This past year...
...I did two brave things:
One, I applied for a supervisor position at my work (going back to work was the biggest and only brave thing I did the year before). I got it. Consequently, I have learned a few good lessons and now my resume looks a lot better than it did the year before.
Two, I sang. I like to sing, But usually not in anything smaller than a full choir and never in front of the actual composer. I was sort of tricked into that part, but by the time I realized it I had already committed myself, so I did it anyway. And as that particular composer was there to talk about being brave and discovering, developing and sharing talents I felt much better about being in her audience having said "OK" rather than having said "No way!" The good thing about that experience is it made me consider the possibility of being brave.
Also in 2006*, I did not spend enough time at my favorite long-time hobby, quilting. But I did find a new hobby, blogging. Which reminds me of a third brave thing: I got up my nerve to meet some great new blogging friends, who I think are all, much like this girl, simply fabulous.
Thanks to one such friend, Lucky, I accomplished one of the more difficult goals on my "Things to do before I die" list. I rode on the back of a Harley. It was great. Lucky is great. Now if one of you could only teach me to play the cello I could cross off one more thing on my list.
Wow! I just remembered a fourth brave thing I did: I got on an airplane! (Thank goodness there were no snakes!) And I left the country. These are not things I normally do. But it was a great time and I would have seriously regretted not having been brave enough to have gone. I have to admit that when we flew into Amsterdam and I realized how close we were to Belgium and France I actually found myself thinking, "I really ought to do this again sometime."
So now I'm considering other possible feats of bravery for 2007.
Training to hike the "Y" with ~j, azucar and sue-donym sounds like fun. (Ha! How many people do you know who have to train to hike the "Y"?) If they don't mind, that is. One of my brave friends started with the "Y" and since hiked across the entire country of England. I lack the courage to do something so terribly brave as that, but the "Y" is a good start.
I will try to get some great skills. I'm not sure yet in what. The cello seems out of the question. I could start learning Finnish or try to resuscitate my French. I'd love to take a class in web design. Lorien is going to teach me how to make her fabulous wheat bread. I guess that's a good place to start. (What I'd really love is to also take a class from this culinary genius.)
A two-time Flylady drop-out. I might get brave enough to try again to get my act together. Then again, I might not. I'm still on the fence about that one. Either way, I do feel a litte more of this is in order for the new year. It feels sooooooooo good!
I hope 2007 can be about knowing what I want and finding the courage not only to consider all the possibilities, but also to accept and act upon an inherent capacity for change, for improvement. Now that would be the brave thing to do...
*May I recommend, for your reading pleasure, this delightful year in review?
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Best thing since sliced bread...
and even better than a DVD player for keeping the peace on the road to Grandma's houseI'd like to thank Key Bank for their free iPod promo. And iTunes for making it easier than ever to come up with some great playlists. Something for everyone.
What more could a girl want?
Oh yeah.
This. Just affordable enough to purchase with a handful of gift cards.
Thanks Santa!
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
because I like a good game of tag as well as the next guy...
...(thanks lianne.) According to the rules…Each player of this game starts with the ‘6 weird things about you.' People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names.
Six weird things about me
(...and glo said it first, but I terribly wanted to play off of a line from "Emma" and mention the difficulty in limiting myself just to six)
1. I used to eat pizza backwards. Mostly because I liked the chewy-gooey-cheesy part at the end and I ALWAYS save the best for last.
2. I was born with dimples on my shoulders. My mom used to pull my sleeves down to show people--maybe even complete strangers--when I was little. I still have the dimples, but thankfully she doesn't do that anymore.
3. I can negotiate a round-about successfully. Apparently being able to do so in Utah makes me weird.
4. I finally fulfilled one of my life-long dreams. I have been officially invited to sit at the cool table. I could die a happy and fulfilled woman now. (Of course making the list doesn't mean I am weird. But wanting so badly to be on it is likely to qualify me.)
5. I like to talk to people. Even perfect strangers. I'd like to think I understand social boundaries and don't trespass into the "too much information" zone. (Like the woman who once spilled out to me her entire life story--including too many details about her very messy divorce--while I was waiting in line to complain about my kid's lousy English honors teacher at Jr. High.) But I will most likely chat you up a bit if you happen to be waiting in the return line at Target or sitting next to me at the bus stop. OK, so that last one will never happen, but if it did...
6. I tore my ACL while participating in a dutch-oven cook off. The worst part is that I only took second place. It was a fabulous salmon recipe, but I forgot to account for the fact that some people take a strong dislike to seafood. My bad. In any case the recovery was hell and it's one of the worst experiences I've been through in my entire life. But now it's long past--except for the fact that I can't kneel on that knee and I never regained feeling in part of my right leg--I can at least get a kick out of telling people how I did it. It's not as "out there" as someone I know who tore her ACL on a stripper pole, but it's at least up there with weird ways to sustain a serious sports injury.
I know I'm supposed to tag people, but I can't bring myself to add one more thing to your to-do list over the holidays. If you feel like playing, jump right on in.
Six weird things about me
(...and glo said it first, but I terribly wanted to play off of a line from "Emma" and mention the difficulty in limiting myself just to six)
1. I used to eat pizza backwards. Mostly because I liked the chewy-gooey-cheesy part at the end and I ALWAYS save the best for last.
2. I was born with dimples on my shoulders. My mom used to pull my sleeves down to show people--maybe even complete strangers--when I was little. I still have the dimples, but thankfully she doesn't do that anymore.
3. I can negotiate a round-about successfully. Apparently being able to do so in Utah makes me weird.
4. I finally fulfilled one of my life-long dreams. I have been officially invited to sit at the cool table. I could die a happy and fulfilled woman now. (Of course making the list doesn't mean I am weird. But wanting so badly to be on it is likely to qualify me.)
5. I like to talk to people. Even perfect strangers. I'd like to think I understand social boundaries and don't trespass into the "too much information" zone. (Like the woman who once spilled out to me her entire life story--including too many details about her very messy divorce--while I was waiting in line to complain about my kid's lousy English honors teacher at Jr. High.) But I will most likely chat you up a bit if you happen to be waiting in the return line at Target or sitting next to me at the bus stop. OK, so that last one will never happen, but if it did...
6. I tore my ACL while participating in a dutch-oven cook off. The worst part is that I only took second place. It was a fabulous salmon recipe, but I forgot to account for the fact that some people take a strong dislike to seafood. My bad. In any case the recovery was hell and it's one of the worst experiences I've been through in my entire life. But now it's long past--except for the fact that I can't kneel on that knee and I never regained feeling in part of my right leg--I can at least get a kick out of telling people how I did it. It's not as "out there" as someone I know who tore her ACL on a stripper pole, but it's at least up there with weird ways to sustain a serious sports injury.
I know I'm supposed to tag people, but I can't bring myself to add one more thing to your to-do list over the holidays. If you feel like playing, jump right on in.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Look who must have made Santa's nice list...
Me, that's who!
I asked for it. But never for a moment did I think I would get it. I've already been given the moon this year--a trip to Finland. my very own barbara k toolset, a digital camera...
But my sweet husband somehow managed to pull off the impossible. My very own new-to-me laptop. Complete with wireless Internet.
No more kicking off the kids from the family computer. No more turning the screen of our iMac to the corner of the room and fussing over people looking over my shoulder as they wait impatiently to resume their latest IMing.
Now I am sprawled on the sofa--a la Med Ryan--snuggled under a cozy warm quilt and typing to my heart's content.
This is utter and complete blog heaven.
Somehow, I must have managed to have been very nice this past year...
untitled
It's almost two a.m. On the average Christmas Eve (now evolved into morn) I've barely been in bed for half an hour, but I've already looked at the clock at least three times. Wild with anticipation, not for what might lie under the tree for me, but for the joy I hope to see on the faces of my children.
In a few short hours I will hop out of bed. Probably on the pretext of needing to visit the restroom or to fetch a drink of water. And my slippered feet will deliberately pound the wood floors--that just happen to be right over the boys' bedroom--just a little too loudly. I might shut the cupboard door a bit too forcefully. Knowing full well if I can accidentally wake up at least one or two, the excitement will spread through the house. Children will raise their sleepy heads and soon--quite soon--the moment of truth will arrive.
I lay there as the minutes tick by. Exhausted, but still wide awake. Will they be happy?
Tonight I wonder: Was it possibly the same for our Creators?
Did they tremble with anticipation as they raised the mighty mountains of the Wasatch front, wondering who would be the first to glance up and stare in awe at their beauty?
Were they secretly pleased at how lovely Bridal Veil falls turned out when it was all up and running and could they not wait for someone to notice?
Did they take their first whiff of fresh lavender and almost clap their hands--barely able to stand it till one of us finally inhaled the earthy fragrance?
Can they hardly contain their joy each time they send down a marvelous sunset? Do they possibly ask, "Won't so-and-so really love this one?"
In a few short hours I will hop out of bed. Probably on the pretext of needing to visit the restroom or to fetch a drink of water. And my slippered feet will deliberately pound the wood floors--that just happen to be right over the boys' bedroom--just a little too loudly. I might shut the cupboard door a bit too forcefully. Knowing full well if I can accidentally wake up at least one or two, the excitement will spread through the house. Children will raise their sleepy heads and soon--quite soon--the moment of truth will arrive.
I lay there as the minutes tick by. Exhausted, but still wide awake. Will they be happy?
Tonight I wonder: Was it possibly the same for our Creators?
Did they tremble with anticipation as they raised the mighty mountains of the Wasatch front, wondering who would be the first to glance up and stare in awe at their beauty?
Were they secretly pleased at how lovely Bridal Veil falls turned out when it was all up and running and could they not wait for someone to notice?
Did they take their first whiff of fresh lavender and almost clap their hands--barely able to stand it till one of us finally inhaled the earthy fragrance?
Can they hardly contain their joy each time they send down a marvelous sunset? Do they possibly ask, "Won't so-and-so really love this one?"
Monday, December 18, 2006
Take a walk through Bethlehem
But first, let me introduce you to my snowman shrine:
It began innocently enough. We were in a drought. I started pleading for snow. Soon people heard about my "shrine" and couldn't help themselves. They brought me more snowmen. I almost had to do an intervention for my mom to get her to stop. Just the other day I got another one--the really tall one-- from a friend. It's not like I can say, "That's really nice, but I'm trying to quit."
In any case, this is one of my two holiday displays over which I give the kids free reign. Sure you can set them up however you like. Touch them. Move them. Do whatever you want...only don't eat them.
Now let's make our way over to the nativity collection. You will see it's a little eclectic. A few pieces came from a friend who happens to travel out of the country a lot. New this year is the set I brought back from Finland. Can you tell which it is?
One of my favorites is the plastic set that my kids have been playing with for ages. Frequently we lose a piece or two, but eventually--usually around August--it will show up in the bathtub or the bunny cage or somewhere.
Note that one year someone forgot the "only don't eat them" rule. I don't even think it was the bunny.
This one is my most favorite. I call it "The Reluctant Joseph." It keeps slipping in its ill-fitted frame. But I like it that way. It kind of reminds me of the ill-fitted halo of the littlest angel. And it seems to suit my littlest angel just fine.
Merry Christmas!
It began innocently enough. We were in a drought. I started pleading for snow. Soon people heard about my "shrine" and couldn't help themselves. They brought me more snowmen. I almost had to do an intervention for my mom to get her to stop. Just the other day I got another one--the really tall one-- from a friend. It's not like I can say, "That's really nice, but I'm trying to quit." In any case, this is one of my two holiday displays over which I give the kids free reign. Sure you can set them up however you like. Touch them. Move them. Do whatever you want...only don't eat them.
Now let's make our way over to the nativity collection. You will see it's a little eclectic. A few pieces came from a friend who happens to travel out of the country a lot. New this year is the set I brought back from Finland. Can you tell which it is?
One of my favorites is the plastic set that my kids have been playing with for ages. Frequently we lose a piece or two, but eventually--usually around August--it will show up in the bathtub or the bunny cage or somewhere.
Note that one year someone forgot the "only don't eat them" rule. I don't even think it was the bunny.
This one is my most favorite. I call it "The Reluctant Joseph." It keeps slipping in its ill-fitted frame. But I like it that way. It kind of reminds me of the ill-fitted halo of the littlest angel. And it seems to suit my littlest angel just fine.
Merry Christmas!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Who's your favorite Scrooge?
I am a huge fan of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."
When I was a kid my dad would gather us together and we would turn down all the lights and listen to the annual radio broadcast of "A Christmas Carol." We had an intercom system in our home so we could be wherever we wanted to, but there were no books, TV, 8-track cassette or any other forms of entertainment allowed--just the radio. My favorite place to listen was sprawled out with my siblings on the carpet somewhere. Maybe it was the novelty of a radio show. Maybe it was just the magic of the season. But we were mesmerized and it quickly became a family favorite.
For the past three years we have been privileged to see the performance at the Hale Center Theater. I highly recommend it. The music is heavenly (how could it not be with this fabulous director?) and their Scrooge was born to play the part. They also have a lot of fun with it. The first year we happened to sit in the corner where Marley's ghost exits the stage. We will never forget how when he flung his chains in the middle of his last great moan they hit my second son right across the chest. That moment had impact and made the story real for all of us.
Even having seen it in the theater we will still watch the DVD a couple of times--or more--as well.
I am about as picky about my Scrooge as I am about my Hamlet. But, hands down, my favorite Scrooge is George C. Scott. Patrick Stewart does a decent Scrooge. (Except there are moments during which I begin to think we're in the halodeck and I half expect Geordi or Data to drop in.)
"The Captain" also has done an audio book--and it's simply wonderful. We did at one time have the Disney cartoon Scrooge on VHS, but we seem to have misplaced the VCR.
(I have a friend whose favorite Scrooge is Mr. Magoo. But I think perhaps most of you are too young to remember Mr. Magoo.)
In any case, the story is a good reminder to make people more important than possessions and to be responsible for the well-being of one-another. It will always be close to my heart.
So, who's your favorite Scrooge?
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Dear Santa, Part II:
Found this note the other day from that same last child:
Could it be he still believes?
He made that cranberry garland all by himself. (I don't usually cave and buy extra tree tops pretending to be trees, but he picked out that "tree" all by himself too and I couldn't resist those puppy-dog eyes when he begged and pleaded to have it. So this year we have four trees--or should I say one tree and three tree tops.)
Merry Christmas!
Could it be he still believes?
He made that cranberry garland all by himself. (I don't usually cave and buy extra tree tops pretending to be trees, but he picked out that "tree" all by himself too and I couldn't resist those puppy-dog eyes when he begged and pleaded to have it. So this year we have four trees--or should I say one tree and three tree tops.)
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Dear Santa, Part I:
...this letter was inspired by my annual reading of the book featured at left: "Don't Bite Me, I'm Santa Claus," by Tom Plummer.
Dear Santa,
Hi, it's me. I'm feeling sort of sad this year because my last child is trying to tell me that you just aren't true. I'm trying just as hard to remind him that you are, of course. I mean really! (And my friend--who is also the mother of his best friend--has threatened to cut out his tongue if he says a word about this to her daughter.)
I used to believe my life would be a bit easier when my kids all "grew up." But now I think I was wrong. I don't care if arriving at this stage means I can wrap all the presents weeks ahead of time and won't have to stay up till 1 or 2 or later to get all the surprises ready (we both know I will wait till the last minute anyway!).
Remember how when I was young I always let Christmas become a bit overshadowed by my selfishness? I'm so sorry about that now. I'm sure a good part of that was because I had real issues over having a birthday right before Christmas. You have to admit I did kind of get gypped in that regard. It is the bane of all December-born: receiving the exact same presents everyone was giving to all their friends that year and hearing, "Here. This is for your birthday and Christmas." And of course there were never to be any birthday parties that close to Christmas either. My mom tried to plan one for me once, but I was so worried about everyone who didn't come I failed to have a great time with those few who did come. My bad. I used to get pretty worked up over having birthday gifts wrapped in Christmas paper all the time too. My mom still thinks that's a big deal to me, but just between us, I'm really so over that. I'm really over all of it now. And gratefully so.
The cool thing that happened to me was I had my own kids. Without ever realizing it, I kind of lost myself in the magic of helping you make their Christmases something special and I no longer had any time to be worrying about whether or not my birthday would be special. And somehow that made everything more special.
Now I realize that this really is the most wonderful time of the year not only to celebrate Christmas, but also to have a birthday. Who else gets to celebrate the day they were born surrounded by skies donned with twinkle lights, wonderful wreaths and garlands, the spicy smell of wassail, tender tidings of comfort and joy and the sweet sounds of carols to our King? How cool is that?
So I just wanted to let you know, I still believe. And of course December the 24th will still find me helping you out--probably still frantically and much later than I should. And while I may feel a little sad to recognize childhood waning in my growing-up kids, I'll also be a little happy in my hopes that the best part of their "childhood" still awaits them. And I will be praying that each of them will be wise enough--regardless of age--to let the child in him or her guide them to the best parts of Christmas, and really, the best parts in their lives.
Happy Christmas!
Love,
D~
Dear Santa,
Hi, it's me. I'm feeling sort of sad this year because my last child is trying to tell me that you just aren't true. I'm trying just as hard to remind him that you are, of course. I mean really! (And my friend--who is also the mother of his best friend--has threatened to cut out his tongue if he says a word about this to her daughter.)
I used to believe my life would be a bit easier when my kids all "grew up." But now I think I was wrong. I don't care if arriving at this stage means I can wrap all the presents weeks ahead of time and won't have to stay up till 1 or 2 or later to get all the surprises ready (we both know I will wait till the last minute anyway!).
Remember how when I was young I always let Christmas become a bit overshadowed by my selfishness? I'm so sorry about that now. I'm sure a good part of that was because I had real issues over having a birthday right before Christmas. You have to admit I did kind of get gypped in that regard. It is the bane of all December-born: receiving the exact same presents everyone was giving to all their friends that year and hearing, "Here. This is for your birthday and Christmas." And of course there were never to be any birthday parties that close to Christmas either. My mom tried to plan one for me once, but I was so worried about everyone who didn't come I failed to have a great time with those few who did come. My bad. I used to get pretty worked up over having birthday gifts wrapped in Christmas paper all the time too. My mom still thinks that's a big deal to me, but just between us, I'm really so over that. I'm really over all of it now. And gratefully so.
The cool thing that happened to me was I had my own kids. Without ever realizing it, I kind of lost myself in the magic of helping you make their Christmases something special and I no longer had any time to be worrying about whether or not my birthday would be special. And somehow that made everything more special.
Now I realize that this really is the most wonderful time of the year not only to celebrate Christmas, but also to have a birthday. Who else gets to celebrate the day they were born surrounded by skies donned with twinkle lights, wonderful wreaths and garlands, the spicy smell of wassail, tender tidings of comfort and joy and the sweet sounds of carols to our King? How cool is that?
So I just wanted to let you know, I still believe. And of course December the 24th will still find me helping you out--probably still frantically and much later than I should. And while I may feel a little sad to recognize childhood waning in my growing-up kids, I'll also be a little happy in my hopes that the best part of their "childhood" still awaits them. And I will be praying that each of them will be wise enough--regardless of age--to let the child in him or her guide them to the best parts of Christmas, and really, the best parts in their lives.
Happy Christmas!
Love,
D~
Monday, December 11, 2006
'Tis the season: Festival of Trees
literal acres of lights, trees and smiles
now I personally would never take my preemie out and hand him over to a complete stranger, but that aside, this made for a great photo op
my baby and his best girl
I volunteered here one year and it was the best Christmas ever--the smiles were infectious and the expressions of utter and complete joy I witnessed will stay with me forever
our quilt--disguised as a "tree" wreath--brought in generous donations
for Jules: you might be a redneck if you bought this tree...
Friday, December 08, 2006
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
~j: It's time to take action...
Griswold vs. Griswold: Showdown!
I don't even bother putting up my own lights anymore (well, my husband might when he gets around to it).
I don't even bother putting up my own lights anymore (well, my husband might when he gets around to it).
Monday, December 04, 2006
What's in your wallet?
Inspired by fun posts such as Mom Pockets and Saddle bags, I got to thinking about punch cards. Or, as I affectionately call them, "frequent flier cards." How many do we carry? Where are they from. Which are the most used. Whatever do they say about us?
Here's what I dug out of the depths of my purse:
Cafe Rio: Two stamps, dated 10/28
This one was started while I was in Pocatello with the band--and yes, I can't help it. I don't care if it was in Pocatello or that it was the marching band--I just love writing that I am, was or will be "with the band."
Great Harvest Bread Co: One loaf
And this only because they no longer give you free samples without purchase but I feel guilty going in just for one slice of their delicious bread, so I like to pretend I'm going in because I always buy my family expensive whole wheat bread and that the free slice is just an afterthought.
Body Benefits from JCPenney: Two punches
No more details needed there, except to state that it's just not near as glam as Lo's pretty pink Angel card from Victoria's Secret (or would that belong to Guy?)
Zupas: Two stamps
Thanks Lo, for having me pick up your lunch while you shopped for shoes on our way up to Festival of Trees.
American Quilting: 1 $5 stamp, 1 $10 stamp and 4 $1 stamps
A good indication that since I've started working I'm too busy to quilt anymore. Except for Saturday with, well, Lorien!
American Quilting: All full. I won't reveal the total amount spent to fill it on the grounds it may incriminate me.
This one is obviously leftover from my previous life before I had paid employment but no time to shop.
Cafe Rio: Eight stamps
Hmmmmmm. Eight plus two equals 11--I'm almost there! Can you say FREE MEAL!? But what I really wish is that El Azteca had a punch card.
Chevron Frequent Fill-Up: Two cards. Two punches.
Of course they suspended this program several years ago. Maybe one of these days I should clean out my purse.
Elaine's Quilt Block, which I love, but find to be too far away for a quick dash to the quilt store. The Stitching Corner, which I do not love anymore since the most-usually-sweet little old ladies who used to work there all retired and they got a guy running the place. Quilt's Etc., which is OK if I am going up to Salt Lake anyway and am looking for a particular fabric no one else has, but is also so jam backed with a bazillion different fabrics that I cannot shop there because I'm too distracted by too many choices. The Quilter's Cottage, which I also enjoy. If I am in the neighborhood.
The Zupas card I couldn't find when I went to lunch there the other day with Julie and Lorien: Also two punches.
Their tomato basil soup is divine.
For Every Body: Three $5 stamps.
It's only that empty because I've missed their last two semi-annual clearance sales. I save a lot of money by missing good sales.
Fro Yo: Two stamps.
Of course I didn't really think it was any good the first time, so I don't intend to ever go there again. But I still carry their punch card. Go figure.
Shopko Pharmacy, which is my usual pharmacy. Smith's Pharmacy, which I've been to only once.
These punch cards are like gold to me ever since my insurance tacked on a $50 pharmacy deductible per person--which ends up to be $300 for my family. Ouch!
The Good Earth: An undisclosed amount. (Also on the grounds it may incriminate me. Actually, more on the grounds it may incriminate them--who knew things that are good for you could be so pricey?)
I've got a smattering of these. Of course I can never find them when I need them.
Subway. I have no idea how many "punches" there are because it works like a credit card.
Not my favorite sandwich joint, but the only one I can get to, get in, get out, and get back to work from in my alloted 15-minute break time. My good friend/co-worker and I take turns every now and then purchasing a foot-long, which we split. Turkey on cheese bread. Provolone. Mayo, lettuce, tomatoes and olives only.
We have to go separately so people don't talk. (Because he is a guy and I'm not.) Sometimes it's complicated having a good friend of the opposite sex.
Places which I wish would offer me a punch card (besides El Azteca): Bath & Body Works, Target, Jamba Juice, TJ Maxx, any gas station, The Porch and, of course, Eliane's French Bakery.
So now I'm wondering,
What's in your wallet?
Here's what I dug out of the depths of my purse:
Cafe Rio: Two stamps, dated 10/28
This one was started while I was in Pocatello with the band--and yes, I can't help it. I don't care if it was in Pocatello or that it was the marching band--I just love writing that I am, was or will be "with the band."
Great Harvest Bread Co: One loaf
And this only because they no longer give you free samples without purchase but I feel guilty going in just for one slice of their delicious bread, so I like to pretend I'm going in because I always buy my family expensive whole wheat bread and that the free slice is just an afterthought.
Body Benefits from JCPenney: Two punches
No more details needed there, except to state that it's just not near as glam as Lo's pretty pink Angel card from Victoria's Secret (or would that belong to Guy?)
Zupas: Two stamps
Thanks Lo, for having me pick up your lunch while you shopped for shoes on our way up to Festival of Trees.
American Quilting: 1 $5 stamp, 1 $10 stamp and 4 $1 stamps
A good indication that since I've started working I'm too busy to quilt anymore. Except for Saturday with, well, Lorien!
American Quilting: All full. I won't reveal the total amount spent to fill it on the grounds it may incriminate me.
This one is obviously leftover from my previous life before I had paid employment but no time to shop.
Cafe Rio: Eight stamps
Hmmmmmm. Eight plus two equals 11--I'm almost there! Can you say FREE MEAL!? But what I really wish is that El Azteca had a punch card.
Chevron Frequent Fill-Up: Two cards. Two punches.
Of course they suspended this program several years ago. Maybe one of these days I should clean out my purse.
Elaine's Quilt Block, which I love, but find to be too far away for a quick dash to the quilt store. The Stitching Corner, which I do not love anymore since the most-usually-sweet little old ladies who used to work there all retired and they got a guy running the place. Quilt's Etc., which is OK if I am going up to Salt Lake anyway and am looking for a particular fabric no one else has, but is also so jam backed with a bazillion different fabrics that I cannot shop there because I'm too distracted by too many choices. The Quilter's Cottage, which I also enjoy. If I am in the neighborhood.
The Zupas card I couldn't find when I went to lunch there the other day with Julie and Lorien: Also two punches.
Their tomato basil soup is divine.
For Every Body: Three $5 stamps.
It's only that empty because I've missed their last two semi-annual clearance sales. I save a lot of money by missing good sales.
Fro Yo: Two stamps.
Of course I didn't really think it was any good the first time, so I don't intend to ever go there again. But I still carry their punch card. Go figure.
Shopko Pharmacy, which is my usual pharmacy. Smith's Pharmacy, which I've been to only once.
These punch cards are like gold to me ever since my insurance tacked on a $50 pharmacy deductible per person--which ends up to be $300 for my family. Ouch!
The Good Earth: An undisclosed amount. (Also on the grounds it may incriminate me. Actually, more on the grounds it may incriminate them--who knew things that are good for you could be so pricey?)
I've got a smattering of these. Of course I can never find them when I need them.
Subway. I have no idea how many "punches" there are because it works like a credit card.
Not my favorite sandwich joint, but the only one I can get to, get in, get out, and get back to work from in my alloted 15-minute break time. My good friend/co-worker and I take turns every now and then purchasing a foot-long, which we split. Turkey on cheese bread. Provolone. Mayo, lettuce, tomatoes and olives only.
We have to go separately so people don't talk. (Because he is a guy and I'm not.) Sometimes it's complicated having a good friend of the opposite sex.
Places which I wish would offer me a punch card (besides El Azteca): Bath & Body Works, Target, Jamba Juice, TJ Maxx, any gas station, The Porch and, of course, Eliane's French Bakery.
So now I'm wondering,
What's in your wallet?
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