What's the German word for 'Headache'?

Because I can feel one developing even as I attempt to keep my cool.

Just once I'd like the world to operate in a sane and logical manner.

Apparently, I was supposed to work last night.....only no one told me, and no one thought to call me either. So my co-worker had to work a double, and I felt terrible and torqued all at once. I could really have used those hours. Plus, why did no one tell me? All my supervisor said when I told her I was available to work that day was "ok", which is what she normally says to acknowledge that I said something. She didn't say, "Ok, I'll put you on the schedule" or anything.

On top of that, her supervisor apparently didn't tell her about my time-off notice for my trip to see my dad, because she brought the schedule for the next two weeks and had me scheduled to work the day I fly out and the day after that! Now, I did as she told me to, she told me to inform him of the days I'd need off, so why didn't he let her know? Since she's the one that does the scheduling?

Plus, he's supposedly hired two new people, which is mental when we already have to double up on one shift at one of the locations!

More and more I think I really need to get a new job. I had planned on holding off until I could drop the application for the job in Germany, but I'm not sure if things will work out that way. Especially since, even if I get that job, I won't be over there until May or June. Of course, my frustration is based largely off how little people care about their employees, but hey, there's nothing I can do about that, is there?

As long as I'm making a half-way decent pay-check here, I'll stick with it. It's not a terrible job, and it pays the few bills I have (although, let's be honest, if I didn't live with my Granma, I'd literally have to choose between utilities and food, and that's if I was working a full 40hrs a week).

Sorry, I know you guys aren't on here to read my ranting.

So, I'm almost finished with Granma's shawl. I'd have finished it last week except I can't knit at work anymore. After that, I have to get my step-mother's cowl on the needles so I can get if finished. I'd rather work on my shawl, or mom's socks, but mom understands that I might not get it done in time. I really need to get some more stuff put up on Etsy, but I just haven't felt like making anything. I've got the stuff and the ideas, and I want nothing to do with any of it right now.

It's that massive headache I mentioned at the top of the post.

But, all hope is not lost! Starting January, I'll starting knitting for next Christmas, that way, by the time Christmas rolls around, I'll have everything ready. And my headache will be cut in half.

Hopefully, next year I'll be posting from Germany. Say a prayer for me, please? Hopefully everything works out.

Anyway, thanks for reading, and feel free to drop me a message!

Yours always,
Tara

A tiny Irish apparition and the dramatics that can come with my job

I've recently added a few new things to my little ( for now) collection of Catholic odds and ends. I've bought a small statue of Our Lady of Grace, the Shining Lights doll version of Our Lady of Knock, and tomorrow or Monday (depending on when I make it over there) I'm going to pick up a small statue of St. Patrick from Saints and Shamrocks. I'm actually kind of hoping they'll have St. Barbara as well, but if not, that's fine.

I also bought a second Shining Lights St. Nicholas. I figured it would be a good gift for Little Bird, while not being too Catholic, which would bother my mom. St. Nicholas and St. Patrick, she could probably live with. Maybe even St. Francis, though I'm not willing to bet on it. But um....any one else? Especially one of the Apparition dolls (Marian apparitions from around the world)....yeah, no. That's just a little too Catholic for my mother, I'm sure.

She gave away Christmas ornaments from Ettal Abbey because they had the Madonna and Child on them! I mean, okay, so they went to a friend whose family is Catholic, but still! Simple gold colored ornaments with the Madonna and Child. They were a set, two royal blue ones with the Abbey on them, two gold ones with the Madonna and Child. Explain to me why the Abbey is acceptable but the Madonna and Child is not?

Anyway, my huffing and puffing aside, I'm hoping that I didn't make a mistake and misjudge it....but mom knows I like the more traditional St. Nicholas figure (and always have) so hopefully it won't be a problem.

Oh! The drama of my job! So, first off, I'm not a secretary, but, for some reason, the wisdom of the people here says I am to answer the phone. Keep in mind, I don't know half of what we offer here, and I have trouble finding everything for the other half. So, I had a lady call wanting information I didn't have, and instead of someone taking and picking up the phone to take the call, I'm given a convoluted set of instructions on how to get to the information. Needless to say, it didn't work. And then! Not to long ago, I had a lady call her ride, loudly, asking where where they and didn't they realize she needed to be picked up 40 minutes ago, and they know that's when she needed to be picked up!

Ah, such fun.

I'll be honest, I like my job, even if the climate control leaves something to be desired and the communication breakdown is of epic proportions. I do still like my job, but some days.....some days would be better with something stronger than coffee.

Yours always,
Tara

A Truly Brilliant morning!

I decided to go to mass this morning, despite a late night (12:50) and having gone yesterday and I'm so glad that I did!

Immediately following mass I ran outside to put a quarter in the meter (mass ends about 7 minutes before 8, which is when the meter starts to really be an issue) and met a lovely lady who I shall simply refer to as Aunt D. Aunt D is new, and moving here shortly. I actually saw her at mass yesterday, but I was in a rush yesterday (bad Tara!) and didn't say anything. Today though, it turned out really well.

While we where talking, I was led to give her the Our Lady Star of the Sea chaplet that I made. I paid the meter and went inside to sit in front of Mother Mary and finish the rosary I had started to say before mass began (I can usual get a decade or so in before mass starts), and then Aunt D and I went to breakfast.

There's this really nice Parker's on Drayton that I call the Fancy Parker's because it's got all sorts of little gourmet or really high quality food items, and we went there and had breakfast. It was really nice because we sat and talked for about an hour before I showed her where Saints and Shamrocks (the closest thing we have to a Catholic bookstore, as far as I know) and then parted ways.

There are two things that make this whole thing so fantastic! Number one is how happy Aunt D was! She loved the chaplet! And was so happy to just sit and talk over breakfast. Second great thing is that I got an aunt out of it! I love when you just click with people and become friends! And when you become family? Brilliant!

Of course, I'm at work now. Speaking of! I just picked up 8 more hours so I am officially full time again! Isn't that great? And my boss and I have already talked about me having Tuesdays off come September for the RCIA classes.

There's also a place not to far from the church that has beginner's Irish dance classes about an hour before the RCIA classes, so I'm hoping I can take that, and the RCIA, plus pick up a class or two for the fall mini-mester at STC.

Yeah, I gave up on trying to be really sneaky about where I'm at. Anyone who knows South Georgia worth a fig knows where the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is. No point hiding it. I live within easy driving distance of Savannah, Ga.

Anyway. Aunt D and I also saw the strangest thing while in the Fancy Parker's. Giant Wooden Rosary beads. And I don't mean like the ones you get for teaching toddlers to pray the rosary (no, I'm not secretly looking at baby stuff in the hopes of one day having progeny of my own despite telling my parents and everyone else that I am "never having kids", not at all *pfft*) I mean like 4 1/2- 5 ft long rosaries made of 1/4 in to 1/2in wooden beads and a 2 1/2 in long crucifix. And it was white.

Weirdo that I am, I'm tempted to go back and get one, just because it's such an interesting rosary, though I'll be honest, I'd probably have it a week before attacking it with brightly colored acrylics. Either way, I'm leaving it be for now. I can probably make one myself, or find one else where cheaper.

Aunt D also gave me a lovely turquois and gold rosary over breakfast. We were talking about it (because of the giant wooden ones) and I mentioned my strange relationship with rosaries (I partially blame them for the fact that I'm converting) and she just pulled it out and gave it to me. It was nice. I'm going to pray with it tonight just for her.

We talked about a lot of things. Her daughter, my mother, my pub that I want to open, her parents, and it was brilliant! I'm so glad that it happened. Nothing like this ever happened while I was attending the Baptist church. I feel like today is just a taste of what might be in my future if I allow it to be.

I'm also incredibly thankful for second chances, because I could have given it to her yesterday, but because of my nervousness and rushing I missed the chance. But God and Mother Mary (yes, I know she had a hand in this whole thing, it's got her name written all over it!) knew that we both needed this, and it all worked out!

Aunt D is headed back to her home to tie up lose ends, and then she'll be moving to Savannah and I'm so excited! It'll be nice to know someone at the Cathedral when I go (Besides Mr. J, I mean. I don't see him every time). I'm thinking about maybe inviting Father Shrek over for dinner one day, but that I think can wait for a little while. It's not like I live alone, after all, and my granma might be opposed to that. I don't think she would be, but it's best to make sure, you know?

Downside to the new hours is that I have to reschedule my appointment with the tattoo artist. I don't really mind to much, I mean, those hours will help me out a lot, but at the same time, I'm really interested in seeing what she did with my (really pitiful) rough draft. and to talk color. Of course, H is still a little disappointed that I haven't gone to see her guy (because he's the best, obviously) but I like this place. It's where I got my first tattoo (same artist too) and I was really pleased with it. It's also really close to the mall, so when I (inevitably) get the munchies after getting inked, I have lots of options.

Also, I'm almost finished with the stole! I'm a little more than half-way through the crocheted edging and boy does that make me feel like I'm all thumbs! I miss my knitting needles! It's been a while since I last crocheted anything, so I feel so awkward! But it's good practice for that sweater I really want to make. As soon as I finish I'm going to finish the other bootie and then make my socks! Then a pair of mittens and a hat, followed by Christmas knitting! I've got the yarn and the pattern for a lovely butterfly shawl for my granma (she loves butterflies) and that's where I'll start. Then socks for Sasquatch, and part one of the knitted advent calendar, that is to say, the garland it sits on. Hopefully by then I'll have money again and can buy the yarn for Little Bird's Christmas stocking and P's socks, as well as the eyelash yarn for Little Bird's dress. I've also still got to make her pumpkin hat. That, thankfully, will not be as bad as that awful cabbage patch hat.

Wow, I've written a lot tonight. I am so sorry. You are all wonderful for reading this far!

So, question time! Have you ever had something happen that just had Mother Mary's hand-writing all over it? Have you ever had a priest over for dinner before? Let me know! I'd love to hear from you!

Yours always,
Tara

4 Months!

I asked my mother earlier if she had any idea what she wanted for Christmas and her answer was "That's five months away!"

Four months! And about 22 days, but that's not the point! If I want even a chance to finish my Christmas knitting by then I need to start now! I'm not the fastest knitter. I mean, okay, I can make a pair of baby mittens in an 8hr work day, but that's hardly the point!

Am I the only one freaking out over Christmas?

In other news, I bought the last few pieces for the St. Dymphna chaplet I'm making for my sister. I also have plans for a Our Lady Star of the Sea chaplet and a rosary with St. Joan of Arc as the center. I need to get some bronze chain for the OL Star of the Sea chaplet.

My sister is planning on trying to come down in October for Little Bird's birth, but apparently is struggling with impulse spending. Of course, this is as opposed to her hurting herself, so a little over-spending, as long as she's not going in debt, is a good thing.

I've been trying to budget out my money for next payday. I'm thinking of canceling my membership with ancestry.com. They make it look so easy, but honestly all I've gotten out of it is a headache. I'd much rather spend that money on knitting patterns and yarn if I'm not going to get anywhere with it. I mean, I was expecting birth certificates and marriage licenses(and there are a few of the later) but most of their "info" comes from census data and that stuff is terrible to work with! Especially if you're in the South prior to 1920! So my search for family roots is a flop, and I don't really care. I'm going to talk with my Great-grandma....possibly.

I love my great-grandmother, but she thinks everyone is out to get her, and almost every time she opens her mouth, sewage comes out. If you lead the conversation, like I'd have to, she's usually not so bad. Even so, not fun.

Oh! Have you seen these? Plush St. Patrick and Plush OL Star of the Sea ? Oh my gosh! These are just too sweet! I love these! They're so cute and so simple, and they would be so great for kids because they're soft and accessible! There are probably more variation out there, but those are the two that I found first and just LOVED!

I'm still disappointed about the cathedral. Aside from the aesthetics, it's also, schedule wise, a bit better for me. This, of course, is because it is the cathedral and is also right in the heart of Savannah, which means it offers mass more frequently during the day. For example, I won't be able to attend Friday morning mass at any of the locations because I'm helping my granma, but I can attend afternoon mass.

The down side, of course, is the sheer number of people that attend on Sundays and Holy Days (and let's not even touch upon St. Pat's) which, for little ole me, is quite terrifying. Not exactly high up on my list of things to do.

Either way, one step at a time. Everything will work out.

My birthday is coming up at the end of this month! August 26th I'll be 22 years old. I'm not really sure how to feel about it. I really wanted to do some big Hobbit themed party (I haven't had a party since I was 10) but I just....I haven't bought anything for decoration, and I don't really feel like throwing a party. I already know my paycheck around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years will be lower than my usual paycheck. The front end of my tire needs to be re-aligned and really, all I want is for my family to be there, and that's never going to happen.

Oh, I'll get most of them, but my mom and dad don't get along. Plus, Dad is job hunting right now, and I don't want to put any strain on him (which it would be, because he lives in Colorado) if I can avoid it. I'll be honest, I'm still struggling with the scars their divorce left and I hate that so much.

Because those scars aren't hurting them, those scars are hurting me, and I just want it to stop.

Anyway, I've put off finishing up this second mitten long enough. I've got one more pair after this, and then I've got booties and hats to make.

Feel free to leave your thought, I'd love to read them.
Yours always,
Tara

Because no one needs to find the right room

Oh I love my job.

You might have caught the sarcasm there.

Here's the thing though, if you're going to have me sit at the front desk, the least you can do is actually let me know there's something going on, and what room it will be in, that way, I don't have to hunt some one down (after everybody else has left!) in order to find out the answer to this person's question! It's not rocket science by any means!

This, of course, is not the first time this has happened, but these classes are generally held before everyone leaves, so I don't have to spend 15 minutes looking for some one!

The good news is that I did get to listen to Catholic Answers Live tonight. I also bought some yarn. I'll probably need to buy a second skein of it, so I can make socks, but it's this really nice yellow ochre with a little orange and khaki subtly mixed in. I've got an awesome pattern off of Ravelry that has a nice cable pattern.

I'm really excited about the Irish Ale socks that I'm planning on. I bought the yarn from knitpicks, so as soon as it comes in, I'll be ready to go. I'm nervous too though. I've been knitting ten years and never made socks. It's not all that surprising though. It's not like I had any one to teach me how to do it. My mother, bless her heart, can't knit or crochet. Counting stitches causes her blood-pressure to rise.

I crochet a little, but it's been a long time. I need to start again though. I have my heart set on this sweater I saw. I've got the pattern, and hopefully enough yarn (I think they discontinued the color) to make it, so maybe.....I'm shooting to finish it by St. Pat's, but considering I haven't even started.....

I also have a flurry of knitting to do in preparation for Little Bird's (I call my sister 'Little Bird') birth, and the fast approaching holiday season. Socks, socks for everyone. Well, not every one.

Just the men.

If they're going to make my life harder than it has to be by answering my yearly question (What do you want for Christmas?) with the standard male "I don't know." Then they get socks!

Plain, ordinary, dull (except the littlest, he get's neons)no-nonsense socks! I can get a little more creative with Dad's, he will appreciate cables or more vibrant colors (still staying with a neutral color palette). But Step-daddy is very much Mr. Old-timey cowboy. Grey socks (black are for Sundays or other dressy occasions) no fun stitches, and thick.

This is the man I nearly poured hot coffee on because he had the nerve to look at a fresh, full pot of coffee that I had just made and say "Is this plain? I don't want the froo-froo stuff." (This when he and my mother were just dating.) You are in mine and my mother's house, you will drink what we have and damn well say "Thank you" after!

I, thankfully, no longer live at home with them, but the man does still get on my nerves with his cow boy thing. He's good with the boys though, and if he and my mother can stop butting heads for two minutes, he might be a good husband. He's going to spoil Little Bird though, I just know it. Mom's already told him that she'll jerk a knot in his tail if he turns their daughter into a brat.

Picture! A 6'3" tall man (skinny as a bean pole, though) with grey hair, shaking in his cowboy boots as his 5'1" tall curly brunette wife (Pregnant!) tells him in no-uncertain terms that he will not spoil their child to ruin. Just thinking about it makes me snicker.

I'm still amazed that my mother has taken the news that I'm considering converting so well. I can't help but wonder if maybe Granma tipped her off. Of course, she knew I had been attending Mass, so maybe that tipped her off enough. Either way, still incredibly thankful that the conversation went well.

The best news I've had thus far, though, is the slightly cooler temperatures that we can expect. I'm not big on hot and humid, and I hate cold and wet. What I really need is some place where the temperature stays between 60-80F all year round. Maybe a few days a little colder, maybe a few days a little warmer, but for the most part it stays right in that comfortable range where I can wear longer sleeves, and pants all the time without dying from the heat.

It's not so bad in the mid-west where my dad lives, where it's hot, but not as humid, because then your clothes don't glue themselves to your body within 2 minutes of walking out your door. Here? Even people like me who do *NOT* like wearing shorts or skirts without leggings underneath are forced to ditch layers or DIE!

So the temperature drop into the 80s is well worth the impending showers.

I have nothing planned for the next two weeks besides work anyhow.

Yours always,
Tara