Challenged

Well, okay... I'm challenged in many ways. I can't crochet, I've never been able to do a cartwheel. But that's not the kind of challenge I'm referring to in the title. No, I'm talking about Diet Challenge 2009 with Sharon at Red Geranium Cottage. "Are you woman enough?" asked Sharon. "Heck, Yes!" I replied. And I joined a long list of others who are dedicating 2009 to getting fit(ter) and losing weight. Click on the picture in the sidebar (right) to find out more about this challenge. Thanks, Sharon, for inspiring us all!

The other challenge I'm facing this year is to start my Master's degree. I took a couple of courses a few years ago then started to reassess whether I actually wanted to invest the time and money in a degree that wouldn't increase my pay. I put it on hold because I really wasn't sure what I should do. Lately, though, I've had a resurgence of interest in furthering my education, not because it will allow me to make more money or secure a better position, but for my own interest and satisfaction. I love learning new things, whether it be a quilting technique, a new dance or whatever. The idea of taking courses for the next couple of years is exhiliarating! Crazy? Maybe, but I'm pretty excited about it. And the best thing about it is that I don't have to quit my job; I can take all the courses online - and it's not from an unknown college or university. The program is actually offered at the same university where I took my BA and my B.Ed so I know it to be a reputable school. My application is due January 31, so I'd better get moving on it!

And... I've been working on couple of little projects, inspired by Jane at Posy. She had posted pictures of a Union Jack pillow she'd made from floral fabrics. I thought it was the cutest thing and, being British myself, I felt I needed one too. I stayed true to the colours and produced this:

I'm now making one for my mum. The fabric in hers is delicious! I'll post a pic when it's all done and in the mail to her.

Finally, the first quilt project I hope to complete this year is "Snowman in the Woods". It's from the November/December 03 issue of Quiltmaker magazine. I bought a beautiful snowflake batik a couple of years ago, specifically for this quilt but it stayed locked away until I was ready to tacke the pattern (and had learned how to paper piece). I think it's time!

I'll be making the larger, 25-block version. I'll let you know how it progresses. I've already started cutting out the pieces and strips, but the next couple of weeks at work will be crazy and I know I'll be bringing home marking to do in the evenings. Sometimes life gets in the way of the fun, doesn't it?