Project Updates:

In case you forgot, here's how to do it...

It's even better if you do it on paper...

So what did I learn this past week:

• It's really hard to get everything done that you planned to do during a long weekend. I was going full-steam until Monday (President's Day) then I was slowed down by crappy weather, assisting my sister with her move, and a SXSW volunteer meeting.
  
• I had to go to a meeting at the EPA Region 6 office in Dallas. I was able to use some of the things I learned in the interpersonal skills class that I took two weeks ago. I also had to remind myself that this was not a conference call and I could no longer scowl and fidget when listening to the EPA project officer.
• I found a Simplicity pattern that had the worse instruction guide ever. The jacket I was working on had been put aside due to complications with the instructions. I got stuck when it came to attaching the collar and front lining. I called mom for assistance. We spent a few hours of quality time working on the jacket. I managed to finish up the rest on my own (almost finished, I have to hem it.

• Sewing: Still working on the jacket and messenger bag. They are very close to done.
  
• Pants: In progress. My hope is to wrap everything up before SXSW starts. Then I will send my overworked sewing machine to the shop for a tune-up.
  

Still working like crazy so this will be short...

What did I learn this past week?

• I took an interpersonal skills class last week. My co-workers and I subtitled the course, "How to manipulate the weak". It was about personality typing mainly (you must understand who you are dealing with in order to communicate effectively with them). Apparently I am Analytical/Driven (Not on the touchy-feely side of the chart at all. More on the cold-hearted-bitch/runs with scissors side of the chart). My favorite part of the class was the section on "style flexing" where you use certain strong parts of your personality to your advantage when communicating with certain types of people.
  

• Spinsta: many pairs of pants left to go. Em challenged me by asking for pockets and beltloops.
• Sewing: I am learning how to use more stitches on my sewing machine. I altered some shirts for my friend Hannah. My jacket is coming along slowly (I got sidetracked by another project. I want to make a messenger bag. Way better than the last one. Sort of like the Timbuk2 messenger bags but with more pockets.
  

Yes, Jell-o really has its own week.

And yes, the update is late once again. I have been really busy.

Projects!

• Cooking: I did a bunch of cooking last weekend. It was mainly to generate enough leftovers for lunches and dinners this week.
• Sewing: working on MANY pairs of pants and a jacket.

More evil things created by MS... Another thing is the fact that executives can't do their own. Instead they pass them on to us underlings to create.

What did I learn this past week?

• I have been nicknamed "the ferret" at work. Why? Because of my ability drive things out of hiding.
  
• It's possible to stay in the house all weekend long. Hooray for hermiting.

• Sewing: I removed my pile of sewing backlog. Samara finished her pants. I will have her send in a picture of herself wearing the pants. I also cut out 8 pairs of pants and a jacket.
• Finances: I started my Roth IRA account. I have very little trust in the state retirement system and social security. I am still trying to figure out how to be independently wealthy (or atleast survive without having roommates ever again).
  

So, I am a little late with the update. I have been busy

What did I learn this past week?

• Turning 29 didn't really make that much of an impact on me last week. I am still the same person. We will see what 30 does next year.
• I don't like working on political projects. It leaves me less time for slacking at work.
• You can sew snaps with a sewing machine (this is a little dangerous).
• You are never too old to pull and all-nighter. I had a sewing project that I REALLY wanted to be over.
• My tollerance for alcohol is way low. A mex-mart and a margarita was too much on my birthday.

• Sewing: I finished my for-profit project and did a little more work on my shirt.