Happy Hearts' Day!!!

FOCUS on DIY...

Just a few projects I've been working on. Although I've posted them on Facebook, I thought I'd share them here also, just in case some people aren't connected on Facebook.

Before and After of my kitchen chairs:

Chair Before:

Chair After: 

Wreath for front door for Valentine's Day:

Scarf:

The fabric for the chairs was 60% off and I originally bought the entire set for 75% off because the store was going out of business. I bought the set in 1999 and it is still going strong, and looks completely new because of the fabric change. 

The wreath pieces were bought at the dollar store for $6 and about 15 minutes after I was home, the wreath was hanging on my front door.

The scarf is one skein of yarn, specifically for the ruffle pattern and I made it while watching the Super Bowl because all I wanted to see were the commercials. 

I have also completed an afghan for my aunt and am now working on another one, because I loved the design so much--in different colors, for us. 

I've been keeping myself busy until my defense. 

Dissertation Defense Date Set...

I finally have my date for my defense...if all goes well, I will be Dr. Kristin on March 1. My defense is scheduled for 2:00 EST so if everyone could send positive and happy thoughts my way (as well as some intelligence) I would greatly appreciate it! I cannot believe I have to wait over a month still, but it is almost here!!!

FOCUS on Staying Calm!!

It has been over a month since I submitted my dissertation for defense.... I still don't have a defense date!!! It is supposed to be 3 weeks from the time you submit that you defend and I still don't have a date!!! I know the more I contact them for information the longer they will drag this out, but I am getting really frustrated and p***ed off!!! Just give me the date already people!!!!!!

It's Here!!!

I wrote Chapter 12 in Book 2! 

My first academic publication!

FOCUS on Eating

Another FOCUS update:

-Right now I am waiting for my Director to tell me when my Dissertation Defense will be; FOCUSing on not panicking

-Eating...I am fighting a stomach flu and haven't been able to eat since Sunday. I need to FOCUS on getting healthy

First Update on My Year of FOCUS

FOCUS on family:
- Drove my husband to the airport at 5 am just to spend a little bit more time with him.
- Had dinner with my parents tonight. Just the three of us. So nice. Dad will be coming over tomorrow to help me get the boxes down so I can start packing up the Christmas decorations this week; that way, when D comes home, we can actually have fun.

FOCUS on finding a job:
- Bought an "interview suit" this weekend, just in case I get an interview.
- Bought a leather messenger bag for when I land that new job.
- Agreed to "guest lecture" as a trial run for a position at my alma mater
- Sent emails to friends and family that might be able to help me out.

Still more work to be done; but starting with these two areas.