New Stuff

This past week was my first one at my new company, XPO Logistics.  Everything is going swimmingly so far.  I like my co-workers, the work is interesting (read: lots to learn) and the commute is a breeze.  There's a great cafeteria that actually makes good food -- what a novel idea!  I'll be getting paid every other Friday -- haven't been paid this way in YEARS.  That means my first check won't be until October 3rd - YIKES!!!  I'll have to be careful with my bill paying until I get used to that.

I haven't been in the mood to sew lately.  Not sure why but I haven't, and that's okay.  Today my roommate was going full tilt on cleaning, decluttering, and packing -- preparing to move out next weekend.  I'll believe it when I see it but it is looking good right now.

I did manage to stitch one seam today in making a quilt backing.  I used the 2' x 4' ironing board that I bought at the Ann Arbor Quilt Show, which rests on top of my ironing board.  It worked amazingly and I pressed the fabric much more easily.  I also had to do a little applique repair on a quilt top and used the Tulip Hiroshima applique needles that I bought over the Summer.  I loved the needle -- smooth as can be and it did not bend on me.  I've got a pin cushion full of old bent needles that I can now toss!  They have the cutest packaging -- check them out and add some to your 'toolbox'.

And lastly, I found these great mittens for my grandson Denver:

They're great because they have side zippers which will make getting them on and off so easy.  Found them at Costco, of course.  I highly recommend them for all little ones out there.

So that's enough new stuff for now.  I've got to tidy up my kitchen and get ready for the work week.  Early to bed and early to rise makes me a happy girl.  Also gets me home early enough to actually enjoy the evenings these days!

The President's Quilt

I was the president of the Great Lakes Heritage Quilters last year and my term ended in June.  I am just now getting to posting pictures of the wonderful quilt I was given.  Many members of the guild contributed a block to the project which was designed by Modern Quilt Studio and chosen by my good friend Sue.  The blocks were assembled by more good friends, Joyce and Carol, and then quilted by another good friend Mary.  I've been sleeping under it most of the Summer and enjoyed it so much.

It contains several of Marcia Derse's fabrics, which I adore, and the colors couldn't be more perfect.  I'm looking forward to repainting my bedroom to match it some day....

Close up of Mary's quilting:

The backing was pieced using a few leftover blocks:

I appreciate all the thought that went into making this wonderful quilt for me.

Tidying Up

I spent yesterday and today getting caught up around the house.  My email folder was packed with old notes that needed sorting/discarding so I finally got that done.  I still have piles of documents to put in folders -- former employer filed away and new employer moved to handier location.

I also completed my onboarding documents for my new job.  You know, W4s, I-9, enrollments, beneficiaries, etc.  So glad to have that done and out of the way so I won't be bothered with it on my first day.

In my old emails I came across a couple of great tips and projects I had forgotten about.  First up is Sewing Loft's Top 5 sewing tips of 2013 and the second one is their Top 5 tutorials of 2013.

Once I get back into a normal work groove I'm hoping my sewing mojo will return.

My roommate is still promising he'll be moving out soon, maybe next month.  One can only hope.

Zip

I have had absolutely no creative energy for the past few weeks whatsoever.

All of my energy has been geared toward acquiring a new job as well as my niece Lauren's wedding.

I accepted a new position with a small company that will be about 11 miles away, instead of the 51 mile journey (each way!) I have to my current job.  I really like what I'm doing and will miss many of the people I work with terribly.

The girl who put the Nerf pistol to my head is also quitting -- I think she didn't like that I beat her to it.  The one developer who I suspect has some sort of social disorder (Asperger's Syndrome maybe) and the loser HR Director who has the fashion sense of a Glamour Don't Queen are on my short list of co-workers I won't miss.  There are so many nice co-workers that I will miss that tomorrow will be a melancholy day for me.  I have l-o-a-d-s of work to do before I leave, including a bunch of knowledge transfer to my replacement.

As of today, the HR Director that I sent my resignation letter to has not responded.  Wouldn't you think by now she would have set up an exit interview with me?  Oh well.  

Yesterday my co-workers took me to a great brew-pub in Ann Arbor and today we went to a fabulous pizza place.  

I hope I make as many good friends at my new job.

In the mean time here are a few pictures from my niece's wedding.

Parents of the bride, my sister Renee and her husband Tim, with the bride and groom to their left:

My sister Carol's three children:

My sister Carol's family:

Again, my camera died before I could take more pictures.  Damn anyway!

Denver turns 3

My grandson Denver turned 3 years old yesterday.  I can hardly believe it's been 3 years since that little guy entered my life and made me a Grammie.  I know every grandma thinks their grandchild is the most handsome, the smartest, the most clever boy to walk the Earth but I am so proud of this little guy.  He really is bright and amazes everyone he comes in contact with.  He's finally potty-trained and begins Montessori school this week.  He's already a better 'sharer' than at least one little girl in school!

The day he came into our lives:

His first birthday -- he loves his tractors and trucks!

Denver at 2, an excellent eater

And these are from his 3rd birthday party, held last week.