Does anyone even read this any more?

Well, it happened. I recently discovered the joys of Ebay and have now participated in the phenomenon that is an online auction. Yes, last week was my first Ebay purchase. Feel free to laugh, but I think I may have found a new hobby.

Anyway, boring seems to be the nature of life these days. For once in my life, I actually finished my taxes early, so this past Tuesday was just a normal day. I finished teaching my last evening class, and since I decided not to teach spring or summer in order to finish the thesis, I'm pretty much done as a college instructor. I'm now just waiting for the data to start the stats portion of the thesis. It should be in soon, so I shouldn't have to wait much longer. I'm hoping it'll be sooner rather than later. It's been snowing here for the past couple days. This is the coldest, latest spring I can remember in all of the years I've lived here. Blech. I am not a fan.

In the midst of all of this waiting, I've been going through my stuff and trying to de-junk. Who knew that I had so many textbooks and school papers lying around? I think I've gotten rid of a garbage sack full of old assignments. I've kept a few of the good ones as writing samples, but there's something rather cathartic about purging old memories. I'm contemplating trying to sell some old books online, since the bookstore doesn't want them, but DI might just be getting a rather large donation. That might just be the cost of education. Either that, or there's going to be a very large celebratory bonfire in August. . .

So, while trying to develop my academic skills, I'm also trying to branch out in other interests. I got an Ipod for Christmas, but so far, it's only half-full. Does anyone have any recommendations of good music for me to try? Herein lies the test to see if anyone actually reads my blog. :-) I'm willing to listen to almost anything at least once, so I figured I'd ask for the opinions of my respected friends. I've decided I kind of like alternative rock, and I'm pretty much game for anything right now. So, please, tell me something to try! I've got the time to do it. My sewing machine is in the shop, and we all know that a Sarah without a project is a menace to society. And honestly? Cleaning my room doesn't count.

Pictures and projects

A few weeks ago, I went up to little shopping place called Gardner Village. It was snowing, but I had my camera and got some really nice shots. I can't help but want to share them. Enjoy!

Also, it's General Conference weekend, which usually means that I get to have eight hours to sew and/or craft. However, since my sewing machine is in the shop getting repaired this weekend, I'm having to resort to hand work today. In that spirit, I did some work on my flower garden quilt this morning. I think the name Grandmother's Flower Garden comes from the fact that I will be a grandmother before I finish it! I started this quilt when I was 16, and the pieces are entirely hand-cut and hand-sewn. Yes, I was crazy. But, as you can see from the photo, I'm making progress. Maybe in another ten years, it'll be ready to quilt! I don't have the calluses any more to spend more than an hour or two hand sewing (I'm working on building them up again, but school work killed my hobbies!), so during the afternoon session, I pinned the pieces for the next step of two other quilts. I admit I have a fabric problem. At least I'm out of denial, eh?

Birthday pictures!

Streamers and balloons from my birthday party.

The potential fire hazard known as my birthday cake.

I finally get to wear the crown. :-)