For the longest time now, at work, I have been responsible for the quality issues at the DC. Not that the WH Lead would allow me to do my job to the best of my abilities, or that he would assist me in the endeavor (because there were many instances where he handicapped my efforts whenever possible - and several of the Material Handlers have said as much).
Timeline is this:
I was hired in January 2018 -
worked under the Quality Manager (trained by and directed to perform basic menial tasks...he wanted an admin, basically). He was pleasantly surprised that I trained easily and accomplished tasks quickly, correctly, and efficiently. Our WH Director assigned other duties and short-range tasks to keep me busy, and because I was more than capable (she knew I would do the work and keep it to myself).
He (QM) was wooed to another facility in June 2018 -
He attempted to take over the impossible task of managing a systemic collapse at his 'new' facility assignment, while also pseudo-watching the goings on and questions that arose at our location.
By July -
we were basically on our own, borrowing moments of his time and attention that his new bosses begrudgingly spared. I was not prepared for the everyday issues that popped up (beyond my scope) because he refused to share information or impart training that could have helped mitigate problems at a low level. However, I managed to chronicle and respond to Sales, CSRs, management and our suppliers, to keep communication moving and prevent material returns from building up and containment issues from becoming stagnant. Again, this was all while trying to work against the wall of opposition from the WH Lead.
August arrived -
and I was tackling problems that were, at first, understandable and easy to keep track of. Unless a PPAP or Material Cert request popped up, or some absolutely technical debacle cropped up (which I would steer towards our Engineering staff and former Quality Mgr), I was doing well - given the circumstances. Our WH Director was supportive and proactive, and she sought to understand my role and functions (as she met with the Quality Manager and myself to better define my tasks and abilities in his absence). She wanted to delegate more responsibility my way, which was fine. All of that would require some training and direction (again, which I was ok with), but the training and hand-off of responsibility would never come.
September thru December -
came and went; no movement was made in finding a replacement for the QM role (mostly because he didn't want to replace himself). We had our year-end inventory, which I was not included in, and then enjoyed a pleasant holiday break.
Also somehow, through this same time period, the WH Lead was allowing an alarming number of mis-pulled and mislabeled materials to leave the facility. These growing issues greatly annoyed our customers and resulted in a lot of fees, returns, and 8D situations. He was told to watch the one very responsible party in his shipping crew creating the bulk of trouble, but never did. This would become a very unmanageable situation for him because he refused to take responsibility. His 'fix' would become my new task - 95% of my new workload for the coming year.
January 2019 -
Upon the return to activities in the new year, our DC Director made the announcement she would be retiring - which, I guess, she did every year. No one held their breath, but her attitude did seem lighter in some respects and more fretful in others. Her most immediate goal was to work with our former QM (my now non-boss) to find his replacement at the DC.
Sometime late in January A-dude joined the team as a year-long temp Quality Manager. If he proved himself, he would be hired the following year. If not, well...
Things went from worse-than-bad to WTH?! at breakneck speed. By the time A-dude showed up, I had already been 100% inspecting every effing labeling job leaving the WH. Every label on EVERY package. Add that monumental chore to the other tasks of my own that I could now not even get to, and you have a big problem growing. Then there was the added strife of training A-dude (trying to train, that is).
He was a man dressed in Teflon and stale-smelling clothing, doused in too much old cologne. Not only did he smell (literally), he stank at his job, too. He wouldn't learn because his MO was to find others to do his work for him. I figured it out early, and after a lot of wasted time trying to repeatedly show him how to use our AX system, I opted to remove myself from his workforce and use the 100% verifications as my salvation. Besides that, he was not my responsibility. He could learn to sink or swim another way.
Over time, he and the WH Lead tried to join forces in an effort to remove me from my position. I had the support of those who knew my work and my capabilities, and would not let them park 'the bus' they were driving on me, but that didn't prevent the work situation from becoming a cluster "f."
December -
A-dude was a waste of money and time, and it only took the company ten months to figure that out. In between, our lovely Director did retire (mid-year) and was replaced by another female figurehead. My new Quality boss began shadowing - and cleverly questioning - A-dude to learn the scope (and status) of all the customer issues, and let me know I was not alone. By...
January thru June 2020 -
I was once again working with, and I still am, our new Quality Manager - and what a difference. [happy sigh]
Now we're doing it during the Covid era, but we are working as a team, and it's been better.
Of course we have a long way to go but at least we are getting there together. We have tackled a big learning curve and become a good team. She has given me knowledge and responsibility, and I try to back her up where I can. She knows she can count on me, and routinely throws things my way - and this has proven her trust in my ability, which I am grateful for.
There's still a lot to do, but it doesn't feel insurmountable any longer.
Showing posts with label I do good work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label I do good work. Show all posts
12.30.2018
Just a thought
If some people I work with spent as much time simply allowing me to do my job (and assisted, as they are supposed to), instead of obstructing and scheming, things would run so much more smoothly and efficiently - and there'd be far less 'Peyton Place' drama where it doesn't belong.
Seriously, they really have that much free time to screw over a co-worker, as opposed to doing a better job at accomplishing their own tasks? What the...?
Seriously, they really have that much free time to screw over a co-worker, as opposed to doing a better job at accomplishing their own tasks? What the...?
2.11.2018
Wow, it's already 9AM
Some days drag on, right from the very moment your cats wake you up. Then there are those days that whip right past you, as though you put the viewer on fast forward and can't find the pause button.
It was a short few weeks ago that I had an interview for a full time position as a "Quality Administrator" (A.K.A. "Quality Technician"... or, "Quality Analyst"). I heard quickly after the interview (from the staffing agency who sought me out) that I had the job - "if I wanted it."
IF I WANTED IT!?!? IF??
Why wouldn't I want it?
Oh...well, they found me over-qualified and feared I had moved on in the time it took them to weed out, and slog through, the last of their interviewees. They presumed I would not (with my over-qualifications) want a position for the contractor rate they were offering. Why would I stoop to it?
I reasoned that the contracted amount would increase once I served my 90 days and was brought onboard as a true and permanent employee. I added that it was a full time position - far superior to the part time gig with the county - and that it exceeded my wildest dreams, following my terrible drought. It was a chance to practice my skills as a detail-minded team player - in an office, no less!
It was a full time job,
with a future,
that offered benefits and real money,
and a chance to do more than survive,
and would give my mother a break.
Thank you, YES, I would love to accept your job.
Thank you so much for this chance.
God is great.
It's taking longer than I thought to acclimate to the work/home thing after so long out of it. The job is also more physical than I would have thought, but that's a great thing. I enjoy the people, and I am learning a lot about the different processes and areas within the distribution center and it's small production area. There is much to learn, but I am up to the challenge!
More about it all another time, for now I simply wanted to update those who are keeping an eye on the employment status.
It was a short few weeks ago that I had an interview for a full time position as a "Quality Administrator" (A.K.A. "Quality Technician"... or, "Quality Analyst"). I heard quickly after the interview (from the staffing agency who sought me out) that I had the job - "if I wanted it."
IF I WANTED IT!?!? IF??
Why wouldn't I want it?
Oh...well, they found me over-qualified and feared I had moved on in the time it took them to weed out, and slog through, the last of their interviewees. They presumed I would not (with my over-qualifications) want a position for the contractor rate they were offering. Why would I stoop to it?
I reasoned that the contracted amount would increase once I served my 90 days and was brought onboard as a true and permanent employee. I added that it was a full time position - far superior to the part time gig with the county - and that it exceeded my wildest dreams, following my terrible drought. It was a chance to practice my skills as a detail-minded team player - in an office, no less!
It was a full time job,
with a future,
that offered benefits and real money,
and a chance to do more than survive,
and would give my mother a break.
Thank you, YES, I would love to accept your job.
Thank you so much for this chance.
God is great.
It's taking longer than I thought to acclimate to the work/home thing after so long out of it. The job is also more physical than I would have thought, but that's a great thing. I enjoy the people, and I am learning a lot about the different processes and areas within the distribution center and it's small production area. There is much to learn, but I am up to the challenge!
More about it all another time, for now I simply wanted to update those who are keeping an eye on the employment status.
4.25.2016
Whoopee ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Finished piecing my long-suffering H6 this afternoon, then got busy at the machine to get it put together. CANNOT tell you how absolutely satisfying that was. Once done, I hot-footed it back to the design wall and began building H7. I have a lot of lost time to make up for.
Of course, I am only documenting this for myself, so I will enjoy reviewing it all in another year.
Of course, I am only documenting this for myself, so I will enjoy reviewing it all in another year.
11.08.2013
Huzzah!
So far, I've managed to navigate the day without the aide of one throat lozenge, absent hot tea and honey, and sans headache (although I do realize I may have just jinxed that last one). However, I have used my share of tissues since waking, and am now ready to take a nap! Furthermore, I still have no rough draft to speak of for next week's comp class; I am tired of nudging Karl to finish his overdue essay for this week, and; have completed as much of the construction of someone else's quilt top as I have been asked to - because she 'wants to do some of it herself so she can learn how.' [forehead smack]
I can understand her difficulties with the instructions and methodology, anyway. The directions (as supplied by JAF for a quilt class project) are pretty piss-poor as written, and are very wasteful to boot. Due to my understanding of quilitng - and knowledge of piecing (even without directions) - I could reason it through fairly quickly, DESPITE the included JAFBS.
Wasn't easy to stop myself though, let me confess that right now, and it is a design I can see some merit in repeating in order to make several simple reproductions (with variations) in many color schemes. I'll be able to sell these fast little projects at farmer's markets (and the like) in the coming months...perhaps even rent a space at the local art-in-the-park broohaha late next summer! Scraps, happiness and cash - can't beat it.
Anyhow, I now need to begin getting ready to head off and teach a little applique` tonight. Maybe I should take something for a headache now - pre-emptively nip it in the bud, eh?
I can understand her difficulties with the instructions and methodology, anyway. The directions (as supplied by JAF for a quilt class project) are pretty piss-poor as written, and are very wasteful to boot. Due to my understanding of quilitng - and knowledge of piecing (even without directions) - I could reason it through fairly quickly, DESPITE the included JAFBS.
Wasn't easy to stop myself though, let me confess that right now, and it is a design I can see some merit in repeating in order to make several simple reproductions (with variations) in many color schemes. I'll be able to sell these fast little projects at farmer's markets (and the like) in the coming months...perhaps even rent a space at the local art-in-the-park broohaha late next summer! Scraps, happiness and cash - can't beat it.
Anyhow, I now need to begin getting ready to head off and teach a little applique` tonight. Maybe I should take something for a headache now - pre-emptively nip it in the bud, eh?
10.24.2013
Last night's dinner brought to us by Yumm and E !
In a pinch I turned to ye olde pantry and dinner turned out fabulously well - and with a minimum of work.
I began with one large sweet potato, peeled, diced, and set to boil. While the spud was cooking, I measured off three healthy servings (and by "healthy", I mean overfull portions) of frozen broccoli and added about one cup of chopped spinach. Mind you, I buy a good deal of frozen veggies and use them in everything! We buy fresh, too, but frozen produce is a boon for cooking meals.
Once the brocco/spinach combo was steaming in the skillet, I added a spoonful or two of the sweet tater water to keep the green bits from scorching onto the pan. I cut one medium-size onion into a small rough chop, tossing it with a little butter into the same pan with the greens. When the onion began to look translucent I combined the entire lot and added a tad more water from the tuber 'bath'.
Tater cooked through? Yup, and so I removed it from the heat; drained off the water (pouring a little more into the veggie mix); placed the cooked chunks - and about 1/2 cup of remaining liquid - into a bowl and placed that in microwave to keep warm.
Washed pan and began saffron rice.
Added one jar of Trader Joe's Masala Simmering Sauce, and about 6 oz of water (with which I rinsed the jar) - of course - that all went into the vegetable mix and NOT the rice. Once this began to bubble, I turned the heat way down and added one can of chicken - YES! I said "can" (remember, I'm working out of my pantry). Chopped the chunks into smallish pieces and distributed it throughout the veggie mix. From there I added only a pinch or two of salt and a good grinding of black pepper.
With the rice still simmering, I finished prepping the yam by adding a pat of butter, about 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, less than a sprinkle of clove, and a smidgen of nutmeg. One tiny pinch of sea salt and a grinding of fresh black pepper finished the seasonings, then I mashed the cubes by hand.
Voila! Dinner in two pans and almost no chopping, and it was GOOOOOOOOOD!!
I began with one large sweet potato, peeled, diced, and set to boil. While the spud was cooking, I measured off three healthy servings (and by "healthy", I mean overfull portions) of frozen broccoli and added about one cup of chopped spinach. Mind you, I buy a good deal of frozen veggies and use them in everything! We buy fresh, too, but frozen produce is a boon for cooking meals.
Once the brocco/spinach combo was steaming in the skillet, I added a spoonful or two of the sweet tater water to keep the green bits from scorching onto the pan. I cut one medium-size onion into a small rough chop, tossing it with a little butter into the same pan with the greens. When the onion began to look translucent I combined the entire lot and added a tad more water from the tuber 'bath'.
Tater cooked through? Yup, and so I removed it from the heat; drained off the water (pouring a little more into the veggie mix); placed the cooked chunks - and about 1/2 cup of remaining liquid - into a bowl and placed that in microwave to keep warm.
Washed pan and began saffron rice.
Added one jar of Trader Joe's Masala Simmering Sauce, and about 6 oz of water (with which I rinsed the jar) - of course - that all went into the vegetable mix and NOT the rice. Once this began to bubble, I turned the heat way down and added one can of chicken - YES! I said "can" (remember, I'm working out of my pantry). Chopped the chunks into smallish pieces and distributed it throughout the veggie mix. From there I added only a pinch or two of salt and a good grinding of black pepper.
With the rice still simmering, I finished prepping the yam by adding a pat of butter, about 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, less than a sprinkle of clove, and a smidgen of nutmeg. One tiny pinch of sea salt and a grinding of fresh black pepper finished the seasonings, then I mashed the cubes by hand.
Voila! Dinner in two pans and almost no chopping, and it was GOOOOOOOOOD!!
You may now drool ~
10.23.2013
Aaahhhhhhhh
I still need to get to the grocery store - since we have 'snain' on the way later this evening - but I did manage to COMPLETE ESSAY #2 and the additional two writing projects assigned this week! Done!
I'm DONE! OK, well, I'm done until new stuff is assigned, but it feels good to be finished for the week and able to sit and sew without feeling guilt (for anything more than avoiding housework). BIG ;v)
[happy sigh]
8.18.2013
That was an experience
I returned late last night from Grand Rapids, where I walked my third quilt show (although this particular show was a LARGE international deal-i-o). Karl attended with me, and I had the good company of friends Barb and Jean...but we missed my darling friend Maria.
There were SO many quilts, not just the contest-involved quilts, but three or four additional collections to view. Then there were the vendors; one for every brand of long arm machine available on the market, and three-hundred others! What did they sell, you ask. Well, if you can imagine it, and it has anything to do with quilting, sewing, needlework of all kinds (and some crafting, bleh), then it was there!
The biggest thrill was obviously seeing my "Peace Quilt 1" hanging on display, and I probably spent a good deal of my time just listening to the comments of others and watching them take photos of it.
Don't know that I will enter many more contests in the future, but I will make my way to see more in the future.
There were SO many quilts, not just the contest-involved quilts, but three or four additional collections to view. Then there were the vendors; one for every brand of long arm machine available on the market, and three-hundred others! What did they sell, you ask. Well, if you can imagine it, and it has anything to do with quilting, sewing, needlework of all kinds (and some crafting, bleh), then it was there!
The biggest thrill was obviously seeing my "Peace Quilt 1" hanging on display, and I probably spent a good deal of my time just listening to the comments of others and watching them take photos of it.
Don't know that I will enter many more contests in the future, but I will make my way to see more in the future.
8.07.2013
Yes, more weather-driven blogging
It's been glorious over the last week+ (since returning from the U.P.). Color the weather 'delightful'. Never too warm; rain insufficient enough to take little notice of; nights perfect for sleeping. *Aaaaahhh*
It's even been cool enough to annoy the mosquito population! Take that, you bloodsuckers!
Time has passed s-l-o-w-l-y for me following the shipping of my beloved PQ1 to Paducah, KY. In little less than one week, my quilt will be on display to the world (essentially) - after all this time! I am excited, nervous, hopeful, fearful, failing-blase'. I am going to relish next Saturday for the milestone marker in my life that it will be!
I hope some of you will be able to make it to Grand Rapids, MI to see the AQS International QuiltWeek Contest and Show at the DeVos Showplace. You'd better believe I will be there!
And now, back to the weather.
It's even been cool enough to annoy the mosquito population! Take that, you bloodsuckers!
Time has passed s-l-o-w-l-y for me following the shipping of my beloved PQ1 to Paducah, KY. In little less than one week, my quilt will be on display to the world (essentially) - after all this time! I am excited, nervous, hopeful, fearful, failing-blase'. I am going to relish next Saturday for the milestone marker in my life that it will be!
I hope some of you will be able to make it to Grand Rapids, MI to see the AQS International QuiltWeek Contest and Show at the DeVos Showplace. You'd better believe I will be there!
And now, back to the weather.
8.04.2013
Check and check....and done!
Was able to prime and tape off the areas needing repainting last night, and got busy with the remaining processes this morning - early!
Painted the undercoat of color around nine or so, then cleaned up and busied myself with other things waiting for that to dry suffiently. I was watchful and worried that bubbling might occur again, so I tried to keep my mind off of it as I knew there would be nothing I could do about it if it did happen again.
Several hours later I started in on the LAST COAT! I even painted the wall socket covering for the phone/internet jack before cleaning up the second time! This was about an hour-and-one-half ago.
So far, so good. :)
Tonight Karl and I will move the furniture around into place and begin living with it in a new configuration; dining table in the space outside the library and the arm chairs into what might normally be considered a dining nook. We'll see how we all feel about it for a while, then if it proves too weird to live with, we'll put things back in a more normal placement (dining table in the nook and chairs in the living space).
Pictures will be hung shortly, then I will set about figuring out how to install something low-profile in nature for the purpose of hanging wall quilts along the wide open wallspace.
Woohoo!
Painted the undercoat of color around nine or so, then cleaned up and busied myself with other things waiting for that to dry suffiently. I was watchful and worried that bubbling might occur again, so I tried to keep my mind off of it as I knew there would be nothing I could do about it if it did happen again.
Several hours later I started in on the LAST COAT! I even painted the wall socket covering for the phone/internet jack before cleaning up the second time! This was about an hour-and-one-half ago.
So far, so good. :)
Tonight Karl and I will move the furniture around into place and begin living with it in a new configuration; dining table in the space outside the library and the arm chairs into what might normally be considered a dining nook. We'll see how we all feel about it for a while, then if it proves too weird to live with, we'll put things back in a more normal placement (dining table in the nook and chairs in the living space).
Pictures will be hung shortly, then I will set about figuring out how to install something low-profile in nature for the purpose of hanging wall quilts along the wide open wallspace.
Woohoo!
8.02.2013
Step one: Check
Have the plastering done - all of the patching is finished (hopefully). If it dries successfully before nightfall I will have it sanded and cleaned up....and ready for priming ASAP.
Oddly enough, today the color looks more brown than deep, deep purple - like the paint chip. Either way, I love the look of it.
Oddly enough, today the color looks more brown than deep, deep purple - like the paint chip. Either way, I love the look of it.
7.20.2013
Yes, "again"
A little bit, that is. A little bit about the weather and then [drum roll] - on to other things! [cymbal crash]
The weather only factors in because there has been a change. [grinning madly] It's still humid as all get-out, but it is cooler this morning. With the help of the attic fan thrumming all night long, the inside temp is a manageable 74*F!
Tah-daaaahhhhhhh! And I do mean the "aahhhh" thing. S'wonderful!
We were on the road yesterday afternoon, skirting the rolling storm front (which was over our left shoulders and closing in quickly), until just shy of returning to my little 'burb. Boom!
The lightening, heavy whipping winds, and torrential rains made a violent statement as we cruised to within four miles of the house. Floodgates opened and branches fell left and right, but through all of that, the temps fell, too! Everything still feels wet. Damp and icky, but over the course of the next few days it will dry out some.
The reason we were on the road? Well, to deliver my little quilted beauty into the hands of strangers. Many, MANY strangers! It started off at a UPS storefront in Clarkston, and by later in the evening had only managed to crawl as far as Pontiac. This morning finds it on a truck and actually moving out of the state! No turning back now.
More updates can be followed on the quilting blog. But for now I have some cooler temps to take advantage of, so I am going to get away from the keyboard. How are you going to celebrate the break in the heatwave?
The weather only factors in because there has been a change. [grinning madly] It's still humid as all get-out, but it is cooler this morning. With the help of the attic fan thrumming all night long, the inside temp is a manageable 74*F!
Tah-daaaahhhhhhh! And I do mean the "aahhhh" thing. S'wonderful!
We were on the road yesterday afternoon, skirting the rolling storm front (which was over our left shoulders and closing in quickly), until just shy of returning to my little 'burb. Boom!
The lightening, heavy whipping winds, and torrential rains made a violent statement as we cruised to within four miles of the house. Floodgates opened and branches fell left and right, but through all of that, the temps fell, too! Everything still feels wet. Damp and icky, but over the course of the next few days it will dry out some.
The reason we were on the road? Well, to deliver my little quilted beauty into the hands of strangers. Many, MANY strangers! It started off at a UPS storefront in Clarkston, and by later in the evening had only managed to crawl as far as Pontiac. This morning finds it on a truck and actually moving out of the state! No turning back now.
More updates can be followed on the quilting blog. But for now I have some cooler temps to take advantage of, so I am going to get away from the keyboard. How are you going to celebrate the break in the heatwave?
7.07.2013
One more step
And yet, one more step taken.
One hurdle achieved.
Another tick on the list attained.
About two weeks ago (yikes!) I received a lovely packet in the mail telling me that PQ1 had been juried into the GR AQS competition, and that I needed to complete the forms contained within and mail it back to them haste. Actually, what the cover letter read was, "...fill these out and send them back NOW."
One of the forms regarded insurance for the quilt - both for shipping and loss replacement should something happen at the show (or during shipping). Lots of cost involved here. Without a proper, legal, binding appraisal, whatever loss might happen would all be on me.
So, without too much delay, I attempted to find a qualified appraiser and gain an appointment in short order. No easy feat here in the mitten state. The quickest thing available found me in Bay City yesterday, and the appraisal was done in about an hour. With all of two weeks now having slipped between my fingers, I must get this bunch of papers back to the AQS gang soon.
The next step is to ship PQ1 to Kentucky, then cross my fingers and say my prayers. August 14th can't get here soon enough! More later, peeps - have a quilty day. :)
P.S. Thanks, Jean, for driving the final leg! I had a fun time meeting your cousin and her son, Doris and Nick, too.
One hurdle achieved.
Another tick on the list attained.
About two weeks ago (yikes!) I received a lovely packet in the mail telling me that PQ1 had been juried into the GR AQS competition, and that I needed to complete the forms contained within and mail it back to them haste. Actually, what the cover letter read was, "...fill these out and send them back NOW."
One of the forms regarded insurance for the quilt - both for shipping and loss replacement should something happen at the show (or during shipping). Lots of cost involved here. Without a proper, legal, binding appraisal, whatever loss might happen would all be on me.
So, without too much delay, I attempted to find a qualified appraiser and gain an appointment in short order. No easy feat here in the mitten state. The quickest thing available found me in Bay City yesterday, and the appraisal was done in about an hour. With all of two weeks now having slipped between my fingers, I must get this bunch of papers back to the AQS gang soon.
The next step is to ship PQ1 to Kentucky, then cross my fingers and say my prayers. August 14th can't get here soon enough! More later, peeps - have a quilty day. :)
P.S. Thanks, Jean, for driving the final leg! I had a fun time meeting your cousin and her son, Doris and Nick, too.
7.01.2013
FINALLY
Today the humtididdity (make that "humidity") is low enough to paint and finish the long wall I have been dying to complete (and then repair and paint) - since forever. However, I also absolutely must finish up a bit of quilting I've had to put off because of the recent sticky, crappy weather.
Aaaargh! I hate this sort of conundrum. I really must get after both of these activities since this lovely, workable weather won't be with us for long.
I am stymied by the lack of hours in a day.
Well, since I now have an appointment with a quilt appraiser in order to complete paperwork for my AQS entry, I suppose the quilting bit should take priority. And, I suppose I can live with the fact that I did manage to spend some time cleaning, dusting, sanding, cleaning again, taping off and mudding newly found areas of craptasticness along the wall to be painted, so I guess I really did manage to stick my mitts in the house repair stuff - even though it wasn't the actual applying of color that I so wanted to get to. [sniff]
Dagnabbit and darnitalmighty!
I now give myself permission to touch the quilting!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Oh, did I remember to say that one of my quilts made it into an AQS contest?!? Wahoo!!!!
Aaaargh! I hate this sort of conundrum. I really must get after both of these activities since this lovely, workable weather won't be with us for long.
I am stymied by the lack of hours in a day.
Well, since I now have an appointment with a quilt appraiser in order to complete paperwork for my AQS entry, I suppose the quilting bit should take priority. And, I suppose I can live with the fact that I did manage to spend some time cleaning, dusting, sanding, cleaning again, taping off and mudding newly found areas of craptasticness along the wall to be painted, so I guess I really did manage to stick my mitts in the house repair stuff - even though it wasn't the actual applying of color that I so wanted to get to. [sniff]
Dagnabbit and darnitalmighty!
I now give myself permission to touch the quilting!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Oh, did I remember to say that one of my quilts made it into an AQS contest?!? Wahoo!!!!
6.26.2013
May as well
Two days ago I received notification that my PQ1 had been juried in to a quilt competition! Although I have already blogged about it on the other page (www.truenorthquilter.blogspot.com), I felt I may as well add a word here, too.
I totally expected to see another "no thanks, but good luck in the future" letter in the mailbox, as happened earlier this year. That rejection note appeared on the day the AQS stated they would begin mailing out notification letters...so I was prepared to see the early bird envelope in my mailbox last week. I truly was.
Not that I was being a fatalist, mind you, but I suspected the minds behind the jurying of quilts into/out of competition for the AQS were skewed in regards to PQ1. In fact, I had already begun accumulating a list of new shows to enter it into in hopes of having it seen further afield than my own backyard.
So it was with some curiosity (and major trepidation) that I checked the mailbox (some six hours after the delivery truck drove off), only to find absolutely nothing in regards to the quilt show. Same thing on Saturday - so I went through the weekend trying really hard to not think of it in any way, shape, or form. Then Monday arrived.
Brian snagged the mail and brought it to the house saying, "You have something from AQS."
My heart skipped.
"Is it thick or thin?" I asked him.
"It's neither, sort of. It's a large flat envelope," he answered, and I flew up the stairs.
It was a strange way to send a "no thank you" note, so I let myself become a little excited.
"CONGRATULATIONS! The jury has accepted your entry, [PQ1]: Let It Begin With Me, for further consideration in the 2013 AQS Quilt Week contest in Grand Rapids, MI....Your contestant name badge and ribbon are enclosed," the top page read. Yippee!
OK, so after receiving hugs from Bud, and crying a bit, I poured over everything in the packet - over and over and over. Later, I sent out a quick text to family and friends to let them know it's finally happened, and then began receiving texts and calls of congratulations. It was a good day.
I now need to completely remove ALL signs of cat hair from the quilt, check it over and clip stray threads, then make a small adjustment to the sleeve I have been thinking of making (to make the corners and sides hang without waving at all). Once that's done there are other items to deal with...and a small mound of paperwork to immediately fill out and send back before the quilt is packed up and shipped to AQS.
Holy Moses! Guess I may as well get back to work then, eh? :)
Anyhow, that's my week so far, hope your week is going well. More another time.
I totally expected to see another "no thanks, but good luck in the future" letter in the mailbox, as happened earlier this year. That rejection note appeared on the day the AQS stated they would begin mailing out notification letters...so I was prepared to see the early bird envelope in my mailbox last week. I truly was.
Not that I was being a fatalist, mind you, but I suspected the minds behind the jurying of quilts into/out of competition for the AQS were skewed in regards to PQ1. In fact, I had already begun accumulating a list of new shows to enter it into in hopes of having it seen further afield than my own backyard.
So it was with some curiosity (and major trepidation) that I checked the mailbox (some six hours after the delivery truck drove off), only to find absolutely nothing in regards to the quilt show. Same thing on Saturday - so I went through the weekend trying really hard to not think of it in any way, shape, or form. Then Monday arrived.
Brian snagged the mail and brought it to the house saying, "You have something from AQS."
My heart skipped.
"Is it thick or thin?" I asked him.
"It's neither, sort of. It's a large flat envelope," he answered, and I flew up the stairs.
It was a strange way to send a "no thank you" note, so I let myself become a little excited.
"CONGRATULATIONS! The jury has accepted your entry, [PQ1]: Let It Begin With Me, for further consideration in the 2013 AQS Quilt Week contest in Grand Rapids, MI....Your contestant name badge and ribbon are enclosed," the top page read. Yippee!
OK, so after receiving hugs from Bud, and crying a bit, I poured over everything in the packet - over and over and over. Later, I sent out a quick text to family and friends to let them know it's finally happened, and then began receiving texts and calls of congratulations. It was a good day.
I now need to completely remove ALL signs of cat hair from the quilt, check it over and clip stray threads, then make a small adjustment to the sleeve I have been thinking of making (to make the corners and sides hang without waving at all). Once that's done there are other items to deal with...and a small mound of paperwork to immediately fill out and send back before the quilt is packed up and shipped to AQS.
Holy Moses! Guess I may as well get back to work then, eh? :)
Anyhow, that's my week so far, hope your week is going well. More another time.
6.21.2013
And the winner is.....
..."Polished Leather."
Yup. The paint color preferred this time for the long south wall is a very dark (but not black), deep purple-to-brown. The difference being: THIS time, the entire length of the wall will be all one dark, rich, gorgeous color, and will be completed all at the same time.
*Crap*
I just managed to burst my own happiness bubble by remembering I also have to paint the ceiling in the dining area - as well as the living room - before I can call it 'done.'
Ah, well. One step at a time, I guess. One step at a time.
Polished Leather is going to look snappy with a quilt and several wonderful enlarged photographs, by yours truly, hanging all over it. But I have to hurry along, now. If I'm not quick about it, the coming heatwave is going to zap my momentum, I just know it, and this little project could sit undone for another [name the time frame].
Finger's crossed, photos later.
Yup. The paint color preferred this time for the long south wall is a very dark (but not black), deep purple-to-brown. The difference being: THIS time, the entire length of the wall will be all one dark, rich, gorgeous color, and will be completed all at the same time.
*Crap*
I just managed to burst my own happiness bubble by remembering I also have to paint the ceiling in the dining area - as well as the living room - before I can call it 'done.'
Ah, well. One step at a time, I guess. One step at a time.
Polished Leather is going to look snappy with a quilt and several wonderful enlarged photographs, by yours truly, hanging all over it. But I have to hurry along, now. If I'm not quick about it, the coming heatwave is going to zap my momentum, I just know it, and this little project could sit undone for another [name the time frame].
Finger's crossed, photos later.
5.18.2013
Huh
Is been a week already....really? A whole week since the last entry?
Huh.
[scratch, scratch, flick]
Heading upstairs to take advantage of the tremendous daylight - and the comfortable height of the kitchen counter - to cut something in the line of one thousand new pieces for the quilt in process (QIP). Maybe more. As the remaining requirement is something like 13,500 ('cuz I already have another thousand or so cut and at the ready), perhaps I should aim at cutting a 'few' more than a grand today.
New row = new additions to the color palette. Many, many new additions.
Let's see how the day goes, shall we?
Huh.
[scratch, scratch, flick]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Heading upstairs to take advantage of the tremendous daylight - and the comfortable height of the kitchen counter - to cut something in the line of one thousand new pieces for the quilt in process (QIP). Maybe more. As the remaining requirement is something like 13,500 ('cuz I already have another thousand or so cut and at the ready), perhaps I should aim at cutting a 'few' more than a grand today.
New row = new additions to the color palette. Many, many new additions.
Let's see how the day goes, shall we?
5.05.2013
Another bright, lovely spring day
Will there be a piper to pay in the near future for all of this delightful weather?
It could stay exactly like it has been for the remainder of the year for all I care. Not hot (except for the upper 70s Tuesday or Wednesday of last week) and not too cool. Perfectly pleasant!
I dislike hot temperatures, and I grew exceedingly weary this past winter of grey, doldrum-y frigidiness. Something warmer than 55*F and cooler than 74*F is optimal; add sunshine, a drizzle here and there and you have the best weather pattern EVER! Why can't that be the norm? Where can a gal find such happiness?
Yesterday was picture-perfect, and I spent it with friends in Grand Ledge for a community concert, then at lunch, then in a quilt shop, and on the road. By the time I returned home there was dinner to make for 'boy junior' and jobs to look over for a bit. Then I capped the day with a smidge of daydreaming over what is to come on the large new quilt project (which I had a small angsty guilting session over, not having touched at all yesterday).
This morning, I settled in to watch Joel Osteen's sermon. Once done, I began cleaning up the latest mountains of 'decision' I had created since last weekend; all the materials pondered over, cut from, discarded, etc., etc., in the pursuit of finishing up row one.
I found I had somehow succeeded in amassing three separate groupings of material in different areas around the sewing area (and in it, too). I really needed to get it back under control...and locate everything I had formally had in some sort of order. I found things I knew I had but couldn't locate when I wanted it, so I now know I must be even more diligent about maintaining order whilst laying out the blocks.
There was a lot to put back in order, too. Too much, in fact.
On the plus side, the color pool is expanding by leaps and bounds, and I have worked my way over into the upper right-hand corner which contains a vast amount of blues, and several muddy reddish bits. So my little one-inch-square spectrum continues to grow!
I have decided my aim shall be to stay pro-actively ahead of the color curve requirements (if that's at all possible with this monster), and to scope out the next 100 pieces to see if I have cut and at the ready most of what will be needed. If not, then I will get to work ironing, measuring and cutting dozens upon dozens of little squares of what looks right and stacking them into little towers in my 'color palette.'
It's all good intentions on my part, mind you, so we shall see if I can keep up with it for the next thousand pieces. The cutting is tedious, and I most decidedly would rather be assembling the silly squares than cutting, cutting, cutting. But it has to be done at some point, right? 16,000+ pieces don't make themselves.
Yeesh!
Enjoy your day, whatever you will be doing. Revel in the wonderful weather!
It could stay exactly like it has been for the remainder of the year for all I care. Not hot (except for the upper 70s Tuesday or Wednesday of last week) and not too cool. Perfectly pleasant!
I dislike hot temperatures, and I grew exceedingly weary this past winter of grey, doldrum-y frigidiness. Something warmer than 55*F and cooler than 74*F is optimal; add sunshine, a drizzle here and there and you have the best weather pattern EVER! Why can't that be the norm? Where can a gal find such happiness?
Yesterday was picture-perfect, and I spent it with friends in Grand Ledge for a community concert, then at lunch, then in a quilt shop, and on the road. By the time I returned home there was dinner to make for 'boy junior' and jobs to look over for a bit. Then I capped the day with a smidge of daydreaming over what is to come on the large new quilt project (which I had a small angsty guilting session over, not having touched at all yesterday).
This morning, I settled in to watch Joel Osteen's sermon. Once done, I began cleaning up the latest mountains of 'decision' I had created since last weekend; all the materials pondered over, cut from, discarded, etc., etc., in the pursuit of finishing up row one.
I found I had somehow succeeded in amassing three separate groupings of material in different areas around the sewing area (and in it, too). I really needed to get it back under control...and locate everything I had formally had in some sort of order. I found things I knew I had but couldn't locate when I wanted it, so I now know I must be even more diligent about maintaining order whilst laying out the blocks.
There was a lot to put back in order, too. Too much, in fact.
On the plus side, the color pool is expanding by leaps and bounds, and I have worked my way over into the upper right-hand corner which contains a vast amount of blues, and several muddy reddish bits. So my little one-inch-square spectrum continues to grow!
I have decided my aim shall be to stay pro-actively ahead of the color curve requirements (if that's at all possible with this monster), and to scope out the next 100 pieces to see if I have cut and at the ready most of what will be needed. If not, then I will get to work ironing, measuring and cutting dozens upon dozens of little squares of what looks right and stacking them into little towers in my 'color palette.'
It's all good intentions on my part, mind you, so we shall see if I can keep up with it for the next thousand pieces. The cutting is tedious, and I most decidedly would rather be assembling the silly squares than cutting, cutting, cutting. But it has to be done at some point, right? 16,000+ pieces don't make themselves.
Yeesh!
Enjoy your day, whatever you will be doing. Revel in the wonderful weather!
3.26.2013
OK, back to work
Feeling peckish (and craving pizza) I left my current project on the table and headed to the kitchen where I created a masterpiece in a skillet!
Sadly, I discovered the larder was out of tomato paste (how did that happen?), and was running low on naan (a soft flat bread - for those non-foodies out there), but we had two naan remaining with which to make pizza for Karl and myself, so that was all that mattered for the moment!
I slivered onion and julienned artichoke hearts, then sauteed them together in a smattering of olive oil. Oh, baby!
While the sauteing commenced, I mixed up a poor boy's pizza sauce using a small amount (about 1/2 cup) of a good, plain tomato sauce. Had it been too watery I was prepared to reduce it a smidge, but fortunately I buy a good-quality store brand, no additives or do-dads included....so, yea!
And yes, I chose sauce (in the absence of my beloved paste) over some other form of tomato pulp product.
Before you ask "why tomato sauce and not your usual go-to of crushed tomatoes?" - I'll tell you. ANY other form of tomato pulp is too wet to begin with. Even after straining crushed tomatoes they would still be too wet for this sort of food....plus, why waste all of that tomato-y goodness when you don't have to?
Grabbed my mortar and pestle and ground up a mixture of anise, a shake of red pepper, anise, oregano, anise, fennel seed, basil, anise, basil, and a couple turns of freshly ground pepper (we don't call it black pepper in this house because not all the peppercorns in our pepper mix are black). Added the ground rub and roughly a teaspoon of minced garlic (maybe more - OK, yeah, it was more) to the tomato sauce, and stood there like a doofus waiting to spread it over the warm naan.
Meanwhile, I started another skillet on med-to-low-medium heat; wiped the surface with a dab of olive oil and lightly heated the first side of a naan loaf. Once the naan was turned, I spooned half of the tomato sauce mix over the warmed surface of the bread then liberally covered it with shredded "pizza mix" cheese (monty jack, mozzarella, and a bit of Parmesan).
Spooned the now sauteed veggies onto the pizza, then quickly added wedges of hard salami over the entire thing (nope, we had no pepperoni). By this time the cheese was melted beautifully which only helped to heat up the salami pieces, too.
Called Karl out to grab half of the first pizza, and we both smiled as we bit into a crunchy bottom and a chewy top!
Now I have to try and stop thinking about that pizza as I sit back down at the sewing machine.
Yeah, right.
Sadly, I discovered the larder was out of tomato paste (how did that happen?), and was running low on naan (a soft flat bread - for those non-foodies out there), but we had two naan remaining with which to make pizza for Karl and myself, so that was all that mattered for the moment!
I slivered onion and julienned artichoke hearts, then sauteed them together in a smattering of olive oil. Oh, baby!
While the sauteing commenced, I mixed up a poor boy's pizza sauce using a small amount (about 1/2 cup) of a good, plain tomato sauce. Had it been too watery I was prepared to reduce it a smidge, but fortunately I buy a good-quality store brand, no additives or do-dads included....so, yea!
And yes, I chose sauce (in the absence of my beloved paste) over some other form of tomato pulp product.
Before you ask "why tomato sauce and not your usual go-to of crushed tomatoes?" - I'll tell you. ANY other form of tomato pulp is too wet to begin with. Even after straining crushed tomatoes they would still be too wet for this sort of food....plus, why waste all of that tomato-y goodness when you don't have to?
Grabbed my mortar and pestle and ground up a mixture of anise, a shake of red pepper, anise, oregano, anise, fennel seed, basil, anise, basil, and a couple turns of freshly ground pepper (we don't call it black pepper in this house because not all the peppercorns in our pepper mix are black). Added the ground rub and roughly a teaspoon of minced garlic (maybe more - OK, yeah, it was more) to the tomato sauce, and stood there like a doofus waiting to spread it over the warm naan.
Meanwhile, I started another skillet on med-to-low-medium heat; wiped the surface with a dab of olive oil and lightly heated the first side of a naan loaf. Once the naan was turned, I spooned half of the tomato sauce mix over the warmed surface of the bread then liberally covered it with shredded "pizza mix" cheese (monty jack, mozzarella, and a bit of Parmesan).
Spooned the now sauteed veggies onto the pizza, then quickly added wedges of hard salami over the entire thing (nope, we had no pepperoni). By this time the cheese was melted beautifully which only helped to heat up the salami pieces, too.
Called Karl out to grab half of the first pizza, and we both smiled as we bit into a crunchy bottom and a chewy top!
Now I have to try and stop thinking about that pizza as I sit back down at the sewing machine.
Yeah, right.
3.20.2013
Whoooo boy!
After having just spent more than 4.5 hours helping Bud re-write his resume, I need a drink!
I don't think tea is going to cut it.
Bartender!
I don't think tea is going to cut it.
Bartender!
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