Space Shuttle

I just had to see the space shuttle launch. Yesterday at 6:21 AM EST the space shuttle Discovery took off. I heard about this launch the day before and was hesitant to wake up that early to see anything. But I figured since we are now in single digit launches for the program I might as well take this opportunity. It was fantastic. I saw one last year from St. Augustine but it was during the day from the Intercoastal.

This one lit up the pre-dawn sky. It was like a big ball of fire in the sky. Being roughly 45 miles away and on a hotel balcony I had no issues with watching the show. I had to hit the coffee brew button because I could barely pry my eyes open with a hack saw but it was worth it.

I recommend to everyone that has yet to see one don't miss the next 3 launches. Especially if they will launch one prior to sunrise.

Again, a once in a lifetime experience for everyone.

Blogging Again

I have a few moments free to jot down some of the latest happenings. I did finish my first afghan-a-month project. It was the picture of the teal, brown & soft white afghan. It does not have a home yet but I am certain it will get placed somewhere. I am also still excited about my upcoming trip to Disney. I can't wait to get in some PIN TRADING. I finally received all the pins I ordered so I have over 50 for trading in 3 days.

To the side you will see the first pin I ever purchased. It is an expandable Mickey Mouse head. The pictures on the inside are of Walt and the original Mickey. I paid $11 for this pin. You can see it pictured pinned on my pin trading collector bag. It looks like a prop right from Indiana Jones. I head out next week, so wish me luck. I even found a great little hotel not far that is pretty inexpensive.

Disney Pin Trading

Alright, I have a new hobby now. Disney Pin Trading. I am addicted. It is a pretty expensive hobby but it is so much fun. You in essence buy pins and then trade them with cast members for other pins you think you would like more. I am building a collection. I now have over 200 but I am not at collector status. I think it would take at least 1000 to get to that status.

Over to the side is one of my favorite pins. I call it a stacked pin. It is depicting the movie "Finding Nemo". This one I actually bought at Disney's Animal Kingdom park outside of Rafiki's Area. If you can tell that it is stacked with the Nemo (Disney) character and then the ocean flora as well. I warn you now. This hobby is addictive. It can be known to empty your pockets a bit. But if you are like me and enjoy doing something that is pretty stress free while getting to meet cool people I say, GO FOR IT. I certainly did.

Afghan a Month

My goal for crochet this year is to complete an afghan a month until December. I have entirely too much yarn and this will be just one way to get rid of some of it. : ) My charity group has afghans as the project for Spring so if I can turn in a few by May that will help me find good homes. The remainder will serve as presents. I will invest in some giant size zip lock bags to store them. Here is my start for the project.

The afghan you see here is made up with three striking colors. Chocolate, Soft white and teal. I found this pattern in the latest Crochet Today Magazine. By using left over yarn, I should have a 45 x 55 blanket. I hope the colors show up for you to see.

Toy Society

I was surfing the Internet and saw an article about something called the Toy Society. I actually love the idea. You make toys and hide them in different areas for children to find. I think it is a great way to put a little sunshine back into the world today. And because I am an avid crocheter this should be pretty easy to do. Not to mention there are no commitments. I have tons and tons of yarn that needs to be used. Might as find a worthwhile effort. You can check them out here. I did notice that most of the toys dropped seemed to be outside of the US. I wonder how individuals might feel finding something that they are not quite understanding of but I will try a couple and see how it pans out. If we can brighten just one kids day I think that would be wonderful.

Day 1

How uncreative is that title? Well this is day one of my blogging. I decided to start a new one to showcase my hobbies, interests, and life in general. I really do not want this blog to be about my career. I want to focus away from that and get on some of my outside activities that I have picked up.

To start, I have gotten on the work out bandwagon. I started prior to the New Year so luckily it has stuck with me. I am a proud member of Lifetime Fitness and have a personal trainer. It is building some discipline I never knew I had. 3 to 4 times a week, and some pretty tough work outs. 11 pounds and 10 inches down already in 2 months. I have found that diligence is the key.

Another goal for this blog will be to track my transformation in a healthier and slimmer ME.

Later,