Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Doomed
Well, I give up on Connecticut! First there was Bloomenthal for Senate and now Malloy for governor. I have no pity for anyone who voted for these two. Don't complain to me if you don't like tax hikes, socialist policies, etc. that are coming from them. You voted for it Connecticut. At least we still have the freedom to MOVE AWAY in this country - which, hopefully, will be sooner than later for me!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Why I quit Facebook . . . I think
I quit Facebook a while back. At least I think I did. I have heard and read horror stories about people who THOUGHT they were "quit" or deleted, but weren't . . . I'll have to check.
Facebook was just too much of a bother for me. It probably is for anyone with a real life, IMHO. Besides, I don't care if you gave me a pig (from the Farmville game, I'm told), or got the highest score on some other game. I also don't care if you are going to the hairdresser today, or to get your nails done or any other such nonsense. First of all, if we were THAT close, you would be calling me to tell me. Secondly, it clutters up my "wall" and I can't be bothered to check several times a day and clean up. Thirdly, I guess I'm just too nice. I don't want to have to tell you that I don't want to "friend" you. And, let's face it, we all know people that we don't necessarily want other people (and family members) to know we know! Some "friends" don't know where to draw the line with their posts . . . and they are usually the same ones busy taking their feet out of theirs mouths too, right? C'mon, you know what I am talking about here . . . I can see you nodding your head! You had to delete something off your wall and you are wondering WHO saw it before you deleted it, right?! :-)
And now I am really happy that I quit Facebook because it looks like the founder is just a poor, misguided soul with too much money. He is donating $100 million dollars, isn't it, to the Newark, NJ school system because it is so bad. While we can all agree that a good education is key to a brighter future, this misguided soul is living by the mantra that if we "throw money at the problem, we can solve it." Let's see, how has that worked for our economy so far?? Hmmm? Oh, that's right, Obama, Pelosi, Reid, et.al. haven't thrown ENOUGH money at the economy yet!! What was I thinking??!
I just hope there are 100 million strings attached to the Newark donation and, quite frankly that if the money does help it is not because of the actual money, but the strings. Can you hear the Dems . . . "well, look what that infusion of money did for Newark! We need it here in __________ (fill in the name of your city or town)" Just WHERE do the schools generally get operating funds?? From you and I - the taxpayer. So, up go the taxes because "more money worked for Newark, it will work here too."
Yea, Facebook is free to you and I (so far), but not worth my time and energy. Heck, look at these blog postings . . . not a lot of time for them either!
Facebook was just too much of a bother for me. It probably is for anyone with a real life, IMHO. Besides, I don't care if you gave me a pig (from the Farmville game, I'm told), or got the highest score on some other game. I also don't care if you are going to the hairdresser today, or to get your nails done or any other such nonsense. First of all, if we were THAT close, you would be calling me to tell me. Secondly, it clutters up my "wall" and I can't be bothered to check several times a day and clean up. Thirdly, I guess I'm just too nice. I don't want to have to tell you that I don't want to "friend" you. And, let's face it, we all know people that we don't necessarily want other people (and family members) to know we know! Some "friends" don't know where to draw the line with their posts . . . and they are usually the same ones busy taking their feet out of theirs mouths too, right? C'mon, you know what I am talking about here . . . I can see you nodding your head! You had to delete something off your wall and you are wondering WHO saw it before you deleted it, right?! :-)
And now I am really happy that I quit Facebook because it looks like the founder is just a poor, misguided soul with too much money. He is donating $100 million dollars, isn't it, to the Newark, NJ school system because it is so bad. While we can all agree that a good education is key to a brighter future, this misguided soul is living by the mantra that if we "throw money at the problem, we can solve it." Let's see, how has that worked for our economy so far?? Hmmm? Oh, that's right, Obama, Pelosi, Reid, et.al. haven't thrown ENOUGH money at the economy yet!! What was I thinking??!
I just hope there are 100 million strings attached to the Newark donation and, quite frankly that if the money does help it is not because of the actual money, but the strings. Can you hear the Dems . . . "well, look what that infusion of money did for Newark! We need it here in __________ (fill in the name of your city or town)" Just WHERE do the schools generally get operating funds?? From you and I - the taxpayer. So, up go the taxes because "more money worked for Newark, it will work here too."
Yea, Facebook is free to you and I (so far), but not worth my time and energy. Heck, look at these blog postings . . . not a lot of time for them either!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
No one ever tells you . . .
You hear all the jokes, read all the information and talk to your doctor, but I don't believe that any of those things actually prepare you for what is in store during menopause. For instance, a hot "flash" is NOT a flash! It is at LEAST 10 minutes of feeling, no, not feeling, BEING hot. You are really hot and yes, you do perspire. My husband, God bless him, thought that I just "felt" hot. One day he asked, "How could you be HOT?!" The a/c must have been on full blast set at 50 or something. :-) I took his hand and put it on my head and then neck. I was perspiring pretty seriously at this point, so he finally understood. Ladies, please follow my example here.
I had to leave one of my groups at church because of the hot flashes and lack of continuous sleep. Yup, you get that too. Why do you think women complain of "waking up drenched"? That would be because you are either awakened before the hot flash begins (like me) or a few minutes into it. I will wake up and yes, be WIDE awake, like it is time to get up for the day. But it is only 2:00 am, or 3:00, or 4:00 and most nights ALL THREE. By 6:30, my same dear husband, can't understand why I don't want to get up. Now, I have to admit that the 5:00-5:30 am hot flash may get me out of bed, so he is probably confused. If I wake up and have things to do or have my day planned out in my head, I figure I might as well get up and get going. Now, you see where this leads . . . not only have I not gotten a nice, continuous sleep, I'm getting up early!
Back to leaving the church group . . . as well as the tiredness, the hot flashes are very distracting. Others may not even notice but believe me, you do! When I told one woman member she chuckled and said, "what does that have to do with you leaving?" Well, she has not been through it yet and, God willing, she may not have the severity of symptoms. I have to forgive her for her seemingly callous remark because she doesn't understand . . . yet.
I honestly don't believe that menopausal women are scatterbrained, like the jokes indicate. I think they just have trouble concentrating because of sleep deprivation . . . seriously. And, while I have not been prone to mood swings - and don't tell me I have! LOL, some of them may be attributable to the interrupted sleep patterns. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that hormones don't have something to do with those symptoms, just that other factors may contribute.
Now, for a couple of recommendations:
1. Put a nice heavy quilt on your bed (for your husband) and turn the air conditioner on so "you can hang meat" in the bedroom, as a friend's husband says. :-) You will, at least, be able to feel a little cooler during the night.
2. Drink lots of water! Remember you are really perspiring and you will get dehydrated more easily.
I may or may not add more to this . . . we'll see!
I had to leave one of my groups at church because of the hot flashes and lack of continuous sleep. Yup, you get that too. Why do you think women complain of "waking up drenched"? That would be because you are either awakened before the hot flash begins (like me) or a few minutes into it. I will wake up and yes, be WIDE awake, like it is time to get up for the day. But it is only 2:00 am, or 3:00, or 4:00 and most nights ALL THREE. By 6:30, my same dear husband, can't understand why I don't want to get up. Now, I have to admit that the 5:00-5:30 am hot flash may get me out of bed, so he is probably confused. If I wake up and have things to do or have my day planned out in my head, I figure I might as well get up and get going. Now, you see where this leads . . . not only have I not gotten a nice, continuous sleep, I'm getting up early!
Back to leaving the church group . . . as well as the tiredness, the hot flashes are very distracting. Others may not even notice but believe me, you do! When I told one woman member she chuckled and said, "what does that have to do with you leaving?" Well, she has not been through it yet and, God willing, she may not have the severity of symptoms. I have to forgive her for her seemingly callous remark because she doesn't understand . . . yet.
I honestly don't believe that menopausal women are scatterbrained, like the jokes indicate. I think they just have trouble concentrating because of sleep deprivation . . . seriously. And, while I have not been prone to mood swings - and don't tell me I have! LOL, some of them may be attributable to the interrupted sleep patterns. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that hormones don't have something to do with those symptoms, just that other factors may contribute.
Now, for a couple of recommendations:
1. Put a nice heavy quilt on your bed (for your husband) and turn the air conditioner on so "you can hang meat" in the bedroom, as a friend's husband says. :-) You will, at least, be able to feel a little cooler during the night.
2. Drink lots of water! Remember you are really perspiring and you will get dehydrated more easily.
I may or may not add more to this . . . we'll see!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Quilt judging
People ask if I have entered a quilt in a "show." My answer is "no, not yet" and I'll tell you why.
For a lot of shows and definitely all the local and regional Fairs here, the "Danish system" of judging is used. If you aren't familiar with it, let me explain.
The judges are provided with a list of standards that the quilt (or any other entry for that matter!) should meet. If the entry meets the standard well, the highest point value is assigned, not quite as well as it could, a lower value, etc. A total point value is then determined.
The total is then compared to the scale that is set for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. places, similar to a grading system in school. So, do I have to tell you what happens or what could happen? Yup, theoretically, every entry in a category could receive a 1st place (blue ribbon). Now, compare that to the traditional grading system in school and tell me what is wrong.
When I compete for a prize - and I have, but not in quilting - I expect that a First Place, Blue Ribbon means mine was the best in the category. If this is not the case, then what does the ribbon mean, what is the point? That my quilt met a minimum standard (along with 100 others?), that there was NOTHING better about my quilt (fabric choice, difficulty of pattern, etc.) than the others? This is not grading a paper in school for retention of knowledge, this is a competition to showcase skills, talent and creativity.
IMHO, the Danish system of judging is yet another example of our touchy, feely, don't hurt anyone's feeling liberal society. It is determining a lowest common denominator for everyone and, hey, folks, that is NOT what COMPETITION is all about!
Check back! It is late in the day and I may revise this later!
For a lot of shows and definitely all the local and regional Fairs here, the "Danish system" of judging is used. If you aren't familiar with it, let me explain.
The judges are provided with a list of standards that the quilt (or any other entry for that matter!) should meet. If the entry meets the standard well, the highest point value is assigned, not quite as well as it could, a lower value, etc. A total point value is then determined.
The total is then compared to the scale that is set for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. places, similar to a grading system in school. So, do I have to tell you what happens or what could happen? Yup, theoretically, every entry in a category could receive a 1st place (blue ribbon). Now, compare that to the traditional grading system in school and tell me what is wrong.
When I compete for a prize - and I have, but not in quilting - I expect that a First Place, Blue Ribbon means mine was the best in the category. If this is not the case, then what does the ribbon mean, what is the point? That my quilt met a minimum standard (along with 100 others?), that there was NOTHING better about my quilt (fabric choice, difficulty of pattern, etc.) than the others? This is not grading a paper in school for retention of knowledge, this is a competition to showcase skills, talent and creativity.
IMHO, the Danish system of judging is yet another example of our touchy, feely, don't hurt anyone's feeling liberal society. It is determining a lowest common denominator for everyone and, hey, folks, that is NOT what COMPETITION is all about!
Check back! It is late in the day and I may revise this later!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Teaching quilting - my philosophy
There is something to be said for teaching styles, that is not debatable, in my opinion. What CAN be said regarding teaching - of anything - is that the teacher is there to teach and the student to learn.
In most instances, when teaching a skill, a student without even the most rudimentary knowledge of a subject, will require that knowledge before attempting the skill. Quilting is no exception. Hence, I explain my teaching style and philosophy.
No matter how much any of us find lecture material distasteful, it does have its place; I'm sure we can agree. There is no easy way to present basic knowledge. The key is to make it interesting and explain WHY you are sharing the knowledge. I have had students in my Beginning Quilting classes that didn't know the three grains of the fabric - the names, never mind which was which! Anyone who has made a quilt or even apparel knows that the grain of the fabric is very important. Ditto with much quilting terminology - block, block names, top, backing (or lining), batting, etc. There is just no easy, fun way to introduce vocabulary words and some quilting concepts to students, but through the use of a portion of the class as lecture. Now, I try to make it fun with examples and anecdotes! :-)
Soooo . . . giving the premise above, a student should EXPECT to receive information in lecture form at some time during a quilting class. IMHO, if no such information is shared, then you are not paying for a class. You are paying for sewing time with a group leader who may or may not be right there to answer your question or catch your mistake before you make it.
All of my classes include some lecture time. I spend HOURS preparing an outline, which is given to each student, for the student to keep. My students write notes, draw pictures, etc., whatever they feel they have to do to understand and remember the material presented. If a class is on-going, the students will receive a new handout and my lecture that week corresponding to the new material. The beginning quilting classes I have taught ran for 5 weeks. Four of the five weeks my students received a handout with new vocabulary words and information relevant to the tasks we would accomplish (cutting, pressing, piecing, borders, etc.)
In my opinion, it is not fair to students to "let them run the class." As a teacher, I am being paid to be prepared with material (printed and samples, if necessary), it is as simple as that. I would not feel like I was TEACHING a class if the "we all just came to sew" attitude prevailed.
So, if you take a class from me, be prepared to come and LEARN whether it is through lecture or hands on!
Happy quilting!
In most instances, when teaching a skill, a student without even the most rudimentary knowledge of a subject, will require that knowledge before attempting the skill. Quilting is no exception. Hence, I explain my teaching style and philosophy.
No matter how much any of us find lecture material distasteful, it does have its place; I'm sure we can agree. There is no easy way to present basic knowledge. The key is to make it interesting and explain WHY you are sharing the knowledge. I have had students in my Beginning Quilting classes that didn't know the three grains of the fabric - the names, never mind which was which! Anyone who has made a quilt or even apparel knows that the grain of the fabric is very important. Ditto with much quilting terminology - block, block names, top, backing (or lining), batting, etc. There is just no easy, fun way to introduce vocabulary words and some quilting concepts to students, but through the use of a portion of the class as lecture. Now, I try to make it fun with examples and anecdotes! :-)
Soooo . . . giving the premise above, a student should EXPECT to receive information in lecture form at some time during a quilting class. IMHO, if no such information is shared, then you are not paying for a class. You are paying for sewing time with a group leader who may or may not be right there to answer your question or catch your mistake before you make it.
All of my classes include some lecture time. I spend HOURS preparing an outline, which is given to each student, for the student to keep. My students write notes, draw pictures, etc., whatever they feel they have to do to understand and remember the material presented. If a class is on-going, the students will receive a new handout and my lecture that week corresponding to the new material. The beginning quilting classes I have taught ran for 5 weeks. Four of the five weeks my students received a handout with new vocabulary words and information relevant to the tasks we would accomplish (cutting, pressing, piecing, borders, etc.)
In my opinion, it is not fair to students to "let them run the class." As a teacher, I am being paid to be prepared with material (printed and samples, if necessary), it is as simple as that. I would not feel like I was TEACHING a class if the "we all just came to sew" attitude prevailed.
So, if you take a class from me, be prepared to come and LEARN whether it is through lecture or hands on!
Happy quilting!
The ruling class in America
I don't know how long the link will be good for, but this explains what has and is happening to our great country. Nothing to be proud of and not exactly what our Founding Fathers envisioned. It is a bit of a long read, but worth the time! Thanks to the American Spectator and the author, Angelo M. Codevilla from one of the "country class."
http://spectator.org/archives/2010/07/16/americas-ruling-class-and-the/
http://spectator.org/archives/2010/07/16/americas-ruling-class-and-the/
Friday, March 19, 2010
Well, on the political side of me . . . here we are with the "health care" or "health insurance" reform bill in front of us. The designated terminology of the day keeps changing, sometimes too fast to keep up with.
The legislation is not really in front of us, but it SHOULD be. Our representatives are not representing us and we must keep their feet to the fire! Some are so brazen as to not even care if they get reelected. Serving should not be a career. We need term limits, no pension plan, etc. for our elected officials but, of course that will never happen because who is going to vote themselves a pay cut - except a true patriot. I'm not sure there are any left in either the House or the Senate and there is for darn sure not one in the White House!
Besides power, what is up with this? That has to be the ONLY thing these commies are thinking of. They have to realize, however, that they are voting for this piece of trash legislation and counting on a "place at the table" in exchange for their vote. You know the place at the table that I'm talking about . . . the one described in Animal Farm . . . "all animals are created equal, but some are more equal than others." They are counting on being the "more equal" animals, but, like I said, there are only so many places at that table.
All the rest of us are the ones who have to share the wealth - not only with each other but them too! I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed that in communist countries (like Cuba) not EVERYONE is equal - not EVERYONE has the same size house, same amount of food, same amount of clothes, etc. Gee, how does that work? Communism/Socialism is good for YOU, but not ME. You bet! And some of these elected officials are going to be the YOU, but they just don't know it yet.
Biting fingernails and waiting . . .
SOOOOO . . . now that Obamacare is here - hopefully not to stay - we find the terminology changing once again. Now, the penalty for NOT having insurance is a TAX because you can't sue over a TAX until you've paid it??!! More truths have come out, of course, and we can only hope that November brings us the REAL CHANGE. Vote 'em all out! Don't wait for Trent Lott and his minions to "get their thinking right." By "right" he, of course, does not mean "conservative," he means "like the rest of us ruling class in Washington." Get rid of the whole lot of them and let's start over.
The legislation is not really in front of us, but it SHOULD be. Our representatives are not representing us and we must keep their feet to the fire! Some are so brazen as to not even care if they get reelected. Serving should not be a career. We need term limits, no pension plan, etc. for our elected officials but, of course that will never happen because who is going to vote themselves a pay cut - except a true patriot. I'm not sure there are any left in either the House or the Senate and there is for darn sure not one in the White House!
Besides power, what is up with this? That has to be the ONLY thing these commies are thinking of. They have to realize, however, that they are voting for this piece of trash legislation and counting on a "place at the table" in exchange for their vote. You know the place at the table that I'm talking about . . . the one described in Animal Farm . . . "all animals are created equal, but some are more equal than others." They are counting on being the "more equal" animals, but, like I said, there are only so many places at that table.
All the rest of us are the ones who have to share the wealth - not only with each other but them too! I'm sure I'm not the only one who has noticed that in communist countries (like Cuba) not EVERYONE is equal - not EVERYONE has the same size house, same amount of food, same amount of clothes, etc. Gee, how does that work? Communism/Socialism is good for YOU, but not ME. You bet! And some of these elected officials are going to be the YOU, but they just don't know it yet.
Biting fingernails and waiting . . .
SOOOOO . . . now that Obamacare is here - hopefully not to stay - we find the terminology changing once again. Now, the penalty for NOT having insurance is a TAX because you can't sue over a TAX until you've paid it??!! More truths have come out, of course, and we can only hope that November brings us the REAL CHANGE. Vote 'em all out! Don't wait for Trent Lott and his minions to "get their thinking right." By "right" he, of course, does not mean "conservative," he means "like the rest of us ruling class in Washington." Get rid of the whole lot of them and let's start over.
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