Thanks to Shari’s patient guidance, I learned a new skill this weekend: crocheting.

Crochet. It’s the kind of activity that you envision little blue-haired ladies doing whilst sipping Earl Grey tea and sitting on their rocking chairs on the front porch. But recently, it seems that knitting and crocheting have shirked their old lady stigmas and a new generation of young and hip needleworkers have arisen. Books like “Stich ‘N Bitch” have turned knitting into a revolution of sorts. I discovered that the same author followed up with a book for crocheters called, “The Happy Hooker.” (Sitting on my bookshelf, that title will certainly raise some eyebrows, I’m sure.)

Ever since Shari gifted me with a cozy hand-made crochet blankey and Winnie sent me two beautifully knit scarves, I was determined that someday I would be able to return the favor.

I love crafts, but keeping the schedule that I was left me little time to pursue time-consuming hobbies. Since homework is now a thing of the past, I now have some flex time in which to fill with pursuits that please me. I have found that crocheting is a relaxing diversion that helps me decompress after a stressful day at work. This weekend, I enjoyed lounging outside on the patio with Shari, crocheting and chatting the afternoon away. (”Crocheting and chatting” doesn’t have the same ring as “stitching ‘n bitching,” does it?)

I had forgotten how wonderful it is to spend time with friends. School had forced me into a state of virtual hermitude and friendships sometimes fell by the wayside. I am so thankful that I have patient and understanding friends. Hanging out with Shari never fails to transport me to another time and place — where our cares are few and laughs are plenty. This weekend was no exception.

I need more three day weekends. More time to relax. More time to crochet. So, who wants a scarf?

From the Friday 5:

1. When was the last time you did something against your better judgment, and what was the outcome?
That would be today. With the best intentions, I bought a “one size fits most” pet bed from Costco for Tobi, the Japanese Spitz. At the store, I thought it looked a little too small, but gave it the benefit of the doubt. When I got home and got him to lie down in it, he had to scrunch up in fetal position, his front paws and his head were hanging off the side. He looked up at me with those intelligent eyes as if to say, “mom… this is SO not comfortable.” Once he fled the pet bed, I was never able to get him back in. I think I’m going to have to return it and buy the bumbucha size from Pets Discount.

2. Who in your life seems to be a keen judge of character?
Hubby. Having been in law enforcement, he is able to read people like a book.

3. If there is such a thing as Judgment Day, what do you think it will be like?
A great white throne, the brilliant glory of God shining forth, and Jesus as my mediator and savior.

4. What were the circumstances that led you to the last time you stood before a judge?
Last year, jury duty.

5. If a panel of judges were to evaluate your last potluck contribution, what might their comments be?
My potluck contributions are always a hit, thanks to Lindy. Whenever I am tasked to whip up something fabulous, I always consult my deck of Lindy’s ono recipes. People think I’m a good cook, but it’s not really me. I just follow directions well.

Shoe box full of gifts

This year, our church is sponsoring Operation Christmas Child, an outreach through Samaritan’s Purse, a ministry of Franklin Graham. According to their website, they distributed 7.6 million shoe box gifts to children in over 90 countries last year.

In America, we are blessed to live in the land of plenty. It’s easy to forget that there are so many people living in poverty in other parts of the world. Today, I shopped for items to enclose in the shoe box. Tomorrow, I’ll buy a few more things, perhaps some socks, t-shirts, and maybe a small stuffed animal to complete the package. I hope it will bring joy to the little girl who receives it.

The collection period is November 13-20, so if you’re interested in donating a shoe box, check out the website for more details and to find a drop-off location near you.

To all veterans and their families: happy veterans’ day!

Hubby’s deployment had certainly given me a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices that our soldiers and their families make for our country and its citizens.

Hubby on convoy in Iraq
Correction: Hubby riding in a secured area in Iraq
(sometime in 2004)

It’s been about a year and seven months since Hubby returned from his tour of duty in Iraq. The brief, echoey phone calls from abroad, careful preparations of care packages, worry for his safety, and the dull ache in my chest all seem like a distant memory. On days like today, I purposefully bring those feelings to remembrance so that I never forget the sacrifice that his service required. And, it makes me so very grateful for others, to this day, who are making the same sacrifice. God bless you, this is your day.

October 30, 2006. The date will be forever etched into my mind. It is the date of the very last day of instruction for my degree program. It marks the completion of an on-again, off-again relationship that I’ve had with school since 1995. I am now waiting for the last grade to post so that I may apply for my diploma. I won’t have “closure” until that piece of paper is finally in my possession, tangible evidence of the countless hours spent reading, writing, working on projects, and meeting with study groups. The last of which was perhaps the most challenging for me.

In hindsight, school has stretched me in ways that I had not expected. Academics were never really much of a problem, but working with learning teams always seemed to be a challenge. In everything, you will have your share of good and bad apples. It’s just the luck of the draw that determines whether working with your study group will be a pleasurable experience – or whether you will feel compelled to yank out your hair in big clumps by the end of the course. Dealing with “adult learners” provides its own set of challenges. In a typical university scenario, students are generally dedicated to school full-time, possibly holding down part-time jobs to support themselves. With adult learners, school can often seem more like an after-thought. Your classmates, like you, often have demanding full-time jobs, children, and other activities and concerns that take priority over school. Many times, it shows: in the caliber of their work, the amount of effort they put forth (or lack thereof), the reading that went undone, the assignments that were turned in late, or going incommunicado for days. Certainly, if homework was an independent activity, this wouldn’t be a problem. However, when 30% of one’s grade depends on the ability to turn in a cohesive group project – the reliability and cooperation from teammates becomes crucial. Needless to say, my experience with groups ran the gamut from excellent (go Team C!) to absolutely nightmarish. I am so grateful that the team that supported me through the bulk of the toughest part of the program was comprised of competent, cooperative and caring individuals. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys to partner with. We still swap e-mail with the 4 original members periodically and it’s nice to know that they’re all doing well and went on to obtain their degrees. I was the last.

Looking back at the whole experience, I sometimes wonder if this investment was worth my time and money. And boy, it was a LOT of money. Although I may forget nearly everything I studied in those 11 years as a college student, it wasn’t the knowledge gained that was of worth – but the attainment of a goal and seeing it through to completion. Of course, there is also the hope that the degree will also help me work my way back into my field. Someday… hopefully sooner rather than later.

The other day, talking to Mahealani, the subject of school came up. She’s currently in a Marine Biology Masters program. “It must be nice to be done,” she said, almost wistfully. “It’s wonderful. I still can’t believe it,” I said. “When I come home from work, I still have this feeling like I need to do something – homework, reading, a project… When I realize that I don’t have anything due – well, it’s an odd feeling.” She nodded with understanding, “when you get over that feeling, you’ll know when it’s time to go back to school.” Then, she went on to explain how she felt after completing her Bachelors degree and the nocturnal epiphany she had that prompted her to continue her pursuit for further education.

Honestly, I don’t think any epiphanies of that sort are in my future.

I do, however, have intentions of continuing my education – but not through obtaining a Masters in Information Technology. I’d like to expand my knowledge of writing, photography, graphic design, video editing, and the Japanese language. The possibilities excite me and give me the zest for learning that I lacked as I was going through my degree program.

It’s nice to have my life back. What shall I do today?

It’s my favorite day of the week! I’m Friday 5‘ing and it’s my favorite topic of discussion — food!

1. What’s your favorite kind of salad?
Sorry, I can’t name just one. Right now, at the top of my list is the Honey Mustard Chicken Chopped Flatbread Salad from Quizno’s. I also enjoy Caesar Salads tossed at your table (i.e., with dressing that is made from scratch — and not from a bottle). Another favorite is the Waldo’s Choice salad with thousand island dressing from Waldo’s Pizza in Mililani. Not to be left out, I do love a nice Chinese Chicken Salad (hold the cilantro and watercress) because I like vinegary dressing.

2. What’s your favorite kind of sandwich?
Not to sound like a Quizno’s commercial, but I love their sandwiches. My current favorite is the Prime Rib and Peppercorn on wheat. I also like the Turkey Pesto Sandwich on Foccacia at Starbucks.

3. What’s your favorite kind of soup?
I love soup. I could literally live (albeit, a bit malnourished) on soup. Miso soup, Turkey Jook, or Chicken Pho. (I told you I can’t choose just one.)

4. What’s your favorite kind of pie?
Chocolate Cream Pie, apple, or custard.

5. What’s your favorite kind of cake?
I’m not too keen on cake, although I’ll eat it to satisfy my sweet tooth. However, I do like Baskin-Robbins ice cream cakes — my favorite: mint choco chip on chocolate cake. I also don’t mind Dobash.

Okay, now I’m hungry! Tell me your favorites!