Pink Slip

The time finally came; I gave notice at work. Like a good girl, I gave five weeks, mainly in the hopes that they will hire someone before I leave so I don’t have to answer questions post-October 1. Twenty-three more days behind the desk and that’s it for me for a good, good long while. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, the closing of a long-winded, difficult and choppy chapter and the fulfillment of a promise made years ago. And then, on to the much more appealing position of children-rearing and homemaking. Sounds heavenly from here!

I’ll do my best to remain positive these last few days although it’s hard. I’ve been surviving on a steady diet of short timers for some time now and a resignation letter and another countdown doesn’t help any. But, it’s the busiest time of the year here so I’m hoping for a downhill sprint to the finish. Although my departure won’t be nearly as fantastical as Steven Slater, it will likely bring me the same degree of satisfaction!

“Take this job and shove it I ain't workin' here no more!”
                                                                        --Johnny Paycheck

Basket Case

Gus and I spent the morning cleaning up clutter and packing away nonessential items in preparation for our move to Seattle. I sorted through my craft project basket and found there a pattern for making a basket which I bought on our visit to Harper's Ferry last year.

The package said "For years 8 and up" so I figured easy enough, right?

First, I took out the package contents and soaked the wood strips:

Then, I wove a square to create the bottom of the basket:

After folding up the spokes to create the sides of the basket I began weaving, first with 1/2 inch weaver and then with 1/4 inch:

Once the basket reached the desired height, I added the handle and pinned the basket's upper rim into place, wrapping a 1/4 inch reed around the rim to secure:

And, the finished product!

It's not perfect and there were some frustrating moments, but overall this was a fun project and a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!