Create and Complete

A few weeks ago I took a sewing class with my co-worker Sarah. There is this wonderful little place called Sew Deluxe. Their tagline is "San Antonio's only alternative sewing lounge." How fantastic is that? They have the machines; you bring your own fabric and thread for a specific class (i.e. project). Sarah and I arrived with our knit fabric and matching thread only knowing we were making a boatneck tunic. In three hours we had a very cute (if I may say so myself) empire waist, cap-sleeve summer dress. The instructor did a great job of going step-by-step and offering variations by skill level. I had never had great success sewing on knit, but this class made it seem easy. [Of course having a professional mess with the tightness of thread to bobbin ratio is always helpful.]

I left the class at about 9:30PM elated and energized. It was so great to create and complete something in one evening. This made me realize just how much I thrive on feeling like I am creating something AND completing it. I love the feeling of job well done, let's move on to something new and different.

I will definitely take another class. What shall be my next project? Only time (and their website) will tell. Sew Deluxe also has some charity events (sewing for a cause) as well as girls' nights out. A hip little spot worth checking out if you are in the area. Let me know, maybe we can sew together!

Two Lovely Ladies

I am incredibly lucky to have such wonderful family. However, when they go I am left bittersweet and sleepless. In the last week and a half two amazing matriarchs in my family died. I just want to share a little snippet about each and then perhaps I will find a deep, dreamless sleep.

Bonnie was 80 and incredibly involved in her West Texas community. As one woman told me after her memorial service, "She ran out of bulletins. It's always good to have more friends than bulletins." In March, Marc and I made the trip to see all my West Texas cousins (and especially her as her time was counted in months, or weeks as it turned out). When I was making our travel plans Bonnie said, "You know it is a really long drive." My reply, "Yup, 5.5 hours, but you're totally worth it."

"Well, I *know* I'm worth it, I just wanted to make sure you knew what you were getting into."

When we arrived we found out she had just had her first day of radiation. She was moving a little slower and definitely sipping her champagne a lot slower, but otherwise still the same wisecracker. Lots of questions and sly comments. A week ago Saturday Bonnie died. She was surrounded by her husband, kids, and grandkids.

My Nena passed this past Saturday. Nena was my grandma in everything but blood. I've been thinking about Nena stories and the one that keeps coming to the front of my mind is that she never learned to drive. Now, that is a feat in any city. However, Nena lived in Houston, TX without car or license. Houston is the capital of sprawl and 10 lane freeways. Even more amazing she didn't take buses and she most definitely did not stay home. She had an impressive network of friends who were constantly checking to see if she needed a ride to the grocery store, picking her up for lunch, taking her out for errands. Decades of living solo and having friends as her main means of transport. I think that is pretty telling of loyalty, stubbornness, and lovability.

I will miss both of them, but the love and joy they added to my life far outweighs the missing.

Confessions of the Newly Sporty

Many of you dear readers may have been shocked when I admitted to creating a [busted] bracket for this year's March Madness. (Well, surprised by the creating part, perhaps not the busted part.) The fever continues.

I am hooked into the Spurs playoffs. I've even found myself talking with the players (i.e. the TV). Luckily this newly acquired habit is socially acceptable. I have not yet graduated to yelling at the TV, but stranger things have happened. Such as the fact that I am still mad at the Mavs' Najera for his flagrant foul (neck grab) of Ginobili. Did anyone guess one year ago that that sentence would appear on Mermindia? Like I said, stranger things have happened.

The Plunge

My old computer died. Completamente.

I debated the great debate and decided to get a Mac. Yesterday at lunch I took the plunge and purchased my pretty, pequena Macbook.

Why do you care? Obviously, you need to know that I am typing on a pristine white keyboard. Also, I felt introductions are in order. A big Welcome to Mr. Mac ______________.

I am now faced with the important task of naming. Any suggestions are welcome and the winner will enjoy the fame and glory of Mermindia citation.

Note: There is no picture because I cannot right click to snag something. Hrrumph. I shall overcome and pictures will return to Mermindia.

Who knew?!

Well, this year was my introduction to March Madness. Who knew watching sports could be so much fun? Evidently a lot of people knew this, but it was news to me.
Still a little shocking (even to me) that I created a bracket (totally busted), that I am checking tip off times, and having so much fun doing it.

Just thinking about my first post of 2010 when I said I wanted to push myself to try new things. I think this counts in a big way.

Snow (Fallen) Angels

One very *good* reason for my non-blogging of late is that I was on vacation in New Mexico--sans cell phone and computer avec mi amor. Bliss. I would love to tell you that a photo montage is on its way, but alas, we had too much fun and forgot to snap pics. However, I do want to tell you a few highlights:

• Down hill skied for the first time...gravity is awesome
• Shopped at Trader Joe's...oh how I miss thee
• Soaked in a hot tub surrounded by snow...ahhhhhh

I am excited to have been introduced to a new, expensive hobby. I was completely spoiled on my first day--high 40's, sunny, powdery snow. My second day was windy with some whirling snow and rocking chair lifts. I will say I totally caught some air on one of my more spectacular tumbles. I ended up face up, skis uphill with one ski dug in straight down. Yet, I had so much fun.

Above is a non-Mindy photo of Sierra Blanca where we skied. On my first day back to work (yesterday), I promptly changed my screen background to be this picture. I have dual monitors, thus double the mountain beauty. I am trying to hold on to my mountain high now that I'm back down in the low lands. Wish me luck.

30 : 40 Ratio

Recently ran into a work friend in the elevator, he said, "Wow, that hallway conversation just lasted 40 minutes." He quickly added in his own defense, "Thirty of the forty minutes was relevant." In all sincerity I replied, "That's not a bad ratio. I wish all my meetings were that relevant." As soon as the words left my mouth I realized that they sounded (were) a little snarky. I did not originally aim for snark-dom, I just landed there.

Headed for vacation and snark recovery. Hope all is well for my dear readers and that you too have a 75% rate of relevancy in your interactions!

Postscript: In regards to the subject line, yes, I realize the ratio 30:40 can be reduced. Back off math geeks!