Time flies when you're having fun.....

Remember how I had three resolutions for the year? 1. Donate blood, 2. make a lemon meringue pie, and 3. ride on a four wheeler. Well, last Sunday, not only did I do something I had not even thought possible, but I officially finished my list, as I rode on a small 4x4! To some this may be unimportant, but it was something I had never done and really wanted to try! It's been so long since my last post I'll try to do a general update first.

I'll start with my foot. As of today it had been 1 month 1 week since my surgery. It is healing well, and I should be off crutches in about a week+. Life on crutches has been not the most pleasant, but as I get to my next life update, life crutching without a 25lb backpack on, seems almost like walking. The thing that probably makes me the most upset is that the outsides of my legs are getting stronger, but the insides are becoming all soft and my one calf is so atrophied that my leg looks like it shouldn't even be on my body. I can almost wrap my hands around my calf with my thumbs overlapping, where on my left leg my thumbs to middle fingers just touch. But, enough of me complaining about what I don't like and I'll go into what I had almost started on about: college which began two weeks ago.

This semester is pretty crazy for me. I'm taking 19 credits doing math, psych, a windows class, ceramics, guitar, piano, and writing. I like all my teachers a lot and love ceramics. So even though this is going to be my hardest semester, it might be my favorite. Even math, which I'm not doing too well in, I'm actually (don't tell anyone) almost enjoying....."Shhhhh". It's hard to get around the campus on crutches, and the guitar and 20lb block of clay have been a challenge, but fortunately I have good friends and a willing boyfriend to help me out:)

The reason for this post was to share not really what I've been up to, and my excuse for not posting, but to write about last Sunday. So, wait for it,......last Sunday, I..... got to ride on an Ultralight! It was a unexpected day, a great day, but pretty crazy overall. The airway was having a show and had free rides for kids ages 7-17. Unfortunately, I fell above the age limit, but they said I should look into the adult rides. The price wasn't bad at all, so Mom and Dad treated me to a short ride on the Ultralight.

First, I'll write about my brother though. Matthew and Luke were able to take a free flight since they are 13. The plane they are standing in front of is the one they rode in with one other boy. They said it was lots of fun and Luke even got to steer the plane. They are going to start this aviator program where they volunteer at the airport and after a certain amount of time will get a free lesson, and the more they work the more time they get in the air. By the age of 17 they can have their pilots licence free of charge. Which is, in my opinion, awesome.

Here is me all dressed up in the huge jumpsuit and helmet almost ready to take off. People have asked me if I was scared, but honestly it never even crossed my mind to worry. I was like "this is going to be fun" hopped on and took off. The only thing I regret was that it wasn't longer. 12 minutes of air time just isn't enough. I was beyond thankful for what I did get though.

Here is a better picture of the Ultralight. The pilot sat in front of me and he said that had there not been so much turbulence he would have let me drive. *sigh* oh well, but it was amazing nonetheless.

This a picture Luke took from the air. Pretty fantastic huh? Later that day I was invited to go to a friend of Steven's family, home on Flathead. This was a grand finale to my already spectacular day. Because their house was a bit up a hill to the lake they let me ride the four wheeler down to the water because of my foot. So that is how I completed my evening and even was able to ride on a boat and laugh as Steven tried to water ski and as Sheri (Steven's mom) was pushed off the dock. Great day.

Now I'm back where I started and so ends this post. Hopefully I post soon again. bye!!!

A few days

This last week has been quite busy, but incredibly fun. Last Thursday we did Hannah's baby shower for Sean on the way. Tina did a really cute job of setting tables up and baking tons of cupcakes, and Barb, Anna, Mom and I helped with prep and the games.

Me, Anna, and Hannah +Sean

We set up the chairs in a circle out side and we were all so thankful it was such a great temperature outside, not too hot and just enough shade. Tina read two very sweet poems and did a wonderful little devotion.After the games, which I thought were quite entertaining, we put all Hannah's gifts in a wagon mom and I found for her which I think ended up working really well to bring everything over. Baby boy stuff is always so cute, I think Sean will be a very adorably dressed, stylish little boy.Later that night the Takahashis treated us all to bowling. It was so much fun! Honestly, I'm a horrid bowler but at least I improved from a 44 to a 81:) I'm pretty sure the parents were in the high hundreds...

Nick enjoying the couch:) On Saturday we decided to go floating down the Swan River. We had one whole car just to carry all the tubes, I think we had 9, and another for all the people! We were a little worried that it would be too high, but it wasn't. It was actually safer than usual because you were less likely to hit rocks and booty bump, but the water was still, as normal, quite cold.Mitch and TinaUs all coming around the bend to the bridge.Later Saturday night we had everyone over for a lasagna dinner and played some frisbee. It was a great ending to the busy week we had had, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

S.A.D.

I'm so tired of grey and white: Grey sky, white ground, white sky, grey ground. It seems to never change. On those few days it is actually sunny it feels wonderful (even if it is only like 10 degrees out). This winter has felt so long. I've heard someone say something along the lines that we have only had around 12 sunny days this whole winter. I can't wait for summer, forget spring, I just can't wait for Summer. I believe this is why they throw Valentines Day right in the middle of the gloomiest month; to get some color into this world. Now it's white...., grey....., PINK, and RED! The change is somewhat a welcome. I'm normally not a Valentines Day person, but this year I have been having fun with some crafts.

A few weeks ago I started making lots of cards. I first drew an anatomically correct heart card, then moved to somewhat morbid cards, to well, even more morbid. I eventually decided that I needed to tone it down a little and started sketching these S.A.D. little people. Yesterday I found this neat craft on a blog where you wrap yarn around a wire. It was a little frustrating at first, but I eventually figured it out. I think it would be fun to do names or sayings with this technique. Lastly I found these instructions on how to make these paper flowers on Green Wedding Shoes, and on a whim decided to give it a try. I like the way it turned out, but seriously what do you do with a huge paper flower once it's done?

Besides these few crafts I haven't done too much in the creative department. My life mostly consists of homework, and because I have been a little sick lately; naps, lots of naps.

I hope everyone has a great Valentines Day this year even if you don't have a special person in your life. It's so easy to find someone or something to love. Just look around and tell them you love them. It can be your parents, siblings, dog, random person on the street, I don't care maybe you even love that flowering bush in your room. God gives us so much love everyday the least we can do is spread it around a bit.

Times almost up!

I knew my break would go by fast and it did. I had over a month, but I start classes again tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow. I have to admit, besides the constant dread of homework, and the stressful overburdened feeling I get on the not so rare occasion, I'm looking forward to getting back to a routine. For the last few weeks, besides the occasional "activity" I'm been completely bored! I have actually had days where I hesitated getting dressed, and some days spent the whole day in sweats, yes you heard me sweats (don't worry not the baggy guy type). So in honor of boredom I thought I would share with you some of my pointless endeavors that I have done in some of my more extreme states of boredom. I've drawn one too many pointless sketches. Watched almost a whole season of Bizarre Foods "cow stomach anyone?" I spent way too much time on the computer; Playlist, Pandora, Modcloth, Anthropologie (which is were the adorable jacket its from..I think), etsy, ebay, just to name a few.

Wrote around ten poems:

The Sorrow of the Stars

Time is blowing the leaves away

to a place so far unseen.

The stars they came and stole the day

and I'll see the last no more.

Why? I entreat the grass to talk.

Why drain the color so?

The birds look down at me they mock,

and with the wind they fade away.

Why flowers bloom ye then ye die?

Why goslings must they feather?

The rustling hillside webs a lie.

The clouds they part in sorrow.

Sun is shedding tears for me,

enamored with my woe.

Infringing on the Willow tree,

I hide my voice among it's bark.

Time has blown the leaves away

to a place I once had been.

The stars did show me their dark day,

to watch with them forever more.

I've done other things like sewn a skirt, did some logic problems (In my most insane state of boredom), baked a lot (I'm suffering for it), and although I can't think of anything else I did, I might have done something somewhat worthwhile.... I hope.

not a baby banner

I don't remember when I first decided I wanted to make a banner for the craft room, just one minute I was browsing etsy, the next I was googleing how to make a banner. I didn't look very hard, but I couldn't find any instructions online. I looked at a few photos of ones people had made and how they were constructed, then decided to make my own up.

It didn't take long at all. First I made a quick triangle pattern, then cut out two of each fabric, sewed them together, flipped and pressed, arranged them in the order I wanted, then sewed a ribbon along the top.

I know it does look a little nurseryish, but that wall has been so boring for so long, and I really did want to make something fun for it. I had originally planned on hanging the banner across the window, but I don't know, I just didn't really want too.

So, now it's up, making the horrid mint colored room a little more tolerable (I do have plans to re-paint it) and if it looks a little babyish, who cares, not me!

If any of you want me to put the pattern up and make a tutorial just leave a comment, and if I have time, I would love too.

my life wrapped up for the year

As the year is starting to come to a close, I was reminiscing about everything that I have done over the last year. I thought I would make a list of not necessarily personal accomplishments, or spiritual growth, but things that have changed or I have learned since January 1st. I'm sure I'll forget hundreds, but I'll just start and see how far I can get.

1. I went skiing for the first time in three years.
2. Made a pound cake, vanilla wafers, banana cookies, a lemon chiffon cake, a three layer German chocolate cake with chocolate fudge frosting, and many other new things.
3. Finished my Kimono.
4. Made myself do the splits with my right leg all the way down.
5. Found out that I have Ehler's Danlo syndrome.
6. Went to physical therapy for a few weeks.
7. Burnt my fingers on fudge and went to the ER.
8. Finished my log and lace pillow.
9. Went to a coffee shop and ordered a coffee for the first time ever.
10. Went paddle boarding.
11. Felted a sweater.
12. Went to 2 different swing dances and enjoyed both thoroughly.
13. Made a duct tape slingshot.
14. Decided to go to college.
15. Taught myself how to wire wrap.
16. Discovered many new songs that I really like, as well as some new artists.
17. Graduated High School.
18. Went camping three times.
19. Went rafting three times.
20. Jumped off a bridge into fast moving, frigid water.
21. Took a tour of the Libby Dam.
22. Dressed up as Genghis Khan and went to Hu Hot to get a free meal.
23. Sat on a Vespa, and rock climbed on the army wall, at the fair, in a short skirt.
24. Went to my first concert.
25. Used dad's power tools to make a wall hanging.
26. Started college.
27. Had my wisdom teeth removed.
28. Changed what I have for breakfast every morning.
29. Hosted a bridal shower for my best friend.
30. Got my first cell phone.
31. Did hair for many different people at multiple weddings.
32. Saved enough for my braces and finally got them.
33. Went to Deaf bowling nights, and helped with the Wha(D)t Deaf World.
34. Signed a song during the Valley Voices choir.
35. Gave a power point presentation.
36. Was a MOH in my best friends wedding.
37. Had my 79th-61st birthday.
38. Brought and carried a pathetic gingerbread house around college all day with me on a dare.
39. Found out that Dystopian is the name for my favorite genre of books.
40. Wrote 2 five page papers for college.
41. Finished my first semester of college.
42. Taught myself how to make an origami butterfly and Ninja throwing star.
43. Registered for my next semester of college.
44. Taught myself how to do Chinese brush painting.
45. Crocheted a panda.
46. Finished my Nocturne on the piano.
47. Wrote many poems.
48. Started and then gave up on a novel I was writing.
49. Did all my Christmas shopping in one day.
50. Can give you a limited life story in sign language.
51. And had my fist manicure since moving to Montana.

And here is a list of things that haven't changed or I've not done yet.

1. My spelling has not really improved at all.
2. I still have never been on a four wheeler.
3. I never did make up that exercise routine.
4. I haven't donated blood yet.
5. Haven't made a lemon meringue pie.
6. I'm still awful at e-mailing or calling people back.
7. I'm still not on Facebook.
8. I still plan on sky diving someday.
9. And I still don't know what I'm going to work towards in college.

Like I said I'm probably forgeting lots and maybe I'll add more as I think of them throughout these last few weeks.

In my state of blah

Last night, after a very long day, was the first night that I didn't have way too much homework to do. So before I did my ASL assignment, I well, wasted some time on the computer. My brother will play a game to relax, but me, I look at clothing. I try not to do it in an "I want that" uncontent way. Just oh, that's cute. I think I'm not alone, but I confess I'm an avid picture saver. I like to go back and look at what I saved later for fun, and sometimes for sewing inspiration. It's nice because then I have a folder of only items that I really like, instead of scrolling down a site going, yuck, cute, umm, cute, adorable, why would someone wear that?, cute, and so on.

So, last night while I was in my much missed state of blah, I went to modcloth. If you go there you know what I'm talking about, if not. I recommend it. I was looking at their new items, and I could post probably around thirty pictures of misc items that struck my fancy. But to save on my time and your sanity, I decided just to use pictures of boots.

I really like the buckles on the first pair and how high they come up in the leg. The heal is also just right for everyday. Not too high, but not too flat.

The next three I think are just too cute. A little on the high side, but still so cute. Isn't all the crisscrossing fun? The last black boots are actually from sears. The brand is mudd (my absolute favorite shoe band!). I like how cute yet practical they are. Different but not overpowering.

If you want to feel better about your drooling, do you want to know the best part about every one of these boots? They are all under $56.

The life and death of sanity, not the duck

Yesterday Luke had his first day of Connections classes so mom and I had some time to kill, and murder I did.

We went over to Maureces in the mall, and I don't think I have ever bought that much at one time in my life. I'm more of the "do I need it? no, do I want it? yes, do I buy it? no" type, than the why not throw it in. Although I'm still in a little shock, I love everything I got. Most of it was on sale, except for this vest. As soon as I saw it I had to try it on, and you probably know how it went from there.

I also got a really nice pair of shoes. I needed a new pair of fall shoes and I like how cute, yet practical these are. I also got two new tops, and a pair of jeans that were half off.

After that, with my huge bag in tote, we went over to Herburgers, where we ran into Hannah and Tina.

Around 2ish, we picked up my brother, Nora, and Matthew and again had some time to spare before Luke had his fiddle lesson. So, we went over to Woodland Park.

It is really pretty in the gardens right now, It would be such a fun place to have a costume party, or a small wedding.

I couldn't help myself so I had Nora climb trees with me. I think she liked it.

Matthew caught a goose. Is that legal? I don't know, but it was really cute and soft. Some poor girl kept insisting that they were going to kill it, but I think the bird will probably live through this traumatic experience just fine. Sorry for the really poor picture quality, but I took them on my cell phone.

Seven ways to identify that you are a craft addict

1. Even when you know you should be doing homework you decide to craft instead.

2. A new craft idea ways on your mind so hard you want to explode.

3. You stay up well after midnight because your "all most done".

4. You bring your laptop to your craft room so you don't have to keep running between rooms for instructions.
5. You can't see your desk anymore because it's covered with who knows what.
6. You find that your gift card to Joanns didn't have quite as much as you thought left on it, and you find yourself breaking a twenty.
7. You know your sanity will deteriorate if you don't find something new to make quick.

So I'll start and you can join in if you need to;

Hi, my name is Megan and I'm craftoholic. I've been at it for about my whole life and can't stop. The last time I did a craft was yesterday, and before that it was a few long days. I go on stints of doing nothing, but then I just get the urge, and before I know it I'm cutting up, or sewing something together.

There I admitted it! But now the fun part, do you what to see what I made?

Your probably thinking "what crazy thing did Megan make now?" or possibly "that's so cool I want one too!" either way I like it. This isn't actually the craft I made yesterday, but last Sunday after church. I found the how too on etsy and asked dad if he could help me make it even before I had finished watching the video. He said he would but that it would be harder than it looked, but they made it look so easy on the show, how could it be that hard? I promptly went off into the woods and found a branch. Unfortunately it was attached to a fallen tree, so I got the hack saw and started sawing a chunk off. After about 7 minutes of sawing, two cuts on my hands from the blade, and a sliver on my toe, I finally had my branch. I proudly marched it back to dad who said that It had a crack going down the middle and wouldn't work. *sigh*. So off I went again, this time with dad, and found a new branch. We took it to his shop in the garage and he showed me how to cut it using the power saw. I ended up letting him do the cutting, while I sanded each cut with the electric sander (scary). We found a board, and I brought it inside to begin placing the slices in a pleasing arrangement. I eventually glued them down, and the next time we went to town I got some spray wood gloss to finish it.

So, was it worth it? I think so. I have it hanging in my room, not really matching anything, but there having collected memories, now collecting dust.

On the Road Again

Just about every day now when I do my blog rounds, I noticed that I haven't been posting enough. Unfortunately I've been monstrous (my new favorite adjective) uninspired lately. It seems like the blog world has been very slow lately too, and I've been enjoying reading Laurel's posts every day. So I decided to give the thirty day challenge a try. I hope I don't completely bore you all, but it is more for me (not in a selfish way) than for you anyway. I just think it will be neat to look back in a year or so time and see what my likes and some ideas were at that time. So here I go on my newest quest!

Day 1: A favorite song

Day 2: A favorite movie

Day 3: A favorite book

Day 4: A favorite television program
Day 5: A favorite quote

Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive

Day 7: Five things you couldn't possibly live without

Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life

Day 9: A photo you took

Day 10: A photo of you taken over 10 years ago
Day 11: A photo of you taken recently

Day 12: A song you want played at your wedding (or was played)

Day 13: A guilty pleasure

Day 14: A vacation you would like to take

Day 15: A person you admire

Day 16: A song that makes you cry

Day 17: An art piece

Day 18: A time when you felt passionate and alive

Day 19: A talent of yours

Day 20: A hobby of yours

Day 21: Someting you know you do differently then most people

Day 22: A website

Day 23: A way in which you want to be remembered

Day 24: A movie no one would expect you to love

Day 25: A recipe

Day 26: A childhood memory

Day 27: A physical feature you love

Day 28: A scar you have and it's story

Day 29: Hopes, dreams, and plans you have for the next 365 days

Day 30: A motto or philosophy

Getting all wired up for summer

Yesterday I was in a creative mood, so....

I've been wanting to make this sign for a while now, so I finally got around to it. I found my old wood burning kit and decided it would look nicer than painting it. I hadn't tried burning in so long I forgot how hard it is on your hands, and how easy it is to mess up. Afterwards I felt like I had been crocheting a hundred mph all day. These are not weeds, but it is my garden. I know they look small for this time of year, but it was just too cold to plant ant earlier.

The plants in the foreground are radishes.I got a jewelry making book from the library and it had instruction on making a wire bird nest necklace. I had everything to make it so I decided to give it a try. It went really quick and I like how it turned out. All I need now is a pair of bird earrings. Remember so long ago wen I planted some forgotten seeds in a old pot? Well it has been blooming really gorgeous flowers. Actually three different kinds.

sling shots

My brother and I were watching a Myth Busters on human sling shots so..... If you have ever watched that show you know how they always insist that you never try anything they do at home. Well, don't worry, Luke wasn't flying across our yard, but unfortunate Lego men were.

We built it using pencils, duct tape, tacks, yarn, and rubber bands.

Pretty isn't it? We were both amazed on how well it worked when we were done. The Lego men would actually go from our family room back wall all the way out the back door past the porch.

I tried to film my little stunt man in action. You can't really see him, but he goes past the table.

Almond

This time of year when all the snow is melting and the sun teases us by poking through every so often, my skin goes reptilian on me. My feet, knees, and hands especially. My mom once got this lotion from a friend, but she didn't like it so she gave it to me. I love it. It is my new favorite lotion. I'm not normally an almond fan but the smell is instantly calming. The lotion is the perfect consistency, not too greasy but will last all day as a subtle reminder of almond. They also sell it in coconut which I really want to try sometime.

You can find it at www.desertessence.com or at health food stores.

Sorry

Hi, I just wanted to thank Nora and Hannah for tagging me! Unfortunately my blog wont let me copy things to post, so it's really hard for me to do tags (I have to retype everything). So it's not that I don't appreciate being tagged, it's just hard for me to find time to get around to it retyping it.

I'll leave you all with (what I think) a really cute pair of flats from ModCloth

Twister

I found this sight off a buyer on etsy. You all should take a look if you like funny clay pictures or squid.

(Just go to the side bar and click on a year to see all her pictures)

http://articulatematter.com/

Crazy sitters

I just love interesting chairs and benches.

Here are some of my favorite.This bench is just amazing, I can't believe someone actually made this.I found this rocking chair on etsy, very comfy looking.Isn't the wood gorgeous!

This chair from anthropology is so cute! I love the colors and it looks very hugable.

Kanzashi

I finished sewing my Kimono a few days ago (I will post pictures later) So last night and today I made a Kanzashi* hairpiece to match. I think It turned out really nice. I love making Kanzashi since I got this book Kanzashi in bloom. The instructions are so easy and fun. The projects are kind of strange and unusable, but like I said the flower instructions are simple, quick, infinite, and very doable. *Kanzashi are traditional Japanese hair pieces.