More memes! Monday's a B*tch.

Found from Frances' blog.

mondaysabitch

1. If you could make $100 a day by avoiding physical contact of any kind with another human being, how much money do you think you’d be able to make before you cracked?

   Depends on how long it'll take before I meet Wolfie (yes, it's taking longer than he/ we expected, but it's not actually cheap to fly from here to there - and as what keeps us apart is just the fact he's waiting certain reimbursements... we can't help it).
   In general I'd go on quite long, if, and only if, I weren't romantically involved, so I'd be stinking rich in the end!

2. How much do the words "I love you" mean to you? Do you throw the word "love" around a lot? For example, if someone made a hilarious comment, might you exclaim "I love you!" while laughing, or are those words more sacred?

   Love is serious matter to me and I never use it in vain. But hey, I'm old (*giggles*) and cranky.

3. If everyone of your preferred gender suddenly disappeared from the face of the planet, would you prefer to switch teams or become celibate?

   Erm... gender is mental state and I don't have any gender preferences... But if we use word 'sex'... Hmm... I'm amorysexual so if I'd find suitable woman/ what-ever and fell in love there wouldn't be any problems what-so-ever. (Though I've never ever even had a crush on a woman during 26 years... but anyway, this was theoretical question. In theory, I'd have no need for celibacy. *grin*)
   Sexual orientation is not that simple thing. I'm considered as straight - though I don't determine myself by my sexual orientation or lack of it - but I don't define myself as straight... actually I'm asexual in general, but when I love someone I'm sexual towards one. So, monoamorysexual.

4. Would you be willing to donate your sperm/eggs for money, or just to help out couples who are unable to conceive? How would the knowledge that you might have offspring somewhere out there effect you?

   In theory yes, but not for money, if we don't stick to fact of my lowered fertility.
   And it's d just be someone who shares genes with me. Families aren't always about genetics.

5. Do you think you could be genuinely happy being single for the rest of your life? (This is assuming that you just never meet/met mr./ms.right, not that something awful happened).

   I don't think so.

Nohari Window

Shameless stealing continues, this time from Linda.
Now you can judge me as much as you want, contribute on my Nohari window!

And, of course, do praise me in my Johari. ^^

Allergy?

I woke up with my right eyelid completely swallen... I don't know why, but it seems to me now, after taking allergy meds and giving it some cold compression, that I may have gnat's bite on my eyebrow.
Just great, first bite for the year and it's in place like that...

Though, before I saw myself from the mirror I was worried that it's paralyzed after my migraine attack yesterday - I had this phase some years ago when my right eye stopped moving during migraine attacks... and as migraine sufferers have greater risk for strokes and all 'nice stuff'... It was a relief to notice that my eye actually does move.

I just hope it'll calm down today. Otherwise I may have to visit doctor tomorrow, just in case.

Career Interest Inventory

This time, shamelessly stolen from Jenna...

Click.

"...based on your responses, your top career area is Math and Science.

Careers in this field often demand that you enjoy thinking analytically, have strong reasoning skills and the ability to approach a problem from a variety of angles. You're not content to just question— you're motivated to test your ideas to see if they are right. Even if it's not a common perception, people who enjoy the Math and Sciences are highly imaginative and intuitive.

If I were a coffee...

Shamelessly snatched from Christine...

You are a Black Coffee

At your best, you are: Low maintenance, friendly, and adaptable. At your worst, you are: Cheap and angsty. You drink coffee when: You can get your hands on it. Your caffeine addiction level: High. What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Monday Madness; Filling the blanks

1. If I could change ONE thing from this past weekend, it would be ________.
2. One of my favorite recipes includes ________.
3. If things don't go as originally planned, I tend to ________.
4. My daily routine is very ________.
5. The one television show I will probably miss, since the season is coming to an end, is ________.
6. I have a calendar hanging/sitting on my ________.
7. I'm really ________ about changing the calendar when the day/month changes.

Filling...

1. ... that Wolfie could have had some free time for himself.
2. ..asparagus.
3. ... get annoyed/ worried/ irritated/ confused.
4. ...shattered.
5. ...(I don't watch TV.)
6. ...wall between 'hall' and kitchen.
7. ... careless...

Boo. *evil grin*

Still in the land of the living.

I've been so tired few days. Haven't even stitched that much. Just vegetated.
My theory is that when Wolfie is stressed and tired I'm tired, just out of pure empathy - which is interesting as I don't consider myself very empathetic person in general (though, love explains many things - and I'm person who's in her best when loved (I'm getting so nice that it's scary ^^)).

chanda_m, I'm aware of (current) weather conditions in Thailand. I've little spy in my Firefox.
I used to use ForecastFox to tell me local weather, but some time ago I changed it to tell me how it's in Bangkok. I take it as mental exercise. (I wont say anything of how hot it'll be when I get there *evil grin*, but this little demon is used to hot places. Comes with being a demon. )

Wolfie is very interesting man. (Now, isn't that self-evident or what?!)
I've noticed it about million times before (during last two months), but he 'said' something today which just proved it - once again. (He's very good in reminding me why I love him so much. He does it daily. ^^)
He had quite stressful week, long days and he had no free time during weekend because he had to work. In one of his SMS' he said to me that he's sorry that he's been bit absent because of that (easy thing to understand in those circumstances).
Now... What makes it interesting is that he's been much more available even now than anyone before him.
I've heard few times in my past that I'm clingy because I'm quite, well, affectionate. It has always been something bad, but now... Now my clinginess is good trait in me, something which is appreciated in me. Something which actually makes person I love feel loved.

Different strokes for different folks, they say. I just never thought there can actually be someone like him, someone whose strokes are so similar to mine.
Sounds awfully pessimistic when thinking of it now, but I never thought that someone can actually have all those traits... it's almost scary. I've been given possibility to have and to hold someone as wonderful as he is...
Positive scariness has been theme for last two months (for both of us), and it seems to stay as hot topic quite long.

I really hope that we survive that test of actually meeting and being together. (Though I see no reason why we wouldn't survive from it.)

And...

In completely another news: I may redo my blog today/tomorrow, once again (it has been like this at least two months....), so don't wonder if it looks a bit odd.

24 hour challenge: Giant

Tadaa! Success!

Info:

• Designer: Jennifer Aikman- Smith from Dragon Dreams
• Freebie
• 28 count Pewter Lugana
• Stitched with left-over floss
• All colours changed
• Star on top of the spruce is made with gold beads, other stars with some gold filament

And btw, my mother loved that card.

Life with the polar bears

My blog's name came from one 'famous' prejudice, which is that there are wild polar bears in Finland. Though I haven't heard it in ages. Other reason for it was that I sleep with one (at least for the time being). Polar bear that is.
And nowadays it seems to me that Neko, scary 6 kgs of drooling cuteness, has also his own sleeping buddy: another polar bear (in addition of his habit to sleep sometimes with 'my' bear).
Maybe I should change that header to 'Our lives with the polar bears'?

I'm so proud of myself: I remembered to mail my mom's card today!
Had to walk 4 km because of it, but it was nice, warm and sunny outside - and walking is my way to stay in some sort of shape (does wonders to your buttocks).
Though it seemed to me that I got some curious stares because of my clothing... It was about 18 C today, I think, and in these latitudes it's summer which means... yes, people with summer clothes: T-shirts, shorts, capris, skirts... You get the picture.
And I? Black; trousers and long-sleeved shirt.

But then, black is actually much cooler colour to wear than white (I've tested) and, odd or not, I like to maintain my 'healthy' paleness. (And I tend to burn quite easily anyway.)

What surprises me is that I don't seem to consider these temperatures as 'almost hot' anymore, and that I actually have no problems what-so-ever with sunlight at this moment.
Last summer I was extremely sensitive to both warmth and sunlight... my body works in odd ways.

Official useless link

Proverbs for the Millennium

And in completely other news...

Now I'm officially addicted to online chess. Somebody grab my hand and take me to bed!

SBQ; Leftovers

Today's

Stitching Bloggers Question

is:

"When you stitch from a kit and use the supplied floss do you have leftovers? If so, how much and what do you do with them? If not, do you usually have just enough or do you have to dig into your stash to finish?"

I don't actually do big kits, but as I've done few small 'free' kits from Cross Stitcher...

I'm economical enough to usually have quite much left-over floss. Sometimes enough to stitch design again, though I never have done such a thing. My left-over solution is my misc. floss box and end up parts of small designs or then they'll become gridding floss.

Aww! Freebies! ^^

I should be sleeping (I know I'll wake up around 7- 8 am... I've such a habit nowadays) and not browsing around, as I've a migraine (not very bad one, just that slashing pain time to time, but migraine anyway), but ah, I found new 2-dos!

• Fairy #2
• King of My House
  and
• Queen of My House.

I'd say Kawaii! ^^ for last two. (Designer in question has quite a few good ones. Anyone guesses who downloaded most of them..?)

In other news I've even done some stitching... I was eight weeks behind in MSAL, but now only 3½ weeks! Am I good or what?

Biscornu

I got mail from Karen that my little one has arrived (that was fast!), and she loves it.

(Click for better picture in Karen's blog.)

For curious minds, and just to repeat myself...

Info:

• 28 count Summer khaki Lugana
• SBTS' Pink Featherduster
• Two over two
• Design is a freebie (Orange tile) from Better Homes and Gardens' site

For mom; instant gratification

I realized that Mother's Day is in next Sunday. So, I decided to take my needle, piece of linen and misc. flosses box... here is the result:

• Freebie from Dragon Dreams
• Stitched on 28 count linen (Lavender Bliss)

Finished as a card. Now I just have to remember to send it.

Dancing Dragon

Say 'Hello' to Sally.

Info:

• Designer: Teresa Wentzler
• Freebie
• Stitched on 32 count Lugana (some Silkweaver's Limited Edition, don't know actual name of the colour, but think of 'light' chocolate ice cream)
• Two over two; with DMC
• Substituted pearl BF with white BF

As you notice I decided to ditch borders.

And now I think I'll stitch all lacking parts of MSAL... I'm so behind!
Then it'll be Jaffa and latest SAL design, by Kristine Herber, from Dragonfly Stitches Yahoo group in a mini rotation (just because I stitch Jaffa on black and my eyes need to rest sometimes).

(Btw, I had this odd feeling yesterday that it's 10th of May even I knew it wasn't... and I don't know why my brains are suddenly so obsessed with that date.)

Sally

I'm not sure do I want to make those borders or not, so I'll let long, tall Sally rest for a while, and when I've decided I'll continue with it.

It'd look good as it is - with backstitching, of course - if you ask from me. Though I'm not quite sure.

One thing is sure: one convert, one new Wenztlerist. I love these!

Summer, anyone?

Observation: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
Sunrise 5:05
Sunset 21:31
Length of day16 h 26 min
Recent observation: 06.05.2006 13:00
temperature 21,6 °C

I think it's not even month from last blizzard....(I may be wrong.)

Bye bye biscornu

And there it went. My first born left home and is on it's way to it's new home far away from mommy.

In other news I did some cleaning up in Various Links yesterday, now all blogs I follow (those ones which allow 'feeding' that is) are under one link - I found finally good use for my Bloglines account.

And 'vaccination flu' is almost gone, which is great thing (though it seems to me that Wolfie got it - which is not great thing at all... *sighs*). I hate to feel/ be sick.

Recipe Exchange@The Robin's Nest

Another new forum! Another exchange!
Some time ago I silently promised myself to stay away from exchanges, but this one was way too good to miss.

And unfortunate, though very understandable, fact is that SBEBB (and FG) will be closed so my exchange activity will be reduced anyway.
At least for the time being, as I don't actually have willingness to have several commitments with deadlines at this phase of my life.

Anyway, what's the idea behind RE? This is direct quote from exchange directions:

"Participants should stitch something that belongs in the kitchen - a tea towel, heat pad, tea cozy, recipe book cover, napkin rings... etc.---
Along with your stitched piece, please send a recipe that either represents your country, or your heritage (since they may sometimes differ). Don't worry about the exoticness of the recipe - that is part of the fun.---"

I've about gazillion faint ideas, but I've to wait like nice person to get my partner's info. But I think that I'll try something new in finishing sense, as there's thing or two I've wanted to try, and now I've great opportunity to do so.
Actually I'm thinking of the possibilities which lay in those linen stitch bands I purchased...

Floss problem; help!

So, chanda_m's and my Alter Echo SAL will begin in 9th of June.
I know what fabric I'm going to use. I got this lovely piece of natural 36 count Edinburgh linen from chanda_m when we did this little trade last year.

Now, what floss to use? Really?
I'd love to use some overdyed and basic DMC, and I've been thinking of some burgundy, but I haven't found anything I'd like.
Actually I think I found that DMC. Right in front of me is one skein of 309 and it's really delicious shade of red... But then, which overdyed would go with it? Anyone?!

Ah well, at least I've just decided that DMC (and if I don't find that overdyed I'll go with two shades of DMC).

Just noticed...

It has been very poor week picture-wise.
Though my achievements during this week do not reach world of stitching, so it's no wonder. (Isn't it an absolute scandal that I let man be more important than stitching? (Btw, he appreciates my stitching. Real treasure, isn't he? ^^))

Actually I had small finish today, but I forgot to take picture of it before closing it into parcel... Way to go me.
Though, it's supposed to be surprise so there wouldn't be any pictures anyway. (I think I'll get picture of it later, if I just remember to ask.)
But I can blame on that vaccination for that. My memory just doesn't want to work when I'm exhausted.

Vaccinations, you got to love them

Ah, you never get a vaccination without suffering from it... my left upper arm is bit swollen and sore from close to pricking point and actual pricking point has swollen like some insect had bitten me, not to mention that I am dead tired.
It took 20 minutes for me to get out of bed in the morning and after my little nap the same. I never spend that much time in bed, after waking up, when I'm alone, but I just couldn't get or keep myself up.

At least it seems that my body is kicking butts of those nasty, but dead, germs with all it's force. Well, immunity is good thing, and these side effects are anyway easier to live with than if I'd get hepatitis A (Curable, but nasty). I just don't like this feeling.

SBQ; Overdyed opinions (and other notions)

Today's

Stitching Bloggers Question

is:

"Do you or have you stitched with over-dyed threads? (Weeks Dye Works, The Gentle Art Sampler Threads, Six Strand Sweets, etc.) If so, what is your opinion concerning them? If not, why not?"

I simply love them!
Though I've only used SSS' and GASTs, but I do like to stitch with them, even they take a bit more preparation than regular floss with all that rinsing... I'd say they're usually worth every penny, or cent in my case, because of that variegated effect they give, which I happen to like. Sometimes design just yells for it - take for example Spring Surprise. It'd been, IMNSHO, quite dull without those GASTs I used. But with GASTs even I love it!

Actually I'm doing little something to someone with overdyeds at this very moment. Pictures will follow later.

Btw,

have you noticed one thing? Since Wolfie came into my life I haven't been blogging as much I used to (even thought I do still blog like crazy).
This may mean that I'm actually having a life or that I'm in midst of getting one (or many, actually *evil, naughty grin*)... shocking thought, isn't it?

And while talking about life I'd like share something shocking from day-to-day life... I got hepatitis A vaccination today (bought it yesterday). Could you believe that single shot (5ml) of it was almost 50 euros?! Fortunately 'pricking' was free as it was done in public healthcare...
Anyway, I need to get another one (another 50 euros, that is) to achieve 20 years protection, which may turn out to be very useful in future (and, to be honest, I consulted doctor who wrote me that vaccination and she recommended that I should get hepatitis B vaccination when I return to Bangkok (I should maybe add that 'if' after 'when', but what's the use? Fact is that when/if things go in future as they're going at this moment I will go back, to stay)).

About Wolves and Demons

We've been wondering one thing for some time (once again yesterday, for example).

How is it possible that even we have knew only 6½ weeks we seem to *know* each others? It's in little things, like knowing how other one acts when 'saying' something or recommending some song just because I'm sure you'll love it (and it's so. We seem to have surprisingly similar taste).
Actually we're so similar in incredibly many areas of personality that it's scary. It's wonderful, yes, but it's also very scary because it really makes you afraid of loss - or waking up from this wonderful dream.
And in certain way part of scariness is that we never intended to get romantically involved, to fall in love with each others, so we had, and have, no need to play someone else than we are. It was only about "...*if* you find the time and/or have the inclination to do so, would you recommend some Finnish bands/singers you believe are really good?, which lead to correspondence (and lurking in each other's blogs), which lead to where we are now.

You'd say we're kindred souls... it feels like it. And I really hope it's so - I hope it because both of us, because we've got hurt too many times, and we both want this good thing to last.
We want to be us.