Life, Interrupted

Somehow that just about describes how I'm feeling right now.... Ever since the boys headed back to school I feel like I've been running non-stop. My friend and I started asking/collecting prizes for the school's chocolate fundraiser the day after school started. We're very lucky that the retailers in our city are so generous. We haven't counted up the tally yet, but I'm sure we're closing in on 50 or 60 different small prizes for our students. We try to do a daily draw once the kids start selling chocolate in order to get them to bring the money back sooner. We're hoping to end up with around 200 prizes (there are about 650 students in the school, from JK to Grade 5) so that the kids have a pretty good chance of winning something. Last year we were able to get donations of 205 prizes. This year we've started earlier, hit more retailers and are getting a lot more interest. It's a lot of work, but it's fun work and heck, who doesn't like spending someone else's money??? (most retailers are giving us a small gift card that we use in the store to purchase prizes).

Then just to throw a wrench into the works, I had quite a surprise the first week back to school. I had applied to be a Presenter with a group called Scientists in School quite a long time ago. At the time that I applied, I got a politely worded 'we're not hiring now' letter and figured that was the end of it. Last week they called for an interview and I got the job! It's perfect for me right now as it's only part-time with such flexible hours it's amazing. I get to go into schools and present a wide range of science-based topics that are tightly tied to the school curriculum. It's perfect for me and going to be a ton of fun! We're still working out just who my team leader will be and what workshop I'll be learning to present first and I have to get another criminal record check done too, but it's all in motion! I'm excited and can't wait to get started. It'll be perfect to show my inner geek (whoops, is that my Math degree showing????). :-)

So, when I haven't been at an interview or running around town spending other folks' money, I've been working on the two models I've got on the go right now. I had expected to be completely done one of them by now, but some small problems have slowed me down. I should finish this weekend, especially since the weather is supposed to be crappy! Then I get to do the fun model (although truth be told, they're both fun!). :-)

However, I *do* have something stitchy to show. I was very fortunate to win a blog drawing over at inside number twenty back in August. The postman finally agreed that I could have it last week, and I'm finally getting around to showing the kindness I've been given:


I actually won the Lizzie*Kate Snippet "Praise Your Children", but when I opened the envelope, the JBW design "The Singing Bird" also dropped out. Aren't I just the luckiest thing? Thank you so much Monique! I can't wait until I have time to stitch them both.

We're off to spend a little time at our local fall fair today - hopefully the rain will hold off until at least we've managed a bumper car ride!