to heck and back...

me and a fellow agent protesting in Madison, WI.

Wow - this last month has been tough. I am a State Worker in Wisconsin - for some, that might be enough information. But in case it isn't - the public sector has been amidst controversy with the new governor. As part of his budget repair bill, it will cost me $400 more a month for health care and pension benefits. I am not excited about that, but I am okay with it. The State is in a tight spot and we need some checks and balances. However, in addition to this lifestyle modification, the governor is trying to take away collective bargaining rights. I have never been a huge pro-union person, even though I have been a member for almost 20 years - but where is counts for me is my physical safety on my job. The union bargains for me - that after I handcuff an inmate in a prison or jail, I can sit in front of a glass partition with my eye on them - instead of sitting next to them like we used to have to do. I am a relatively small person, and I used to have to snuggle in the back of a transport van with much bigger men in the name of safety - um, really? And I could lose that bargained agreement. So all that said...the month has been kind of long. I haven't felt like doing much of anything outside of the necessity stuff. I have been sad that 20 years on the job, and I feel like I am being forced to take many steps back. It's truly not a partisan, political thing for me. Generally I am pretty positive about my job - so this has sucked. I have found myself eating at my desk so I can avoid the other apathetic souls sitting around conjuring up "what ifs". no fun. I have heard my dad and father-in-law both proclaim that State workers are getting what's coming to them. wow, really no fun. I have had friends say they hate unions and democrats on facebook...really, totally no fun.

I think it is exciting Michael Moore was at our Capital yesterday. wow!

I recently decided enough of that. I have been having fun with co-workers naming what fun and free things we can do to keep our spirits up. It has encouraged a lot of ridiculous conversation - I mean, fun and free encompasses a lot of things - some unmentionable in this public forum, em...So I feel better - I love my co-workers - I am truly worried for some who are single parents or the only breadwinner in the family. however, I hate worrying in advance - time will tell what will happen. WI is in utter stalemate right now and the governor's disapproval rate is at 67+% in his second month in office.



So fun and free, I figured I had better practice what I preach...since I have a nice stash of fabric and yarn, crafting has been sort of free for me lately. I have added a few pieces to compliment other fabrics for the latest swap round of {Urban} Home Goods - a Modern Swap. What a talented bunch, I am humbled to be included. I made my partner 4 placemats and a trivet-y thing with insul-brite lining to protect the table from hot food. I hope she will love it.


I used a string quilt tutorial here...
see the toasters in there?

I have really enjoyed spending some quality time with my sewing machine. I think it needs a trip to the dealer for a good cleaning as a treat. It has served me well for over 12 years, aint that something? (fun and free)

Now onto a sock that has been eluding me. I am involved in a single sock swap among friends - I was halfway done with my socks foot when lo - I found an error mid-leg. It took a week to stop feeling sorry for myself and to get up the nerve to pull it back - now I have to conquer this stinker!

Have a great week!