07/28/2013

A few entries ago, I mentioned a framed print that I saw that I really, really wanted. I tried to figure out how I was going to come up with $350 to buy it … made a list off all the crap in the basement that I could sell on Kijiji, tried to think of other ways to make a bit of money. Ultimately, I realized, the only way I was going to get that picture was if $350 dropped into my lap.

About 1/2 hour later, I was going through the stack of mail that I had piled up during the week … bank statements, hard copy duplicates of bills that I get by e-mail, special promotions, etc., etc.

One of them was a statement from Capital One. I have a mastercard with them. It is $0 balance – I keep it for emergencies. For some reason they send me a monthly statement, even though it doesn’t say anything and I usually just toss it.

This particular Saturday, I opened the envelope … and imagine my surprise when I found a cheque for $400.

Now, although I did consider this money that dropped into my lap, it was a reimbursement of a payment that I had made a few months ago. Seems I paid the wrong charge card and since the card is at $0 they had to send me a cheque instead of applying it to the account. But, it was money I didn’t realize I had … so it was fair game … so I went and bought my print!!

Obviously, I was meant to have this picture!!

It is quite large and didn’t really fit in anywhere the way I had my living room arranged, so I spent a bit of time this weekend rearranging my furniture to do the print justice:

My furniture sucks, but besides that I think this configuration isn’t too bad.

I made the other end of my living room into a ‘tv nook’. Erin gave me the TV for Christmas/my birthday. It’s a 36″ but just not big enough for the way I had my living room arranged before. So, now instead of watching the TV from a seat the full length of the living room (19′), I’m sitting across the width of the living room (11′).

Excuse the mess in this picture – I haven’t quite found a place for all the clutter yet …

I desperately need to replace that recliner … it’s really uncomfortable, but it will do for now.

That black thing in the corner is my dad’s little stereo and stand. It isn’t staying there … just haven’t figured out where to put it yet.

You can see the damage on the hardwood in front of the fireplace. The couch hid that.

I need to get some better art for that wall. The two prints were gifts I got when I left 2 jobs, but they are just too small for that wall. The same shop as where I got the big print had a couple smaller ones that would be beautiful, but again … $$. It can wait.

I’d like to get an area rug too.

* * * * *

I started working on the counted cross stitch stocking I want to make for William and Nao. I haven’t done anything like this for close to 20 years, so it is like relearning everything. It’ll take a bit before I’m even remotely efficient (2 hours of work last night amounted to maybe 40 stitches.

My eyes are pretty bad and I have to remove my glasses to do the close-up work (including looking at the pattern). It’s kind of annoying. I’m not sure that new glasses will help. If this project ends up too difficult, I may work on an afghan or something. I love crocheting and, unless I’m using a really fine cotton, it shouldn’t be as close work as the embroidery so easier on my eyes.

I guess we’ll see.

haha – I’m talking about my bad eyes and I say we’ll see. I am just too funny sometimes – without even trying.

* I WISH YOU WELL! *