I can see clearly now the headaches are gone....

Copyright: voronin76 / 123RF Stock Photo

A few weeks ago, I started having headaches. Not just one or two days, but multiple times per day. Sometimes they were just mild and annoying, but other times, they were pretty intense. I was afraid I was having blood pressure problems again, though with the weight I've lost, it had been quite good for the last several months. I scheduled an appointment with my regular doctor to have it checked out, but due to my schedule, I couldn't find a convenient day for me until the end of the month.

On unrelated note, I also noticed that I was having trouble reading street signs when I took a "short cut" a week or two ago, so I made an appointment with the eye doctor. I mean it had only been, um, three years. (Oops.) In fact, the last time was for the same reason, right before we went to Boston. Again, we will be going to Boston in a few weeks, and I didn't want to wait too late, since last time they had to order my lenses and it took 2-3 weeks for them to come in. This time, I rearranged my schedule so there would be time to see the eye doctor and wait for the lenses. Yet again, "due to my age," my eyesight had improved to the point that I could not focus, about half a diopter in each eye. (That's a lot!) I probably hadn't really noticed it until lately when I pulled my stitching back out (for the first time in about a year). I had the lenses replaced in my existing frames and went about my business.

About three days later, I noticed my head didn't hurt. At all. Not only did it not hurt, it hadn't hurt for a few days. What changed? My glasses! I had no idea something so "small" and simple could cause so much trouble! Makes me wonder if I've been thinking eyesight changes were BP and/or stress headaches for years now. I will definitely have that checked out first from now on! Thought I would pass along my new knowledge. The more you know....

Currently feeling: grateful

Finished! Midsummer Night's Fairy

She's FINALLY done! Midsummer Night's Fairy by Mirabilia, started sometime early in 2001 (maybe late 2000), finished May 17, 2014. 13+ years in the making, minus about 8 years when I didn't stitch (something about having a baby/toddler/child).


Click to biggify.

Cross stitch and beads on 28 ct Antique Lavender Permin Linen. Probably about 100 hours of work. She measures about 12 in x 19 in (31 cm x 48 cm). Haven't washed and pressed her yet, as she still has some traveling to do.


Click to biggify.

This is only my second Mirabilia finish, and the first one I get to keep for me! I am absolutely thrilled! I'm stitching both of her "sisters" (Adia and Titania), so I'll wait until those are also done to have her framed along with the other two so they can coordinate. Hopefully it won't take another 13 years!

Currently feeling: ridiculously excited!

2014 Summer Movie Preview

Copyright: borusikk / 123RF Stock Photo

This is the super-short version (sadly sans pictures), since I'm so late getting it out there. As always, this is not every film coming out this summer, just the ones that hold some interest for me.

May

• The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (May 2) - Not feeling this one, but I'm sure we'll see it anyway. I suspect too many villains (same problem as the later Toby McGuire films).
• Legends of OZ (May 9) - Animated, not too sure about this one. Others I'd rather see, but always keeping my eyes open for good kids' movies.
• Godzilla (May 16) - I can't believe this is actually getting decent reviews. We are seriously considering making an effort to catch it in the theater.
• Million Dollar Arm (May 16) - Interesting premise (bringing Indian cricket players to the US to play baseball), and we're suckers for a good sports movie.
• X-Men: Days of Future Past (May 23) - We truly enjoyed First Class; hoping this one can live up with the blended cast.
• Maleficent (May 30) - Yes, I'm excited! My favorite Disney character comes to life. Trying not to be irked about the lack of green fire in the previews.

June

• Edge of Tomorrow (June 6) - Apocalyptic sci-fi Groundhog Day. I really like Emily Blunt, so we'll probably try to catch this one.
• How to Train Your Dragon 2 (June 13) - The sequel to one of our favorite movies. All three of us are excited about this one; definitely the only one Luke has expressed real interest in (well, besides Spider-Man, which is a big no for him).
• Transformers: Age of Extinction (June 27) - Just not sure if we can do this one; the last one was SOOO bad. The only thing in its favor is Stanley Tucci, but even that isn't enough to drag us to the theater, I don't think.

July

• Earth to Echo (July 4) - Don't know much about this one. Looks like maybe this generation's Goonies meets E.T.
• Fast & Furious 7 (July 11 April 2015) - Christine reminded me that this got moved to April 2015, due to the death of Paul Walker. I hear they left Paul Walker in the movie, using CGI and stand-ins to fill in where needed. Can't believe they've made 7 of these! I think I saw 2 or 3.
• Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (July 18) - I actually enjoyed Rise of the Planet of the Apes much more than I expected; not sure I'll make it to the theater for this one, but I'll see it at some point.
• Jupiter Ascending (July 25) - Despite the fact that Channing Tatum makes me want to vomit, the premise is interesting, and it is a Wachowski Siblings film. We'll put it in the wait and see/definite maybe category.
• Hercules (July 25) - I may not like Channing Tatum, but will admit to being a Dwayne Johnson fan. Toss in John Hurt, Ian McShane, and Joseph Fiennes, and how can this be anything but a hoot?! Like Scorpion King, I'm sure it would be much better if we caught the 1 AM showing! LOL

August

• Guardians of the Galaxy (August 1) - Marvel is pushing out into deep space. Let's see how they do. The previews look like they might be trying a little too hard.
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (August 8) - They're sure keeping a lid on this one, which is not generally a good sign. Can't really get a feel for it. Will play wait and see.
• The Expendables 3 (August 15) - We haven't seen the first one yet, but they keep expanding the cast in new and fascinating ways, so it's worth a mention.
• The Giver (August 15) - Interesting premise. In a "perfect" world, one boy is chosen to experience "real life." I'd like to see/hear more about this one.

That's all I've got. Let me know if I missed anything you are really looking forward to. See you at the movies!

Currently feeling: ready for some popcorn!

Wordless Wednesday - May 14, 2014

Currently feeling: fascinated by this bird walking vertically on the wall

The Natural

The kids received their participation medals at tonight's baseball banquet. Out of 11 players on our team, Luke had the highest batting average (15/16) and was one of two on our team with no strikeouts all season. The team finished 4-3. You would absolutely never know that it was his first time ever playing baseball. I guess there is a bit of natural talent there.

Currently feeling: proud

Happy Mother's Day 2014

We got to see my grandmother today for the first time since she started her cancer treatment (back in November). She looks wonderful! It was such a precious Mother's Day gift, for all of us.


Me, my son, my mother, and her mother (and my husband in the back)

Currently feeling: lovely

Wordless Wednesday - May 7, 2014

Currently feeling: legging it out at first