Weather or not

Fall classes at UWF have been postponed until Thursday morning due to Tropical storm Issac.  Here in the FL Panhandle, we will only get a little bit of wind and rain since the storm is heading to New Orleans.  At least, at the current time, it is not very strong and is very disorganized.  So I have been putting things together and checking the website on my classes so that I can get ahead a little bit.  I have been more tired than ever in my life for the last year and I don't know why.  Taking online classes requires a lot of personal sacrifice and determination to ensure all work is done on time.  I will do it though, the degree is worth it right? 

Kerensa

Another Semester starts...and a quilty project tutorial

I so cannot keep up with blogging every day, shame on me.  But in my defense I stay very busy with work and other things. :)  I'm going to be even busier starting tomorrow since the Fall 2012 classes at UWF start tomorrow!  Yes, I am once again taking 4 classes:

COP 2334 - C++ Programming
EME 3406 - Web Environments for Learning & Information
ENC 1102 - English Comp II
MAC 1105 - College Algebra

I'm very excited but nervous as well.  I have done very well the last two semesters, making the Deans list each time.  I really want to make Dean's List or Presidents list this semester, but with the algebra and programming, plus all the writing in Eng comp I don't know if I can do that well.  But I will persevere and keep my head up and do the best, or better than I possibly can.  (on a side note, we have a Tropical Store (Issac) in the Gulf of Mexico right now, expected to become a Cat 1 or 2 before making landfall.  The path continues to change, as it is now expected to make landfall between New Orleans and Pensacola by Tuesday night so classes have been cancelled and schools closed for UWF and for my daughters' school.)

An update on my son Jamie...he is on his way to becoming one of The FEW...The PROUD...A U.S. Marine!  Yes!!!  He left for MCRD Parris Island, SC on Tuesday, August 21, 2012 and is now on day 6 of his journey to becoming a Marine. I have spent countless hours searching http://www.marineparents.com/ and http://www.recruitparents.com/ and the MCRD Parris Island website at https://www.mcrdpi.usmc.mil/SitePages/Home.aspx.  Now Military service is not unknown to me since I am an Army Brat myself and my ex-husband was in both the Army and the Marines so I am not as apprehensive as many parents may be who know very little of the military.  However, I am still longing to receive his first letter home.  According to the website it should arrive around day 10-14.  We are already making plans to attend his graduation sometime in November, assuming no setbacks.  I'm very proud of him and know that he will do very well at this; he's stubborn enough lol.  I LOVE MY SON! <3


On a quilty note I finished a new project!  In one day at that!!! :)  I saw this upcycling denim pocket hanging organizer on pinterest and then someone posted it on Facebook as well so I decided to give it a go.  Here is the link to the actual project.
http://www.sewdaily.com/blogs/sewdaily/archive/2012/08/13/an-upcycling-project-for-denim-pockets.aspx


I've done a quick tutorial as well for those who want some step by step directions with pictures.  Don't expect a lot as I kept forgetting to take pictures here and there, but with the original directions and my photos I'm sure you can make this own your own. :D

The first step is, of course, to read the directions ;-) 

Once the directions have been read and fabric has been pulled, pressed and cut the next step is to cut out 9 jeans pockets.  In this step, be very careful that the pockets are not too large.  I had one that was only 1/4 of an inch smaller than the 8" square it was sewn on so it was extremely difficult when sewing the blocks together.  If your pockets are quite large I would suggest you go with 9 or 10" blocks.  Here are all the pockets cut out.  As you can see I left fabric around the pockets themselves so that I could be more precise when trimming them up.

 

 

The next step is to trim around the pockets being sure to cut off all of the excess fabric but not cutting into the seams.  If you tilt the scissors to the right it should go smoothly.

  

 

Next you will need to flip the pocket over and trim out the backing of the pockets.  I trimmed to about an 1/8" away from the inner seams

 

 

If there are any excess threads in the pocket, trim them off as close to the seams as possible. 

 

Finished trimming

 

Pockets all trimmed up nice and neat

 

Once all pockets have been trimmed up place them onto the 8" (or 9-10") squares you cut out earlier and decide how you want them placed.  Fold the squares in half and press them and fold the pockets in half to press them, then match up the lines to get the pockets centered on the squares. I pinned mine down.

 

Next I sewed the inside stitches and outside stitches, following along with the original stitching; don't sew the top of the pocket down, that would defeat the purpose lol

 

Once all pockets were sewn onto the blocks I sewed the blocks together using a 1/4" seam allowance per the instruction

 

Here is the "top" with all blocks sewn into rows and the rows sewn into the top (yes, that is a clue for my NYE 2011 mystery quilt still up on my design wall, I'm working on it, I promise, just a little at a time.  King size quilts take a while when you don't have much time you know lol)

 

Here is the "sandwich" layerd as such: batting, backing, top (this will be flipped "inside out" when done)

 

Light wasn't too good but you can see here where I stiched the entire outside around with a 1/4" seam allowance.  Make sure you follow the directions and leave about a 4" opening to turn inside out.

 

Here I am turning it "outside in" lol

 

Next, stitch in the ditch around every row

 

Here is where you slip / whip stitch the 4" opening closed.  I like to use hand quilting thread and a betweens needle

 

In this step I had already cut a 4.5" strip from one of my fat quarters that I used for the 8" blocks and made the hanging sleeve tube.  I then pinned it down so that I could hand stitch it onto the back of the organizer

 

Here I am in the process of hand stitching.  I have not perfected my handstitching yet but it is my favorite part, especially when having to add the binding onto a quilt. :) I love sitting back in my rocker/recliner, watching a movie and stitching.  One day I will learn to hand quilt!

 

Here is a view of the front and back of the organizer after all is done (yes, I kept the insides of the pockets for some other project later on down the road lol.

 

Here is the back of the organizer pinned to my design wall with the sleeve stitched down

 

Here is a close up of the front of the jeans pocket organizer

 

And here is the finished organizer on the wall.  I quite enjoyed making this and may have to make a few more... 

 

 

Well, that is about all I have for today.  Everyone has gone to bed on me, in the middle of watching Lord of the Rings - Fellowship of the Ring so I'm going to sit down and write to my son some more.  Have a great week everyone!

Kerensa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring 2012 grades

I received an email that my grades had been posted so I rushed over to uwf.edu to check. I have been hoping to make the Presidents list but unfortunately, I didn't.  :(  Here are my grades and GPA.  I so wanted to have a 4.0 semester GPA but those timed quizzes in Oceanography really got me.  Oh well, still good grades right?

Spring 2012 Grades

BSC2311 - INTRO OCEAN/MAR BIOL	B+
ECO2013 - PRINCIPLES ECO MACRO	A
EME3402 - IET: OVERVIEW	A
EME4622 - TT: SITE NETWORKS	A

Semester GPA

Cum. Undergraduate GPA

3.84

Cumulative GPA

Cumulative Undergraduate GPA

3.73

Kerensa

Atkins Diet

Today I officially re-started my diet after splurging over the weekend once again.  I do really well during the week at work but weekends are so hard to stay focused.  I'm going to continue trying though.  I logged my food and water intake at the Atkins Community website as well as my current weight.  Let's see if I can stick to the diet.  Just took my measurements for the first time (should have done it in the beginning but forgot).  Not happy with what the results were.  Time to get serious.  If I can quit smoking cold turkey then I can lose this weight I have packed on over the years.  My goal weight is 140 pounds within the next year.


Hubby is watching the movie The Darkest Hour that the kids and I went to the theatre to see.  I liked it but expected a lot more than what they gave. LOL  Still had to buy the movie, go figure. ;-)

Kerensa

The light at the end of the tunnel has arrived

WHOOOO HOOOOO!!!  I just finished my very last assignment for the Spring Semester, my Information Engineering Technology final exam.  There were 7 questions and all had to be in essay format with a 2-hour timelimit.  Took me 1.5 hours to complete but I got it done.  I'm freeeeee!  Well, at least school-wise, until the Fall semester that is lol.  So after I was done I took a walk outside to check on my two little piggies, Sarge and ChewyBaka.  It was time to clean their cage so since it was such a nice day out I left them out there to play and eat some grass (don't worry, they were safe and hubby was out there with me working on planting some of my new flowers). They are loving it out there.  I need to let them out more often.  Think I will have hubby build them a bigger play area to romp around in.  Check out the pics I took:

Chewy - Sarge

Look at Sarge posing and Chewy being shy

Wish this one had turned out a bit brighter

So anyway, now that I'm done with my final final (*VBG) I think I will go back to sewing and watching my recorded shows.  I have finally got caught up with The Secret Circle and Secret Life of the American Teenager.  Now I am onto: The Vampire Diaries (9 episodes), House (9 episodes), Fringe (1 episode), and the new season of Secret Life (3 episodes).  Later couch patater.

Kerensa

The end is near

Yes, the end is near, but not the end of the world, only the end of the spring semester at the University of West Florida term A. All of my homework and final papers are turned in.  All I have left to do is my final for my Engineering technology class on Sunday.  It is all essay format ugggg, I would prefer multiple choice lol.  Ah well, I'm sure I'll do just fine.  But now that I have no homework guess what I am going to do???

Yes, I am going back to working on my NYE mystery quilt! :)  I have been thinking about it all day so while hubby is cooking dinner (bacon cheeseburger quiche and cheddar biscuits, all low-carb recipes of course since we are on the Atkins diet) I am going to turn on The Secret Circle (I have 8 episodes to get caught up lol) and start sewing.

Yes, I am excited!

Kerensa

Ranting and then some

Can you see my expression?  Do you hear the relief in my voice?  No?  Oh well, too bad, you don't know what you're missing. hehehe I've said that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, well every day that light seems to get dimmer, then it gets brighter then dimmer, what the heck is it?  A beacon of some kind?  Maybe a close encounter in my future? Who the heck knows.  All I know is that I cannot wait for this semester to be over so that I can take a deep breath and release some of the stress and tension I have.  Working full time and taking a full course load is very time-consuming as well as leaving hardly any time for "me time".  That is a goal I have for myself going forward: no matter what I have to do, every day I will make time for myself, even if all I have time for is to read a chapter in a book, or sew a few blocks together, or watch one episode of a tv show.  I WILL HAVE ME TIME!

Today I put the finishing touches on my 61-page case study, my 18-page NPPM (Network Policy and Procedures Manual), and my Dictionary of Networking Terms for my Site Networking class.  I have 2 more days in which to fine-tune them before they are due then this class will be OVER!!! (do you hear the relief yet?)

I have already turned in my final portion of the group case study, my peer evaluations, and my completed personal journal in my Information Engineering Technology class so until the professor turns on the final exam on the 29th I am done with that class! (can you see my expression yet???)

I have one more module to work on for my Macroeconomics class this week but I completed my final paper and turned it in the other day.  Have I ever told you how MUCH I hate economics classes?  uggggggggg  I've been done with my Oceanography/Marine biology class for the last 2 weeks, just waiting on my final grade in that class. 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but not holding my breath, that I make the Deans list again this semester.  But as long as I pass all classes with at least a C I will be okay, not happy, but okay. I think I put too much pressure on myself to succeed but if I don't, what do I have to look forward to?  I want to shine like that beacon I spoke about before, but I don't want to dim, I want to be the brightest beacon out there, the one that screams, look at me, I'll rock your world with everything I know and can do.  I want to "BE THE BEST I CAN BE" and then some.

Went out with my sister-in-law last night just to get out of the house.  We went to a few stores so I could find some things for Sydney and my mom then we went to the theatre to watch Mirror Mirror with Julia Roberts.  It was okay, the dwarves made the movie but it certainly is not on my "to buy" list.  I wish we had gone to see 21 Jump Street or the Three Stooges instead, or even Cabin in the Woods.  I just wanted to laugh and have a good time.  If it weren't for both of us being on the Atkins diet I would have suggested we go out to the club for some dancing and drinks. I haven't been out in a very long time.  Being a grown-up can be depressing sometimes. ;-)

Well, I have some cleaning to do and then it's me time to read Stephen King's 11/22/63. Later Tater.

Kerensa

End Zone reached!

Well, I finally got into the zone and after 8 hours of research and typing I finished my 15-page macroeconomics paper!!!  It is not due until the 29th of April so I have 2 weeks to refine it and add/remove as I need to to make it perfect.  I did horribly on my timed quizzes, got 100% on all homework assignments, and anywhere from 90-95% on all essays so right now my average is 85%.  If I can get a good grade on my final paper then I might still make the Dean's list this semester again! :)  *fingers crossed* 

I'm totally exhausted but feel good that it is done.  Now I need to work on the homework I have due this week for my Networking class and chapter 14 is due for Economics next Sunday.  Soon I will be able to breathe and relax woooo hooooo!    I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

Kerensa

"not" in the zone

I am so happy that school is almost over!  However, I'm having to cram to get the remaining work done and I'm just so exhausted.  I totally forgot that I had a final paper due for Macroeconomics that I should have been working on during the whole Spring semester so now I have to rush to get it all researched and written before Sunday, April 29th, plus get the other two classes done and study for the final exams.  At least my Marine Biology class is already over so that is one less class I have to worry about.  But I so can't wait until May 2nd as that is the last day of classes and then I have the whole summer off!  Then I can get back to working on my NYE Mystery from last year.  I'm jonsing to get sewing again.  I'm all caught up on The Secret Life of the American Teenager and am now onto Switched At Birth, which is a really great show.  I can't believe my kids keep getting me into these new shows.  I've been so busy that I only have time to "listen" to the shows on Netflix.  I still have tons of episodes to watch on the DVR in the living room and in the bedroom.  I'm so far behind on Pretty Little Liars that I'm ready to give up and just delete all remaining 7 episodes, but I so want to find out who A is! lol  On top of those three shows, I have episodes galore of: The Secret Circle, The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural, The River, Fringe, Once Upon A Time, Glee, Cougar Town, New Girl, The Middle, Raising Hope and the entire season of House, not to mention 12 movies that I recorded when we had the free trials of HBO and Showtime and Starz LOL.  OMG, I will never get all of these watched before the new seasons start unless I watch them while I'm quilting this summer.  Not to mention that the final season of Eureka is coming back tomorrow night and Warehouse 13 coming back. I really need to get away from the TV ;-). 

Other than that I'm not doing much else.  I want to learn to hand sew so that I can sit in the living room and make a quilt using those little hexagon templates.  I'm so going to be the cool nanna (when we have grandchildren) who makes quilts for every grandkid and probably for every occasion!   

Sydney informed me yesterday that she is going to be capped next month to become a senior at school and of course, she has to have special clothing: a white blouse, a blue or black skirt, and blue or black dress shoes.  At least I have a few weeks to get it all together and ask for 1/2 day off that day so that we can get ready.  I'm so excited that she is getting interested in doing things at school.  She even is thinking of going to the Prom this year (maybe she said) but for sure next year for her Senior prom. 

Jamie went to MEPS in AL last week and scored 109 out of 110 on the ASFAB test!!!  I'm happy that he finally made up his mind as to what he wants to do with his life but I'm also scared because he has informed me that if he does not get his first choice, Information Security, then he is going for infantry.  Now there is nothing wrong with infantry, my dad was in infantry, a mechanic, but Jamie is my only son and I don't want to lose him.  I have to let him grow up and live his own life, it's just really hard for me.  :/  It is time for him to get out on his own though as he thinks he knows everything and listens to no one.  :| 

One last thing before I go...yesterday the hubby and I went to Ashley Furniture and purchased a new living room set. 



I'm so ready to relax in my new rocker recliner!  I bought 2 of them, one for me and one for Randy.  The kids' sofa also has recliners on each end so they won't fight about who gets to recline and they won't be right up on each other! LOL  Gotta wait 7-10 days for the furniture to be delivered from the warehouse. 

Okay well, I really need to get working on my paper.  Later.

Kerensa

Tests....have I ever said I hate tests?

Took my macroeconomics chapter 12 test this morning, and made a 67.67% :(  That is a crappy D!  I don't know what it is about timed tests but I suck at them.  I make 100% on every homework assignment and 90-95% on every essay but the tests have been horrible.  I suppose it is because I second-guess myself on a lot of the questions.  My main goal is to make the Dean's list every semester (or President's list with a 4.0 GPA) but if timed quizzes hold me back I will be extremely upset.  But at least my homework is done through Wednesday since I also completed my engineering homework and journal entry. 

Now I can relax and try to get caught up on the Secret Life of the American Teenager on Netflix that my kids got me into.  I'm on the last episode of season 3 getting ready to watch season 4.  The new season has started and there are already 2 episodes that we need to watch plus the newest episode tomorrow night.  Not to mention all the other shows I have recorded on the DVR that I need to get caught up on. I'm so glad this semester is almost over.  It will take me all summer to get caught up on my favorite TV shows, but my main goal this summer is to work on my NYE mystery quilt and get the top completed and ready for quilting on the longarm. 

Other than that I'm just chillin'.  No other plans for today but being lazy...

Kerensa

Marine Biology Final and then some

So yesterday was my Marine Biology final exam at the UWF main campus in Pensacola.  I used 38 of the available 39 minutes allowed to take the quiz of 50 total multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions.  I know for a fact I did not make a 100% because there was one question I honestly did not know.  As for what I did make, I don't know yet as the instructor has to grade it but I can't wait to find out.  I'm okay not making an A or B, although my goal is to make the Dean's or President's list every semester.  I will be happy just passing all of my classes.  So this class is over, I have three weeks left in the remaining 3 classes (Macroeconomics, Information Engineering Technology, and Site Networks).  Can't wait until the end of this semester so that I can get back to a more normal schedule and get working on my NYE mystery quilt that I started back in December.  :)  The clues stare at me every day and holler out "Sew me...sew me...sew me...you know you want to sew me...c'mon Kerensa get me sewn together NOW!!!" LOL  As long as I don't respond to them, out loud, I might be okay, right? ;-) 

After the final yesterday I talked Mom into going up to the Wind Creek Casino in Atmore, AL for a mother/daughter afternoon.  We had a lot of fun talking on the way there and played some slots, I left down $50 and she left up $500 lucky duck!!!  I quite enjoyed spending time with Mom again.  We need to do things more often, other than going shopping at Wal-Mart. 

Today I have to do the dreaded grocery shopping now that bills are paid.  My lovely daughter has begged me to let her get her nose pierced and I caved in.  I hope she knows what she is doing.  I don't think I could handle something sticking inside my nose all the time.  She has very bad allergies and is constantly sneezing and blowing her nose but doesn't want to listen to me that it will be harder with the nose piercing.  But, she is almost 18 and I need to treat her as such.  This is part of her birthday present since I have the funds right now.  I hope she likes it.

Alas, I must move ahead and get to studying.  We need to leave here around 9:30 so that only gives me a 1/2 hour study and then get ready to head out.  TTFN...

Kerensa

Pinterest

OMG, I have joined the Pinterest revolution!!!  Look at what I found:

Jules Undersea Lodge - Key Largo, Florida

I am going to find out how much it is to stay here!!!!

Kerensa

Spring Semester

So I finally decided to add a page pertaining to my trials and errors in college.  As I put in my main blog I started attending the University of West Florida in the Fall of 2011.  I am now almost at the end of the Spring semester of 2012.  I think I have done a pretty decent job this semester, although, in my Networking class, I have become frustrated because I am confused about the professors' instructions for our Networking Policy and Procedures Manual (NPPM).  Every time I think I have the instructions figured out and I post my documents, the professor tells me that I did it wrong, AGAIN!!!  I haven't given up though.  I will continue to do my best and pass the class. 

My Oceanography Marine Biology class is over except for the final exam, which is scheduled for April 6th.  I hope I pass the final as I bombed the midterm with a 61% (30.5 out of 50 questions).  I do not do well with timed quizzes.  The rest of my grades in the class are 90-100% so hopefully, if I pass the final my grades will average out and I'll at least make a B so that I can make the Dean's list again this semester.  My goal is to make the Dean's or President's list every semester! :) 

I'm doing well in my Engineering class and my Macroeconomics class as well right now but there are still 5 weeks to go in those classes.  Weird how one class has ended but the others still have a full month to go.  This past week has been "Spring Break" although working full time does not equal Spring Break to me lol.  Classes start back this Monday so I do have to get back to my homework.  I had told myself I would get ahead during spring break but I have to admit, I have enjoyed not doing homework every night this past week. lol 

Kerensa