turned out that they were waiting for me inside. Steven came, too. The 4 of us took a taxi to the Grand Hilton Seoul. The SIWA bazaar was inside the conference center. We waited in a long line for the doors to open after buying our paper bracelets. The main room was full of tables from other countries selling representative items. I bought a bunch of stuff, some for me (it is my birthday), some for Christmas presents. No pics of that for obvious reasons. After gift shopping, we went into the other room where the different countries were selling prepared foods, hot and cold. I had a bite to eat there and then the others found me. We dropped our bags in a corner and I watched them while the others got food. We had to eat sitting on the floor because it was that crowded. We had a good time chatting, and finally we went topside to catch the shuttle back to Itaewon. We passed a large demonstration, very crowded and lined with uniformed police. I think they were protesting the lack of response to the NK attack. When we got to Itaewon, we walked back to post through gate 8, and back to the hotel where our cars were parked. I gave Geri a ride home, and then parked in the parking lot by my gate. I was so tired that I put the seat back and had a small nap. Then I hauled my bags home. I put everything away and tidied up in the kitchen. Chris called to see about taking me out for dinner, but I was too tired. After he got home, I fell asleep on the couch. Around 8:30 I roused myself to get back on the computer. I was greeted by multitudinous birthday wishes from people in the states. Is there anyone who doesn't know it is my birthday? Seems not. I read through most of my e-mail. I learned about the benefits of niacin for sleeping, detoxification, and stress-relief. I have to get up early tomorrow so I am glad I took two naps, since it is almost midnight now.

Finally found the sewing machine repair section of Seoul

After making the sandwich, I slept in until just after 8. I had a quick breakfast and skim of e-mail, before preparing some cheese for lunch. I wanted to be early to quilting, but what with trying to fashion a handle for the new cutting mat that came in, I was late. First I drove to the SPC to drop off my stuff and unlock the cabinets where we store stuff. Then I walked to gate 10 to sign Sue onto post. Usually Judy does that, but she is still out of town. When we got back to the SPC, Mary was there and helped us to set up. We got a slow start on our work due to discussion of the SIWA bazaar (which is tomorrow). Then Cathy came in. She just got back from China last night. She had all sorts of tales to relate, so that took up a bunch more time. It was funny that she said they had a great time, but the anecdotes she told were all negative. We did get some baby quilts finished that we started last week. Several other ladies dropped by as well. Cathy bought the mat for one of the other ladies, so I was glad I brought it. I signed Sue off post, and then we had a late lunch, just cheese, salad, and German chocolate cookies. No cookies for me of course. Then we packed up. I headed to gate 17 and Dongdaemun. First I found the 30 tassels that Ralu wanted. Then I bought hooks and eyes. I'll bet there are 100 in that bag! Finally I went to the Happy Quilt man to buy planet fabric and of course I got some others too. The young man that works there speaks English, so I asked him to write down the Korean word for 'spool pin'. Apparently that doesn't translate, so I drew a picture. He then told me to go to Euljiro 4. But then he thought of a place in the basement, and his father told him to take me there. (I had no idea what he was saying) So we went together. The man downstairs apparently told him to go to one of the places down by the engineers complex. And he walked me there. He stopped at each shop, and they all said 'no'. So then he took me PAST the engineers complex and hailed a taxi. He told the driver to take me to Euljiro to the sewing store. Then he left as I was whisked off. But the driver did not take me all the way there. He pulled up to the curb at an intersection and waved to the right, telling me something in Korea. What could I do? I paid him ($2), and headed to the right. I had to show my drawing to several shopkeepers until I was led to the right shop on a back street. The spool pin was only $1. The owner asked me where I was from. That question always throws me because I think I look unmistakably American. But I told him anyway. After I left, I walked around for awhile looking at all the different shops. One was an upscale quilting-type shop. Then I bought myself a roll of kimbap, and headed home on the subway. I finished eating it by the time I passed the guard at the gate to post. I drove to my gate and walked home. I expected to see Chris since it was after 5, but he stayed really late at work. Guess that month in California left him a lot of work to catch up on. Michele was even later. I fell asleep watching her latest Netflix movie: The Book of Kells. Then Chris woke me up to go to bed, but I got on this computer to post to my blog. I was unable to resist going through my inbox. But this time I was ruthless in deleting unread e-mails. I sent in an order to Swansons and wrote a price list for the Joanns order that came in so I know what to sell the items for. Now I am looking forward to going to bed.

Lazy Sunday

We woke up late, and were too slow getting ready to make it to church. Later we went to post and walked to E-Mart to get organic eggs. They were $5 for 10 eggs! Chris and I walked back to post, then he dropped me off at the AnC center. I was a little early, so I cleaned and oiled the longarm, then sat down to read until Melanie came. She brought two quilt tops, thinking we could do each one in two hours. But the first one was flannel and took 3 hours, and it was only an edge to edge design. She decided to wait on the second one. She left about 5:30, and I sat down to read again, because Chris and Michele were at the movie theatre watching the newest Harry Potter movie. I figured they wouldn't be happy if I took the car and went home. They came about 6:55, which was good since the AnC center closes at 7 and the man was getting worried that I wasn't leaving. Chris drove us home. I ate some kimchi and bison as both lunch and supper. Thankfully I did have some nuts with me at the AnC center to get me through the afternoon. Then we all sat at our computers until bedtime. I read that sleep is our natural state, and that we only need to release waking to return to it. Also, these days the light we get is 'junk light', and does not energize us enough to go down deep into sleep at night. Computers give off a lot of blue light which inhibits melatonin production.
My feet are cold so I am posting early and going to bed.

I get the point (s)

The alarm went off at 8. I got up soon after, had breakfast and a shower. Only a few moments for e-mail, and then I headed out into the rain. I wore my warmest coat and jogging shoes. That might have been a mistake because the sidewalks were full of slush and those shoes are slippery. I walked up to Ichon and caught the subway to Sookmyung. From there I walked to the building where the WFWP Coffee morning was held. I think that stands for Women's Federation for World Peace. I was supposed to meet Helen there, but she was running late. So I went up by myself. Robin was there to greet me, and Nancy too. The meeting started late, but was interesting. The speaker showed us the points on our hands that correspond to areas of our bodies. She also passed out acupuncture pens. One end is a pen, but the other end you use to stimulate the acupuncture points. She had handouts, too. Afterwards, we had sandwiches and pie. While we were eating, the speaker met with each of the class participants and put stickers on their hands. These stickers have a tiny needle in the center. They did not hurt, but after a while began to itch. We also did two dances, which apparently happen regularly. Helen had asked me to go bikeriding after the session, but she didn't feel up to it. So Nancy went with me. It took us a while to find the bike rental place, and there it was so windy that the man cautioned us about the difficulty involved in riding. So we decided to walk. We walked to the Banpo bridge, and then I invited her to our apartment because we were so close. She agreed. So we came home, and I showed her around the apartment. She is Korean and teaches English, but her English is spotty. She remarked that she was thinking how we could live like this, but couldn't explain what exactly she meant. Later Romaric and his mother came over for supper. I asked Nancy to stay, and we all ate what Chris cooked: roast pork, white potatoes, sweet potatoes, white rice, brown rice, peas, cranberry sauce, and pecan pie. The conversation around the table consisted of Korean, English, French and Spanish. Romaric's mother is French, but speaks some English. Around 10 She and Nancy headed for the subway. Romaric stayed a little longer, until Chris got tired and threw him out. Nicely, of course.

Day after Thanksgiving

I slept in again. But I was up in time for the Skype call from my parents and in-laws after their Thanksgiving meal. It was good to see and hear them. Then I had breakfast and called Melanie who wanted to work on the longarm. Friday is one of our days to use it. My car was parked at DHL so I walked to the AnC center. There I discovered that Ms. Kim was using the longarm. So I called Melanie and we rescheduled for Sunday afternoon. I then planned to go to Dongdaemun to get a hook and eye and some tassels for a friend in the states. But I just couldn't get up the energy to go. I stopped by Moyer Rec to get some travel brochures, and then to the PX to look for hooks and eyes. But no luck. Finally I came home. I found 2 hookandeye pairs in a bag of old oddsnends they gave me at the thrift shop. SO I finished my sparkly top, sewed magnetic clips to my purse (so the keys won't fall out), reinforced two buttons on Chris' suit pants, and put elastic around my head scarf to keep the wind out. When Michele came home from college we expected to hear another long and exciting saga about her adventures cooking Thanksgiving dinner for 100 Yonsei students (like last year). But the staff bought everything already cooked this year, so it was just too easy. AFter that I read my e-mail. A study was done comparing two groups who both exercised the same amount, but one group watched one hour of TV a day and the other group watched 3 hours of TV a day. The one hour a day group had a lower BMI. More TV watching is also associated with higher blood pressure and higher rates of obesity.

Yonsei talent and fashion show

I slept in late, until 9:30. Chris was up and on his computer. Michele left for college. Chris was cooking really big turkey legs and thighs. I had breakfast and read through e-mail. I spent all too much time trying to decide where to buy scissors for our group, and which scissors to buy. I did go in the sewing room to finish the sparkly top I started last week. Nothing left to do but attach a hook and eye. I can't find one, though. Last year I took one from an old bra, but can't find the bra this year to get another one.
Chris then made two pecan pies. He wanted to eat a piece as soon as it came out of the oven, but I told him that I just know something horrible will happen if he eats dessert before supper. So when the turkey was ready, we ate that. My turkey leg was so big, that I couldn't finish it. Not that I am crazy about turkey anyway. But all I had was the turkey and Chris' freshly made cranberry sauce. The turkey put me to sleep. Chris woke me just before 6 so we could catch a taxi to Yonsei University. Michele was part of a fashion and talent show. All of the acts were good, and then students wearing costumes from different countries filed in. Michele wore a dress from India. Afterwards, they announced the talent contest winner. Then we walked across campus to catch a taxi. It was so cold, but once my cheeks froze, I felt more comfortable. It took a while to find a taxi not in use. And it took a while to get home due to all the night traffic. Michele was hungry, so she ate turkey while Chris had another piece of pecan pie. And then it was time for bed.

Trying to catch up

I didn't realize Chris was getting ready for work because I did not hear the shower. I thought it was the middle of the night. But then I heard the front door open and close and he was gone. I went back to sleep. He had asked me to fix a button on his pants for work today. I forgot it last night, so he wore a different suit. When I got up, I called him to apologize since he could not wear his pants to work. Michele thought that was funny.
I tried to get a few things done on the computer and around the house. I spent over an hour sewing baby quilt tops by my HappyLight. I also worked on the shirt I started last Friday. Chris came home early with groceries and mail. Helping him get them in the building I discovered how cold it was outside. Brr. He had gone out for lunch and I had eaten late, so we were not hungry. Since Michele was gone, we renewed our acquaintance again. And then it was back to the computer and my sewing room. After almost completing the shirt, I needed a break. I watched a video about solar energy, its viability, and cost effectiveness.

Shopping in Gangnam

While Chris took his shower this morning, I made him a sandwich with the bread I made in the breadmachine overnight. I went back to bed then, and later got up and finished ironing my fabrics in front of my HappyLightDeluxe. I did some exercises, and had breakfast with the computer. When I tried to call Chris, I found out that he left his phone in the bedroom. So on my way to the thrift shop, I dropped off his phone at work. At the thrift shop I saw the largest pile of videos ever. Once processed, they filled every possible video space on every shelf. And still were not all out. I also put up books, and DVD's. Two baby quilt cheater panels came in, and the manager donated them to the Stork's Nest. So I took them to my car after work. I drove to gate 17 and took the subway to Sadang, and then Gangnam. I met Julia on the train, and we went to the other Daiso store near where she works. She also showed me Link-o, where they have beautiful Christmas cards and potpourri. We took a break for kimbap and soup, and then she showed me her office. She had to stay for a graduation, so I left. I took the subway back to post. I stopped by the commissary to see if they had quinoa, but they didn't. Then I sat in the parking lot near my gate until Chris arrived. We walked to the apt together. Chris made supper while I went through the mail. Chris put on a movie while we ate. Michele came home hours later, and had a bite to eat. Then we all went to bed. At least until Chris remembered that supper hadn't gotten put away. That's why I am up now.

Cute kimchi

The alarm woke me up this morning. I did not have the best of nights. But I got up, did a little exercise, had breakfast, perused e-mail, took a shower, cut up some cheese and took a jar of bean salad for lunch. I went to the parking garage and took Chris' car to base. I drove to the SPC. I thought Chris might come in on the post-to-airport bus and he could pick up his car at the SPC. We had a small but industrious group today. Helle brought me a container of Gourmet kimchi as a thank-you gift for helping her quilt on the longarm. It is so cute! I spent most of my time cutting batting which we got from Happy Quilt at the SAHS bazaar. The other ladies sewed tops. We completely finished 7 baby quilts, and have several more in progress. At least 2 ladies took kits to work on. I still have to finish the one I took last week. We had lunch, and then our group got really small. We were packed up by 2:30. I drove to the post office to mail Toniette's package. Then went to the PX lot to get my hair cut. From there I went home. I had to try the cute kimchi, and it was good. Then I went into my sewing room to finish ironing the damp fabrics. I had a movie on, as well as the HappyLightDeluxe. Around 6 Chris came home. Boy, was I happy to see him! He said the airport did not have wifi. Anyway, we 'renewed our acquaintance', and then Michele came home. Chris presented her with a stuffed penguin, which absolutely delighted her. He got me two packs of dental floss, and a bag of chocolate. I went back to ironing, and Chris went to bed, having had a looooong flight. I did not finish, but there is always tomorrow.

Still no husband

I had a heck of a night. I fell asleep early, got up to post to my blog, then laid down in the computer room to listen to a hypnotic audio. I kinda fell asleep, but in a very uncomfortable position. I think it was early morning when I finally went to bed. I seriously considered not going to church. But I needed some social interaction.
I went to church, and was asked by several people where Chris was. I told them he was on his way home and I expected him later today. After church I met a lady who lives near Osan who is a quilter. I invited her to join our group, and she seems eager to do so, in spite of the long travel time. Then I went to the SAHS bazaar to see the Christmas fabric he promised to bring. I selected a few for our next class. It is easier to part with fabric bought specifically for class, than to part with fabric drawn from my stash. Then I stopped at the commissary for groceries. When I parked in front of our building, I gave Michele the bags and got ready to leave (to park the car in the parking deck). At just that moment a delivery man on a motorcycle pulled up behind me and left his cycle there as he muttered something at me and went inside. I sat for a while waiting for him to come back and move his cycle, then decided to risk trying to back around it. I left a large black mark on the curb, but I managed to skirt the bike. He came out just as I was turning to leave. He deserved a piece of my mind, but probably wouldn't have understood a word.
So, after parking, I took my fabric upstairs, and saw Michele had put the groceries away. I prepped the fabric and started the washing and drying procedure. I checked my e-mail and found there were several interviews to listen to. Kurt skyped me for awhile. It was the middle of the night for him. Then I pulled fabric from the dryer slightly wet to fold on the bed. I didn't get to iron it until after supper. Michele ate cold pizza (her choice) while I made bison with onions, garlic, tomatoes, green peppers and celery. Mmmm. I wanted to leave it out for Chris, but wasn't sure when he would get in. So I put it away, and went back to the computer. Around 9 I realized he wasn't coming and I got very sad. I started ironing all my fabrics, with the S.A.D. light on. I tried to find a good movie on Korean TV but it was all vampires and stuff. So I put on 'The Last of the Mohicans'. Michele came in to watch with me and we watched until 11:30. We can finish it tomorrow.
* I didn't take any pics today, so here is another one from the auction *

Quilting

The alarm woke me up at 8. I went to bed so late that I did not feel that I had a whole night's sleep. But I dragged myself out of bed, had a shower and breakfast, skimmed my e-mail and headed for post. I drove in and was pleasantly surprised to find that traffic was light. I arrived at the AnC center right at 10. Helle was waiting for me. The first quilt top she had was only for basting because she intended to hand quilt it. It was hand-pieced. And it was good practice for the second top. That one was also hand-pieced. She was easy to please, and chose a stipple pattern. It went quickly, even though I didn't remember how to set it up. But I got it done. Afterwards, we parked at the DHL and went to the SAHS bazaar. The fabric man was there, and I bought 30 packs. He wasn't handing out freebies:( Helle guarded my stash while I drove the car around. She loaded the fabric in, and then took her stuff and walked to gate 10. I am not sure where she goes from there, maybe takes a taxi or a bus? I went home, intending to prepare and wash all that fabric, but ended up in front of my computer checking e-mail and listening to audios that are only up for 48 hours. Around 7 I decided I had time for a nap before bed. But it lasted too long, and seemed like it was better to just tuck in for the night than to get up bleary-eyed to post to this blog. But I just couldn't sleep right without it, so here I am, posting.

Decorating for the auction

I got up before 8, exercised, had breakfast, showered and pondered what to wear. I wasn't sure I would have a chance to come home and dress up before the auction, so I tried to wear something nice all day. Finally Maryann called in a panic because I wasn't there yet, and I just grabbed something to wear later and ran out. I met her at the gym. She had found some volunteers, led by her husband, to blow up helium balloons. So we decorated the gym with black, purple and silver balloons. At 3 I went home to make a silver top to wear with black pants and a purple scarf that I made from scraps leftover from the table toppers. Unfortunately there was a pattern piece missing and I had to draft another one. So I did not finish the silver one, but wore the gold one instead. I drove to the gym at 5:45. I staked places for myself and Sonyo at table 29. Maryann and Bob had places saved there too. I looked at all the items for bid, both silent and live. I walked around for a bit, then got in the food line. There was a platter of fresh vegetables. And I had a meatball, and some shaved ham and turkey. Everything else was empty carbs. There were two food stations and three bars set up. They did everything they could to push drinks. I mean the Main Post Club that was catering the event. There was a half hour of nothing after the silent auction closed and before the live auction started. I was bored and tired, but couldn't leave because I had to be there to clean up. I did not bid on anything because the prices went up rather quickly. The kimono quilt we did went for $600 live and the small one brought $100 in the silent auction. I do not know how much the tablerunner brought. It was at $20 when I last saw it. Once the event was over, we started cleaning quickly. I collected up all the little plastic stars that we scattered everywhere. We also had a LOT of balloons to deal with. Some people took some home, and a group of young men were happy to oblige in popping them. Some of the teenagers took some to suck out the helium and sing silly songs. It took over an hour, but we got it done. Then there was a stack of pizzas AFSC bought to feed the teen volunteers, but they didn't eat them. So I took two for Michele, and for Chris when he finally gets home. When I got home, I put the pizzas in the fridge, and got on my computer to blog. Chris is also on Skype so I am texting him, too.

Christmas crackers

There was a layer of fine snow on the ground this morning. So I wore my warmest pants and socks. Like yesterday, it warmed up and I was too hot. I drove to the thrift shop about 10:30. Traffic was quite reasonable. Parking was plentiful. So were the books. But, by the time I left, I had shelved all of them, plus the DVD's, videos, and Cd's. I also had time to straighten up the shelves. My student's parents finally got in touch with me to tell me she couldn't make her lesson, so I left. I walked home over the pedestrian bridge, leaving my car on post so I would have it later. I had lunch and read through my e-mail. I read that sitting for more than 30 minutes at a stretch signals the brain to start storing fat. So I got up. I decided to unpack my new light and plug it into the outlet near my sewing machine. The directions say it is not to be used with a transformer, but what else can I do? I sat with it on, while separating some selvage edges from a bag. Then it was time for class. I drove over there and set up. A new lady came with her three daughters. Hurray for the next generation. They seemed to enjoy their project, which was a Christmas cracker. Sue showed Shirley and me the pressure point for curing a headache. She also told us about an acupuncturist that only charges $15 for a session. The session includes acupuncture and cupping, and a massage. When she described cupping, I decided I could do without that part.

Namdaemun goes Christmas

I know this looks like a Thursday post, but that is because I am posting after midnight. Hopefully I can make this short. Ha!
The alarm woke me at 8. My back still hurt, and was stiff from lying in bed all night. But I got up, had breakfast and was reading e-mail when Maryann called. She was hoping I felt better and could go to Namdaemun with her. Because she intended to walk there from her apt, I agreed to go. She picked me up at my gate, stopped at the post office for me to mail my Mom a package, then suggested we drop by the Chosun. I stayed outside, and waited for her. Then we walked to Chris' office to get the mail. There was a really big package for me. It is the HappyLightDeluxe. Maryann had to carry it for me. We took all the mail back to her van and went to her apt. From there we walked to Namdaemun, and bought 8 vases for the auction decorations. We also bought flowers and searched for star confetti, but didn't find any. Finally we walked back, stopping at large hotel to go to the bathroom. They were putting up their giant tree. At her apt, we examined the vases and played with her cats. One crawled into a plastic bag and when it came out, got the handle around its neck. So the bag kept following the cat, which freaked it out, and Maryann had to catch it to release it. It lost a claw in the frantic running back and forth.
Around 6 we picked up her husband and he drove us to my place. They both helped carry all the mail and flowers up to the apt. Maryann filled the vases for me before she left. Then I cooked supper with the organic beef I had left out earlier. I didn't think Michele would like it because I cut up onions, garlic, pepper strips, and radishes. But when she came home, she put some in a burrito with cheese and was happy enough. We put on a Netflix movie that came in the mail - Atonement. What can I say about a movie that basically ends "they lived happily together. No, actually they both died before finding each other again, but we didn't want to tell you"? I worked on the binding of a small quilt during the movie but didn't get very far. Then I retired back to my computer to listen to an interview with Flylady. She gives tips for organizing and getting through the holidays stress-free.
While I was listening to her, Chris Skyped me. The connection was so bad, that we consented to text only. I am writing this blog while he types. Good thing he is slow at it.

No errands for me

I woke up with the same backache I took to bed last night. I was hoping it would work itself out as the day went on, but it didn't. I cleaned the kitchen and sink, and that made me feel better, at least emotionally. But finally I had to call the thrift shop and Maryann. I apologized to them both that I could not keep my commitments to them today. Then I stayed home. I had visions of working in my sewing room, but I found myself going through my gift bag looking for gifts to send home for Christmas. Until my back seized violently, and then I laid on the floor for awhile, then went to bed. It got a little better, but remained worse than when I woke up. I spent quite some time on my computer looking up studies showing that amalgam fillings cause mercury poisoning to send to my dentist friend. I came across an article about Weston Price. He found that root canals cause all sorts of diseases because the tooth harbors bacteria that antibiotics can't reach. Reportedly he cured many people of arthritis and other diseases by removing their treated tooth/teeth. He also discovered that remote native populations practice no dental care, but also have no tooth decay. But that changes when they are exposed to Western processed foods.
* Here is my star quilt as it stands. Any suggestions for extending it to twin size would be appreciated. *

Sew-sew day

Got up, made breakfast, checked e-mail quickly, showered, cut up cheese, packed my stuff, headed for post. Drove to SPC, Cathy was already setting up. As I helped her, more people showed up. She showed us her latest efforts: two twin quilts in different colors. Then we all made baby quilt kits and Helle sewed binding on a QOV. Lunch was partly healthy and partly empty carbs, so I did not get much to eat. I was looking for a chance to surreptitiously raid my secret stash of nuts and raisins. But we got busy again after lunch, and then MaryAnn came over with her three rolls of fabric. The others left, and she and I proceeded to cut up 100 yards of fabric into 45 inch squares. Also cut one 49 yard roll into 4 equal pieces. Maryann was so glad to have my help, that she took me out to eat (and invited her husband). We sat in Figi for three hours, eating sushi and talking. It was nice. But then it was time to go home. It was too late to park the car and walk through the gate, so I drove home. I would have walked but it was too cold. I did not have a clicker in the car, so I had to get the guard's attention to let me into the apt complex. He was either engrossed, or ignoring me. I parked on the lowest level and walked up, grabbing the clicker from the other car along the way. Maryann wants to go to Namdaemun tomorrow to get flower vases for decorations. So I will go along, after working at the thrift shop. Don't see how I will make 16 hours there this month. But am happy to go to bed just now. I strained my back this morning and it hasn't been happy since.
*I forgot to mention that I read a new way to beat a cold or the flu: put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ear until the bubbling and tingling subside. Then drain that ear and do the other one.*

Keyless at church

I got up around 8 and got ready in time to drop off the recyclables before going to church. One of my greatest fears in life is not knowing what to do. And in church I take all my cues for when to stand, sit, or kneel from Chris. But he hasn't been there for awhile. So I suffered through another session of trying to figure out what everyone else was doing even though they were behind me. Some of it is written in the book, but not everything.
After church, I talked to Linda for awhile, and then to the dentist (we differ on how safe it is to have mercury in fillings). Then I went to my car intending to go to the PX. But I hadn't any keys. I assumed that they were in the sanctuary, so I waited for that service to finish, and checked there. But no keys. Turns out they were under the seat in my car. One of the church office guys drove me to the fire station to get a slim jim. He worked with it for almost an hour and then got a coat hanger. Just as I suggested that we should give up and let it go, the door popped open. By then I was cold and gave up the idea of going to the PX, so I just returned the slimjim, and made the usual trip to the commissary. No coconuts, no cardamom, or organic butter. They had organic butter last week. BUT, they DID have the special cinnamon I have been looking for:) Michele carried the groceries up to the apt and put them away while I parked the car. I had a late lunch (kimchi and bison) and got on my computer. I found myself listening to Brian Johnson on a Philosophersnotes video (look it up on Youtube). He regularly reads good books in the self-improvement category, and summarizes the top 5 or 10 ideas in a 10 minute video. Very interesting videos.

Think I'll stand for awhile

Got up this morning feeling really rested. The only thing I did differently was that I DID NOT listen to my nightly hypnotic tape that gives suggestions for a good night's rest at the end. A fluke? I wonder.
I had breakfast with my computer. Saw a video about Gerson Therapy. Apparently he has cured many serious diseases with dietary changes and a coffee enema.
After that I needed a break. My colorful quilt top was lying on the floor in my sewing room and I decided it needed borders, but not the black ones. I found a fabric with bright colorful dolphins and used that instead. Michele was online playing with the voices, one of which was her Dad's. At 1:30 I took my new bike out for a ride. I planned to meet Helen at 2 at the bike rental place. Well, imagine my surprise when I jumped on the bike and discovered my knees were up to my chest when I tried to pedal. I was able to raise the seat without any tools. I walked the bike to the riverwalk, and then tried to ride it again. It was very difficult. I wished I had brought the other bike. Halfway, I stopped to add air to the tires and raise the seat some more. That helped, but then I discovered how hard the seat was. When I got to the rental place, I added more air, up to 50 PSI, and raised the seat again. But then the handlebars were low and raising them takes a tool. When Helen arrived, she showed me how to change gears and pointed out that they needed adjusting. She thinks the bike is too small for me. Anyway, she rented a bike and we headed west. We stopped at each exercise station along the river to try out the odd-looking equipment. Also to rest my aching bum. I put my gloves in my camera bag and tied it to the seat. That helped just a touch. Then Helen suggested that I add to that the face and neck shield she gave me. That helped a little more. Finally we turned around and went back. She turned in her bike and we headed for the main street. She met some friends who are PCSing back to the states tomorrow. Then we went into Ichon and I bought kimchi. The price went back down, so I got 2 kilos. Then we picked a little restaurant for supper. I don't know what we got, but with all the side dishes, it was a good meal. The owner locked up my bike for me while we ate. Then Helen took the subway home, and I rode home very gingerly. I may not sit comfortably for a week. Good thing there are padded seats in church.

Sewing progress

After going to bed early last night, I woke up at 4am. I don't like being awake in the middle of the night. It is depressing. Also, my routine is to do a few minutes of aerobics and then have breakfast. What kind of aerobics can you do in an apartment at 4am without disturbing the neighbors? So I got on my computer. Seemed like a quiet activity. I read that one doctor believes that coconut oil alone may reverse the effects of Alzheimer's disease. When the dawn came, I did do some exercises and had breakfast. I talked to Chris via Skype, and later, to my brother. He is having trouble making ends meet, and they are pretty far apart. I got off the computer then, and found my extra phone battery and the tablecloth. I did a few sewing-type projects, too. I put a binding on the Nadelstern wallhanging, and stitched some selvage edges together to crochet into a rug. Finally I spent hours on my star. I had a purple and black border on it, but the quilt group took that star, and gave me back the one I turned in. So I was going to do the same thing to this one, but with a little tapping came up with a new idea. Do you like it? The black is not sewn on, just being auditioned.
I heard Michele in the kitchen banging a bag of frozen broccoli. I asked her if she was abusing vegetables. She said "Yes, what are you going to do about it?" I promised to report her to the SPCV - Society for the prevention of cruelty to vegetables. Anyone know where I can find them?

A day off

Thursday is usually my busy day, but this week Obama is coming here to give a speech before going on to the G20 meeting, so everything got canceled. I was not qualified to attend so I stayed home. I intended to get alot of cleaning and sewing done. But, as usual, I tried to clear my inbox first and that made less time for everything else. I did get the kitchen counters and stove cleaned, as well as dishes washed. And I washed and ironed the fabric I bought yesterday, at least the stuff that was for me. Sad to say I also cut myself clipping the corners. Had to use a Tensoplast bandage. Last time I used one it took my skin off on removal. I also opened and consumed the coconut I found in the back of the fridge. And divided up the recyclables so they are ready to go downstairs.
Michele went to college, but came home early because her last class was canceled. So she cooked supper. She stir fried broccoli and added the leftovers from last night. She took half and left me the other half. I had to add celery and radishes to mine to make it a bowl full. After supper I made a Christmas cracker to practice for class next week. I am posting and going to bed early tonight to get those 2x hours of sleep. Getting up at midnight to post did not work well yesterday since I made so many typing errors that correcting them took longer than posting.

Going to Dongdaemun and beyond!

I intended to get some cleaning done before leaving the apartment, but somehow never got around to it. I did pick up all the fabric I left lying around from yesterday because it was still damp. I left just before 11:30 going to the SPC to pick up Cathy. I was running late, but so was she. We were supposed to meet Sue and Judy at Dongdaemun at noon, but did not make that because Cathy had to stop for cash and then we waited for another lady who wanted to come along. Her name was Sue, too. So we had two Sue's. We parked at gate 19 and took the subway there. It was not so bad, we even got seats! Dongdaemun was crowded however. We bought fabric on the 5th floor, as well as lace and ribbon. Others looked at thread, and we bought yarn in the basement. Then three of us walked past the engineers complex to the baking section of town. We looked at candy-making supplies, party stuff, all kinds of bags and wrappings, baking stuff, cosmetic and soap supplies, etc. We got some bags for wrapping baby quilts, and Cathy got cute cupcake papers. Lucky for us, she knew a lady working at the engineers complex so after having a bite to eat, this lady gave us a ride home. Good thing too, because I had bought quite a load of fabric (mostly not for me). It was 4 when we got back to post, and there was a line out the gate. Apparently everyone got the 59 minute rule. I drove to the lot and walked my fabric home. Then I started in on e-mail. Today I learned that every hour you sleep before midnight is worth 2 hours after midnight. Michele came home from college close to 8, and cooked the supper she was going to make last night. Jobchai and sausages. It was good. After supper I took a nap to get in some hours before midnight, but had to get up to write my blog. Can't disappoint my public.
* Here is a hospital patient going out for lunch. There is no hospital food. *
* The leaves have just turned, almost overnight. Beautiful! *

November luncheon

I got up to make breakfast and maybe sew a binding on a small quilt so I would have some handwork to do at the luncheon. But there just wasn't enough time. Michele got up late and raced to college. I dressed up and went to the AFSC luncheon. I was early of course, so I could shop before setting up a place to sign up new quilt members. While hurriedly going through the fabric for sale (there are vendors selling their wares for 2 hours before the luncheon starts), I was asked to pick out 5 packets for the donation to the AFSC. Tables are free to the vendors, but they have to donate $25 worth of merchandise to AFSC for a raffle. That slowed me down and so I did not get set up until just after 10. I bought over $100 worth of fabric. I laid my purple quilt top on a table and sat behind it. But only one person signed up in almost an hour. Oh well. I tried. Then at 11 we went into the ballroom to sit at our tables. They had a red, white and blue there. It was a plated dinner with chicken, beef brisket, potatoes and some vegetables. There was a roll, too, which I saved for Michele and forgot to give to her. There was also apple pie and icecream, but I was unable to save that. Kinda messy. After we ate, we had a speaker who is a dr. and goes to N. Korea to help them with their TB problem. 5% of their population has it. Their medical facilities are primitive at best. It was heartwrenching to see the pictures. I think we all gave money to help him buy medicines, and supplies.
After the luncheon I drove Cathy over to the SPC and I picked up my onion soup which I left there yesterday. Then I drove over to Chris' office to pick up the mail. Usually they put it on his desk, but someone closed his door and it locked. No one knows how to open it. Chris says he has the combination on a slip of paper in his desk. Oh well. There was a package for me that came in after the door was locked. It had sewing machine feet in it. I took that, and all my fabric home. I started washing it all up, drying it, ironing it,etc. I think I took it out of the dryer too soon because it took me all the rest of the day to iron it dry. I was expecting Michele to come home at 6 to cook supper, but she didn't show, so finally I heated up the onion soup and ate that. It turns out that she had a make-up class. That is when the professor misses class and the students have to make it up. By the time I finished ironing, it was time to Skype with Faye. It was really good to see and talk to her. It made me late posting to my blog, but it was worth it.

Star Quilt

I awoke before the alarm went off. Seems like I had plenty of time to get ready, but with checking e-mail during breakfast, all too soon it was time to leave. I grabbed my jar of onion soup and two packages of cheese from the fridge and was preparing to leave when Cathy called and asked for a ride. So when I picked up my car, I put all my stuff in the trunk (can't open the back doors) so Cathy would have a place to sit. I picked her up in front of her apt bldg, and we stopped at ACS on the way to SPC to drop off the October minutes. A few ladies were already there as I walked in. Soon I was busy answering questions and setting up. We had a good crowd today. Cathy and I worked hard to keep everyone busy. She brought the star quilt so I got a pic of it. Helle finished the binding. We only worked on baby quilts and we got a lot accomplished. Only finished two, but Kennedy took a pile home to tie so they will all be ready next week. And the ladies cut enough fabric to make 16+ kits. So we are set (except that we are out of batting). After lunch we did a little more work, and then packed up. I forgot to get my food so I guess the cheese and onion soup are still in the room. Maybe tomorrow I will have time to check. I drove Kennedy home, and then went to gate 17. I planned to go to Dongdaemun to get backing fabric for the purple quilt top, but change my mind inside the station. Intuition was telling me I didn't have to go, and it would be ok. Even though I didn't feel like going to Dongdaemun, I figured now was the best time to go since the G20 was going to disrupt everything. But instead I went home. I read through my e-mail, heard from a friend I haven't heard from in a long time. I had hoped to get into my sewing room, but it didn't happen. I defrosted some bison, and cooked it in a fry pan. Michele came home as I was adding radishes, tomatoes, broccoli, and frozen peppers (green, red, and yellow). She was upset that I wasn't cooking the way her father does. I told her I don't know how her father cooks because I don't watch him. She told me that I had better learn because she wasn't always going to be around to help him. That made me laugh. She put on "Terminator 2" and we watched that, and then I wanted to watch "Final Cut" with Robin Williams. It was ok, but definitely not a feel-good movie. Now I am reading my latest e-mails and going to bed. Tomorrow is the luncheon and I don't want to be late for buying fabric.
After I ate a plate of it, she had some too and seemed to find it acceptable.

Which blocks do you like?

I went to church this morning. The sermon was about marriage and end times. After church we had refreshments. Today's host brought slices of vegetable pizza. So good. I had a piece even though it had bread in it. I learned from Gene's wife that Korean women who marry American men often have trouble in their marriage. And it is usually the man who wants to stay in Korea. Such women face devaluation in Korean society.
After the social hour I went to the commissary. I only had two things on my list so I toyed with the idea of leaving my car on post and walking home. But when I came out of the commissary, I had at least six bags. So I drove back, left the groceries with Michele, parked the car on post, and THEN walked home. It was a nice temperature for walking, but the air was very hazy. I wasn't so sure I should be breathing it.
At the apt, I cut up a fresh pineapple for Michele and I, I read through my e-mail, watched a few video links, and then made myself go sew. I top-stitched my placemat, and made some Vera B. blocks. Not sure which ones to go with. Some don't have enough contrast. I also put up a valance in my bedroom to keep out the light above the curtain. I have been meaning to do that for weeks and only think of it when I go to bed.

It's time has come

I awoke with a project in mind. I had not been able to finish it last year, but for some reason today was the day. I pulled all the blocks out and laid them on the floor. I had to make two more to have a 5x6 arrangement. Then I sewed all the blocks together, and auditioned fabric for borders. I had all my purples out, three stacks worth! I made my choice, and then put all the others away in the closet. I attached the borders and the corner blocks. I think it was 9pm till I finished. What a day! Michele came home at 10 and showed me the outfit she bought. She also pointed out the Bonanza episode where Adam takes his shirt off. Had to watch that. Then it was time for bed.

All day at AnC

Woke up all too early, went back to sleep for an hour, and got up at 8. I had the usual breakfast and e-mail, then drove to the AnC center to help Cathy work on the star quilt. I forgot to take a pic, but will have another chance later. She brought a black batting for it which was interesting. I brought a few pieces of VB fabric to cut while waiting. Did not get that much done. We quilting the stars with a variegated thread with a cloud motif. When we finished that, I had a small quilt top to work on. She helped me do it with custom borders and blocks. I used a variegated thread also, but you can't tell. We finished around 5:30. I was so faint from hunger and fatigue that I didn't feel safe driving home. So I drove us to her apt and she fed me. We spent an hour looking at quilting patterns online to see what we might want to buy for the group. It was after 8 when I left, feeling much better. My gate was closed, so I drove all the way to the apt. Michele was home by then. And the onion soup which I started yesterday was finally finished. Michele refused to eat once she heard that there in liver in it. So I had a bowl, and put the rest up in the fridge. Then I read e-mail, finally got the right number for my friend's husband, so I called him and arranged a meeting for tomorrow. Don't tell Chris! Actually I am just going to pass him a bag of tassels through the gate.
Off to bed now, or rather as soon as I have completed all the pre-bedtime chores.

Small class

Thursday is my busiest day. Before going to the thrift shop, I worked on the laundry Michele started, defrosted some liver (she hasn't noticed that yet) and pulled some stuff for class from my stash. Then at the shop, I shelved all the books, threw out some stuff that has been sitting in the book bin for some time, and got caught up on all the media. Then I went home at 2. My student canceled, so I had some time to myself. I cut up onions and started onion soup in the crock pot. But I did not have quite enough water. Since my back has not been happy this week, I could not take the chance of putting in a new bottle myself. And Michele was away at college. I spent far too long trying to decide what new seeds to buy for sprouting, and then I finished the laundry and went next door. The lady took me to the management office to get a parking sticker. They also changed the battery in the clicker so I can get in and out of the gate. Then I had a bite to eat and went to class. I went early because Maryann wanted to cut some fabric before class, but she never showed up. However, I was able to set up everything and get a head start on the project - a strip-pieced placement. Cathy came by with the star quilt top that she finished. Only two people came to make a placemat. Then we cleaned up and went home. Michele still wasn't home and the place was dark and deserted. It had a very lonely feel to it. I called her and she was staying late at college to watch a movie. I told her I needed water. I considered asking our neighbor but thought I could hold out a little longer. I read e-mail until Chris got online, then talked to him for awhile. Now it is time for me to go to bed, but he just got up.

Trying new things

Wednesday is usually a slow day, but not today. I had a whole list of things I wrote last night, just to make sure I had everything covered. And then Michele threw her two things in, asking for a ride. So we went to the consolidated mailroom where she signed for a letter. We went too early, but they were nice and let her pick it up anyway. Then we stopped by the DHL for her to cash a check. Then we went by Chris' office to send him a scan, and return other mail that got mixed in with his. Finally we stopped at the Chosun for me to register for the luncheon and buy a ticket for the auction. I don't really want to go, but Maryann keeps telling me that I AM going. Well, if I'm going to help decorate, might as well see the decorations in use.
We went home to have lunch. Then I drove to gate 17 to take the subway to the big D. I found corded tassels there for a friend in the states. Yes, I found a few things for myself, too, and a Christmas present for Michele. Then I went to Gangnam to meet Julia. Kinda went the long way around, but got there all the same. She met me on the street because I passed right by her building without seeing it. She took me to Dr. Fish. It is a tea and coffee bar, that also has a little trough where fish eat the dead skin cells off of your feet. Oh yes, and all the free bread you can eat. I didn't eat the bread, but I did feed the fish. The big fish were quite ravenous and it was hard to remain calm as they feasted on my feet. So Julia insisted that I move to the smaller fish. They were barely a tickle. When my twenty minutes were up, we left there to go to a photo sticker booth. The place has 6 or more photo booths. You sit in one, feed the money in, and it allows you to pick settings for your photos. After the shoot, you get to add electronic bling to the pics, like stars, hearts, special words, bunny ears, etc. The results were quite funny. We each paid for a sheet of photo stickers. Then she had to go, and I got in line for the subway. The station was so full, that I could not get on the next train that came by. And the one I did get on was so full that even though I did not have a hand-hold, I couldn't have fallen over if I had tried. I was so glad to get back to base. That is when I realized that my gate was closed. So I rested in my car for a bit, then drove to the apartments. Michele was home, watching Bonanza episodes. I had a few bites to eat, and I watched with her until bedtime.

Chicken Pox

I awoke to the sounds of Michele getting ready for college. I wasn't hungry, so I just headed for the computer. One of the articles I read was about how the chicken pox vaccine is not as good as the immunity you get from having chicken pox as a child, and as a result, many who were innoculated, are now getting shingles. Also, if you have had chicken pox and you are exposed to a child recovering from chicken pox, your immune system gets a boost. Fewer kids getting chicken pox means everyone is more at risk for getting shingles.
Then I had breakfast and called our realestate agent about a paper left on our car indicating that we needed some sort of parking sticker. She promised to call back later. Then I headed out to the thrift shop with a Korean DVD player that someone gave me. The gate guard showed interest, so I gave it to him. I got there at 11 and intended to work until 2, but Mrs. Chung decided to close at 1. I did not get finished with the books, or videos. I was going to run by Chris' office, but forgot all the paperwork I was going to bring. So I went home to wait for the agent to call. I needed to go to the big D for tassels for a friend, but needed to be home when she called. I finally took a nap and she still hadn't called. The guard came by with a paper to sign. I had to tell him I didn't understand. Then he got the lady next door to explain that it was a petition to change apt managers every two years instead of 5. Sure, whatever. So I asked her about the parking sticker, and she offered to go to the management office with me on Thursday. Then I did some picking up and washed dishes, all to keep this place as clean as it was when the ladies came over. I REALLY like it this way:)
Michele came home at 7:30. I was in my sewing room working on a Vera Bradley quilt top. I have been itching to get to it, and finally did, but Michele started another Bonanza DVD and I got sucked in again:( She stopped it at 10:30 and I tried to Skype Chris but he didn't answer.
* Here is another show-and-tell from yesterday *

Final preparation

I set the alarm for 6 and woke up just before it went off. I had to start the applejuice in the crock pot and get the food ready. Michele helped wash vegetables and a pear. She also arranged the fruit and cheese tray. I found a recipe online for a warm spiced apple beverage. It called for freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice, as well as cinnamon and other spices. It was so good that even Michele who was adamant about not liking apple juice really like it. I also found a recipe for a dip. It said to mix salsa into a container of sour cream. That was also very good. I took some recyclables out with me when I went to get the ladies and lead them to my place. I did not get everything in order, but it was close enough. Five ladies came. The apple beverage was a big hit. They brought projects to show off, and I showed them my sewing room and stash. I had hidden my Eric Carle dots two weeks ago so they wouldn't find it. But one lady came late, and somehow she knew I had some, and she begged me to sell her a yard. So I did, but made her promise not to tell anyone where she got it. I put out charm squares for those who wanted some, and magazines to read. We had a good time, and they stayed until 1:30. Then I had to go to post to sign Julia in. I took her to the bank where she could get a cashier's check. Then to the shoppette for stamps. After mailing her check, we stopped by Chris' office to get mail, then went to my apt. She had some of the mornings leftovers, and showed me how to delete and load to the mp3 player she gave me. Then we walked back to gate 17 the long way. I signed her off post, and she took the subway home. I walked back. Michele wasn't home yet (college), so I sat at my computer with the leftover bowl of trail mix. I read through my e-mail, until she came home. She started watching the rest of the Bonanza episodes, and I got sucked in. Then it was bed time. I did a little picking up, got to Skype Chris briefly before his class started, and now am looking forward to going to bed.