I WILL finish it today.

I'm determined. I've been less than a thousand stitches away from finishing Romy's Austrian Spot Sampler for almost a week now. I'm now down to one motif and the corner of the borders. But as usual when close to a finish I can't concentrate on stitching for more than a minute or two at a time. Well that and the Olympics being on, it's hard to tear myself away to stitch. Canada had a fantastic day yesterday, my voice is definitely suffering after last nights spectacular game against Russia.

So much was made about the game against the US last week, that I think people forgot about Canada's decades old rivalry with the Russians. Canada dominated hockey for decades until the Russians took it over in the 50's. Even with the fall of the Iron Curtain, Russia has always been a squad to be reckoned with, and they went into this Olympic tournament ranked first and were a favourite to win it. The Canadian team did what they have been unable to do for over 50 years last night - beat the Russians in the Olympics. Way to go boys. You looked fantastic. Keep it up!

I still haven't gotten my materials for my models. It's sad that my ability to do my job as a designer largely depends on our deplorable postal service. I've decided that once I get my sample threads I'm going to decide on colours for the next 8 designs all at once and get them all ordered. Since I won't be needing them right away (given the next 8 designs aren't totally complete yet, but in various stages) they might arrive in a more timely fashion as it only seems to be the times that I really need things that they take forever to arrive. To say I'm frustrated would be an understatement. I know I keep grumbling about it, but I can't help it.

Back the spot sampler - I love this piece, it is so beautiful stitched up. Romy has a wonderful style, her designs have a very timeless elegance. I've really enjoyed stitching this one, and will no doubt enjoy stitching the rest someday. Not sure what I'll work on after I finish this one, I might just close my eyes and grab a project bag. I got my perle silk for the Whitework sampler yesterday, but I'm not gonna start it just yet, I want that to be my reward for finishing my hearts model!

Well, off to shower, then a quick trip into Brantford to get my new contact lenses, and back home to watch more Olympics!