Happy Thanksgiving

Hooked

I’ve been crocheting for over 15 years and knitting less than a year and have completed many projects. Of course it has never been deadline driven and has been at my own pace. In September I began to crochet and knit scarves that I could sell. I have made 12 so far (sold two-thanks for asking). I also made 2 birthday gifts for co-workers. Right now I have plans to make a Vanderbilt blanket, a purple blanket, a shawl, 2 scarves, a sweater and a wrap. This list does not include all the other things that I would like to make.

Yes, I have patterns galore and maybe I need to put them together in a box or something so that they are not just around the house. And maybe I have some yarn leftovers that I should probably give away or something. Ok, maybe I have a lot of yarn.

But I can stop anytime. I don’t have to crochet or knit. I can do other things. It’s not like I have to crochet/knit when I’m watching TV or on the bus or at lunch. Really I can stop.

Ok, yes it is relaxing and I may even release some chemicals into my system that give me a quick high and yes maybe I do tend to have yarn on my mind a lot. But really I can quit anytime. I CAN sit in a chair for minutes and not do anything with my hands – really. Just because I pick up a hook and yarn whenever I am sitting does not really mean anything. Just because I put everything else on hold until I finish a row does not really mean anything.

Hey! Are you looking at my yarn? Are YOU looking at MY Yarn!? Back away slowly and no-one gets hurt. My yarn.

But seriously I can stop anytime…. Just not right now.

Habit: a constant, often unconscious inclination to perform an act acquired through its frequent repetition.

Addict: to devote or give (oneself) habitually or compulsively.

Ka Boom

Well the proverbial bomb has been dropped. This week the State of TN is having its budget hearings. Initially we were told by the Governor that we would have to cut 3% from our budget. The figures have been changed and now it looks like we are being asked to cut 13-15%. The highers up are figuring $300,000 for each %. So, if we are asked for the 15% then we have to cut $4,500,000. Yeah I choked on that too.

So, we had our department meeting yesterday and it of course was depressing. They will be cutting 5-6 jobs before June 30, 2009. They think probably starting in February since that is when the legislature will be back in session and they have to approve all of the budgets (and yes they may ask for more).

To say the least we are all stunned. In the scheme of things, 5-6 people is not a lot considering recent news and the fact that there are 96 people in our department (not counting judges or their staff). But still that thought of “It could be me” went through every ones mind. Well not everyone because you know the higher ups don’t have anything to worry about.

So I sit here, trying not think “What if it’s me”. But I just have to wonder “What if it’s me?”

Thematic Photo: Rows

Long Hunter State Park, Nashville, TN

The theme this week (I'm a little late) is rows. I was trying to come up with something spectacular this week. I had so many ideas and was really getting into it. Everywhere I've been going it seemed I had the theme in my head and was on the look out for that spectacular picture. I took quite a few and nothing seemed to really hit me. I downloaded some pics off of my camera this morning and Ta Da - there it was. The one I thought really caught the theme. Funny thing is I took it weeks ago.

http://writteninc.blogspot.com/2008/11/thematic-photographic-24-rows.html

Photo Choice "Oh"

Montgomery Bell State Park, TN

SOTT 26

I guess spelling is not as important as the gym floor

High School in Oakland, TN

Picture taken by Patrick Wesley

It's Over

Well, it's over. No longer will we have to listen to tv or radio ads. Those signs along side the road will be gone soon too. Was it worth all the hype? All the debate, all the controversy? No, not really. I am disappointed. If the elections were like slot machines I don't think we came off as winners. We are taking a gamble and only time will tell if it pays off.

I am kind of hoping for one of those "Pleasantly Surprised" moments. I want to think optimistically. But I am concerned. I wasn't entirely pleased with either candidate, but I agreed more with what McCain was saying than what Obama was saying. One issue is on abortion and there are several others. But that is all mute right now.

We have a new president. A man that comes off as a great speaker, down to earth and as someone that tries to understand the average person. I have to admit that even though I voted for McCain, I did seriously think about voting for Obama. In the debates and his speeches I was a impressed with him. He's got that something that kind of catches your attention. If not for some of our differences of opinions on some big matters I would have voted for him.

So, we have a new president. One that I hope puts people first above politics and does what is morally right, not what is "party" right. But again we will have to see. Americans voted and they voted for change. That saying "Beware what you wish for" comes to mind. Of course I take the stand that the hand of God is in everything - so I do have hope. This is part of "The Plan". What part I may never know, but I have faith in "The Plan". (side note - I'm not always happy with that plan though - just thought I'd share that little tidbit).

Anyway, many hopes are on the shoulder of this man. After the revelry, after the congratulations, I hope when he is alone he realizes this. I know he takes this seriously. I know he thinks he understands. Oh, but Lord I pray that he really gets it.

Dear reader, I urge you to pray every day for our country and our new president.

Thematic Photo: Night

Paris Landing State Park, Sept. 2008

http://writteninc.blogspot.com/2008/10/thematic-photographic-22-night.html#links